So, today I'm 56...

This has been one of the most subdued and uneventful birthdays ever.  Disappointing?  Not really -- just different (maybe that's what happens when you own your relative "oldness" -- and keep it movin').

I hear, read and see (more often than I care to) how I should be at this point in my life.  Luckily, having long-passed that society-identified benchmark when I turned 45 ( soon as I find that column wherein I wrote about that extended celebration in Key West, I'll post it.  Now that was a helluva birthday party!), I could give two shits about how anyone else thinks I should be.

I'm grateful though, that I've been able to see some shit, do some shit and more importantly, learn some shit  -- that really matters.  My next "bucket list" item is to be able to openly and honestly share all of that shit with others who can see themselves in my lessons.

Life is something wonderfully amazing, and powerful, and painful, and certainly instructive -- all wrapped up into one.  I appreciate that, as of today at least,  I continue to have the opportunity to figure it all out.  ♬ Happy birthday to me; Happy birthday to me; Happy birthday dear De-e-e-b; Happy birthday to me!♬ 

Another year older...

Leo Personality: 
When the mighty Lion enters center stage, everyone notices. This dramatic, creative, and outgoing sign has the keyword magnetism for good reason. Fiery and self-assured, a Leo's charm can be almost impossible to resist. Whether it's time spent with family and friends or efforts on the job scene, a Leo is going to bring a lot to the table.

Symbol: The Lion
Element: Fire
Group: Intellectual
Polarity: Positive
Favorable Colors: Gold, Orange
Key Body Part: Heart, Spine
Chinese Zodiac Counterpart: Monkey
Ruling Planet: Sun
House Ruled: Fifth
Lucky Gem: Ruby

I'd be lying if I said I really knew a lot about astrology.  However, I just find it absolutely amazing how dead-on it always seems to be - if I do say so myself! (Cue #3, Dead Prez & DJ Drama in the playlist-->).

I spent a pretty laid-back birthday with the men in my life, my baby girl, Blanca (my 4 year-old, mini American Eskimo) - and a new addition!

My youngest decided to get himself a puppy this week and he brought him over to introduce him to the rest of the family - today.  He'd been talking about it for awhile, constantly asking me if he got one, would I train it (for some reason, I'm pretty good at it - probably all that "Dog Whisperer" I'm hooked on!).  I kept saying - "No!  Just like chirrun, you get 'em, you raise 'em!" - until I saw this little cutie!  My husband, the "gadget-man," took this video with the new phone we got him for his birthday in May (Spring-to-Summer is birthday central around here!).  He's still learning to use it as you can see:

(Yeah, this little fella will be gla-a-a-d I'm trainin' him!)

As the day winds down, join me as I lift my new - "Aged to Perfection" - hand-painted wineglass of Port (they do know me!) for the last time tonight...

...while I sing, "Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday to me, Happy Birthday dear De-e-e-b..."

Nite y'all!