Because turning 41 shouldn't just feel good... it should look good, too!

Last week, after getting 3 inches cut off the ends of my hair, I thought I'd have fun playing with it and straighten it... and I couldn't go through all that trouble and not take a few pictures... and since it happened to be close to my birthday, I thought I'd share. 

I never fret over what age I am.  It really means nothing to me.  One day doesn't suddenly seem so much more different than the day prior or after when it comes to age.. but time does move forward and suddenly age does creep up on you... and me... the only time I notice it is when I have a stiff back and discover that the wrinkles on my forehead are beginning to look like deep canyons.

Recently I was reading several people's comments at a forum I enjoy and they were talking about the joys of being in your 40's.  There was one sentiment that kept recurring.  When you are in your 40's you don't sweat the small stuff anymore and you don't care so much what others think of you... you just LIVE.  I believe in caring what others think as it pertains to some significant issues in life, but I think the main idea is that when you reach your 40's you are a lot more secure and solid in who you are... you have learned some big lessons and you know what is important and what can slide on by. 

Today on my birthday I am enjoying each comment that I receive at my facebook page.  I stop and think of those who are sending love my way and I appreciate the family and friends that are in my life.  One friend I have known for 31 years!  Another I met the first day of college and she is one of the closest people to me in my life.  How wonderful to know that whatever you say, however you feel, you are safe with somebody... to know that they love you no matter what.

Today I am looking up songs that I love and trying to put them on my playlist... My very favorite, #1 song of all time is One More Time by the Katinas.  You'll have to look that one up on your own, it is not available with the playlist that I am using.  It's beautiful.  I shared "Something Beautiful" when Victor had his birthday.  I Will Be Here is close to my heart.  I can rarely hear it without fighting tears.  It means more than I can express and it goes beyond marriage... to me it is God's song for me... knowing that HE loves me beyond measure.  I cannot find my favorite Rebecca St. James song to share, but did find a lovely one to put on the list.  I sang two of her songs over and over one year...  "Like the river that runs to the sea, the oceans speak of you love for me..." and the lyrics for the other one have slipped my mind, but I will remember and share them, too, because they are that great.  Another special song was written about me!!  Imagine that!  I don't know how the songwriter knew so much about me, but he nailed it!  Gimme That Girl!  It's a match. 

Because my birthday hits mid-week, I will get some housework done, but I will do it super fast so as not to spend that much time, run one load of laundry, take a son for his immunization booster, and shoot a video for a science project and put it on you-tube for his teacher... but, I WILL find a couple of "half hours" and take in a deep breath and be thankful for life.  I know that God made me on purpose.  I know that I am alive on purpose.  God has an eternal plan at work.  Praise be to God!