A very happy birthday

Yesterday was Anne's birthday. Although she was reluctant to leave 26 behind and embrace a new year, she proceeded to 27 with grace and elegance. I think her birthday gift eased the transition.

For the last several months Anne has been enthusiastically following the blog of Erika McPherson Powell, the exquisitely talented designer and owner of Urban Grace Interiors. Home ownership has bestowed a renewed interest in decorating upon my wife, and Erika's designs have inspired Anne to experiment with new styles around our house.

Anne's most pressing design dilemma has been choosing a rug for our living room. Sometimes it is the last thing she mentions before falling asleep. Countless internet searches have proved fruitless in locating the appropriate carpet, though its image occasionally haunts her dreams.

In hopes of easing Anne's weary soul, Wade and I decided to give her a gift certificate for a consultation with Erika. I revealed the gift over lunch at one of her favorite places in the world: the Whole Foods Market in Fair Lakes, Virginia.

I had originally hoped to allow Wade to present her with the card, but he quickly placed the small envelope in his favorite storage location.

Fortunately I was able to swap it out for a substitute item without incident.

The following sequence depicts Anne's reaction to her gift.

She would later call it "one of the best things to ever happen to me." When I asked if our wedding day was on that list, she seemed evasive. I'm afraid this may have bumped it from the top 5.

Hope you had a wonderful day, Annie. Happy 27th birthday.