It’s my birthday!! And I’ll do what I wanna!

I thought I’d do a thoughtful blog, like the ones I did for my progeny, but I’m out of spoons for thoughtful words.

I will, however, list a few things that are making my heart happy these days.

The kitty. Name still TBD, but Pixie is the current front-runner. Literally as I told my friend “I want my next cat to come to me,” my next cat was walking up to my son-in-law and his son. We now have one delightful terror in the house.

My homes: Yes, plural and I don’t take either for granted. The suburb home I share with my partner, and the home on the farm that my dad gifted me. I split my time between them. Keeping up is sometimes challenging—especially when appliances fail in pairs and threes—but both places bring me peace and hold decades of memories.

Writers. All of them. I never imagined how much joy I’d find in celebrating other writers’ successes. The writing communities I’ve found continue to fuel and inspire me.

Facilitating writers: Growing up, I always said I don’t want to be a teacher… and then I became one. My teaching experience gave me a foundation to facilitate writing groups and meet-ups. Like the circles of writers, these sessions refuel and stimulate my inner writer.

Support: Family, friend, professional, medical, incidental, universal, spiritual. I am supported. And I know it.

The list goes on and on, but it’s my birthday, and I have celebrating to do.

It’s Tuesday, so there will be tacos and margaritas. Be jealous. My tacos and guacamole are delicious.

Shine on!

©Pennie Nichols. All Rights Reserved. 2026