Make a wish

It's my birthday today. The year I was born the 13th was a Friday and although it's a Thursday this year, it's been lucky so far. 13 has always been a portentous number for me plus I figure having been born on Friday the 13th I'm immune to all of the typical bad luck superstitions. I walk under ladders with impunity, I follow black cats fearlessly, I even shatter mirrors with elan.



My friend Julie gave me this wicked cool pin made by Dennis Ray. He dips cicada shells in molten copper. Don't worry, no bugs were harmed, the empty shells are left behind during the moulting process as the cicadas become adults. Hmm, a perpetual teenager? Is she trying to tell me something?

I had chocolate at breakfast, gelato for lunch, and I'm sure there's a cake or pastry in my future tonight. Buzzing on a sugar high, but hey, it only comes once a year...

Last winter, while in my favorite art supply store, I came across a magnet with a saying on it (by Mary Anne Radmacher) that has become my credo. I usually dislike these kinds of rah rah, motivational things, but this one really resonated with me. I read it again every day -- it's on the fridge.

live with intention.
walk to the edge.
listen hard.
practice wellness.
play with abandon.
laugh.
choose with no regret.
continue to learn.
appreciate your friends.
do what you love.
live as if this is all there is.

Here's looking forward to another year of trying to live with intention.