Magically overnight, I turned from 56 to 57! Imagine that. I dressed this morning, looking forward to breakfast out with my pal. In the kitchen, there is a lovely vase of daffodils with a note from the man. The note said, "It's your party, you can smile if you want to." etc.
I am having a bit of trouble with birthdays for the past couple of years. Somehow the old "It's just a number" thing feels like an empty platitude. Vanity, I suppose.
It's rainy here today. That is very nice because I remember a birthday when I was young, 8 or 9. My mother was still alive so it was before I was 11. It rained on that day and she made a tea party for us inside. Not unusual for April but unusual for my birthday.
I will think today of all of the people I love and am grateful for. That is the sign of the years. Not being loved, but the act of loving. It is powerful.
Happiness and gratitude to you, dear readers. You so often delight me and make me ponder.
Happy Birthday, Diana! I hope you have a wonderful day. I am happy to have gotten to know you better last year in Italy, you are such a delightful person.
Posted by: Cynthia | 04/18/2013 at 09:05 AM
Happy !
Posted by: Janet Ghio | 04/18/2013 at 09:08 AM
Happy Birthday, Diana!!!! Enjoy your day!!!
Posted by: zinnia patch | 04/18/2013 at 09:10 AM
Happy, Happy Birthday! Woman! Daffodils are wonderful to look at aren't they?
Posted by: cynthia | 04/18/2013 at 09:19 AM
Happy birthday - you are just a spring chicken compared to me!!!!
Posted by: Lottie | 04/18/2013 at 09:29 AM
happy happy joy joy. wishing you all the best. happy birthday.
Posted by: ettel dobson | 04/18/2013 at 09:37 AM
Diana, happy birthday. I turned 67 this year ... imagine that ... it seems like only yesterday I was 37. I hope you celebrate(d) well!
Posted by: Jan | 04/18/2013 at 09:52 AM
Happy Birthday! Hope you have a great day!!!
Posted by: brigitte | 04/18/2013 at 10:07 AM
Happy Birthday......57 years young........How special... I am very happy for you. Your Art and your ability to teach and open up your world to those of us on a creative journey is such a blessing. Thank you for your generosity, your creative energy and dedication. Blessing to you on your special day.
Posted by: Glenda | 04/18/2013 at 10:15 AM
Happy Birthday I'm sure your day will be filled with much joy and happiness. Enjoy.
Judy
Posted by: Judy | 04/18/2013 at 11:16 AM
Wishing you a Happy Birthday, Diana! Thank you for inspiring us every day.
Posted by: Tammy | 04/18/2013 at 12:33 PM
Happy Birthday Diana, hope it's a lovely day for you! IMO when you hit 60, or get closer to it, you will begin to feel like you're getting younger again.
Posted by: Connie Rose | 04/18/2013 at 12:46 PM
Happpy birthday sweet one!
Posted by: iHanna | 04/18/2013 at 01:20 PM
Happy Birthday!
Posted by: Sue Roddis | 04/18/2013 at 01:50 PM
What a fabulous treasure you are, Cynthia. I smile whenever I think of you. You have such a great sense of humor.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 04/18/2013 at 02:00 PM
Thanks, Janet! Maybe we should change it to Content Birthday
Posted by: Diana Trout | 04/18/2013 at 02:00 PM
Thanks, Bright Flower! I will do that
Posted by: Diana Trout | 04/18/2013 at 02:01 PM
Daffodils are my favorite
Posted by: Diana Trout | 04/18/2013 at 02:01 PM
With age comes perspective ;)
Posted by: Diana Trout | 04/18/2013 at 02:01 PM
A full ten years. I wonder where I'll be then? Dreaming ...
Posted by: Diana Trout | 04/18/2013 at 02:02 PM
Thanks, sweetie!
Posted by: Diana Trout | 04/18/2013 at 02:03 PM
Thank you Glenda. That is the happiest gift of all.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 04/18/2013 at 02:03 PM
As one of my very young students said to me once when I asked her how the class was going "Good, so far."
