31.12.10

{Simple Daisy Birthday Reflections}

Hello. We finally made it home from Puerto Vallarta around 2am last night.
I ended up with a really nasty bug from the water or something in Puerto Vallarta.
We spent the afternoon in the emergency clinic today, have been in severe pain all day and have had ...well...other things going on too:(

What a way to spend my birthday. No solid foods for 36 hours.
Take it from me....when they say don't drink the water on vacation....DON'T drink the water!!!


But since it is my birthday and I haven't talked to you in over a week.....I thought I would do a happy little blog post!


I know many people get really bummed on their birthdays...NOT ME! I love birthday's! There is something so beautiful about getting older. There is something so magical about getting another year under your belt. I know I am so different from the 20 year old version of myself and I can't wait to see what every year...decade...has to teach me.

I am so thankful that I am the person that I am.....it's so wonderful to be comfortable in knowing you are comfortable in your own skin...that you are comfortable with who you are! I couldn't have said that at 20.

{ps...all the upcoming photos came from Puerto Vallarta. I love the beach...but you already know that:) }



I have learned so many things in my 36 years on this earth...I can't wait to see what I have learned at say 85 years.

This has been by far my biggest learning experience thus far in the past 36 years......

I have learned over the years....that I am completely happy with who I am .... just as I am...and if ever i'm not....I choose to make a change! But I don't change based on others opinions of myself!

And I have learned that I am beautiful just as I am....not when I am 10 pounds thinner or if I were a little taller...more muscular.....etc. Right here and now......I am beautiful and so are you:):)


I have learned that....it's so very important to appreciate the little things in life.
I can tell you the whole time we were in Puerto Vallarta....we slept with the door to our room wide open! I appreciated....I mean REALLY appreciated sleeping to the sound of the crashing waves each and every night!
It's the little things that make up a lifetime.

this one....really took me some time to learn....and I think in some respects I am still learning it!

I believe you are 100% who you surround yourself with.
People should make you happy to be around and if they don't.....well....I think you might have to rethink the relationship!

We went to Puerto Vallarta with my step brother and his family as well as 2 of their friends.
I can't say enough about these beautiful people.
I don't think I have ever laughed so hard in all my life. It was needed and I think we all really appreciated it!
We talked about my step-dad....we remembered him...we asked why....but mostly we laughed and I think each and every one of us had a beautiful clarity that life is just to short to not appreciate each and every second of it.


The guy there in the blue shirt...his name is Simon....never met him before in my life. He came along on vacation with my step family and I can say he is hands down the most interesting person I have ever met.
I love learning people's stories...their struggles...their successes and what makes them tick.

He has been all over the whole world...but was a foster child and lived on his own since the age of 13. He could have turned his life into a giant negative....but he is one of the most positive...fun...uplifting people I have ever been around.
I am thankful I had the pleasure to meet him and have a ton of fun with him:)


And again....
It really took me some time to learn that everyone has a story.
Each person that you encounter in life has a lesson to teach you....be open to learn.

 


Yes....make friends wherever you go. It has taken me some time to ease up....to be a happy person that loves others. I now know...it's much better to make friends with people and to laugh with them and learn their stories.

 




Well...you know how I feel about journaling.
It is a big part of my life.
I am sad to admit that I used to throw my journals away because I felt ashamed of my feelings. Now I realize that everything is imiportant. Every feeling...thought...crazy dream....they all matter. They make me....me:)

I now save each and every journal.



Oh yes....love the one your with.
I am so thankful to have such an amazing husband.
and even when I pass the most handsome man on the street...I am smart enough to know...the grass isn't greener....just a different shade of green! This is true of most things in life!
Appreciate what you have:)








I love photography and definitely try to spend time each and every day photographing anything and everything that makes me happy:)
It's so important to have creative pursuits that make you happy!


Happy New Year to you! I hope you have a lovely, ceative and beautiful year ahead of you:)

Onwards and upwards to appreciating what 36 has to teach me!

Cheers to the New Year! I'll stopping by to see what you've been up to too:)

And I'd love to hear what you've learned over the years!
Do you love and appreciate your birthday too....is it a time of reflection for you!?!?


We spend January 1 walking through our lives, room by room, drawing up a list of work to be done, cracks to be patched.  Maybe this year, to balance the list, we ought to walk through the rooms of our lives... not looking for flaws, but for potential.  ~Ellen Goodman

31 comments:

  1. This post is so beautiful. It made me cry, big huge crocodile tears.

    First off happy birthday and thank you so much for your inspiration. Your blog makes me happy and posts like this are so heart warming.

