Done, But Not Yet Dusted...

My birthday was fun. Unfortunately, the camera's batteries were flat, so no pictures this time. I had dinner with two librarian friends, who came back to the flat for surprise cake provided by my two favourite neighbors. They supplied two small cheesecakes festooned with candles and birthday greetings.

The resident felines stayed out of the way, though Jacob, my ever-charming tuxedo, positioned himself in the centre of the group, the better to keep an eye on his human. He is always the hit at any party. I've never seen a cat garner as many compliments as Jacob. He is curious, friendly, vocal and has markings to die for, so my die-hard cat loving friends agree.

The festivities continued last night as another neighbour, her adult twin sons, their families and I shared our birthdays and conversation over cake and ice cream. Tomorrow, I will share dinner with yet another group of friends. My thanks to those who called, sent cards or popped in. In true diva spirit, I'm celebrating all month long.

I've also accepted the challenge of growing my hair. Gone are the spikes of my early middle age. I now sport a bob that has grown to just past my chin, and this only with the guidance and patience of a stylist I've known for 17 years. The ultimate goal is to grow my hair past the elbows and provide a donation of ten inches in a clean braid to a not-for-profit organisation known as Locks of Love that provides prosthetic hair pieces to children who've lost their hair due to a medical condition such as cancer. These can be worn swimming, during sports or in the shower and the child will never fear losing his or her hair again.

Every year, two weeks prior to my birthday, I commemorate the death of my mother due to cancer, usually with a charitable donation of some kind. I did the same this year but also felt the desire to do something a bit more personal. Because I know that hair loss can be a traumatic reminder of the changes that accompany a cancer diagnosis, it seems fitting to try and ease that burden for a kid. Anyone interested can Google Locks of Love for further information.

Until Next Time...