A group of us gathered yesterday in the office lounge. It felt important that we sit together to acknowledge the murders so prominently part of the news and the turmoil it stirred up in each of us. Our gathering was reminiscent of the Quaker-style Meetings I grew up with, complete with long stretches of silence, a certain solemnity, and an occasional sober speaking-up. We gathered because we were, among other things, outraged, sorrowful and perplexed about what else to do.

I took a header on the sidewalk this morning. It wasn't really a face plant, because I sprawled onto my knees, but it was a doozie. I wasn't texting (thankfully), but I was moving along at a brisk clip and I just missed the hiccup in the sidewalk and down I went. Horrifyingly, mortifyingly, quickly.

Cupcakes. Chocolate cupcakes from Magnolia. I would've bought stock in the company had I known Murray would live this long. Two chocolate-on-chocolate cupcakes every week.