This is 60
Wow, seeing the number there is a little alarming. Today is my 60th birthday, and while 30, 40, and 50 didn’t hit me, 60 is feeling a little different. Funny, because the last birthday that felt like a real change was when I turned 20, and I felt for the first time like my childhood was well and truly over.
This is a stupid ad I keep seeing while playing NYT games. I feel targeted.
So here we are, not quite a Senior Citizen for movie theater discounts, not quite eligible for Social Security, but certainly getting closer to both.
When I started my blog 20 years ago, I was just turning 40. This is a picture of my cake from the wonderful party that Ted threw me then. The little picture that pops up next to my comments on most of your blogs is also from that party. We are not having a party this year. When Ted asked me what I want for my big 6-0 birthday, I said that I want to go to France this fall. I will have a 1 month sabbatical from work in 2026, and I would like to spend part of it in Europe. I’ve been saving credit card points and getting checking account bonuses and so on, and putting it all in a high interest vacation account. We haven’t really discussed the specifics yet. Will we go somewhere else in addition to France? Greece perhaps? Will we go to the South of France as well as Paris? Or just Paris? How much time will Ted and Maya be able to / want to take off? Will I stay longer, either on my own or with a friend? Lots to think about. Right now I’m just squirreling money away and dreaming of Paris.
Earlier this week, Ted and I went to San Francisco (photo at the top of the post) to see the Manet and Morisot exhibit at the Legion of Honor, which was wonderful. My original wish for my birthday was to go to the exhibit and then have lunch in the City, but I changed my mind and decided that I’d rather stay closer to home. So we went early. I didn’t know much about Manet, and I had never heard of Morisot, but I loved learning about their friendship and their art. As a woman, Morisot was limited in her opportunities, but forged ahead and was a successful artist anyway. It helped that she married Manet’s brother, who was supportive of her endeavors.
For my birthday today, I want to go see Hamnet in the theater, and we have reservations for an early dinner at a local French restaurant that we have not yet tried, but gets excellent reviews. It sounds like a perfect birthday to me.
This is the message that came with my gift from my brother, via email. I love my ridiculous brother.
How about you? Do you like having a quiet birthday, or a busy birthday? I’ve had both, and loved both.
9 Comments
Suzanne
?Happy birthday, Julie!!!! ? Your Paris plan sounds wonderful, and I love the idea of dinner and a movie. I much prefer a quiet birthday to a busy one. Loving your note from your brother – how sweet.
AC
Birthdays here are just little family dinners.
Lisa’s Yarns
Happy happy birthday! Your plans to go to France sound amazing. Now I want to do that for my 50th in 5 years! Your plans for a yummy french dinner + movie sound great! I turn 45 in feb and have decided I will host a puzzle party. I did that for my 38th bday too. I put a puzzle on the dining room table and then it’s a drop in party with food and drinks. It’s a nice, cozy way to celebrate a birthday and hopefully I will see a lot of friends. I prefer cozy/low key celebrations. But I did have a French-themed 30th bday and then I went to France by myself for a week! I had a hard time turning 30. Most of my friends were married and many had started families and I was single. So I decided to take a big trip which was the best decision ever.
Elisabeth
Happy Birthday! (That cake Ted had made for your previous birthday is STUNNING).
I love your plan for the special day, and I am even more in love with your plan to go to France. I know how much you love any and all time spent in that part of the world and I cannot wait to hear all about the planning process and then follow along with your adventures when you’re there!!!!
Nicole MacPherson
HAPPY BIRTHDAY JULIE!!!!! I love that you have a trip to France in mind for your birthday. What a perfect way for you to celebrate. It just doesn’t get better than that! I had no idea you were a New Year’s Eve baby but I did secretly wonder if you were a Capricorn! And now I know. The whole world is having a party tonight in YOUR honour.
OMG can I travel back in time and eat that cake? It’s GORGEOUS.
Rob turned 60 in October and one of his buddies who is a year older told him that people treat you differently when they hear that you are 60. It’s one of those numbers where there truly is a change, and so I see how you are feeling it. I think in your case, as well as Rob’s, people will be surprised at the number. Like, the moment you turn 60 you are apparently infirm and need those shoes for balance. I mean, I can see it – you are very beautiful and you glow, and I think people have a certain view of what 60 looks like in their minds, which is not what you look like – housedress, short grey permed hair, sensible shoes (okay, we all need the sensible shoes now) (also I do like the idea of a housedress, very comfy) (what am I trying to SAY here).
I guess what I’m trying to say is that 60 looks great on you, we should all look so vibrant and gorgeous, and I hope you have the best year ever!!! xoxoxo
Nicole MacPherson
Oh also to answer your question, I love birthdays – my own and other people’s – and I always want to splash out. Like I should wear a sandwich board that says “it’s my birthday”
StephLove
Happy birthday! Beth (59) and I (58) are closing in on 60, but now that she’s retiring (as of today) I suddenly feel older, plus my youngest is turning twenty in a few months. No more teens, how strange after twelve years of having at least one.
I will be interested to hear about Hamnet (loved the book) and have fun planning your big trip.
nance
Happy Birthday, dear Julie! I’m everso glad we met those (has it been!?) 20 years ago online and that you are my friend EVEN IN REAL LIFE.
To say that you look radiant at 60 is an understatement (and Ted–well his smile is almost electric).
I love your plan for France, and don’t you dare wear those shoes there.
Please let us know if the film version of Hamnet is worthy. I keep reading about the fantastic performance of the woman who plays Agnes. Would this be the movie that actually gets me back into a theatre?
Again, Happy Happy Birthday, my friend. You are a light in my life. XOXO
Birchie
Happy Birthday Julie!!! A month sabatical from work???? You will love it.
All the best to you and yours this New Year!