Today I am 35. A good age, I think. What a privilege.
The above photo is one of my favorites — my dad, who rarely made an appearance on the other side of the camera, holding a not-yet-one-year-old me on his shoulder. I think of my life so far and feel completely and utterly blown away by how lucky I have been. The people I have known and loved, the experiences and travel and challenges, the three beautiful healthy children I have brought into this world with the love of my life and best friend, the life we have built together. The joy I have found in writing and blogging and photography and more importantly, the gratitude I feel toward Andrew for the work he does to make my creative pursuits a possibility in the first place.
I recently laid eyes upon the most fabulous older woman at a coffee shop I frequent. She had cropped straight silver hair with super short bangs, round glasses and flowing interesting clothes full of daring vibrant prints. She exuded an untouchable grace and confidence that made her many wrinkles enviable. It was obvious to me all at once that she had let herself age naturally (no stretched-tight skin anywhere) and the deep laugh lines at the corners of her eyes and mouth brought so much character to her face. She had lived a full life so far. I will be like her some day, I thought to myself.
Some of the most beautiful women I know are much older and glow from the inside out. It is happiness and confidence and experience. And that, above all else, I value in growing older. I am so happy to be here today, healthy, happy, and able to tell the people I love that very thing, that I love them. It’s a good thing, this life.
Happiest of birthdays to you! I love that picture, and see so much of Oliver and Emil in particular in your baby face. So lovely that this birthday finds you in a place of happiness and gratitude. Cheers!
Beautifully written, Lauren. Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday to a beautiful, graceful and amazing woman, Lauren. I love you so much. Your father was ‘over the moon’ when you came into this world – so incredibly happy and proud – I think he smiled for months everywhere he went! Thanks for bringing happiness to so many people.
Love, Mom
Happy happy Birthday, Lauren! I hope you have a wonderful day and can spend it with many people you love!
And YES regarding confident, experienced, glowing older women – I aspire to be one, too, and from what I know reading your blog, you will definitely be one of the most beautiful, graceful ones with many many laugh lines …
Yes. Aging really is a privilege — especially if you can do it like that woman in the coffee shop! Many happy returns, and may 35 be your best year yet —
Happy, happy birthday!
Happy Birthday, Lauren!!! I have yet to meet you in person, but through your writings and photographs, I feel like I know a bit of the woman you are, and what an amazing person that is — one that loves deeply for her family and friends, beautiful in all ways, adventurous, and creating a life of fullness with all means possible. I hope your year allows you to grow and stretch even more, and that even more love, beauty, and fullness comes into you and your family’s lives!
Such a beautiful post! Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday, lauren. Love the picture of you and your dad. He sure did love you. He would be so proud of the beautiful person you are. Hope your special day has been a good one. Love you and miss you.
Thank you! Having a wonderful day and really appreciating the kind words!
Happy birthday!!!
Happy birthday friend! I hope you had a great day! I just LOVE that picture of you and your dad. It makes me hug my kids a little tighter. Can’t wait to see you soon!
Happy day! I also see a lot of your boys in your baby face. Cheers!
Happiest of birthdays to you. From the days of watching you work your magic with kids at GPA to now as a wonderfully talented writer and mother – it’s been my pleasure to know you! I recently had a friend who is a director of a local preschool here in boston share your Post article on their school’s Facebook page. So cool to see your name in the byline. Happy happy day! Cheers to year 35!
happy birthday lady! Iidentify so deeply with your thoughts on aging…
So grateful for all of you! And Rachel, that is so great about your director friend, I love hearing that! Cheers to you too, my dear!
Aquarius!!!! I’m here to tell you 36 is also excellent! Good thing we’re like fine wine. We just keep on getting bettah! <3
Happy (belated) birthday, Lauren! It’s so awesome to see someone embracing getting older and viewing it as a growth opportunity. I hope the year is filled with great things for you!