Best present: contentment




Today is my birthday, and I'm giving myself a gift of time. I'm also hoping to be giving myself a gift of healing, too. I have an appointment with physical therapy to see if there's anything I can do to heal/strengthen my knee/ankle/foot issues. Mobility is important to me, and I need to do something about my lack thereof. Not surgery-- not yet, anyhow. But something. 

The afternoon is more fun: Meg and I are going for mani-pedis. Then pool time. And Holly and I are going to make pizzas for dinner. We had a bit of a family party last night-- first Holly came over to go in the pool, then we put an assortment of my favorite things on the grill for dinner and finished it off with lovely strawberry shortcake (with Meg's home-made whipped cream!)-- perfect meal. 

Actually, yesterday started pretty well. G and I went to Polly's for an impromptu breakfast, and I got to reconnect with a former student who is a gifted young writer. That was lovely! Then, the rain ended and we went to the Coop to purchase the foods we wanted for dinner, and that was fun, too. We got salmon and chicken, fresh corn on the cob, and the glorious strawberries from Four Corners Farm. 

I enjoy days like that so much. 

When I got up this morning, G had a gift waiting for me-- Bohjalian's newest novel, The Jackal's Mistress. I am excited to dig into it! And tucked inside was a gift card to Starbucks. What a great present!

My Facebook is lighting up with well-wishes from lots of nice people, too. Other people might want or need to travel to exotic locations or go to fancy restaurants to celebrate their birthdays, but I am pretty content with mine just the way it's unfolding. The world is a tumultuous place right now, and I am happy enough to remain right here with the folks who like me, who know what makes me feel content. They are the real gift. 

Have a good day, stay hydrated, and hug your loved ones.

C

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