I can remember singing along to Paul McCartney as he melodically sang about Vera, Chuck and Dave—the grandchildren on his knee. And it was all about being the age of 64.
When I get older losing my hair
Many years from now
Will you still be sending me a Valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine
First of all, I started to lose my hair way before 64! I was many years ago—not from now!
Yeah. I didn’t wait till I turned 64 for this….
Hmmmmmm…but I get to wear wigs so it’s all good fun!
And I still receive Valentines.
And I still GIVE Valentines!
And Birthday greetings and wine.
I even get birthday greetings from my dog!!
In fact, I turned the page to 64 years of age yesterday!
And might I say that the Frenchman has great taste in birthday cards!
It was an odd one at that—not necessarily the day but the months and weeks and days leading up to it.
You see, my dad passed away when he was 64 and quite frankly, the thought of approaching that same age petrified.
The last photo of my dad. Luckily we got to see him shortly before he left us! He was only 64 years young!
And it doesn’t help that I work in healthcare. There are days when I wish I was back in finance—I won’t elaborate.
But then a strange thing happened. I woke up yesterday morning to a sunny day and it was just like any other day.
God and Mother Nature gifted me with a bright and sunny morning for my birthday!
The alarm went off at 6AM, I got out of bed and made my way to get ready for work. All very uneventful—in a good way.
When I looked in the mirror to brush my teeth, I didn’t appear to be any older. The wrinkles hadn’t gotten any worse. Granted, I look older than twenty years ago but it still wasn’t a sight that made me shudder.
OK so this photo is a couple of months old. And I did brush my teeth yesterday. And I didn’t look any older than I did in this photo!
And as I got ready to put my makeup on, Bonaparte and Chippy came into the little room to wish me a Happy Birthday and then….my Frenchman handed me an oversized bag. I was shocked.
This bag. I was speechless but needed to see more!
In the bag was a huge box. Again. I was shocked but a bit excited.
….and the box was huge too!
In the box was a bag that I coveted for years. Years. A Louis Vuitton Neverfull MM bag.
I was so overcome with excitement that I was speechless..and that doesn’t happen too often!
And here she is–my Neverfull MM by Louis Vuitton!
The bag is iconic. It’s been knocked-off and replicated. And not just by companies that illegally copy. Michael Kors has his own knock-off as does Ralph Lauren.
The Michael Kors copy. What’s the difference between his knock-off and a replica?
Ralph Lauren got in on the replication!
But none are as wonderful as the Louis Vuitton Neverfull. (To tell you the truth, I feel even better about having this bag because Bernard Arnault, the CEO and top shareholder of LVMH, is donating millions to the restoration of Notre Dame in Paris).
I’m going to take such good care of this bag! It’s such a generous gift from my husband!
In addition, Chippy gifted me with a pearl choker. As Chippy barked a birthday greeting to me, Bonaparte explained that it was bothering Chippy that I was walking around in four-dollar Walmart pearls and I needed a good strand for Oona’s wedding. Hey, I’ll take it!
As you can see, Chippy is beside himself with excitement over my birthday!
The GOOD pearls..and they do feel very luxurious!
I immediately put those pearls on–and how chic they look with my striped nightie!
Since this was a day that I wanted to celebrate, even in a subtle way, I got dressed to the nines for work.
Sage by Estetica Designs was my hair of the day. Bonaparte loves me in darker hair and with the gift he gave me–I couldn’t resist!
I must say that Sage made great Birthday hair!
I wore my custom fit dress from eShakti. And it looked wonderful.
My party dress!
In fact, it brought memories of me in fine party attire when I was a child.
Me, at four, in a Christmas Party Dress. Me, sixty years later in a Birthday Party Dress!
There were no celebrations at the office. But as I worked, thoughts of aging did enter my mind. Its weird. Twenty years ago I was forty-four and never gave mortality a thought. In twenty years from now if I’m extremely lucky, I’ll be 84 and at 64, I think of mortality often and put it in the back of my mind.
No celebrations at the office but I had my Neverfull bag with me to keep me company!
When I arrived home, a vase of beautiful flowers greeted me. My kids never fail to send flowers on my birthday. And they all call. Hearing their voices gives me such a lift and makes me wish they were closer in distance!
A mom’s greatest gift. Love from the kids!
Is my birthday over? Nah. On Saturday night, the Frenchman and I are going out to dinner (which I’ll tell you all about) and next Thursday, I leave for Cincinnati to visit with Oona and have some pre-wedding fun at a luncheon in her honor.
And so, rather than live this year in anxiety and fear, I am facing it with gusto and a smile!
