30
Today is my big birthday. 30!
gifts from nature via my girl
embroidery by Elisabeth -- a very tiny tulip, because they're my favorite
dusk on the eve of my birthday
THIRTY roses from my husband
My big day, and my husband and I both feel pretty yucky. He's much sicker; he came home from work this morning after about 40 minutes. We've been lying low. Birthday plans for tonight have been postponed until tomorrow, in hopes that we'll both be feeling better.
But, I had to post at least a little something today. And do I ever have a little something to show! I'm left a little speechless by this, but I received a collaborative gift in the mail today from Alicia, Emily, Erin, and Sarah. These women are talented and generous and simply awe-inspiring. I am stunned by what they sent.
It's a book. A book that Sarah made, and hinted about here. (I can't believe that was for me!)
photograph and quote shared by Emily
Each of them shared a little something with me. I am touched and amazed and ... well, I can't think what to say. A little teary. This is what I was talking about with regard to blog friends!
watercolor and ink by Alicia (isn't her handwriting beautiful?)
photograph and watercolor & ink by Alicia
30 things that Erin loves about me?!
"thirty plus one to grow on" by emily
photographs by Sarah
I wanted to share more photos of the pages of the book, but my photos of their photos weren't turning out as well as I'd like.
Anyway, despite feeling somewhat yucky, this has been such a sweet, sweet day. Such a way to welcome my thirties! Thank you all!
Happy Birthday!! Feel better
Posted by: Heather | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 04:59 PM
Happy Birthday, Grace!!!
Posted by: Hope | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 05:13 PM
HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY! I'm so glad you liked the book. There are some pretty talented ladies out there!
Posted by: Bluebirdbaby | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 05:20 PM
What a wonderful gift from friends. Have a great birthday and I hope the yuck goes away quickly!
Posted by: Mama Urchin | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 05:46 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Grace!!! May your 31st year on the earth be your most fulfilling yet.
Elizabeth looks so much like you- that photo on the top just shows you off in the best way- full of childlike wonder and delight!
Many happy returns of the day-
xoxox k
Posted by: kyrie | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 05:53 PM
gasp! that is the most wonderful gift ever. so sweet and thoughtful and beautiful. friends are great. happy happy birthday grace. i hope that this year is even better than all the rest. i can tell that amazing things are in store for you and your beautiful family.
Posted by: julia | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 06:00 PM
Happy Birthday! What great friends and gifts! Hope you had a wonderful day!
Posted by: Teri n CO | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 06:35 PM
Happy birthday Grace. I hope you feel better very soon.
Posted by: Mary Beth | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 06:37 PM
Happy Birthday! Hope you feel better soon.
Posted by: tiennie | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 06:42 PM
Happy Birthday Grace!! What a beautiful picture of you, and that hair of yours is simply gorgeous! Elisabeth looks so much like you, and what sweet gifts she gave you! The book your friends made is so very thoughtful! I hope you are feeling better, many wishes to you!!
Posted by: Nicole | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 06:43 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Hope you all get better so you can enjoy a new chapter in your life!! Enjoy!!! The 30's are quite wonderful!!
Posted by: Sheila | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 06:44 PM
Happy Birthday! What a beautiful gift.
Posted by: Dallas | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 07:09 PM
can i just say that it was awfully fun conspiring with those 3? (and, please, do tell about the little "g" i see up there in the browser bar!)
Posted by: emily | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Ah, what a sweet gift! A treasure indeed. Many happy returns!
Posted by: Carrie | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Happy Birthday! I think the 30's are great...I hope you do, too!
Posted by: Mystele | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 07:37 PM
I'm so glad you liked it too! Happy Birthday, sweetheart. Feel better right away so you can have some fun for your big day tomorrow.
Posted by: Alicia A. | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 07:42 PM
Grace, happy special birthday! Your book from those sweet ladies is a beautiful thing, one I'm sure you will treasure! Happy happy day to you!
