Happy Birthday to Me - Marvelous Morning

Make Time for Small Reflections

I apologize for the lateness of today's post and appreciate those of you who have visited already this morning ... leaving lovely birthday wishes on Sunday's offering. Thank you!

I had a BIRTHDAY post ready to publish this morning, but when I went out front to feed the cat ... I looked up and saw this:

... then turned around and noticed this ;--)

so I grabbed my camera and headed for the beach to capture unobstructed views of this glorious rainbow and here are a few of the photographs collaged with PSE6 in two versions because I can't decide which I like best.

Click to embiggen for better viewing

This feels like a MARVELOUS GIFT today ... as do the blossoms in my front yard. I snapped a few more images and will share them in the days to come, rather than trying to do it now making it even later. For those who might have missed them over the weekend, I did share glimpses of Spring in Friday's post for Today's Flowers with a bit of Haiku.

It's sprinkling here this morning with significant rain predicted for later on, so perhaps my sister and I will need to reschedule our planned afternoon photography walk at the nearby Wetlands. We'll celebrate tonight at Z'Tejas (one of our favorite restaurants) starting with:

Grilled Shrimp & Guacamole Tostada Bites - Tostada rounds topped with fresh hand-hacked guacamole, a dash of chipotle and cilantro pesto marinated grilled shrimp.

and whatever else strikes our fancy from the menu. Everything is delicious. Perhaps we'll share an entre and end with:

Ancho Fudge Pie - Our famous fudge pie with walnuts, pecans and a pinch of ancho chile to bring out the rich chocolate flavor. Served warm with whipped cream.

Or ...

Cast-Iron Skillet Fresh Fruit Cobbler - Seasonal fruit cobbler with a brown sugar cinnamon crumb topping, served sizzling in a cast-iron skillet with a bourbon ginger caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream

Today I turn 64 ...

I feel much YOUNGER ... though my body doesn't move with the agility or speed I remember from earlier years ;--)

Each day brings new things to discover & learn ... opportunities to share with others in a myriad of ways ... moments to savor with delight ... challenges to meet with excitement & creative energy. I believe LIFE is an adventure ... that unlimited possibilities abound & meaning is generated when we follow our dreams ... giving generously while receiving with gratitude.

I received this lovely cake in email from Blingee this morning.
It certainly LOOKS tasty & festive so feel free to have a slice while you visit if you wish.

There's lots here ... and when I stop to think about the fact that I've been blogging for just 16 months, I'm astonished to note that THIS is my 499th post here at Small Reflections ...
there are another 341 posts at Sacred Ruminations ...
24 at BlogRolls, Bling & Blurbs ... and 62 at Happily Retired Gal for a Grand Total of 927!!! Who knew I'd be so prolific ... certainly not me!

As my gift to all who visit ... please accept this Rainbow Award to enjoy yourselves & pass it along to others who practice gratitude in their lives on a daily basis.

Click to embiggen for better viewing
The quote is a Chinese Proverb that says:
"To know the road ahead ...
ask those coming back."

If you missed them over the weekend, click for:
Unconscious Mutterings #44 - Camera Critters #48
Haiku Friday #117 - FaveFive #3 - Today's Flowers

Small Reflections ... Smile Back

Thought for Today
"Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most live the longest." Larry Lorenzoni