Forty Two

Forty two! It's official. This is the new face of 42. I woke up yesterday and I just felt different, like full of joy at being 42. Isn't that strange? But wonderful? Sure I had to put my readers on to write this post but they are aqua and make me happy. Balance.

I think I've discovered the fountain of youth...joy! I know. There I go yammering on about joy again but I'm telling you it will change your life. Chase a dream, embrace your weirdness, find something you are passionate about, love someone deeply, live a life that is true to who you are, count your blessings. Do those things and the joy will just show up when you aren't looking.

 I know I say this every year but I really, honestly, with my whole heart believe that this is going to be my best year yet! There are so many possibilities that sometimes I just don't know where to start.

 I spent my birthday being spoiled by my family and friends, opening presents, receiving Happy Birthday wishes, going to Barnes and Noble, shopping, going out for cupcakes, being loved on, eating bad for me takeout and chocolate cake baked by my big girl, singing Happy Birthday to me and playing with my new camera lens. The first 3 pictures were taken with my iphone, the rest are me playing with the lens that I may never, ever take off my camera again. I love it so.

Maddie used this recipe to make my cake. So good. There's more if you want to come have a piece with me.

 Evening reading in my chair.

Maddie knitting the cat a neck warmer. You read that right. Sweet, weird girl.

 Some of my art supplies ready for playtime.

A good day. A really, really, perfectly wonderful way to celebrate being 42.