Thursday, May 10, 2007

Are We Mature Yet?

Hello friends, and welcome to my little birthday celebration! The theme for today is FUN. Thank you to all of you who have already left me good birthday wishes. It has made my day much brighter already.

I have to admit, I am not taking this well. I had a little breakdown last night and Dave is now threatening to give me therapy gift-certificates for my birthday! My sister is threatening to send me a coffee mug that says "Lordy, Lordy, look who's Forty"!

So, let's have a little fun.
I want to show you this handmade card from my dear friend Tracey, which has given me a great trip down memory lane:

On the front is a collage with the following quote

To exist is to change
To change is to mature
To mature is to go on
Creating oneself endlessly







The middle is more paper collage and the obligitory four-zero.











Then, I turned it over for something I totally wasn't expecting. Photos of Tracey and I circa 1991, from our years as roommates in NYC.

On the left side is a picure of me, with wild eyes and the caption "Have we arrived at mature yet?" I am sitting on the side of our bathtub (so I don't make a mess) in our teensy West Village apartment, leaning over the tub making some kind of drink concoction that involved dropping a shot glass of something into a beer and drinking the whole thing down in one gulp. Something like that. I think it might have been Amaretto into a beer and it tasted like a Dr. Pepper.

On the right is a photo of me (after partaking of the beverage, from the look on my face) with Tracey behind me saying "I hope not!"
Since I've been reminiscing, I will relate a little Em history. After college in Philadelphia, I moved to New York to pursue fashion design. I met Tracey through a mutual friend who brought us together because we both knew how to sew. We still laugh about that, but I have to admit, having the ability to sew was pretty unusual in the 90s, especially in New York. We didn't just love to sew, we had a lot more in common besides that, and became great friends and roommates.

Here was a typical Friday night for us: She would walk to my office in Time Square and pick me up and we would take the subway up to the Upper East Side, where there was a bar that served the ladies free beer until 7pm. We'd mingle amongst the yuppies partaking our little hearts out until after 7, when we'd take the subway all the way down to the West Village, getting out at 6th Street where there was a Ray's Pizza and getting a slice. We'd walk to our apartment at Christopher and Bleecker, where we'd put on loud music, eat, drink (see picture above) and get ready to go out for the evening.

We'd head out atabout 11pm, to somewhere in the Village, usually Peculiar Pub or Red Lion on Bleecker Street. We had the best time, chattering endlessly, until the bars closed down at 4am. We'd walk home, stopping at Zito's bakery where they'd be bringing the bread up the conveyor belt from the basement, and if we called down the hole into the basement the son would come up and sell us a loaf. We'd take it home, sometimes eating it on the way, but usually saving it for french toast the next morning (approx. 1 or 2pm the next day).

After "breakfast" the next day, we'd hang out, sometimes going to the Park, sewing, shopping, until we'd be ready to repeat the process on Saturday night! We were grown up girls with jobs, living on our own in New York City and we thought we were so "MATURE"!

Good times. It was one of the most fun times of my life. The thought of staying up til 4am on a regular basis is completely foreign to me now! Obviously, with 3 kids, a minivan and a mortgage, things are very different. But I hope that I can still have as much fun as that girl did. One thing I have learned by now: it's all in the attitude.

So in an attempt to change the pouty attitude I've had for the past few days, I am offering up a contest. Fun! Here's what you have to do. Leave me a comment. Give me some moral support! Tell me what is fun about being forty! Tell me something that you have found fun on the blog. Or just de-lurk--you decide, no pressure.

Everyone who leaves a comment on this post by Sunday night will go into a drawing to win this. 3 fat quarters of some springy quilting fabrics I've picked up at recent quilt shows, and 2 mini-skeins (50 gms each) of Sophie's Toes. June Wedding and Froggy. Enough to make booties, shortie socks, regular socks if you striped them, or a Chevron scarf!
That should start those creative juices. Have fun!

