birth day

Hello! How are you? I bet you've been busy... eating up life, working hard, finding moments for play, wondering where the time goes. Me too. Each day turned to night in the blink of an eye since we last visited together. On Friday, I lovingly handed over the very last of the projects of my upcoming book (April 2012). The surreal feeling of having completed this chunk of such a huge endeavor has not left me since I pushed the send button. It only intensified as we (my family and photographer) wrapped up the very final photo shoot on Sunday and Monday. I know the details have been so vague, but one day soon I'll be able to share it all with you, and in preparation for that moment I've documented the back story quite thoroughly. The amount of time, energy and love that is going into this project has often overwhelmed me. And there's still more.  I will be writing and editing during the rest of the summer, but yesterday I stood still!  I breathed. I slowed. I looked at my family deeply. I indulged in decadent food. I said yes to pampering with a massage and facial.  I went to sleep early and even slept in (a tiny bit!). Yesterday I turned 42. Reflection is a natural part of every birthday, but in the midst of so much business, this sudden halt caused me to peer even deeper. When I look back on the chapters of my life leading up to now, they read like a worn and familiar book. Some pages are ripped and tattered, others dog eared to return to frequently for laughter, inspiration or a reminder to not repeat that cycle again.

Our stories shape us as much as we shape them. Stepping into this new year, I feel a strength I've never known before. Wise women, who have walked this path before me, have whispered of the power that comes only with years. They've spoken of the permission to step into yourself fully and not waste a single minute on trying to be any. one. else. An invitation is offered... to give birth to one's self.

The calendar already has some pretty phenomenal dates penciled in for this new year. Oh yes! I intend to greet them with the very best of me, and look forward to sharing them with all of you! Here's to a new year. A new chapter!

all photos courtesy of my iphone, yet again!