Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Thirty-Three -- SWEET!


"Just as lotions and fragrance give . . . delight,
a sweet friendship refreshes the soul."
Proverbs 27:9 (The Message)

Apparently part of my funk lately is that I've been dreading my birthday.  My younger friends would say it's because I'm old.  Ahem.  And forgive me, more mature friends and family, for dreading 33.  I know it's not really old, but for some reason in my mind it seemed much older than 32.  It's silly, but it's the way my mind works.

In addition to dreading old, sometimes holidays are a bit of a let-down.  All that excitement leading up to them, and then you blink, and it's over.  Bleh.  So, in the days leading up to my birthday last week, I was restless and itchy and, bless my husband's heart, a bit grumpy.  (I'm so glad he doesn't officially follow my blog and comment.)  I seriously don't know what my problem was.  I should be happy for each day of life, right? 

When the big day arrived, it was actually pretty good.  A normal day made special by buster bars and the wished-for present (Photoshop) from my guy.  Handmade cards from my boys completed the gift. 

Then 33 got even better.  That day and the next day, I received some treasures from some mighty good girlfriends (and a few loveable guys) . . . friends from childhood and friends from more recent years that reminded me just how blessed I am.

Some Facebooked me.
One emailed me.
One texted me.
One found THE PERFECT CARD.
One sent me a package of meaningful goodies.
And a new friend allowed be to share a burden.

These friends are as varied as can be . . . . different personalities, lifestyles, ages, stages and appearance.  They reminded me that these thirty-three years, that have been as varied as my friends are, have been awfully sweet

And they allow me to say, "Bring on the next 33.  I'm feeling refreshed."



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25 comments:

Denise said...

May God bless you with many more precious birthdays sweetie.

Amanda said...

ahhh you're a spring chicken, as we say in Australia lol.

Glad you had a lovely birthday! I love the scripture by the way.

lori said...

Ahhhhhh.....it's actually good to hear that "funks" are not just mine! :) 33 is a beautiful age and there's lots more to look forward to! Having crossed the 40 threshold myself, I can say it's not too bad!

To notice the blessings amidst the funk...that is where we find peace!

awesomely honest!

peace girl!and yes...JOY in it ALL is easier said than done.
I made that for me if we're being honest...in the middle of my own funk and I needed the reminder today! (this week...:)!)
lori

Susan said...

Happy Birthday!!

Yes, we've all been there. I was doing good with my big numbers, but now...well, I'm having a hard time with the years.

I'm in my fifties and thinking how important time truly is and what I do want to do, with what it left.

Anyhow, glad you had a GREAT day after all.

Photoshop! WOW...you're going to have lots of fun. (I wish I knew how to use it!)

Cranberry Morning said...

God uses us to bring glory to Him, whether we're 33 or 93. (and no, I'm not 93.........yet). :-)

Glad you had a nice birthday. They will get even better.

Ozjane said...

So glad you got there...and rejoice exceedingly "my child" that you are not facing my next one.....it is more than double your current one...and it has an O.....cannot possibly be me.....
I am vacillating about having a party..a bit like I do not want a memorial service or formal funeral..but it is the friends from our years that make it so special.
Gets a bit harder to get them together as you get older .....but we shall see.

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday!! I'm so glad you had a great day!

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! I celebrate my 33rd in a couple of weeks too. I'm so glad the day turned out well for you. Wishing you a blessed year!

Wanda said...

Oh I understand the bittersweet feelings that can come with the dawning of another year. I'm a year ahead of you but you're right if we really reflect on our lives, it's been filled with His goodness.

Amydeanne said...

wait til 35 comes LOL.. sorry that's mine in a few weeks lol.
I'm dreading it, so thanks for the reminder.
hope you have a very blessed birthday!

A Faithful Journey said...

Happy Birthday!
And Happy WFW as well! :)

Natalie said...

Happy Belated, sweet one! So sorry I missed it - last week was crazy so I didn't visit any blogs.

I'm glad you are feeling refreshed. I'm about to turn 37 and need some refreshment myself...

And girlfriends? Oh, I can't live without them.

Love the picture! Let me know how you do with Photoshop - I'm a little bit scared of it! :)

Natalie at Mommy on Fire
http://www.mommyonfire.com

Unknown said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! And how fun to have Photoshop! And enjoy 33! It was a great year!!! (Several years, errrr decades, ago :) ) Then again, when we're walking hand in hand with God - they're all good, even the hard ones. :) :) :)

livinginbetween said...

I'm going to need all the help with Photoshop I can get, friends. Haven't a clue! But thanks for the birthday wishes. ;)

Carrie said...

Awww, Happy Belated Birthday!!! So we won't be the same age for a few months ... I'll catch up soon! ;)

Unknown said...

I totally understand about Photoshop! I have finally got a handle on Picnik.com which I love and which is WAY easier, but, of course, less powerful than Photoshop.

One site that has lots of tips for photographers of all skill levels - from expert on down to those like me who are just having fun with an easy to use digital camera set on automatic pilot - is my3boybarians.com . She has a weekly photo blog party on Tuesdays - Sweet Shot Tuesday - and has a wide variety of tips, as do some of the participants about all things photographic, including Photoshop. Right now, she's got a link to a free online 5 day course on how to take wedding pix - even if you're not interested in that specific project, the tips for it might be quite useful.

Have fun learning :)

Unknown said...

I totally understand about Photoshop! I have finally got a handle on Picnik.com which I love and which is WAY easier, but, of course, less powerful than Photoshop.

One site that has lots of tips for photographers of all skill levels - from expert on down to those like me who are just having fun with an easy to use digital camera set on automatic pilot - is my3boybarians.com . She has a weekly photo blog party on Tuesdays - Sweet Shot Tuesday - and has a wide variety of tips, as do some of the participants about all things photographic, including Photoshop. Right now, she's got a link to a free online 5 day course on how to take wedding pix - even if you're not interested in that specific project, the tips for it might be quite useful.

Have fun learning :)

Michelle said...

Everytime I have seen your face on my blog reader I say"Oh she's so pretty. It must be nice to be 24 again!" Seriously.

And I'll forgive you sister as I am only a little over a year from turning the big 4-0!

Have a Happy Birthday and a wonderful WFW!

Krystle said...

You're beautiful! Inside and out. Thank you for sharing with us and I'm so glad your spirits were lifted!!

Scott S. said...

33, Here I was thinking all along you were still in your 20's. Happy birthday and you can either suck it up like the real true woman you are, or you can lie a little and tell everyone your 23 and no one will ever know.

Mary said...

Funny! I remember my grandmother that was just beginning to think that she might be getting just a little "old" when she turned 90 yrs. It kinda put things in perspective for me. :) Hope your day was filled with blessings and laughter!

amy in peru said...

Birthdays used to be my favorite day of the year! Somehow, the excitement has faded slightly over the years :) but I'm almost there... just a few months behind you, girl! and I too think 33 sounds MUCH older than 32. HOWEVER. I do not think that getting old is all that bad so far! ;)

I'm collecting the twinkling strands to my sparkly crown already and am beginning to hear the music of creaky bones... just one step closer to walking hand in hand with my Jesus, that is how I'm gonna choose to think of it anyway ;)

HAPPY birthday!

amy in peru

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! Life just gets sweeter and sweeter!

Karen said...

Sounds as if your friends made your birthday very special....

Unknown said...

Happy belated birthday. I'm getting ready to hit 39 this fall. I really have to make this next year count since it will be the last of my 30's (shudder).

Oh, the best thing about Photoshop is that before you post/print a photo of yourself you can edit out all the wrinkles, etc. LOL!!!

Glad you had a great day.

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