Sally's (visionary, courageous, comedic, helper, creator, entrepreneur) 31st Birthday

Taylor: Sal is a visionary who sees things others cannot see, starting with her consistently positive outlook. Case in point, the vision it took to get published in House & Garden - who does that as an ex-pat in a foreign country? 

As a natural leader in all facets of life, her best quality is that she is always completely herself. Countless people (first of all, me) rely on her to make decisions. She is a magnet for others because she makes quick, concise decisions without looking back.

Cathy: It has been wonderful living near Sally and seeing the incredible woman she is. Sally is the most courageous, dynamic, talented, and straightforward girl I know. It’s not easy to start your own business. Much less in a country not your own. Not only did she get published, but she has networked in her field, found clients, and succeeded. I am genuinely in awe. Sally is thoughtful, generous, kind, and inclusive as a daughter. She has taught me much about design, travel, art, and clothes. I treasure every minute we are together. Thank you, Sally, for appreciating and loving me. Your future is bright. I love you so much! 

Lucy: One thing that stands out when thinking about Sally this year is how much she makes me laugh! Sister moments with Sal are constantly marked by laughter. She is silly and has the fantastic ability to bring joy into almost every situation. We don’t tell you enough, Sally, but you ARE funny, and we would certainly not belly laugh as hard without you around. I am so grateful for how much fun we have together, and I hope our sister trio is always known to be laughing together!

Emily: Sally is such a hard worker! She is imposing. Her ability to take on massive projects, run her own business, help her sisters and mother with all decisions, and juggle many more responsibilities does not go unnoticed. I’m so happy her hard work paid off with the published article in H&G this year. I’m proud to call her my sister and know she has many more accomplishments. I also appreciate how much she has helped with planning my wedding!

Trey: One thing I love about Sally is her creativity. She is a great artist, and I enjoy seeing Instagram posts featuring her work. She has such a good eye, and I love hearing about her success in her career. Happy Birthday, Sally! I hope to hire @sally.wilkinson.design to design my future home.

Kyle: Sally, happy 31 - I love that you always make time for me in this foreign kingdom of queens and kings. I hate shopping but enjoyed it with you, and I appreciate how much you helped me with the rehearsal dinner. You have been an enormous help to Emily in the wedding process, and I can’t wait to call you a sister.

Dad: These are beautiful affirmations for my first daughter. As Mom expressed, the past (nearly) two years in London has been a gift to us. Watching Sal and T build their life together in England is remarkable. We are super proud of how they support each other, take calculated risks, and find time to support their families and friends. Sally is always available to help others and checks on us frequently. I also am blown away by her entrepreneurial spirit and the business she is building. Keep doing what you are doing, Sal, and happy 31st birthday!

Birthday affirmations for Cathy (63)

Trey: One thing I love about Cathy is how generous she is. For example, a couple of weeks ago, she took Lucy and me to Chattanooga to explore and learn about the city before we move in May. She helped us find good restaurants, places for Lucy to shop, and trails we could enjoy. It was so helpful to have Cathy with us, and I'm thankful for how much she cares about her girls and the guys in their lives. 

Taylor: I'm very lucky to have Cathy here in London. We share books, thoughts on the garden, and meal ideas (for her to cook, of course). She is always teaching me something new and full of unscientific ideas that make no sense but work very well most of the time. Very excited about another year with her, and I love her very much.

Lucy: I love how Mom is a learner. She is always willing to try a new sport, master a new recipe, or learn her way around a new country. She has never met a stain she couldn't learn to get out and is always hunting down a path to conquer any task you could possibly give her. She will figure out how to heal any injury and is always looking for new hobbies (like mastering English floral arrangements or Italian pasta-making class). Mom, I pray you never tire of trying new things and that your 63rd year of life is filled with more wonderful experiences because of your willingness to learn. I hope to be half of the learner you are because I know by following your lead, my world will be full of opportunity and wonder! I love you! 

Emily: I love that Mom is always always willing to help. She does so much for all her girls, her son-in-law, her sin-in-law (who will soon be a son!), and her husband! She is always willing to scrub, clean, sweat, drive, you name it! Mom is the best at dealing with all our crazy ups and downs and has always been the best. Happy birthday to my twin!

Sally: I love how Mom is always up for anything we throw her way. There is no project, trip, errand, move, workout, recipe, cross-country drive, diet plan, or antique fair that she isn't willing to be a part of and help tackle. She is a YES person. Mom is the best friend and partner in crime for all three of us. We are lucky to have an active and present mom who can handle all our crazy ideas.

Kyle: Happy Birthday to my future Mother in Law. I love you for YOU, from your crazy stories to your excellent cooking (almost as good as mine) to being a wonderful mom to your kids and to me. No matter how much you've disagreed with me, you've always let me be myself, and I appreciate that. I loved having you around when my Mom was far away, and I miss you now being in London, but I know you will be back soon. Save a dance for me at the wedding, please!

gPa: What else can be said about my fantastic partner? Cathy is so incredibly FUN to do life with, and I feel blessed daily. Lucy's 'learner' affirmation is spot on. Cathy is always willing to pick up a new hobby or sport. She is the fastest learner I know. We are meeting so many wonderful people in Richmond through golf and tennis. And we are surrounded by so many amazing friends everywhere we go. Thanks, Cate, for being my wife! Happy Birthday. I love you!

Special friends in ATX

Amazing in the kitchen!

Wonderful visits from friends coming to England

After a full day of wedding planning, her caddy said the left corner of the large structure. Boom! 200-yard perfect shot, and then did it a second time for good measure! 55 on nine holes - a first-ever nine-hole card in the books with a fantastic par on the first!

