Let the birthday celebrations begin …..
As it’s my birthday today, I decided to write a letter to myself. I tend to celebrate my birthdays with gusto – for example, when I turned 50 I spent the whole year in birthday mode! So indulge me…..

Optimism about one’s ageing exerts measurable, positive effects on the brain
John Medina in brain rules for ageing well, 10 principles for staying vital, happy and sharp
December is party month
My birthday is in mid-December, just two weeks out from Christmas. I love the month of December – it’s party mode all month for me. I don’t know if it’s something I’ve learnt to do so that I don’t miss out on any attention or if it’s just the pure joy of having a birthday but I just love to celebrate. Being showered with love and gifts, all month, is also great fun!
I must admit I take a dim view of anyone who sends me a birthday card (yes I still get some cards in the actual real mail, but these days the money inside is missing) with a cheaper Christmas stamp on the envelope. And don’t even think about wrapping my birthday gift with Christmas paper because that’s all you have lying around the house at the moment. Definite no-no. I’m not being ungrateful, would you wrap a birthday present in May with Christmas paper? No I didn’t think so 🙂

Happy Birthday to me!
OK – I admit that I saw this idea on someone else’s blog and loved the idea. I left a comment on her post and she encouraged me to give writing my own birthday letter a go, so here I am. Come and enjoy the trip down memory lane with me.
Dear 1 year old Deborah: Apparently you were called Deborah in those days! Enjoy being the first born because soon enough you’ll have a sister and a brother for company. Don’t expect to see your father very much in your first few years, he’s married to the Navy too.
Dear 5 year old Debbie: You are lucky to have made it to 5 years of age, what with car accidents with your mother, surviving dreadful illnesses and hospitalisation for months! Thankfully all that baby fat gave you the strength to carry on. You are now a proud big sister.
Dear 10 year old Debbie: Girl Guides, running, bike riding, reading, hanging out with friends and your new house in the bush make life one big adventure which sets the scene for your future.
Dear 16 year old Debbie: Who would have guessed that starting a part-time job as a check out chick would lead you to meet a tall, dark, handsome stranger who would feature heavily in your future life.
Soon after this you travel on your first overseas trip on a school excursion and survive a horrific accident in which 3 people die and you receive a Bravery Award from the Queen as a result.

Dear 19 year old Debbie: Your 19th birthday and in exactly a month’s time you’ll be marrying the love of your life. When your father asks if you’re sure it’s what you want to do at only 19, that there’s no rush, that there’s a big wide world out there to explore – tell him you’ll do all the travel and adventuring together as a family. You’ve already started a new life by moving away from home, to Newcastle, and started saving to buy your first home together.
Dear 22 year old Debbie: Once you have your own house, it seems the right time to start a family and it doesn’t take long. Melanie arrives half way through the year and changes you from a couple, into a family of three, and you wonder how your heart can love someone so much.
Dear 25 year old Debbie: Life continues to get busier with the arrival of Sarah half way through this year, your heart continues to grow with love. Melanie and Sarah are dubbed by some friends as Search and Destroy.
Dear 28 year old Debbie: By the time you are 28 you are the proud and happy mother of three beautiful and clever daughters with Eliza being your Bicentennial Project. How much love can your heart take? You are also a qualified breastfeeding counsellor (bet you didn’t see that one coming) and enjoy helping other mothers over the phone while your daughters wreak havoc around you. They love it when the phone rings – it means they can go wild and you can’t do anything about it.
Dear 32 year old Debbie: Don’t hesitate to take on the world, it’s a scary thought travelling to the other side of the world for the first time and going on a Teacher Exchange with three little girls in tow is full of unknowns, but believe me, it’s well worth the effort. Saying yes to the opportunity becomes one of those life changing moments you’ll never regret.

Dear 40 year old Debbie: You know how you always wanted to be a teacher? Well it finally happens and you start studying by distance education with 3 teenage girls at home, while also working 2 part-time jobs. Graduation is a very proud moment, with the Mathematician and two of your girls there.
Your father rings you to tell you the story of how you came to be named Debbie – very special – treasure this moment.

Dear 50 year old Debbie: This is a huge year for you. Turning 50 with a combined 110th birthday party with your friend Ros who turned 60, with a surprise visit from Melanie all the way from England, followed by an extended family weekend to a Queensland island where Sarah surprised you by coming home from England as well. You had all three girls, your parents, your brother and sister – and you met your youngest daughter’s new boyfriend (spoiler alert: he goes onto to become her husband). Then you continue the birthday celebrations by travelling to Europe with your parents, sister and daughters and go on a barge and bike ride from Paris to Bruges. This time with your parents turns out to be very special.
