optimistic
Birthdays make me think about past celebrations - the triumphs and the failures. It makes me remember how I was always an odd child out in school, but still managed to gather some good friends around me and so I was still a small circle within the larger groups. It makes me remember the gifts that my parents gave me - usually books and art, sometimes excursions out to museums or parks. Money was tight throughout my childhood, but my parents always tried to make the day special, making my favorite meal and getting my favorite cake from our local and amazing bakery, Vollmers. This year my birthday gift was a week early - seeing my cousin after more than twenty years apart. That was a gift!
So today I'm going to just try and take it easy, finish the story that I'm working on, and try to relax. I'm going to think of my parents (drying a few tears because it is at times like this that I miss them the most) and I'll be grateful for those days that I've walked this earth. I share my birthday with Irving Berlin (love it!) as well as the state that I live in (go Minnesota). How many other people can be given a state for their birthday - LOL? If you have a chance, treat yourself to something special today, it will make my own day even nicer.