35

35 years ago today, in a hospital room that no longer exists, I came peeking into the world.  I was little and quiet and embraced the opportunity of sliding into this life by having a little look around.  No tears, no screams, just quiet observation.

This just might be the earliest picture of me (with my mom).  Early 1977.
It's dark and we're small in the frame, but  I love how you can see both of our
personalities in this one moment.

18 brought me my greatest gift, my biggest challenge, my most magical fulfillment...my phenomenally gorgeous, ridiculously smart daughter.

My beautiful child.

My twenties were full of living by default, struggling to figure out where I fit in the big picture of it all and the frantic energy of how the hell can I just keep food on the table?! even though we always did just fine.  We actually did more than just fine...we learned how to thrive, how to dance to Etta James and sow a few seeds and try some new things.  I did a lot of figuring out how to get out of my way in my twenties and my child was my perfect companion ;-)

29 was a big kick in the ass.  Full of growth and richness, endings and beginnings, death and choosing life, new opportunities and choices and fear and joy.  29 was also rich with love in all of it's manifestations.  29 cracked me wide open, allowed me to push past all fear in order to embrace all that lies beyond and gave me my one true love.  29 slid into 30 with grace, ease and a surprise party that was quite possibly the best gift ever given to me by anyone.

My Love.

The past five years have given me the gift of finally feeling like I am on the right path.  I may not know exactly where this path is taking me, but I have faith that I'll see what I need to see along the way and get where I'm going in one piece. I am making plans and lists (because I wouldn't be me if I didn't), but I am also trying my best to stay present in this moment, observe it all, contribute to some and sit in the love and the joy that surrounds my life.

Little, happy, me.

35 feels big to me for some reason.  But then again, so does all of life these days.  Happy Birthday to me.

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