O Ancient One
Have you ever noticed how with each birthday you redefine OLD? It’s happening to me again this year as I turn 60 today. At one point in my life that would have been ANCIENT! However, OLD now is somewhere between 75 and 80.Today may actually be somewhat anti-climatic after the weekend celebrations. Friday’s storytelling extravaganza was actually a pre-birthday evening. Last night my husband pulled off a semi-surprise party. Semi because I knew something was up when he made a 6-pound brisket the day before and then set the table for 10. The surprise was who was showing up to celebrate.
It turned out to be a delightful evening with people who easily got along with each other. No one monopolized and yet there was never a moment of silence. They each brought delicious food to accompany the brisket, including my very favorite java cake. The presents were obviously chosen with me in mind.
This morning I came down to the kitchen somewhat bleary-eyed to dash off to meditation at 6:30. There I found a homemade card including an original poem and the announcement of a watercolor class I am now signed up for beginning in March.
Friday is yet another celebration with neighborhood friends over lunch and a movie.
I've already heard from numerous Bloggers and Blog-readers.
So even if this really is bordering on OLD, I rather like it. I feel very loved and special.
posted by Barbara at 9:52 AM
36 Comments:
Barbara! i'm so glad i found time to pop in and catch up with you today - HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
"bordering on old", i like that! you have some way to go to the border i think.
:-)
Lettuce -- Hope your holiday travels were wonderful!
Some days I think I can see OLD approaching in the distance. Other days it's still far away!
happy birthday to someone really nice
from edward
Edward -- You are enough to make me love cats!
BARBARA....(oooopssie)
You are so cool! At sixty even? And what a great guy that davy is.
Just keep thinkin'...
"I put the sex in sixty!"
Happy Birthday!
And I think 70 became my "old" number when I turned 40...we'll see how that moves up as I age!
Happy, Happy day, year, decade. Let me know when we get old. I just feel ALIVE. 59 was a very good year.
FL
FL, my soulmate who is EXACTLY my age -- I'd say 59 might have been the best year of your life, yes? I'm planning to call you up a little later. I'll bet your cell phone is even on!
Hope your day is happy! Can't wait to hear what that red-headed boy did to celebrate your birthday. (Maybe his hair is gray by now too...)
Bulletholes -- You have a one-track mind. Did anyone ever tell you that? :)
Aileen -- Yeah, 70 at 40. Sounds about right.
Happy Birthday, dearest Barbara!!
A new year's baby or after Christmas surprise ???
i LOVE LOVE LOVE the cake. and what fun your party sounds to have been. i intensely dislike surprise parties and avoid most parties in general.
but this one sounds like one i'd feel quite at home at. sweet david to arrange all the details...
and to be surrounded by good friends and love. i can't think of a better person who deserves it!
hope your quick trip to SF was fun. glad you're back ... you don't 'sound' like a day over 50 ... you almost made me faint, girlfriend!
all my best to you,
xxx
rdm
Happy birthday "season" to you, dear Barbara! Hearing about your wonderful celebration warmed my heart. Sending you wishes for another wonderful sixty years!
XO,
F.
RDM -- I think my parents were actually hoping for a tax break, but I often didn't give them what they wanted!
My SF trip hasn't happened yet. It's Jan 22 - 26 and I am so jazzed about going out there!
Thanks for your good-hearted wishes. One day I hope our paths cross in personal space, although for now I love meeting you in cyberspace!
Anon F -- 60 more years, now that would make history, but what a fabulous goal! It would really be great if my body would reverse its aging process for the next 60...
RDM -- BTW, if you thought the photo was my cake, it was actually the wrapping paper from a small book entitled "How Not to Become a Little Old Lady". I'm thinking of posting some hilarious snippets from that book tomorrow.
Happy Birthday!
And everyone knows, 60 is the new 50!
Lacochran -- Who knew? Please tell my body that!
Old is defined as 20 years older than you are...no matter how old ou are.
What a wonderful husband you have.
Happy birthday, fellow Capricorn.
