Birthdays, besties & Bigmama

I have needed to write this post for over a month but just hard to put into words. Its actually been nearly six weeks since I celebrated my birthday (as my mom pointed out while I have been writing thank you notes this weekend..hey I may be getting a divorce but I still write thank you notes..what better time actually!)

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I don’t want to gush and glorify divorce or myself and my friends or my party and make it all look perfect.  But God showed up at my birthday party just like he has shown up for me throughout this hard season.  So I do want to glorify him.  For the way He loves me directly and the way He loves me through my friends. Some of my friends are super busy, just like I am and I don’t want to go down that glorification of busy road but it’s true.  They have small kids and businesses, Maifest and Round Top prep was in full swing, and we don’t all live in the same town.  But on March 15th, they made time and come out and supported me.  And I didn’t know I was going to go around the circle and bawl and tell what each person meant to me but I did and I was a little nervous the next day about what I actually said, because I was drunk on love.  And I wish I had a recording of what some of them said.  Giving words and time are powerful y’all.

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{That’s right I threw my own party yes I did}

So there you go…I sent this invite out so I couldn’t cancel the little event…and I did want to cancel as it got closer to the day. Just seems a weird time to have a party but I didn’t want to be gloomy and sad on my 40th birthday so I took the plunge, sent the invites.  And if you are my friend and didn’t get an invite its because I thought you were too busy or too far or it’s been too long.  But know I thought about  you because I did.  My fear or insecurity held me back or lack of convenience (you live too far away) is all that kept me from inviting you. Believe that.

So Holly Kuhn is a client that has become a friend and she owns the Old Glory Antiques shop in Colorado and Burton, Texas.  You may remember her home was in Country Living in the fall. I posted about it here. Holly allowed a few of my friends and I that don’t live local (and some that do) to bunk there on birthday weekend. Her Burton house isn’t a functioning B&B, it was at one point for now it’s not, so I really appreciate you opening it for us Holly.  Truly you and Brian are the best!

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So Camille came early from Abilene and we spent the Saturday before my birthday just hanging out and getting provisions for the OG (wine and chocolate and chicken salad) and I thought it was good to be with just her that day before and rehash all that is going on and get all of my tears out. Because who wants to “ugly cry” at their birthday party, but it didn’t work.  I still ugly cried at the party..and its Okay.

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{Before we put scissors to my bangs}

So Sunday morning we went to church and ate cake pops for breakfast and had a slow day as guests trickled in..like Becki and Jenny and my mama. And then Camille cut my bangs, important girl stuff like that…It was so fun to see my longtime friend hit it off with my newer friends and my mama just soak it all up.  But I am not surprised at all that they bonded instantly.

I love these faces below. I wish I had a photo of everyone that came so glad we at least got these in the entryway of Old Glory.

{Me after we put scissors to my bangs, proof that a little snip can be as good as highlights}

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{Becki is so good at the selfie, and Jenny you drove from Shreveport and didn’t even go see your parents, that is love}

And then that evening we gathered at Royer’s Pie Haven because well it’s magical there…both the pies and atmosphere. Tara lit candles and had it even more special than usual.  I knew it would be the perfect place to just hang out and be with people I love and it was.  Of course I didn’t talk to each person as much as I wanted or get very many photos.  But that is okay.  It is etched in my mind and on my heart that I am loved. And friends matter. And I need to pour into my friendships more, water more. Do more than text. But also be grateful for the people you can text or email months between visits and it still be the same.  That is grace and real friendship.  To be able to pick up anywhere.

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So thank you Tara for opening your haven to me and for being a wonderful friend. And to everyone else both old friends and new that took time out of their lives and schedule to be with me.  It meant more than you know. I so so so wish we had gotten more pictures of the evening but I guess if its such a sweet time you forget photos that is a good thing.

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That being said, I just wish Bigmama’s book had released a little bit earlier so I could have given each person a copy.

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Just like Oprah!

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Because so much of what Melanie says in this book rings true for what my friends mean to me…really all of it! And its good to say it and remember it.

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There is no one cuter than you my friends.

No one more loyal, more wise, more creative, more kind. MORE FUNNY

Larry Hagman knows its true.

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Arnold knows it.  Even Mary & Edith agree;

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Lol. I love these popping up on social media Melanie and I love your words.

That’s all I got y’all. Water your faith. Water your marriage and family.  But water your friends too. They matter.

And thank you again to my friends for the gifts and words and love and tears and miles traveled. I love you.

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Comments

  1. I can’t thank you enough, dear friend, for inviting me in to such a precious circle. The weekend is etched on my heart. Forever. I love you!!!

  2. this is awesome!!!

  3. Good for you for throwing your own party! You deserve to celebrate with family and friends who love and support you. You are blessed to have such dear friends. Belated Happy Birthday!!
    Btw, your bangs look awesome, and the red lipstick is fabulous on you!!! I would never guess you were forty!

  4. I just love it that you threw yourself a party, Holly. Good for you, girl!!
    It looks like it was wonderful and you deserve it. 🙂 Happy belated birthday!

  5. What a special way to celebrate a special friend! Xo

  6. Happy Birthday (late). I’m so happy you had a love-filled birthday with your friends. Friends are the icing on the cake of life!
    You look great and I’m so happy you are moving forward.
    Karen

  7. What a great recap, Holly. Sounds like a wonderful celebration.

  8. I know you are going through a tough time, been there myself. Glad that you are surrounded by friends and family. But I saw you twitter post, and as I’m not on twitter myself, I want to comment that OF COURSE you can change a light bulb yourself! And so much more…

  9. Throwing yourself a birthday party is a great idea! I think it shows that you can let people love you. That’s hard to do sometimes, but so healthy.

  10. Nobody is cuter than YOU, friend! I so wish I could’ve been there! But one day soon, we will share pie, and tears, and hilarity, and cake pops. And, so that we can remain friends for a long, long time, I will not cut your hair. 🙂 I’m so pleased and grateful to call you friend. xo

  11. What an awesome celebration! Happy belated birthday.

  12. Oh girl! Best.post.ever 🙂 I’m so glad you felt loved and celebrated!!! I wish I would’ve just hopped on a plane to give you the biggest hug…and meet that sweet Camille!!! ♡♡♡ I’m so thankful our lives have crossed paths 🙂 ♡♡♡♡♡ and I know this next chaper is going to be good for you!!!!! Xoxoxo

  13. Happy (belated) Birthday and what an incredible way to celebrate! What a great reminder to cherish our friendships!
    Cheers! – Shelley

  14. Seriously. U rock. Loved that nite. It was such a blessing to me. Love u.
    Xoxo

  15. Holly so sorry to read about your divorce. I can see you were surrounded by those that love you and this I’m sure will help you to make it through this chapter in your life. Prayers to you while you go down this road.

  16. Lisa Hook says

    I had wonderful time celebrating your Birthday !! I’m so glad you asked me and I’m so thankful to have you as a friend!! Love ya !!!

  17. Thank God for girlfriends!
    Happy belated bday!❤️

  18. Elizabeth Elliott says

    Happy Happy, beautiful Holly! So glad you had a wonderful celebration. You are amazing!!

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