Happy Birthday Mark

I would like to introduce a new post called 'Happy Birthday'. I do a lot of birthdays in my life and I thought I might as well blog about them. Apart from my own family I give gifts to many of my close friends all over the world. I have been doing this as long as I remember. I believe in the art of giving. All my friends receive things I make such as quilts, baskets, handmade books and crafts of all kind. I post so many parcels out each year that my post lady made a remark to me one day that, 'your friends are so lucky'. Yes they are and I am lucky too to have such nice friends. I am very proud of the gifts I give. I put a lot of thought and planning into making or buying my gifts. I would one day like to write about the 'art of gifts giving' I think I know enough about it.

My first Happy Birthday post goes to my son Mark whose birthday is today July 7th. Happy Birthday Mark. It is a special year for Mark because this is the year his beautiful daughter was born. May this birthday bring you good health and many happiness forever.

These are the presents I sent Mark last Friday. When we spoke to him tonight he said he had received the parcel, but will wait until the actual day to open it. I got him a nice long sleeved T-shirt and woollen scarf. Being in the middle of the winter here at the moment he needs some warm clothes. The book 'The Pleasures and sorrows of work' by Alain De Botton is from his dad. If you have not heard of Alain De Botton please look him up. We have heard him speak (on television) a few times and what he says is very moving and motivating.

Our family tradition for birthdays is always taking in a birthday cake and presents into their bed room first thing in the morning. We light candles and sing happy birthday as a wake up call. Of course they are adults now and not living at home, but I still miss those days when the children were home. Happy Birthday Mark. I love you.