Wow… that’s a big number. Half-a-hundred. Half a century! Remember when you were just a kid and someone said they were 50 and you thought “Wow, she’s older than dirt!” – well, I’m officially there.
Today could have sucked the wind out of my sails or the jelly out of my donut but it didn’t. Some people may turn 50 and FREAK OUT, but not me. Age is just a number and while my knees often feel 50, in my mind I am still 36. If that’s me taking the denial train, then I’m all aboard. In fact, I kind of like my seat.
The Complete Package (my beloved husband) left this morning for a business conference and while his timing brought him a lot of guilt, I was prepared to spend the day alone shopping for new bras and treating myself to a lemon berry slush at Sonic. That might sound sad to some, but we haven’t really put a lot into celebrating birthdays around here since our daughter grew up and moved out on her own and I started seeing more gray hairs than brown in the mirror.
That is, until this morning when I received a text from my friend Kirsten at Comfortably Domestic while browsing the bra selection at Kohl’s. (That’s right, ladies… if you’re in the market for over-the-shoulder-boulder-holders, they’re on sale this weekend at Kohl’s. You’re welcome.)
Not to put too fine a point on it, but while I was shopping, Kirsten sent a text message that went something like this:
Her: Where are you?!? Why aren’t you on your computer like you’re supposed to be?!? How could you be so selfish?!? (Okay… that’s slightly embellished.)
So I responded with: “Yo! Why you all up in my biz-ness? I’m shopping for B-rahs!” (Not really, but I’m trying to illustrate a point so roll with it.)
So then she was all like: “Seriously. You need to get home and get online.”
And I was thinking: “Sweet! They must have picked a new pope!” (But I’m not catholic, and that was not it.)
As it turns out, my friends from Salad Week & Beer Week & Crepe Week & Sweets Week had pulled out all the stops and thrown me a virtual Happy 50th Birthday party. They were all watching their Twitter feeds for my reaction, and I was at Kohl’s picking out bras to take home and try on (because no one ever wants to try on bras in a public fitting room – am I right, ladies?)
Here’s what greeted me when I opened Kirsten’s blog:
As I read her recipe for Orange Creamsicle Pie, I began to grasp the scope of it all. There was the list of my blogging besties with all of the glorious things they created for my big day. Shit, y’all. Cue the waterworks and pass me the tissues. So. Much. Love. You know today had to be the day I failed to wear the waterproof mascara, right?
So I’ve been sitting at my computer for hours now, and I’m blown away by the thoughtfulness of others and the karma of timing and the gratitude that comes from having such amazing friends. Anyone who scoffs at bloggers for having imaginary internet friends will never get it. But I do, and I am forever grateful to these wonderful ladies whom I adore:
Kirsten at Comfortably Domestic – the suspected ring-leader who cooked up a childhood memory with Orange Creamsicle Pie
Megan at Country Cleaver – who baked up a lovely batch of Nutella Cream Cheese Turn-Overs
Allison at Decadent Philistines Save the World – who baked an old-fashioned classic Coca Cola Sheet Cake
Anne at From My Sweet Heart – who made this absolutely gorgeous (and pink!) Mexican Ice Cream
Mads at La Petite Pancake – who whipped up some TexMex love with her Cheesy Chorizo Dip
Carrie at Bakeaholic Mama – who had the worst week ever & still managed to whip up a Coconut Banana Brownie Pie
Kat at Tenaciously Yours – who made one of my favorite obsessions with her Guacamole
Madeline at Munching in the Mitten – who combined several of my favorites with her Fig, Fontina & Pecan Flatbread
Monica at The Grommom – who brought the Aloha all the way from Hawaii with Tropical Ice Cream
Katie at The Hill Country Cook – who baked a big ol’ pan of Texas heritage with her Dr Pepper Cake
Lauren at Climbing Grier Mountain – who put the fun back in mini pies with Key Lime Pies in Animal Cracker Crusts
And Beka at Kvetchin’ Kitchen – who brought the funny & the hooch with her Aged Manhattan Cocktail because nothing says “Let’s celebrate the old broad” like aged whiskey (love it!)
There are not enough words in the English language to convey how much these ladies mean to me. They made turning 50 unexpectedly fun. If you have a minute, please take the time to check out their fabulous recipes. Even better, bookmark their blogs and spend some quality time on each and you’ll see why I find them all so delightful. Much love to everyone and thank you for the sweet birthday wishes. I would gladly blow out a candle for each of you, but there are already enough to warrant a fire code violation in most all public venues.
Hugs to you all & thanks so much! – Jeanne (NanaBread)
Inside NanaBread's Head 
Happy Birthday – What a Sweet Way to Celebrate It – reading that list is making my hungry:) Enjoy Your Special Day!!!
I know, right? I’m STARVING now! It’s quite a line-up. Thanks for the birthday wishes!!!
Oh my goodness, I adore your heart–and that post was one of the MOST FUN ever to read. Look at you, entertaining us all on your own big 5-0!!! I have a feeling you’re headed into the BEST YEAR EVER!!!
All of you made this the best birthday ever. Nothing to fear about turning 50, ladies. Nothing at all. Thanks for making it so special, Monica!
What a sweet *thank-you* post. You do have some awesome friends. Sincere best wishes on your special, special day and all the best for a wonderful year!
P.S. Hope you find a bra you love :)
Thanks so much, Paula! Great friends, great food AND I found 3 bras that fit. Wahoo!!! It really has been a great day!
Happy birthday! Hope you enjoy a wonderful year ahead – not to mention an incredible list of treats from a talented group of friends! xoxoxo
Thank you, Liz! I’m going to have to make a grocery list of ‘all the things’ and go shopping. The question is – where to start? Thank you for the birthday wishes!
