This was my view today when I came downstairs to our living room and went out on the balcony. Absolutely breathtaking blue skies with fluffy white clouds that looked like cotton candy! I just wanted to reach out and grab one. Oh, did I mention it's my birthday, in addition to being my "1st Easter" (see yesterday's post Torn Between Two Easters to see why my husband's cousin called it this when she wished me a Happy Birthday on Facebook this morning!) My husband and I decided to seize the day, and went for a 10-mile bike ride! Little things fill me with happiness--54 years worth!
Signs of spring were all around, but I continued to look up in awe at the never-ending blue sky. I love Utrecht, my temporary home since July 2014, but I sometimes get frustrated with the misty rain and gloomy clouds that have plagued the majority of my days here. Our bike ride took us through various streets, large and small, in the center of the city, and I continued to be invigorated by the sunshine and bright blue sky. | I thought it appropriate that I document the start of our ride near a sign on a neighboring school that has a wonderful countdown to the "Start" of the Tour de France in Utrecht on July 4, 2015! The blue structure on the sign is the Dom Tower, the tallest church tower in the Netherlands and a landmark visible from all around Utrecht. I'll give you a view of the real thing a little bit later! I pulled over numerous times and got off my bike to take pictures of things I hadn't noticed before when riding in a car or just walking. I love getting a new perspective on old places! I adore these birds on the side of a building, one that I had passed by numerous times before, completely missing the birds! |
After we returned home, my husband and I fixed a big brunch: eggs, bacon, focaccia, spinach and artichoke dip, and carrot soufflé, accompanied by a wine glass full of cranberry juice! (Wine later!) We ate on the cute outside table that my husband bought me for my birthday! I wanted a high table and bar stools for outside, since the balcony wall on the condo that we're renting is quite high, and when you sit on regular chairs, you can't admire the beautiful view. And what a view we had--blue skies still, with the tall Dom Tower, and the rest of the city center, visible in the distance! Oh what a happy day!
I have a theme each week on my blog; this week it's Disney World! If you've been following, you know that my daughter bought me a 4-Day, 4-Park Pass to Disney for an early birthday present when I visited both my adult children in March. When she purchased the ticket, the cashier asked if we were celebrating anything. She replied, "My mom's birthday!" He gave me a button, and told me to write my name. I felt silly wearing it, since it wasn't my birthday yet, but Cast Members all day exclaimed, "Happy Birthday, Michele" and hearing my name brought a smile to my face each time! Talk about how little things can make you happy! |
I've been reading many blog posts and articles over the past few months, and a topic that keeps popping up is how experiences not things make us happy! I had so much fun with my daughter at the parks, and as we strolled around we talked about past trips and the great memories we had.
To celebrate our 50th birthdays four years ago, my husband and I threw ourselves a party midway between our two birthdays, since we thought there was no better present than to celebrate with lots of our friends for our "100" party. One of my very good friends gave me this wonderful "Celebrate" glass. I used it earlier today for my juice, but tonight I toasted the spectacular sunset with some white wine! Remember, I promised each Spiritual Sunday would include an image of either a sunset or park bench to help put you in a peaceful place, to jump start you to a sense of awe. I've been blessed to have 54 years of happiness with friends and family that help me through the rough times, celebrate the special events, and enjoy all the wonderful experiences in between. Though I look really unhappy in my first dance recital picture, it definitely makes me laugh now! |