I was born on 1st March 1953, the year of the water snake in the Chinese Horoscope. 2013 is also a water snake year, which means that I must be 60. This seems strange to me as I feel about 35. Where do the years go?
Surely it was only a few years ago that I was leaving school and heading off into my adult life. I recall taking a baby home from the hospital and now he is nearly 40. It is going too fast and I want it to slow down.
I really don’t mind being 60. I have an interesting life full of fun. I have a wonderful family and great friends. I am healthy and get to travel the world. If it wasn’t for the occasional shock when I look in the mirror I would really believe I was 35.
On that note I will leave you with a poem by Michael Leunig called…The Mirror.
Each year my mirror seems much older
Somewhat duller and a fraction colder
The glass which always gleamed and twinkled
Now appears all scratched and wrinkled
Appears more blotchy, tired and droopy
Confused and haggard, dazed and loopy
Sadder, slower, grimmer, glummer
I think that I’ve been sold a bummer
You are timeless to me darling Deb. xx
By: Liz Golding on March 11, 2013
at 9:36 am
60 is especially good when you consider the alternative.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 11, 2013
at 9:45 am
Happy birthday, darling Deb! You are 60 years young! xxx
By: Celia @ Fig Jam and Lime Cordial on March 11, 2013
at 9:38 am
Thank you. I feel quite young. It is amazing really. When you are 30, 60 seems ancient, but looking at it from this side is quite different.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 11, 2013
at 9:46 am
HAPPY HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY DEBRA. I knew you had a very special day this month. I just did not know which day. May all your birthday wishes come true Lyn
By: aussiegirl0905 on March 11, 2013
at 9:40 am
Thank you. I have been pretty lucky with my wishes.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 11, 2013
at 9:46 am
What’s in a number? You’re a babe inside and out. And I feel so lucky to know you! Auguri cara! xxx
By: janinevasta on March 11, 2013
at 9:52 am
It is just a number, I don’t mind at all.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 11, 2013
at 10:02 am
Happy Birthday Debra…..I am sure we will celebrate your special day when we arrive……Jim and Kerry
By: Jim and Kerry on March 11, 2013
at 9:53 am
An aperitivo at the bar sounds like a good idea.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 11, 2013
at 10:02 am
Hi Debbie,
Stop complaining, I have just turned 80. Now that’s something to complain
about. And yes, I thought old people were O.P. (other people) I certainly
don’t feel 80, maybe 60 and it’s good. So you are 35 and I am 60. OK?
Cheers Pam
By: Anonymous on March 11, 2013
at 9:57 am
If I look as good as you do when I am 80 I will be thrilled to bits.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 11, 2013
at 10:03 am
Happy belated birthday.. 60 is young don’t worry about it!
By: Gill on March 11, 2013
at 10:01 am
I now think 60 is quite young, I just want it all to go a bit more slowly.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 11, 2013
at 10:04 am
Oh dear and I am your older friend and I too feel 35. Sounds a good number! Anyway no complaints for either of us I would say.
By: dianne Cant on March 11, 2013
at 10:01 am
I’m not complaining…it’s all good.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 13, 2013
at 6:59 am
brave to say…and I relate too and like you I don’t feel the age I am and I am sure we look so much younger than our parents did at our age. As you say, be grateful for the good things we have.
By: Roslyn MacAllan (@roztaste) on March 11, 2013
at 10:08 am
We need to make the most of every day.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:09 am
Buon compleanno!! Those birthdays where you suddenly get a decade older are always quite a surprise.
By: jann on March 11, 2013
at 10:19 am
Grazie. These birthdays are a very big surprise.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:10 am
all the best……
By: ilario3155 on March 11, 2013
at 10:23 am
Thank you Ilario.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:10 am
Happy Birthday and keep on trucking! It sounds as though you have a wonderful life and are a generous warm spirit. Auguroni!
By: Catherine on March 11, 2013
at 11:03 am
I am very lucky to be able to spend my time doing things I love.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:11 am
Love the poem! I know just how you feel & I’m 6 years older! The difference is… I do care & find it quite frightening.