Wine time friends!

First friend in Richmond - Regina!

Business trips with gPage

Ted Lasso Trivia Night ends in controversy but TV ratings soar

In its final season, a superb group of contestants went toe-to-toe in a controversial but entertaining Ted Lasso Trivia night. Sponsored by American Campus Communities and held in the famous jkHop ‘Indoor Games’ Arena, a capacity crowd watched in awe as competitors displayed their knowledge and whit throughout four intense rounds. 

The evening was occasionally filled with testy exchanges between those who knew their stuff and those who were not prepared. There were also awkward moments between show host gPage Singletary and his lovely assistant Vanna Catherine White. But in the end, gPage and Vanna Cate kept things under control and managed to conduct a compelling competition that came down to the wire.

The final results are now being contested by team Lasso’s Asshoos, led by five-time All-Conference Captain Brett Dentonian. His squad was stacked with Lynn McFearless, Mike Costanaski, and last year’s player of the year, Kathleen Hopscotch. Kathleen came into the match as the favorite to carry her team to victory. She told the media she had never felt more prepared or ready for a big match, but her game was completely thrown off by Hannah and the Pussy Cats, who came on stronger and stronger down the stretch. At a particularly intense and embarrassing point in the comp, Kathleen and the Asshoos were penalized for referring to notes she had snuck into the arena.

The Pussy Cats were captained by Dres Gonnagetya, with his young squad of Kenneth McFarside and Hannah Hoposki. Those two early-round draft choices proved too much for the rest of the field. McFarside took home MVP honors after nailing several challenges that were worth 2 points due to the complexity of the questions.

Team Lucy’s Lassos squeezed out a second-place finish and were awarded handsome prizes, along with the winners. The Lassos were captained by the sneaky funny Jillian Dent, along with the effervescent Allison Costanation and the equally fabulous Trace Wanderson.

Filling out the field was Team Richmond, whose boring name was only a match for their low scoring. That team was captained by Clas Santa Olsson, who used his first draft pick on his wife, Mrs. Santa Olsson, and then drafted Jim Hopalong and Rodger (#21 in your program, #1 in your heart) Winestain. 

The conference commissioner and the committee of important people have reviewed the appeal and made it clear that the final results stand.

Hannah & da Pussycats – 8

Lucy’s Lassos – 5

Team Richmond – 4

Lassos Asshoos – 3 

Here are team pictures followed by LOSERS' portrait and the Winners! . . .

Ted Lasso Season 3 has been released

 

Make it a Great 'Otto Desć' Monday

Meet Otto Desć: Autodesk’s 3-spot feature at the Academy Awards.

Autodesk is how the world gets designed and made — including the beautiful films that delight and inspire us all. That is why at this weekend’s 95th Academy Awards, we celebrated our design and make technology by premiering three new ads that tell Autodesk’s and our customers’ stories.

⮕ Watch now

And Make it a Great 'Otto Desć' Monday!

ONE for Lucy May's (MJ) Birthday #23

Dad: I am so proud of Lucy. She continues to shine in every way. This next phase of her life will no doubt be as remarkable as the first 23 years. Moving to Chattanooga and Teaching for America! Some lucky kids are about to have the best MATHS teacher they could ever have. And new friendships and experiences await in an up-and-coming new town. Keep it going, Lucy May. HBD!

Mom: God blessed us with our beautiful Lucy 23 yards ago, and she has served Him each day since. Lucy is empathetic, kind, and generous. She knows how to do the hard work of preparing her daily life with reading, networking, and organization. She surrounds herself with smart people and people who serve. She keeps herself healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally. Lucy has shown patience, faith, and fortitude while waiting for her next adventure to unfold with TFA. She has a great adventure ahead and all the skills to succeed in a new town, new job, and new friends. Happy Birthday, Lucy! We love you!

Taylor: I'm glad to be family with Lucy, but even more glad to be friends. She's a great friend to me -  interested, patient, and loyal. We get along well. I am excited that she is moving to a great place in Chattanooga, the preferred destination for breaks during my time as a camp counselor. She will love it there. 

Sally: Our little Lu is 23! The list of things I love about Lucy is long and grows every day. Lucy has the wisest, sweetest, and kindest soul. She is taking life by storm and constantly thinking of ways she can give to others; she is selfless. I am so proud to be her big sister. I know this year will bring exciting and rewarding change. I love you, Lulu Lemon!

Emily: I love how Lucy is always always supportive of her friends and family. She drives all over Texas to show up for her friends, whether it's food tastings, birthday parties, marathons, or just saying hi to old friends...Lucy is always there! She has been so incredible being here when I need her for wedding things, and I love that we tackle things together. I can't wait to visit Lucy in Chattanooga and watch what life has in store for her!

Kyle: Lucy - congrats on the next chapter of your life in Tennessee. I love that you are trying something new and seeing a new place right out of college. It will be a fun adventure with many stories I look forward to hearing. 

Trey: One thing I have always loved about Lucy is her gracious spirit. She is compassionate, quick to forgive, sweet, and finds the good in all people/situations. We have so much fun together I am so thankful for her and to do life with her. Happy Birthday, Lu!

FaaFF: Blast from the past and Ted Lasso Season 3!

Fit as a Fiddle Friday it is. I don't 'believe' I ever wrote the poem that went with this post: Fit as a Fiddle Friday: Inspiration and mental health, but it was a fun project nonetheless. 

The Ted Lasso merchandise is for a dinner party in ATX with our friends. Season Three comes out on March 15. Watch a great trailer here and prepare to smile!

I still believe,

Dad