Merle -- Well, I'm glad to know the rule. Works for me!
Lemmonex -- Yes, I do indeed have a wonderful husband. While I was taking the longest shower ever with lavender diffusing in the bathroom, he was killing himself getting ready for my party. I can't remember the last time entertaining was so easy!
HB in advance. Let's see, with Merle's rule 48 would be old for you, right? OMG, that does make me ANCIENT!
AR -- Thanks! I'm hoping for many more years!
Hey I heard that 60 is the new 40!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Cyndy -- Moving in the right direction!
I just read a re-cap of a sociology study that said that people get happier as they get older. You certainly seem to be an example of that!
Happy Birthday!
Jamy -- Most of the time I would agree with you.
Welcome home from all your travels!
now, I read that 60 is the new 30....but I have plenty of buds that are 60 (or older) that act 12 at times, say they feel like 90 at some times and 40 at other times, so who knows? as long as one is on this side of the dirt all is well and who really cares what the number is - other than perhaps in the O years being able to provide a wonderful excuse to party on for a full year!!....I do think merle is on to something with his theory of what 'old' is
happy happy!!
Happy Birthday! I am with you on redefining my opinion on 'old'. Now I don't eve think 70s is old anymore because my dad is now 71 and does not seem old, older yes, but not OLD.
It can also hit me on any given day. One day I feel old and the next, not so much. So, it must be a state of mind. And the state of your mind seems to be a okay!
Glad you are enjoying the fruits of your labors surrounded by those who love you.
Mouse, Gary -- I'm going to abandon my attempts to define OLD, and just content myself with the fact that I'm not there yet!
Ha, Barbara, I am older than you and DO feel happier by the minute. And speaking of Bulletholes and his one-mindedness - I know a wonderful old gentleman of 86 who says he always thinks of me in the nude...so is that a compliment? Or just his way of making himself happy?
well i'll red dirt be! you're right, it isn't a cake but wrapping paper.
sigh. time to get eyes checked as well.
looking forward to reading the snippets. and have 'future' fun on your trip (don't mind me. without post it notes handy, i never can keep dates, times, app'ts. straight !!
xxx
rdm
Happy Birthday!!!! It sounds like you are celebrating in a good way! My Dad's birthday is tommorrow... He's 84, that doesn't seem as ancient as it once did!
I can remember thinking that I would be forty in the year 2000 and thinking how incredibly old that would be... but now, it seems like just a blip!
what was that old advertisement - you're not getting older, you're getting better? Here's to many more happy birthdays!
Happy Birthday Barbara - same day as my mum, she's a bit older than you tho, but still as young as anything if you ask me!
I'm just dropping by here to say that I'm looking forward to meeting Kristin tomorrow in Kasane - at the Daycare, she and Sharon have managed to chat by phone and organise it! and thanks again for all your kindness and thought that went into the whole idea of sending a donation.. :-)
oh and a future path crossing would be great! i'd love to take my children to DC for a visit before my oldest graduates ...
maybe ..... he's already half way through his sophmore year of high school. so hard to believe the years flying by ... an old adage in which i never believed.
xxx
rdm
I am so happy that you've enjoyed your celebrations! I wish you continued health, a wealth of adventures and the years to enjoy them!
Happy Birthday ~ You're not really on the border yet!
I have a friend who is 84 and she's not old yet,
Angela -- Who is this old 86-year-old with a vivid imagination?! :)
Kellyann -- Happy birthday to your dad, another Capricorn!
Pauline -- I like the idea of getting better, sort of like aging to perfection, right?
Karen -- I can't wait to hear how the meet-up with Kristin goes! I will check in to see pictures on your Blog!
RDM -- Please bring your kids and come stay with us! We could have a ball walking all over DC.
E -- Thanks for all the birthday wishes from one of my best new friends!
Squirrel -- I'm convinced that OLD is mostly a mental label!
Oh, I am so late wishing you a Happy Birthday, especially since you certainly had one, but anyway -- Happy Birthday!! Your party sounds delightful.
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