Since turning 50 you have lost your brother-in-law who died suddenly at age 55 and you wonder how you can cope with the awful grief. Then a few years later your father dies and only a few months later your father-in-law dies suddenly while you are travelling the world on your 3 month Odyssey. It is an extremely sad time so take every opportunity to see them, talk with them and show your love. You also become Mother of the Bride – twice!
Dear 52 year old Debbie: A great idea! Why don’t you prepare yourself for a monumental photo at the precise moment of 12.12pm on 12/12/2012! It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity 🙂
Dear 56 year old Debbie:Don’t panic but your career of teaching in a men’s correctional centre (YES, a prison) spanning over 2 decades, is about to end and you’ll be VERY upset about it all. In fact it makes you very sick and stressed, as it’s not your choice to finish up this way. Being made redundant is always hard but remember, it’s not you that’s been made redundant it’s the job. Hang in there, life will get better.
Dear 58 year old Debbie: Happy birthday Granny Debs! Yes, you’re a grandmother now and don’t you just love this new role? Make sure you enjoy your new granddaughter but don’t neglect your own children, they were here first remember, and still need you to help and guide them through adulthood.
It’s a bittersweet birthday this year as it’s the first one since you lost your father in January and your father-in-law in July. Spend time doing what you love is my only advice to you, as you never know what is around the corner. You and the Mathematician take a huge 3 month Odyssey during the year and visit bucket list places like Iceland, cycling in Amsterdam and the Tour de France.

It’s the end of wearing your 57 years bold t-shirt so put it away for your sister’s birthday, you know she’ll love to wear it one day soon 🙂

Happy birthday from me to you.
Deb
12 December 2018
It seems I have enjoyed writing a birthday post every year since starting my blog! did I tell you i love having my birthday??
I just needed to crunch some leaves – 2015
What makes the birthday girl so special – 2017

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How lovely to revisit this post! Thank you for such great and memorable stories.
Thanks for linking up for #lifethisweek. Next week’s optional prompt is: 24/51 Thank You to Me. 17/6/19 Denyse
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Thanks Denyse, it was great to share it again for your weekly prompt, especially as I’m away from home and trying to take a bit of a break!!
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Hi Deb, you had me there for a minute as I thought I had forgotten your birthday! What a beautiful post full of wonderful memories. We should all write ourselves a birthday letter shouldn’t we. My 62nd birthday is coming up in August so maybe that is a good time to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard more likely. #lifethisweek
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Thanks so much Sue and I agree we should all write ourselves a birthday letter every few years. I think August sounds like a great time for you to start 🙂
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This is such a brilliant post Deb – I think it clearly shows that life is just like a rollercoaster, full of ups and downs, and the best we can do is hang on and enjoy the ride! Here’s to many more trips around the sun! Side note: I’m all about stretching birthday celebrations out for as long as possible, bring on the Birthday Festival!
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Yes indeed, a roller coaster is just what it’s like isn’t it? I’m with you for the Birthday Festival 🙂
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What an empowering way to celebrate your birthday, Deb! So many good things and challenges along and you’ve come through it all better and stronger.
SSG xxx
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Yes it was a great way to celebrate and I’m thinking of updating it every year from now on 🙂
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WOW! Jealous on Iceland.Off to read about the bravery award….#Lifethisweek
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Thanks Lydia, I’ve certainly been very fortunate to take these opportunities when offered!
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Belated birthday wishes. You have inspired me to write one this time on my birthday to myself 🌼
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Many thanks! I was inspired by someone else so I’m glad to pass the baton on. Enjoy 🙂
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That’s awesome 🙂
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a happy belated birthday!
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Thanks Rachael!
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I haven’t seen anyone doing this before, but it’s a lovely idea and as well as giving yourself the chance to look back at some memories, it also gives us as readers the chance to get to know you a bit better. Belated happy birthday to you and I totally agree about the Christmas paper 🙂
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Many thanks for your comment, I’m so glad you enjoyed my birthday letter. It was such fun to write and share some memories as you say 🙂
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Its such a beautiful post. Felt like I am living those moments with you. Such an inspiration :))
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I really appreciate your lovely comment. Thank you.