Posted by: Diana Trout | 04/18/2013 at 02:04 PM
Between you and me Tammy, we could keep everyone going for a good long time!
Posted by: Diana Trout | 04/18/2013 at 02:05 PM
I'm hoping that I have gotten over this feeling by then. Thanks for the encouragement.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 04/18/2013 at 02:05 PM
Thank you, my friend.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 04/18/2013 at 02:06 PM
Thanks, Sue. Am feeling quite content at the moment.
Posted by: Diana Trout | 04/18/2013 at 02:06 PM
Happy Birthday! I am raising my coffee and cookie in a toast to you! I wish I was there to have a tea party with you. I guess a virtual one will have to do. I know what you mean about "age". (This year will be a milestone one with an "0".) It has never bothered me until this year. All of a sudden I realize that I'd better get making if I am going to do all the things I want to do, to learn all the new areas of creating I find myself leaning towards, to embrace all that I love and hold them close. (You notice I didn't say finally having a clean house! Maybe in my next lifetime. :D) Celebrate and enjoy doing whatever makes your heart sing. xoxo
Posted by: Jeannie | 04/18/2013 at 02:26 PM
Happy birthday Diana, and in your heart you're how old? I reckon somewhere between 4 and 8 in attitude . . . such a delightful age to be and I'm sure you can hang on to that.
Posted by: Wendy @ the Late Start Studio | 04/18/2013 at 02:46 PM
Happy birthday Diana! I feel the same way as you about my age (I'll turn 55 this year) and I am sure that in a few years we'll feel much younger.....
Posted by: Suzanne O. | 04/18/2013 at 03:09 PM
Happy Birthday my lovely, hope you have had a wonderful day. I think art helps keep us all young at heart and your work always shows this, you are a very inspirational lady, thank-you for sharing your journey with us all.
Huge hugs x
Posted by: Dawn | 04/18/2013 at 03:43 PM
Happy Birthday Diana! Hope you have a great day and a wonderful year ahead! Thank you for your continued inspiration and fabulousness! I'm actually working on your card game from 21 secrets right now!!!! Have a great birthday!
Posted by: Jill | 04/18/2013 at 04:04 PM
I started rethinking aging when I turned 60. I just enjoy each day and hope to have many more. Enjoy your day.
Barb
NC
Posted by: Barb | 04/18/2013 at 06:23 PM
You never cease to amaze me. My first instinct is to try to brighten your day and make you believe life is good and that this age thing will pass. But in reality, sometimes we need to dig our feet into the dirt of age and wallow in it. I look forward to that feeling younger that other commenters have made. I'll hit the double nickels this year and have always had that 'it's just a number' attitude, till recently. I feel old, and tired and betrayed by my body (and mind at times). Meanwhile, I will choose the SLOW path for now. No hurries, no worries. Savoring what I have for the moment. Have the happiest birthday doing what you love.
Posted by: Terry | 04/18/2013 at 06:24 PM
PS: I love your shadow! happy Birthday Shadow!
Posted by: Terry | 04/18/2013 at 07:09 PM
happy birthday Diana!......your smile never ages.
Posted by: raylee | 04/18/2013 at 07:16 PM
Happy Birthday.... I hope you did fun things all day long
Posted by: Boo | 04/18/2013 at 07:31 PM
Happy Birthday, Diana!! From another who turned 57 in Jan and lost a Mom at age 11....
Celebrate and enjoy!!
hugs,
Gaye
Posted by: Gabrielle Fabian | 04/20/2013 at 10:53 AM
It's true Jeannie. I had a long talk with a friend over the weekend. The best thing is to just keep diving in. I feel very energized after being in NYC. Thanks, pal
Posted by: Diana Trout | 04/22/2013 at 06:38 PM
lol, Wendy. We are the same age!
Posted by: Diana Trout | 04/22/2013 at 06:38 PM