{My first Mendhi}

The beautiful Arti got hitched a month back, and I've been remiss in sharing photos. Here are some from her Mendhi ceremony, the day before the wedding, when her husband's name was decorated onto her palm with henna. It was a painstaking process, involving lemon juice, sugar, and lots of patience. The house smelled of sweet Indian spices—her mother's cooking is not to be missed—and the family spent a lot of time fawning over the newest member of the family (adorable Jivan, below). I’ll post photos of her actual wedding ceremony soon. They’re bright and colorful and not to be missed.

{Missing Italy}

A couple years ago, right around now, I was basking in the glory of Italy. And by basking, I mean getting stuck in a frightening anti-Bush rally while carrying luggage and standing next to my husband, who was wearing (gasp) shorts. It was as if we had We Are American, Please Hate Us signs on our backs. But I can forgive and forget, if only because it was truffle season in Italy and I had The Best Meal Of My Life (ravioli smothered in local olive oil and fresh picked truffles) in Chianti. Yum.

Another Weekend, Another Wedding

Tis the season for weddings, and this beauty was at the Yale Club in NYC. The bride looks so happy, doesn't she? And those two kids were adorable, blowing bubbles on the amazing roof deck.

3 Days Old

I met little Eowyn this weekend. (Amazing name, right? According to our faithful Wikipedia, the name is a combination of war-horse or charger and delightful or joyous in Old English.). Anyhow, she's just 3 days old and super aware of her surroundings--her eyes were open and alert. I know I just had one of these 9 months ago, but I still can't believe she was ever this small. I can't wait to watch her grow...