This weekend I'll be celebrating 36 years of life. Gosh, I remember typing a very similar post talking about turning 32. That seems like yesterday, which is a bit scary. This past year has been all about change for me, in good ways. There was a time not too long ago, where I'd walk past a mirror and hardly recognize myself. Bags under my eyes, a neglected self with no spark, no twinkle in my eye. I wasn't sure how I got there, but I was darn sure I needed to get back to the me I loved, nurtured and recognized. We are all who we are, eternally, aren't we? Deep down, that ember never dies, we don't really change, but we can get so caught up in other things, feelings and routines that cloak us in a frightful foggy mess.
Balance, balance, balance they say. I do believe "they" are right, whoever they are.
All this babbling and carrying on to say only this: remember who you are, who you love, who loves you, what you love, what you stand for, and what you believe in. Don't forget the little treats that make your heart sing. And don't forget to love yourself first. You will have even more love to give everyone else!
Happy Birthday to me.
xo
p.s. Oh, and the bunting was just a little something I stitched for Sofia's 2nd birthday party coming up in May. I think I should hang it up for my own birthday this weekend, what do you think? And George, I would love to order the window treatments for the kitchen windows and banish the old lace panels. Wink, wink. ;-)
Happy birthday you beautiful and precious being! I love this post. Very soulful- and I totally relate to everything you said. I love the old lace curtains too...don't get rid of them! :) ps- the bunting is glorious..such talent. HAPPY HAPPY BDAY ANDREA!
Posted by: rachel | April 19, 2012 at 05:28 PM
Andrea, Happy Happy Birthday dear friend across the way!! ;) Your post is so true... how easy it is to get caught up in goings on of life. You are so right and I am glad you are feeling better. I need to follow your advice!!
here is to many many more happy birthdays! xo Heather
Posted by: Heather~ Pretty Petals | April 19, 2012 at 06:34 PM
Of course you should use the bunting for your own birthday! Hope it is a happy one! :)
Posted by: Jill Flory | April 19, 2012 at 06:34 PM
forgot to say LUVE the bunting! xo
Posted by: Heather~ Pretty Petals | April 19, 2012 at 06:35 PM
Happy Birthday, Andrea! May you have a blessed day with those you love and who love you! Remember--the best is yet to be!
Posted by: Sharon M. | April 19, 2012 at 08:35 PM
Happy birthday!!! You are the sweetest and I love your message. Hope you have a wonderful day! p.s. Not to get George off the hook or anything, but I love your lace curtains :) and your banner is so pretty!
Posted by: Jeni Carlson | April 19, 2012 at 09:09 PM
Oh a very happy Birthday and oh so young! A good message in this Post, be true to ourselves, be our best friend~ Hugs, Diane
Posted by: Diane | April 19, 2012 at 09:21 PM
Do you hear her GEORGE???? Just trying to help, lol.
I say hang it all for your big day. I remember when I was turning 36, wow, now I'm 56. That's 20 years older than you YIKES!!!
I found myself again. It took awhile, but it all worked out. My babies are now adults, and the curlers (I still remember that pic of you) were worth it. I never did wear sweatpants, still don't own a pair and was never a sneaker mom, but I sure loved my P.J.'s... still do.
Make the best of it sweet lady.
Love from Canada
Claudie
xoxoxoxo
Posted by: claudie | April 19, 2012 at 10:43 PM
PPPSSS... You still have the bad word verification on YUCKY!!!
xo
Posted by: claudie | April 19, 2012 at 10:44 PM
last October I hit 40. I still feel 16, but I certainly don't look it! I often look at myself and think 'dear God, what the heck?!'
My way of making myself feel good - regardless of how my face looks - is to surround myself with nice things each day. I write it down, so it's a genuine effort to do nice things just for me. Today it's freshly painted nails, floral plimsolls & bag, and wearing my pink raincoat. Little things that make me feel fabulous! It's too easy for mums to neglect themselves, mainly because we don't have time for ourselves, but little things are achievable.
Happy Birthday lovely lady. The bunting is beautiful.
as are you. inside & out.
xx
Posted by: sadie | April 20, 2012 at 01:34 AM
Love the sweet bunting. You should definitely hang it for your birthday, and celebrate yourself.
Happy Birthday to You!
Posted by: debi | April 20, 2012 at 06:12 AM
Happy Birthday Sweet Friend~ You will always be beautiful in my book:) (((Hugs))) Carol
Posted by: Carol Spinski | April 20, 2012 at 07:56 AM
Happiest of birthdays to you! I'm looking forward to being around you and your sparkle in a couple of weeks.
Hope just had a birthday, mine is coming up, we'll need to celebrate together while out there!
Posted by: karla nathan | April 20, 2012 at 04:00 PM
have a wonderful birthday Andrea! xo
Posted by: natalea | April 20, 2012 at 09:47 PM
Just wanted to wish you a slightly belated Happy Birthday! Love the bunting, going to make one for my own birthday - it just makes me smile when I look at it.
Posted by: liz | April 21, 2012 at 09:22 AM
Very sweet! Happy Birthday Weekend!
: )
Julie M.
Posted by: Julie M ~ The Little Red Shop | April 22, 2012 at 07:36 PM
Have the happiest of birthdays, Andrea. From your faithful reader Lissa.
Posted by: Lissa Cramer | April 23, 2012 at 10:56 AM
Yes, a very Happy Birthday to you!! Hope it was wonderful, Andrea, because you deserve it:)
Posted by: Leah C | April 23, 2012 at 07:48 PM
oh i hope u had a marvelous day... your blog is always an inspiration
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