Or not. Sometimes silence is just the sound of ourselves thinking.

Holiday greetings, cats and kittens. Just an old mama cat here today. The kids are home for holiday break, I’m up to my armpits in projects (from writing to wrapping), and there’s this birthday thing impending that I’m not quite sure about yet.

Yup, that’s right. Little old me is turning 50. I guess I don’t feel very strongly about it. Not really. In some ways it’s just another birthday. One I’m too busy to probably enjoy very much. That is often the case, as the date and celebration get lost in the holiday rush. So is my lot. I’ll take what celebrating I can with a glass of fine red and family and friends at my side. Just as it should be!

I have a sister-in-law who not only didn’t greet her 50th with joy, but continues to conceal her age from her kids. Why? I don’t know. I’m thankful I’m not in that mode. I’m proud to be an ‘older’ mom. (My girls are 9 and 7.) And I don’t think my age diminishes me in the eyes of my children one bit. In fact, I think it shows my girls that age or anything else should never stop anyone from fulfilling a dream they are driven to accomplish. For that SiL, I give her a holiday wish to stop pretending and just start embracing. Hell, arriving at this age, when things begin to sag (just a bit) and the youthful blush is obviously mellowed to mature beauty,  entitles us to a new respect and a wide berth. Take those new perks and run!

So, I guess that’s what I’m going to do for this landmark year: Look for the bright things in life. Gather energy for present and future. Write and help other writers. Focus on family. And always remember: age, even this milestone one, is just a damned number. We are what we feel, what we accomplish, who we love, and where we make plans to go.

In the meantime, for anyone who wants to take a moment to experience a bit of melancholy (okay, I’ll admit it, I have some) about a 50th birthday, read this month’s featured story. I know it’ll touch you as it did everyone here at MP.