I have been sharing here on this blog since I was 31 years old and today I turn 45. If you’ve followed me since the early days of blogging, you might remember my boys streaking across photos in diapers and little addendums to my posts about the funny things they’d say. Now, both boys are in high school and my oldest just got his learner’s permit. Oh, the passage of time and I’m definitely feeling it today. Not in an arthritis-in-my-joints kind of way, but in a way that reminds me the time we have is precious.
This year, I told Jeff that my birthday could be low-key. I’m getting a kitchen for my birthday. And, it can be rightly argued that I got three 1800s ironstone cake stands for my birthday.
But, then I confused him a couple of days ago by saying that I want to make a big deal out of being 45. I could see the panic in his eyes at the thought of scurrying to plan something. I assured him it wasn’t about a party or presents, but about my own daily decisions. I want to be outside more, in front of a screen less. More intentionality and less waste. More self-care and less selfishness. More contentment and less consumerism. More vegetables and less sugar. More laughing, more sleep, more adventure, More of the good things of life. It can be fair to assume that I am about halfway through my life. Maybe past halfway, maybe approaching halfway and I want to be happy with how I spent my precious days.
I don’t have a list or schedule or firm plan, but I’m hoping this birthday can be a bit of my own personal new year. I’m hoping I’ll look back when I’m turning 46 and feel like I was a good steward of the previous 365 days. I think that is the best gift I can give to myself.
Even though it’s going to be a low-key birthday, I do have a few fun things happening today. I’m baking a lemon cream cake and Jeff is going to pick up my favorite tacos for dinner. We’ll also get together with my parents over the weekend to celebrate a bit more.
And, I did get an unexpected present. This is the second time that Maria from Dreamy Whites has sent me a box right around my birthday and I waited to open it until this morning. THIS is the post about the goodies I received from her in April 2020 when mail from friends meant so much more! I was expecting a box from her because I ordered a roll of antique French ribbon I couldn’t resist, but the box clearly held more than a roll of ribbon.
I got a little teary-eyed when I spotted the rolls of antique blue and white wallpaper. I spotted them in one of her Instagram posts and asked if she would be selling them. I immediately imagined using it to cover sketchbooks. She generously sent them to me.
The antique ribbon is just so delicious! Look at how it’s rolling in paper…
Not only is the way it’s packaged so beautiful, but the ribbon itself is grosgrain perfection. I debated between the gray and light blue rolls and I’m so glad I picked the light blue. It’s just the right shade of pale blue for me.
A few more rolls of ribbons are available in Maria’s online shop HERE.
She also sent along a spool of something that looks like a gray binding or bias tape.
And, under it all, there was a large, flat package wrapped in white paper and blue striped bias tap ribbon. When you get something from Maria, you want to save every scrap of the packaging because it’s just so pretty.
I opened the paper and found a large cream book with blue trim and lettering…
Well, this is definitely my sort of thing!
I was taking in the beautiful fonts and embellishments and illustrations. Look at the big bow in that girl’s hair!
kept turning the pages to see that it was a milliner’s catalog from 1919.
Not only did it have different hat styles, but all of the embellishments from plumes to florals…
I got to the end of the catalog section of the book and turned into the Album De Tissus chapter…
I was recording the unwrapping to share on Instagram and I’m glad I did because I audibly gasped when I saw all of the fabric and ribbon samples.
Dozens of pages of samples in velour, taffeta, silk, satin, and more. They are just stunning. I was giggling and crying and so thankful to have friends who see something like this and think, Marian would love this.
This book is so special and stunning. I can’t wait to look through it more.
It was a nice surprise for a low-key birthday.
95 Responses
Happy, happy birthday Marian! I have read every single post that you have shared, and look forward to them with great anticipation. Hope the next 365 days is everything you hope for. Blessings to you.
Marian, I have been following you from the beginning. You quickly became my favorite. Always look forward to reading your posts. You’re such an inspiration in so many ways, but mostly in your attitude in learning and living life. Happy happy birthday! Blessings.
I LOVE the wallpaper! It very much reminds me of a Laura Ashley print from the 1980’s which I love still! And happy birthday!!
Happiest Birthday…..45 is a wonderful year…hope all your wishes and dreams come true ♥️
Love getting to share your projects! Having just moved house myself I can appreciate your move and all your packing and unpacking etc. Wishing you a very happy birthday and many more to come.
