Party Like It’s Your Birthday
Some years birthday month just behaves better than others, and I’m proud to say that this was a most cooperative year. Case in point: last April the universe gifted me a somewhat-urgent-early colonoscopy for my birthday; this April it gave me a new car. In case you’re having trouble keeping score, cars are way better than colonoscopies, so big improvement there. Gifts began arriving on my door step the last week in March, from wonderful friends who simply could not wait to get the party started. I have counted three dinners, two lunches, two brunches, and a patio party, to say nothing of the other mini celebrations I sprinkled in here and there whenever possible throughout the month of April. Life is short: be the party you wish you to see in the world.
Allow me to share with you just some of the festive moments from my fantastic month!
My actual day of birth was Easter Sunday, April 9.
We were able to spend the weekend with my parents in Georgia celebrating, sparkler candles and all.
We enjoyed an upscale birthday dinner at Community Brew and Tap restaurant in the historic district of nearby Cornelia.
And speaking of dinners, Clint treated me to a fantastic evening at Steak 48 once we were back in Charlotte. I think we ate one of everything, and it was all more delicious than the last! We are already trying to find something else to celebrate so we can go back.
My wonderful friend Robin and I had a special ladies’ lunch at RH Rooftop during my birthday month as well. The atmosphere is gorgeous, but the best part of the day was time spent with this friend with a heart of gold. She is good for my soul.
We spent one gorgeous, sunny Saturday doing a little lunch, shopping, and then sipping out in the courtyard at Dilworth Tasting Room. It is the perfect oasis, with a koi pond and garden. I have decided to make it my go-to spot, wink.
This little group is what we call our Hens and Husbands. As in, “I get by with a little help from my hens.” We met up for some rooftop cocktails and then birthday dinner afterward. (We also didn’t plan to color coordinate but when your group looks good, you look good. HA!)
These are my fellow “hens,” Tamaryn and Melissa. My friend Melissa (on the right) is an April baby as well, so we had double the celebrating to do! She is one of those beauties (inside and out) who keeps having birthdays but never ages a day. Happy birthday month, Melissa!
A girl could get used to all this! Here I am on yet another amazing weekend, with my precious friends Carrie and Traci. We came, we saw, we brunched. We laughed, we talked, we had several more rounds of cocktails. They bring me so much joy.
My final shindig of the season was a little patio party with our friends Ryan and Jason (and Barkley, their adorable dog). The weather turned out to be beautiful for our outdoor gathering and every creature had themselves a ball! The number of fluffy white dogs in this shot makes my day.
Charlie was especially fond of the food that day! (I made the pups a “bark-uterie” board and the pup could not get it off his mind. He is a true Stancil).
Clint took me to one of my favorite spots after church on Sunday for one last brunch hoorah. To be fair, the waitress did not ask if it was my actual birthday, she said, “Are you celebrating a birthday today?” and technically, the answer was still yes! I feel like we really squeezed all the juice April had to offer!
And so, the month has come to an end. I have been celebrated fully, tirelessly, relentlessly (goodness knows I am well-fed!). I am grateful beyond the power of meager words to be another year older, to feel healthy and happy, and to live the life I live with the people I love. I wouldn’t trade places with the Princess of Wales if she begged (I mean, how many dog-filled patio parties do you think she had last month?) Thank you to everyone who plays along with birthday month for making me feel so special and celebrated!
Good-bye birthday, month! Until we meet again!