87 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Emily!
As someone who is fourty-ONE, I can tell you that there is fun after fourty! I too remember those gay old days of being single with my first "real"job in the big city (Boston, in my case). Also, in my case, I remember then wishing I had a life very similiar to one I have now (except for the part about living in Southern California...), so I'm very happy to be 41 now - but I don't feel a day over 29! And I don't think that I'm "mature" yet!

Have a great day!

Candy in California

8:30 AM  
Blogger Melody Johnson said...

OK I love contests. Here's what I can barely remember about being forty. I hadn't yet finished going to school! I was also working and had a stinking job. I lived in a miserable neighborhood with a great husband and four cats. I had no idea what great things were in ahead for me. Who would think that the adage Life Begins at Forty could be so true! You ain't seen nothing yet.
Best wishes for all the happiness and success in the world!
Lovest Mel

8:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Okay, having just turned 43 and other than you I am pretty much the yougest in my "crowd" I have to say 40 is so cool. It is sorta a new start. Have a Great Year! Love

8:31 AM  
Blogger Diane Doran said...

Happy Birthday Emily! As someone who turned 45 a few weeks ago I can assure you that there's plenty of fun to come. Your free spirited use of color and all you do for your kids always bring a smile to my face. If I were there I'd make a volcano cake just for you. Have a wonderful day!

8:36 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi, Emily,
I am out of lurkdom to attest that life does not stop at 40, and I sure hope that it doesn't stop at 50 either. Do I know what I want to be when I grow up? Not yet. I'm still learning things about myself and hope that one day I might have an idea about that. In the mean time, it's a blast exploring new things.
In the mean time, it helps to remember to "learn from the mistakes of others because you won't live long enough to make them ALL yourself." heehee. This also gives you more time to explore wonderful things.
What am I exploring these days? Quilting, Pottery, Knitting, Deep Water Running and Soccer. (what a combo, huh?)
Happy Birthday!!!!
- Elle

8:57 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Emily!! I'd tell you what is fun about being forty but I'm afraid I can't remember back that far. But I'm having lots of fun now, so there's hope!! ;-)

9:16 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy birthday! I'm just shy of thirty and the only time I see 4 a.m. is when my newborn is awake. :)

9:33 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Have a great day Emily! Truly forty is only the begining - I am fifty one and it just gets better - like a fine wine.

9:41 AM  
Blogger rohanknitter said...

Happy Birthday!!! I am turning 40 in December...not looking forward to it,either. So I don't know what's good about turning 40, but I hope that getting older means getting wiser! I've loved looking at the quilts on your blog, very inspiring.

9:42 AM  
Blogger Heidi said...

Happy Birthday! I love reading your blog, I am new to quilting and am LOVING learning. I am learning to knit and crochet as well. My first craft of choice was counted cross stitch. Now I have too many crafts and not enough time lol! It's a good problem to have anyway, keeps a person out of trouble, right?! Anyway, hope you have a great day!

9:49 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

What a great story. Have a happy birthday!

9:49 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Happy birthday, Emily! Life after 40 ... it's all what you make of it. Frankly, I would never go back to my 20's or 30's. I finally know what I like in life and what I enjoy doing the most with my time. Children are all grown up & I visit grandchildren instead that give me unconditional love. I have more time to knit. And at 48, remarried to the most wonderful guy in the world. Life is good!

9:51 AM  
Blogger sweetfigs said...

Happy Birthday Miss Em! Congrats on the milestone. Speaking from the other side of 40 here, it just keeps getting better and better.

9:52 AM  
Blogger beckie said...

Happy Birthday!
Being only in my twenties, I don't know what it is like to be 40. But I know as life goes on, it only seems to get better and fuller and richer. There seems to be nothing scary about "turning forty" to me-I can't wait! There is always unexpected twists and turns in life and I want to hit them all :)

10:37 AM  
Blogger FemiKnitMafia said...

Happy Birthday!! Since I'm only 32, I can't say too much about 40. Except -- shortly after my Mom turned 40, she learned to scuba dive, started travelling extensively and went back to college. Clearly 40 is just the beginning of the learning process. She says that she enjoyed the 40s more than any other time in her life (she's just about 51) because she was confident in her abilities, solidly placed in her career, had good friends and strong family connections, and fulfilling hobbies. Clearly you have all these things, so it's time to celebrate!

