Friday, November 21, 2008

Well, It's That Time Of The Year...

Yep, it's here!

I'm not sure about where the last year got to, but once again it's time to celebrate my birthday. Now by celebrate, I mean that I figure if I wake up on the right side of the grass each day...I'm doing good! One thing for certain, it beats the alternative.

When I was still working in the "brick and mortar world" of retail, I called my birthdays my "3 Up Days". That was what I considered success, to WAKE UP, GET UP, and SHOW UP! Now days I only need to accomplish the first two to feel like I am having a good day. Doesn't take much these days to float my boat!

A really special friend sent me a care package, which was a very special surprise to me! It contained a couple of very appropriate "Hermit" gifts, including chocolate and a wonderfully fragrant soy candle. The most perfect part of this surprise package was a brand new coffee cup, which quickly became my new "favorite", replacing the old one which was retired with honors.

You want to know what makes this type of gift so memorable? It's the very idea that someone took the time out from all they had going on in their life to remember you and to let you know they are thinking of you. No matter if it is just a pleasant phone call, a nice looking card with a heartfelt sentiment, or a well-timed "care package" worth a 1000 memories...the part of these things that means the most is the time spent by the individual to remember you that is the most heartwarming.

Sometimes we forget that the act of sharing of our personal time and thoughts is the best gift of all. To share a smile, a hug, a call, or a visit allows us to bring the sometimes mundane and slightly less than full existence of a fellow traveler on life's road to a brighter level if even for a short time. By giving of ourselves, we in turn find ourselves becoming more.

Now, if you want to join me...I'm going to light my new fragrant candle, fill my brand new coffee mug and retire to the patio. There I can ponder the age old question we all ask ourselves on our birthday..." How did I make it this far and what the Hell happened to the last year?"

13 comments:

Cat Melton said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Have a truly wonderful day, my friend!

I've gotta run, will check back in this evening to make sure you celebrated properly...lol

I'm SMILING!!!
Cat

Lydia said...

Good morning Jim,

A very Happy Birthday to you!!

I hope you have a wonderful day today (and always).

Enjoy your day!
lydia

(I like the 3 ups....)

HermitJim said...

hey Cat, My smiling friend!
I sure appreciate you dropping by today and also I thank you for the kind wishes. Sure is good to see ya again...

Hey Lydia...
I appreciate you dropping by this morning.Thanks for the birthday wishes...much appreciated, I assure you.

I'm glad you liked the three ups as well...see ya, Girl!!

Niall E. said...

Hello Jim, saw the message and pictures on Blondie's blog, and just dropped by to wish you a very happy birthday. Loved the picture of the Siamese kitten (I used to keep them years ago - they really know how to talk!)
Have really good day.

Will

HermitJim said...

Hey Will...appreciate you dropping by this morning. Thanks for the good wishes also.

Yeah, that Blondie is something else alright!! A special lady, for sure!

Hey, don't be a stranger!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jim. Happy Birthday! And Many More.

How many?

As many as you want.

All the best and enjoy your day.

Cheers,

Gene

blondie said...

Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday to You
Happy Birthday Dear Hermit Jim,
Happy Birthday to You!!!

I know.. you already heard it but I just can't help myself!

Seriously Jim, you have a wonderful day today and don't forget how YOUNG you are!

You're not getting older, you're getting better!!!

Luv ya Sweetie,
xxxoooxxx
blondie :))

HermitJim said...

Hey Gene...sure do appreciate the visit and the good wishes this morning! Always nice to have friends drop by for a cup! Don't be a stranger!


Hey Blondie...what a pleasure it is to have you drop in here this morning!! Always brings a smile to my face when you show up!

you really know how to brighten my day, Girl!! I'm glad you are my friend!!

Milesbelle said...

Hello Jim,

Your blog is nice...

I just want to drop by...and greet
you a happy happy birthday.

May you have many more birthdays to come...

May your life be filled with happiness, prosperity and peace.

Take care, God Bless you and your entire family1

Once again Happy Birthday!

Best Regards,
Milesbelle

HermitJim said...

Hey Milesbelle...I really appreciate you dropping by today. I appreciate the good wishes as well. Thank you so much!!

Come by again...

Manu said...

Hi Jim... Happy Birthdayyyyy ;o)
Did you get something nice from the roomies? Did they throw you a party and baked you a peanutbutter cake? I hope so as i know how much you love it....:o)

Have a wonderful day,
Manu.

PS:check your mail there is a little something from my friends;o)

Anonymous said...

Many, Many Happy Returns and Best Wishes a) for getting through the past year in such great style, b) hoping this next year is even better than the last. I think you and I might be quite close in age. So, celebrate like crazy and have a great time doing it; I plan to follow suit next month and want a good example to follow.
Best Regards
danish

HermitJim said...

Hey Mau...thanks for joining in the celebration today! Thanks also for the good wishes and BTW...I got your card! Very kind of you. I appreciate it!!


Hey Danish...I'll do my best to set a good example to follow in the act of celebrating. Being 64, I think the very fact I've made it this far is worth celebrating! Gotta make the best of all we get!

Thanks for dropping by, my friend!