And I’ll always stop to smell the roses!
I’m grateful for my health. I’m grateful for my family. My cool-as-can-be husband and my children. I’m grateful that I can still bend over without pulling a muscle and that I can still run up three flights of stairs every day. I’m grateful that I have a job and a roof over my head.
And I’m grateful that I have the freedom to write about my feelings on everything and anything.
Thank you for the gift of your presence when you read my words and comment! It’s a year-round gift to me!
Many thanks and I hope you enjoyed my birthday!!
Happy Birthday!!! I love your blog!!!
Thank you Lynette!!! XOXOXOXO
What a celebration! Happy Birthday!
Thank you Lynn!! XOXOXOXO
Happy birthday! Love your hair, love your dress and love your necklace. You have a great outlook on life at 64. Enjoy it all!
Thank you so much Cindylou!!! XOXOXOXOX
Happy Birthday from a 72 year old who enjoys your fiesty, sassy outlook on the world at a young 64!
Hi Jeanette!! Thank yuou so much! You are now my older, cool sister!! XOXOXOXO
Happy birthday, your Louis Vuitton bag is gorgeous, very jealous. My 64th birthday is coming up in December, I might add one to might gift suggestions list.
Hi Leonie. Oh..I’m STILL surprised!! I’m guarding that bag like a watchdog! Woof!!!! Definitely add the bag to your list!!! XOXOXOXO
I turned 64 on April 7th. Whereas father was 20 years older than yours, my brother who was a year older, died the following year. And like you I am very thankful for all of you and for my family and all the blessings I have been blessed with.
Happy birthday 🎂🎉🎈!!
Thank you Gerri! And Happy Birthday to you!! We have so much to be thankful for!!! XOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday! I’m glad it was a day full of wonderful surprises for you!
Thank you KB. It was quite the birthday!!! XOXOXOXO
A very Happy 🙂 Birthday 🙂 To 🙂 You 🙂 May your birthday week bring you even more smiles.
Hi Wendi! Thank you so very much!!!!! XOXOXOXOXO
Cathrine,
Happy Birthday!💕🥂
Love & Hugs
Sandy
San Antonio, Texas
Hi Sandy!! Thank you so much! I need to get back to San Antonio! I love it there! XOXOXOXO
Enjoy! Make sure to relish every blessing!
Hi Donna! Thank you! Oh, I count and relish my blessings every day!! XXOXOXOXO
Happy, happy birthday! You look gorgeous and happy! I am so glad I discovered your blog. You make me celebrate this phase of life. And, I, too contemplate my own mortality more and more every day. But, each day I wake up is a good day. Enjoy the coming weeks and months leading up to your daughter’s wedding. Those days are such fun! I know I don’t have to say it because your joyful personality already says you will…but, enjoy each and every moment…even the oopsies on that day. It seems like only “Yesterday” my daughter was married. But, they are heading to Italy to celebrate 15 years this fall! I can’t wait to read about your birthday dinner!
Hi Marsha! And thank you so much for your support. I’m working on two projects one with photos of her and the other a recipe book I’m working on for her! It’s so much fun and next Friday I fly out to Cincy!!! XOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday Catherine!
Thank you Joni!! XOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday, Catherine! Wonderful, thoughtful gifts from your family. And you have such a great outlook on aging. Made me smile!
Thank you Molly! Always happy to make you smile! XOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday my friend! Your joyful outlook on life, hilarious observations, and down to earth personality is so refreshing. Your blog is a gift to your readers! Enjoy your birthday week, because at sixty-four we live large and just one day doesn’t cut it anymore! You have a wonderful, thoughtful family too…what a lovely bouquet. That bag, those pearls! Enjoy it all, you deserve it!!
Momcat……….. Awww shucks! Thank you so very much. I always look forward to your comments and thoughts!! XOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday and thank you for sharing your wonderful life with us, Catherine. I’ve been reading your blog since the beginning. You’ve made me laugh, you’ve made me cry, and you’ve made me think. I’m a year older than you and pro-aging is the way to do it. All the best to you and Bonaparte, and I’m already looking forward to Oona’s wedding pictures!
Hi Shelli, my fellow pro-ager!!! Thank you so very much for being with me since the beginning. I appreciate that so much! I miss the days when I was able to post more often but I’ve been so busy with this job. I’m extra happy that you’ve stayed with me. Thank you a hundredfold! XOXOXOXO
I loved this sooo much ! I really do enjoy your articles ! What a great Birthday you had! ..wishing you many more to come.