How about a amaretto shot for old time's sake?

And thanks for the trip down memory lane. I lived in NYC in the mid-90s as a -very mature- baby adult and had the same bar/pizza/bakery/"breakfast" experiences. SO fun!

10:40 AM  
Blogger Mary B said...

Okay, I'm 41, and the big changes have been the very gray hair requiring frequent trips to the salon, and my closeup vision going bit. Other than that things are hunky-dory. 100 years ago we would have already lived out our life expectancy!

Funniest thing on your blog -- the photo of your mom with a diaper around her neck. . .

Happy birthday!

10:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A new perspective--
"Wow! She's that young?"--a quote from my husband when I told him you are 40 today. You've accomplished a lot in a short time!

The older I get, the older older gets. Your older looks young from here. =)

Happy birthday to my dear internet friend.
Jeanne E. in Escondido

10:50 AM  
Blogger Joyce said...

Hasn't anyone told you that life begins at 40 and my Dad (he's 93) says the 60's were his best years. Happy Birthday!

10:52 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Yay! Happy Birthday! I will turn 40 this year also! It's a great year! It will be our best year yet! And no, we are not mature yet!

11:02 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Emily, If all of this pep talk doesn't cheer you up, you can always consider the alternative to turning 40... Makes every birthday a true celebration!

Have a great year! (And think how you'll look back at this when you're 90 and think how silly all the angst was!)
Barb (on the other side of - gasp! - 50)

11:47 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

happy birthday!!!

wow, the red lion and peculiar pub. i haven't thought about those places in years! way to bring my way old NYC memories flooding back!

11:59 AM  
Blogger Susan R. said...

Think of all those years of accumulated wisdom and experience! Would you give any of them up to be younger? I bet not.

Happy Birthday!

12:31 PM  
Blogger ikkinlala said...

I'm a long way from 40 at the moment, so I won't presume to give you any advice except to have a wonderful birthday!

12:34 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Don't believe all they tell you about turning forty. At forty-two, I don't wear reading glasses, I'm the same weight that I was when I was 37, I can jog three miles without passing out, and I've only been called ma'am by a twenty year old who was trying to be sarcastic. I even managed to learn a new song on the piano the other day! You are as old as you think. With age comes freedom, wisdom, and more love than your heart could ever hold! Have a fabulous birthday, and an even more spectacular decade! I'll see you at fifty! Robin on Maui

1:33 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy 40 - it's better than what I hit this year - 60!!!!!!!!!!!

2:04 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Greetings:

Happy Birthday and life doesn't end until your dead and then it depends on your relgious feelings. When I was forty I had just moved here to Illinois had a baby and spent the first year in a daze. I met you once at PAQA once. I was the confused looking Mom with the infant. I just finished the quilt I started back then. So other then having a baby and attending to her I don't remember much about 40. 45 has been better as at least I get sleep.

2:09 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy birthday! You will be just fine, just one year older than last year. I am never bored of reading your blog, because your life seem so rich and loving. All the best to you and your family.

2:59 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy birthday! You will be just fine, just one year older than last year. I am never bored of reading your blog, because your life seem so rich and loving. All the best to you and your family.

2:59 PM  
Blogger Anita said...

Happy Birthday! I'll be 45 this summer and for me it feels like life just keeps getting better. Somehow I'm managing to keep up with my 3 year old daughter. Hope you have a happy day!

3:20 PM  
Blogger Cindy said...

Happy Birthday! I turned 40 last year and I have to say, if you don't think about the number it isn't half bad. I love your Sophie's Toes sock yarn, having just finished my socks for April with the Lipstick color. Have a great birthday celebration!

3:26 PM  
Blogger Sarah said...

Happy Birthday Emily! I have only got two years to go before I hit the big 40. My best friend turns 40 in June - I am sure we will celebrate big time when I am up there in Muncie in a few weeks. Hope you have a wonderful day and that your family spoils you rotten!

