Today is my birthday. I am 59.
Several people have already reliably informed me that ’59 . . . is nearly 60′, followed by the inevitable—‘So . . . how do you feel . . . being nearly 60?’
Well, to be perfectly honest, I hadn’t really thought about it much (so thanks for the reminder guys) but now the question has been asked I am a little surprised to find there are actually quite a lot of things about being ‘nearly 60’ that I really like.
For a start—I like still being around. Many people aren’t so fortunate so I view 59 years as somewhat of an achievement in itself.
I like that things that caused me a good deal of worry or angst or upset in the past now barely give me a moment’s pause. (It’s taken a while but I have finally worked out that, while some things really do matter—many, many more really, really don’t.)
I like that I am far less concerned these days about how I look (or, perhaps more honestly, how anyone else thinks I look) and am now far more interested in how I feel.
I like that I am entirely comfortable in my own company and I can choose to participate, spectate, or entirely forgo (‘thanks, but no thanks’) without also feeling the need to elaborate on my choices with long convoluted explanations (or excuses).
I like that I have learned to never miss an opportunity to do absolutely nothing. (Some may call that bone idle. I prefer to think of it as a life choice.)
I like knowing that, while it’s definitely okay to follow the rules, bending (or even breaking) one every now and again can be a lot of fun . . .
. . . and I like the fact that finally accepting some things really are absolutely and totally beyond my control has done wonders for my sleep. (And, if I do still have the odd restless night, a nice little nap the next day is entirely appropriate anyway.)
So, all said and done, I am feeling pretty good about this birthday, and if you should come across me sometime, standing in the street, gazing blankly upwards, please don’t be alarmed. It’s not my advancing years taking a toll on me. I have not forgotten where (or who) I am.
I am merely taking a moment and altering my aspect to the sun . . .
Sally says . . . eat, sleep, work, read, play, draw, bark . . . 
S. A. Young
April 3, 2018 at 2:26 am
Happy Belated Birthday, Sally! I hope you enjoyed doing whatever it was you felt like doing! (And I agree with CC – another beautiful sketch!)
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sallyinthehaven
April 3, 2018 at 7:58 am
Thank you so much. I had a lovely day. 🙂
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Anonymous
April 2, 2018 at 5:36 pm
Well spoken Sal and keep checking for the good sunny spot. Jonxx
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Pam Talbot
March 31, 2018 at 1:43 pm
I love the totally different perspective of the sunflower Sal. 🌻
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sallyinthehaven
March 31, 2018 at 2:19 pm
Thanks Pammy. 🙂
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stevetalbot51
March 31, 2018 at 12:01 pm
Have a great day Sal, see you tonight for that wine or two or three 🙂
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sallyinthehaven
March 31, 2018 at 2:18 pm
🙂
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Anonymous
March 31, 2018 at 8:28 am
Wishing you a wonderful day Sal. I love your sketch & sunflowers. They look majestic reaching for the sun. You have captured that well.
Enjoy the movies xxxx
Vee
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Anonymous
March 31, 2018 at 6:29 am
Happy Birthday Skip – the only difference in being fifty-nine (or fifty-ten like me) is that we appreciate life much more than when we were youngsters. Now we are youngsters inside with confidence the act like youngsters outside and not give a hoot what anyone else thinks. Relish it Sally, not everyone gets to be like us! Lizzie-moo
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sallyinthehaven
March 31, 2018 at 7:38 am
Thanks Lizzie-moo! And so nice to know that you are enjoying being fifty-ten! 🙂
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Margie
March 31, 2018 at 6:28 am
Wishing you the happiest of birthdays Sally. A day spent enjoying a walk with the girls, good food, a wine (or 2 or 3 or..), nice company, maybe a nap……actually whatever you choose to do 🙂
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sallyinthehaven
March 31, 2018 at 7:43 am
Thanks Margie. The girls and I have already been for one long walk in the early morning sun and they are all now fast asleep again. (Such a hard life!) I have some shopping and a morning trip to the movies planned, followed by an afternoon of sketching and then later dinner with friends (so I am sure there will be a wine (or 2 or 3) in there somewhere. 😉
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C C Cedras
March 31, 2018 at 6:04 am
Happy Birthday, Infant. Indulge, enjoy and do or NOT do whatever feels right. You’ve earned it!
That sketch is right up there at the top of my list of Favorite Sally Sketches. It’s lovely, poignant (because of the inspiration) and hopeful. So good. Thank you for this.
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sallyinthehaven
March 31, 2018 at 7:49 am
Thank you sweetie, for the birthday wishes (can’t remember the last time anyone called me an infant!! LOL) and am so glad you liked the sketch. Hugs to you and Fergus. 🙂
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C C Cedras
March 31, 2018 at 7:54 am
🐶❤️🎂🎁🐶
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