It's my last day in my twenties. Tomorrow, 30 cometh, but I'm actually looking forward to this new decade in my life. The twenties were great--full of late nights and eating what I wanted, my first romantic relationships, college graduation, and marrying my fabulous husband. So, I'll miss them a bit. But turning 30, to me, is an introduction to a new season of life that for some reason, I am feeling will be very positive and a lot of fun! I jokingly refer to the 30s as "MY DECADE OF POWER!" (Did you all hear my super-hero voice when you read that?) I am submitting my first novel, I work at a job that is quite fulfilling and promotes the goodwill of humanity, I have a great marriage, wonderful family and friends, and a happy, little apartment in the quiet, semi-country. Things look pretty positive from the deck of this ship.
As this is my last day of being 29, I am reminded of something funny that C.S. Lewis once wrote: "Thirty was so strange for me. I've really had to come to terms with the fact that I am now a walking and talking adult." I agree. In the twenties, you have a strange feeling of eternal youth and maybe even the idea that old age is so far away, you never have to think or worry about it. And of course, we live in a society that worships youth and beauty. If you see a wrinkle or gray hair, face cream and hair dye are must-buys. But we should appreciate our age, not matter the age. As you grow older, you should think of the years as gifts. We all know that the only way to stay young forever is to...die, basically. No amount of pills or surgery will keep you a lithe, young pup. I'm not going to drop names, but you know who the celebrities are who are so full of plastic and poison that instead of looking young, they look as if too wide a smile will split their faces right down the middle. Poor things. And they think it looks natural?
So, to end my rambling for the day, I will say that the thirties are welcome at my doorstep. And to ring them in, a little Sinatra on the speakers, a little cup of tea, a bit of dark chocolate, and maybe a dance step as I exit work and head home to my trusty computer and type out the next, great American novel.
'Til I Write Again,
Amber
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Monday, November 15, 2010
Thoughts on Thankfulness
So, I initially began this blog in September. Frequent bouts of distraction kept me from posting anything worthwhile but now, I fully intend on utilizing this little piece of e-space.
For my new, first blog in The Amber Room, I would like to discuss the necessity of embracing the attitude of thankfulness. (Tis the season.) I learned a rather difficult lesson about life in October, when my husband's best friend tragically lost his wife. I distinctly remember seeing this lovely, young woman (only a bit older than myself) lying in a casket while her husband and newborn son stood only feet away, encompassed by grief. And I realized in that moment that I had never been really, truly grateful for my life. I had taken so many things for granted. I complained about useless things and allowed the small stuff to stress me out and induce major chocolate binges. I had been inflicted with the self-pity of turning 30 (which I will do on November 17!). Crystal would never have another birthday. She wouldn't be there to watch her son grow up. She would never again rest in the embrace of her husband.
I decided right then, that I needed to be thankful. I needed to thank God for His blessings upon my life. I needed to thank my husband and family for their support of my life endeavors, for their constant love. I needed to thank my friends for always being there for me, even if the miles separate us. I needed to savor the beauty of each day (despite the weather!) and take time to enjoy and ponder the little things in life. And now, I am putting it to practice.
Today, I watched three sparrows perch and flutter about the naked limbs of a sleepy poplar. I listened to the crisp wind stir the golden and crimson leaves upon the sidewalk. I inhaled the sweet, buttery scent of autumn in the air and made plans to star gaze from my porch, cider in hand. Life is good and we should be thankful. So, be sure to thank someone in your life for being a friend, for being kind, for spending time with you. We never know how long we have been given on the earth, but we can surely make the most of that time and embrace thankfulness.
'Til I Write Again,
Amber
For my new, first blog in The Amber Room, I would like to discuss the necessity of embracing the attitude of thankfulness. (Tis the season.) I learned a rather difficult lesson about life in October, when my husband's best friend tragically lost his wife. I distinctly remember seeing this lovely, young woman (only a bit older than myself) lying in a casket while her husband and newborn son stood only feet away, encompassed by grief. And I realized in that moment that I had never been really, truly grateful for my life. I had taken so many things for granted. I complained about useless things and allowed the small stuff to stress me out and induce major chocolate binges. I had been inflicted with the self-pity of turning 30 (which I will do on November 17!). Crystal would never have another birthday. She wouldn't be there to watch her son grow up. She would never again rest in the embrace of her husband.
I decided right then, that I needed to be thankful. I needed to thank God for His blessings upon my life. I needed to thank my husband and family for their support of my life endeavors, for their constant love. I needed to thank my friends for always being there for me, even if the miles separate us. I needed to savor the beauty of each day (despite the weather!) and take time to enjoy and ponder the little things in life. And now, I am putting it to practice.
Today, I watched three sparrows perch and flutter about the naked limbs of a sleepy poplar. I listened to the crisp wind stir the golden and crimson leaves upon the sidewalk. I inhaled the sweet, buttery scent of autumn in the air and made plans to star gaze from my porch, cider in hand. Life is good and we should be thankful. So, be sure to thank someone in your life for being a friend, for being kind, for spending time with you. We never know how long we have been given on the earth, but we can surely make the most of that time and embrace thankfulness.
'Til I Write Again,
Amber
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