I’ve been taking a wee break from blogging since the first year of my course came to an end in early December, but I think it’s time to dip my toe back into the ‘blogging’ water. The title of this post was inspired by the opening lyrics of the song “Birthday”, written by the Beatles in 1968, which seemed apt for the occasion of my birthday, which is today, and the occasion of my mother’s 80^th birthday, also this week.

Mum and me a few birthdays ago

My lovely Mum

Turning another year older and getting closer to the next big “0” birthday has caused me to reflect on my life, and my conclusion is it’s been pretty good & I’m grateful for the life I’ve had so far. Yes there have been ups and downs, but bumps on the road are to be expected when you are on a long journey – and I’m in for the long haul! I’ve certainly made some doozie mistakes, but I think I have learned from most of them. And, as my sister used to say, sometimes you have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find a Prince, which is absolutely true in my case, but my “Prince” did eventually show up and we are entering our 10^thyear of being together.

Whilst waiting for said “Prince”, I was lucky enough to raise, and be raised by, two incredible people, of whom I am most proud. They are simply the best thing I have ever done with my life and they never cease to surprise me, move me to joyful tears, and fill my heart with so much love (and pride) that I’m amazed it doesn’t burst. If this wasn’t enough, my life has been further enriched by my three lovely step-children.

Me and my lovelies way back when!

My lovelies 💙

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And then there is the gift of friendship which has brought so much sunshine to my life. My friends are quite different yet all with common traits. They are smart, funny, resilient, intelligent, women…all talented in their fields and creative. I have travelled with most of them & they have supported me, encouraged me, surrounded me with love in the tough times and made me laugh until my sides hurt in the good times. A few of them speak a language other than English, all of them love to read & most of them enjoy cooking (I obviously have a type!). We have shared many (many) meals and many (many, many, many) glasses of wine together. Some of them, like me, enjoy dabbling in social media, blogs & IG. Look at the beautiful and naturally dyed paper and fabric creations which my talented friend, whose blog abellinendiary.com is a must see. She turns the paper and fabrics into individual personal gifts and cards, such as a few I have been lucky enough to be given. Another friend on IG is an amazing and self-taught chocolate maker, lustrechocolate.

Beautiful hand dyed linen/hand stitched journal

Hand dyed paper for Christmas card.

Beautiful hand dyed card and ribbon adorning my birthday gift.

Sample of LustreChocolates

So, as I approach another year, I count my blessings and suggest that a cake is in order.  Whereas I am not usually a sweet eater, I do like this simple Butter Cake, which I often bake and freeze for use when a birthday pops into the calendar. My wish, as I blow the candles out on my cake this year, will be more of the same please…with the exception of trees falling on our house…. I’ve had quite enough of that thank-you!

Tree 1 / House 0

Happy 2019 all….

Bon Appetit

Kathryn 👩‍🍳💙