It’s that time of year. The time when car commercials begin subtly hinting that this year a Jaguar or new SUV would be the perfect gift.
And while I wouldn’t say no to a Jaguar (even if it DID have 981 miles on it), that really isn’t my idea of a good gift. Rather, this past weekend was my idea of good gifts.
Yup, I turned 39 + shipping on Saturday. (I’m 47, I just get a kick out of that phrase!) And the people who love me best knew EXACTLY what kind of gifts I’d like.
There was the delightfully thoughtful gift from my husband–a new office chair for all my writing (plus dinner out!). We’ll actually shop for the chair this week since he’s also thoughtful enough to know I’ll have a strong opinion about it.
There was the collection of items from Mom & Jean. They commissioned a bookmark painted with watercolor thistles (my dog’s name) and queen Anne’s lace (my bridal bouquet). There was also a Luckenbooth shipped all the way from Scotland with a “stone” made from the compressed stems of Scottish heather. Sigh. If you don’t get that one, read The Christmas Heirloom. Now I have my own brooch passed from mother to daughter.
Then there was all the singing. The ladies at church sang to me (and Meg, who shares my birthday) as we decorated for Advent. Dad sang his own made up version of a birthday song for me. Mom sang. And best of all, my almost eight-year-old niece belted out Happy Birthday twice. And she remembered that 12/1 is my birthday. Remembering birthdays is her super power.
Finally, we extended my birthday into Sunday to celebrate with my adopted family (also Thistle’s godparents–dogparents?). Since mom’s far away and not up to baking anymore, I called her for the recipe for MY chocolate cake and made it myself. My friends asked me what I wanted for supper (adobo chicken and these AMAZING crispy potatoes) then we topped it off with Mom’s cake.
So am I just bragging about what a great birthday I had?
Oh, maybe a little bit. But mostly I’m pointing out that the very best gifts aren’t something you park in the driveway. Rather they’re anything laced with LOVE.
Now these three remain, faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Happy birthday to me!
Sounds like you had a great day!! Happy Birthday!
I did and thank you!
smiling… no, grinning, from ear to ear! Among my many thoughtful gifts from you are the Smith & Hawkin garden tools and my colorful quilt that keeps me warm and brightens my spirits every night. remember to keep you birthday celebrating going all month… well at least till Christmas. 😉
Now that sounds like a plan! The cake was ALMOST as good as yours. Guess I’ll just have to keep practicing 😉
Bless you on those “39 + shipping”
years!! 🎶 HAPPY 🎂 BIRTHDAY 🎵
and many more!! 🥳
Thank you!
what is adobo chicken? and tell me about the crispy potatoes.
Adobo chicken is delicious! Kind of Asian-ish. The potatoes are seasoned and oven roasted.
a sweet birthday tale
And now love at Christmas
I enjoyed the novellas and will pass it on..
Love is lovely ANY time of year!
Indeed—happy birthday 🎂
Thank you!