It's My Birthday!!!!

As a birthday gift, my youngest daughter took me to the Smoky Mountains for a couple of days to relax and rejuvenate at a really nice resort.  This was the view from the living room balcony.  I loved these tree's---they looked so graceful and wise.  It is winter so the grass is brown---but it looks like sand to me.

At any rate, I had a wonderful time!  I got a 50 minute massage---the masseuse had to wake me up and tell me "our time was over."  We shopped and ate at some great restaurants.  I did lots of walking, and enjoyed the time out even though it was cold and rainy.  I got lots of bargains and we spent time laughing and exploring.

The time away gave me an opportunity to really think and take stock.  I have reached an age that my mother didn't reach and one sister didn't.  I think I have accomplished a lot and realized some real successes although I rarely share them with others.  I have made a promise to myself to really try to enjoy life and to really worry less and to just "let it happen."  .  I am going to work really hard at being happy.  Now I know that happiness is a state of mine and is defined differently by everyone.  My happiness is really perhaps more like a peaceful state---I love peace!  That is what I am working toward.

On a less "heavy" note-----This will be the first Christmas in years that all five of our children will be home for Christmas.  This gives me something else to be thankful for.  I am so looking forward to all the laughter and "cutting up".  All the childhood adventures and tales that will be shared around the table.  Just thinking about it makes me smile!  I am busy making REAL napkins for our Christmas dinner.  That really sounds sorta weird, since our plates and eating utensils will be plastic (but it is "nice" plastic).  I am using my embroidery machine and they are turning out nicely.  I have completed ten and have ten more to make.  The grandbabies and I will also be making Christmas  ornaments  for the "kids" tree.  I have assembled everything and next week after the Guild Christmas Party we will begin.  I think I am more excited than they though---:)

I am so very thankful and feel especially "blessed and highly favored" when I look at my life.  I plan to enjoy it even more!   Happy birthday to ME!