H..........appy birthday to all of us!

In response to an Etsy Bloggers Carnival, I began to think in depth about birthdays. Even though I've had 67 of them, I've never really found them to be memorable; not because others haven't made it a joyful event for me, but because they've all been a joy. I guess I am one of the lucky ones who can appreciate every day and every birthday. Besides, I'm happy to have made it this far!

And as all mothers, the birthdays of my two fabulous daughters were much more memorable. But perhaps the most notable birthday of all was my husband's first birthday after we were married. I really wanted to make it special: I had made him a beautiful sweater, I had purchased a new book he had wanted, I had made a special card, and had even baked his favorite carrot cake. If you ask him now, however, he will remember none of these things. What he will remember is that I passed out and he had to call 911! Even though after a quick trip to the hospital proved it was due only to dehydration and a bad sinus infection, that's how he now remembers his birthday!

The photos represent our zodiac signs, Gemini and Aquarius, as well as our love of cats (this drawing looks remarkably like our two), and a gorgeous ring, appropriate for an Aquarius. The are both available at Etsy!

C.........elebrate Family!

Each year, to celebrate birthdays of family members and close friends, I try to design a new birthday card that can be made in various colors for them all. This year, using a balloon punch, these "bouquets" of balloons are personalized. One of these is shown below. But the one that to me is most special is the one (to the left) that I made for my great nephew, a Marine serving in Afghanistan. The balloons are punched from camouflage paper and tied with a discreet sheer, gray ribbon. What do you do special for folks who serve in the military?

"E.........arth Laughs in Flowers"...

...at least according to Ralph Waldo Emerson! With the delightful bouquet to the right it's easy to see that joy. This arrangement is especially precious because it was the gift of a dear friend. For more than six years, she and I and eight other incredible women have been enjoying laughter, tears, good times and sad times as we join together twice a month for lively games of mah jongg. When the Red Hat Society appeared in our area, we enthusiastically participated in "Red Hat Fun" as well. We always remember each other's birthdays, and this year, the flowers were one of my gifts. Isn't the red and purple appropriate? Flower arranging is just one of many talents that flourish in this group of ladies that I number among my dearest friends. So I would like to add to Emerson's quote, "and blesses us with their glory".