Demi centennial wishes...

Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! Dr. Seuss
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_birthday.html

Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! Dr. Seuss
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_birthday.html

Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! Dr. Seuss
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/d/drseuss414098.html?src=t_birthday

 

Today you are you! That is truer than true! 

There is no one alive who is you-er than you!

Dr Seuss

Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! Dr. Seuss
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/d/drseuss414098.html?src=t_birthday

Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! Dr. Seuss
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/d/drseuss414098.html?src=t_birthday

Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! Dr. Seuss
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/d/drseuss414098.html?src=t_birthday

Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! Dr. Seuss
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/d/drseuss414098.html?src=t_birthday

Today you are you! That is truer than true! There is no one alive who is you-er than you! Dr. Seuss
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/topics/topic_birthday.html

I like the sound of demi centennial, though I cannot find this usage anywhere. I think its sounds kind of glam.
The only thing that comes up with research is an album by Rosemary Clooney. I've always thought she was swell and as a tribute to what ever she did in her demi centennial year I am currently listening to her version of Danny boy.
Birthdays... such a funny thing.
A day of your own.
Your own day.
A time to celebrate you've made it to another year's anniversary of your arrival.
Wahoo!
I do just love thinking about my birthday.
Letting myself really think about what would make me happiest on that day (yes, sometimes it's been a birth week or even a whole birth month has been known to happen, though not for a long time). And as some of you know I am want to do this months before my actual day of birth, and so at 5 weeks out today feels almost last minute.

As I look toward this next birthday of mine,
I'm thinking about how much has changed in these last 2 years...

just how many times I packed up little suitcases
and whole trucks full of my belongings,
how many goodbyes I've tearfully bid,
and all that I've lost,
how many nights I cried myself to sleep,
of how many friends showed up in so many ways,
and of the many new places I've seen
and found within my own self
and also
just how much laughter and joy
and new favorite things I've discovered.

And how at (nearly) 50
I'm wearing a bikini
I'm a granny-twice!

I'm finding out what truly pleases me
I'm always keeping a trip planned for the next season(more on that in a minute)
I put my alone time first
I know how to pack all I need in my new slick backpack
I make time for my writing
I've given myself permission to not be pushing myself to do the next big thing;
open a practice, write for anyone else, get more gardens, even the ever present desire to formally learn more about anything.
Instead I read whatever I feel like... I think currently have 5 books going, at least 4 magazines and if I'm lucky I'll treat myself to the NY Times this weekend. Heaven. 
I've also given myself permission to enjoy, fully enjoy, the right now present moment and whomever happens to be in it with me.
That's all.
No big future plans. Not figuring that out right now.

It's glorious.
No...it's not just glorious, it's happy-making and a fucking miracle.

So halle-freakin-luya and happy birthday to me; I've come out the other side.

On that note I have a request to my beloved friends...
On April 2 I'm headed to Oregon. This is a trip that's been percolating for some months, I thought I might going to Cuba or Scotland but in fact I'm headed to the pacific northwest. That spoke louder and the desire to hunt morels spoke louder still. So off I go and, to my absolute delight, dear sweet P'tricia is accompanying me!
We'll be back on the 12th. But after that I would really love to have some one on one time with all of my peeps. Nothing formal, just time hanging out.

Demi-centennial wishes...
going fishing with Jesse
picnic with P't
skype with Monica- Almost a year without seeing you-I miss you too much!
kayak with Libby
game night with Kate and Lex and Anna
music by Clayton :)
motorsickle ride with my bro
making food with Sas
a corona with Gordo and Coey
a fire with Kevin and Calle
a movie date with my sis
apero with Will and Meredith
shroom hunting with any and everyone who is willing
whatever anyone wants to do avec moi.

So you get the idea, I would love it if any/all of you can help make this happen... I feel so very lucky to have such wonderful loving supportive peeps on my side.
With all of you I am happily looking ahead on this next year of beautiful adventure...