Sarah Norman

4:10 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

40 is the new 30! I love being in my 40s and being experienced and self-assured enough to know that whatever I'm doing is right. People start taking you seriously when you're 40. :-)

4:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!

Having turned 44 just a few days ago, I have also been in a reflective mood. I think the most valuable thing I've learned in the past few years is that I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY OWN HAPPINESS. I find this thought very freeing.

5:10 PM  
Blogger Tami @ Lemon Tree Tales said...

I sure hope turning 40 is fun because it's my turn next year. Actually I'm finding that I'm having more fun now than when I was in my 20s.

I know what I want out of life and I'm not timid about going after it. My husband is sweet and thinks that my ideas are platinum. (I'm lucky.) We travel quite a bit and enjoy life. Yes, in there is still the reality of jobs and a mortgage. But for the most part it's fun. Happy Birthday!!

5:10 PM  
Blogger Teri said...

Hi Emily,
Happy Birthday!!! My sympathies to you for feeling bad about this milestone. I will admit that I had a hard time turning 40. Until that point in my life I had been a stay at home mom for 10 years, I felt like I had accomplished nothing of importance. But look at you! You are doing something with your quilts. You have touched and inspired many people with them and you inspired me to start knitting again. And look, you have 50 to look forward to. Which was my very favorite birthday. By then, I returned to quilting and was doing something I loved. My kids were grown and I had some freedom to do things I couldn't do when I was tied to a carpool..every year gets better.. and it will for you to. I hope that you have a very happy day. And truly, after 40, you won't even worry about your birthdays anymore.

5:23 PM  
Blogger Jenny143 said...

Happy Birthday!!!
Take a deep breath the best is truly yet to come! I will be 46 this year and remember that 40 was a great year for me, my new start, make it yours too! I figured if i don't do it now when am I? and jumped in head first. My first act at 40 was to ride a 450 mile bike marathon for charity (did not own a bike at the time and had not riddden since middle school years) and had a blast. Find something you want to try, learn or do and leap in!
I wish you a year filled with joy in what may be your best year!!!

5:29 PM  
Blogger YogaNan knits, too... said...

Hi, Emily,

Sorry I missed you @ Wool & Co this morning, but I was meeting with a friend who's moving to Guatemala tomorrow. She's one of my yoga buddies who is creating an entirely new life for herself after losing her DH to cancer a year ago. She's going to be teaching English in a tiny hill-top village there, and is a building a house on the shores of Lake Atitlan, one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. The point of this rambling is...you never know what life holds for you, and being open to the challenges and surprises can bring us great joy and peace. So, 40 is not so bad...just fantasize about what might be done the road! Happy Birthday, Emily...I love my newest skein of Sophie's Toes! -Nan

5:30 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Nothing brings out the lurkers like a give away! I turned 40 a few years ago and I have to say the best thing about being in my 40s is not feeling like I have to apologize for being me and doing what I love.

Happy Birthday!

5:46 PM  
Blogger lisette said...

happy birthday emily!! the best thing that happened to me when i turned forty was having baby #3, after having miscarriage #8 for my 39th birthday :(

40 is great - no matter what life throws at you, you know you will get through. you've found your look, your style and your way of looking at the world. and you're comfortable in your own skin. seize 40 by the scruff of the neck and go for it, girl!

have a fabulous birthday

xxxxx

6:45 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday Emily,

I turned 40 twenty years ago and I'm still here. Forty is when you no longer care if your socks don't match when going out to pick up milk. Forty is when you no longer worry about whether you made the right choice to be a stay at home mom, you know you did. Forty is when you have enough experience in the real world to know it's better than being twenty again. Forty is when creativity means being able to juggle kids, husband, and your sense of being all at one time. Forty is fun because you are becoming a more wonderful YOU.

Juanita in Michigan

6:48 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Emily! Happy, happy birthday!

Turning 40 means the really good things are just getting ready to start.

