blessed

We booked a cabin for a night and gathered to celebrate this milestone birthday of mine. I feel blessed to reach the age of 40 and wanted to ring in this new decade with my sisters and a small circle of close women friends.

Wine in the snowbank outside the cabin door, plenty of wood for the wood stove, a walk down a snowy road, a table set so prettily (in my favourite purple, with roses as a nod to my middle name), toasts to make me laugh and cry (then laugh till I cried), many hands knitting, nocturnal giggling, a delectable breakfast, a new slouch hat (among other sweet, thoughtful gifts), and finally, a morning-after selfie complete with adhesive jewels and a rosebud.

A recipe for a celebration. I was touched and honored, overjoyed and heart-warmed. I'll never forget it. I left the cabin feeling determined to gather more often with the women in my life, all amazingly smart, funny, deep, loving, strong, warm, creative, and dynamic. They energize and inspire me, soothe my soul and lift my spirits. 

In the midst of late winter and the busyness of being mamas and breadwinners and all those other things, we gathered to celebrate it all: friendship, wisdom, connection, and life.

I say it again: I am blessed.