Yesterday was my birthday and has always felt like the beginning of the new
year to me. The Christmas rush is over. The cold and snow are
perfect companions for the contemplation beckoning from within. I
love the winter. I love the time to be alone and quiet. I love the
dark mornings and early sunsets. I love the cozy fires and candle lit
afternoons.
The day passed just like any other day. Filled with chores and duties. I was feeling a little sorry for myself and unappreciated. When this happens I know it is a signal for me to start cherishing myself a little more. With the hubbub of kids homecomings and schedules, Christmas and additional preparations, I tend to put myself last on the list. I can always be sure this is happening when my lower lip begins to protrude and I can feel tears ready to spill out at any moment. A definite sign to take some "me" time. Maybe a sea salt bath or an afternoon with a good book. Perhaps a massage or lunch with a dear friend. Or all of the above! Just some time to fill myself up so I will not expect others to. It is not their responsibility. It is mine.
P.S. I opened my favorite bottle of champagne for dinner and I may even bake myself a birthday cake this week!
P.P.S. My family took me out for dinner on Friday, before Alex left for school and the girls both gave me lovely gifts. (just for the record and in case they read this)
Happy happy birthday Kathy.
Posted by: Kathy | January 12, 2009 at 08:59 AM
Oh my friend...I share your feelings EXACTLY! I even forgot it was my birthday when I woke up and didn't remember until I read an email from a co-worker. It's a little sad to me that birthdays tend to loose their luster as we get older. They were always such an exciting time when we were young. I vote YES on the champagne and YES to that sea salt bath...those sound incredible to pair together.
Posted by: Jennifer White | January 12, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Hey girlie! If I would have known about your b-day, I would have called! But isn't that the way it goes? I used to feel exactly the same way when my birthday came around, and even lost a friend over it, until I realized that it was really for ME, and I couldn't expect everyone to remember and celebrate it as much as I do.
Your collages are getting more complex and wonderful. I love watching you grow.
Posted by: Samantha Kira | January 12, 2009 at 03:04 PM
Happy Birthday, Kathleen! You share the same day with my daughter. :)
Posted by: Julie Prichard | January 12, 2009 at 04:11 PM
Beautiful images from a beautiful friend! Another year wiser. . . love you.
Posted by: Carole Bieniek | January 13, 2009 at 07:43 PM
I love your collage!!! Very striking.
One year for my birthday I planned a trip to a dream workshop for myself. It was lovely. It is hard to cherish ourselves - we are always too busy focusing on others. I hope you did take that bath and have champagne! I'm glad you were born.
Posted by: tami | January 14, 2009 at 07:11 AM
Happy Birthday...I often feel a sense of loneliness before I feel absolute joy. I hope that's how you're day went ;)
Posted by: Veronica Funk | January 14, 2009 at 10:00 AM
happy belated birthday kathleen. i hope that your journal entry reflects what you are enjoying.......a little solitude!
i love that word and what it means. you have inspired me to do a solitude page of my own.
thanks as always for sharing! i can always relate to your words.
xo
kim
Posted by: kim beller | January 14, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Wow! This is amazing!
I love the way the photo is in the middle. Brilliant idea!
Posted by: Annie | January 21, 2009 at 02:42 PM
Happy, happy birthday, Kathleen! I have missed you and stopped by to see how life has been for you. I am glad that you baked yourself a birthday cake. You deserve to eat cake on your birthday! I get "misty" on my birthdays, too. Not really sure why, just happens every year.
I hope that you are doing well and that your kids are all doing great.
Happy, happy, happy birthday!
Love,
Debbie
Posted by: Debbie | January 21, 2009 at 08:11 PM