www.tomandnina.com

It's a bit late in the game, but I thought I'd plug someone's website. Tom and Nina are locals who run a t-shirt business in Davis. They do a bang up job on cute, enviro-friendly kids clothing, but I recently found out that there was a political arm to their fashion machine. The shirts are cute (nice cut, well-designed) and I SO appreciated their response to Reagan's "legacy". (I fully intend on stuffing stockings with the "I survived the deification of Ronald Reagan" tour t-shirt.) Check them out if you need any socially responsible snark gear or just something cute for the kiddies.

It's good to love where you live

I took a walk in my neighborhood today.

It's sad that someone so invested in intelligent urban planning and intentional community can say that like it's a unique thing. And the thing that's even more sad, is that it's true.

I haven't strolled my neighborhood during "business" hours for years. Usually I'm working, asleep, off to adventures in the big city, or otherwise occupied. But today, while seeking information on the Apple Hill Fun Run, I thought, why the hell not? I took a stroll down J Street and re-explored my 'hood.

It seems as though there's been an explosion of funky boutiques and galleries in the last year or so. It's the bourgeoisification of my neighborhood and I can't say that I mind. I like the life that it's brought to the block. I just wish we did a more brisk trade in non-Starbucks coffee and sidewalk cafes, but that too is emerging...slowly. Patience.

Anyways, I strolled through the vintage shops, the funky boutiques the two antique stores next door, the hair supply store, and the book shop and thought, this is good. I walked by a group of twentysomethings barbecuing on the sidewalk and thought, this is better. I stopped by the Weatherstone for a cup of coffee (manna, mother's milk, what have you) and relaxed on the patio and thought, this is best. I love where I live and I hate that I so rarely appreciate it.

Today I felt thankful. And content. And happy.

My Plan B isn't the worst thing to happen. This is a good place...for now.