After admittedly lamenting the fact (here on the blog, in fact) that we wives and Mothers typically end up planning our own celebrations, my family and friends took me by complete surprise yesterday with the PERFECT 50th party!
Given John's recent cardiac issues, I had put any thoughts of a celebration out of my mind - assuming that 50th or not, such things would be put on the back burner for awhile...
Well, while I was busy assuming, daughter Courtney and niece Sarah were busy conspiring (along with friends Jen and Dustin) to host an absolutely enchanting gathering in my honor....
A large white tent, lit with fairy lights and set in Jen's beautiful garden....
An absolutely delicious menu, which included grilled shrimp and chicken and assorted salads and vegetables....
Beverages galore, including an amazing concoction called "electric lemonade" (sooooooo good, and REALLY sneaks up on you, hehe!)
Key lime and vanilla cupcakes for dessert....
And best of all, so many of the people who are dear to me; my family and friends, some of whom I haven't seen in far too long, and who drove many miles to help me celebrate....
What a blessing to have such a thoughtful and caring daughter and niece (I love you both to the moon and back!) and what a blessing to have these amazing friends; family really...I'm truly fortunate. As for hitting the half century mark, well, it hasn't happened yet. I still have a few days in my forties. But it's bothering me less and less. I'm seeing age as an awakening, a realization that life is what we make it, that there are still so many new things to experience, new adventures to be had, new paths to follow, new art to create...There's a freedom in aging I think. You worry less about the small stuff, and, as the saying goes, most of it is small stuff. ;)
I'm still hoping to host a little giveaway here soon, in honor of hitting the half century mark, so stay tuned! In the meantime, I'm painting madly and counting my many blessings....
Happy Birthday to me. ;)
♥ Carolee
