My Friend Silvia

"Friendship is born at the moment when one man says to another, "What! You too? i thought that no one byt myself..."

"C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

I visited my archives for this post because I wanted to post a photo that had been inspired by my friend Silvia. She's been my neighbor, and pal, for... well... as long as I can remember. She hasn't lived on the property as long as I have, but somehow it seems that see has lived in the cottage in front of mine since before I moved in. She is funny, and nice, has a big heart. She is the kind of lady who lives her life as fully as she can, without stepping on anyone to do it. Unfortunately, when the property we live on sold to new owners a few years ago, the new landlord, in their prejudice, took an almost instant disliking to her... and now she is leaving, having grown tired of the abuse.

The same thing happened to another dear friend and neighbor a while back, and I feel like soon the owners will begin their assault on me. I am a bit more savvy about these things, I don't mind consulting a lawyer if need be, but I would rather not if it is possible. The whole situation is maddening. All so very unnecessary. Silvia and I will remain friends, but I will not get to see her smile daily any more. Maybe not even monthly. She is moving out of the Bay Area to Sacramento. A 2 hour car ride away. Sigh.

I am sad.

I wish I could change the circumstances.

I can't.

To make my friendship with Silvia all the more special, we share a birthday... June 29th.

:(

Tonight's photo comes from the archives of 2008. They are black sunflowers that I planted along the fence my friend and I shared. She always loved them for their individuality.

Mood:Quiet

~Me :)

What Is Life?

"I love your feet because they have wandered over the earth and through the wind and water until they brought you to me."

~Pablo Neruda



Today is a happy day in the universe. Not only is today my birthday, but all of San Francisco is celebrating the freedom of being able to marry the person of one's dreams. No matter who they are! As you may have noticed, the Supreme Court Of The United States ruled earlier this week that the Defence Of Marriage Act was unconstitutional, and not just that, but Prop 8 was thrown out! California as of yesterday, and finally, one more of the states in the union that allows Gay Marriage. Hallelujah! It's about time!

San Francisco has it's rainbow colors on in honor of Gay Pride week, but now those colors have an extra special meaning... the celebration of love and marriage! The whole city is happily celebrating the official go ahead to resume conducting gay marriage. Wait, it's not really gay or straight thing, it's just marriage. Equal. Fair. Crazy in love marriage. The City Hall will be conducting marriage ceremonies all weekend, and Coit Tower will shine in beautiful rainbow colors for all to see upon arriving in the city!

 

There is something about watching other people express joy and happiness that can't help but wear off on those around them. Everywhere I went last evening, there were couples, families and tourists all smiling. It was a good feeling. Happiness... true happiness... is so easily shared. A smile. That's all. Just a smile from one human to another is all that's needed.

Try it! :)

Be happy for someone today. Anyone. Love them no matter what, and embrace them for who they are! Life is so short, much too short to be filled up with intolerance. Be happy for someone... anyone... smile at them and then warm yourself in the glow of their smile back at you!

Mood: Happy

~Me :) PS: I will share about my birthday tomorrow. As of this posting it was still the middle of the night, so I am sure I will have plenty to share in my next post on Sunday. :)

Stay Tuned!

It's My Birthday Today :)

"Because time itself is like a spiral, something special happens on your birthday each year. The same energy that God invested in you at birth is present once again."

-Menachem Mendel Schneerson

Yep, it's my birthday. My 46th birthday to be exact. I love birthdays, even ones with scary numbers like 46! Tee Hee. I feel good this year, I am especially good inside which is a nice feeling in itself, but outside I am doing well too, although there are a few too many gray hairs on the top of my head for my liking! I might have to remedy that soon. Maybe I will go blond, maybe I will keep it red, you never know with me. I prefer not to plan such things, it's good to move about on a whim once in a while.

I am having a quiet day today. We actually celebrated my birthday last night. Alan took me out to dinner and a movie. We went to see the movie, Get Smart, then enjoyed a nice dinner at Red Robin. I signed up for their EClub, so every year during the week of my birthday, I get a certificate for a free birthday burger. They have lots of yummy burgers, but I always liked their no frills cheeseburger the best. What can I say, I am simple girl to please. It is delicious, and with the rare indulgence of the bottomless fries... well... yum! But before the burger, came a cup of the French Onion soup. As you might have guessed, I think they make the best ever! It's buttery and delicious. You should try it sometime.

Get Smart was wonderful. While neither Alan nor I are big fans of Steve Carell, we both really liked him in the role of Maxwell Smart. In fact, I couldn't think of anyone who would have done better. The movie was more then predictable, but that wasn't really their fault, the problem was I grew up watching the old series Get Smart, so I kinda new what to expect. Shrug. That was a good thing because they didn't let me down. It was good. One of my big hesitations about seeing movies that are based on TV, or movies from way back when, is that the powers that be tend to change them too much to fit into today's trends. Sometimes I just want to see a remake of the original brilliance, not a cheap updated copy. You know?

I was ready to sleep when I got home last night, and sleep I did, until Elvis woke me around 7 this morning with the usual kisses and patty pats. That is my favorite way to wake up, so my birthday couldn't have gotten off to a better start. On the nightstand was a birthday card my mother-in-law sent me, and inside was a check for $100.00! She loves me! :) We have a pretty solid relationship, and in that she had three boys, she enjoys treating me like the daughter she never had. It's a nice feeling, since my parents are both gone now.

When I came into my office, I saw a nice gold bag sitting on my desk. It says, GODIVA on the side, and it is taped shut. The little card next to it says, "Don't open until I get home later!" Alan gets home around 2:00 PM so I will have to be good until then. I wonder what it could be? I will just have to be strong until then, who knows, maybe I will take myself out for my free birthday scoop from Baskin Robbins while I ponder it. LOL. I love getting those free offers in my email. Don't worry, I will share with you tomorrow what came in the GODIVA bag. I promise.

So tell me, do you sign up for free burgers or other free offers on your birthday? If so, which ones are your favorites? Do you have a favorite place to go and celebrate? Do you like birthday cake or birthday pie? When is your birthday? Are you ok with turning the age you will be on your next birthday? Do you have a favorite birthday?