By: maggi Fuller on March 11, 2013
at 11:21 am
Just blame it on the mirror.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:11 am
60 is a fine number. I think the issue is not how many years but what have you done with them, and how much you have learned living them.
By: maru on March 11, 2013
at 11:45 am
I agree, we need to make the most of our lives. We only get one.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:12 am
Happy Birthday, Debra. I’m a few years ahead of you but my imagination is only 25. It would all be fine if we could just slow it down a bit. I think the only answer is to savor each day and enjoy life to the fullest. You seem to be doing that quite well. Celebrate you!
By: Diane on March 11, 2013
at 11:49 am
Every day is great, even these wet miserable ones.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:13 am
Happy birthday Debra never mind the numeral , how many 60 year olds are living a life remotely like yours. Keep on defying the years. Cheers Donna.
Ps We met in bagni di lucca at the cafe across from your abode last July ( jenny bill mark and I) and then was so fortunate to experience the magical voices of your friends in lucca. Ahhh such special memories.
By: Donna newell on March 11, 2013
at 11:49 am
I remember meeting at the bar. Perhaps you will come back one day.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 11, 2013
at 10:07 pm
Happy belated birthday, Debra! Like good wine, some lucky people get better with time and you certainly belong to that group. It may be because you do know how to enjoy life.
By: mulino dominillo on March 11, 2013
at 12:00 pm
We only get one life so we need to enjoy it.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:13 am
Deb,
Oooops and belated congratulations upon joining the club.
Mine was ’52 and was Year of the (water) Dragon.
Funny tho as I am the same as you in the fact that I do not feel nor do I ever act my age.
All the very best and congratulations again.
Hope to catch up with you soon for that elusive fine shiraz…
regards
Pete
x
By: Pete Brosnan on March 11, 2013
at 12:39 pm
Come on over to Bagni di Lucca and we can arrange that shiraz.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 13, 2013
at 7:00 am
Happy belated birthday Debra – it is only a number. I will be 75 on Wednesday and like you, I am in good health and enjoying life. Loved the poem.
By: Pam Proctor on March 11, 2013
at 1:02 pm
Happy Birthday to another Pisces. Have a great day.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 13, 2013
at 7:01 am
Started reading your blog just recently, after turning 66, and feeling like these were interesting life, but being worried of some of the ailments that come with older age. Happy Birthday!
By: rachel bar on March 11, 2013
at 1:04 pm
Staying healthy is the most important thing.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 13, 2013
at 7:01 am
Hello Deb,
I hope you had a happy birthday. I’ll have a glass of champagne for you.
I can relate to the mirror bit – I’d look in the mirror more, but some wrinkled old woman keeps standing in front of me!!
Audrey turns 89 on Thursday 14th . She never lets mirrors worry her.
Was reading Gourmet Traveller today, noticed a Travel Photography Awards promotion and thought of you. gourmettraveller.com.au/travel-comp.htm
Cheers
Donna & Audrey
By: Donna Mead on March 11, 2013
at 1:18 pm
Please wish your Mum a happy birthday for me. I hope she is well.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 13, 2013
at 7:02 am
You look fabulous! Happy, Happy Birthday! I am right behind you in December-yes indeed-where does the time go? Let’s have a celebratory drink together in the fall!
By: paninigirl on March 11, 2013
at 2:19 pm
I look forward to an aperitivo on the wall in Lucca.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 13, 2013
at 7:03 am
Oh wow. I hope you have a happy, happy birthday. I’m struggling with aging too. It’s a very, very strange experience. I try to stay positive, but, you’re right, that person in the mirror just doesn’t look like me. And it’s a bit of a bummer. Oh well.
By: The Daily Cure on March 11, 2013
at 2:20 pm
What can you do? Make the most of what we have.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 13, 2013
at 7:03 am
A much belated Happy Birthday! Wishing you another beautiful 60 years! 🙂
By: mycaymanianlife on March 11, 2013
at 3:24 pm
I’d be happyy with 40 good ones.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 13, 2013
at 7:04 am
Another belated Happy Birthday. Positive attitudes are priceless – so don’t lose it!
