Le Birstay Blog

HOLA!! How's everyone?

I know, I know...I'm soooo off this blogging game. I think it became sorta kinda tainted when they started making money off of it...before that, blogging was an art and was fun. Now, it's about capitalism and we all know what happens once an art gets exploited...but, I digress...big time. LOL

My BIRTHDAY! Right! :)

I turned 40 on January 10th. I'd been super excited for my birthday. I'm ALWAYS excited about my birthday. I love birthdays...mine and everyone's around me. I normally just chillax on my day and soak up my own personal "New Year". I dig a peaceful existence, so I'm just fine w/the meal of my choice and a little sippy sip while sitting in front of the TV. lol

NOT this year though. I wanted to share my day with some special people...friends...ladies, who'd been there for me. People who have been on some part of my journey. It's goes without saying that my baby sis has been there the longest, but she's far from being the only one to be in my life...giving love, support and true friendship. My girl Joy has been quite the sister, too. She helped me organize this little kween affair and did a lot of running around to ensure that all of those involved were either safely arrived, comfortable or accounted for.

Joy & Kiwi

Our friend Tina came in from Maryland to visit...

See, it started out as a mere visit. Tina wanted to come earlier in December, but the planning (along with the pressures of the upcoming Christmas season) was a bit much. I suggested she come at a later date and immediately, my birthday popped into my head. She, Joy and I would hang out and do fun things AND celebrate my milestone birthday. LEGGO!

Kiwi & Tina

Before long...this plan turned into what I called, "Kween's Kick-Ass 40th Birthday Weekend". Originally, the plan was to see Times Square and show Tina the town, but as time passed things changed. One of the biggest was my injury. I somehow happened upon a meniscus tear and was given an immobilizer with crutches. I couldn't have been more bummed. I had SO much to do to prepare for this weekend and not enough get-up-and-go. 

Somehow...SOME way...the more important details came together. I may not have gotten my nails done, or had the necklace I wanted or been able to stroll Times Square, but I had friends and family who loved me and wanted to bring in my 40th year breaking bread in my honor.

Meeting Tina was the highlight of the weekend. As happy as I was to see all of my lovely sisters/sistars/sistas...this one was special. Once again, I got to meet someone who'd earned a piece of my friendship heart from afar. TIna is as sweet and loving as I thought her to be PLUS more. The energy this woman emanates is nothing less than a positive aura with the glow of a crown. She's easy-going, but don't take NO shit...my kinda girl. lol Having her there was very special.

...but, so is my entire sista circle. :)

My baby sister (and twin by six years) came and brought along our godson's mom, Aly...my baby sister from another. I knew she'd come, but didn't know she'd come...but, knew she'd come. LOL It's hard to explain. Just know that I was glad to see shawty roll up in what had to be 5" heels...tryna be taller than me. lol

Monifa, Kiwi & Aly

My sistars Chante & Caprice showed...which was a given. These ladies just hop on trains and beat a path. lol ...it's always too long between visits...but, it's good to know that there are folks in your circle where the love remains the same no matter HOW long it's been since the last hug.

Caprice & Chante

Speaking of a LONG time between visits...my friend Vikki and I hadn't seen each other since my grandmother died. That's almost three years ago. It's amazing how "life" gets in the way and time continues to expand between people. The thing is...that regardless of how long it had been, when thinking of those I wanted to share in my day with me...she was definitely one of them. I was happy to see her and grateful that she took the time out of her non-stop busy life to come out.

Kiwi & Vikki

My cousin Felicia showed up, too! I actually just met her in December and wanted to make sure that we used every opportunity to hang out. She blended right in and I was tickled by her ease with my friends. 

Felicia & Monifa

Dinner was at the Havana Cafe, a suggestion by Caprice. The food was good...the ambiance was nice as well. We had a momentary run-in with a rude hostess, but all was remedied and the night went smooth afterward. I mean, what do you expect? She had that Latina fire...but, I gotta little Rican in me so THERE!! LOL 

Havana fare...

Joy got my cake from "Make My Cake" in Harlem. Red velvet...and good!

Yum!!

I have to say...not all who were invited...made it. My girl DeAnna aka Deedles...couldn't make it. Crazier thing...even thought it's not WHY she couldn't make it...she, too had a knee injury that required an immobilizer. 

My girl Maria couldn't make it on such short notice. We both pouted about it, but she kept telling me to have fun for her. I tried. lol I may not have poured some licka out for her...but, I definitely made my drink strong in her honor. LOL

My girl, Tei was sidelined too...I swear, it seems all my closest friends of the heart...live the furthest from me. That's the down side to finding friendships in cyberspace. The distance is a killer of party dreams.

Gina...a close friend of Tina's and mine...was thisclose to coming, but couldn't. She was sorely missed with the rest of the absentee ladies.

My LOCAL girls, Ayanna and Renee missed the festivities as well. In spite of living in the vicinity, the two ladies had last minute issues that kept them away. We're gonna plan an outing soon though. I mean, my birthday celebration ain't over. I think 40 DESERVES a whole month of recognition...don't you think? 

I spent my ACTUAL day with the lady who brought me in the world. We had a simple lunch of pizza and she helped me get a couple of errands done for the weekend. I got cool cards and gifts and I felt like a spoiled little diva. lol ...what more could you ask for?

I had a wonderful weekend...and I just pray that God blesses me with an equally stellar year. How about that...I COULD ask for more.

Love you...fa weel doe. ;)

Kween