Hi Lainy and thank you so very much!! XOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday, Catherine! I agree with all of the above comments and especially with Momcat’s ‘live large’. Yes, the majority of our life is behind us but every new day is a gift. There is so much still ahead of us, laughter and joy, travel and friends, discovery and amazement. And all the little joys of being loved and having your loved ones around you. Do things together, make new memories that you can hold close to your heart. Your wealth lies not in earthly possessions, although it’s always nice to be on the receiving end of such objects, but in the adventures you live. Make new projects. We are.
In the next two years my husband will retire, we’ve put our week end house on the market and we’d like to sell and move from our flat. New adventures ahead! My daughter started working, she’ll want to move out, so we’ll be helping her on her new journey. I’ll be busy, busy.
Hugs, Brigitte
Hugs back Brigitte! It’s a wonderful time of life–almost going back to being a child because as empty nesters our responsibilities lie only to ourselves!! It’s nice–and the next couple of years are definitely going to be wonderful and fun for you! XOXOXOXO
Hi Catherine, so much to celebrate and you are doing it in such style! Keep enjoying every mi ute, no one does it better than yiu!
Thank you so much Judy! XOXOXOXO
Congratulations and Happy Birthday! You have a lovely and thoughtful family. The Frenchman ave you such perfect and tasteful gifts. Enjoy!
Thanks Sandy! It was an absolute blast! And I’m getting all excited for my trip to see Oona next week!! XOXOXOXO
Happy birthday. You give such pleasure to all your readers that it’s good to hear that you deservedly had such a wonderful day. I was very impressed with Chippy’s card, but then the Frenchman’s card was so you…..AND ThEN the bag and the pearls. Oh what a lovely thoughtful man you have found.
Best wishes
Susan D
Thank you Susan. It’s so true. Bonaparte and I found each other when I had a ton of baggage and he really made my life so much better. He’s been my saving grace and I thank him each day! XOXOXOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday! Lise
Thank you Lise!!! XOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday!! You look fantastic especially wearing those gorgeous pearls!! Oh, that LV bag…now that is a gift to live for!! Have a wonderful B’Day weekend!!!
Hi Renee! And thank you so much! Yeah..that bag is the bomb!! XOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday to you! You have such a zest for life, you’ll never be old!
Thanks Sandra! I swear I don’t feel any older than when I was thirty years young! XOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday! I simply love your blog. Such an inspiration 🙂
Thank you so much Paula!! XOXOXOXO
Joyeux Anniversaire, Cathe! Gorgeoys day, beautiful dress, stunning gifts! Best wishes!
Merci Maribeth! Merci Encore! XOXOXOXO
You looked so lovely!! Happy belated birthday!
Thank you Denise! XOXOXO
Happy Birthday! Looks like it was a fabulous day — enjoy your Birthday weekend/dinner.
Thanks Elaine! It was! And I will!! XOXOXOXO
We share the same birthday date! Happy Birthdays to us! I am so glad you had a fab day and received such wonderful and thoughtful gifts. Love, Elly
Happy Birthday Twin Elly! I hope you had a wonderful day as well!! XOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday!!!! What a joyous post this is. I’m so happy for you. I love that you appreciate all these things in your life. There is much to be grateful for. I love your blog so much. Have a fabulous day!
Hi Vava!!! Thank you so much! Oh I am grateful for every second! XOXOXOXO
I’d say you’re one lucky lady! Thanks for sharing your day with us. Happy Birthday Cathe.
Thank you ICathe! Ohhh I am very lucky! XOXOXOXO
Je vous souhaite un bon anniversaire, Cathe! Bet you knocked their socks off looking so gorgeous at work! And that Never Full – wow! Guess your older “never full” will be relegated to the beach…
So enjoy your birthday dinner (Spring Mill?) and continue to live your best life with your Frenchman, your children, and your Chippy! Having you share your always positive outlook on life is a real inspiration to me and to many others, I’m sure! Thanks for being you!
Thank you so much Kewl. Actually………………………..we are not dining at Spring Mill. We’re going to a great little place here in Phoenixville–Majolica. It’s really fantastic. We’ll be going to Spring Mill Cafe in June for Bonaparte’s birthday! Thanks again! XXOXXOX
I hope you had a fabulous rest of your birthday! Thanks for all the great info and laughs.
Thanks Lori! I did!!! It was so much fun!!! XOXOXOXO
Oh CATHERINE you never fail to cheer with your wonderful posts.
Happy birthday to you and many more. Sounds like you have many celebratory activities going on.
We share so many similarities CATHERINE, my irish father r.i.p. died aged 67yrs, I am 64 yrs on July 12th & have tickets to see Rod Stewart at a local festival. I love your fashion choices, especially the creative thank you skirt! The pic of 4 year old and 64 year old you is lovely & it is cute you still tilt your head to the same side when having your photo taken. Mum r.i.p. always did the same.