Happy Birthday! You are a special lady. I was having a difficult time today and your post gave me a glimmer of hope! Bless you
Bliss. Happy Birthday, Marian!
Wishing you the happiest birthday yet. And what a glorious weather day here in our area to get out and celebrate – have a fabulous day!
A full day of yardwork is always felt deep in the bones, and maybe not exactly the next day!! To think that you, a person who seems constantly engaged in working or creating or sharing, is contemplating better use of your time should be a wakeup call to me to get with the program!! Happy Birthday. That box of goodies is right up your ally.
Happy Birthday sweet Marian! I too, have not missed a single post you’ve ever shared. Reading your blog is an integral part of my day, you might say even a gift to myself. Oh how I enjoy you!
I forgot that we share birthdays. I am a lot older than you though. I’m 76! Happy Birthday to you!
Happy birthday Mary Jane!!
Happy birthday 🎂🎉🎁🎈
What a beautiful and thoughtful gift from Maria!!
Similar to your birthday thoughts, I take some time on my birthday to reflect. Asking myself
Have I grown in my faith?
Am I a better person?
What have I learned?
What can I change?
..and a few others.
Happy Birthday my friend!
It is a joy to know you.
Happy Birthday! I have enjoyed each and every post that you have shared….it has helped me to take a better look at the things in my home, and “collect” things that I love. Your writing has also inspired me in more personal ways 🙂
Thanks for being You…Enjoy your special Day!
Happy Birthday to you! You have given us so much pleasure.
I am also among the first. Somehow, a lady I purchased from had your name listed and I went there and was happy that I did.
Thank you, we do appreciate you and the gifts you give us.
Happy Birthday Marian! I love your list of mores and less, I need to implement those in my life too. Hope you are able to achieve all that and more this year. May your day and year be blessed.
Happy Birthday Wishes to you!
Happy Birthday! I just wanted to share that I turned 52 last year and that’s when I made the decision to make the second half of my life as meaningful as possible. To enjoy every moment more than I had before. Good luck!
Marian has a birthday and we are all glad! Warmest wishes for the best birthday ever! One day you will look back and think how young you were on your 45th birthday…enjoy every moment.
Thank you for challenging us to think and give pause during our busy days. The world could use more of that.
Happy Birthday! I am also 45 and share many of the thoughts you wrote today. I have never liked the passing of time and it really does go faster and seems more valuable as I age. Love your list and think I will follow suit! I hope and pray we are only 1/2 way! Enjoy your day and all the time that remains.
A birthday is a special time to reflect and plan and hope and be filled with gratitude! It’s wonderful that you can do that and also be blessed with thoughtful and special surprises from friends! You add creativity and imagination and possibilities to so many lives. Thank you and many happy birthdays to come!
Well happy birthday to you! And a huge thank you for the amazing inspiration you share in every post. Yours is one of a handful of posts I rarely miss and usually the first one of two I open right away. I was thrilled recently to discover I have one of the plates of your pear paintings that you sold the rights to. It’s in my kitchen and I enjoy it daily! Have a wonderful day celebrating you!
Happy Birthday to you!~ What a wonderful package to open this morning!~
Happy Birthday, Marian! Thank you for blessing us all with your daily emails. You are so creative and such a hard worker but best of all, a wonderful Christian woman. We should all aspire to be more like you!
Happiest of birthdays to you Marian. The gifted book is a treasure. Your less/more list of birthday wishes for yourself is also a treasure, so wise and so wonderful. The reminder to be a good steward of the 365 days we are given each year is like your gift to your readers, so thank you.
Happy Birthday Marian!! I hope your low key day is filled with more blessings than you can count.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday! Have a wonderful day and what a lovely Birthday gift from your friend..
Happy birthday..what a special gift…one of my granddaughters birthday too..she is twelve.
Happy Birthday!! Look forward to your blog each day. Long time follower and always mean to comment on your posts. Age has a way of sneaking up on us so enjoy each day with your family. It goes so fast I turned 81 last month and I feel blessed to be here.
Hi Marian, Happy Birthday and many, many more‼️
Double wow on the book‼️‼️
I really liked the post on how you and Jeff pay for Reno’s. I made a copy of and keeping for myself and my daughter.
