July 22, 2026
Another birthday has come and
gone. It arrived with the speed of a thought, but I know that’s only because I
wasn’t counting the days. I’m past the age of truly looking forward to my birthdays.
But neither do I dread them. They happen. Quickly this time, it seemed, because
I was just getting on with it.
I am so very grateful to
everyone who reached out to me with well wishes sent to my Face Book page! To
know that so many people took a few moments out of their busy lives to do that—well,
it’s a powerful blessing.
Thank you to all who took that
time. And if any of you didn’t, please don’t worry. You can catch me next year!
I much prefer simple
celebrations if I’m the focus of them. I
don’t handle any kind of spotlight elegantly. I’m more of a behind-the-scenes
kind of person. Fortunately, when it came to my Birthday, that was never a
problem. We’ve always had a tradition in my family (starting from my childhood)
that the birthday person gets to choose that night’s supper. My sister, whose
birthday was in January, almost always wanted some of the salads and cold meat
she hadn’t had since the fall.
My mother was an inventive
cook—and a good one—and always trying out new recipes. Some of the “different
dishes” she would sometimes make were chop suey or egg foo young, honey garlic
ribs or pineapple chicken, all of which she called “Chinese food”. I always opted
for some of that as my go-to-birthday supper fare.
The first actual birthday
party that I ever had was thrown for me by my parents when I turned eight.
There were a few kids in our rural neighborhood, and we had games and
sandwiches and Kool-Aid—and cake as well as some gifts. It was many more years
after that before I had another. When I was a child, the lack of parties
mattered. Now, when I think back, my memories are mostly good. I can’t find any
resentment within me for a life lived frugally. It was what it was. Looking back,
I can honestly say that there were some moments of sunshine and bliss.
Such moments are to be
cherished, because they are not the norm in life for anyone. They are the
highlights. I am lucky enough to have had a few highlights.
So now I am officially 72 and
working on my 72nd title. Since my first book only came out in 2007,
in my 53rd year, that’s not too bad. We’re not rich, financially
speaking. But we’re not sinking either, which is what’s important to me. I don’t
need a lot; I just need enough.
My carpal tunnel hand is
healing well after the surgery, and I’m beginning to try and build up my
stamina when it comes to chores around the house. The last couple of months
have been difficult. I don’t like sitting and doing nothing. I never have. It’s
always been important to me that I do my share. More than, if I’m being honest.
I’m not kidding myself. I’ll
never be able to do what I could easily do even ten years ago. But I can do
more than I have been, and that is my goal for each day. Do a little more than
the day before.
Today has been pleasantly cool
compared to the last few weeks. Yesterday, my birthday was really quite rainy,
with a few thunder-boomers thrown in for good measure. I didn’t mind that too
much, except for the resulting ache in my arthritic joints. And our daughter,
who was preparing the foil chicken packets to go on the barbeque, didn’t mind
the rain, either.
She’s a formidable woman, and Mother
Nature was wise enough to ensure the rain was done in time for her to cook our
main course.
It was a wonderful meal shared
with some of my favorite loved ones. There was laughter, and there was love.
I am blessed and highly
favored.
Love,
Morgan
http://www.bookstrand.com/morgan-ashbury
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