December Birthdays

It was my birthday in December and it happened to fall on a Wednesday. Naturally I was at work at my shop for Woolly Wednesday but what a ripper of a day it turned out to be! 

To start we had the most perfect weather. I went for an early morning walk and chatted with family.

Mid-morning I picked up the CAKE I had ordered for myself (a pro-tactic I highly recommend to anyone who secretly fears the day will be forgotten).

'Have a Yarn' was scheduled for that day and my regulars showed up with DONUTS. 

And then later my friends came for cake and coffee. Perfection! 

I grew up in New Zealand where my birthday was always celebrated in these ways: a combined party with my brother, whose birthday is two days before mine, and inevitably a pool party since it's the start of summer over there.

Although I have lived in Japan for a long time those memories are indelible. I still don't really love celebrating my birthday in winter. I was in my mid-twenties before ever receiving a scarf or beanie as a birthday gift! Mostly I was given things like sunglasses or sandals, a new beach towel or a sparkly summer flavour lipgloss. 

I love winter now but I was a firm summer-girl most of my life (my birthday, the end of the school year, Christmas, New Year, the summer holidays, swimming club, strawberries and corn on the cob ... )

Here's my crew on my birthday. Feeling loved and warm! Thank you! Maybe winter birthdays are ok afterall.