Today was momentous because my amazing Mama turned 75! Not only is three-quarters of a century impressive, but she wasn’t expected to see this birthday. Having beaten the odds makes each birthday feel more significant.
For Mama’s 70th birthday, we took a very special trip to Venice, Italy. Being in that magical city brought Mama back to life. Memories of that trip fill the walls of our home.
This year, we enjoyed adventures closer to home. The day began with singing and gifts, including two books about Venice and a necklace and earrings I made. After her favorite breakfast, we embarked on an urban folk art treasure hunt! Mama has fallen in love with the work of local artist Patrick Amiot, who creates inventive sculptures from junk. His wife gives them the brilliant paint that brings them to life. Many of these extraordinary pieces are on display in front yards all along Florence Avenue in Sebastopol (about a 10-15 minute car ride from home). So off we went to see them up close. We parked, walked around a bit, and took tons of photos. Once we were wiped out, we drove around to see a few more!
Next up, we satisfied Mama’s dim sum hankering before stopping in at one of our favorite bakeries for birthday cupcakes. Even at 75, you can still be a kid in a candy store! Isn’t she adorable?
Today’s #OneGoodThing was celebrating Mama’s 75th birthday by doing EXACTLY what she wanted to do! Happy birthday gorgeous! I hope the day was everything you could wish! I’m so glad we got to spend it together!
Day 274 of 365. And Day 640 in a row!
1 year ago today: An unexpected birthday
What was your #OneGoodThing today? Please share in the comments!
The happiest of birthdays to Mama Jude!!! Looks like it was an amazing day!
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Thanks you for the birthday wishes for Mama! I’ll be sure to pass them along!!!
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Oh my gosh how cute, she looks great for 75! Must be the cupcakes keeping her young 🙂
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Aw, thanks so much Shannon! The cupcakes are incredible, but I think it was Venice that has kept her alive. Thanks for the sweet comment!
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Happy Birthday, Jude the Amazing! ❤
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Thanks Yvonne! I’ll be sure to pass along the birthday greetings!
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[…] such a busy day celebrating Mama’s big birthday, we crashed today. We were beyond wiped out from the heat and activity and just needed a day of […]
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[…] and shops. Mama enjoyed finding a new yarn shop, and then we went to a nearby winery to continue our treasure hunt for Patrick Amiot junk art. This wine goddess sculpture was huge and gloriously […]
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Your essays are as inspirational as the life of your amazing mother.I hope you keep writing and sharing your heart with us.
Blessings to you both.
Dave in Dallas
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Thank you so much for this kind message, Dave! I appreciate the support and the love!
Blessings to you and your family as well,
Gabriana
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[…] We haven’t named the bird yet, but we’re crazy about the dangly feet. It’ll be even better when outside because the eyes are solar lights. I knew Mama would delight in this little guy because it has a similar feel (on a much smaller scale) to a local sculpture artist’s work she adores. […]
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[…] While Mama and I were out running errands today, she requested a detour down one of our favorite streets. Sebastopol’s Florence Avenue is filled with quirky, imaginative sculptures. […]
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