Forever 39

Today is my birthday. Like the old vaudevillian Jack Benny, who never admitted being older than 39, I've stopped counting.

People who know me best, know that my cake will be chocolate, but I couldn't resist posting this photo of a Cherbluble.

It is pie, baked inside of a cake. Actually, it's three pies, cherry, apple, and blueberry, baked in red, white, and blue cake layers. This indulgence only sounds appropriate after a dinner of Turducken, another over-the-top gastronomic creation. Think I'll stick with my chocolate cake.

On one of my birthdays several years ago, my son sent me this poem, author unknown:

“Count your garden by the flowers,
Never by the leaves that fall;
Count your days by golden hours
Don’t remember clouds at all.
Count the night by stars, not shadows.
Count your life with smiles, not tears.
And with joy on this, your birthday,
Count your age by friends, not years.”

I have received cards, calls, messages, and notes from Korea, Japan, Spain, Italy, Chile, Canada, and from sea to shining sea. In friendships, I am "old" and very, very rich.

But I'm still only admitting to 39!

~~Sally Rose
Author of Penny Possible & A Million Sticky Kisses
iamsallyrose.com

The Besties

Today is my good friend's birthday. We were born three days apart, a long darned time ago.

When we were five years old, we started kindergarten together and we remained in the same class all the way through high school. Afterward, though our paths diverged and went separate ways, we have always stayed in contact and remained friends.

I seldom see him in person because we are so far away from each other, but each time we catch up, it's like no time has passed at all.

On this occasion of his birthday, I'd like to ask him, "If you could write a note to your younger self, what would you say in only two words?"

Would you say, "Have fun" or "Enjoy everything"? Maybe you would be more somber and remind yoursel to "Save money" or "Forgive yourself" or "Forget yesterday." Maybe you would simply say, "Be happy."

An old joke says that men are happier than women. Why? Because they can be President of the US, but they can never be pregnant. Because car mechanics will tell them the truth. Because wrinkles add character. Because people will never stare at their chests when talking to them. Because their phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. Because a five-day vacation requires only a small carry on bag. Because they can open all their own jars. Because the same hairstyle lasts for years, maybe decades. And because they only have to shave the neck and above, and they have freedom of choice about growing a mustache.

As Andrea Reiser, author of the article, "47 Things I've Learned in my 40's" says,

It's awesome to collect people throughout life, but you're truly blessed if you have a handful of besties who will always, always have your back. Even if you don't speak to them all that often, you know they're there.

I am truly blessed and you're one of besties, buddy. I wish you a very happy birthday.

~~Sally Rose
Author of Penny Possible & A Million Sticky Kisses
iamsallyrose.com