Wednesday, December 11, 2013

TODAY IS MY BIRTHDAY


I wish I had something really poetic to say, but everything I think of seems like a cliche.  Another year has passed.  I've grown, I've stumbled, I've yelled, I've laughed, and I've cried.  I've hugged people so hard in an attempt to memorize the way they feel in my arms, and I've fought against expectations to carve out my own space.  And you know what?  That to me means a year well lived.

Each birthday I always tell myself I'm going to make this the best year yet.  I'm going to take chances and live life to the fullest and not let time pass me by.  I have done that this past year in my own way.  Three birthdays ago, I wrote a letter to myself reflecting on all the reading I had done to find what the whole meaning of this life is.  That note, along with the following passage from one of my favorite books, still rings true to me today.

"And, looking back, we see Romance--that subtle things that is mirage--that is life.  It is the goodness of the years we have lived through, of the old time when we did this or that, when we dwelt here or there.  Looking back it seems a wonderful enough thing that I who am this, and she who is that, commencing so far away a life that, after such sufferings borne together and apart, ended so tranquilly there in a world so stable--that she and I should have passed through so much, good chance and evil chance, sad hours and joyful, all lived down and swept away into the little heap of dust that is life.  This, too, is Romance!"  --Romance by Joseph Conrad  
And that's where the name of my blog came from.  So today I'm putting on my party hat and ringing in another year of this wonderful existence.

**To see my birthday party from last year where I went DIY crazy, see here.  Please excuse the quality of the pictures.  This was in the infancy of my blog, and I wish I could go back in time and get better quality pictures from this time.


19 comments:

  1. Happy Frickin' Birthday! Mine's on New Years Eve.. I'll be turning the big .. ( or small ) 18. I have no idea what to do for mine - any ideas?

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    1. What an awesome day to have a birthday! Everyone is up for celebrating! That's a big year--you should have a party with lots of glitz and glamour to ring in a new year and a new era for you:) Send pictures of what you do:)

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  2. Happy birthday Kari! I think what you wrote is beautiful and it sounds like this year of your life was too. I'm so happy to have "met" you. I hope you have a fantastic day!

    p.s. That picture of you is one of my favorites!

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    1. Thanks, Devon:) I'm so happy to have "met" you, too:)

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  3. Happy Birthday Kari, I hope you're having a really good day. How lovely to hear where the name of your blog comes from - wonderful. I really love the photo of you, you look happy. I hope this is a happy and successful year for you.

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    1. Thanks, CJ:) Sometimes I wonder about the name of my blog, because it isn't really catchy and doesn't make a lot of sense when people first hear it. I've thought about changing it, but the phrase from this book just has so much meaning to me that I always decide not to. I really appreciate your sweet comment:)

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  4. Happy, happy birthday Kari! Hope you're enjoying your day!!

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  5. Happy Birthday Kari! Can't wait to see all the fun things you do in your 31st year. I have a feeling it's going to be magical. :)

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    1. Thanks, Kate:) I love how you put that--magical:) You know me so well and are the bestest friend:)

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  6. I'm so glad we got to celebrate and share some tears! You're so perfect for me!

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  7. Oh, Kari, I've been away from the internet for days! Happy Birthday blog friend :)
    x

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I truly appreciate each comment! I love hearing from you guys and treasure every one. I respond to comments via e-mail if you have yours enabled. This is going to be a great day!