Again Off Topic I Just Had the Best Birthday

Would give such a good day, if I could, to anyone. Poolside Hotel Ella…made possible by my lifetime generous parents who’ve been so good to me…so so so so calm, gurgling water (and eggs brought in the morning, which being me, I could not finish. Poor eater here but trying.)

Talked with my Mom, how lucky, heard from two of my brothers and my sister in law who is busy as can be but always finds time for others.

My excruciatingly adorable kitten Oliver purring on the desk chair behind me when I got back. And a basket of laundry. And some floors to clean. And oh, yeah, the litter pan. Oliver, you’re worth it.

Playing Pet Sounds which my husband gifted me when we first were dating.

Barack Obama’s new book A Promised Land (and some gorgeous sunflowers) from a friend here in Austin (Barack and I share a birthday, though I’m a teensy bit older, not by much).

Wish I’d known more of Obama’s mother Ann Dunham, who pursued things that matter with bold spirit, and gave that to her son (and daughter, Maya, as well). Ann Dunham basically invented microlending so poor women could create a living for themselves and support their families in places without much wealth. Humbling.

A tiny few quotes, Ann to Barack, from A Promised Land before I sleep.

“There are people in the world who think only of themselves. They don’t care about other people so long as they get what they want.”

“Then there are people who do the opposite, who are able to imagine how others must feel, and don’t do things that hurt people.”

“So, she said, looking me squarely in the eye….which person do you want to be?”

I was in second grade when President Kennedy was killed and the teacher sent us home. Watched the funeral on television. Memory etched.

Of course the flaws of that family’s men are well documented. But still.

In the American University address, 1963, President Kennedy said this.

“For in the final analysis our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this small planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s futures. And we are all mortal.”