November . . .

Ahhh, November. You greet me each year with another birthday. But you bring so much more when you arrive. The spirit of giving to one another, to cherishing family and friends, to getting us in the spirit to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

I haven't always loved you though. As a child, growing up with a November birthday, meant a mediocre birthday party at my house or inside at some dumb roller rink. I had always envisioned a fun Summer birthday at a pool, lake or ocean. But I settled. My Mom always made sure to make the day special for me. When I would wake up in the morning, there was always a huge, and I mean huge ribbon corsage sitting next to my breakfast bowl. Hanging from this corsage was a handful of silver dollars, rolled up 5 and 10 dollar bills, and lots of chocolate kisses. And YES, I did wear it to school. This was special . . . I miss those corsages today, and I miss you MOM.

I will say, as I've gotten older that I really do appreciate my November birthday. First of all, Autumn is my favorite time of year now. How could you not love Fall when the leaves change colors, the air is crisp, and the idea of cooking comfort food just happens. It's the kick-off to Christmas . . . the happiest season of all! RIGHT???

Last year I celebrated my 50th birthday. Yes, there it is. In black and white. What have I learned? I still miss my Mom (and Dad) more than anything in this world, I don't miss the people who betrayed my friendship (life is too short to get caught up in all of that drama anyway), and this girl has the most loyal and loving friends on earth. I'm reminded of something that a friend told me last year about friends being with you for a Season, a Reason, or a Lifetime. I choose the friends that will stick with you through thick and thin. Friends that will keep your private conversations "private", and friends that don't stab you in the back all the while smiling and pretending your friendship means everything to them.

I hadn't really intended for this to be a soapbox moment, but there it is. I was never one for keeping my feelings to myself anyway. So I guess November brings wisdom too.

Enjoy all of these golden moments in life, and all of the topaz and gold below!

And at the end of the day, I want to sit on this bench amidst the gorgeous golden leaves in Central Park.