Rocking 50

A destination birthday celebration in the desert turned into an epically fun weekend.  Neither rain nor a Friday evening run to the emergency room after a photo booth mishap dampened any one's spirits.  An afternoon hike in a steady hard downpour to the Tahquitz waterfall was a precursor to worm races on the living room carpet and a dinner celebration.  The highlight of the evening was a dinner game designed by Smashly.  Each guest found a name taped under their chair, the impetus to tell the tale of their first encounter.  For some it was an introduction that took place only hours before, for others decades had passed.  Unexpected, hilarious, and heart felt tales unfolded as we lingered around the table toasting the friend who united us.  The evening continued with dancing, hooping, sparklers and, when the skies intermittently cleared, conversations around the fire pit.

In the last year or so, more and more of my friends are honoring this milestone.  The fetes vary reflecting the individual, but the sentiment is the same.  Our history is reflected in our relationships,  friendships and experiences, thus it's not surprising that this specific birthday evokes the past as much as it contemplates the future.  The "who will I become question?" which hovers over 30 is barely a whisper at 50.  Instead I hear "who have I become." Roots have been tethered, and although we can continue to evolve, solve, and learn, the journey is already well tread.