Let me try to remember back that far... When I turned 40 I had just moved to Illinois from Maryland and was beginning a new life. Everything has gotten better and better each year since then - wonderful friends, a job I love, yarn yarn yarn, and the best ever family. At 43 I got a new house. At 50 I got a new spinning wheel. At At 56, got a new bike, and so it goes.

It will be great, I promise.

Love, Gretl

7:04 PM  
Blogger Jeannie said...

Happy Birthday!!! I found the forties to be one of the best times of my life. I learned to play more, stress less, and enjoy every day. Sure, the body sometimes points out that it is no longer 20 something, but I think I am more of who I am supposed to be, doing the things I want to do. Sit back and enjoy the ride, you really will have fun! Cheers to you from somewhere between 50 and 60. (Now, that suddenly struck me as old!)

7:12 PM  
Blogger QuiltingFitzy said...

The 40's rock! And now that I am approaching 50 I am totally jazzed about what possiblities this next decade may have to offer.

The sky is the limit...it's all about ATTITUDE.

7:37 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Don't fear the forties!! It's all in the attitude and you don't look a day over 20!

8:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Emily...

I thought 30 was old. When I hit forty I had a whole different attitude and life got way better. It really is how young you think and feel. Go for it and enjoy!

Debbie

8:53 PM  
Blogger Rebecca said...

Hi, Emily,

Happy Birthday! At 53, I went back to school to get my MFA. I just finished my 2nd year, yahoo! My biggest fear when I went back is that the younger students would treat me differently. That they would snicker and wonder what in the world I was doing at my age going back to school.

And you know what? Not only did they not snicker or wonder but everyone I've met has been incredibly supportive. What I've found is that I am my own worst enemy when it comes to age. My assumptions were very wrong, and I've found that if I go forward as a confident woman, people I meet are very accepting and supportive.

I wish you many wonderful years ahead with your lovely family and your creative life.

BeckyH in Dallas

9:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday!!! What happened when I turned 40? It was the best year of my life! I married my best friend. 10 years later... he's still my best friend, teacher, lover, and I would be lost without him. My life began at 40. Trust me, it only gets better.

9:28 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Emily! I can't tell you anything about turning forty-you'll have to teach me about that, just as you've taught me so much about being a mom and being an artist. Hooray for the internet! Even when we're all so far apart, we can be present and influential in each other's lives. Knit on, sis!

9:40 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

At 40, you've already made most of the dumb mistakes, gotten comfortable in your own skin, don't care if someone else doesn't approve, you're on the home stretch to no more periods.... good heavens, who could ask for more!

9:54 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Happy b-day,

Emily just remember it's just a number. you are only as old as your head says you are. My head doesn't believe i am 45, as long as i keep covering the grey, i think I can keep it fooled.

big hugs!
judy

10:13 PM  
Blogger Tracey said...

Happy Birthday, Em!

I loved our trip down memory lane! "Those were the days, my friend..." I'm surprised we both remember the details of it all!

In several pre-ordination interviews I've been asked, "You seem so serious, how do you play?" If they only knew... Unitarian Universalists aren't much into traditional communion, maybe I could introduce a "Dr. Pepper" communion...

With love,
Tracey

PS Happy Bday from Zoe too!

10:26 PM  
Blogger Paper Tiger said...

Forty is young! (Speaking as someone who just turned 30.) I asked everyone what they liked best about being 30.

11:23 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

I turned 40 in March. Can't say anything positive yet, except that once you TURN 40, it's not as big a deal as the actual TURNING 40. I still have problems with the number FOUR though. It's so even and blah. THREE is much nicer. FIVE may be nice too...but I won't know until 2017 :-). Rock on.
Kathy

12:15 AM  
Blogger Rachel said...

I've been forty for a whole MONTH now, and it's no different from being 39, or 25, or whatever - I'm still me, same as I ever was, and you're still you. Everyone changes, but thats because of your experiences and the people and all the stuff in your life, not simply how many years you've been knocking around. What makes me aware I'm getting older isn't my age as such, but the ages of my children. You seem to have a great life - hope you had a great day!

