it’s the monday giggles:

God grant me a vacation to make bearable what I can’t change.  

A friend to make it funny and

the wisdom to never get my knickers in a knot

because it solves nothing and

makes me walk funny!

But, I am blessed!

Blessed, beyond measure!

And this past weekend,

more than anytime ever,

made me feel it..

from the

top of my head

to the

tips of my toes!

I recently reached the half-century mark and with some poking and prodding and heavy campaigning I acquiesced in allowing my family to host a”Toasting” Dinner Party (with my besties,) for my birthday.

(I do believe it was Cuppycake’s heavy sighs of, “You’re going to make me look bad,” that was the final offensive-tactic which did me in.)

And I must admit having my (recently expanded) family next to me, seeing all my dearest friends gathered around, listening to the hum of their conversations,  the circling around a table eating family-style…all of this…brought me the GREATEST joy as I reached this mile-stone in my life!

Their meaningful hugs, tender words, and lively toasts will truly remain in my heart forever…

And even before the start of the evening

other dear-ones, both near & far, showered me with loving affection…

I pray one day they come to know just how much I needed  

(without ever knowing)

their kind words,

their genuine support,

and

their undeserved love.

A Texan friend of mine introduced me to a southern phrase once as she was discussing a young woman’s behaviour which was a bit unbecoming, “She’s too pretty to act ugly!” she said.   I’ve often reflected on this and  I do believe, as do others, that there is a culture of individuals; (unfortunately mostly woman,) who prefer to exploit the presummed flaws, unknown defects, and failings of another to exult themselves.

However, I can tell you every woman I was blessed to share my birthday weekend with is not one of them!  They are kind, compassionate, strong, tender-hearted women who are always looking to strengthen those around them.  And I am most definitely a better person because of their presence in my life.

They are the ones who have helped me to feel

courageous,

empowered,

stead-fast,

and 

loved

especially when I have been the most vulnerable these past few years.

And because of this I wanted to honor them

so that they may always remember

 they are truly…

(too pretty to act ugly!!)

(I HAVE THE BEST FRIENDS!!!)

hugs n’ blessings to all those who choose to be pretty!

(males included!)

and a few extra hugs to everyone who made me feel so special for my “5 perfect 10’s” birthday!

*to find out more about the (too pretty to act ugly) campaign please watch the video clip below and be sure to support other’s by choosing to be pretty!

“There are friends who bring ruin,
but there are true friends more loyal than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24