to the birthday boy Nick...a guy who already has everything - great smile, incredible talent and creativity, the charm and grace to make any girl blush, the kind of wit and eloquence that would put Shakespeare to tears...I hope you have a fantasterrific birthday, surrounded by the ones you cherish and make you happy. because for the rest of the year, you spend a lot of time making *us* happy....

you made us laugh by throwing Simon's clothes out of hotel room windows and telling Rosie about it, by screaming when one of the managers yanked you away from Galaga before a gig, by revamping "Romeo and Juliet" with a statue in front of Wes's camera...all the while by just being *you*....

and for me personally, it was such an amazing experience in Japan to get to see you guys in concert, and then talk with you and Simon after one of the concerts - in about a week and a half it'll be a *year* since my first DD live show and my first encounter with you wonderful people. the whole Japan experience was brilliant to say the least and I can only hope I'll be lucky to be in your presence sometime in the future...I'd like to reconnect with you soon...I still say you should come to the good ol' Nation's Capital...*grin*....

can somebody say *album release* and *tour dates* ? okay, I know. wishful thinking. until then, I'm hoping everything is going well for you guys with the reunion album but most of all - have a ball on your birthday because you deserve it, the cake, the frosting, and all the trimmings...

with love, xxoo,
Mary (fieldsofeden)