Tuesday, May 19, 2009

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.

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hopefully your brother will only do that once to you. I get it Every Single Year from Brett, who goes from being 4 years younger than me to 5 years younger than me every year on my bday (or, so he says, anyway. I debate his whole position on this).

Happy Last Day of Your Thirties to you!

Oh, and the 40's aren't so bad, so far. ;-D

Mrs. Lear said...

Happy end of your thirties!!!! The best is yet to come!

Linda said...

Happy Birthday! The 40's are liberating, don't worry about them. Enjoy!

Serena said...

Felicidades, Clarita! I had nearly forgotten that you were about to enter the narrow window of time when you could lord your hard-earned wisdom and maturity over Jenny, one week younger.

So now I'll do the same to you. The other side of 39 is a great adventure. It's like not being a freshman/woman in high school anymore. Now I know where all the classrooms are. Enjoy! xoxo Serena

Melanie said...

A very happy birthday to you, Clara! Alles Gute zum Geburtstag. Cheers!

Kris said...

Happy Birthday!

rosi-r said...

oh clara sweetheart, not to worry. i was at wildest and most productive in my 40's. start fantasizing now and start acting out tomorrow.
of course i've spent my 5th decade paying for my 4th, but i'm looking forward to a hell raising 6th.
rosi

Kate said...

happy birthday!

Thanh said...

I wish I could sneak up on you in Portland to give you a big Birthday Hug! 40 is not bad at all; I should know. Happy Happy Birthday!

Amarula said...

Happy Birthday! And what beatiful weather you've arranged for it!

Mary said...

Happy Birthday, Clara!

Have you seen the Yarn Harlot's Page a Day calendar for May 20th?

Margaret said...

Happy Birthday, Dear Clara, for the 20th (which is what it is as I write, while you are celebrating). And the 40s are Fine...but the 50s (where I am) are even better. :-)

May you have many more years of writing, knitting and being blessed as much as you bless all of us.