Birthdays, Beaches, Blessings, and Beginnings

On By Lauren Scott, AuthorIn Author interviews, Birthdays

I’ve done a lot of reflecting on the days building up to my recent 59th birthday (repeated a few times). 🙂 The quiet moments of contemplation were due to my health being challenged in the last year, but I’m not going to put you to sleep with pain-talk. You see, every new day is a precious gift, and birthdays are a chance to celebrate another year of life, so what better reason do we need?

There is no better reason, but I admit to feeling less than celebratory because of these changes my poor body has endured. These two health conditions are here to stay. I can’t bid them farewell, so I’m coming to terms with them, albeit a slow process. And even though things could be worse, it doesn’t negate what I’m experiencing – essentially, a new chapter in my book. Thus, my excitement to blow out the candles this go around felt contained instead of free. Are my feelings justified? Living with pain can be a downer. And I know that I’m at an age when health can change.

And yet, without a support circle to help keep my chin up, it would be much harder to focus on the good. And ‘the good’ is what keeps me moving forward! And moving forward is the best direction! I know there will be hiccups and hurdles but taking life ‘one day at a time’ never sounded so wise.

I chose to get an epidural which gave me the heebie-jeebies, but it finally kicked in, so I’m feeling better. Not 100%, but better enough to do some walking and smiling on my special day. The celebration spanned over four days of sipping Chardonnay, indulging in delicious food, and receiving wonderful gifts. I reveled in the joy of blowing out the candles on the carrot cake (my favorite)! Part of the fun was when my hubby, son, and I strolled around a local, charming beach town. My daughter and son-in-law celebrated from Tennessee! She and I recently had one of our iconic phone chats where even we broke our own record – we talked for 5 hours! It was awesome!
Anyway, back to the beach, I was grateful for this pain-free day.
It felt good to ‘feel good.’ 🙏

It was lovely to see a touch of spring.
Flowers from hubby.
YUM!!!

We enjoyed a sinfully delicious dinner that night, and afterwards, we took a drive that lead us to a beautiful spot for taking in the lights and the stunning moon. My hubby gets credit for the last shot.

© Lauren Scott, Baydreamerwrites.com – All rights reserved.

I hope you enjoyed the photos! ❤️

And now a slight detour, if you missed my previous post about my interview on Spillwords Press, and you’d like to check it out, the link is: https://spillwords.com/spotlight-on-writers-lauren-scott/. It was an honor to be chosen to participate in their series: Spotlight on Writers. Feel free to give it a ❤️ or to leave a comment. I’d be grateful if you would! 🤗🙏

So, Cheers to celebrating life, one day at a time, and to relishing in the blessings and beautiful beginnings that birthdays offer! 🎉🙏

Thanks SO much for stopping by, and I truly wish you all good health.
~Lauren 💝

106 thoughts on “Birthdays, Beaches, Blessings, and Beginnings”

  2. Happy 59th birthday, Lauren! The beach, the walk, dinner, wine, and cake look amazing. I’m glad you had a wonderful celebration. ❤ I hope your treatment for your foot is working. I'm always interested in health. One article I read in my young adulthood was about the life expectancy of different organs in our body. So I wasn't surprised when I started having aches and pains and my body couldn't keep up with my brain. 🙂 🙂

    1. Thanks, Miriam! And it’s my 59th (again)! 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed the post. It was such a wonderful celebration. The epidural is for the pain in my left leg from the spinal stenosis. The hard part because walking aggravates it, and I’ve always been a walker, so that has changed. I tried a med for the nerve pain, but I actually felt awful from side effects. So I’m off of that. The nerve acts up unpredictably and not every day. So right now, I’m waiting to see how it goes. I’m also doing acupuncture. The trouble is the nerve jolts are so random that it’s hard to tell if anything is helping. So weird. Like I said, one day at a time and acceptance for that which we can’t change. But during the tough times, my emotions go wild. Not fun. Anyway, sorry to hear about your aches too, but hang in there. Hugs!

