permission to receive less

Last week I had a birthday. In some ways I acknowledged the day and in other ways I did not. It has taken me several years to turn my birthday into a concept I am comfortable to walk past. Less waste, less expectation and more quality time.

First thing that morning, my lovely beau hugged me and warmly wished me a happy birthday. The day before, while walking home from work, he stepped into a favourite shop of ours. We enjoy loose teas and love to steep different kinds for guests who come over. This requires juggling time between our large tea pot and a 2 cupper, both of them containing built in strainers. So with a broad smile on his face, he entered our home and handed me a sachel of tea I hadn’t tried before. This little gift was followed with a larger paper wrapped package. I opened it to discover a medium sized teapot, shiny and red with an insulated lid, just like our large one! I squealed with delight! That was a thoughtful gift. The pots look wonderful together. I hope I made it clear to him how much I appreciated the gesture. It really did make me happy! This gift wasn’t just for me. It represents our life together and spending time with favourite people. This exchange though, was an exception to my daily mantra of receive less.

I like change

Sloppy snow dripping off trees

I am still wearing my winter coat. Even though this morning started off cold, the temperature was flirting with the Spring sunshine to make me regret my choice of outwear. I was on my way downtown to meet a colleague at a coffee shop. It’s our usual hang out near Yonge Street to sit comfortably as I ask her for translation assistance for a play I’m interpreting in a few weeks. Thinking our signing to each other was the reason for stares from other patrons, we quickly noticed the true object of their attention – an emerging St Patrick’s Day parade. Of course! The 17th is coming up this week. We temporarily procrastinated by watching giddy girls irish dance on floats. They didn’t appear cold as they they jogged back and forth. A variety of cars, trucks and vans full of expats rolled by with their windows down, obviously enjoying the light air. Those walking with County banners left their scarves to dangle open around their necks. Yep, Spring has arrived!