"Surprise!! and Welcome to the downside of the hill!!"

My dear friend, Laurie Carlson, who owns Flame the Gordon Setter with me, along with several others coordinated and surprised me on May 3, 2008 with a birthday party at the Prime Quarter Steakhouse in Madison. The Prime Quarter is a "cook-your-own" steak place. I was totally surprised. For once, I was speechless.

Here are some photos that my mom took of the festivities. Laurie and company had commissioned a gorgeous 20 x 20 stained glass for me that was made by Deb Farrell. It hangs proudly in my home. Words can never express my gratitude for a gift and party of this magnitude. It was so much fun!! I share with you some photos of the party!!

(Photos top to bottom: Stained Glass present, Friends, Romey Carta, Laurie and Alan Carlson, Peggy and Marte Wetzel, Mary Rondou and Marlo Gaddo, candid of the party and Peggy and PJ Monson. )

I received some other wonderful presents from family and friends in addition to the stained glass. My dear friend, Gail Godding, was unable to attend because her Gordon Setter, Willow, decided to whelp her litter a day and a half early. Gail gave me a throw/wall hanging with the winning photo shot of River's Specialty (see Wow...a Best in Show Specialty). I really will need a new house with TONS of wall space to hang up this present. Most of all, I was touched by the outpouring of friendship and love from everyone. This was truly one of the bestest birthdays of all!!





Today is my 50th birthday. May 15, 1958. Wow. I think that Crayola Crayons first debuted in 1958. And...NASA did, too. I think that was a good year. We were all members of the high school Class of 1976 (the Bicentennial for our country).

I think lots of cool things happened in these past 50 years that I have gone around the sun (my little sister's quoteable quote). It would also have been my 26th wedding anniversary. As is so true with life, it often doesn't play out the way you think it should or could. And as my blog-headline states, I am now a 50-year old divorced woman living this journey we call life.....and as my friend Anne, said in her birthday card message to me, "welcome to the downside of the hill."

So...what do I think about being 50?

I am thankful for living long enough to make it to this milestone. I am not sure I "feel" any different, but this marks the end of 4 decades of life for me. If I'm fortunate enough, I will see at least 4 to 5 more. I anticipate much fun and laughter in the remaining decades of life and someday...(a girl can hope) to find that handsome, charming, wonderful, dog-loving, sweet, funny hunk of a guy to share it with. *grin* It is also my Irish Setter, Whisper's 5th b-day today. She and I will enjoy lovely treats today, I'm sure.

When I turned 40, a friend, Lou Ann, gave me a book called, "When I Am An Old Woman, I Shall Wear Purple." I don't have to be old or feel old..as purple IS my favorite color.

An excerpt -

Life's Rainbow by Sheila Banani

Beginnings are lacquer red
fired hard in the kiln
of hot hope;

Middles, copper yellow
in sunshine,
sometimes, oxidize green
with tears; but

Endings are always indigo
before we step
on the other shore.