Happy days are here again...

Happy Birthday, Lucille Ball--wherever you are.

As I share this birthday week with one of my all time idols, I reflect on how delightfully My Day went yesterday.

In addition to it having been a very difficult (except for the month of November) year and particularly the past couple of weeks, I had made a concerted effort to know that starting August 5, 2008, it was going to be a very good year. A fresh, personal new year filled with effortlessness, success, abundance, joy and love. I am happy to report that the auspicious beginning held true to intention and all is right with the world again.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.

We had birthday breakfast at Antique Row Cafe. This has been one of fun, funky places in San Diego. Not to mention they have the best breakfast potatoes in town. And with its' retro theme, it seemed a good setting to start the birthday reflection. By the way, for any other locals reading, let me tell you in advance that they discontinued the "free breakfast on your birthday" special they offered.

Next, I went out to La Mesa to see Rachelle for a manicure and pedicure. This was important to me not only because of the birthday pampering aspect but because Rachelle is probably the friend I have had the longest since coming to San Diego. We met at the Alante Salon in the complex where Pacific Church was supposed to take occupancy. We have shared much together in these past seven years and it was really difficult to say goodbye.

Running errands on your birthday can be pretty cool because everywhere you go, you know there is a party going on in your head so it doesn't matter what store you're at or activity you need to do. And being the Leo that I am, when they say "Have a nice day" or some such toss off line, I always respond and say "Thank you, I am--it's my birthday!" And suddenly the clerk joins me in smiling and we're both uplifted.

I received wonderful cards, calls, e-mails ( including one of the cutest animation birthday cards and songs ever) and even surprise visitors (neener-neener, I dare not mention who...) and even prezzies. Oooooooooooh...

Don wanted to take me out to a special place for dinner and offered two of the three or four favorite or meaningful restaurants. What I requested was to go to Adams Avenue Grill because it has always been number one on my list and Don had never been there. Happily, the owner, Tim was there and it was so wonderful to see him again. Tim introduced himself to me the first week of my starting at PCRS and generously gifted me with dinner at his restaurant. I was hooked--on the delicious and unique food that comes straight from Tim's kitchen but primarily on the sweet energy there that comes straight from Tim's heart. (Tim was also part of the wonderful team of church folk who went to be part of the active relief effort after Hurricane Katrina and he worked preparing food there). We told him of our news--being newlyweds, my birthday, our relocating --and even though he seemed sad to learn I was leaving, he also sensed the rightness of the move; and promised to come up to northern California on a restaurant tour and visit us.

Next we went to Starbucks to finish off the evening for an after dinner latte and conversation.
After all, I had started the day at a Starbucks after breakfast for my soy chai latte, had a mocha Frapp light after lunch in La Mesa, closing out at the Kensington Starbucks seemed fitting. Hitting all the hotspots.

When we got out of the car to walk inside, I noticed a sweet tabby cat coming towards me precariously in the driveway. I quickly walked over to divert him/her and crouch down to visit. The purple collar yielding a tag saying the name, "Kittyhead and I am an outdoor cat" and I am guessing female by her petite size. Quite the sociable cat, she visited with Don but seemed quite intent on being with me. She even wanted to follow so Don and I tried to walk her back to her house.

After our latte, we went to leave and I noticed Kittyhead contently snuggled under our car --waiting for us? Hmmm. I crouched down again to talk to her and she came out and shnoogled up and down along side of me and we chatted a brief while. I could tell this was intentional. What wasn't clear was whether or not she was here for my benefit--some birthday message or messenger?--or if she needed me. So I said a little prayer with her and thanked her so we could leave. She sat there grooming herself as we backed out and we came home. Make of this what you will, but I know that was not random. That is one of the reasons I love animals so much. They are so mystical, so wise and soooo loving.

Oh, and I neglected to mention that my thoughtful and wonderful husband got me a very special gift this birthday-- we are going to the Michael McDonald concert on August 19th in Chico!!!!

Yes, my new year has begun and it is good, good and very good.