Monday, January 7, 2008

Birthday Wishes


I am 45 years young today. It's the beginning of a new year. I take the week between new years eve and my birthday to re-assess, re-evaluate, and dream about the year ahead. I read some posts this week about finding a word to define the year ahead on Ali's blog. A sort of self-fulfilling prophecy, if you think it then it will be. There were lots of words that others used that I considered. Vitality, Joyful, Embrace, Journey, Delight, Flourish. I wrote them down and have been thinking on them all week.

I read a book called It's Not About the Hair by by Debra Jarvis. She is a cancer survivor and a chaplain at a cancer center. The book was spiritual and uplifting and very insightful. After the health struggles I faced last year and that my mom is still facing I thought it might help me gain some perspective. It did and I'm so glad I read it, but the word still eluded me.

This morning we woke up to over a foot of freshly fallen snow that is so beautiful and allows us to have a snow day with no school. That was just what I was hoping for. I opened my lovely gifts from my family with our morning tea and coffee. My husband gave me a beautiful green freshwater pearl bracelet and earrings made by a local artist. The word was right there in my gift. Attached to the clasp on the bracelet is a charm with a word on it. It's the word for this year.

mir·a·cle (mr-kl)
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin miraculum, from Latin, a wonder, marvel, from mirari to wonder at
1: an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs
2: an extremely outstanding or unusual event, thing, or accomplishment
3. One that excites admiring awe. See Synonyms at wonder.
4. A miracle play.

I think miracles come to us in all sizes and forms, and sometimes we miss them. You have to be in tune with the moment to recognize them. I'll be looking for the everyday miracles in my life this year. It's a hopeful, joyful word that makes me smile. I hope you have miracles ahead in your life this year, too.

This is the card my family gave me this morning. Kyle took the picture of Mabel that inspired Curtis to carve this image and stamp it for me. They also gave me the rubber block so I can use it to make cards. I love my guys.

12 comments:

thimbles bobbins paper and ink said...

What a lovely gift you give to your readers on this, your birthday. You've offered a great deal of hope and inspiration. What great guys you have. The photo/stamp of Mabel is terrific and I'd love to see your bracelet. It sounds beautiful!

Happy Birthday, dear friend!

~ Jennifer

Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Tami!

shuggy said...

happy birthday, tami!!

K Hutchinson said...

WOW what a wonderful Birthday you are having! Your bracelet sounds gorgeous! I love pearls! Miracle is a awesome word for the year! Heal is my word this year! OMG I love the print that hubby did! How sweet of him and Kyle!

Happy Birthday my dear friend!

Heather Grow said...

Happy birthday, Tami. I love your word for the year. My word is forward. I've had a yearly word for 4 years now. I love that it sets the tone for the whole year. Your word is wonderful because it is synonymous with gratitude. Good choice.

Andi (RrlScrapGal) said...

I'm so glad I got to read your post today! Everything about it is just beautiful!
From the fresh foot of snow, to how to got to celebrate your birthday, to the wonderful book and to the lovely gift from your boys... and your word!
Happy Birthday,
From another 45 year old! (but I am older than you!!!!)

Anonymous said...

Happy Happy Birthday, Tami!! Everything fits together so lovely!

Alison Gibbs said...

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday Dear Tami
Happy Birthday to you

Hope you had a great day.
Alison

Lesa said...

First of all HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Second - what an awesome image of Mabel that Curtis did! I will wishing I get a card with that amazing image on it sometime in the future. LOL Third - Love reading your thoughts and like your word for the year. Fourth - glad you are enjoying the snow and family time on your special day. And fifth but not last - Never forget.......you, in all your glory and imperfections will always be a miracle. xoxo

Far North said...

Tami sending you wonderful birthdays wishes for the entire year! How very special that you share you journey for your word and the unfolding of your special day with us! I look forward to hearing about more of your miracles this year. Happy Birthday my friend!...Jan

Sandy said...

Happy birthday (a lil late)---what a sweet gift for a stamper, hope you gave those guys a big hug :)

Sandy said...

Happy birthday (a lil late)---what a sweet gift for a stamper, hope you gave those guys a big hug :)