      1. Let’s be 59th forever. I don’t count anymore. I’m glad you’re trying different things, Lauren. We need to walk every day so we either sit or have to deal with it the best way we can. The hard part for you is that it’s random. I have low back pain. It’s easy to ignore because it’s not as critical as foot pain.
        I hope your doctor will get to the bottom of it eventually. Hugs. ❤

      2. Haha! Great idea, Miriam! 59 forever! Well, since walking has been more painful (except for on this beach day), I bought a stationary bike which is fine for the spine. Once the weather warms up, we’ll go bike riding outdoors too. So at least I have another option for movement. Knowing I can’t walk like I used to has been a tough pill to swallow. I have my moments, but then I focus on the bright side. I have to. Thanks so much! ❤️🙏❤️

      3. Optimism is bliss, Lauren! I focus on the bright side also. I keep up with our weekly schedule to watch our grandkids. When they have a sleepover, I get tired because they’re very excited and energetic. Hubby and I realize that we can sleep early the next day and sleep in the following day. We won’t give up the good things. ❤ ❤

  3. happy birthday to you, Lauren. what a gift, for you to have a pain free day. I know this has been a very challenging time for you, and you are an inspiration to all of us. what a beautiful day for so many reasons and I love your marathon phone call with your daughter! ❤

    1. Thanks so much for your wonderful words, Beth. I really appreciate them! A pain-free day is a big deal too, and I was so grateful. Now I hope the epidural benefits last for a while. I’m not eager to get another one anytime soon. 🙂 And yes, that marathon phone call was the best! Thanks again! 🩷

    1. Thanks for the wishes, Mary, and for your kind words too. I’m sorry your mom is going through a tough time also. Any age can be vulnerable to disease or an ailment. But that’s no consolation. Pain is depressing, simply put. So, I hope your mom can find relief. ❤️

  9. It looks like you had a wonderful birthday. A friend once said, “Getting older is nit for wimps.” It sounds like you are handling your health issues and making the most of life. Wishing you many happy years ahead!! Love and hugs. xo

    1. Thanks for your lovely comment, Darlene, and I love that quote! 🙂 My issues aren’t as bad as others, even though they’re challenging in their own ways. But the only thing to do is to make the best of it, like you said. And my support circle helps keep me centered. Thanks again! I really appreciate your wishes! Love and hugs back to you. 💖

  11. Every day above ground is a great day. Happy birthday Lauren. Loved the epic chat for 5 hours. I have one friend on the planet who could make me do that. And at least twice a month we chat as he drives to work across state lines. I’m glad you had enough strength to celebrate with family. 💪💪

    1. Hi Nigel, I love your way of thinking! Thanks so much for following me and for your wishes. I hope you continue to enjoy my posts, poetry, and musings. I’m also glad our phone chat resonated. I think we were both surprised when we checked the time. Before that, 4 hours was our record. Enjoy your long chats with your friend. Those are special times! I’ll only turn **** one time LOL, so again, I’m grateful that I felt good. Like I said, things could be worse, so I have to keep my eyes on the silver lining and move forward. Thanks again! 🤗

  12. Looks like you had a fun time, Lauren, and good for you! So glad to know you’re feeling better and you’re able to get out and about. That ocean locale looks inviting. Here’s wishing you many more pain-free days ahead. You’re right–things change as we age (I’m feeling it, too), but there are plenty of ways to continue to enjoy life despite the changes we face. You’re a trooper, my friend! All the best to you and yours from too-cold Colorado! 😊

    1. Thanks for your wonderful words of support, Mike. I appreciate them so much. You would love this little town, very quaint and charming. The waves were rough, but still there is something soothing about the ocean. Yes, aging sucks at times! 🤪 But we modify things so we can enjoy our lives. I’m a trooper, but really, there’s no other option for me. 🙂 Stay warm in CO. Our son is planning to move there later this year. The rain is coming again, but for now, the sun peeks through. Hugs, my friend.