All the best specially on bdays😁
Happy birthday!!! I just celebrated 41 a couple weeks ago and definitely trying to do more with less and be present with family and friends. I hope your day is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts over the years. You’ve inspired me to be more true to myself rather than what’s “on trend” and that has helped me in so many ways.
Happy birthday Marion! I enjoy every one of your posts and look for them in my inbox. God bless you and have a wonderful day.
Wishing you a wonderful birthday and a beautiful year ahead!
What wonderful gifts! Happiest of birthdays to you!
Happy Birthday 💙
Marian, I always look forward to your blog posts. I do hope you have a wonderful low key birthday celebration!
You are such a delight!!!! sharing with us the treasures of your talents – what a wonderful surprise that the universe shared with you a very personal, touching Birthday Gift!! Your intentions for the year ahead resonate with me completely….having just turned 60 (which is very unbelievable to me as I seriously still feel like 30) I am on a steady path of self-realization by honoring the days with gratitude and love. Wishing you only the Best!!
Happiest of birthdays to you! 45! You are still a “youngun” compared to me! LOL I turn 60 this year which is shocking and a bit scary! I hope your day is full of wonderful surprises like the package in the mail!
Happy Birthday dear lady…I also have followed you from the beginning and thoroughly enjoyed watch you grow and come into your own….loved the sentiments you express in todays post. Enjoy your birthday, your peace, your joy
Happy birthday Marian. You are such a blessing! Thank you 💕
Happiest of birthdays to you!! I’ve been following you for 14 years! Thank you for all the charm, all the tutorials, all the beauty, and all your words of encouragement. You have great goals for this year. You can do it!! We are cheering you on!!
Happy birthday. Great goal to honor your next 365 days around the sun with intention. You always get to the heart of the matter, whether it’s decorating, parenting, or your artistic endeavors. ❤️❤️❤️🎂
Happy, Happy Birthday Marian!
And what an absolutely beautiful surprise.
Dear Marion,
Happy, Happy Birthday. We are all blest with ‘knowing’ you and lives are little more bright and blessed because you are in it. Thank you for sharing, thank you for being transparent and real, thank you taking the time to remember that others benefit from what you know. May this birthday be a sweet doorway to the rest of your life.
Happy birthday Marion and many, many more!
It’s a bloomin’ beautiful time of year for a celebration! 🎉🎂☀️
I’m so curious where do you get your favorite tacos?!
Happy Happy Birthday Marian,
I have also been with you since the beginning. I have enjoyed in your sharing of your journey and you have been an inspiration in so many things for me along the way.
Enjoy your day and many blessings for the second half!
Happy Birthday, Marian! May the Lord bless you in all of your endeavors, and I hope that your day (and your cake and tacos!) has been wonderful. Thank you for sharing your stories and treasures with us!
Happy Birthday and you have inspired me for many years. You gave me the step by step in recovering my french Louie chair and featured it on your blog and that chair is moving with me to Palm Springs next month. Many more joys are ahead for you and wishing you a wonderful 45th year…
Happy Birthday, dear Marian! I have been following you since you were cleaning up Cheerios before you took photos and were working around Legos in the Living room and Kitchen. You were using drop cloths to upholster and make curtins and changing out your dining room table and chairs every other month, ha ha! I sent you the cups from my blue and white dishes because we had (have) the same pattern and I wanted to thank you for all the inspiration and more that you have been to me. God bless you this year and every wonderful year to come!
Your friend from Oregon,
Jodie
joyeux anniversaire! Love the book and the samples; French and fabric, two of my favorite things.
Your honest writing is always an inspiration. Thank you. Your next 365 is going to be a wonderful journey!!
Happy Birthday Marion! I echo so many of the comments already mentioned. I too have been a daily follower from the early days. I’m always inspired, encouraged and it motivates me to be creative in my home, garden, and art. We are changing and growing with you. Your blog transcends ages. It it all inclusive and that is a gift.
Happy Birthday, May all the joy and love that you give away come back to you ten fold
Well now I have 3 friends and a brother who all share an April 4 th birthday! Congratulations and enjoy your day. I think birthdays are so fun and special, I just love them!
