Freshly 35.

Birthdays were always a special part of growing up in my family.
I love to celebrate the birthdays of those I love, but equally love it when friends and family remember me on my special day.
Over the years, I written a birthday post here and there,
Beginning a new decade at 30.
31.  The first birthday after my divorce.
32, which somehow I skipped? LOL.
33. The one where I went to London.
34. A year that was filled with adventure, insight, and a lot of personal growth.

When I turned 35 on September 9, it was a wonderful and special first day of another new year.
I started the day off with the woman who had a date with me 35 years ago in the hospital, my mom.

We met for coffee at my favorite local coffee shop.
I went home to exercise and putter around my apartment. I was showered with texts and phone calls throughout the day from lots of my friends. Both my brother and sister/BIL/nephew had fresh flowers delivered to my apartment.
Another friend sent me a video of her three kiddos singing to me.
Jeff came by and we celebrated in the evening. He took us shoe shopping (what can I say, we both love shoes!? :) and bought me some special gifts. We went to dinner where we had our first date almost a year ago. 

This past year has been filled with many wonderful surprises, growth opportunities, and ways to be stretched in more ways than one (hello pandemic!).
I am grateful for the life I am living right now and all the people in my life to share it with.
We will see what year 35 holds for me. I have to keep reminding myself to not control, lean back, and stay open to receive from God.
Alrighty then 35, let's see what you have in store for me!