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10.05.2010

perfection.


latte on the 4th

i remember being young and unable to sleep the night before my birthday. morning just wouldn't come fast enough. it was a physical thing--that tingle of the stomach that spread to the fingertips and the crown of the head. because on that one day--that day of birth--one felt different. special.

i miss that feeling. it's been quite some time since i experienced it.

but yesterday? well, yesterday was perfect. because the day was so normal. i mean, no, not quite normal, but simple and lovely--as close to normal as a birthday can get and still be utter perfection.

it was the cup of coffee i had upon waking. the 7:15 am subway ride in which i ran into a dear friend. the 8:15 fitness class that had my legs throbbing and my stomach muscles doing a little, unsolicited dance. it was the warm shower afterwards. and getting caught in the rain in nolita. it was the french-moroccan bistro and their unbelievably thick latte. it was my new navy blazer that had me feeling beautiful. and lunch with girlfriends. laughter. the ogling of good looking, bearded men as only downtown manhattan (and parts of brooklyn) can produce. it was coming home to a clean room at the end of the day. lit candles against the gray of the sky. a little package from home. my mother's perfect (yes, truly) sugar cookies. the phone call from my bother. an evening spent in our tiny kitchen. lazing about discussing books and clothes and plans. it was the half-glass of prosecco. and the little orange pumpkin that now sits on my dresser. it was all of your kind wishes. lovely wishes. and words of encouragement.

and so when the clock passed from midnight to just-past and i was still awake, i didn't even notice. i didn't regard the passing of another birthday with great sadness as i used to (another year until i feel this way) because it seemed entirely possible that this great feeling, this perfect and simple and bordering on pedestrian (in the most glorious of ways) feeling might last all year long. yes, i'm sure there will be interruptions, ups and downs, but all in all it felt as if yesterday set the tone for all that is to come in this quarter-century-year. and i couldn't be more content.

alright, i'm off to the freezer for one of those sugar cookies. (one can do such things the morning after their birthday).

17 comments:

juju said...

meg - i am so happy that you had a wonderful birthday - you deserved it.
i used to know this feeling the night before my birthday (sadly it has been gone for some time now). maybe this year i'll feel it again.
your birthday sounded like perfection.
big hug (even though we don't know each other).

lolabela said...

So glad your birthday was great. I like that you described the feeling from your fingertips to the crown of your head when you were younger. I remember feeling the same way in my youth. Enjoy those yummy sugar cookies!

Anonymous said...

Where was the blazer from??!:)

Bee Sarah Lee Bailey said...

this got me mildy excited about my birfhday!

meg fee said...

@ anon: anthro!

Anonymous said...

Very glad you had a nice birthday and I hope too that everyday after will be as lovely!

Cassie said...

Continue on! Make it a great birthday week & month! You deserve it! It sounded like a spledid birthday day, indeed. xx

Unknown said...

i just read this out loud to my mom - we're sitting in my office right now chatting about everything.

we laughed and giggled and decided that yes, you are magnificent, indeed.

A Sunday Kind Of Love said...

i know exactly which type of bearded men you are talking about :)
also, this is such a beautiful way to spend your birthday! (that bistro sounds amazing!!)
finally, i think i am going to have to try physique 57 when i get home- i'm terrified of it, but everyone keeps talking about it!

tanti auguri!!

Mary Grace said...

Gosh, I know I've said this a thousand times but you are an AMAZING writer. I love love this entry especially the first paragraph. I definitely know the feeling!

Amanda said...

Happy Birthday Meg! I too, prefer the simple birthdays. Those are the best :)

delaney maloney said...

happy belated birthday! im glad it was a good one, you definitely deserve it. <3

iheartkiwi said...

that sounds like the most perfect way to start off your 25th year... here's to a year of contentment :)

happy birthday dear meg!

Dia said...

Yesterday, reading your incredibly well written post, I was like "This girl should write a book! As soon as possible!" And the thought was so strong that last night I dreamt you had written 4 books (each of 500+ pages, with purple covers :)) ) and I went to the library to borough them, but the librarian was nowhere to see, so I stole one :D
I'm looking forward to reading your books, but I can say wholeheartedly that you already are a great writer.

becky said...

This is wonderful. Truly, truly wonderful. I am glad you had such a perfect birthday.

Sara Louise said...

What a sweet and perfect birthday. Bliss.
(and on a side note, when I order cafe au laits in my little corner of France, they come in that exact same cup and saucer!!)

Roxy Te said...

Your day sounded so simple and yet beautiful! Your writing has a way of turning the mundane into something much more special. Happy Belated Bday!