    Happy New Years to you!
    I'm happy 2010 is over, 2011 is going to be AMAZING!!

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  2. I have been having Simple Daily Blog withdrawals! You were gone waaaaay to long. But your new post makes up for it.
    Remember: Don't drink the water.:)
    Hope you recover soon.

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  3. First of all, Happy Birthday to you. It's amazing how quick time flies when you're having fun. Hope you start feeling better soon.

    I love this post...gave me goosebumps as I read it. Your posts are so very inspiring. It is so true that everything we do and everywhere we go, we learn so much. As the year draws to a close, I myself am thankful for the life I have, for the friends I have and of course for my health and wellbeing. It's so important to remember that when life seems to get you down, there is always something positive to look at.

    Happy New year to you and your family and I hope that 2011 brings you everything that you hope for.

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  4. Hi there!
    Happy to have found your blog tonight, and Happy Birthday to you!
    Hope your nasty Puerto Vallarta bug leaves you feeling better very soon!!
    I'm scared to death to even brush my teeth and swallow a tiny little drop of water if I'm in Mexico!! :)

    Beautiful pictures that you have taken in this post! Photography has become such a wonderfully fun and creative outlet/hobby that brings me so much joy! As it seems to do for you as well. I see life differently since I started looking through my lens.

    Happy New Year to you!

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  5. Great post.Sorry to hear u are under the weather.Yeah,I know its true..Dont drink the water as they say.I hope u feel better soon.I too drank the water when I was in Noglas Mexico and then I drank a margarita.Lucky I didnt get that sick.I knew as soon as I did it.Why?? i drank it anyway.I wont do that again.
    You said you threw out your journals you were ashamed of your feelings.I admit i did it too.I couldnt bear to think to look back and see the way I was thinking at that time.I was ashamed.Off to the garbage in shredded up it went. Closure mmm... not really more ashamed.I wanted to rip up the one I started again 2 yrs ago.After reading your post I wont.I will try to move forward.
    Thank-you for sharing your feelings.I respect that.
    Your photos are wonderful.Its like as if you were right there.
    Have a warm and cozy New Year..Chickie

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  6. Ohh sorry to hear you ended up in the ER. I hope you're feeling much better. Oh and Happy New Year 2011 and a belated happy birthday:)
    This is a very beautiful post. You've somehow managed to make me smile and be sad,happy and hopeful at the same time! I am hoping I get to the happy place you are at 36.

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  7. Welcome home...HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! May this new year be your best yet...

    You have learned in your short 36 years what it has taken be a lot longer to learn...Do what you LOVE to do. And don't let anyone tell you that you cannot do it because (fill in the blank). And to surround yourself with people who make you happy...who encourage you and support you. For years, I did what I thought I was "supposed to" do...and I was never fully happy. Today, I feel good about ME...my life...my husband...my boys...and it is so freeing. I cherish the lines in my face, knowing that each one of them is a part of who I am...and it's ok to have them. I don't even mind the strands of white that are slowly appearing in my hair. There is so much more...but I will not bore you.

    Just keep loving your life...embrace it with both arms. Keep creating...with your hands, your mind, your eyes...It's so much a part of who you are...a wonderful woman!!!
    Hugs,
    Jane (Artfully graced)

    ps My future DIL and my friend LOVED your creations! Another friend asked for your etsy link...she was truly intrigued with your jewelry...Thank you so much!!!

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  8. happy birthday.

    I've heard oil of oregano is good for parasites and such.

    I love birthdays too. a few years ago my father asked me why I told people my age...as I was getting so old. and I said "because its who I am and I'm proud of me" my birthday is in august and I kinda like to celebrate the whole month! :) hope you feel better fast

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  9. Heather I love this post. Of course it sucks to have been so sick but your post just went on and on with such a great many messages, I just enjoyed absorbing each of your messages and photos. You're a remarkable lady and I related to many of your sentiments. I'm turning 37 in May and I never get worried about getting old either. I clearly remember the sentiments of a girl in her early 30's saying she hears so many people complain about getting old, and how she thought "how lucky and nice that would be". She died at 32. It's an important and good philosophy to adopt I believe. Happy birthday Heather. Happy New Year too.
    Sonia x

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  10. Happy Birthday Heather!
    Sorry that you got so sick. It's happened to me too starting on the airplane home from Mexico. Better to be sick after Mexico than while you're there.

