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Stylish Birthday!!!

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Celebrating my birthday on the First of July is a fabulous prelude to starting the summer. It is a few days before the festivities of Independence Day takes precedence with family, food, fun and fireworks. I find the older I get, the idea of observing my birthday through loud garish rituals and the extolling of laudatory songs or speeches has completely worn off.

You know you have reached a certain age when you are reminded of an upcoming birthday by the delivery of coupons or cards from specialty stores arriving via mail or email stating, “celebrate your birthday on us”!!

Please do not misunderstand my intent; I enjoy a celebration, but one that has the pace of quiet refinement and understated elegance. Instead of a gooey, deliciously thick chiffon cake, I prefer a pear frangipane tart from the bakery in Whole Foods, served with a chilled glass of Brut Cava (Spanish wine). Next, a few choice tunes playing throughout the house (preferably soft Brazilian Jazz) and cut flowers from the garden displayed in clear glass vases on the countertops and tables.

IMG_0214{Sunflowers and a Pear Frangipani tart}

I have come to enjoy this tranquil annual observance within the privacy of my home, away from restaurants with wait-staff who may burst into outrageous song, bearing a slice of overly sweet cake and that solemn candle flittering on two inches of icing.

It takes a great deal of preparation to ensure my celebration is private, away from the annoying disturbances of a restaurant, and as much as I love my friends, this has truly become a family affair!

So, to my fabulous sister and all of my friends who are also “Cancer the Crabs”, dedicate time for yourself and enjoy the day your way!!

Entertain stylishly, especially for yourself!!!

K

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Daily Prompt: The Natural World

IMG_1438{The woods at Heath}

My first memorable experience exploring the natural world was most awe-inspiring. I was four years of age and my family lived in an established neighborhood in the city of Chicago. The streets were tree lined and I can remember wanting to be outdoors at any opportunity to see the squirrels and birds that lived in these majestic woods. Every creature had a nest or an entrance into the trees, which was their daily abode for the season. The bee’s even had a hive under our back porch, which was close to my mother’s flower and vegetable garden. You could watch for what seemed like hours as they hovered over the flowers and then back to their hive.

I also remember an uncontrollable urge to dig in the dirt with my mother’s best silver serving set, whenever I found acorns that had fallen from the trees. Her silver-set had a much larger spoon and fork, which made digging much easier for my small hands. You see my grandmother told me these were the seeds that make the oak trees, which lined our streets so, I was determined to grow a huge tree, naturally of course!!

But alas, we moved a year and a half later to the east coast, and I have not been back to this street in Chicago to see if my acorns actually grew into majestic trees. I think about that young girl from time to time, when I am in my own garden holding a spade in hand, the breeze blowing and a myriad of ideas running through my imagination, which makes being outdoors awe inspiring!!!

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I do enjoy the flora and fauna of my neighborhood, but from time to time must go to the city to explore the concrete jungle of a huge metropolis. Just being outdoors fills me with the confidence to travel into unfamiliar terrain.

Keep exploring!!
K