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The sad makes sence now.😣 A piece of each of them resides in the children those here and those yet to come. We must have the happiest life we can. Each day can be filled with the fun and oddities that touched us. Memories are caught in a look or in a scent; heard in a saying and snatched in a second. Found in a verse of music or a taste of food. All these things grab us to and remind us they were here. We laugh at something once done or said. So they never truly go. We do have to let go of the sad to let it all flood in. I laugh out loud at least once a day at something that popped in my head from my Dad. So enjoy and remember with gusto. Have a great birthday weekend my virtual friend. Dad would say life’s to short for missing folk. 😂☺😎
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That is so beautiful Ellen, many thanks for your compassionate and caring comment. It was just what I needed to hear and you are so right, we have to let go of the sad sometimes. Your dad would be right, life’s too short for missing folk, they’re with me every day. xx
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We can do this, because we must xx
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Happy Birthday, Debbie! I LOVE these letters that you have written to yourself. They are very inspirational!
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Oh Donna, you are so good to read my letters! I did enjoy the process and remembering some of these snippets of my life.
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What a lovely post! Thanks for sharing — and happy birthday!
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Thanks so much Janet, I enjoyed the trip down memory lane and am glad you did too!
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Many happy returns and may you have many more birthdays too!
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Thanks very much for your birthday wishes 🙂
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You’re welcome.
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Happy birthday Debbie! I hope you had a fantastic day!
This is such a nice idea and I love all the photos!
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Thanks Josy, it took me a while to pull it all together but I enjoyed the trip down memory lane. Thanks for sharing.
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I think we were just reading/commenting on each others posts at the same time!
It’s fun to pop down memory lane with piccies isn’t it! 🙂
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I think so too! Bit of spookiness in the blogosphere. 😊
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Happy birthday Debbie! I LOVED this letter to yourself and especially the pictures. Thank you for sharing. Continue the celebration! December’s not over yet. 🙂 #MLSTL
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Thanks so much Christie, I think the photos show my progression over the years 😂 December is indeed a huge month. Thanks for visiting.
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Oh Deb I so enjoyed reading your birthday letter to yourself. So much resonated with me. My daughter’s birthday is in December & we have always strived to make it special. So it’s a definite no to wrapping a birthday gift in Christmas paper! Then I realised our life journeys have so many similarities. I too was a breastfeeding counsellor; studied as a mother of teenagers; worked in goals, now a grandmother, have grieved the death or parents/ in laws/ and close friends. I too try to make the most of every moment as I am very aware we do not know what might be around the corner. Deb I hope you enjoyed reflecting on yourself and your birthdays. I certainly did. Happy birthday.
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Thanks very much for your lovely comment Estelle. Isn’t it funny how we can meet someone who has had such similar paths? I’m amazed at all our similarities! I really enjoyed writing this post, although it took me quite a while, it is a great summary of just some aspects of my life so far. I found it hard at first to get the tone right, as in writing to myself and going back in time. So glad to have connected with you.
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What a lovely idea this is. Wow, you have certainly had an eventful time of it! My husband is a Dec 12 birthday and I know how his younger self felt about combined presents – it’s not nice is it? My friend has her birthday on Christmas Day – which means that really she doesn’t get much time for her birthday at all!
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Thanks Debs! Another December 12 buddy 🙂 I do think Christmas day would be worse though. I’m happy you enjoyed my birthday letter, I could have rabbited on for much longer but decided to highlight a few things I’ve not mentioned in previous posts too often. I’ve enjoyed my life so far, even the bad bits!!
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LOVED reading this…and your life sure has had those ups and downs…..bumps and more…to now. Happy Birthday. I too graduated twice from Charles Sturt Uni as you did. Mind you, my original teacher training of 2 years at Balmain TC got me all of the career I needed!! However, in the 1980s and into the 1990s I did my B.Ed and M.Ed via distance and attended my M.Ed ceremony at Wagga. My daughter graduated M.Ed last year using my mantle (green & pink) and that was very special. Have a wonderful first Christmas as a Grandmother! Denyse #mlstl
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I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it too Denyse. Yes CSU was very good to me and I thoroughly enjoyed my few years studying there and graduation was the best feeling! To say I’m excited about the upcoming Christmas as a grandmother is a bit of an understatement!! I know she’s not up to much this year but from now on it will be extra fun having a baby around to add excitement to the whole holidays. Thanks again for your comments 🙂
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What a wonderful way to reflect on your life. So many highs and painful lows too. We are both 57 I see. A fabulous time of
life. Happy Birthday!
