Embracing 45.

Last night, as I was enjoying a quiet dinner to celebrate my 45th birthday with The Mister and the kids, there was a thought bubble hovering over my head that said: "It doesn't get better than this."

I mean really.
I never knew it would be so good by 45.

• In the morning, my kids and husband woke me up with a serenade, coffee, and pastry.
• In the card from my teen daughter and teen son, they wrote, among other things: "You know the correct ways of raising children, and we will never become 'stupids' or stray onto wrong paths of life."
• In the card from The Mister, he wrote, among other things: "You have gotten cuter."
• I had a GREAT workout with my super cool personal trainer, and then off I went to Jamba Juice to enjoy a peanut butter moo'd smoothie for lunch.
• After the smoothie, I spent most of the day figuring out how to write a pattern for a new crochet design with my stellar tech editor (for a new project coming later in 2013).

Family. Health. Meaningful work (with the smartest and most capable team) ...

So then after dinner at Lola Gaspar's, I told my family I wanted to go to the studio to check things out to prepare for Julie Balzer's class this Saturday. As we were approaching, I saw that the studio's door was slightly ajar and I thought: "OMG, somebody broke in!" And then as I approached, I saw a little pretty votive candle and I thought: "OMG, the interlopers are throwing a party in my studio!"

And then when the door was opened, I was greeted by my friends for a surprise party. OMG.

I've NEVER been so surprised.

Tracy Schultz made everyone laugh as she was placing the cake that Sarah Meehan had baked and got her hand caught on the cake, nearly causing it to fall off the table.

Other amazing treats were present ...

After it was over, I got home to work on some stuff, getting ready for the rest of the week and saw a new thought bubble hovering over me that said, "I'm one lucky girl."

I embrace 45. And next year, I'll embrace 46. I want never to complain about the years I've collected because without those years, I wouldn't have the experiences nor the relationships that I do.

This is as good as it gets.

Comments

[Carin]

First off, happy belated birthday!

Secondly, I love this post! I love stories of women embracing their age and living it up. We all have so much to be grateful for. I love the pictures of you at the surprise party too- they are so happy!

[Edwina Sutherland]

What a wonderful day you had! I love that you took the time to acknowledge and be grateful for the precious moments that make life special.

[Kelly]

What a lovely post! Happy Belated Birthday! I sounds like the perfect day. I hit 46 in December, and since I was sick the whole weekend, it was pretty much a non-event. Later in the week, it hit me as I was driving to work and I said, outloud, "Holy crap! I'm 46!" But I, too, realized that 46 is just dandy. I'm living a happy life with a wonderful family and, though I'd always love to have more time for art, I truly have everything I need. This post is a great reminder of that for all of us. Thank you!

[bonitarose]

I just turned 50 in January.. and I feel the same way. Life is so so good. xo

[Ella]

Happy Birthday, I live how surprised you were! It looks like an amazing gathering! I think it is wise to celebrate one 's journey. We are sum of our experiences, we need to embrace it!

[mel mccarthy]

How fun. Happy Birthday & thank you for always sharing such beautiful things, ideas, and creative spirit!

[Becky Shander]

Reading this post makes me think that the love you give, is the love you get...you must be a BIG giver. Happy big-lovin' birthday Jenny.

[Lisa Hajda]

The photos of your laughing made me smile! Happy Birthday!

[Joana]

Happy Birthday! Sorry I couldn't be there, but it looks like you guys had tons of fun!

[JenEve]

Love the photos - Sorry to miss it! You make 45 look like 25 and that is inspiring to me and many others! Hope this year brings you many more joyful surprises!

[amber heagerty]

Jenny, thank you for sharing your joy with us...I love that you got to enjoy some of the most priceless things in life;family friends,laughter and gratitude. Many more years of happiness ahead for you 8)