The celebration isn't over until Aquarius season ends, so you have another couple weeks. My friend ordered me that same Milkbar cake for my 50th and that was so decadent and good. Happy birthday from a fellow Aquarian Marylander!
I feel the same about my birthday. I want to do something or treat myself, but I don't exactly deny myself throughout the year, so nothing particular seems necessary. And on the day, I usually have to teach, so I'm tired. Also, I live somewhere that has one decent restaurant. We are planning a trip to a hot spring spa, and I'm very excited about that because my dog and my husband will be there. This year I turn 60, and my last two "decade" birthdays have been difficult. At 40 I had to get glasses (oh! vanity!) and at 50 for my arrogance about my face, I got my first bout of cancer. Ooof. Feeling good this year, just hoping for good life changes since I was born in the year of the Wood Snake, and here we are again. Happy day to you, and it seems like a perfect celebration.
Happy Birthday to you, fellow Aquarian!! I’m on my way to what might be one of the worst birthdays ever—my husband is gone, no cake (I decided to skip that this year). Ever since my mother died, the cake has been a major bust, a tragic disappointment—and I LOVE cake. But I had to let it go to avoid feeling worse than I already do about turning 67.
My big day is tomorrow. 02-05-2025, I'm a numbers person, this must mean something, right?
This year, I wanted to plan an event. I wanted to do something, be somewhere, experience something ordinary in an extraordinary setting. I'd love to say "well maybe next year" but at this age I can't very well say it with enthusiasm.
I bought two scratch lottery tickets, a container of fresh, plump raspberries, and an Italian style chocolate pudding pie in a jar—Budino—with a chocolate graham cracker crust. My best friend is taking me to lunch and from there maybe a raunchy movie (Babygirl)...
I hope your daughter mends quickly and maybe, just maybe, our Aquarian energy isn't finished with us just yet.
Happy belated. (Yikes, crass to spread the celebration to two days? Last year was my 65th and I made it a year of a cavalcade of celebrating. My pro column had so many more entries than the con column of turning 65.)
As always, you look fantastic, Laura! It’s a lovely essay — birthdays work better when there’s no pressure — especially when it’s unexpected! Also, I love that you’re reading Patrick Dennis! An all-time favorite of mine who should be better known and in print.
Happy Birthday! I look forward to all your essays. My husband turns 63 tomorrow and he's not thrilled..so much better than the alternative, I think! If I can look half as good, and be half as cool as you when I'm 66 I'll be winning at life. And I still try to be with my daughters on my birthday, and they are grown up. Birthdays are for being together.
I love your writing and it makes me laugh out loud. My 65th birthday is in a few weeks and I'm at a loss as I, too, don't particularly want/need anything. (Ah, the privilege of age.) I had no idea you'd written so many books. And that you're from baltimore, a place I spent five years "in purgatory" from 84-89. Absolutely hated it there! But I wasn't an insider. It was very insular in the 80s. I'm sure it got lots better when I left and you returned! What book of yours should I start with if I've never read any?
The celebration isn't over until Aquarius season ends, so you have another couple weeks. My friend ordered me that same Milkbar cake for my 50th and that was so decadent and good. Happy birthday from a fellow Aquarian Marylander!
Happy belated birthday!! Respectfully, you are a total babe.
I feel the same about my birthday. I want to do something or treat myself, but I don't exactly deny myself throughout the year, so nothing particular seems necessary. And on the day, I usually have to teach, so I'm tired. Also, I live somewhere that has one decent restaurant. We are planning a trip to a hot spring spa, and I'm very excited about that because my dog and my husband will be there. This year I turn 60, and my last two "decade" birthdays have been difficult. At 40 I had to get glasses (oh! vanity!) and at 50 for my arrogance about my face, I got my first bout of cancer. Ooof. Feeling good this year, just hoping for good life changes since I was born in the year of the Wood Snake, and here we are again. Happy day to you, and it seems like a perfect celebration.
I love this essay more than, perhaps, life itself.
When I was 65, my legs did not look nearly that good. I'm so envious! Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday to you, fellow Aquarian!! I’m on my way to what might be one of the worst birthdays ever—my husband is gone, no cake (I decided to skip that this year). Ever since my mother died, the cake has been a major bust, a tragic disappointment—and I LOVE cake. But I had to let it go to avoid feeling worse than I already do about turning 67.
My big day is tomorrow. 02-05-2025, I'm a numbers person, this must mean something, right?
This year, I wanted to plan an event. I wanted to do something, be somewhere, experience something ordinary in an extraordinary setting. I'd love to say "well maybe next year" but at this age I can't very well say it with enthusiasm.
I bought two scratch lottery tickets, a container of fresh, plump raspberries, and an Italian style chocolate pudding pie in a jar—Budino—with a chocolate graham cracker crust. My best friend is taking me to lunch and from there maybe a raunchy movie (Babygirl)...
I hope your daughter mends quickly and maybe, just maybe, our Aquarian energy isn't finished with us just yet.
To be healthy, fit, smart, fashionable and have someone to share the birthday -- you have this. Enjoy your year 🎁
Happy belated. (Yikes, crass to spread the celebration to two days? Last year was my 65th and I made it a year of a cavalcade of celebrating. My pro column had so many more entries than the con column of turning 65.)
As always, you look fantastic, Laura! It’s a lovely essay — birthdays work better when there’s no pressure — especially when it’s unexpected! Also, I love that you’re reading Patrick Dennis! An all-time favorite of mine who should be better known and in print.
Many happy returns!
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday! You look and I hope are feeling fabulous
Happy Birthday! I look forward to all your essays. My husband turns 63 tomorrow and he's not thrilled..so much better than the alternative, I think! If I can look half as good, and be half as cool as you when I'm 66 I'll be winning at life. And I still try to be with my daughters on my birthday, and they are grown up. Birthdays are for being together.
Your thoughts on hopefulness were exactly what I needed to read right now. ❤️🩹🙏🏼
Laura: you are funny. I like your openness, your sharings and your truth telling!
I love your writing and it makes me laugh out loud. My 65th birthday is in a few weeks and I'm at a loss as I, too, don't particularly want/need anything. (Ah, the privilege of age.) I had no idea you'd written so many books. And that you're from baltimore, a place I spent five years "in purgatory" from 84-89. Absolutely hated it there! But I wasn't an insider. It was very insular in the 80s. I'm sure it got lots better when I left and you returned! What book of yours should I start with if I've never read any?
Oh Baltimore was hell on newcomers. I think it's better now.
As for my books -- I think I'd start with Lady in the Lake.