6:24 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Pshaw, 40 is the new 30. There's nothing to it. The fun does have to end a little earlier in the evening (a glass of wine with dinner and I'm sleepy by 8 pm? is that fun?), but the clearheadedness the next day is SO worth it. I turn 43 next weekend and I'm already so used to the idea that I've been telling people I'm 43 since January. Let's get on with it already...well, don't forget the presents! Oh, and I did have to move out of Indiana to turn 40.

7:40 AM  
Blogger Frieda Anderson said...

OK, miss Em, Happy Birthday! You have hit the big time. I loved being 40, I felt I had finally matured and that I had some things figured out. I had three kids the youngest just 10 and everyone was on the right path. My friends threw me a surprise party and we drank and laughed. I know we will do that at Mel's!!! It only gets better from here. Love and Kisses

9:01 AM  
Blogger Bonnie said...

Forty is YOUNG (when you are 68 like me). Enjoy yourself every day and when you get to 68 it will be a habit and life will be good.

Happy Birthday you beautiful young thing you!

9:09 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday, Emily...Forty...I was on the phone last night talking to a friend and we got on the subject of age and I said that if I could be one age forever it would be 40... It is a great age....you are wise...no wrinkles yet...you feel like you are 30...you have your family in place and life is good...and you still have OVER half of your life to live..how wonderful is that! My best to you....may your days be full of love and laughter and good health...keep up the quilting and knitting and posting on the blog..thanks for all you do. PS: I am 57 and still feel like 30 somedays...and 40 on others.

9:12 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Being an "old lady" of 49 (50 in November) I can tell ya Em, LIFE IS JUST BEGINNING!!!!! You are still young enough to have fun and old enough to know when enuf is enuf. It's all in the attitude, baybeeeee!!!! Just chill and have fun!!!

teri...looking forward to 50!

9:36 AM  
Blogger Deb's Artful Journey said...

Oh my goodness! I LOVED turning 40! Seriously! I felt that I had finally come into my own... and that I didnt have to take any s... from anyone. I just too old for anymore nonsense! LOL In my forties (I am 51) I went back to school and got my masters, met my sweetheart, and got my dream job. Life is really good. You feel good, know yourself, and dont have too many grey hairs yet. :) Enjoy yourself... you are in your prime!

9:58 AM  
Blogger Sandra Wyman said...

A bit like Debs really. The week I turned 40 I thought right, that's it, no-one's gonna tell me what to do anymore, from now on I'll make my own decisions - and I ahve done - give or take a few slips - very freeing up and enjoyable. In the same week a friend who also turned 40 decided to chuck in her job and go self-employed. It's a chance to take stock and early enough to change things. As somebody said to me on my 60th, two weeks or so ago, quoting Grafield "Life is short. Eat dessert first" Congratulations. Oh and don't grow up - stay being a kid: you get more out of life that way.

12:21 PM  
Blogger Andi Stern said...

Thirty-ten, dammit, You are thirty-ten. Being thirty-thirteen myself, I understand. PS you don't look a day over 28 :)

12:29 PM  
Blogger sophie said...

Like many others, at 40, I had switched gears, switched careers, gone back to school and was often filled with optimism, confident that anything was possible and I could choose to take any path and do anything with my life.

1:03 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Finally coming out of lurkdom to say "Oh, happy birthday to you!".

I recently saw a reference to one of your quilts in Quilting Arts mag, and thought hey, I know her, even though it's just through reading and enjoying your blog.

Your trip down memory lane in NYC sounds like I was doing the same thing at the same time in Sydney Australia though our weekends always included time at the beach.

Wishing you many more happy birthdays.
Karen in Alberta Canada

2:19 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Emily,
I haven't hit forty yet - give me just a couple of years to catch up with you. But pave the way boldly for me, I'm not far behind!

How is it that when my parents were my age, I was sure they were complete "grown-ups" and had it all figured out, but now that it's me, I still feel like a kid? Will I ever be "grown-up"?

