MY MOST FAVORITE BIRTHDAY, EVER!

(image from Sodahead.com)

Yes, it was my 49th birthday the other day. My parents cannot believe that they are actually old enough to have a 49 year old daughter, and I cannot believe that I am actually old enough to have a 21 year old! This aging crap really creeps up on us in a rather stealthy way, doesn't it now?

I'm at an age where I really don't care about THINGS anymore; I'd much rather share experiences, like travel and spending time together, with those that I love. Because I really cherish the memories of good times much more than stuff.

After all, we are all born with nothing, and die with nothing. Except maybe a few tattoos.

Abbie has promised me a mother/daughter pedicure at an Albany mall, the evening before we fly west. This pedicure is very much needed, as I am not, ahem,  the best about the condition of my feet during the summer. I just love being barefoot in the dirt and grass and even the gravel--what can I say? I'm a country girl at heart.

Abbie also wrote me an amazing, funny and touching poem that made me laugh AND cry, all at the same time.

I've had it framed already, and it sits proudly right beside my "Bestest Mama in the World Forever" award:

Here's what it says (you have to know my daughter to know that this is VERY Abbie)..........

"My mama loves pigs and chickens

Pigs, when they snort their fat pink heads

through the tall grass and mud

Chickens, for their blue, brown and pink eggs

and coppery feathers that soften and cover

their clucking bodies

My mama loves too loud country music

blowing all through the house on a crisp fall

afternoon

with windows open

and something good to smell

and better to taste

in the oven

But even more

than my mama loves all these things,

I love my mama"

Abigail Nelson Willard

August 3, 2012

(yes, it's true: I truly desire to get myself some pigs and chickens and even goats some day soon. But you must also know that I  play classical music and the blues, way too loud, ta boot!.....)

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I did get one "thing" for my birthday, because my husband just "gets" me....you may think this gift is a little bit strange, and even a little bit scary...........

Her name is Gullah.........

And I just love her, more than words can say! Gullah (I named her after the Gullah population that still remains on the islands off of South Carolina) is a Still Bank--there's a secret slot to put coins for liquor (I suppose), located on her bank. She was located for my husband by a good friend of ours who is a very well known antiques dealer and local historian. Gullah is metal, and her paint is ORIGINAL...she was made around 1870.

Gullah will sit happily on my kitchen counter, where she will keep a stern eye on my cooking for all the rest of my days!

Thank you for a fabulous, thoughtful birthday, Wink and Little Miss Thing!

Mama loves you MORE!

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See you all soon!

Leslie

XXX000