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…
It is…over and over. At 45, I ran off and joined the French Foreign Legion!
Well, my version: became a US Diplomat.
Hey Ann…….how ironic to come to the computer and see that you've posted on Heather's blog; I was just in the kitchen, writing out a grocery list and warily watching the yardman with his power-tools as he attacked a big, very old banksia rose out back….. and wrapping up a copy of your book….which will be a birthday present for a friend for whom I'm throwing a dinner on Saturday night.
It's a great book (for those who don't know about it…..just google "Mastering the Art of French Eating")——-t's a particular relief/pleasure for those who, like me, all too justifiably cringe at het-another-book smacking of the "aspirational" or "lifestyle" mode. (i.e.?…..Ann does NOT tell her readers how she just sort of suddenly came into an obvious-shitload of money, blew it on a whim to buy and utterly transform an abandoned mas or villa in Provence or Tuscany, giddily moved into her new home, found some recipes (not to mention her newly liberated and conscience-expanded "inner self"), and thereby found The Secret to Life & Self (!!!!!). In short, Ann's book feels/reads like real life….which is why it's one of my three "go to" presents this past year.
Best of good fortune to you and yours, as always, Anne,
David Terry
http://www.davidterryart.com
I'm a little late to the party, but happy, happy birthday. And may your bell continue to ring for all to hear.
I'm sorry. I'm late.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY HEATHER.
I stopped by to see what's cooking and discovered so much news! Congratulations on your new home. And happy birthday! May this year be wonderful. xo
… And I am a Libra too!
What a lovely thing to say Jackie, thank you.
R, it means so much to me that so many people have said that the best is yet to come. I have already been truly blessed with an interesting life – I am so grateful for all that I have had!
Ringadingdingding, Hotcakes!
Thank you so much for all of your loveliness.