Maybe this is a clue...my favorite post from your blog still remains the one with the light-up needles, where Dave is landing planes in the front yard. And how grown-up is that? Hmmm?

Hope your birthday was wonderful and brought you many joys...and much beautiful yarn!

2:50 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Emily - when I turned 40 I had a 5 year old son and was just returning to teaching high school kids( for 20 more years.) I'm now 65, retired and having the time of my life!!! Life doesn't get any better than this!

Have a great birthday.

Kay in Illinois

6:28 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!
I see I am coming in on this a little late. Forty is the best. you feel good, look great and are finally all grown up....yeah riiiight~! Enjoy yourself. Its all GOOD!

8:57 PM  
Blogger Pasha said...

Oh, I love your blog and I actually was thinking that you must be much younger than me (38). But I am learning that this is our time--kids getting older (mine can get their own breakfast (almost)). We know what we want. We aren't eating ramen noodles (unless we really want to), we have got it made! Oh yes, I am de-lurking to enter and say Hi. :-)

12:04 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Forty is FREEING! That is how I felt when I turned forty.
Happy Mother's Day to you today.

Heather

5:55 AM  
Blogger NuvoFelt said...

Funny, isn't it! 30 was my bete noir! Reaching 40 was a doddle. In fact life just got better after that - more freedom to be myself and a good reason to take advantage of every opportunity that came my way. Go for it and grab the best of what is yet to come.

Belated Happy Birthday! Have a great year

6:32 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! My birthday was the 8th. I've been reading your blog for a while and I'll always de-lurk for a contest! Hope you're having a great Mother's Day as well :)

hswatsonATgmailDOTcom

9:03 AM  
Blogger Unknown said...

Happy Mothers day Em!
Youv'e been tagged to tell 7 random things about yourself.

10:22 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Emily - Forty hurts because you are leaving two wonderful, fun-filled decades behind. It hurts to change. big time. However, as you step (or as we know, dragged unwillingly) into the next two decades, with new maturity and depth of experiences,you have even more fun,with an new,more entrenched feeling of comfort in your own skin and soul. The world is yours for the taking. You mature, and there is a depth to you that you would never have imagined. It is all there for you to discover.Sounds like @##%,and re-reading this I want to gag, but I promise, enjoy. Judy on Cape Cod

11:19 AM  
Blogger Robin said...

When I was forty I had just had my twins and was up to my armpits in diapers - so I didn't have time to worry about age - but 50 was my favorite birthday yet - I celebrate it's anniversary every year -
Enjoy each birthday as gift to yourself - afterall it's just a number
Robin

11:27 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Belated happy birthday, Emily!
I just want to tell you are such an accomplished artist and mother and lady, and I am sure that you will impress us even more from now on!
A blog reader from Romania

2:57 PM  
Blogger Judy said...

Ahhh 40..I can barely remember it..I'm going to be 59 next month..and my life began at 50 !! Well a whole new life anyway..back to you and your blog..I'm a lurker but enjoy reading you at least once a week..find my way here from mrs. mel at Fibermania..Thanks for your inspiration Emily..

3:52 PM  
Blogger FunkyC said...

Items held in my mind as I dread 40 this September:

A mentor in her 70's has recounted the day her mom told her, 'Stop whining. The next 10 yrs will be the best of your life.' She heard it again at 50.

and....

Once heard an interview with an elderly actress, discussing her recent career peak. She remarked that everyone peaks once in their career. Shirley Temple reached her peak as a child. When do you want to reach yours?

And my current mentality: I can't seem to get around 40, it doesn't seem to be going away, so I might has well have fun!

Happiest of Happy Birthdays, Miss Em. Here's to many, many more!

6:27 PM  
Blogger Crazy For Yarn In Alabama said...

Happy, Happy Birthday Emily!!

I turned 40 some 8 years ago and I can tell you that it only gets BETTER!! It is a time when you figure out what is truly of the most value and importance!! It is very "freeing" to let go of some of the "things" that you realize are just "things" and not what is truly important in life!!

7:55 PM  
Blogger Angela said...

