October 26th, 2012
Dolly Parton. And Happy Birthday To Us All.
One year ago at this time, I was in an RV, driving to Branson, Missouri, where I’d spend my birthday at Dolly Parton’s Dixieland Stampede. I was on the road with two friends, creating a web tv series called Girls Gone Moto.
The Dixie Stampede store.
One year later, it seems that every single thing in my life is different. So much has happened and so much has changed since then.
As I’m reflecting on my past year, I realize I’m not where I expected to be. Or rather, the flavor or what I’m up to is different than I envisioned a year ago. But I couldn’t imagine it any other way, and I couldn’t have predicted it would all end up like this, and I couldn’t be happier. One thing I know for sure, is I’m glad I followed the flow of life, instead of forcing things upon myself. This freedom has led me to CHOICE. I’ve chosen how I wanted to live, every day this year, and some pretty amazing things happened.
My birthday wish is to continue to live with an open mind and open heart and with wonder. To continue to love and grow and learn to be better. To have compassion, and to be curious about life. To go “all in” with all projects and experiences that this year will bring. To teach more, practice presence, learn new skills, and take up new hobbies. To let my creativity come bursting out. To play music again. To nurture the relationships of those I love, and make sure they know how I feel about them. And to show up in the day as a radiant and loving human. My wish for all of us is that we all feel loved and lovable, exactly as we are. And to know that we can create the kind of lives we’ve been dreaming of.
I also have a birthday request for you; 1) Leave a comment below with some things you are grateful for, as well as some advice you might have for my upcoming Montana move; 2) You tell someone you appreciate them today; 3) Fill out this quick anonymous survey about my blog…I’m changing things up, ya’ll, and I’d love your thoughts on what changes you’d like to see here.
It’s gratitude Friday! Let’s share:
I’m just so grateful to be here. To have been brought into the world and be amongst such wonderful, loving, and supportive people. To be able to learn what I learn. To be able to meet the people that show up in my life and force me to learn something. The ability to see beauty and feel love. For beautiful colors in nature. Playfulness. Family. Friends. Birthday wishes. Reflecting. Choice. Dancing. Cozy beds and warm socks. Surprises. Cuddling with my puppy. PG Tips tea in the morning. And smiling.
What are YOU grateful for? Leave a comment below.
Let's Celebrate
Miss Sally!
I love Dolly Parton and I love YOU! I am grateful for the month you spent in Austin that was filled with dance parties and sexual harassment of Austin’s Fire Dept. Happy Birthday to one the bravest and one of my MOST favorite people!
I am also grateful for small miracles. cozy sweaters. love letters.compassion. faith. memories. smiles. laughter. AND the people who get I get to experience it all with.
Much Love From Texas,
Dailey
HAHHAHAHAH! “sexual harassment of Austin’s Fire Dept” indeed. That was a blast. And I feel so grateful to have had that time with you as well. You continue to be one of my favorite people on the planet. Thank you so much for the love.
Besos,
Sally
Happy Happy Birthday Sally! Congrats on living life on your own terms…What a blessing and how fun! My advice to you on your move is to invest in a great pair of winter boots and proper coat. Trust me, worth the money! While cowboys boots are hot and stylish that all goes out the window when your toes get numb. Also, there are these great things called….little Hotties…I know…cute name…BUT they pack serious heat…so buy a box and keep them on hand. Get hiking – but always bring a friend and a charged cell or radio. River raft, pure awesome but go with a guide. Don’t become one of those people who see the mountains every day and loose appreciation for their grandeur and beauty. Take deep breaths. Visit Yellowstone. Enjoy every second of every day. No regrets. : )
xoxo
PS. Get in lots of target practice, learn the local and state laws, and take a safety/training course!
Wow…what an amazing advice list. Every single thing I was like “yep, yep, great, ok, good” hahha! Thank you so much. I will listen to all of it. And I especially appreciate the reminder to always appreciate and see the beauty around me. Thank you for continuing to be a part of this journey. Much love. XO
Have a wonderful day. I hope you will experience the wonder of beeing out on a frosty morning as the sun rises and you see the reflextion in all the ice-crystals. The happiness of beeing a hunter is that you look forward to and love all seasons, not only the summer! :-) I am greatful for the love of my family and my dogs. I am greatful that I can walk in the woods, see all wonders of nature, feel the aroma of the woods and hear the small birds sing. Keep it up, you are a true sunray in the world! :-)
What an absolutely lovely image of the icicles. I look forward to experiencing that, and all the seasons. I’m sure it’ll be much fodder for writing. Thank you for the advice and your wonderful gratitude list.
Happy Birthday, Sally. If you ever stop this way, I’ll have a special prezzie for ya!
Thank you! And I will definitely let you know when I’m out your way. And not just for the prezzie. :)
I sent you an email wishing you a happy birthday, but here it is again, Happy Birthday :-)
So much birthday love from you my dear! Thank you thank you thank you!
Happy Happy Birthday to you!!
I am so very grateful at this moment for hard cider, windy weather, overcast skies that feel like winter, garage sales, selfless friends, bbq ribs, roller skating with my niece, cleaning house, pandora radio, my new desk calendar, organization, my clients, meeting new people, random jobs, fall scented candles, loud music, hammocks, nice strangers, and writing.
My advice to you, Miss Sally, is to not look back. It will probably be lonely at times and you’ll miss your friends and family a lot, you might feel lost or unsure about your decision along the way… but don’t look back. Just embrace the adventure, even if that means crying your eyes out sometimes. (This is all advice I need to hear myself, so I figure you’re feeling a simliar way.) :)
Girl…I LOVE your advice and I couldn’t agree more. It’s like we’ve already set the train in motion. It’s moving, we’re moving, it’s happening no matter what. Best to hop on and enjoy the ride. Even if that means (like you said) crying or missing friends or family. Thank you for saying all of that and sharing your awesome gratitude list. Yummmmmmmmmm…cider. :)
My Advice on Your Move, if at times Ur heart feels like moving bck Home, Give Yourself at least One to Two years outhere, so You don’t wonder later on “what if I would had stayed?” Enjoy Montana to the Fullest and Always remember to look at the Beautiful Sky…. because it’s so breathtaking.
I am Grateful for My Job, and my coworkers, I am Grateful for My Teens; they aren’t perfect but they aren’t as horrible as people told me Teens were. I love Them and wouldn’t trade Them 4anything. I am Grateful for a Husband Whom h has Loved Me. I am grateful for my Mom.
Wow that is such amazing advice! And yes…I totally agree. The plan is to be out there for at least a year. Plus…what’s the point of braving through my first real winter without having the payoff of the beautiful summer! Love you lady!
Sally
Hope you had a wonderful birthday! Your birthday wish list sounds great! xoxo
Thank you my dear! I hope you had a great weekend and have an awesome week. Cheers!
I love this post, dear. I totally missed this “Sally episode” cuz I was in a cabin at the top of a 5,000 foot mountain for 5 days with no internet, building a fire in a wood-burning stove, cooking on a 1952 gas range, riding on the back of a quad (hanging on to an amazing man), peeing into a 10-foot hole in a building 20 feet from the cabin, being awakened at 3am by a “bear alarm” and listening to great Country music.
So not me 6 months ago.
Let it happen, people. Let it happen.
xo
LC
PS: Happy Birthday, Sally. Chalking up one more year of wisdom! Ain’t it grand? :)