    Love your attitude about birthday's, I've been hating mine since I turned 25. Silly really. I now appreciate them too.

    I may not be getting prettier but I am getting more and more content and happy with myself. That's the wonderful thing about age, you learn what's most important and start enjoying life to the fullest.

    I would never change my 47 year old self for that insecure 25 year old. My life is so much better now.

    Feel better and a Happy, happy New Year to you too!

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  11. Happy Birthday, Beachy girl!!

    Yes I love my birthdays...and all the sentiments in your post.

    Feel better...drink lot's of GOOD water. Clean out your system!

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  12. Happy Birthday to you and I hope that you feel better soon!

    Thank you for this post...it is so amazing the things that we can learn from each other and their experiences. Your spirit is so refreshing and honest and I always love reading your posts. You have wonderful ideas that I am striving for in the new year to renew my thoughts, prayers and heart!

    I am so glad that you had a wonderful vacation (other than the sicky thing) you just glow in your pictures with happiness!

    Happy New Year to you and thank you!

    xo

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  13. Happy Happy Birthday! I hope you are feeling better soon, it still looks like you had a great trip though.

    I truly love your life lessons. I could not agree with them more. I am a better and stronger person with each year that passes. I LOVE birthdays!!! They mark my progress in becoming the person that I am today, which I would not trade for the world!

    I agree, recognizing great relationships and cultivating them as well as shedding the toxic ones is one of the hardest lessons to learn. It does not come easily, or without pain, but when it does it makes an unbelievable difference in your life.

    2010 has been a great year for me in embracing "loving me for who I am right at this moment." Your blog has given me a LOT of inspiration in that area! Confidence, being yourself and inner peace is better than being different, losing 10 lbs or being taller any day. It makes life beautiful!!!! Just being me, and loving it is the best feeling ever.

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  14. Wonderful post & Happy Birthday! I agree I would not want to go back to my twenties. I didn't honor myself the way I do now nor did I even know myself well enough to honor what made me who I am. I love celebrating my birthday and when someone asks me my age I proudly say 35! I do this because I am proud of who I am at this age and I honor the lessons and what I learn more of each year. I remember in my teens & twenties comparing myself to others and wondering how to be like them or why I wasn't. I thank the universe that I no longer do that and you know what the people I used to compare myself to have come up to me saying how great I look and have taken the time to get to want to know something about me. When you stand in the power of who you truly are it illuminates the world around you and is contagious! Here is to a beautiful post and knowing that 2011 will be another magical year! Rock on Girl!!!

    Chas

    http://onewomenshaven.blogspot.com/

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  15. I just found your blog yesterday while looking for driftwood crafts. I too am 36 but sadly still searching for peace with myself! Your posts are (in a woefully inadequate word) amazing. Thank you...I have much to learn from you.

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  16. Words to live by, great post!... and I am grateful for every year I celebrate a birthday, it's truly a gift! I've got 10 years on you, and I can tell you aging gets to you now and then, but I look at it as an achievement, a privilege.

    Feel better!!!! You know, if you had a drink with ice at a bar, there's the dreaded WATER!!!!

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  17. Geeze......so much to say! Whew!
    First, Happy Happy Birthday to my soul sister...you realize I have that same quote on my blob every yr on Jan 1. And in my journal for the past 9 yrs!!! When you feel better, go eat cake! Lotsa lotsa cake, birthday cake..the kind with the to-die-for frosting!!
    And I'll be the first to say....and prolly cuz it's next week, but I do not like my birthdays. At all. Used to, when I was younger, but now it seems like every yr. I grow a new pain somewhere! Seriously, as much as i exercise and eat right, getting older sucks. Big Time. and in my pea-sized brain, I keep thinking that if the birthdays would quit rolling around, I would be stuck in time!! Maybe even a younger age!! bwahahahahahaha....
    I've always been happy in my own skin, no matter what. My daddy taught me that and it's hard for me to understand people who aren't. But thru your words this yr and your happy attitude about life, I've watched you grow. Big Time. You've accepted what is, not trying to change it all but to acknowledge that it's all ok. And to appreciate it. Because I have many yrs on you, please believe me when I tell you that that is the most important trait to have. Appreciation of EVERYTHING that comes your way and making yourself stop and realize it!I can't count the times I've said to my girlfriends or family...."just stop. look around and make this moment a memory so you can always go back to it when you need to".
    I've kept all my journals throughout the years and it's amazing how much you learn about yourself thru your own words....some things you like and others you may not...but it tells you in black and white what you need to adjust to make it better!
    So glad you're home and that you got to have some fun with new friends. Making new friends to me is like finding the pot at the end of the rainbow! Always a treasure!!

