I'm in my thirties

It is a bright sunny day here, with more puffy clouds and a strong, warm sunshine that makes my skin feel warm and happy. I'm down in Portland for the next few days.

Today my mantra is, "I'm in my thirties." Sometimes it alternates with, "I'm thirty nine." I repeat it again and again and again, trying to savor every single syllable one last time, because when the clock strikes midnight it will no longer true. I know it's ridiculous to go on like this, but there you have it. Earlier today my brother called and asked to speak with the "decrepit old hag," then excused himself, "Oh wait, that's tomorrow."

So I'm comforting myself at my favorite coffee place, with a good cappuccino and a piece of toast by my side, knitting away on a Top-Secret project while fussing with the pattern on the world's smallest laptop (more on that later). They're playing a steady stream of the most magnificent and moving early Aretha Franklin ever recorded. The sweet, soulful, emotional stuff that makes you want to weep and rejoice simultaneously.

My mother flew east from Arizona a few days ago and is due to arrive here in less than an hour. It'll be nice to ring in this big birthday with the person who did most of the heavy lifting some 40...er...THIRTY NINE years ago. She turns 70 this summer and is grappling a little, so we'll be good company.

Thanks for listening. May your day be beautiful, wherever you are.