“My life is better with every year of living it.”

~  Rachel Maddo

“Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest.”

~ Larry Lorenzoni

Truly a Grand, Golden Birthday

Recently I celebrated my golden jubilee. My 50th birthday. The internet reveals that a Golden birthday is one when the date of your birth coincides with your age. In that case, mine is long gone by when I turned 24, as I was born on 24th August. 

In any case, I like to call my Fiftieth my special Big-0 or Golden birthday. 

August was a truly blessed month, and surprisingly it just flew by in a jiffy. We had a beautiful little family weekend getaway, the part two of which I will be sharing soon, as promised. 

Last week was of the most special week of my life – the Golden Birthday week. I was pampered immensely by family and friends. The cherry on the cake was to have my fourteen-year old back from boarding school all of that week, and be by my side; for this special celebratory week.

The Day I Turned Golden

I woke up to a gorgeous birthday sky. The maker had dabbled with his paint brush, smudging out the hues of blue and grey, while the golden orb shone its sparkling light. I began my day with my usual ritual of a light, bare feet stroll in the dew-kissed grass downstairs, gathering fallen flowers for my altar. I returned home to a gorgeous caramel-nut cake, lovingly bought by the DH and the mi familia celebrating this milestone. It was precious to be surrounded by all the love. Thereafter, I made time for my Yoga and meditation practise, and to give gratitude for having lived five very incredible decades of my life. 

Breakfast with familia was sumptuous Dosa and Sambhar. The DH had to head to work; it was mid-week after all. 

The 14 year-old and I went to the temple to seek blessings. The temple was very serene and quiet, as it was nearing closing time. I choose to go here also for that reason. I don’t enjoy visiting holy places that are noisy and bustling. Therefore, this visit was distinctively calming and meditative. 

Thereafter, we picked fifty packets of sweets and samosas from the neighbourhood sweet shop. I distributed them to the lesser privileged. It was hearting to see their lips curve into a smile and their eyes twinkle with joy. I felt blessed to be able to share my birthday with them and there were many children amongst them. A big community of potters and gypsies can be found inhabiting the main road beyond our neighbourhood and it was a privilege to be able to gift them sweet smiles. 

As we were headed home, I came across a nursery selling a huge Nag Champa (Plumeria pudica) tree, one that I had been eyeing for a while. Though not fragrant like its other counterpart, Frangipani (Plumeria rubra/obtusa); Nag Champa with its cobra shaped leaves (thus the name- Nag that translates to Cobra in English) and the milky white flowers that bloom for many days in clusters, lend a charming presence. We have four full grown Frangipani trees on our terrace and balconies, that bloom in shades of white, pink and fruity red. This new addition to our living room balcony that I gifted myself on my special day, looks lovely towering beside the African Palm.

 

I also brought home another purple Passion flower plant, as the one we have had now for a few years, had wilted a bit in the monsoons, and wasn’t flowering this season.

 

 

We returned home to the most lip-smacking vegan lunch put together by my 24 year-old. There was Aubergine Unagi,  Spinach drizzled with seasme, Button mushrooms in spring onions and pickled Carrot and red Cabbage salad.  She truly has been pampering me silly all through my birthday month, always going that extra mile to make me feel wonderful and special. This also includes organising my 50th birthday bash seamlessly; where we all had the time of our lives.

The Evening Fades into a Musical Surprise

At 6:30 PM the door bell rang. I was greeted by this young guy at the door with a guitar in hand, telling me my best friend had sent him over to play for me. I was dumbstruck to say the least. Meanwhile another dear friend of mine also arrived with her daughter. And the DH was back home. Sahil, the musician belted some sweet, nostalgic music to infuse more light into my soul. We all sat, listening to him strum and sing and it was just so beautiful. A truly one-of-a-kind experience. And I can’t thank you bestie, Riti, enough for pampering me like this. 

Thereafter, I cut another cake and we shared some smiles and laughter before heading out for a family dinner, at a farm-to- table place, once again picked painstakingly by the 24 year-old. It was lovely to be surrounded by familia and such a unique gift to have the 14 year-old by our side too. The golden birthday evening wrapped up on the sweetest note. 

The Golden Birthday Week Thereafter

The birthday week was filled with more surprises. Friends sent me lovely gifts and flowers galore. Another one designed and gifted me a beautiful outfit. And another one sent vegan body care products.  I got three fabulous books from my book club, that I had been eyeing. Book of Dog, Whispers from the Wild and a complete omnibus of Jim Corbett books. Another friend has ordered more books on wildlife and they are on their way. One friend has made this beautiful calligraphy of Rudyrad Kipling’s poem “If”. 

My in-laws and SIL also visited us, and it was great to spend time with them. My Dad sent me a magnanimous gift. He couldn’t be here, but it was blessed to have spent the last month and a half with him, while he was over.

Our very dear friends also came visiting from NY. Though it was a touch and go visit, but absolutely delightful and fuzzy to spend time with them and their kids who were now all so grown up. They got me lovely presents too. 

I know I sound like an excited teenager who just turned sixteen, but that’s how this birthday has felt!

After Party

We had a celebration at home over the weekend, once again planned and organised by the older poppet. She and the DH worked super hard to make it so lit! We danced our hearts out. This proved to be a super lively gathering of some dear friends. And one of the best we’ve ever had in the longest time. It was wonderful to host friends at home, after so many years.

I brought in my 50th, jiving and having the time of my life. Initially I had planned to get away on a solo vacation, but I’m glad I changed my mind. It was blessed and blissful to be surrounded by dear family and friends and to soak in all the love.

 

Signing off this week, with this beautiful song by Taylor Swift – August, as we slip over to sweet September. And also Night Changes, by One Direction, which I truly enjoy. 

Much love, light and laughter you way.

May t hemonths ahead be blessed, healthy and beautiful. xoxo

Natasha <3

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Linking up with my fabulous friends in blogosphere – Yogi and other bloggers for Skywatch Friday , Brian’s Thankful Thursday, Cathy and Alana’s Monday Mewsic Moves, Sandee, Keith , Suzana and other bloggers for Wordless Wednesday, Corinne’s Monday Musings and Trent’s Weekly Smiles. 

A Studio Version of August

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pc_2ZKB4LVc

 

Night Changes by One Direction – Life is not always a party, things can turn around; and then again turn in our favour. 

 

The Lyrics Of August