a big one

In a way, I'm glad it's over. This birthday on the 16th really affected me. I know the alternative is worse, but still. How did I get this old this fast? And, why I do still feel like 40, and think of myself that way.

Alexander came up, and being with my son is always my most favorite gift (although I did get a couple of presents that came close). 

We didn't do much, but what we did do was fine. 

On my birthday we got up and moving late. Left the apartment around noon. Alexander wasn't up to being photographed because "when you take a picture, who knows where it might show up." But this one I don't think he can object to very much. 

We then took a 6.5 mile walk around Central Park, through The Ramble and over the Bow Bridge.

We even stopped at a museum I'd suggested. But when we got there, it was closed. I thought museums were only closed on Mondays, so I hadn't bothered to check.

For dinner, we decided on not going out, as it would have had to have been indoors, and I'm not quite ready for that. So Alexander got us roasted duck-breast dinners (one of my favorites) at Chez Nick's, a great little restaurant nearby.

I got calls and emails and FB posts from more people than I thought I knew. And not one single person close to me neglected to recognize my birthday in some way.

My mom sent me a stunning orchid plant that I adore. I hope I can keep it alive for a very long time. She knows how much I've wanted one.

A very close friend (who prefers privacy so I'll simply call her CF for close friend) gave me an incredibly thoughtful and generous gift. Wrapped in a box and enclosed in money were photos of beautiful women in different gray hairstyles and colors that would look good on me. CF knows how much I've been grappling with the decision of either waiting many more months or letting a stylist accelerate the process of going all gray. How incredibly meaningful this gift is!

Early on my birthday I was surprised with the best cake I've ever had from my dear friend Shari from Buttercup Bake Shop. The cake below doesn't quite capture the way the cake looked when it arrived.

And then another friend Shari sent me an Edible Arrangement that I won't feel too guilty eating.

Some friends surprised me with an Hermes bracelet that I've coveted for a while but would never purchase for myself. Now I have to practice putting it on.

My family got me the most perfect and gorgeous necklace from a designer my sister Jean introduced me to called Lizbeth. It is, in every way, perfect. One that of course wears well with everything. I love its boldness, its simplicity, and the care and thought that went into its selection.

And despite Alexander hinting of buying me a game console of some kind (knowing he would use it and I wouldn't), or anything I wanted "at Zales for under $75," he actually bought me something else. On his own, he decided on something from Tiffany's, and got me a gorgeous Elsa Peretti heart-shaped paperweight. It is being engraved so I haven't gotten it yet, but I will cherish it when it arrives. 

My friend M also coordinated a video but that I haven't seen yet. I am prolonging the joyful part of this birthday as long as possible.

More than the beautiful gifts, calls, cards, emails and FB posts, the day reminded me of how rich my life is. Each person I heard from reminds me of both current times and those past. Of jobs I've had. Men I've loved. Colleges I've attended. Bookclubs and Canasta games I've regularly participated in. Other mothers I've met through Alexander. People I've met through other friends. And a family I am so lucky to have.

So while the number on my cake may be something I don't like, the years behind the number make me grateful beyond words.