Posted by: hrsj | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 07:50 PM
just beautiful! happy birthday, hoping your feeling your best soon. THIRTY ROSES!!!
Posted by: heather | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 07:54 PM
Happy birthday, Grace! Welcome to your thirties (from one who just got there herself) - it's a great place to be! Hope you all feel better soon!
Posted by: Jessi | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 08:05 PM
again i'll share birthday wishes for you, dear grace! i love that you're so thrilled about our little collaborative effort. it was good fun to make, to share.
Posted by: cloth.paper.string | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 08:27 PM
Happy Birthday Grace! I hope you feel better soon. All your gifts are so lovely, thanks for sharing.
Posted by: Dawn | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 08:53 PM
Happy Happy Birthday!! What wonderful gifts and beautiful flowers. I hope you get feeling better soon though, and may your 30s be lovely. I'm greatly enjoying mine.
Posted by: Kristiana | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 09:13 PM
Happy Birthday!!
Posted by: Emma | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 09:18 PM
Beautiful. H.B.G. Xxx
Posted by: bex | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 09:24 PM
Happy Birthday! Feel better.
The thirties seem to be the decade when you have finally found yourself and aren't afraid to express who you are. What a relief. Of course, I'm not quite an expert yet at 34, but I'm hoping.
Posted by: thelongthread | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Happy Birthday, Grace!!
Wow, what a wonderful 30 (okay, despite the illness) you must have had! So wonderful.
Posted by: Berlinswhimsy | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Happy happy birthday to you, wonderful whimsical beautiful Grace. (((((((huuuuug))))))
Posted by: patience | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 11:00 PM
Happy Birthday! What a truly beautiful gift! How blessed you are! I love the book... It is the perfect kind!
Posted by: misty | Monday, February 25, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Happy 30th! I hope you feel better soon, and are able to celebrate with full health. What gorgeous and thoughtful presents!
Posted by: Becca | Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 12:35 AM
Hey, comment number 30 for your 30th birthday!
Happy Birthday Grace. You blog has inspired me and amazed me from the first moment I 'found' it.
You are such an inspiration in craft, thought, photography and lovliness.
Posted by: tmmorris@bigpond.net.au | Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 03:00 AM
Happy Birthday Grace!!!! You are a very inspiring person...I'm so glad that I have 'met' you!
Posted by: Carrie | Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 04:12 AM
Happy birthday friend!!! What a most amazing gift...but perfect for such a sweet and generous woman. Hope you are feeling better soon!
Posted by: Eren | Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 04:19 AM
Happy Birthday! I hope you're feeling better soon.
Posted by: Allison | Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 05:20 AM
grace!!!
happy happy birthday!
what an amazing day despite the illness in your home.
i hope everyone is on the mends today and that you all have a wonderful celebration!!!
Posted by: leslie | Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 06:19 AM
Hapde Burfday! (The 30's are pretty great, at least so far!)
Posted by: Sarah | Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 07:19 AM
how absolutely beautiful - lucky lady indeed.)
Posted by: shukr | Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 07:35 AM
The pine needles! That's precisely something my oldest would come up with. Just came across your blog, but would like to wish the happiest years yet!
Posted by: MamaShift | Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 07:48 AM
wow! what great gifts! Tell Elisabeth that her embroidery is beautiful.
Posted by: kirsten | Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 08:07 AM
Oh, my heart swells to see the ways in which your loved ones have showered you with evidence of their love!!! The bundle of pine needles, the tiny stitched tulips, the roses, and the incredible book...soak it all up, Grace! Happy, happy day to you :)
Posted by: cypress | Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 09:10 AM
Happy 30th Grace, that is a treasure of a gift from some pretty amazing women, they must think the world of you!! And why not, you are pretty amazing yourself!! Eat some cake, drink some wine and smile all day!!!
Posted by: jeanne | Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 11:09 AM