#culturejournals

It's a funny thing, knowing the country you call home is plagued with xenophobic hogwash, and it's another thing entirely watching them legally verify it. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the Americans learn their lesson for November. If worse comes to worst, Boston is very nice in the Fall.

But enough gloom.

I'm working on a blog piece about organizing a birthday that celebrates life and lives fully in the present gets everybody involved in all the fun. Yes, maybe Renly won't remember the whethertos and the whyfors of all the big green fists and the shields, the cakes and the cotton candies, but he'll see the pictures.

Even if he's reading the history books and shaking his head, he'll know for a moment that we all stood together and we lived well.

[LUCA]

I was contacted by a member of the DMLE suggesting I be less open and specific about our son's birthday. I told them that I would rather love than live in fear. I wish that I could have said I knew my husband would protect us should any Death Eatery ill will fall on our house.

But such as it is, I could not. Because you say you'll be home for his party. But I'm the one practicing Stunner spells between making party bags.

For any friend interested, Renly's first birthday is at the end of the month and we'll be hosting the party at the house. He's pretty obsessed with the cinema of super heroes and such - namely, the Avengers. Rather, he's as obsessed with the Avengers as a one-year old clever boy can be so, I suspect Hulk gloves to be appropriate attire.

That is, super heroes are the theme and my child will be dressed as Captain America. After all, he's only half-British. Watch for when Renly throws his mighty shield.

You can expect homespun cotton candy, fresh squeezed lemonade and I will bake my family's own apple pie recipe. Ah yes, and of course there will be cake. I hope you're looking forward to the cake. I would love it if you could celebrate the life of a very precious little boy with us.