Every year around this time, people start asking me: What do you want for your birthday? Usually, I am at a loss -- I am very fortunate in my life to be in a position where I really don't want for much of anything. Yet this year, I am bursting with ideas. Before I get too greedy with the list o' material objects, let me just say that the continual support of my family and friends is the best gift a gal could ask for. The only gift that would be better would be more free time to actually spend with aforesaid family and friends; this is the gift I am going to try to give myself in this, my 30th(!) year. But if you're looking for material objects, here's a few ideas:
*More large copper cookie cutters from Martha Stewart (now that I have more kitchen wall space), particularly the Moon and Star, Flower and Butterfly, Hand and Heart, Hen and Bunny, and Flag and Shield sets. (I already have Squirrel and Acorn, Reindeer and Snowflake, & House and Fir Tree, spoiled brat that I am). I love the way they look on the wall! Thanks mom!
* Books on gardening. I would provide links, except I am so ignorant on the subject I'm not even sure how to pick out the books! I am most interested in container and herb gardening, and also general landscaping, and it has to be very, very basic: Despite working on veggie gardens with the folks growing up, absolutely no knowledge has been retained, and I need to get over a black thumb.
* A subscription to Cooking Light magazine. And/or a subscription to People magazine. Both are guilty newsstand pleasures that I love to read but won't actually break down and buy a subscription to!
*Another one I am embarassed to admit: Several Beatles albums that I somehow have managed to not own, even though I profess to be a die hard fan. How have I gone so long without owning Sgt. Peppers is beyond me. Nor do I own Abbey Road. Or Help! Nope, can't explain it. But it's a big gaping hole in my CD collection, wouldn't you say? (And OK, I can explain that I never bought One on principle when it came out, but I had a cabby play the whole album for me a while back on a long airport ride and it is too singable not to own.) Thanks honey! (and all those CDs were only one of several presents!)
*Piano lessons. Where and with whom, I don't know. But I could really use some guidance. I don't even know where to start with re-learning the instrument that sits in my living room, and I really want it to do more than sit there and look good.
*China. We never did finish out our registry from our wedding, and I would still love to have some of the accessories, like the gravy boat and stand (aside: I can't BELIEVE they sell those separately, no WONDER no one picked it off of the registry!!!), and the sugar and creamer. The pattern is Federal Cobalt.