I couldn't think of a word/phrase to complete my title. Any suggestions? Maybe like Still Crazy, or Still Breathing, or Still Crazy. Oops already mentioned that. Hey, and I ain't fishing for any compliments. Okay. Think: Still Battling Cellulite, or Still No Chin Hairs, or On Most Days Still Has Only One Chin.

Many, many thanks to all of you for one of the most joyous birthdays because of your cards and emails with kind good wishes.

The attention is always nice and validating - that I've made it through another year and there are people who are glad I'm still here, but I must admit I don't pay a whole lot of attention to the numbers anymore. I'm still here and that's what matters to me, albeit next year when I turn 60 - well, that seems pretty pivotal. Especially since I'm really only turning 40. Well, that's how I feel no matter how crepey my neck gets. My 4th decade was my favorite and I'm holding tight.

Nonetheless, last night I did get to thinking about my age, the number, and commenced to jot down 59 reasons I'm glad to be alive - past, present, and future reasons. So, here goes, in NO special order.

1. I'm still here in spite of myself. I'm here, I'm here, I'm here! Amen brothers and sisters! Hallelujah!
2. My three beautiful children
3. My beautiful father - I wish you could meet him. He's the bestest
4. My beautiful Aunt Jean Carol and Aunt Jann (I know, I know, I have wonderful aunts) I'm so gosh darn lucky
5. Hopes, dreams
6. Puffy clouds against blue skies
7. Massages (especially the feet) *sigh*
8. Pacific sunsets - I lived there a long time - they are quite perfect
9. The smell of crayons
10. Pumping iron - I get drunk on reps
11. Friends
12. Breastfeeding my babies
13. Rosemary, the herb of remembrance, which I use often
14. A hot shower
15. Cooking - Omigod - the nurturing aspects - for family and guests
16. Geraniums
17. Art: creating my own and admiring and collecting others'
18. Spooning
19. The hoot of an owl, the screech of a hawk
20. Gentle breezes or gales - it's all about motion and sound
21. The musk of Eucalyptus
22. Writing
23. Ireland, the sod of my origins
24. The patter of rain
25. The cloak of fresh snow
26. The Tennessee mountains, my kismet
27. San Joaquin, Morningside, Bluebird, Maple Circle (streets of my lifetime)
28. Van Morrison - any song
29. Moss - it's soft and grows in dark places - just like me
30. Dipping Graham Crackers in cold milk - oh yum - *sigh* I haven't done this in years
31. Philanthropy - my passion, even in small doses
32. Hiking - especially with baby David on my back 20 years ago in Colorado
33. The lap of waves, the crash of waves
34. Cold burnt toast with hard butter
35. Goldfish - live ones, not the Pepperidge Farm variety
36. Icicles or frosty crusty windows - a blazing fire indoors
37. Falling asleep at the beach
38. Mowed grass - the scent
39. Those I've loved
40. Jergen's soap (my grandmother used it) - it's never left my head, my heart
41. Sunflowers - joy on a stem
42. Freeway driving to good music
43. Pumpkin ice cream
44. Our National Anthem at any event
45. Butterflies - especially the garden on Vancouver Island
46. Roger and other beloved pets
47. Coloring Easter eggs, or making Xmas cookie cutouts and the joyful chaos
48. Quiet lanes with loud foliage
49. Organization - okay, so I'm anal
50. Haagen-Dazs vanilla ice cream on anything
51. A balanced checkbook
52. Letters by post
53. Books - too many to list - and the scent of the pages
54. Serenity of my woods
55. My adorable grandbabies
56. Groundhog Day, the movie - it's about my life, which I'm still trying to get right *sigh*
57. Working a canvas
58. White roses - They're far more fragrant than reds
59. My eccentricity

I have so many emotions, sensations, people, places, and things I'm grateful for. And, I guess, that is the whole point - We all have zillions of things to cherish.