It was a day of highs and lows.
The low involved my dear friend turning up at my front door to surprise me with a bunch of flowers and in doing so, overhearing me screaming at Ziggy. About bananas. It literally went;
Me: ….blah blah angry shouty BANANA!
Dear friend: Knock knock knock
Face ashen with shame, I answered the door and then crumpled in a sobbing heap as my lovely friend reassured me I was not a bad mother. It was a bonding moment.
The high involved another lovely friend unwittingly shouting me a birthday drink that cost her $18. It really was a delicious Mojito but her family may not eat this week. Over exorbitantly priced drinks, she and I and three other adorable women friends sat around and tried to talk about something other than the kids but talked about the kids anyway.
I did not expect 37 to be a memorable birthday. I will never forget it.
The thing is this. Nudging forty, I do not have all the answers. And don't expect to in this lifetime. And I realise thank god for that because if it was all sorted, what would we do with our days? Live in blissful contentment? That's for the birds.
This life is a rollercoaster, not a merry-go-round, and so much the better for it. I never know quite what is coming next.
Getting older, I have learnt that making connections is what matters. And I have become quite good at that. I wasn't always but I am now. I reach out, and in doing so, am repaid in gold.
People. People are important. And for all the pitfalls of the big, scary internet, there is no questioning the value of the connections it can offer.
But even better is that old-school concept of face to face contact. Being able to see and squeeze a beloved friend is so important.
My thirty-seventh birthday saw me celebrate with the woman whose friendship has been perhaps my most enduring and also with my very newest friend made just this year.
That I drank a bottle of Chandon with one of the acest women I know just the day before is proof positive that in this life, I am blessed.
Happy Birthday – you young whippersnapper. The late 30s are a great time in a woman’s life. You’re in your prime.
Thank you. 🙂 I don’t hate this age. Not at all. xx
Happy birthday gorgeous girl! So glad that the internet brought me to you, and look forward to the day when we can celebrate that connection in person over a wine. Much love from the Loves. Hope the ‘festival of Angie’ continues over the week xx
Happy Birthday you sexy funny smart real woman! Mwah! Xoxox
Love ya guts x
happy birthday beautiful, keep up the gold work!
Happiest of Birthdays to you, Angie. X
So true. People, the best. I can’t get enough of them in my life. I actually collect them. Happy Birthday darling xo
I cannot remember if I wished you a happy birthday through other media… if so, apologies, and Happy Birthday! (it’s been a crazy month at my end… making me slack in all the friendship departments) I’m glad your special day had some highs to go with the lows. xx