ANOTHER BIRTHDAY

Yesterday was my birthday. 55. Someone sent me a message asking "Where have the years gone?" Good question. I don't feel 55. Oh - sure, my body feels it. But inside - the real me - doesn't feel 55. I remember my mother seemed so old at 55 - and she acted that way. Perhaps it was simply a different era then. I remember she wore muted colors and was so reserved. Not me. I LOVE bright colors and am happy to own a fabulously wild collection of Reebok Hi-top sneakers. Makes me feel good to dress "happy". At least, that is how I think about it.

I am still growing and learning something new every day - and life seems to be more interesting the older I get. Maybe it's that I don't take things so much for granted and so I see life with more appreciative eyes. I'm not locked into any rigid beliefs - and feel more courageous to try new things than I did when I was younger. I don't feel hampered by outside opinions as much as I used to. That's a move in the right direction, I think.

I'm not so hard on myself. I've learned to be quick to forgive - others and myself. I try not to look back at my mistakes, and not place too much energy in tomorrow. Today is enough for me - and I try to be aware of my blessings on a daily basis. There are a lot of them. Actually, I have discovered that the things I value most at this point in life were not even on my radar when I was younger. The person I thought I wanted to be at 21 is nothing like the person I am at 55. I like the older version so much better.

So - to answer the question "Where did the years go?", I would have to say that perhaps a lot of them passed without me paying attention. Maybe life's circumstances were leading me along. But now, I am aware - I am more accepting of what happens each day - and I feel blessed and happy to have each new day before me.

I would highly recommend age 55 and I hope I have even more praise for age 56. Besides, the alternative to growing older sucks!

INNER HARBOR

I am back from a mini-vacation to Baltimore. It was a little spur-the-moment -but very much needed and enjoyed. We went to the Inner Harbor. Our hotel (Hyatt) was right on the harbor - with a lovely view. That was wonderful during the evening - but as soon as the sun came up - it was an OVEN in the room!!! Of course we enjoyed the little shops and fun restaurants - but our favorite day was spend in good old Barnes and Noble! I have to defend myself, though - it was a really nice - really big - Barnes and Noble. Some refurbished factory or station of some kind with wood floors and such an open feeling. Also we had fun at the Aquarium. I love going to the aquarium to see all the bizarre creatures of the sea. It is beyond me how anyone could doubt the presence of intelligent design. Such vibrant colors and patterns on little things that float around in the darkness of the sea. Wow. Loved watching the huge rays float along - even liked the sharks.

So am now refreshed and rested. On with life!

PROCRASTINATION

This has not been an unusually busy week - just a week - and yet, I have not found time to update my blog. Some of it is procrastination. Okay - maybe MOST of it is procrastination. I think I have Spring fever. There is this small window of perfect weather here in Richmond. Not too hot - not humid - and I start staring out the window, thinking of planting flowers, etc. But, reality sets in quickly and I remember that I hate to mess with plants when it is HOT - so I just let the inclination pass. Guess we do get smarter with age.

I just finished reading "Sunday at Tiffany's". DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS BOOK. I usually love James Patterson - he is a quick read - perfect for something to read before bed. I especially love his Alex Cross series. This book was a change - I knew that when I got it (on Kindle - which I continue to LOVE). But - it was so stupid, and poorly written. Just goes to show that James Patterson can write crap and still have it soar to the best seller list. It was about a woman who had an imaginary friend as a child - and when she grow up she meets him and they get married. STUPID!!!!! I am still mad about it.

I like to keep a non-fiction book going - and am currently reading "Spiritual Liberation" by Michael Beckwith. I didn't think I would like this book - but so far, he is right on. I especially like his explanation of The Secret. He said that if you put your ATTENTION on your INTENTION then you make decisions moment by moment that cause your desired result to manifest. In other words - if you want to have a new house...your intention...you pay attention to that desire and you make decisions - like getting out of debt, saving money, etc. etc. that will lead to your new house. I have always been disturbed by the idea that you just THINK about something you want and it appears. You have to DO something. I think the Secret is just a revamping of the old "name it and claim it" preaching. Whatever - life doesn't work that way.
I still cannot completely endorse this book - since I haven't finished it yet. Will let you know.

Hope all of you have a Happy Easter!

GET A KINDLE

The Kindle is FABULOUS!!! It is so easy to use - if you know how to use the computer, it is a cinch. Do not be tempted to buy the Sony version. It requires you to attach the device to your computer and download through the USB port. Kindle does it wirelessly - from anywhere!

I went to Borders on Friday - just to relax. Bookstores do that for me. Better than drugs! Anyway - had a delicious Blueberry Latte and then looked at some new books. I found three I was interested in reading, so I wrote down the titles and looked them up on Kindle. Two of the three were available - so downloaded them in less that a minute for a fraction of the price. Can't beat that! The one that was not available was an older title, so I bought it used from Amazon for $2. I know - I'm not supposed to accumulate any more books, but this was one I will keep.

Filled up my first box of books to donate - now I have to drop it by the library. One box is just the proverbial "drop in the bucket" of what needs to go! May have to up my plan to TWO boxes a week.

Love this Spring weather. Wish it would last for a long time - but I know that heat and humidity are on the way!

CATCHING UP

Yesterday I went to the oncologist for my three month check-up. Everytime I go, I am filled with gratitude for continued good news. While I was going through all of this, I didn't let my emotions get the best of me. But, once it was over, I realized how scary the whole thing was - and how fleeting life can be. I have a terrific doctor - and again, that is such a blessing.

The Kindle arrived yesterday. I entertained the idea of waiting to open it until my actual birthday - but this morning, curiousity got the better of me, and I ripped open the box. It is SO SMALL! Hard to believe it can contain so many books! I plugged it in and charged it in no time. Now I plan to devote the rest of the afternoon to figuring it out.

I called the local library and asked about book donations - and so I plan to fill one box a week and cart these books out of here - at least the ones that I no longer want. It will be really nice to have a book shelf that actually LOOKS like a book shelf and not some cluttered conglomeration of stuff. I couldn't find a book I wanted in this mess if I tried! Too much to sort through, especially since the books are 4-deep on the shelves!

Simplify, simplify...declutter, declutter. My new mantra.