The Blessings of Another Birthday-Yay!

June is my birthday month

There’s something wonderful about having a birthday. Well, several things. There’s the benefit of still being on this planet. I’m happy about that. But there’s also that feeling of, “It’s my birthday! I’ll do what I want!”

And I did that.

I took extra days off and played like I was lazy. I went for walks, wrote in my journal, gave myself plenty of time to stare out the window in my office in the morning.

I saw three movies. Yes, three, in movie theaters! Movies are one of my favorite things.

Russ, Erin, Brent, and I saw The Rider. Oh my gosh. The next day I was telling Dad all about it over the phone. “Do you suppose it will come here?” he asked. “Well, it should being so close to South Dakota and all that.” So I looked it up. It’s playing in Fargo at the Fargo Theater on Broadway. And then my 92-year-0ld dad said, “That’s pretty far to drive but I’d really like to see it.”

“Dad, you are not driving to Fargo to see that movie! If it’s still playing when I get there this summer, I’ll take you.”

“Well, that’s going to be a few weeks. Maybe I can find someone to drive me.” Gotta love his gumption.

It takes place on the Pine Ridge Reservation. I’ve been there before. But you don’t need to relate to the sense of place to appreciate this movie. It’s a story about what happens when the thing you saw yourself doing is suddenly taken from you. Those dreams are shattered.

Being a bit lazy on my birthday

I was talking to Dad again on the phone Sunday night. We talked about dreams. I told him how being in my 60’s has me thinking about my dreams, the ones that haven’t been realized. And maybe they won’t be. I told Dad that I had a talk with myself a couple of years back about those dreams. I asked myself, If you don’t realize them, is that okay? And it is. I’ve had a good life with highs and lows, challenges and the overcoming of challenges. I look forward to the next chapters.

When I got home from the movie, I got on my iPad and started reading everything I could about this movie. I’m going to share a few of the links here in case you find it as fascinating as I do.

When Every Rodeo May be Your Last

The Rider, One of the Best Films of 2018

Chloe Zhao’s, The Rider, Is a Beautiful, Longing Look at the Transforming American West 

How ‘The Rider’ Became the Breakout Movie of 2018

Okay, I’ve said enough!

Relaxing between matinee movies

A Girl Flick Weekend

I didn’t think I could see another film for three months after seeing The Rider but two days later when it was hovering near 100 degrees in Sonoma, it seemed like an excellent day for a movie, in fact, maybe two movies!

Russ and I sat in air conditioning and watched Book Club. My friend Marj said, “Finally!” And maybe you’re saying that too.

You know what? I delayed going to this movie because I was worried they’d be cheesy about the subject of older women. You know, over the top. But I related to a lot of things and laughed along with the characters. It was fun seeing grownups in a film about grownups.

I took notes in the theater.

When the friends were dressing Diane Keaton for her date with the pilot played by Andy Garcia, she came out in an oversized jacket. One of them piped in with, “I can take that to Goodwill for you!”

These lines, from one friend to another, cracked me up:

We’re not spring flowers.

No, we’re more like potpourri.

I thought the ladies were a great study in style.

Candace Bergen’s style was very traditional.

Jane Fonda was sexy, alluring.

Mary Steenburgen was kind of an elegant natural.

Diane Keaton was Diane Keaton of course but I realized with all her polka dots, gingham checks, trousers, linen suit, and Oxfords that I might call her a tailored creative.

Wasn’t it fun following their outfits?

And I liked this line which was near the end: Don’t be afraid to be happy. 

I took it personally, as a birthday message.

What I Want

In my own journal at my writing table the day after my birthday, I wrote at the top of a page, “What Do I Want for Myself.”

Dreaming my dreams, living my dreams

Here’s what I answered.

Move in the direction of my wishes and dreams.

Be more available to myself and less involved in other people’s business.

Accept it all.

Go at my own pace. I’m not behind.

When I don’t know what to do, choose something I love.

Oh, I forgot to mention Ocean’s 8! Fashion candy, but not a lot of substance, in my humble opinion.

And I must speak about birthday cards! Paper and art on the front of a card … well, that’s nearly as fun as fashion. Here’s one of my favorites.

A bird perches on heels

I decided birds of a feather must flock together so I placed it next to the other bird that you know so much about.

Birds of a feather flock together

When I count my blessings, and I did, you are one of them. This kind community that’s flocked together brings me so much joy. Your shared experiences of love and compassion and dressing and changing and rejoicing is a constant inspiration to me. Thank you for making my year!

Your turn. Want to share movies? Mottos? Style notes? Begin!

XO