If you are go-oing to San. Fran. Ciscooo...

Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.

Actually, as Scott pointed out, the hippy generation is quickly becoming extinct and subsequently being replaced by a hipster-grunge crowd, particularly in the Haight-Ashbury district where the McCabes currently reside. (I'm sure flowers would still be a nice accent and welcomed anyhow, though a peace sign gesture from the locals is not a guarantee.)

I was fortunate enough to spend the bulk of last week in the bay area with my lovely family featured above, in addition to Holly and Loren who are missing from the photo, to complete our adult kid's table for this year's turkey feast.

Apart from fullfilling my Thanksgiving duty and eating just the right amount before the button on my pants gave way, I tried my hand at frolf (maybe I should've used two), hiked along the Presidio and walked its nude beach (yes there was one brave soul out there but I opted not to post his picture), read at a relaxing cafe, under Scott's recommendation, after which I'm going to model my own someday, absorbed UV rays in late November! and relished every second of it, became somewhat more acclimized to having a fancy-pants camera within a 2 foot radius at all times, (Vacation is a good enough excuse for a little extra hair shine, right? I'm anticipating a photo spree in a mere 3 weeks in Milton and have been shampooing everyday since my return.) dined at the infamous Cha Cha Cha's (mmm plantains and sangria) and laughed and "clucked" along with Marley for 4 days straight. (Yes, Sue I realize that this is a run-on fragment amounting to a paragraph of sorts.)

Clearly I set myself up for disappointment next year. Thanks for a great holiday week! See yall in a few weeks!

Gap casting call

She's not taking autograph requests yet folks but she can give you some skin and she is willing to allot time with you to share a yogurt, an emphatic head-bob or even her furry penguin. Ladies and gents, be on the lookout for one of the newest and freshest faces to hit national billboards and stores. Marley McCabe has just completed her first week of a finalist photo shoot for Baby Gap, qualifying as 1 of 5 top candidates out of 860,000. That's right, at just 9 months old, Mars is taking America by storm.


After the release of her "squinshy" face, the public can't seem to get enough of her. Already riding in a Mercedes town car, dazzling the crowds, sporting the most fashionable Baby Gap attire and making more bank than Auntie D, Marley is sure to receive an Oscar by the age of 2 1/2. But let's focus here people. What Mars needs now through December 15th is your enthusiastic support by way of online votes (and mushy age-appropriate sweets wouldn't hurt either). Cast your votes (you're allowed 1 vote a day) here!

Ftorek on the rise

Middlebury men's soccer won the NESCAC championship against Amherst this past weekend and continue on to the NCAA tournament on their home turf this Saturday vs the winner of the Bridgewater State/Wheaton game. Cousin Casey Ftorek, holding several NESCAC player of the week awards, currently leads the NESCAC with 11 goals through 15 games this year. It's a privilege to witness his finesse on the field first hand and if that's not enticing enough for you, it's also worthwhile to see Ftorek confidently taking the field whilst his vibrant bandanna (as opposed to the one displayed in his profile pic) attempts to tame those free-flowing (frosted??) locks. And who dawns those hair accessories better than you Case? Love you man. Should be an eventful weekend if anyone is in the Middlebury vicinity (but don't worry, I'll keep you updated of course!)

... Just got word that Middlebury maintained its near-flawless record this past weekend and will be heading to Disney for the semifinals against Lora (Iowa)... In case anyone needed another excuse to shoot down to Florida for the weekend... your welcome.

Safe Passage

I first caught wind of Safe Passage from my lovely cousin-in-law Brianna. Safe Passage is is an organization that brings hope to children who live and work in and around the Guatemala City dump. With a school on the periphery of the dump, Safe Passage provides the materials and uniforms necessary for the children to attend public school, supplies them with nutritious foods, and provides lessons to reinforce concepts learned in school as well as classes focused hygiene and respect. Most importantly, Safe Passage offers a "refuge" for these children where they can play in a safe environment. Brianna and Chris McCabe (I think this is the only serious photo they've ever taken) spent time volunteering in Antigua, Guatemala where they initially became involved with this incredible organization. Since then, Bri has done a tremendous job advocating and keeping the public (esp her blog followers) well-informed with the ongoings of Safe Passage.

Having spent the earlier part of my summer in Guatemala with similar populations as those that Safe Passage supports, I am particularly looking forward to the upcoming benefit concert featuring Marta Gomez. Marta will be performing at Wheelock College on December 1. Hope some of you can check it out or at least give the organization a look. !Cuidate!

Dones

John Doney put forth a powerful performance last night at the Lizard Lounge's singer/ songwriter open mike challange. Each artist is allowed to share 2 songs with the crowd, which are in turn judged by the throngs of listeners filling the bar, including 3 designated judges. Dones kicked things off with his hit "Dead End" that had the slender of the judge trio bobbing his head in sync as Doney sealed his solo act with "Hint of Trust". Both song selections are embedded with unfiltered emotion and passion that is unspeakably clear in their delivery. Undoubtedly the best sound you could hope to hear upon opening your apartment door is Doney tearing it up on guitar and letting his vocal cords take a hold of him (and the apartment for that matter). I often find myself singing Doney's little diddies around the house before realizing that I now know nearly all the lyrics. (I mean I've even offered to be his back-up fly-girl but Doney's still sitting on the idea for one reason or another. I have been dubbed his songstress however!)

Unfortunately, a musician resembling the lead singer of the Counting Crows (physically) and John Mayer (musically) was nominated for the final round along with 2 other more or less mind-numbing performers. Hopefully the Lizard Lounge will be able to recognize talent on cue next time. Congrats on the show Dones.

Get out your wallets

Finalizing your weekend plans? Why not check out David Sedaris speak at the Boston Symphony Hall Friday night? NPR favorite and author of Naked and Me Talk Pretty One Day (among others that I have yet to read), will be taking the stage at 8pm with opportunities to address any audience questions post-show. Tickets are hot right now so get clicking or pick up that cell.

Also coming to town this weekend is the Decembrists who will be playing at the Orpheum Theatre this Saturday and Sunday evening. The best way to get the lowdown on these guys is to check them out either on youtube or Scottie's blog

(but you may have to dig a little for the entry or maybe we'll land a little help from our friend).

The Boston Celtics take the court against the Washington Wizards this Friday at 8pm to kick off the new season. Tickets range from 10 to 200 bucks. I think $192 is my personal limit, maybe I could kick in an extra bill or 2 but $200?? With new additions, Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, the Celtics will be thismuchcloser to kicking some tail this year.

It may be the day after Halloween but that doesn't make it too early to think about Christmas! (or does it?) The annual Christmas craft festival at the World Trade Center runs this Friday through Sunday. If collectible snowmen and homemade jams are your bag, then get out your holiday sweater and head over to the mob scene in Southie... and then tell me how it is. (I'm not opposed to early holiday presents fyi, as if you needed the reminder.)