Twenty Two

Birthdays are special, would you agree? There's something about them that's simply magical and extraordinary. The year that was was a roller coaster ride. There were uphill climbs that brought me to the horizon while there too were trips that sent me spiraling downhill to the ground. It was a lot of things both good and bad for which I am very thankful for. Last week I turned 22. It was the simplest birthday so far with no shenanigans and whatnots but it sure was one for the books! All I had was cake and good company and I couldn't ask for more.

Two days before my birthday, Mister Postman delivered a mail straight from La Ville-Lumière! It was a postcard from my Tita Racquel. She went on a European trip with her husband and kids and was so thoughtful to have sent me this. You see, handwritten letters and notes always get me and this one was too precious my heart was filled with so much glee. Thinking that it came from Paris itself got me all giddy. I think I felt Parisian air brush my hair as I held the card in my hands. Plus, I was sick with cough and colds at the time (and fever the following night). Who knew I'd get some surprise happy pills? Merci beaucoup Tita!

Since it had to be a "stay at home" birthday no thanks to my runny nose and sore throat, my BFFs came to our house instead and brought me these uber cute paper rose bouquet! Yay!

This is Rea, my sweet tooth partner in crime to Butter+Love and Cafe Tiala. The paper rose bouquet is her signature DIY gift. I got a similar one last year. They were pink lilies!

This is Grace or Gracey as I like to call her. She taught me basic Photoshop back in high school. I owe her a lot for that!

Since our Rambutan tree bore some fruits, we decided to bring out our innate countryside skills and went to harvesting. Have you tasted Rambutan? If not then you should. It's divine!

I've actually known these two way back kindergarten thanks to our moms. You see our moms met while picking us up after class. They're best friends too. How cool is that? Chummy moms equals chummy daughters. Hoorah!

Another thing I love about my birthday month is the lovely blooms in our garden. You see I have this thing about walking and thinking and pondering with nature in my background being its usual lovely self. Birthdays are both a beginning and an end. It's the beginning of a new chapter, one that's full of surprises and adventures. At the same time it marks the end of another year of memories, learning and life. Birthdays are wonderful. They are magical. You don't necessarily have to host a big party. It doesn't have to be grand to be memorable. Having the right people to laugh with you and enjoy the day will more than suffice. I also have my mom to thank for preparing that yummy caldereta for lunch and my sister for surprising me with my favorite choco butternut munchkins. Thank you for feeding my ever growing food babies. LOL.

So how has your birthday been this year?