It was a great birthday. Thanks everyone.

The salon was great, but we're all going to learn how to quickly take communion and then move on. He's a great blogger, among the best, and I love him dearly. (And as of last night he's a member of the crew which definitely bumps even him even higher.) He's one of us, though, and I'm just as proud of Tengrain, Zaius, Cap'n, Drifty, Mark, PZ, Bad Astronomer, D-Cup, Manila etc etc etc. Left some out there were over twenty there and unless I took off my bra (which being in a cafe wasn't gonna happen) I couldn't count that high.

BTW we're all particularly proud of Bad Astronomer who turned down an interview re NASA with FOX based on their lies and bias. He apparently did not post his letter at his blog but he did post it at salon last night and it kicked ass. Proud as punch, BA.

And a special thanks for my favorite evil twin, AL of Threading Water, who was actually here live and in person for my birthday. She gave me the hand-sewn work of art postcard shown above. AL, did you know my Dad made mail-art for many years? This one she made says, "little do they know evil twins are real." And the envelope describes me among other things as

blogger, teacher, mom, writer, knitter (and my favorite)

champion of small voices

Thank you for that.

I'm reading Miranda July's "No One Belongs Here More Than You." and OMG you have to read it.

I posted a link to her website about the book and OMG you have to see that too if you haven't. Keep clicking the arrows and watch what an artist can do. And her stories remind me of Nathaniel West's Miss Lonelyhearts...they're that funny and that sad and take your breath away. Just like that.

And then my Auntie Em sent me for my bday a DVD of July's movie "Me and You and Everyone You Know" and I sat this morning in Akabini's living room knitting and watching that movie with AL. Closest I've been to heaven in days and days.

And I swept up the plate I threw/smashed across the kitchen BEFORE I went over there to knit. So maybe I'll get some clarity for a late bday present. Looking forward to it.

More political stuff later this week. Thanks again, everybody.