One year older......

Time flies, people, whether you are having fun or not. Another year has vanished into the hazy past and I am one year older. Yesterday was my birthday. I am no longer 34. Well, I haven't actually been 34 for 22 years to be accurate, but there are times when I think I am still 34. Then, of course there are others when I feel 478, but we will not dwell on those. It is all in the mind, they say.

NO, it is NOT.

It is also in the creaking of the bones, and the essential use of specs on the end of the nose to be able to decipher any form of lettering. And the fact that one needs to rush to the ladies room on arrival anywhere, instead of an hour or 2 later. AND the fact that one no longer resembles in any way, a super model. Not that one ever did, mind you, but one used to shop in the small size clothing departments once upon a time back before half of you were even born. Now one tends to favour the area which could pass for the tent department. Sigh. The glory days have definitely gone.


So the day before my birthday, I went and had my hair chopped off. 8 inches of it. And I LOVE it. I was due for a change in something. And as no-one has yet perfected the off the rail selection of stunning bodies, I settled for the hair. I may even have gone and had a manicure, if the shop hadn't suddenly ceased trading. Hmphf. I will have to reach for the specs (see above) and the nail varnish and do my own nails. Not quite what I had in mind. And quite pointless at the moment, when my hands are buried in soil more often than not.

I considerd for one very brief moment, doing a state of the nation assessment of moi. Then I tossed out that idea. All it took was a glance in the mirror and let me tell you, the best parts have to be the brain or the heart, which are hidden from view. Completely. There is a flaw in the design, I feel.

So I woke up, and Diana made chocolate croissants for breakfast, which has not helped in the tent department. Followed by lunch out with Diana, Glynis and Jean. Ditto. Followed by visits from friends, carrot cake made by Diana and more coffee than you can imagine, and then more cake at the twins party tea, followed by more friends popping in, and roast lamb for dinner at 10pm. Groan. I wonder if we should move on to the super tent division?? Probably.

I was thoroughly spoilt by everyone, and had a great day. And this morning I got up, looked at the lines on the face, and all I could think was how lucky I am for so many reasons. Lines mean I have lived. There has been an inordinate amount of good, which outweighs the bad. There has been an inordinate amount of stress, but nothing compared to some people. I know there has been more laughter than tears. I earned those lines.

I was overwhelmed by all the messages yesterday. The calls, cards, emails and visits, and facebook sort of exploded, and I loved it all. So I am here to say that I do not care that I creak, need glasses, am slower, head for the ladies room at speed and need larger clothes. I can tell you 56 years of stories. I have a treasure chest of memories. I have people who love me. I have a family who intrigue me. I have friends who challenge me.

The good outweighs the bad. Life itself is good.

Pity the best part is hidden from view though. Hmmm. Just as well I have a blog then, isn't it......