I make a big deal of birthdays. Well, let me be clear. I make a big deal of other people’s birthdays. Today, one of my dearest friends (whom I’ve known since 7th grade) is celebrating her birthday.
Happiest Birthday, Amy!
I remember birthday parties and sleepovers at her house. Going to the movies, school dances, football games. We’re still friends today because we have a lot of history. (And because she’s nice. Can’t discount that!)
I’m at a point in my life where my birthday seems like just another day. My kids are older, my husband and I work, I don’t live in my hometown. Nothing special happens on my birthday. It’s just a day.
Amy, on the other hand, has one grown child but two new ones. She’s experiencing the wonder of life all over again. She sees first hand why not only birthdays, but all days, are adventures.
See, when we get older, we take the little things for granted. We work so hard for the big things, we barely appreciate them when we get them.
Life seems tedious to adults who rise, work, sleep, and do it all again the next day. But it doesn’t have to be that way. (tweet that)
It shouldn’t be that way.
When was the last time you stopped and smelled the roses? I don’t mean metaphorically. I mean literally. When did you last enjoy a blooming flower, the smell of a rain shower, the wonder of a single flake of snow?
The world is precious, and it’s marvelous, and it’s here for us to appreciate, enjoy, savor. (tweet that)
Maybe we should all celebrate birthdays—all days—with the same unabashed joy children do.
For Writers:
I’m working on book 2 of my romance series. The female protagonist celebrates her birthday near the end of the novel. She has spent years avoiding such attention, but her hero convinces her otherwise. It’s a touching scene, because her character has grown and changed so much to get to that point. (It’s also a steamy scene, romance lovers, but that’s fodder for another post 😉 …) Do you have a character who needs momentum? Consider writing about his or her birthday. How old is the character? How has his background shaped him to view his birthday, his life? How would he respond to a surprise bash with 100 people? An intimate celebration with his significant other? A birthday could be an excellent vehicle for character development.
For Everyone:
A birthday is a holiday that everyone will celebrate over the course of the year. Do you like your birthday? Love it? Dread it? What are some birthday traditions you have? I’d love to hear from you in the comments.
And happiest birthday, Amy! I hope it’s the best yet. (I had a great picture of us to post, but I can’t find it. Sorry!)
Our family is almost as big on birthdays as on Christmas. We gather, talk, laugh, sing, eat the favorite cake of the center of our attention. Mine is chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. I don’t mind which cake recipe, but my daughter has a delicious one so I can expect that Sunday when we celebrate my birthday a week ahead of time to accommodate our granddaughter who has odd working days and has to work the following Sunday, which is actually my birthday. Adults and children alike get a special party. Sometimes the kids get two, one with family, another with their friends at Chucky Cheese or the like. Nice post, Staci.
Wow! I feel like I’ve hit the big time with a whole blog post dedicated to me!! Thank you for your thoughts and your kind words! It is always so great to be in touch. That’s a great things about birthdays! Even when you let (too much) time pass, it’s a great excuse to reconnect.
The only thing that might make this day better is the above mentioned lemon blueberry Bundt cake with lemon glaze!! 🙂
Ok the BELOW mentioned lemon blueberry Bundt cake with lemon glaze…
I feel blessed to be alive to celebrate and enjoy my birthday. The cards and birthday wishes from my family and friends are treasures specific to me. And, who wouldn’t love a dinner made especially for them, complete with their favorite cake lemon blueberry Bundt cake with lemon glaze (inquiring minds want to know).
It is a blessing to be alive. It sure beats the alternative! I, too, used to have a special birthday cake. Unlike you, however, everyone gets that cake now, so it’s no longer my special cake. I always knew you were Mom’s favorite… 😉
I’m sort of like you, as I get older it’s just another day. However, you’ve given me some food for thought for my WIP. Stay tuned!
Glad I could help, Joan.