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  18. Geeze......so much to say! Whew!
    First, Happy Happy Birthday to my soul sister...you realize I have that same quote on my blob every yr on Jan 1. And in my journal for the past 9 yrs!!! When you feel better, go eat cake! Lotsa lotsa cake, birthday cake..the kind with the to-die-for frosting!!
    And I'll be the first to say....and prolly cuz it's next week, but I do not like my birthdays. At all. Used to, when I was younger, but now it seems like every yr. I grow a new pain somewhere! Seriously, as much as i exercise and eat right, getting older sucks. Big Time. and in my pea-sized brain, I keep thinking that if the birthdays would quit rolling around, I would be stuck in time!! Maybe even a younger age!! bwahahahahahaha....
    I've always been happy in my own skin, no matter what. My daddy taught me that and it's hard for me to understand people who aren't. But thru your words this yr and your happy attitude about life, I've watched you grow. Big Time. You've accepted what is, not trying to change it all but to acknowledge that it's all ok. And to appreciate it. Because I have many yrs on you, please believe me when I tell you that that is the most important trait to have. Appreciation of EVERYTHING that comes your way and making yourself stop and realize it!I can't count the times I've said to my girlfriends or family...."just stop. look around and make this moment a memory so you can always go back to it when you need to".
    I've kept all my journals throughout the years and it's amazing how much you learn about yourself thru your own words....some things you like and others you may not...but it tells you in black and white what you need to adjust to make it better!
    So glad you're home and that you got to have some fun with new friends. Making new friends to me is like finding the pot at the end of the rainbow! Always a treasure!!

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  19. sorry it posted twice...don't know why it did....

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  20. What a wonderful post- beautiful reflections and photos. So sorry you are ill- I have been there myself! From one world traveler to another- I always always take a prescription of Cipro with me when I travel- ( and- I never drink the water!) hope you feel better soon!
    Vicki

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  21. Heather-Happy Birthday-your trip looks like it was quite fun and relaxing. I hope you feel better.

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  22. Your posts are beautiful. I'm so glad you love journaling because it is a treat to read your blog and to see your cute colorful word additions. Thank you for spending so much time to make reading your words so special.
    Happy New Year!

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  23. Happy New Year! And Happy Birthday! I feel the same way about birthdays - I look forward to the next and the next and the next.

    Here's to the new year and new adventures!! :)

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  24. ok mamacita hope you r feelin better you look adorable in the little black dress.... but here's the real deal...i would love to call you and interview you if you have time ...i am so loving the way you do the typography in your blog.... do you use photo shop ...cause that's what i'm told ...you have to have to do this ...hey email me at suzannepignato@me.com to find out a convenient time to correspond and just talk and have fun ...xoxxosuzanne and thanks for stopping by..

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  25. Hi!!! Sorry to hear about the bug, Looks like you had fun!! Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

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  26. Ugh...sorry you don't feel well! Been there, done that and now choose not to vacay in Mexico. It's so pretty but what it does to you is not! :) Hope you recover quickly. HAPPY BIRTHDAY...I got a new journal for Christmas and a new pen! Just need to break it out. I like to journal on vacay but not at home...I'm working on it.

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  27. Happy Belated Birthday!!! So sorry you ended up sick though. Looks like a great trip though. I love your reflections on what you've learned.

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  28. Great post and photos sweet friend! So sorry you got sick but it sounds like the trip was incredible.

    You are so right...life is precious and should always be celebrated. Every day is a gift. That sounds cliche, but it's so true. As a cancer survivor I KNOW how true it is.

    Hugs,
    Kat

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  29. Beautiful post - beautiful message. We honeymooned in Puerto Vallerta and it is one of my favorite places in the world. Your pictures took me back!

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  30. Love, love, love this post!!! I love birthdays too!!! Your pictures and words are just so inspiring!!! Not good that you picked up a bug though...

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