It's My Birthday!!!

When I started my blog, in January 2006, the first words I used to describe myself were "Heading towards 50...". Well, I've got there. Today, I reach the milestone that is my 50th birthday. It's going to be a busy day, because there is a party. My sisters and son have already arrived. There is cooking to be done, chairs to be found, cutlery to be sorted.... You know the score, but just now, before the day really begins, there are a few minutes for reflection, and to connect in with my friends in Blogland, who have been sadly neglected over the past few months.

So, since I declared that I was heading here, much has changed, much has happened, in many ways influenced by happenings in the world of blogs and online groups. I've completed the Artist's Way again. I completed my thesis, became a university graduate. Off I went and discovered America (oh? Someone got there before me? What was his name again?); found the wonder that is California (and Oregon, and a little of Washington state - enough to convince me of the necessity of many and frequent future visits). I followed promptings and trained as a SoulCollage facilitator, and now am preparing to take on the challenge of training as a trainer next year. I've gone back into the regular workforce, working with young people in distress. My home has been redecorated to my taste. I've weeded out things that didn't uplift me or bring me joy. I've been gradually acquiring pieces of art that delight my eye, my heart and soul. I've met new friends - true friends of the heart; I've reconnected with some older friends. My life now, right now, feels full and rich and loaded with possibility and joys and I am truly grateful to be where I am right now. My life is good, and now seems like a really apt time to say so, to appreciate that, and to acknowledge that it would not be so without the love, support and encouragement that has flown my way from family and friends (real-life and those in cyber-space who have come to mean so much to me).

I'm 50, and I'm looking forward to the next year, next decade... the next 50!

50, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50.