Twas Brillig

So… my brother J now has a link to my blog. I know. What have I done???? His wife mentioned to me that she was starting a blog and did I know anything about that sort of thing and BOOM. I opened my big fat mouth and handed out my big fat link. Sigh. hahaha. No, actually, I’m thrilled to have him and his wife here (especially since they’re both sworn to absolute secrecy…). And I’m glad I never wrote that post about how totally psycho they both are…

It ALSO happens to be J’s birthday. So, to ring it in in true style, I will now be posting pictures of him and me with the sole purpose of embarrassing celebrating him.

J and I are the youngest little urchins in a great big family. Our older siblings are significantly older, which meant that for many years it was just me and J at home–or not at home, since my parents were the most adventurous traveling fiends you’ll ever meet. J and I shared many adventures over the years. From a safari in Kenya to a cruise down the Nile, from sneaking across Middle Eastern borders with illegal passports to having to stop at every. last. castle in England. From wandering the streets of Buenos Aires by ourselves to singing together for hours and hours on the roads in France (driving our parents completely bonkers). From terrifying nights in bomb shelters to terrifying our parents on the German autobahn. We’ve done it all, seen it all, together.

We were Mom and Dad’s favorites little buddies

J had the great misfortune of always being paired with his outrageously over-dramatic little sister. Fortunately, he was a good sport. Here, we’re in London as a shepherd and an angel. I’m obviously taking my role very seriously. And J is obviously trying not to mock me too much.

Just outside of Athens, Greece, engaged in deep conversation

First off, you gotta love the hair, right? hahaha. J and I are both very musical–we always have been. While my training is more formal, he is by far the more gifted between the two of us. He plays many instruments proficiently and composes masterpieces of true genius, while I just sorta plunk out a song from sheet music. Still, we’ve played and performed together many times. He’s so sweet to put up with my mediocrity!

It was of great comfort to have someone to roll eyes with over Gramma D. The expression on his face says it all.

Washington DC

I love this pic because neither of us can remember what we’re posing in front of. But, um, pretty gross, right? We’re in South America… and maybe that’s all that needs to be said…

Mendoza, Argentina

All grown up–and still friends!

Truth is, J and I really couldn’t be more different. We’re opposites in almost every possible way. And believe me, we fought like cats and dogs all. the. time. (We still do sometimes. hahaha) But I love him dearly and despite our differences, he’s always been my bestest friend. I hope he has a very VERY Happy 32nd Birthday!

And J, you ARE the radio star.