I also learned that it was just fine to make my day special in its own way. I would take some time to do what I wanted, such as sew or read. A Victoria magazine, always late to arrive, would be saved to enjoy with a cup of tea. Lighting candles, starting a new book, or wearing a favourite outfit are still things I like to do to mark my birthday. If I can manage it during my birthday week, a few hours spent wandering through bookstores is always special.
Of course, it doesn't take a birthday to treat yourself well. Iris Murdoch said, "One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats." Here's a short list of some of my small treats -
a square or two of dark chocolate after dinner
stores with vintage goods
beautiful books
tea with a friend or two
kicking up autumn leaves on a walk in the sunshine
reading blog comments
dabbling in watercolour paints
arranging a vase of flowers
listening to raindrops splat against the windows while warm and cosy indoors
What are some of your small treats?
Iris Murdoch is very right! We have 'chocolate o'clock' every evening!
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ReplyDeleteI do love your list of continuous treats! One of mine is having a new and long awaited book to open,
ReplyDeleteHappiest of birthdays to you, Lorrie! Birthdays always feel special to me. Friends and family have always been generous, and still it’s fun to celebrate my special day, even if it is ways that only I’m aware of.
ReplyDeleteSitting by a cozy fire absorbed in a book; cooking a nice meal and then enjoying it; having family visit. Happy Birthday!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a nice celebration is in the works for the three of you. Those are all nice treats. I enjoy the days that there is nothing on the calendar, bumping into a friend, having the right ingredients on hand for inspirational baking. :)
ReplyDeleteFavorite things: a warm summer rain, a good book, e-mails from family, the first snow, smell of bread baking, beautiful hymn music, ......julianna
ReplyDeleteI have to say I thoroughly concur with your small treats. Walking as the sunsets is definitely one of mine :) B x P.S. Have a wonderful birthday when it arrives x
ReplyDeleteI hope your day is special again this year! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI love your photographs, especially that first one of leaves. Your list is very similar to mine: A good cup of tea (especially with a friend), a book to read, feeling the wind blow or the sunshine on my face, noticing small things throughout the day, right now beginning to listen to Christmas music, and of course chocolate.
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