With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come.
Pop open the Champagne! Today is my birthday! And, it’s also Frenchie Friday. Trying to figure out how to tie the two together was difficult at first due to my tendency to overthink things. Then, it became so obvious. When I really think about why the French lifestyle is filled of joie de vivre, it really has nothing to do with fashion, style or material things. It has everything to do with connection and celebrating life.
The French love an excuse to take the day off, relax and open a bottle of wine with family and friends. As grouchy as they are portrayed, they truly are a festive culture of people.
And, since it’s Frenchie Friday, I’m going to honor that part of myself by taking the day off and luxuriating in today’s surprise festivities. I’m being picked up at 12 and whisked off to an unknown location (how exotic is that!). I’ve only been told to dress up (more intrigue). Then I heard through the grapevine that I am going to be celebrating with some of my dearest friends tonight. My only request: that we go dancing!
One of the things I’ve come to appreciate this past year is the value of friendships. When I came to Durango almost two years ago, I had no idea what life had in store. I truly fell into the arms of mystery. And, to say this past year has been a transition is an understatement. But, I woke up each day committed to celebrating something and staying connected to the incredible friends that have become a part of my life. I am truly blessed to have some of the best human beings on the planet to call my friend.
In in the toughest of times, I’d think to myself, “I’m a blessed girl,” or “At least there’s still Champagne.” Those little moments, even on my darkest of days, added a feeling that life was still French Kissing me.
One day, not today, I’ll talk about my 2013 journey and the wonderful lessons I’ve learned. Trust me when I say, EVERYTHING along your journey is guiding you. When you let go, surrender and step outside of your comfort zone, life really begins to open you up.
But, until then, I propose a toast,
May your life be filled with joie de vivre.
May you find a little ray of light when it seems so dark.
May you be blessed with friends that hold a mirror up to your truth.
May you do big things with a big heart.
May you French Kiss Life!
Oh, and dance!
And, I have one more request. In honor of my special day, celebrate with me. In the comments below, tell me something or someone you want to celebrate today!
Thank you for all my birthday wishes, and I don’t say it often enough, but please know, I adore you!
Cheers,
Tonya
(P.S. If you’d like to wish me a Happy Birthday, I’d be tickled. Just send me a shout on Facebook or Twitter.)
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I am celebrating you and me fellow Capricorn! My birthday was last week and I was sick, so I'm extending my birthday with little gifts and indulgences for myself all week. A calligraphy kit (how fun is that?!) is supposed to arrive in the mail today. Happy birthday dearest!
I'm celebrating breathing! I broke 2 ribs & tore both rotator cuffs in a fall last week. Being able to breathe without pain is precious! Today I'm feeling less pain and can even take a few deep breaths without bracing myself on a pillow. Very grateful for healing.
Happy birthday! I hope it's wondrous!
LOVE this playlist! Thank you. It has me dancing at my desk! Happy Birthday from Canada!
Today is my love's Birthday as well! I celebrate you both on this special day and may this year bring you much joy and love!
Celebrating the shove you gave me during Week 6 this time around...and the leaps I'm taking because I need to take some risks. I've listened to that recording about 10 times.
Celebrating the tag line I discovered that defines blueskyva.com - that came to me in the midst of a glorious pondering.
Happy Birthday to the lady who has given me some very loving pushes!
Happy joyous Birthday, Tonya! I adore you and your work, too!!
xoxo
Happy, Happy Birthday! May this soirée be your finest yet. I'm celebrating with you! Why? Because I cannot think of a reason not to celebrate you and life. Plus as you do, I love all things French...(and Italian and Indian and big chunky doors, and iron gates, and crusty antiques, and art and linen and light and gardens!)
Flowers always make me smile so I am headed out to French Market to buy roses and hydrangeas. I am going to wear something really sparkly with my jeans and embrace another day of life; after all, it is the only life we have at the moment!! I'll be lighting a candle in your honor!!
May you have a fabulous year ahead filled with great health, sparkle, much dancing, a thirst and fierceness for life like you have never had before!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU TONYA....I TOO AM CELEBRATING...NOT MY BIRTHDAY BUT RATHER THAT I GAVE BIRTH TO MY FIRST BABY ON THIS DATE WHEN I WAS 18 YRS OLD (NOW 77).....IT WAS A MOST WONDROUS EXPERIENCE AS ALL MOMS KNOW. THOSE CAPRICORNS REALLY KNOW HOW TO LIVE DON'T THEY!!!
CECILY
Happy Birthday Tonya! (to add a little European flair: Boldog Születesnapot! Grattis på födelsedagen!)
Today I want to celebrate 2 things: daring to taking the big leap, relocating to Budapest during the fall. It's been a real adventure & an emotional roller coaster - and I feel so much stronger, braver and more joyful!
I also want to celebrate that I had my first sale today of my new eBook (the first product in my new biz).
I wish you the most amazing & beautiful birthday adventure! You give us so much inspiration and joy - you deserve to have a full day (life!) of pleasure!
Happy, Happy Birthday!! We are going dining and dancing tonight, girlfriend!!! Hope you have a wonderful day and a fantastic year.
I am celebrating the opportunities I created this week to share my ideas. Brainstorming really revs my heart up and I earned a seat at the table to help steer the company I work for. I'm also celebrating my newly 7 year old daughter's brilliance, curiosity and confidence. Love her...
I'm celebrating you and the crazy-wonderful ideas, reflection, discussions you've brought into my life! Thank you for all of that and all that is yet to come!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
Happy birthday!!! Hope it is wonderful:)
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Dear Tonya!! Today I celebrate stamina, awareness and joyful optimism. Packing is my middle name these days and I will celebrate each completed packed & labeled box and cleared area today. I will do a little celebratory dance for every donation that goes out of here and to a new home. Tonight I will celebrate accomplishment and relaxation. CHEERS!!
It's my birthday too and I'm celebrating me! Happy birthday to us both. Tonya, thank you for all the love that you send out to your community. Enjoy your day!
Happy Birthday! Thank you for your inspiration.
I am celebrating starting a new job and a new career next week. It will be the first time in 10 years that I will not be Self Employed and I am really excited about learning something new and relieving our financial pressure. Change is good!
Happy, Happy Birthday, Tonya!
Sounds like a wonderful day is in store for you! May it be the start to the best year yet! I am celebrating the wonderful relationships I have in my life. They help to make the sun shine a little brighter! Savor this day!!!
Happy Birthday Ms. Rising - Today I celebrate your birthday (will have a drink in your honor later) and I celebrate fascination...I've had tons to be fascinated about in the past two weeks and while at first I started to take it personal, I've since been able to detach myself and just investigate. Which has completely changed my mood (for the better)! Again Happy Birthday!
Great playlist! it's so much fun!
Happy Birthday! Can't wait to hear all about the b-day events. I look forward to the dancing pictures to these great songs on the playlist!
Happy Birthday, Beautiful Tonya!
You make such a difference in the lives of women. I am thankful for that more than you know! In the past week I met three other simpatico women, and we laughed hysterically. We talked like we have always known each other. When we shine our light, we draw more light. Thank you again, and MOST of all.................HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
Keep shining!
Natalie Chapman
Happy Birthday, Tanya! I hope it has been a wonderful day!
I am celebrating my 41st Anniversary tomorrow and my wonderful husband! I feel very blessed! Here is to us women who love to give our best to life and also receive the best from life! Here is to another year!
Beautiful Beautiful Beautiful
Happy Birthday.
I am enjoying your posts and your blog and getting to know you through your work, more and more.
All the very best in your personal New year.