By: aFrankAngle on March 11, 2013
at 5:15 pm
Looking on the bright side of life always helps.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 13, 2013
at 7:05 am
Cheers to that and to you!
By: aFrankAngle on March 13, 2013
at 8:51 pm
Mirrors lie…believe me 🙂
Happy birthday Debra, we are as old as we feel!
By: Madhu on March 11, 2013
at 5:26 pm
I’m blaming the mirror. Thank you for the birthday wishes.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:14 am
Happy birthday! I hit the big 60 last September and I so totally understand what you mean — I’m in better health and more agile now than I was at 35 and I do NOT believe I could be that old woman in the mirror!
By: yogaleigh on March 11, 2013
at 7:27 pm
60 is great. I am looking forward to another wonderful year.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:16 am
Like a good wine we just keep getting better apart from the few aches and pains! Life is to be enjoyed and you certainly know how to do that. Can’t wait to catch up. Enjoy the spring.
By: Kirsi sade on March 11, 2013
at 8:42 pm
Spring is dragging its feet a bit, but it will be green and gorgeous soon.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:17 am
Yeah I hear you sister. I turn 50 this year but feel like I am still about 10!
By: Bryce Williams on March 11, 2013
at 9:21 pm
You can’t be 50. We met 5 minutes ago and you were 30.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:18 am
Hi Debra
Happy Happy Birthday xx Don’t worry about the mirror we all have one !!! just be happy and keep laughing. Debra you have a fantastic life filled with adventure and the best part is you share your adventure with us all.
We have just come back from South America and Antarctica and Frank turned 70 so there. Enjoy being 60 ….
Thank you x. Lorraine and Frank
By: Lorraine Wagner on March 11, 2013
at 10:56 pm
I would love to go to Antarctica. I want to hear all about it.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:18 am
That’s my favourite Leunig. It makes me laugh every time I think of it and happily for me I think of it every time I look in the mirror these days! Laughter sweetens most of life’s knobbly bits.
By: Jan on March 12, 2013
at 3:03 am
Blame the mirror. It can’t be us.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:19 am
Happy Birthday for 1 March, Debra. I’m 60 tomorrow and feel exactly the same as you!!
By: Andrew Wilson on March 12, 2013
at 4:04 am
Happy birthday…enjoy being 60.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:19 am
Happy Birthday, Debra!
My favorite Science Fiction author, Robert A Heinlein, once wrote that a girl never grows older than 19 in her heart. You are as deliciously young as YOU want to be.
By my account (for whatever that’s worth), you are just at the threshhold of “middle” age – you know where your head is, have everything (or mostly everything) in one sock and it’s tied off at the top, your engine is revved up, and you’re sitting in the pole position on the race track! Go for it! Live life in BIG bites – moderation is for monks!
Rob and Martha
By: Robisan on March 12, 2013
at 4:36 am
Bite off more than you can chew and then chew like mad has always been my motto…and it has served me well.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:20 am
Good for you, girl!
By: Robisan on March 14, 2013
at 3:38 am
Well done for feeling 35 at 60, which is what really matters. I’m starting to feel 63 at 63, which is a bit of a worry.
By: Richard Tulloch on March 12, 2013
at 6:39 am
You seem to be doing well to me. Don’t look in that bad mirror.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 12, 2013
at 8:21 am
Traveling the world and making most of it feel like home keeps you “35”, Happy Birthday!
ps – Mirrors, at this point, are only a decorative element in the home.
By: Josephine Nardi Koebler on March 12, 2013
at 10:04 am
I am very lucky that I am able to travel so much.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 13, 2013
at 7:06 am
Buon Compleanno dear Debra. I hope you have a wonderful 60th year full of lots of wonderful adventures.
By: cityhippyfarmgirl on March 12, 2013
at 10:30 am
Thank you…I am working on those adventures.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 13, 2013
at 7:07 am
congratulations and Happy Birthday Debra!
