Thursday, January 5, 2012

Thirtysomething.

Today's my birthday :-)
I'm 39. And I am very happy with this new age of mine. I feel like this is a special one to be... who would have thought? This cool feeling has snuck (yes, this is a word... I've just checked) up on me unsuspectingly. I have always known 40 is a big one, one that demands a big party, but I didn't quite expect 39 to feel this monumental. Huh! Amazing!

I feel a strong desire to make this a wonderful year... to tie up all the loose ends that are floating about, to 'really' do all those things I've been meaning to do... to round off the rough edges I've been neglecting so that I can move into 40 next year with a clean slate, a fresh start, an uncluttered mind. Hmmm, wouldn't that be nice!

I know I've posted this poem before, but I feel like it's begging to be heard again today... enjoy!

IF I HAD MY LIFE TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck(written after she found out she was dying from cancer).
I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day.

I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage.

I would have talked less and listened more.

I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded.

I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace.

I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth.

I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband.

I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed.

I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains.

I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life.

I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime.

Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle.

When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love You's''s More 'I'm sorry's.'

But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every
Minute. Look at it and really see it . Live it and never give it back.

STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!!

Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what. Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us.
  
* * *


Yes... I'm not going to sweat the small stuff this year. 
Blessings and magic, 
Donni

20 comments:

Adventure Academy Mom said...

A have never read that poem before. I loved it and I have a thing for poems. This one will be one of my favorites. Thanks for sharing.

Lisa said...

Happy Birthday Donni. Love the poem. May your year bring you all you wish for.

Carrie said...

Happy Birthday!! I hope you have a lovely day celebrating you!!

Anonymous said...

You have done and been most of those things. And more. You just don't know how wonderful you are. Happy birthday. Mom

meryl.comyn said...

Happy Birthday

April's Homemaking said...

Happy Birthday!! Hope you have a wonderful birthday celebration! I will be 39 in July, and I am feeling the same way you describe, thanks for sharing this wonderful poem, I had not heard this one before, what a perfect reminder. :)

Debi said...

Happy birthday to you! Just turned the big 4-0 this year myself. Spent it with my kids in my favorite place on the planet: Yosemite. No big parties, just plenty of quiet moments I'll treasure. Best to you in the year ahead! :-)

eidolons said...

Happy, happy birthday! (:

Just Me. said...

Happy birthday! We're the same age. I love your site and esp. the fairy garden info. I'm about to make one soon with my 2 daughters. Cheers! :)

W-S Wanderings said...

Thirty-nine is good indeed! Sending birthday blessings your way...

Lynnette said...

don't sweat the small stuff, enjoy them. =) Happy Birthday Lady!

Juise said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Juise said...

Happy Birthday! I hope your day was wonderful, and the coming year everything you wish it to be. <3

Silje og Vibecke: said...

Hello!
I found you on Etsy a while back ago when I was to search for waldorf inspired. Then pressing me around the various blogs I discovered now that this is your blog. Funny. You make beautiful things, especially good, I like your acorns. Here I live (west coast of Norway) is not easy to get in. I'm a waldorf teacher and waldorf mom and working a lot with toys and seasontables with children. Together with a colleague, I have a blog where we present the children's clothing and more to children.

Happy birthday to you.

Sincerely Silje

Ali said...

Happy Birthday. Beautiful poem.

Evi said...

Thats so sad. I've read it before and both times it brought tears to my eyes. Yet it's also so true. Thanks for sharing and may your 40th year be as beautiful as you desire it to be!

MooreMagnets said...

Happy Birthday! I'll be having that one soon enough! I love the poem, and I happy to say that we don't worry about stains or popcorn around here =) Life is too short indeed!

Lenka said...

Happy happy birthday. Here's to a magical year!

aseedinspired.com said...

Well Happy Birthday.
Yo have a wonderful place here.
I have linked up for two weeks... and a truly have loved reading everyones articles...and projects.
Thank you for being so wonderful to create such a safe and beautiful place for a community to be created.
Lovely,
T

vailie said...

Happy Birthday,Donni! May your life be the way you want it to live! Enjoy the little moments with your habby and kids, because this is only what we take with us!
I feel really glad and lucky to know u....
many hugs and kisses,
*Vailie*

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Mom of two sunbursts of joy; K, my precious kitten, 7. I love her curly brown hair, the freedom of her imagination and her deep, sweet innocence. T is 4. He is my blond, blue-eyed bear. He makes me laugh. Wife to A Good Man. He is my love, my very best friend and the one who keeps me grounded (I tend to go off with the fairies now and then). I am consciously trying to be mindful of each and every moment; embrace life with love, laughter and learning and give freely knowing that what I have is considerable. Also, trying show my kids the beauty of nature in our concrete jungle; enter Waldorf, my newfound passion!