  18. A very happy birthday to you! 🥳 I’m so glad you were able to enjoy your special day with family and your favourite cake of course lol. It can’t be easy to have a chronic condition but it’s great you were able to have a nice day where you got to explore without the pain.

    1. Thanks for the wonderful wishes, Kymber, and I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos. It turned out to be a beautiful day in many ways. And a friend is taking me out to dinner this Saturday, so the celebrating continues. 🙂 Hugs 🩷🙏

  20. Happy belated birthday, Lauren. It looks like you had a beautiful celebration(s) despite the health challenges of the past year. Your positive attitude and gratefulness for another year of life will carry you through the hard days. Hugs, my friend.

    1. Thanks so much, Diana. Sometimes, it’s hard to stay positive, but as long as we always end up there. 🙂 That’s life. Everyone’s dealing with something. Darlene shared a quote from a friend, “Getting older is not for wimps.” Ain’t that the truth! It’s all good, and I’ll just stay 59 forever. But I’m so grateful that I could enjoy the cake and wine and food! And of course, the company! Hugs and love to you, my friend. 💖🌷

      2. Sorry to hear that, Diana. I hope it’s nothing more than the flu and that you’re better now. I know, I’ve said often that I feel too young to be going through my situation. And I say this because I can’t walk around like I used to. So, that makes me feel like I’m 95! But then again, I am 59 again and again (haha), so that’s the age when our bodies can begin to scream back. And children get cancer, so life isn’t fair. But we move forward. Now I’m rambling, so I hope you are doing okay. Hugs 🥰

  22. Happy Birthday Lauren! 🎈🎂🥳🧁🎉 Oh gosh your photos are simply awesome! Love your sinfully delicious carrot cake! Yes! 🤗 Enjoy the rest of your “year” of celebration girlfriend! 🥰💖😍 Cheers! 🥂

    1. Thanks for your wonderful wishes, Kym, and I’m glad you loved the photos! I’m so blessed with my support circle, and of course, the carrot cake! I wish I could share with you because it is to die for! I’m still celebrating, though the wine-ing has been paused until the weekend. 🙂 And a friend is taking me out to dinner on Saturday, so let the celebration continue. Why not? Right? Hugs, smooches, and Cheers to you! ❤️🤗💐🥂🎂🙏

  24. Happy Birthday, my dearest friend! You’re right, moving forward is the only direction and being surrounded with love is one bright ‘forward’!
    Yum… I remember that carrot cake!
    I hope you both health conditions decide to graciously move out, no matter the outlook!
    Sending love and extra hugs!
    xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

    1. Thanks so much, Marina! I have to keep that mindset or the times when I don’t feel good, I’ll spiral downward. But with my family supporting me, that won’t happen. I wish I could share some of the cake because it’s SO gooooood! 🙂 I also wish they would move out, but if they don’t, I have to accept them and learn how to manage. It’s life! It’s not all roses! One day at a time…Sending lots of love and many hugs your way! ❤️🤗💐🤗💐❤️🤗💐❤️🤗💐❤️

  27. Happy birthday Lauren. It really sounds great the way you celebrated it. Each day and year of life is precious. Let us hope pain diminishes but meanwhile,

    keep smiling ….most of the time. 🌻❣️

    miriam

    1. Thanks for your lovely words, Miriam. The beach day was the best, along with the company, of course. I appreciate your wishes, but no matter what, I have to keep smiling and move forward. Thanks again! ❤️🌷

  29. Oh, Happy Birthday Lauren. It sounds like you’ve been facing your share of challenges. Life has a way of throwing nasty curveballs our way, but a birthday is still a reason to celebrate no matter the year. Hope you were able to enjoy the day. I hope I face my struggles with the same level of grace! Love the pictures. Praying for you!

