My second birthday and the clown cake my mom made for me.
WHEN MY HUSBAND ASKED what I was working on for blog posts, I answered, “I suppose I should write about my birthday.”
It wasn’t exactly an enthusiastic response because I’m not all that enthusiastic about turning 56 today. That number puts me closer to 60 than 50 and I favor a five in front of a zero rather than a six.
Now that I’ve exposed that bit of birthday melancholy, let’s focus on the positive.
A birthday truly is pause for celebration and thankfulness.
I am thankful for a family that loves me; a husband who supports me in my writing; friends who care and pray for me and who even think I’m sometimes funny; readers and editors who value my writing and photography; a house that’s paid for; my heavenly Father who loves and forgives and provides for me…
As for that celebrating part…I had this novel idea for a pre-birthday dinner we hosted on Sunday. I wanted to have some Old 56 beer on hand. I thought that would be cool (yes an outdated word, but, hey, I was a 70s teen), offering a memorable beverage for someone born in 1956 and turning 56.
Besides that, Old 56 is produced by my favorite craft brewery, Brau Brothers Brewing Company in tiny Lucan, five miles from the southwestern Minnesota farm where I grew up. I hear, though, that the brewery is relocating to Marshall 15 miles to the west, which saddens me. That is another story.
Do you think, though, that my husband could find any Old 56 locally, at least in the two liquor stores he had time to shop? No. So there was no Old 56 crisp light lager named after the fire engine the city of Lucan purchased in 1956.
Instead, we drank Schells.
© Copyright 2012 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Happiest of birthdays to you, my friend! I hope you have a lovely day…even without the proper beer! (Though, yes, that would have been perfect!) Yes, you have much to be thankful for – and I am thankful for you as well!
Thank you, Gretchen. I’m so glad we have become friends, online and for real. I’m really not all that much of a beer drinker, but I thought the Old 56 would have been a fun touch for my 56th year.
I can’t stand beer (or wine for that matter), but yes, it seemed perfect! I feel like a bit of a freak not liking wine – so many people seem to enjoy a glass. But, honestly, I need to stay away from alchohol in general. I’m not to be trusted.
Not to be trusted…funny.
Happy 56th Birthday, dear young as you feel, older sister!!! Sometimes I wish we could go back to those simpler times–no cares, running in the golden light on a summer day, riding bike into town to visit with Grandma K. Smelling the rose bush at old Doc Petes, walking on barrels, playing Here comes the ghost to night. I’m proud to have shared my life with you, to call you sister. So Happy Birthday and many more (Birdie crooked toes)!!!
Love your sister
Thanks for reminding me this morning of all those wonderful childhood memories. I’m blessed beyond measure to have you as a sister and friend. Blessed.
Happy second 28th birthday!
Now that I like. Happy second 28th suits me just fine. Thank you, dear cousin.
The Old 56 would have been a perfect touch, wouldn’t it? Happy birthday! Any isn’t 56 the new 46 or something like that? As a woman also in her 50s, that’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
Another way to approach age. I’ll slip that “56 is the new 46 or something that” into my pocket to pull out for occasional viewing. Thank you.
Hope your day has been great!! Happy Birthday to you!
Thank you, Bernie. It’s been a wonderful day with many phone calls, emails, a few cards AND a dozen roses from my husband.
Super huge blessings on your Special Day!!!!!! So enjoyed your post. Reflection/counting one’s blessings is so ‘good for the soul’…isn’t it? I have felt that the years get better and we are truly aware of what has ‘value’ and ‘worth’ and we’re not “bound” (as much?) by peer pressure….yay! I speak from the vantage point of a 66 1/2 y.o.!!!!!! Consider yourself “bear-hugged”…hehe!
You know how much I like hugs, so I will gladly accept your bear hug. Your comments are spot on correct.
Something to say on being a member of the “mature” crowd! ROFL! (and able to get up!!)
Happy Birthday friend! Sweet, sweet picture! Love the clowns ice cream cone hat–and those cheeks!
Thanks, Stacey. As for the cake, my mom made a point of creating a truly special cake (usually some type of animal) because the cake was the gift. There was no money for presents. All these years later I still remember those cakes while I’m sure any gift would have been long forgotten.
Happy birthday Audrey. It’s no fun getting older and if there was a way to turn back the clock we’d be at that clock all the time. As we can’t do anything about it, we need to have the same attitude as you and that’s to be thankful for what we have and what we have become. I’m glad you had a lovely celebration even if the beer was too difficult to source – great idea though! xx
My birthday was wonderful in so many ways and I’ll tell you more about it tomorrow or the next day.
Happy 56th Birthday. You are young Lady!
Guess what? I am 68. Old? No, I am not feeling old, not at all. I am very active with blogging, traveling, reading and outdoor activities. They keep a man and of course a woman young.
You’ll have many wonderful years in Your life. Enjoy every day!
Thank you most kindly, Matti. I haven’t been called “young lady” in some time, so you just made my morning.