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Yay, we’re the same age, except I’m now 58 and a few days…..It sure was an interesting post to write and try to work out which bits to add in or leave out. Lots of high and lows! Thanks Sue 🙂
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I love this birthday letter to yourselves, what a great idea! Maybe I’ll steal your idea when I turn 60 next year–I am a December 4th baby, so I understand this time of year. My sis-in-law has a December birthday too and instead of getting each other Christmas presents, we celebrate our b-days by getting each other something special. Love your pics of you as a young girl and into adulthood–so cute! Happy birthday, Debbie and enjoy the whole month!, fellow Sagittarius!
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Hi Terri, isn’t it a great way to record things?? I was really taken with it when I read it on another blog. Feel free to use for your 60th birthday 🙂 . No wonder we get on well, Sagittarians rule! Thanks for your lovely comments, I’m not afraid to share my old photos or my age!
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Happy Birthday – I hope you had a fantabulous day. I really enjoyed this post – it was a fabulous little trip back in time.
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Thanks Jo, it’s been a pleasure to read all these supportive comments on my post. I enjoyed my trip taking you all down memory lane 🙂
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Great trip across the years, Deb! Really enjoyed it, especially the photos! I actually think I had exactly the same hairstyle as you at 16!
Hope you had a wonderful day. Best wishes and many more.
Nancy
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Ah Nancy, another similar hairstyle buddy! Glad to hear you enjoyed the trip over the years, it’s certainly been a fab journey so far.
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What a gorgeous (true life) story! It’s 2am in the morning, I couldn’t sleep so I got up to read blog posts. I’ve loved reading yours 🙂 Happy BIrthday Debbie, and Merry Christmas to you too 🙂 xx #MLSTL
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Yes it’s all true life here Jo! I’m glad your 2am awake time allowed you to enjoy my post but I hope you managed some sleep too! Thanks for sharing for #mlstl , we’re an awesome bunch aren’t we??
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Epic post Deb, actually one of your best. Happy Birthday again youngster 🙂
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Now that would have to be one ofMY BEST COMMENTS ever received. You made my day Suz and I must admit I had a good feeling about it when I was writing it over the past few weeks. So HAPPY now 🙂 xxxxxxx
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Deb, you are more than welcome 🙂 I never say something I don’t mean xx
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That’s why it means so much to me Suz xx
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I love this idea! What a lovely look back at your life. So many special moments and the memories as you gaze at the photos are even more special. Happiest of Birthdays!!
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Thanks so much for your comment! It’s been a fun time for the most part but testing too, like everybody else’s life I suppose. I had a great birthday and am thrilled so many have enjoyed my post and the photos.
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Happy Happy Birthday!! What a lovely gift to yourself. I love it!
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Thanks Cherie, so happy to be having a birthday and sharing my stories with everyone. My husband wonders why I do it to myself at times 🙂 but this is why!
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Happy birthday, Deb! You’ve lived a wonderful life! I loved this so much and I’m so glad that when I encouraged you to write your own birthday letter you followed through! My birthday letter is one of my favorite posts each year and I have to admit that I love rereading it as I take a walk down memory lane each November.
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I’m so pleased you got to read my post Deb! Thanks again for the inspiration, your post really resonated with me. I did find it hard at first to get my voice right, as in talking to myself!! It’s been a popular post for me and I’m thrilled with the reception of it. It took me a fair while thinking about which bits to highlight, as you probably found too, but so good to get it out there and my dorky photos too 🙂 Thanks so much!!!
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Very good 👏 having my birthday on December 21 I can totally relate to never ok to wrap birthday presents in Christmas paper, and combined Christmas and birthday presents 🙅🏼♀️
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Oh you’re even closer to Christmas Glenys so you get what I’m getting at with the paper and combined presents. it’s just not on, is it?? Thanks for stopping by and enjoying my letter. Happy birthday very soon x
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Thank you, oh yes I get it!
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Happy Birthday Gorgeous Deb. I love this letter to you from you! Some real milestones here, milestones you should be real proud of!
Enjoy this special day. Xx
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Oh thanks Lorelle, that’s so lovely of you!! I am very proud of my achievements to date and have lost more adventures to come I’m sure xx
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I’m sure you will too. You’re a great inspiration Deb.
Have a great weekend ❤️
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Happy Birthday Deb – Enjoy the rest of the month. Louise
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Many thanks Louise, it’s a good time to celebrate. How are things with you?
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HI Deb, work has been “crazy” with audit. Should settle back to “busy all the time” in the new year. Trying to put a post together on the last trek which was next level. Think I will post it in the new year. Have a good Christmas with your beautiful new granddaughter. Louise
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I look forward to reading of your trek Louise. Enjoy the break when it comes. All the best to you and your family too.xx
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hip hip hooray! (No ho ho ho’s).