I didn't realize you went to school in Philly. I grew up 45 min. north. (Maybe I did know that and it slipped my mind.) We were likely in NYC at the same time, too. I lived in Astoria for a short while and then in Hell's Kitchen. I didn't get to keep those crazy hours, though, because I often had to leave for work when the bars were closing! Forty-one was the rough one for me, but I think I'm over it now. Take care, Emily!

11:05 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

A slightly belated Happy Birthday, Emily. I can tell you from experience that every decade can be what you want it to be.

At 40, I bought a house, got married, had my own studio/gallery.

At 50, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and decided that given the alternative, 50 wasn't so bad.

At 60, I got a divorce and found a wonderful new life on my own.

At 70, I am now living exactly where I want to be with a man I knew in high school and life couldn't be better.

So cheer up, Dear One, life just gets better.

9:51 AM  
Blogger Jeri said...

Happy Birthday, Emily! You have all the good stuff to look forward to: the things you set in motion in your 30s and earlier will reach fruition: you've just begun your journey, my dear, so enjoy every second of it. You're now in the galloping phase, where time speeds up and years go faster and faster. In a moment your kids will be applying to college and you'll wonder where that decade went, so enjoy as much as you can! Take life by the wheel, and don't forget to wear your seat belt! With all of your skills and your joy n life, you'll never be old ( it's all in your attitude, after all). Life does begin at 40, so live it to the fullest. All your friends love you, and we're holding our breath to see what you do next, as the star of the Emily Show.
Lots of love,
Jeri

11:12 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

happy birthday! i can't offer any wisdom or comfort about ageing (i'm a young'un myself), but i absolutely had to delurk to confess that i've been a secret blog reader for a long time now and i am obsessed with the beauty of your quilts. your colander quilt is like my every craft fantasy come to life in one giant, beautiful piece. every time i go into whole foods and see the stacks of colanders i think of you and that beautiful quilt.

and your yarns are stunning...i'm constantly trying to buy some only to discover the colorways i love are sold out.

so happy birthday! and thanks for making your beautiful things! i love to watch and they inspire me so much in my own endeavours :-)

11:47 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! I find that as I get older everything is more relaxed...I accept myself, I find the good in others and look for the blessings in life. Loved your NY story, what a great memory!

Have fun and enjoy what comes your way!

Connie

3:02 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Happy Birthday! Truth be told, I found turning 40 to be very liberating. Each strand of gray hair has a name. Each one shows that I've made it through and learned something. Comfort is more important than fashion, so I invest in classics to look good. My kids are grown so I have a lot more time and freedom to be me. It's great! Welcome to the club.

10:29 AM  
Blogger Tomme said...

Emily -- Happy Birthday a few days late! I'm tagging you to post 7 random facts about yourself. See mine, and the rules, on my blog. Cheers. Tomme

11:10 AM  
Blogger Sheknits said...

Hi Emily-
40...sheesh, you are just a baby. I am going to be 50 this year, now you see there is always a worse (or better) story...just depends on how you look at it...right?? I live in Illinois as well, but in Deerfield...if I lived closer to you I would bring you some feel better cupcakes! Hope your day went well and really and truly want you to know the 40's are great!. This is my first time visiting your blog and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your story about your life with your friend back in the day. What a GREAT card she wrote you and I loved hearing your history. I am crossing my needles that I win your beautiful yarn. I just put a contest up on my blog to win stitch markers if you want to enter mine it's
http://sheknits7.blogspot.com
I am impressed that I am the 86th (or so) comment! Look how many people want to cheer you AND of course want the fab. yarn!!
Be happy girlie!
Sharon
http://www.sheknits.etsy.com
http://www.sheknits7.blogspot.com

8:54 PM  
Blogger Your New Home Awaits said...

Happy Birthday! First I am delurking to say I love your quilts and hand dyed yarn. You have incredible talent and are so inspirational! I love reading your blog.

I'm not yet forty but I can assure you I'm fairly certain I will never mature, except maybe in the mommy field.

Happy Birthday and congrats on the great news spot. All the best.

7:09 AM  

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