I'm 32 Today

Today Im 32. When is Taylor going to update her song? I guess in another year when she turns 32 too but then it'll be too late - sigh!

I dont feel 32.

I used to think 30 was so old. So grown up. So together. So...something. But I find that I feel even younger and less together than I did when I thought 30 was old.

My birthday is always a little odd every 4 years because it consistently lands on an election day. Obama was my 21st birthday gift! Im writing this a day early, so im not really sure what Ill be getting tomorrow...

But as a kid it was fun because I would sometimes get a day off school! And my mom used to schedule my dentist appointments on my birthday so I could have a free morning off school and we would go out to lunch and then I would wear my 'its my birthday' pin to school. It was such a fun little tradition.

This year, Im doing lots of little things. We spent the weekend camping. I got to see my mom and my in laws for dinners this week (for the first time in almost a decade that we live close enough for this to happen!). We're having soup for dinner every night this week because its my favorite. No big parties thanks to Covid, but im ok with that.

Honestly, Im really grateful this year.

I made a list of 32 things Im most grateful for in my 32 rotations around the sun.

1. Harney & Sons Cinnamon tea. It's my favorite way to start the day.
2. Terrell. We counted up and we've been together 13 years, so in just a few years we'll have been together longer than we havent. I cant believe how lucky i am to have hit the partner jackpot to have someone who is my equal, my cheerleader, my best friend, the only person I want to live in my car with. Our life together is better than all the weird fairy tales and I cant believe i get to live it.
3. Laszlo. This little guy just changed everything. Never have I ever loved a little ball of floof so much. He's my joy bringer.
4. Asheville! The gift of living here is the best one we have chosen for ourselves in a very long time. This city of full of beauty, nature, kind people, art, good food, community. We are the luckiest.
5. Art. The ability to make art. The ability to view art. It is pure magic. I believe it's the closest we'll get to real magic as mere mortals.
6. Musicals. Really any live theatre full of joy, song, dancing - is there anything more fun?!
7. Travel. We've been to over 40 countries and every one is a gift. This world is unbelievable. I am endlessly grateful for the gift of experiencing so many cultures, foods, people, ways of life, beautiful sights. I will never stop traveling and being grateful for every foot I get to step into every town, city, country, continent I get to visit.
8. Our life overseas. We are nothing without our experience overseas. It was the best thing we have done for our marriage, our hearts, our minds, our feet.
9. My friendships. I do not take lightly that I have a tribe of women at my fingertips that I can (and do) call (ok text) constantly over trivial and earth shattering moments. This is not something I take lightly. I hold them close and cherish each of them.
10. Funny tv shows. Laughter is my favorite thing on this planet. I am so grateful for the shows that provide SO MUCH joy and comfort and inspiration. Im looking at you Brooklyn 99, Parks & Rec, New Girl, Friends, The Office, Ted Lasso, Kim's Convenience, Schitt's Creek.
11. The beach. The sea is the closest earthly comparison I can find to God. The overwhelming power and beauty. If I can spend my life anywhere, it would be on the edge of the sea.
12. Photos. Photography is the gift of memories. To capture beauty, people, moments, joy - it fuels me.
13. Therapy. I am ever indebted to the life long process of personal growth.
14. Books! The gift that keeps on giving. Again, magic.
15. Living close to friends and family. We are less than 2 hours to everyone we love the most and it is a gift!
16. Can i say laszlo again?
17. Soup. It's just the best.
18. Teaching. I never thought I wanted to be a 'teacher' but I have found that I love nothing more than getting to share my passions and skills with others.
19. You guys! The internet has brought me so many good things - including YOU. Thank you for reading and for supporting me and befriending me and showing up here year after year.
20. Museums. What beauty we mortals get to behold.
21. Plants!
22. The perfect pair of sweatpants.
23. The ability to love thy neighbor. To create good in the world, to support others, to love those unlike us, to vote, to march, to chant Black Lives Matter. This is why we are here. What a honor. What a gift!
24. A snuggly bed.
25. Hiking.
26. Ideas! New ideas! Big ideas! New things to try, new things to dream up!
27. Dancing.
28. An indulgent bubble bath that includes a book and a mug full of mint chocolate chip ice cream
29. The ability to learn. To learn new things and to grow. The fact that we never have to stop learning is the greatest gift.
30. Being an aunt. Watching my friends have babies and getting to snuggle them and be cool aunt Lauren who lives weird places and bring them weird gifts is the greatest title to hold.
31. Road trips. Let's GO.
32. A good night's sleep. A gift I do not take lightly. One I have fought for and keep sacred.

Ps. To celebrate turning 32 and my love for art, for teaching and for you Im running a sale today on my courses Capture & Create and Watercolor 101 for 32% off with code HAPPYBIRTHDAY. Thanks for celebrating with me!