Have a wonderful time 🌹❤️💃
Margaret! Thank you!!! LOL–you young’un, You still have a few months at 63!! Isn’t it awful to have a parent pass so young? But ROD STEWART??!!! One of my favorite songs of all time is from him and the Faces–You Wear it Well. I love that song so much. You will have a blast at that concert!!! XOXOXOX
Saw him in Manchester (indoor arena) in 1990’s & not disappointed. This time will be outdoors so I will enjoy it better. When he sang Maggie May & friends called me Maggie May for the craic there was a fanciable guy around who wore his hair and dressed like Rod. We dated a couple of times. I love ‘you wear it well ‘ also & reminds me of the guy, happy, crazy days 💃.
You are such an icon!
Guilia. Wow! That is the highest compliment ever. Thank you so very much! XOXOXOXO
P.s I worked in National Health Service for 39 years
Wow. You were lucky to be at one company for years. I don’t like working in Healthcare because I’m a hypocondriac and every day I go home thinking I have horrible things!! XOXOXOXO
Biggest organisation in world we were told when nurse training in 1970’s, no doubt not so now.
Worked in various roles & settings mainly within Wigan, north west England where I trained, north Manchester & Northern Ireland. (Long story).
What is your current role?
Happy birthday. I love your blog. On the contrary, thanks to you for posting in your lovely blog. You aré so much fun. Greetings from Guanajuato México.
Hi Cristina! Thank you so much! And you just never know when my travels will lead me to Mexico!! XOXOXOXOXO
Your happiness and enthusiasm is inspiring (dare I say contagious?) – happy birthday from someone a little farther along the trail, and keep honing your enjoyment skills and zest for all the beauty in life!
Thank you Marsha!!!!!! I definitely will always be honing my enjoyment skills!! XOXOXOXO
Happy birthday Catherine. What a wonderful it must have been with such thoughtful gifts and cards from your lovely husband, family and Chippy. So glad we could share it with you and wishing you many, many more x
Hi Kathy! And I’m so glad that you were able to share it! Thankyou so much!! XOXOXOXO
Happy birthday! Wonderful sentiments in your post x
Hi Wendy! Thank you so much!!! XOXOXOXO
Happy belated birthday! You looked wonderful and your gifts from all were fabulous!
Thank you so much Micheline! XOXOXOXO
Happy birthday!!! That Frenchman is a keeper for sure. I am loving that photo of your dad – it is so sweet and your kids…. adorable (they sure look like you), Keep celebrating and have the best time. xxx
Thank you Juliet! Yeah. He loved his grandchildren so much. And the kids always had a great time with him too. He was a character and had the greatest sense of humor ever. He’s always missed! XOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday!! I just found your site today and I am so happy. Due to various life circumstances, I gave up caring about anything 5 years ago. I completely stopped taking care of myself and then a few months ago I started losing my hair. Between the weight gain, wrinkles and hair loss I was ready to throw in the proverbial towel and never be seen in public again. Fortunately I found your site. You have embraced it all with grace, style and humor, I am inspired to “not give up”.
You look fabulous and you deserve a fabulous birthday!
Thank you so much Nancy! HEY. DON’T GIVE UP!!!!!! I LOST MOST OF MY HAIR. YOU WILL BECOME A WIG SISTER!!! I’m so happy that you are now inspired!!!!!! XOXOXOXOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday to a wonderful, positive, uplifting person!
Hi Mary!!! Thank you so much! XOXOXOXO
Happy Birthday week!! (Excellent gifts from your generous husband 😉) All the best for the exciting year ahead!
Happy Birthday dear Catherine! What a fabulous gifts you got! Your Frenchman knows how to surprise! Have a great day beautiful woman!
Thank you so much Nancy!!! XOXOXOXO
Wishing you a very happy birthday celebration with many more to come. I love your posts!
Happy birthday and a really positive post! Happy days !
I want to add my Happy Birthday wishes to the rest! It sounds like a wonderful celebration.
I’ve got a few years on you (I’m 68), and since I found your blog and hair reviews, I’m a big fan! Your attitude rocks and I know you’re inspiring other beautiful ladies to live their best lives.
Oh Penny! Thank you so much–both for the Birthday wishes and your kind words!! XOXOXOXO
Happy birthday gorgeous! I loved that card he found for you, how perfect! And your new dress is the bomb 🙂 MJ
🎉🥂Happy Birthday, Catherine!🍾🎊