It is my birthday today.
I could have called this post something akin to “Like a loaded 45” for that is my new age but in truth I am not fond of guns nor the noise they make. Instead, I prefer to think of this lovely quote that my friend David Terry sent me by the author Annie Dillard:
“All my life, I had been a bell, but I never knew this until I was lifted and struck.”
Isn’t that gorgeous? And while I think that we all have the possibility for several periods of chiming throughout our lives, I am feeling mighty positive about this birthday. For several years now, there is the element of “I am still here!” tucked into the celebration but also, if you are a believer in astrology, Susan Miller has predicted that I have one hum-dinger of a year ahead.
Yet I already feel so deeply grateful. I am sitting in a room that is all of my own where I can do just as I please. The windows are open and I can see out over the red-tiled rooftops to the hills beyond. The birds are twittering away, hopping from tree to tree. A cup of Lady Gray tea is steaming on my desk and Remi has taken the dogs out for their morning walk. Later on, we will go to see some art as is my birthday tradition and have lunch out. Tonight will be a quiet dinner like we like. Candles will be lit as they always are and not just to be blown out while making a wish.
Yesterday, at my favorite brocante in Eygalieres, one of the owners told me, “You are entering into a wonderful age. Between 45 to 50, you really have the chance in front of you to work out whatever demons you have left. All you have to do is decide to do it.” It is interesting advice. And I certainly feel very conscious of the sense of opportunity in front of me, beckoning. I will take that extended olive branch, thank you.
So today is my little party. Another day it will be yours. May our best present be to carry a sense of awareness, of not taking that internal bell and its inherent possibility for granted, for if we listen it just might be ringing throughout the year…
Wow. Time to start making a whole lotta wishes! Merci!
My Birthday partner in crime! I hope that you had a wonderful one and may you be touched by good health and much happiness in the year ahead. What you said rings very, very true to me. Thank you for that.
A second bouquet? Wootwoot!
*curtsies graciously* Merci, Wyn!
Isn't it amazing when it all comes together Joan? I am very grateful.
Really? Well, if I can grow into as fine of a person as yourself I will be a happy camper.
Bisous,
H
I love that quote! Thank you!
The rose arbor isn't in bloom right now! I think it needs a good pruning when the time is right. No, that rose is the last survivor from a beautiful bouquet that was given as a thank you gift.
And no, that was my 42 birthday, I think – and it was SUCH a great one!
Thank you for the instagram cake and for being you, Elizabeth.
Thank you V, as I know your "new" home has brought the same to you…big changes…
Thank you for the song, puppyfur! And the compliment too. Both made me smile.