35

35 years ago I was born to parents who were too young. I'm not sure if they really wanted me. I suspect my arrival for them was an ambigious arrival. My grandmother assured me that my birth was one meant with anticipation and excitment: "I remember the day you were born. You were the first grandchild. We were so excited." But I wonder who that we included....Still it doesn't matter in some ways. I am here now.

35 years seems like many years, and not enough. I have many stories to tell, and yet there still seems to be so much ahead....so many stories to come, so many new people to meet, to love, to know. It makes me feel anything but old.

The lead up to this birthday was making me feel kind of....I don't know...it wasn't old. It was just felt as if I was at this kind of middle point. How does one act at this age...I end up feeling dread at the thought of my birthday. I think this is why I planned the party. I thought that welcoming the day in with the company of friends would give me strength in the face of the dread. I planned a dinner at one of my favorite resturants, Catina 1511.

It was a lovely dinner, and in the course of being with good friends, good food, and frozen maragrtias, the dread disappeared. Instead, in the hot breeze I felt the future opening up to more...more stories, more love, more fellowship, just more. And after eating we went to drink at a bar, where we laughed, flirted, and celebrated.

Mary and Darren....

Mary, Darren, and his wife Kerri...what a lucky guy:) Kerri made me a beautiful knit carrying bag which will be great for vegetables from the farmer's market.

Martin and Ruthie who brought me a wonderful card and a gift card (which is about to buy me a birthday cake:) It was extra wonderful to see them as we hadn't seen them in awhile.



And I got to dress up!

And best of all, was H. My wonderful husband who took me out, and gave me the best present of all the morning.