By: Pauline on March 12, 2013
at 10:50 am
Thank you. I’m sure 60 is going to be good.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 13, 2013
at 7:07 am
Debra, since I don’t know you personally, your blog is your mirror to me. What I see in this mirror is a young, energetic, generous person who travels the world, never gets jet-lagged, enjoys life and shares part of it with her friends, virtual ones included. Many, many happy returns!
By: Lia in Brussels on March 12, 2013
at 9:58 pm
Thank you for your lovely thoughts.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 13, 2013
at 7:08 am
They say that you’re only as old as you feel. Age is just a number.
Happy Birthday! Best wishes for many more years of health and happiness.
By: Jackie Cangro on March 13, 2013
at 12:41 am
I don’t feel old at all…except for the reflection in that bad mirror.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 13, 2013
at 7:08 am
Happy birthday Debra and may you always remain young at heart!! 🙂
By: Lorraine @Not Quite nigella on March 13, 2013
at 4:55 am
I’m working on it.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 13, 2013
at 7:09 am
Happy Birthdat Debra! There is something about the decade birthdays that is bothersome. I turned 40 last year and it really freaked me out. It felt like I was a child just yesterday and the last 20 years especially have gone exceedingly fast. It seems to go faster and faster every day and if I stop and think about it it scares me. I can also relate to the poem. I think being a women and watching yourself ate is especially hard. It didn’t actually start to bother me until the last few years when the wrinkles begin to set in and the sun damage become obvious. I hate that it bothers me so much but sometimes I feel so trapped in society’s views of how women should look. Even my own mother recently had work done at 66 which is hard for me to understand. Anyway like what you said we are so fortunate to live a good life with health and travel that keeps you young. Hope your birthday was grand!
By: thirdeyemom on March 14, 2013
at 1:52 am
At some point I think you just have to accept the way you look or you will make yourself miserable. I would like to think it becomes less important as you get older, but I know it doesn’t for some. While I am not happy about the wrinkles, it is becoming long sighted that really annoys me. I hate glasses. I know I am lucky that I can see, but I miss my perfect vision.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 14, 2013
at 7:25 am
Excellent point! 🙂 I think it will be hardest for me when I can’t do all the active sports I enjoy.
By: thirdeyemom on March 16, 2013
at 6:56 pm
Happy Birthday, My Friend!! March 1st is my father’s b’day, so that is going to be easy to remember yours. Tonti Aguri! Even though late…LOL!
By: Our Kitchen Inventions on March 14, 2013
at 2:48 pm
I hope your father had a great birthday too.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 14, 2013
at 10:53 pm
Hope you had a wonderful day! I’m wondering the same thing…June 1 for me.
By: Duckprints Gallery on March 15, 2013
at 2:59 am
Being 60 is just fine…and we have 10 years to get used to being 70.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 15, 2013
at 7:41 am
Your post reminds me of Shakespeare’s poem.”The world’s a stage and all the men and women mainly players.One man in his life plays many parts.” Don’t worry about the mirror,it probably is playing its part.If you have a good life with an amazing family and awesome friends that’s what counts and nothing else.You might wonder who is this one? I am one of the bloggers,I enjoy reading posts and leaving my two cents worth before I leave.Have a great day.
Ranu
By: ranu802 on March 15, 2013
at 11:40 am
don’t look a day over 16 Deb
By: paul on March 16, 2013
at 4:28 am
Many Happy Birthday greetings Debra. Sorry I’m so late coming to your party. Sheesh looks at all the comments – you are a popular young lady Debra.
What a fun zero birthday post. I love the poem. (I’m two years ahead of you and also want to return my mirror….)
By: dearrosie on March 21, 2013
at 4:22 am
Those awful mirrors can give you a fright.
By: Debra Kolkka on March 21, 2013
at 6:20 pm
Thanks for visiting my blog. Did you know that 60 is nothing when looking at it from the summit of 77 ??? per me sei una bimba…
By: veraersilia on April 6, 2013
at 7:06 pm
We just have to make the most of life.
By: Debra Kolkka on April 6, 2013
at 7:31 pm