Obrigada

The day after my birthday found me 

on a series of planes

and in a series of airports,

flying overnight to a far-away land.

After a most refreshing shower

in this rather old and quite deep tub,

and amongst a series of episodes in which I slept like the dead

in the sunshine streaming through this window,

I settled on this cozy little bed, because I had work to do.

I was in Brazil, you see,

being shuttled around on this bus,

for a conference 

and connecting

with Early Childhood Music experts

from over the world.

And the work I had to do was because some how, some way, 

I myself have become a part of this crew,

and had some things to say.

I told those gathered all of the interesting things I've been finding and thinking, and gathered up their questions and thoughts too.

And then, just when I'd gotten used to speaking in Portuguese and putting my toilet paper in the bin next to the toilet, 

I found myself in a pre-dawn taxi

for a day spent

 in a series of planes,

and in a series of airports,

on my way to home.

And for this journey of a life I get to live, I say:

Obrigada, indeed.

Happy day, indeed

By now it's old news: I just really love my birthday. 

But most of all, I love being with dear ones in order to celebrate.  

This year, I was not disappointed.

First, Amy and I

scoped out the People's Choice fair,

including the plethora of food available to us.

I chose the Gyro:

 It's safe to say I enjoyed it.

Sitting under the cool of the tent,

we watched our friend Katie dance, 

and shared with each other all that we needed to share.

Then, 

 we ran into these friends, whose birthday treat was for me to treat this rather snooty llama to a smorgasbord of corn and seed.

 At first he gave me the cold shoulder,

 but I was persistent, gentle and kind,

 until he wished me Happy Birthday,

 and I had him eating out of my hand.

My next treat was a pedicure with these lovely ladies

 who teased me and made me laugh.

 We snap-chatted Sara in her far-away land,

 and rejoiced in the beauty of our toes.

And then?

It was time to get to the cottage,

 because wouldn't you know it?

There was a cottage birthday bash to be had.

A pizza party was what I wanted,

and a pizza party is what I got,

as a bevy of friends dwelt in my yard with easy fun.

After a jam session with these babies
(which pretty much made my year)

these very sneaky friends of mine

formed a birthday parade,

and treated me to

a lemony birthday surprise.

I made my wish, and my birthday was officially official.

Then, for the rest of the evening

there was deep conversation in the kitchen,

circle time in the driveway,

some sort of introvert gathering in the front yard

and lots of laughter in the back.

I wandered around with my personal dessert

and just rejoiced all over my heart.

When the evening was over 

and the friends floated away,

I thought to myself:

Happy day, indeed.

A July Visit

There’s something about July that screams “you should visit your daughter!” to my parents, and so sure enough, on July the 4^th, guess who showed up at my little cottage?

I treated my father to some milk straight from my farmer’s cow, 

and then dragged him and his lady over to Penn State festivities, 

along with these darling friends.  

We took in the atmosphere,

had ourselves a bit of glee over the 

plentifully available and tasty treats,

[well, I did anyway...]

and then settled in

 for fireworks extraordinaire. 

And, despite the un-July-ish chill in the air

[and the very rude Pennsylvanians we encountered on our way out of the parking lot], we had ourselves a lovely time.

The following day found us dwelling pond-side a bit,

relaxing in the sunshine and digging through the stuff of life in conversation good and deep.  

Then, we headed off to Amish country,

for horses

[hello lovely], 

produce,

and antiques,

before returning home for a pulled pork 

pre-birthday celebration for yours truly. 

[Wait, is it my birthday soon?  Oh my, well yes, it is!]

We returned to the cottage for treats 

and games,

for which my winning streak was a little under-appreciated. 

[Wait, did I get zero points again? Hmmmm, it appears I did!]

We closed our time out with church the next morning, followed by a delicious pond-side lunch [if I do say so myself…], and called it another July visit worth making, over quickly but full of good.

Can't wait to see what next July brings!