A Birthday with a Sub-Title

And now for My Birthday. 

This year I gave my birthday a sub-title. New Beginnings. 

This is a slightly Unusual Practice. I admit I haven't done it before. But maybe I should start giving all Important Celebrations sub-titles.

"Xmas 09: Scrooge is Screwed". How's that?

What prompted my 'New Beginnings' was the beautiful butterfly who is now the centrepiece of my 'Homage to Charles Darwin' Nature Display.  As a birthday gift, I was given an exquisite Murano sterling silver butterfly brooch that was the size of a macadamia nut. The Giver had thoughtfully left the receipt in the bag it came in, so as soon as I gasped at the price, I trotted down to the shop which is handily located within metres of my home &  exchanged it for this Largish Real, but Dead Butterfly along with an amazing scented candle which no kidding, exudes the smell of the floors & candleabra in the Palace of Versailles. The brand is called 'Cire Trudon' & it's been going since the reign of Louis the 14th. 

What a mouthful.

Talking of mouthfuls, I'm looking genuinely, what is it?  overwhelmed, overawed, overcome, by the sight of six superb 'Villeroy & Boch' wine glasses that my wonderful friend, Rubber-Glove Jenny gave me.

I'm really throwing around the brand names now. You might think that I'm somewhat of a Brand Whore. And you may be correct.

Anyway, I was thrilled to get them. Anything to stop the Poor Little Match Girl Feelings taking a grip.

And then was The Cake.  Monica, who is a Restaurant Quality cook, made it for me. It was a  chocolatemudblackforest extravaganza. It had to be the best cake I've ever eaten. In fact, it was so good that I had another slice today at lunch which is totally breaking my v. strict dietary rules. All my colleagues were gobsmacked, as I'm well known as the Gandhi of the Staffroom. 

Such a Self-denier. 

Monica also gave me an  exciting pink bangle that had text on it that said 'Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History'. Some dame called Laurel Thatcher Ulrich said it. 

And then I started to think of the women who have Made History starting with Eve. She was hopelessly  swayed by a Evil Talking Serpent & look where that got us?

I think I better go back to the butterfly & 'New Beginnings.' It's more me.

Thank you girls.