31 today!

Today is my for-realsies birthday! Getting older is such an odd thing, I said that I still feel like an awkward 16 year old and my mother-in-law replied that she feels the same way too. It seems that many people feel scared and uncomfortable about getting older and treat birthdays with apprehension but I’ve never felt that way.

When I was younger I couldn’t wait to be in my thirties. I guess I figured that I’d have everything sorted out and would be able to live my life the way I wanted to. Now I’m here in my thirties and I’m optimistic. I’ve been through lots of struggles, and I’m sure I’ll encounter more, but I’m happy to have made it this far and I look forward to my life (most days) as an adult type person who is able to do exactly what she wants to do (again, most days… circumstances permitting!)

In the next year I look forward to slowly but consistently expanding my Fancy Lady Industries shop, working towards a life where I can be my own boss and earn a solid living wage while being true to my politics and passions; I hope to learn more every day about life, about me and you, about how to treat us tenderly and respectfully. My biggest goal is not to be afraid or ashamed of these things, because so often in the past I’ve felt like a weirdo for not wanting a big house or a stock portfolio or pursuing material or financial things. I just want to be me, to make things, and to think, love and be content.

Just for fun, here are some photos of me as a baby, and me as a newly minted 31 year old!