Alpaca Farmgirl Turns 40
by my 7 year old daughter
This weekend I celebrated my 40th birthday. Yes, 4oth.
I never knew I would be in such a good place when I turned 40.
I always thought 40 was a birthday people dreaded and worried over. Actually, not me. I feel so blessed. I have a wonderful family, and a job that I love. Many passions that I am devoted to. Many friends and outlets for my creativity. Lots to look forward to in this life.
As for presents and cake…who could ask for a present better than the one above? My seven year old presented me with the drawing you see above on the morning of my birthday.
I am still a bit speechless over it.
As her mother I have to brag on it for a minute. Little Anastasia is such a gifted cartoonist. She’s not even seven and a half, and she doesn’t even hold her pencil properly yet. More like in a fist. Truly a special child with a gift (but I am not at all biased or anything) Please do NOT miss the baby alpaca’s boots! And I love the pink boots she drew me wearing. Anastasia conveys emotion in all of her work. When she comes home upset and can hardly explain things, I tell her, “Draw it.” And she does. Then we can talk things through. It is amazing. Back to the drawing – to be appreciated in my own home by my baby is priceless!
My father and oldest child were out of town on my actual birthday so I get to drag this thing out and have everyone celebrate again officially tonight. I am so excited I’m getting a strawberry cake from Very Vera for my birthday cake. (And you know I like cake.) If you can ever get one of these – DO! By all means. They are TO DIE FOR. I promise you. I know that she was in “O” magazine, but I met Vera long ago in Mobile. It’s a Southern thang.
So what about you, dear readers? What do you think about 40? Is it the new 30? How did you celebrate your big 4-0? Or are you dreading yours? Are you constantly turning 29 or do you claim each year as a badge of honor? Leave a comment and let me know what you think.
May 3rd, 2010 at 6:59 am
that is a *marvelous* drawing! You *aren’t* prejudiced, I promise – the humor and skill in that drawing is that of a much older child.
Congratulations on turning 40 – as great as your life is now, I can promise you, from 11 years further on, it only gets better.
May 3rd, 2010 at 7:37 am
Well, I’m not quite to 40 yet, but I’m digging my heels in against 30 — not because the number itself is bad (3 is my favorite number!
And zero isn’t so bad…), but because it seems like an awfully long time to have spent on the planet without having done any of the things I Really Want To.
I hope by the time I’m 40 I can be where you are — figuratively, of course.
I’d love to be in that spot where I can say, “I am what I am — whatever age I am!” 
Happy birthday, too!
Crystal´s last blog ..Craft or Bust Week 17 Check-In and Roundup (April 25-May 1)
May 3rd, 2010 at 8:08 am
Happy birthday! That drawing is adorable, and I think you are right–she has talent. Enjoy your cake.
I think I had a surprise party on my 40th but it was so long ago I can’t remember. The numbers really don’t matter to me. I’m happy they keep coming, since the alternative isn’t all that great. Today is my birthday and I keep having to count on my fingers to figure out which one it is.
JelliDonut´s last blog ..Cat Bordhi is my Red Bull!
May 3rd, 2010 at 8:16 am
I had just started consulting and was working in Tucson. I wasn’t too excited about being away from home.
The good part is that a dear friend had moved nearby and I hadn’t seen her in several years. We had dinner and went for a walk in the park on the only day we could get together which made my 40th very special.
Kathryn | Alpacamundo´s last blog ..One Small Change – Shampoos and Conditioners
May 3rd, 2010 at 8:43 am
Happy Birthday!!! The cartoon your daughter drew is WONDERFUL!! She is quite talented! Enjoy your cake and your family!
miss julep´s last blog ..While you were out…
May 3rd, 2010 at 9:50 am
What a wonderful drawing! A talented and caring daughter to make that for her mom’s birthday. Very humorous and I’d like to see more of her work.
I think you need to include it in your heading…
Tobey´s last blog ..Adventures: Fleece
May 3rd, 2010 at 9:52 am
whoops – forgot to add my best birthday wishes! And celebrating the second time with all your family and a special cake is to be treasured.
Tobey´s last blog ..Adventures: Fleece
May 3rd, 2010 at 1:44 pm
Happy Happy Birthday! Age is just a number.
Kate´s last blog ..2010 Walk for Animals Success!
May 3rd, 2010 at 2:44 pm
Happy birthday! My husband turned 40 a little over a year ago. He was dreading it, but has decided that my family tradition (you do whatever you want — and only what you want — on your birthday) is a pretty sweet deal, no matter what the number.
I think mine will be ok, since I didn’t give him too hard a time on his!
TexasRed´s last blog ..Baby Quilt – Almost Done with Top
May 3rd, 2010 at 5:42 pm
Happy Birthday!! … and very cool drawing by your daughter. I noticed the boots on the cria first thing, that was my favorite.
When I turned 40, we went to a restaurant where they cover the tables with paper and leave crayons on the table for everyone to use. My daughter drew a big cake with lots of lit candles… and fireman with big hoses trying to douse the flames!!
Enjoy… life really does begin after 40.
http://www.openherd.com/FarmPage.aspx?Farm=584
May 5th, 2010 at 7:22 am
Love the picture! Love even more that you admit to being forty. I actually tell people that I’m older than I really am so that way they think I look really good.
Kathy´s last blog ..Out to Pasture – USD $135.00
May 11th, 2010 at 2:08 pm
Happy Birthday from Alliance Tire Americas!
May 21st, 2010 at 6:30 am
That drawing is *awesome*! Seriously. The baby alpaca’s boots rock! Hope you had a fabulous birthday!
Michelle | Goat Berries´s last blog ..Letting Your Kids Cry It Out
May 21st, 2010 at 10:53 am
Happy Birthday!
I will celebrate 40 this August. It’s comforting to know that many of the awesome blogger women I follow are turning 40 too. I guess I do keep great company, even in the virtual world!
Kelly´s last blog ..Walking for Multiple Sclerosis
May 21st, 2010 at 12:03 pm
Hi Katy,
Happy Birthday! Yes 40 is the new 30 and being 40-something is wonderful. I feel blessed as well. Your daughter’s drawing is really fantastic and I loved the pink boots too. Hope you had lots of cake. It’s a great joy of life!
Mona´s last blog ..Chasing Arlo
May 21st, 2010 at 10:48 pm
Happy Birthday Katy! Life does change for us as we mature! But, I do have to say, it gets better and better each year. You daughter’s drawing couldn’t be better, it is who you are. Hugs and Kisses! Your cake sounds delicious…..
May 22nd, 2010 at 10:00 am
You may be biased, but you are not wrong! That picture is amazing. Even before I got to the point in your post where you were talking about it, I was marveling at her little figures and the creativity of it. What a brilliant little artist you have!
(In)Sanity Gal´s last blog .."Detox": Day One
June 7th, 2010 at 7:47 am
Happy belated birthday Katy. I know I’m very late, but there you go!
TStone´s last blog ..Classy Knitted Hood Ornament