Happiest of birthdays to you!!! I have become a big fan and look forward each afternoon to finding your email. I’m loving what you’re doing in your new home, I am also a big blue and white lover. As an interior decorator I am always happy to find new resources and ideas wherever I can. You have become one for sure!
Thank you for sharing your home with me!
Have a blessed year ahead!
Happy Birthday. Good luck with your birthday gift to yourself. Time spent with just yourself is always worthwhile. I think some of pictures of the ladies modeling hats look like Princess Diana.
Happy Birthday Marian hope all your dreams and wishes come true.
I have been following you since the beginning the boys have gotten so big,
I look back at my kids and now my grandkids, it really does go by fast,
don’t blink.
Birthday blessings to you, dear Marian!!
Happy Happy Birthday!!! What a friend and what a sweet gift!!! I have been with your blog for quite awhile and I look forward to it every day!!! Enjoy your tacos and lemon creme cake and your weekend with your parents…always nice to string it out and especially with family! Cannot wait to see your “birthday” kitchen ” when it is done!!!! So love seeing all that you do! Enjoy!
Blessings on your Birthday, Marian! You are such an inspiration. Your post made me think of making my life more intentional. I always look forward to your posts. Love your honest reflection. I’m excited to follow your kitchen remodel! It’s going to be fabulous!!
Happiest of Birthday Wishes to you today, dear Marian! I have been blessed to follow you for many years, and I can honestly say that I have enjoyed and learned something from each and every post! I’m so thankful for your generosity of spirit, your strong work ethic and ‘stick-to-it’ grit and your willingness to fearlessly try new things – then humbly share what you’ve learned…you’re a wonderful role model to your sons, your husband is blessed with a wonderful helpmate, and your followers are grateful for your gracious posts. Be blessed on your special day! 💖
Happy Birthday, I have been following along on your adventures almost since the beginning and have loved every post.
I hope your year goes exactly as you have planned.
Happiest of Birthdays, Marian! You’re still so young and I enjoy reading about how you embrace life. I’m also awed by your many talents. Later this year I will be leaving my little house of 40 years and moving to a sunny condo in Northern Virginia. It will be a big change for me and people are telling me to call it my Big Adventure. I’m trying to be positive and to see it as more time for me as I won’t be keeping up the house and yards. Still, I will need to live through you for a while, and I know you won’t disappoint!
Happy 45th Birthday Marian!!!!
I am sure you will make very good use of your 45th year. Lemon cream cake and tacos…mmmm my kind of birthday treats. Your new book is heavenly. How great it is that someone would think to keep a book like that for all these years. I have a few and pick them up whenever I see them at sales. …Oh my….my kids could care less and I hope they don’t end up in a landfill.
I think you made out pretty good….3 Ironstone cake plates and a new kitchen!!!! I like your kind of low key birthdays!!! Have a Wonderful day and Blessed 45th year!!!
Happy Birthday, Marian! May this be the best year yet.
HAPPY AND BLESSED BIRTHDAY, MARIAN! I’ve been following you since your boys were little,, can’t put an exact
date on it, but suffice it to say I’ve learned so much from
you. From sewing, painting, gardening and so much more,
I hope you enjoy your special day… my advice:
EAT CAKE!! 🙂
Happy Birthday, Marian enjoy those precious moments you wrote about.
Happy birthday to you!!!!! Sounds like a wonderful plan, more of the good things for you. Love your blog, it’s my favorite!!!!
Birthday Blessings to you on your 45th! Sometimes, these types of birthdays can be bittersweet because we realize just how quickly time passes. One minute, our children are in diapers and the next they are in high school and driving! I love your more/less list and hope this coming year will be filled with laughter, joy and good health. Enjoy those tacos and your delicious lemon cream cake with your family.
Happy Birthday Marian~
Maria knows you well.. Thank you for everyones shares as my day has just improved. The power of girl talk. Have a wonderful evening everyone.
Cynthia
Happy Birthday, Marian! I pray that you will be blessed with a wonderful year. I enjoy your posts so much. God has blessed you in so many ways — and you have been such a blessing to us. ‘Thanks for being such a special gal! You are loved so much!
Happy Birthday!
What a truly happy post. Love your promises to yourself for this wonderful life in commemorating your day of birth.
Hope you thanked your mom, too. ♥♥
I wish for you peace, love, laughter and joy…and always always good health to enjoy them.
