Another birthday come and gone.

My birthday came and went recently. I'm 33 years old now! I distinctly remember when my own mother turned 33. I thought she was rather ancient, of course. And I suspected that the world would probably come to an end before I managed to make it to that advanced age.

I was wrong, of course. A few blinks of an eye, and here I am. :)

My birthday was quite lovely this year. In the morning I went out shopping with my girls, and bought some new pajamas for myself (my old ones were so threadbare that you wouldn't even believe me if I told you about them). Then Chris took me out to lunch, and to our local piano store, which was having a sale! With much glee I picked out one of these:

My parents owned a Yamaha Clavinova (digital piano) when I was younger, and I used to love playing on it. For a few years now I have longed to have the ability to play music back in my life. I almost couldn't believe my own words when I told the saleslady I hadn't played for 15 years--it's been far too long. (My brief stint with our second-hand keyboard last year doesn't count--some of the keys didn't even produce a sound!)

Usually I prefer old fashioned ways over new technology--but this is one exception. I can't wait to be able to plug in some headphones and play some Chopin while the children are asleep. I certainly couldn't do that with an acoustic piano--especially when we live in such a small house.

Apparently one of the Yamaha plants was affected by the earthquake, so this model is not going to be available until December.  I suppose then it will be more of a Christmas present than a birthday present. Which is just fine, because it gives us time to save up the full purchase price.

I'm so excited! Once I brush up my own skills, I plan to teach my children to play, as well--if they want to learn.

The rest of my birthday was just as enjoyable. For supper we had the kind of simple food I love--gigantic salads with boiled eggs, and fresh baguette smothered in butter. Yum! Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for dessert (I considered making a cake but decided against it), and we were just about to go for a family walk when a heavy downpour commenced. So we sat in our livingroom in the dark and watched the storm, and once it was over, the children put on their rubber boots and we went for our walk. The air was so fresh and cool, and the kids had so much fun splashing in the puddles. (Too bad I forgot my camera.)

It was the perfect ending to the day!

Comments

[Julia]

oh HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Laura! What a wonderful gift! (to play and to teach it to your children, too) Sounds like the perfect day :-)

[Brenda]

Happy Birthday - sounds like you had a lovely day xx

[PurePixie]

Happy Birthday, Laura! I'm really impressed by your gift. So happy for you. :)

[Marijke - Petite Daphne]

Happy Birthday! Your day sounds wonderful. A nice, simple, family day, like it should be. A piano is a great gift! Now just the waiting.. But December is a great time to get one, you can play on the long, cold nights..

[domini @ www.renaissancehousewife.com]

You and I have a lot in common since I also just celebrated my birthday (my 36th) and I also have four children. In addition, I'm searching for a simpler, more rewarding, more joy-filled life. Thanks for your inspiration. Just the fact that you have a Thoreau quote on your main page makes me think I found a kindred spirit!! :)

[Leah]

Happy Birthday Laura!

[Melanie~ Our Ash Grove]

Happy Birthday! We are the same exact age, I turned 33 in January. :) Also, I am a musician as well who has taken a long, long break (flute and oboe) when I became a Mama, so we've got something else in common!

[Laura Jeanne]

Well, that's neat. :) I used to play clarinette and violin, too, but I don't think I will ever take them up again. Piano was definitely my love!