Today is my friend Marianne's birthday. I thought that rather than posting a picture of her (and let's face it, we don't generally love the photos taken of us and that's perfectly fair. What doesn't seem fair is to post one on your birthday without first getting approval. Although the threat of posting photos can be a handy tool, right Megan?) I'd post one of the beautiful pieces of jewelry she makes. I am really digging this macro thing, and if it weren't so early I'd have better lighting for taking this picture. The beads are a dark, dark teal, and the pendant (a Christmas gift from my dad) is gray shot with black...Picasso something, I can't remember. I love it, (although *cough, cough* none of my current earrings are a perfect fit, if you take my meaning), and I'm always so proud to wear something she's made.

I have a lot of her stuff (I was actually accused of being a "jewelry hog" just last week), and every time I go to put on a pair of earrings or a necklace, I think of her. We don't see each other a lot (but hey, summer vacation is just around the corner with the beach beckoning), and wearing her jewelry is a nice way to have hear near me.

She has, as you can imagine, a great eye for fashion and color, and is one of the most glamorous women I know. And that's glamorous in a good way. A way that makes me want to be more like her. She's funny and generous and confident and creative. When we were first getting to know each other, we found so many similarities (remember Perpetual Motion and Brian Andreas?!) that we started to wonder if we were separated at birth. She's an appreciative friend, a phenomenal cook, and brews up the best Bloody Marys. What more could you ask for in a friend?

Have an amazing day today my dear. It sounds like it's going to be a lot like the wonderful birthday you helped to give me, and I can't think of anything better for you. I hope that you enjoy it to the hilt, and I have no doubt that you will!

xoxo, me