Last week saw me celebrating my birthday. As in, all week!
You see, I’m all too aware that life can throw us parcels of crap at any given moment and I’m not talking the kind of crap that results from our own poor choices. I’m talking about the sort that we can neither predict nor prevent.
And so, in the face of such a fact of life, I make it my business to celebrate at every opportunity to do so.
Birthdays of course, are right up there.
Not everyone I know and love made it through to their birthday this year so as far as I am concerned, for those of us who did, it’s worth celebrating.
Our next year of life is not guaranteed.
For any of us.
So celebrate now I say.
Although I must say that I do not understand the thinking that I hear so many express that says ‘life is short’, in explanation as to why they indulge in (usually excessive), life shortening activity’s. But that’s another story.
Where was I?
Oh yes, the birthday.
Birthdays are for milking.
I’ve had some spectacular ones along the way.
My 30th in Hobart, Tazmania with special friends at a beautiful restaurant before going a little way up Mount Wellington to admire the lights of the city below.
The stunning crop terrace mountains of China were to host my 31st with an amazing lady who has become a trusted friend. The group I was travelling with even chipped in and bought me a gift. As we were travelling off the beaten track at the time, there were no gift shops or even anything in the vicinity with English on. Hence when we all sat down to watch their DVD gift, there was much laughter when it transpired to be Chinese porn. Don’t ask!
Then there was my 40th at Lake Maggiore in Italy where in addition to lots of lovely food (obvs), there was a spectacular light show, live music and of course crazy dancing in the streets. At least by me. All followed by a cracking party by my fabulous Church family.
Spoiled or what over the years.
Last year was a quiet one as we wrestled with the reality of my spiritual mother’s cancer diagnosis.
This year has been another extended fun and food filled affair.
I know that for many, when something sad or traumatic has happened around a birthday or Christmas, it can ruin these times for future years. As far as I am concerned, it gives more reason to rewrite the experience with something life and joy filled.
Which is exactly what I did this year helped by some seriously fantabulous peops.
Monday was the day to start milking it. I kicked off with an afternoon tea with my lovely sister. Another extreme foodie!
This was immediately followed by flowers and a good catch up with a friend over coffee.
Tuesdays’ offerings started with a long overdue haircut. Seriously, it’s the only time my hair ever looks clean and brushed!
Next, my lovely spiritual father took me to the wonderful Wimpole. I’d never been despite hearing rave reviews from all and sundry.
Simply stunning grounds.
It was like something out of a film. Although of course, scenes from films are from places like this!
Wowsers huh.
Returned home via a country pub for a cheeky cheesecake and cuppa.
Got back in time to prepare for a very good friend coming over to stay. Great as ever to see her and catch up.
On my actual birthday we went walking through the fields near my home. As we chatted on a bridge overlooking the stream with the solo swan, said swan suddenly spread its wings and flew under the bridge before gliding over to where we were.
Spectacular!!
What a gift. You can’t buy moments like those!
We continued our walk, returning home with a bounty of blackberries and apples. More muffin material.
Lunchtime saw us visiting one of my favourite places for a spot of grub.
I then saw my friend off before visiting my neighbour Ju for a brew.
That night I went to my favourite country pub for dinner with a long standing, very amazeballs friend who had even snuck over to the venue earlier to put up some sparkly balloons! The company, the ambience and of course the nosh itself, did not disappoint. And I left feeling very content and totally stuffed!
After all that eating, I went for a reparative run Thursday morning! Before relaxing with a reflexology session.
Proper lush.
Thursday saw me somehow squashing in yet another meal out with another friend.
So much food.
My poor stomach!
Following a walk up some hills, across the fields and by some springs, I opted for a super foods salad during Friday’s pub lunch with a new friend.
This before another short walk where I encountered a wooden swing. Obviously, I couldn’t resist!
What a week.
And it wasn’t over!
Saturday saw me spoiled with a super colourful, flavoursome, original BBQ spread put on by a super special lady and her hubster. Dessert was homemade scones with cream and homemade jam!!
Proper!
By Saturday night, I felt full, exhausted, spoiled and in need of some serious solitude!
Birthday’s are special.
At least in my opinion.
And I will continue to milk them for as long as I am given them.
How do you respond to a birthday?
Your own or others?