Now We Are Six (-ty Five)

When I was one I’d just begun,
When I was two I was nearly new,
When I was three I was hardly me,
When I was four I was not much more,
When I was five I was barely alive,
But now I am six! As clever as clever!
And I think I’ll stay six now for ever and ever!
~ A. A. Milne, Now We Are Six

Many people who love you will try, but no one can celebrate your birthday exactly the way you need for it to be observed. That’s because no one really knows the year you’ve just completed; no one else has lived it….

Your husband, lover, children, friends, and co-workers can be aware of recent events that have unfolded in your life, but only your authentic self knows how deeply these events reverberated…
~ A Birthday Ritual, by Sarah Ban Breathnach, Simple Abundance

This year, more than ever, I offer my deepest thanks and appreciation for each of you, my dear readers.
And I bow down, and give heartfelt thanks to our Holy Ones, for the profound gift of being here still, every day — here with my beloveds on this lush, shining blue planet.
Blessed be.