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ha ha ha 🙂
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Lovely post Debbie – really enjoyed reading about your crazy awesome years 🙂 And HAPPY BIRTHDAY of course!
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Crazy and awesome years sound like a great title, wish I’d thought of that!! Lovely to have your thoughts. Thanks so much for the birthday wishes, it was a fun post to write.
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Awww Debbie I love this!! Such a great post & fab picky’s 😊 Happy Birthday 🥳 x
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Thanks very much Sam, I really enjoyed writing it 🙂
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Happy Birthday Deb – and what a lovely overview of your life – it certainly reads like a very full and rich life so far. Exciting to think what the future holds isn’t it? I was chatting to a guy who lives near us and he mentioned he was 87 – he’s really fit and healthy and super friendly and I thought to myself that the next 30 years looks pretty cool if he’s any example! Have a great birthday and I’m sure you’ll rock it all the way to Christmas!
MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 🙂
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Great example Leanne, I admire such people and hope I can continue in that vein as I age. It is exciting to think of what the future holds but also a bit scary if I’m honest! I really enjoyed sharing these snippets from parts of my adventures so far and I appreciate your shares and comment. x
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What a fabulous idea Deb. I loved reading your letter and also following your progression in photos through the years. Happy Birthday Deb. I hope December is a wonderful day. By the way my grandson was born in Christmas Fay and woe betide anyone who gets the idea to give him a combined Birthday and Christmas present! #MLSTL Shared on SM
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Deb I did meant to say * I hope December is a wonderful month.
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Thanks Jennifer, it’s a great month!
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Thanks Jennifer, I can understand where he’s coming from!
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Happy Birthday Deb! The letter to yourself is such a great idea. I like that you shared it with all of us. You’ve had such an interesting life. I hope that you continue to have great adventures!
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My pleasure Christina, I really had fun reminiscing. So glad you enjoyed it too 🙂
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I’m a little teary Deb as this is such a lovely post. You have achieved so much and especially the beautiful family that you have. Have a very special birthday and I’m sending you hugs from up north. Thank you for sharing your birthday with us at #MLSTL and all your blogging friends. xx
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That’s so sweet of you Sue, it is lovely to take time to reflect and birthdays are great for that. I am very proud of my family but I think you know that!! Hugs are welcome anytime 🙂 xx
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How lovely! Must’ve been so much fun for you to write and reminisce! Happy Birthday Deb!
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Yes Jodi, it was so much fun to write! Thanks for getting that 🙂
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Loved this Deb. Hope your special day, I mean month is fabulous xxxx
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Thanks Julie, it’s a fun time that’s for sure 🙂
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Such a beautiful read Deb! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! 🙂 xo
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Many thanks Min, I loved it too!
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Happy Birthday, Deb! Thank you for sharing your birthday letter and photos over the years. Spend time doing what you love is a very sound advice. #MLSTL
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Thanks Natalie, it ‘s the only advice I dish out these days! It’s been fun seeing the reception this post has had and I’m sure it’s the photos of me in my younger days that hold the appeal!!
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Loved reading this Deb, and the photos brought back so many memories. Have a great day for your birthday with another wonderful year to follow.👏👏🎂💝
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Thanks so much Mum. You are an integral part of who I am so my heartfelt thanks go to you. Lots of memories there indeed, happy and sad ones but that’s life, with all its ups and downs I suppose. xx
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This is such a great idea. I love your birthday letter and wish you a very happy birthday.
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Much appreciated! I had a lovely day and enjoyed basking in the limelight on my special day as only I can do 🙂
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Many happy returns! I’ve written about my birthday a couple of times, but only for special occasions. It’s lovely to have those memories to share with us 😊
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Thanks Clive, LuckilyI enjoy sharing dorky photos from my past so much 🙂
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What a beautiful post! I hope you’re having a wonderful birthday xx
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Thanks Emmalene, I’m so happy to hear you enjoyed it!! I had a good fun day 🙂
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Love it! What a life. I can’t wait to see what’s in store next for you. 💪💗
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What a life indeed! Lots of other bits I could have added but I wanted to keep it fairly brief and 58 is getting up there as a big number! I wonder what’s next too 🙂 Thanks for being a part of it all!
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Happiest Birthday & many more!
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Thanks Cindy, looking forward to the next bits.
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What a beautiful story. Wishing you a very happy birthday, Debbie. x
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Hi Toni, thanks for your comments and good wishes. It’s been a fun time mostly, and I’m sure there’s many more adventures to come.
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