Full Moon Fiber Art

A Feeling Of Well Being and Gratitude On My Sixty First Birthday

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a nest in the reeds

It’s my birthday today.  I’m 61 years old and very happy to be this age, here and now.

Jon and I had plans to go to Mass MoCA the contemporary art museum in North Adams Massachusetts.  But like most museums they are closed on Tuesday.  So we’ll go on Thursday or Friday instead.

What we did do was get pizza and a cookie (free for my birthday) at Clarks Pizzeria in town.   I went for a walk in the woods and sat on a log in the sun, my feet sliding round and round on the ice covered stream.   I also had enough time in my studio to begin working on some new Potholders.

And after feeding the animals, Jon and I sat down with a cup of hot cacao spiced with a bit of vanilla, cardamon and cinnamon and I told him that it was my best birthday ever.

I’m not sure why that is.  The day didn’t go as planned.  I spent the morning on the phone with our bank sorting out a problem, and we didn’t do anything spectacular.

I cried when I read what Jon wrote on his blog about me.  And I had many sweet exchanges with my friends.

More than anything, even with all that is going on,  I had a feeling of well being and, I think, gratitude.  Which I’m only realizing as I write this.

I wasn’t intentionally thinking of what I had to be grateful for. I’ve often written and said  out loud that I am grateful for my life as it is now, but that was intellectual.   A statement of fact.

What I’m experiencing today is a feeling.  And it’s those two words, gratitude and well being that best describe what I am feeling.  And it’s a lovely feeling.

I am also feeling a lack of anxiety which makes me think of the Hafiz poem I read this morning.

It seems to me, a little gift of the day so I will share it with you…

“You Don’t Have To Act Crazy Anymore” By Hafiz

You don’t have to act crazy anymore, 
we all know you are good at that.

Now retire, my dear,
From all the hard work you do

Of bringing pain to your sweet eyes and heart.

Look in a clear mountain mirror-
See the Beautiful Ancient Warrior
And the Divine elements
You always carry inside

That infused this Universe with sacred Life
So long ago

And join you eternally 
With all Existence

 

24 thoughts on “A Feeling Of Well Being and Gratitude On My Sixty First Birthday”

  2. Happy Birthday Maria!

    That is indeed a beautiful piece Jon wrote about/of you. He truly describes what I see/hear/feel/imagine when I look at your photos or listen to your videos.
    All the best for your next trip around the sun.

    Reply

  4. I’m taking the time to wish you Happy 61 years of life on your Birthday, Maria. Jon’s beautiful words are a true gift to you ❤️ God be with you both. He has sure brought your hearts together…

    Reply

  8. Happy birthday, Maria, I’m so glad to read that you are enjoying your day and feeling good.
    I was just reading “one more thing” before I try to go to sleep so I’m sorry I didn’t see this until now.
    Happy birthday!
    Melissa

    Reply

  11. Happy Birthday Maria,
    So glad you had a Great Birthday. You are so special and a Blessing to many people.

    God Bless you always,
    Sue Huckleberry

    Reply

  12. Thank you!! Thank you for your words on this special day, and the photograph and poem. I turned 67 (what? really?) in December and I want to spend my last years looking for the next moment of joy, (those moments are already somewhere nearby, around the corner, waiting for me to find them…) I am grateful every day for whatever is kind, funny, (the dogs, cats, and a very funny husband) the green and growing things, the dirt beneath, art supplies (oooo I love those!) and so many other things. Well-being is still hit and miss but I find it too, waiting to surprise me.

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY dear Maria!!

    Reply

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