My niece and her fiancé came down from Albany again this weekend, and my son and his girlfriend also stayed over, for the big celebration of my daughter turning 25.
My niece did a jigsaw puzzles while I sat in the midst of the fun and worked on my celebrity adjacent book proposal.
My husband and these guys watched premier league soccer and told many funny stories.
Then it was time to go to dinner at my daughter's favorite restaurant, a fish place called Seamores. We traveled in two cars. The man and I got the birthday girl and her guy.
They're so beautiful, both of them. And they clean up nice, too.
My daughter wanted a picture of her parents kissing, and we obliged her. We looked a bit like what we were, old fogies playing around, and hilarity ensued.
My son and his lovely girlfriend—she smiled for my camera but he was, as usual, recalcitrant.
He did, however, indulge me in an insta-worthy mother-son moment. Although if you know him, you'd see from his expression that he's barely holding in the mischief.
The restaurant put sparklers on the lemon cake and we all sang rousing happy birthday.
Afterwards, the eight of us came back to our house where my man made apple martinis for all takers, and we watched Virginia beat Purdue in March Madness—all but one of us. Just as I bring my computer out to the living room and work there so as to be in the midst of it all, my son's girlfriend, who is not a night owl like the rest of us, falls asleep in our midst so as not to miss any of the fun.
From start to finish it was the sweetest day. And now it is the end of March; we are already a quarter of the way through 2019. As I turn toward April, I confess I'm hyperventilating a tiny bit over the work ahead of me. I got the contract for the second book on Friday. One foot in front of the other. A day, a breath, a sentence at a time.
What a beautiful birthday celebration. Your family is so full of love in every photo.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear robin. The mood was sublime.
DeleteA quarter of the way through 2019! THAT's scary!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful day with the family. I'm impressed that you can work amid all that activity!
Steve, I actually concentrate very well in the midst of life swirling around me, sometimes better than when I am alone. I think it comes from the days of having to meet deadlines while my children were jumping on the bed. Or maybe further back than that, from studying in student lounges with college friends all around.
DeleteWhat beautiful celebrations you've had for your darling daughter. Happy happy birthday to her! I love all the photos and am thrilled that you've gotten this project. Like the ones before it, you will do it with great professionalism, and it will all work out. I'm so impressed!
ReplyDeleteThank you for your faith in me, Elizabeth. I will hold on to that! Love.
DeleteWhat a perfect day with such wonderful people. Congratulations on the second book. Beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteAllison, this is my core eight, and they are indeed wonderful people. xo
DeleteBeautiful photos. Happy Birthday to your daughter and congratulations to you.
ReplyDeleteThank you, e! xo
DeleteContract for the second book leaves me breathless congratulations! And your photos are stunning. All of them. You have the eye.
ReplyDeleteLove
Rebecca
Rebecca, it leaves me breathless, too, but for a different reason. But we rise to meet the challenge because what other choice is there. Hugs, dear woman.
DeleteJust caught up with all your blog posts that I missed. Overjoyed to hear that you were chosen to work on the book. Happy 25th Birthday to your daughter. Congratulations to your son. Thank you always for your kind and thoughtful comments at my blog.
ReplyDeleteFor weeks now, I had thought that you had not been posting. Nothing was coming through from you on my Blogger reading list. Over the past few weeks, I had repeatedly clicked on "37Paddington" above your comment and been unable to access your blog. Something prompted me today to click on "37 Paddington" on my blog sidebar where it says "Places I Visit," where you are at the top of the list.
What a relief to be able to find your blog again and witness so much love.
Love always,
am
am, I am so glad you persevered and found me. This would be such a poorer place without your presence here! Love to you, friend.
DeleteWonderful about the second book! Breathe . . . :)
ReplyDeleteI think that being around younger people makes us feel younger again. That's what it does for me, anyway. What a lovely weekend you all have had!
jenny_o, breathe, yes, you understand! And I agree about being around younger people. They are so alive with possibility and dreams. xo
DeleteWhat a perfect birthday! What gorgeous, happy people!
ReplyDeleteAnd you- getting that second book. That's so wonderful! Yes, you'll be so busy but you'll manage and the work will carry you along with it. I am so proud of you.
Thank you, dear Mary. It was indeed a gorgeous, happy night! Love.
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