best birthday ever!

It is now 9:00 pm at the end of the day that was my birthday and I can say with all honesty, this was my best birthday ever! I've been thinking about this because for days, I have felt like this was shaping up to be a good one...I was right. But why? I have now recognized the anniversary of my birth 46 times (I'm 47) so I've had, a-hem, a few. This birthday was extremely quiet. We didn't go off on some exotic vacation or I didn't get some big fancy gift or have a big ol' party. So why then, dear reader, is my heart so full of love, happiness, and satisfaction. Could it be that I am so very happy where I am and what I am doing with this life?

There has been an accumulation of many, many wonderful things and events over the last month that, I'm sure, has contributed to my current state of bliss and happiness. The visit with my brother in October, the visit with my sisters and nephews earlier this month, putting my Dad to rest, being to school, success in my job, doing art on a regular basis, on a design team, and then there's the feeling of being so blessed to have such wonderful, thoughtful people for my friends. And I gotta tells ya, some people that I count as some dear friends are ones I've made on-line! I've received gifts and some heartfelt cards and well wishes from several friends that just about brought me to tears! (This doesn't include you Mom - your card absolutely brought me to tears!) Here is a picture of some cards and some gifts received:

I got cards and prezzies from two of my pals Lilli and Malou.  In addition to some yummy stickers and scrapbooking supplies (you girls know me SO well!), Malou also sent this to me:

This is SO cute! Based on the size of it, I'm thinkin' it's a tablecloth but I'm going to try to use it as a shelf liner so the kitty and trim hang down. Gosh this is SO sweet!

My Mom sent me a hilarious card with a turkey on it and some amazing rose stickers she ordered on-line. She also sent me a card that in one sentence, instantly brought me to a full on cry. Thank you Mommy.

My sister Simone sent me a card (even though she had given me a card while she was here!) that included some pictures of our Daddy and this one of me on my eighth birthday, THE turkey and roses birthday! While she was here, Simone also gave me a copy of "Eats, Shoots, and Leaves." I am SO enjoying this! The subtitle is "the zero tolerance approach to punctuation." SO up my alley. The interesting thing was I came very close to buying this for myself several times but for some reason, didn't. And if you know me, you know that I buy books for myself at the drop of a hat. LOVE books! But for some reason, I just never quite got around to buying this one. Must have been kismet!  Thank you SO much Simone!

And then, the thing that made it clear I was having a bout of "best birthday ever-itis" was this:

My sister Renee had roses delivered to my house along with a pop up turkey! I haven't enjoyed a good round of laughing and crying at the same time in a long time!!! This was SO SO sweet and clever Renee! Thank you SO much!!!

I truly am blessed. I am happy and I am healthy, and the people that I care for and love are happy and healthy too, for the most part. My friend Alison is having some health issues and so Ali honey, if you're reading this, you are getting a lot of thoughts and prayers from Oregon! I love you! :-)

Comments

[Malou]

Hi, Birthday girl!!! I am so glad that you received your pressies right away! I was thinking that you were going to get it next week! I am so glad you liked it. I bought those kitty cat themed present becoz' I was thinkin' of cute atticus! You were so cute as a birthday girl, I am so glad that you are having a good birthday and a Thanksgiving. Luv Lilli's pressies to you also, she knows what we love!

[simone]

Happy Birthday again Michelle. I am so glad to see all the goodies you received that brought you such joy, but even moreso, all the friends and family who love you so dearly (that includes me), and made sure that on this day, and every day, you know how extremely wonderful you are, and how many people's lives you have blessed just by being you! Your birthday has always been a day for celebrating, because it is the day WE received the best present ever......YOU!

X0X0

[ArtsyMama]

Wow, what a grand birthday!! You deserve ever bit of it, girl. How wonderful and fun:):):) Happy Day!

[Sharon @ Norah'S]

Happy Birthday again. What a party you had! Great prezzies. Isn't this www amazing.
Sharon

[Lilli]

Yaay !!! I'm so glad it was a good one :)

[renee]

Happy Birthday (week) and Happy Thanksgiving, Michelle! Got your voicemail once my cellphone came back into range as Nate and I re-entered civilization Thurs. Thank you for posting a photo of those turkey-roses I sent you. They really are beautiful, nearly as lovely as you...almost!

[Regina]

I am typing in the dark and I hope that you have had one of the most fantabulous birthdays EvAh!