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…
Thank you beautiful Mama!!! Sending plenty of bisous to your little one. 🙂
A belated happy birthday to you, lovely lady! Hope it was all you imagined and more. I'm catching up on your blog posts finally as I've been in a whole new world of motherhood this past month!!
Clare x
That is beautifully put Judith and made me smile – merci beaucoup beaucoup!
No need to be sorry Edgar, I miss everyone's bdays. 🙂 Thank you!
Not a worry Ann – I love it when little conversations happen here that don't include me. 🙂 And thank you for your bday and house-warming wishes too!
Of course this made me laugh out loud. Joan of Arc, legionnaire…hmmm…
Oh course you are! I could have guessed. 🙂
Sorry, I'm on my iPad and got mysteriously cut off. Anyway, thanks again and I look forward to more pupster photos on Facebook — and more posts from Heather! Sorry for hijacking! 🙂
David, that is so kind of you! I'm sincerely touched by your kind words, especially since you are such a thoughtful and generous reader. From the bottom of my heart, thanks for your support. I'd be delighted to and you signed book plates for any of your gifts. Please drop me a line if that sounds appealing