    1. Thanks, Brian! I think I’ve made it through the tough times, unless they decide to get tougher in the future. But for now, I’m feeling better because of the epidural. I hope it lasts for a while. Not eager to get another shot in the lower back. 😬 I’m trying to face them with grace, but believe me, I have my less graceful moments. Glad you enjoyed the photos! I’ve decided to stay 59 forever. LOL I also appreciate the prayers. 🤗🙏

  30. Dealing with long-term pain is not for the faint of heart, Lauren. It is a journey expected – one that drives us into an inner conversation where living in the present takes on new meaning. Take care of yourself. I am celebrating your birthday with you on my side of the border. Sending hugs!

    1. You said it well, Rebecca! Living in the present is so vital when our health takes a turn. Thanks so much for celebrating my birthday on your special weekend. A friend is taking me out to dinner tomorrow night for one more celebration. And then I think the time will come to move into April and bid farewell to my birthday. After all, Easter arrives early this year on Sunday. And I am taking care of myself, grateful that I’m feeling better, even if I am a year older. 🙂 Hugs to you and wishes for a wonderful time with your mom. ❤️🌷

  33. Happy birthday, Lauren! What a lovely post. You certainly have risen to meet your pain issues and good for you; as someone else said it’s not for the faint of heart. A five-hour call sounds like bliss! May the next year 59 bring joy, ease, and fun! And carrot cake! 🎉

    1. Thanks so much for the wishes and kind words, Steve. It was a great celebration and I hope for the same for next year’s 59th too. 🙂 Luckily, I’m feeling better, but taking one day at a time. And I wish I could share the cake! It’s sooooo good! And yes, the long phone chat was bliss! Hope you feel better real soon too!

  34. A belated happy birthday to you, Lauren! So glad you got to enjoy your day and start to come to terms with starting a new chapter in your life. ❤

  35. Happy Birthday dear Lauren.

    At least you embrace it and celebrate. I hide. lolol

    Anyway, you had a fab day.Everything looks gorgeous. I’m happy you were able to have a pain free day.

    How long will the epidural last? I’m sending much love and all best wishes. I do adore you!

    🌟💖💐🌺💞🍒💓

    1. Thanks, Resa, and don’t hide! Celebrate your day because you are special! 💖Yes, I’m grateful for a good day and celebration. It started on the weekend and lasted through Monday, which was my actual bday. And a friend is taking me out to dinner tonight, so one more time! I’m so grateful to feel better, but I don’t know how long the epidural will last. It’s different for everyone, so I’m hoping for a few months. 🙂 I’m not eager to get another shot in my back. 🥹 But at least it has helped. Glad you enjoyed the photos and post. Lots of love and hugs to you, and I adore you too! ❤️🤗🌷🥂🌻🎉🦋⭐️🎶🎂😍

      1. I like how you think, Lauren.
        Yahoo! Have a fab bd dinner!
        BTW.. you look amazing. I’d think it would be your 39th birthday.
        Sending love!
        x🎂o😍x🥂o🌻x

  39. Happy Birthday Lauren. What a lovely celebration with your hubby, son, and daughter from a distance. I love the photos and the sweet feelings I got from your words. I’m so happy you’re feeling a little better and well enough to enjoy your special day. Cheers, C

  40. A belatedhappy birthday, Lauren! Carrot cake is my favourite too! I am so glad you enjoyed some fun celebrations with your family! Cheers, and much love! Xoxo

  43. Lauren. 😜 recent 59th birthday (repeated a few times). 🙂 🤣
    Happy birthday. Play that on repeat dear one… and may you be blessed with many more.
    “taking life ‘one day at a time’ never sounded so wise.” Oh, honey, keep that thought close! Always.
    So happy to hear you were in less pain on your celebratory day.
    May there be more days like that.
    Thanks for the photos. Gorgeous.
    I also love carrot cake best. Bless you.

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