It's my birthday and I feel a bit like the facade of this Green Tara Travels & Tours building in Kathmandu, Nepal... a flaw or two here; a bit of damage there... but still standing! And that certainly beats the alternative.
"...our obsession with youth in our culture and how we women lie about our age after 35... and no one wants to let anyone know they're getting older. " - Sela Ward
Thankfully, in Europe, age isn't as much of an issue/media obsession as it is in the United States. And I've found the older I get, the more outspoken I become. In case you haven't noticed in some of my political pieces, I don't suffer fools gladly!
I've also discovered that things I once fretted and worried over no longer seem quite so important...that I don't need so much stuff and it's okay to let go of beautiful, valuable antiques and designer handbags if I don't need them. I've decided it's fine to decline more invitations than I accept. Time is fleeting and setting priorities is essential. And some days, my priority may be a little peace and quiet in the sanctuary of home, rather than a cocktail party or glittering soiree - no matter what good friends may be there!
My work as a writer and photographer requires a healthy dose of introspection, but until recently, I've tended to think a little of that goes a long way. These days I'm embracing more time alone, away from the noise and distractions of other people's arcs of ideas and opinions.
"Every woman is a rebel." - Oscar Wilde
I've always been a bit of a rebel; if someone is doing one thing; I want to do the opposite. Trends rarely interest me; individuality and creativity trumps in almost every instance. So even though I'm getting older - and there are many goals still to accomplish - I'm proud that I continue to walk my own path. Long ago, I chose the road less traveled and it's been sometimes rocky, but always adventurous. I hope I don't reach the end of this eventful journey for many more years to come.
Bungamati, Nepal.
I'm late to this party but I wish you a most wonderful, joyous HAPPY belated BIRTHDAY ever! So much is happening in our lives, I sense a similarity between us, paring down and focusing on what is really important. Funny enough I miss YOU and you aren't one I'm going to let go of.
I hope you had a fabulous birthday Tara. Love you and writing a quick one to you right now so you know whats up and I can't wait to hear from you.
x
xoxoxoxo Gillian
Posted by: gillian | 18 September 2012 at 20:14
Happy belated birthday my fellow virgo friend. Wonderful thoughts on aging...I think of getting better with age, like that fine wine.
x..x
Posted by: stephanie | 18 September 2012 at 17:39
A very happy belated birthday my beautiful rebel friend. I think of you often.
Posted by: Donna | 15 September 2012 at 09:18
Happy happy birthday Tara! :D I just found out that we are both born in September. I wish all the happiness, good health and much love! ;)
Posted by: Gracey | 15 September 2012 at 07:54
Hartelijk gefeliciteerd, Tara!
I find my priorities shifting in similar fashion as yours. Here's to many more years of introspection and creativity.
Posted by: dutchbaby | 14 September 2012 at 16:40
Belated birthday wishes, my friend. It is a day worth celebrating, a life worth living and you live it well. How perfectly and with such grace you share your birthday thoughts! You are absolutely glorious in every way and I know the new year will bring you good things. It simply must! Sending you much joy from both Rick and me!
Posted by: jeanie | 14 September 2012 at 02:15
Happy Birthday
Much love and many blessings
Love Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | 12 September 2012 at 19:50
Happy Birthday my friend. I hope you don't dump me :( Have a fantastic day whatever you are doing xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted by: Di Overton | 11 September 2012 at 12:42
A belated Happy Birthday to you Tara.
Posted by: Jo | 11 September 2012 at 12:24
Happy birthday Tara! x xx
Posted by: vida | 11 September 2012 at 09:20
Joyeux anniversaire, Tara!
And I'm always willing to tell my age (51). But until recently (when I started a blog documenting my struggles with body image) I didn't ever tell anyone my weight, not even my husband. A girl's gotta have SOME secrets. :)
But it seems to get easier to be transparent as we get older and release our need for other people's good opinion.
Posted by: Lisa, a.k.a. The Bold Soul | 11 September 2012 at 08:37
Happy birthday Tara! You are elegance personified if you resemble that gorgeous building. We knew it all along. Wonderful thoughts and Sela Ward? Always one of my favorites. I couldn't have been more pleased the season she played opposite to Hugh Laurie on House MD. Fabulous.
Posted by: Natalie | 11 September 2012 at 05:44
Happy Birthday, dear Tara! I do hope you continue the road less traveled for a very long time and continue speaking out. I like what you have to say. I find as I get older I speak my mind more often and don't spend precious time doing things I don't want to do. I hope it has been a wonderful birthday doing just what makes you happy.
Posted by: Marilyn | 11 September 2012 at 01:31
Happy Birthday, Tara!
We are obsessed with youth and beauty here. But in my own way, I'm bucking trends...decidedly to let my hair go completely gray. :-)
Posted by: Maureen | 10 September 2012 at 21:55
You da bomb baby...da bomb! I love posts like this and people like you. My dad use to say if everyone agrees, somebody is redundant...and you my dear will never be that! Here's to another year of originality, joy, challenges and all the things that make life worth living you rebel you! smooches
Posted by: Leau | 10 September 2012 at 19:19
Happy Birthday Tara! I always remember your birthday since you share your birthday with our youngest daughter. My 76th birthday was Saturday. Talk about time flying by!
Posted by: Sheris White | 10 September 2012 at 17:51
Happy Birthday, Tara! Your thoughts in this post mirror so many of my own at this stage in life. Time is flying by and I honestly wonder what happened, where did time go? Additionally, I must concur with Ally Bean: "You are grace personified." Keep posting and we shall keep reading!
Posted by: Mary H. | 10 September 2012 at 15:54
Beautiful thoughts + photos. You are grace personified.
[And on a different note: A few years ago I saw Sela Ward in LAX. She was stunningly beautiful & so relaxed as she walked by. I was smitten with her even more than I had been before. A girl crush, perhaps?]
Posted by: Ally Bean | 10 September 2012 at 15:02