Jeanne….I’m gonna make this short….heading over to Kohl’s before they close! ; – } Just kidding. Not really…thanks for the heads up. Buying new bras goes hand in hand with spring cleaning for me! I hope you had a WONDERFUL day! I never underestimate internet friendships. It’s all about how you connect from the heart. I’m so glad to have ‘met’ you and I look forward to many years of friendship! Happy Birthday! (and now I’m craving a lemon berry slush, too!)
Hahaha… love it! And hey, you can pick up that lemon berry slush on your way to Kohl’s. My mother called my cell phone while I was shopping this morning. She said, “What are you doing?” I said, “I’m at Kohl’s shopping for bras – they’re on sale.” And she immediately said, “Awesome! I need new bras, too. I think I’ll go by there tomorrow.” If anyone is at Kohl’s in Fort Smith, Arkansas tomorrow shopping for bras and sees the woman in this blog post, give her a high five and say hello to my mother! :D
I turned 50 in 2010, and it’s amazing how much I’ve grown up since then! You are able to discern the important things in life with more clarity. Remember when you were a kid, and some “older” person would say that they couldn’t remember how old they were? I always thought they were a little daffy, but now I can totally relate.
Ha! I know exactly what you mean, Shari. I do the same thing. Honestly, sometimes I have to sit and think about it for a minute. When I drive across town to save 40 cents on sandwich cookies, I’ll know I’ve officially made it to the other side (the downhill side). :D
Happy Birthday Sis! I think we should make some of these in person next weekend when we get to celebrate your milestone at Hoegarden. Hummm which one(s). Hope your new boulder holders cradle you with as much support as your web buddies! (P.S.) Big Sis will always be older. Just sayin…
If we’re making one, we’re making them ALL. How could we exclude any of them? Seriously! I want all the things AND bras that fit. Is that really so much to ask? Actually, it would probably be easier to make all the food than it would be to find the perfect bra (as if they exist). Actually, I think if you find one, it’s actually hanging on a unicorn’s horn. That’s how elusive they are.
And OUCH! I’m sure Big Sis hates hearing that, but it’s true. {giggle}
pish posh!! I’m the oldest, so yeah, I’ll always be older. Funny how that works. ;) But I’ve been there done that, you girls haven’t!!! Weeelllll, at least one of you has now, 2 down, 3 to go!!
True! You’re not the only one over 50 anymore. Nertz!
Awwww!!! That is so sweet and special…I’ll just go ahead and tear up right along with you :D
Happy birthday, NanaBread! Blessings on your next fifty years ;).
Thank you, Sarah. I admit I cried as much as I laughed today, and I laughed a lot. Thank you for the wonderful birthday wishes! -j
I’m edging closer to that magic number too – oh dear Lord! Let’s not go there just yet :) So nice of your friends to throw you such a great bash for you! Happy Birthday!!!!
Thank you, Eileen! It’s not as bad as you think. It’s a case of mind over matter – If you don’t mind, it don’t matter. :)
Happy Birthday Sis!!! You’ll get my cake next weekend, and hooch!!
:) Love ya lots!!!!
Mmmm… Blackberry Cake. Can’t wait! Thanks, Sis!
Happy 50th Birthday, Lovely Lady! I can see that you had a fabulous day and wish for you a wonderful year of family, fun, friends, and food!
Thank you, Lisa Bear! It was a very good day. My cup runneth over!
The beauty of how this world turns is that there will always be someone out there saying, “50 – you’re still a baby”. I remember my aunt telling me that very thing when she thought I had turned 50. (I have a 10-yr free pass on the Denial Train. My son is not 30, he’s 18. He only looks mature). Happy Birthday!
Very true! I have four sisters, but thankfully one is older (sorry, Big Sis) so it’s great being #2! Anyone who’s freaked out about turning 50 needs to remember that it sure beats the alternative! Thank you for the birthday wishes, JC. I appreciate it so much! -j
So glad you were surprised… now for the package opening. I can’t wait. The only thing that would have made it that much more fun is if we were all in TX to celebrate with some aged whiskey and food.
That would have been awesome. Some day…. it’s my dream.
Yep, I turn my back on your blog for just one day and you decide to turn 50 right there and then. Figures… Anyway, better late than never, right? So happy birthday, Jeanne! Or, as the Dutch say: van harte gefeliciteerd!
Big hugs from across the ocean X
Aww… thank you, my friend. Big hugs right back at you! I miss your smiling face. -j
A very happy birthday Jeanne! I saw Anne’s wonderful pink ice cream and had to come and meet the special lady who turned 50. Age is just a number. My sister turned 50 last year and she still looks likes and acts like she’s in her 20’s. it’s your attitude that matters. I have to tell you that I laughed out loud when I read your text reply…sad to say that my teen daughter talk just like that….but they keep me young!
Nazneen
Thank you, Nazneen! How sweet of you to drop in! Isn’t Anne amazing? So lucky to count her among my friends. She’s a gem. And you’re right – it’s not the number that counts, but your attitude about it. Glad you enjoyed the story. Those ladies always keep me laughing. Thank you for the birthday wishes!
Jeanne, I just came over from the sweet heart and wanted to say Happy Birthday!!!! You have a great attitude for turning 50, so keep that attitude going! I turn 60 this year and am hoping I see it in the same manner as I did 50 – yep – just another day. :) I’m sure you were totally speechless when you got home and saw what your friends had done. What great friends and what a lucky woman you are!
Hi, MJ! Welcome to Inside NanaBread’s Head! Any friend of Anne’s is a friend of mine. I think she’s amazing and a truly gifted Dessert Queen. Thank you so much for the birthday wishes. I had a fabulous 50th. I wish you the very same for your upcoming 60th. Come back to visit any time – and stay awhile!
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Happy Belated Birthday!
Thank you, Thoughtsy!