September, Sapphire and my Schwester

The first day of September marks the transition of Summer into Fall, and the attractive three day weekend, thanks to Labor Day makes us think back to Memorial Day and make us miss the sultry Summer months that have mostly gone before us. The 1st of September also happens to be my sister's birthday. Who could forget the first day of the month? Easy, simple and special to say the least and to ring in the month of September, the month that is in between hot, sunny days and brisk nights with orange leaves falling into view. Septemeber, you are one of my favorites! And to my sister, whom I usually nick name sizzle, schwester and Sue, you are a treasured sapphire.

 She loves her camera.

Who would have known that as little girls we looked like twins and as young women, we look almost nothing alike. Although we are quite different, our simarilities can be seen by all. Our quirky sense of humor (thanks Dad!) comes out in various forms and ways, our need and should I say talent for communication in written or verbal form are expressed to others so carefully and thoughtfully, our hint of interest in the German language (Ja!), and our enjoyment of walks, runs and bike rides in nature. Many things about us are opposite to one another though, which can actually make things pretty interesting, complex and maybe even a little dramatic. But these are all good things, it displays our character and our deep need to understand ourselves as well as one another. Her sense of compassion, wisdom, humor and spontinateity challenges me to see things in a new and different perspective.

And I really like my rings.

Having sisters is a gift from God. I'm reminding myself of how lucky and truly blessed I am to have sisters who can teach you so very many things about life, faith, yourself. The list is endless, and I think you begin to discover what is on that reoccuring list every single year. Happy Birthday dear Schwester!! May we keep continuing to be that endless list for eachother!

Something about birthdays

Even when it's not your own birthday it's easy and relevant to be thankful for that person on theirs. I don't know about you but all the attention and photos and happy birthdays songs begin to feel one too many pretty quickly. Of course, I love my birthday. I mean it's right at the beginning of summer when the days are long and hot, but I would say that I find it easier and sometimes more enjoyable to do some reflecting on someone else's birthday rather than on my own day of celebration. I think it's because there's less pressure, yes pressure.

 The way I sometimes see my birthday is pressure for the balloons to stay up straight and bouncing on the ceiling wall, pressure to have the perfect wish for your new year ahead on your birthday cake, pressure to like or perhaps pretend to like all of your birthday presents, and pressure to do something that everyone dreams of doing on their birthday. Now that adds up to a lot of pressure! I think this year, I let those things go. And it happended to be a very personal day in the end. What I realized is that all that really matters is that you turned another age older, and it was something memorable, and enjoyable and that you can remember it for the years ahead.

Yesterday was two of my best friend's birthdays. My mom, and my sister, who have the same birthday. Being thankful for someone on their birthday is a very nice thing since before that day, so or not so many years ago, they didn't exist. That's kind of weird to think about, but it's true and that's what makes me thankful for them. But do you know what makes me even more thankful for these treasures? The fact that they have been away this entire week, and are coming back home. I don't think there's anything better than that, after having a hard week and finally being able to talk and laugh and maybe even cry with the ones you love most.

Happy Birthday Mom! Happy Birthday Elisabeth! May this year be one of great happiness and passion for life. I know it will because that's what you bring everyday, passion, happiness and laughter that tickles my bone. I love you both so much!