birthdays

On Birthdays. A Privilege.

On Birthdays. A Privilege.

Never regret growing older. It’s a privilege denied to many. ~author unknown

This is one of my favorite quotes and one I try to keep at the forefront of my mind, especially when birthdays roll around.

It’s not that I don’t enjoy my birthday, because I do – very much so! But I hear many regrets of getting older from others. I don’t want to ever take it for granted.

When John and I went out for my birthday dinner on Saturday to a place we’d not been before called, Capone’s, I saw t-shirts hanging behind the bar with the quote above, which is one of my favorites –  and well, I just had to have it and John bought one for me (thanks, honey!).

IMG_2741 e

When I woke at 4am today – my 53rd birthday (well, almost. I don’t “officially” turn 53 until five minutes to midnight, as that is when I burst into the world five decades and three years ago), the first thought I had was of my mom.

I recall her telling me at one time or another how it was a sweltering heat wave the week I was born. And then I thought, hmm, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a picture of my mom pregnant with me. It made me think about how that is so common these days – women posting pictures of their bare, round bellies. It would have seemed odd for my mom to do that though.

But each birthday I celebrate, especially the older I get, and even more so since my dear friend lost her mom almost three years ago, I have moments of thinking of that inevitable “someday” I will have to go through – the day, my dear, sweet, mama will no longer be here with me.

It’s hard to think about the rest of my birthdays without her – the one who brought me into this world – the one who has my back – the one who loves me unconditionally – the one who is my biggest cheerleader – the one who has laughed and cried with me – the one who drinks wine with me – the one who when I look into her eyes, I see myself.

B hanging out with Mom

Each celebration of another year on this earth, I try with all my might to take in every. single. moment with my dear mama deep into my soul. I guard it with the utmost care and treasure it more than I can find words to even express.

And I remind myself of what a privilege it is to have had all the years I’ve had so far to celebrate with my mom. That this too, is one that has been denied many. I’m truly blessed.

Cake time e

And so today I celebrate my life and give thanks for all that it is and what it is yet to be.

birthday banner

Thank you for sharing and subscribing to my blog updates.

Almost Another Year Older

Almost Another Year Older
Me as a little girl.

Tomorrow is my birthday! It was almost July 19th, but I busted into the world just in the nick of time at 11:55pm, 52 years ago.

I was a whopping baby (due to my mom’s love of Fudgesicles I think!)…. weighing in at 9 lbs., 3 oz.  Mmmm, I could go for a Fudgesicle right now!

Almost another year older and the beat goes on…

And as I think about my birth all those years ago, I’m thinking about how much I love this second half of my life, or as I recall years ago Dr. Wayne Dyer calling it, the afternoon of our life.

Not that I didn’t enjoy the first half (the morning of), but knowing what I know now, I appreciate life so much more.

And I think about how when we are born, we are so open and free — nothing of ideals and projections have been put upon us at that time — we are so close to where we came from (God/Spirit) those first few years.

And then at some point after all the layers pile on from getting wrapped up in so many different points of view and how some ideals can begin to weigh us down, we begin walking back toward that inner place of pureness again — peeling away the layers, one by one, and finding acceptance and more peace in who we authentically are.

At least this has been the case for me. I welcome it and am enjoying this more confident sense of self that continues to morph and evolve.

I love birthday’s and hope that I will always embrace them as I do, no matter how old I get.

Thank you for visiting.

If you like my journal posts, you can subscribe here today.

The Birthday Bandits Have Struck! Celebrating my 50th Birthday.

IMG_1645 1200Today is my birthday, though I’ve been celebrating all week! Gosh, a girl only turns 50 once, right?  Be sure to read to the end of this post as I have a special offer for my birthday!

This morning I awoke at 5:50am… earlier than usual. I wanted to be sure I saw John before he headed out the door, so I could get my birthday hug and kiss from him. But he was nowhere to be found. I was a little disappointed.

A few moments later as I was perusing the paper on my ipad, Kylie barked and startled me.  I looked out the front door to see John and Cassy walking through the front yard.  Hmmmm, I thought, what are those two up to?

With funny grins on their faces, they got me out the back door onto our deck.  As I glanced toward my writing cottage I realized they had been quite busy!  They happily and proudly claimed themselves as the “birthday bandits,” opening the door to my cottage so I could see what they had been up to.

IMG_1649 1200I was presented with a “Princess” tiara which I am still wearing as I write this post.  It’s not everyday a girl gets a tiara, so one must wear it while she can, right?  See my photo album of celebrating 50 on Facebook, which I’ll continue to add to the next two days.

I’m not one for big parties and it is this special, quiet moment with John, Cassy, and my furry girls that has my heart full up with love. Having Cassy in my life right now as she is transitioning in her own young life, as I begin my second decade, to me, is pretty priceless. I couldn’t have asked for a better morning to start my birthday!  Tonight we all head out to a local restaurant which I’m really looking forward to.  To top off the birthday week, Cassy and I will be having a sleepover at my best friend, Victoria’s house, who also happens to share the same birthday as me.  Mexican and Margarita’s will be our feast!  Plus no doubt lots of giggles.

A special thank you to my sister, Paula for making my birthday special with all the bath goodies she made me, tucked inside the “scrapbook” box she made.  Also to my dad for taking me to lunch and sharing some things with me about my grandparents I never knew before!  I found out at one time they lived right around the block from where my friend Victoria now lives– so I’m anxious to check that out tomorrow.  And they owned a grocery store at one time!

Last, but not least, a very special thank you to my mom for a birthday lunch that will be an amazing and beautiful memory for me. I’m so touched by all the thoughtful gifts also– you spoil me! But I’m not complaining.  <GRIN>. I’m so very grateful you brought me into this world. I’m so proud to say I’m Barbara Gail!

I’m so happy to be here at 50!  Looking forward to the next 50!

SPECIAL OFFER: Get my award-winning memoir, “Through Frankie’s Eyes” on Kindle for 1/2 off!  Limited time only it is $4.99! I hope it encourages you to follow your heart, live with purpose, find a way to make a difference, and find inspiration in all the beautiful moments of unexpected things in life. Thank you my dear Frankie and Cassie for teaching me these things… and now Kylie and Joie!!  Click here to download your copy from Kindle today!  (offer good through midnight July 20th).