Happiest of birthdays, Marian! Such a beautiful gift from Maria. She knows you well!
Lectrice française, je vous lis chaque jour, mais je ne mets pas de commentaire, car je ne parle pas assez bien l’anglais.
Mais aujourd’hui, je voulais vous préciser ; que l’énorme noeud dans les cheveux de cette petite fille, n’est pas un ornement pour ses cheveux, mais une coiffe régionale d’Alsace, une région du nord-est de la France avec pour ville principale Strasbourg, tout près de l’Allemagne (peut-être connaissez vous ?
J’en profite quand même pour vous dire que j’aime beaucoup votre décoration.
Bonne journée.
Agree with Françoise about the traditional big black satin bow worn for special occasions with the regional costume of Alsace, a beautiful region
of France, go check it out one day.
I like your birthday wishes and decisions to better your life even more.
Enjoy this evening diner with the 3 men of your life, cats and dog. Your
first birthday in this house.
Bon Anniversaire!
Happy Birthday Marian !
Wishing you wonderful 365 Days to come !
Hugs from France
Hélène
My
My name is Hélène too! My mother is French. It’s a beautiful name but hard for people in America to pronounce! Greetings to you and Happy Birthday Marian!
Happy, happy birthday!!!! Time Does go quickly and I love your commitment to be deliberate with your time. Enjoy!!!!
Just a tad late but Happy Birthday Marion♥️.
Thank you for all the inspiration you’ve shared over the years, the teachings and confidence you’ve inspired. You are the very first blogger I followed and still my favorite. Enjoy every day in all its glory, for each and every one is a gift. ♥️
Happy birthday! May this be your best year yet!
Happy birthday Marian! I pray that it will be a blessed year for you. I’m grateful for the beauty that you share on your blog. I love all of the treasures, your creations and your heart for making beautiful things. You’re a great source of encouragement to try new things and to push yourself. I can’t wait to see what this year brings for you.
Happy Birthday, Marian! I hope you had fun and enjoyed your day. I love reading your blog and I look forward to it each day. I will be so sad if there are less daily entries, but I will be so happy knowing you are enjoying your day and having more fun. Less screen time is a good thing. Have fun this year!
Happy Birthday, Marian! You expand my world with your appreciation of beauty. I love your goals for the next year, and on, and on, and on. As we look back at our lives, we realize what is important, and what is not. Valuable lessons, if we take the time to consider and change. I wish this for you, as I try to apply these lessons to myself. May this be a joyous year!!
Happy Birthday to you, Marion. Wishing you the best of your new year. I’m 20 years ahead of you and these years have just flown by. Enjoy every minute. Hugs to you and since all those years ago we know your mama did the hard work. Give a hug of thanks to her for a job very well done. Enjoy your cake before you cut the sugar.
Birthday blessings. Have a great 45th year!
Happy Birthday!!!🎈🎉🎊🎂🎁
At 45 I had one child in college, one in high school and one in middle school!
I am now 71 (although don’t feel it, going to play a tennis match tomorrow) and my children are 44, 43 and 37. I am not artistic in the least, but enjoy reading about all you do and all you have accomplished! As Eleanor Roosevelt said or thereabouts, “Today is the oldest you have ever been, and the youngest you will ever be again.” I think that is really worth thinking about and appreciating today.
Happy Birthday again!
Happy Birthday! It is so delicious to look forward to a new year of fresh possibilities and to look back with pride at the passage of time and the lessons learned and strength gained. Have a wonderful day!
Happy 23,652,000 minutes of Marian! You have brought so much joy and happiness to your readers. In my family we celebrate ‘birthday seasons’. Party until you’ve celebrated with everyone you love.
The vintage wallpaper (white background) is reminiscent of my Laura Ashley hanging in my guest room. Beautiful!
Happy birthday Marion! Also thank you so much for your reposting last Saturday of a furniture makeover you did several years ago. I miss those blog postings.
Happy Birthday, Marian. You’re the same age as my oldest son. Yikes, what must that make my age!? Haha. I’ve followed you a very long time and enjoyed each and every post.
Thank you for still blogging.
xo,
Karen B.
I’m late, but I pray you had a wonderfully happy birthday.
Happy Belated Birthday and Happy Easter!
I hope both were beautiful and filled with blessings!