It never ceases to amaze me when my Smartphone unexpectedly chimes. Forty-eight hours after my birthday and I'm still receiving belated cheers. It was Jack. I never recognized his voice because it was months since I've heard from him. Jack is a distinguished federal politician and lawyer. On our first date, we strolled along the waterfront and dined at a quaint seafood restaurant. He expressed his conservative views on a variety of subjects as I drenched my deep fried calamari in sweet sauce. I seldom trust politicians; let alone some of the lawyers I've been known to date. So what was the ulterior motive behind his phone call tonight? I listened attentively as we exchanged pleasantries. I never felt fireworks when we dated last summer; so I thought perhaps I'd at least feel a spark this Spring. The purpose of his call? To invite me for belated drinks with him and a few Bay Street boys at a newly-renovated Italian wine bar on Thursday. I told him I'd think about it. Who knows? Maybe love is in the air!

To life and living it,
Ineda

I called Mom yesterday. We always chat on my birthday. It's an annual ritual. What better way to thank a woman who has given you the most precious gift of all - the gift of life.

Actually, the celebrations started a few days ago. Dinner at a premium steakhouse with the gals on Friday. On Saturday, Miss Brit came over - a card and a bottle of bubbly in tow! I received my first birthday text at 2 AM Sunday. It was from Dave who lives on the West Coast. Dave and I have never met. My cousin introduced us on a social network site because he thought we'd make a perfect couple. Great guy that Dave - smart, witty, romantic, emotionally available but a country away.

The second birthday text came from Alan. We met online a few years ago and have kept in touch. Another great guy who hails from Calgary and specializes in commercial real estate. A boyfriend from my past texted "have a good one" and another gentlemen caller by the name of Paul wished me well in an email. Daniel - a best friend for over 4o years - called from Edmonton and sent me an egreeting rather than his usual Hallmark. We've never missed eachother's birthdays. Unfortunately, his mother is dying of cancer and as such, has been quite preoccupied of late. Imagine - he apologized for not sending me a card in the mail! "Daniel," I said, "Don't be silly. How's your Mom doing?" "It's a matter of time Ineda," he replied, " just a matter of time."
 
It was a glorious Spring day to celebrate outdoors on a patio with my children. The weather was unseasonably warm and the love I felt from my 2 sons was overwhelming. Clutched between their palms was a greeting card that explicitly pulled at the heart strings. Listen to this:  Mother - available all hours of the day and night.

Inside the card it read, "maybe you never imagined all the talents it would require to raise a family, but you've made a very tough job look easy. No matter what life has handed you, you're always ready to take on the challenge, giving it all the energy and love you have. You've been the kind of example that everyone should be lucky enough to have."  

I love my kids more than life itself. I would die for them. As a parent, a Mother knows she has been successful in raising her children when she receives such respect and praise. I've always said you give your children roots and then you give them wings to fly. I am so proud of them.

We sat at an outdoor patio, drank beer and ate wings. They discussed their career goals and some of the courses and classes they were pursuing to get them there.  "Here Mom," they said, as they handed me a lime and tangerine speckled gift bag. I opened the bag and couldn't believe my eyes. Inside were 2 books to get me started on this blog. They've been encouraging me for years to pen a book or at least make an attempt on paper.

How uncanny and mystifyng. Was this the law of an unknown universal force in action? To have given me a couple of books without knowing that I subscribed to a web host the night before, was more than just a coincidence. It was an inspirational nudge - a divine message from a greater power to unleash those creative juices again.

I ended the day with a lovely dinner invitation from Steve - one of my high networth suitors who made his millions in real estate. An authentic, genuine and church-going man, Steve is one of the most endearing men I've ever met. We're just friends. I've been so blessed with the friends I have in my life.

To life and living it,
Ineda
















 

Good evening everyone. It is now 10:52 GMT and my very first blog. Tomorrow is my 50+ birthday and my birthday gift to you is the creation of this blog. Miss Brit is with me. We met a few years ago in an upmarket bar in the heart of a Canadian city.  We were amazed at the similarities in our lives. As the laws of the universe would have it, both of us are celebrating our birthdays within days of eachother.

I have been known to be the "Queen" of online dating. They say - 3 different dates, 3 times a week with 3 different characters from 3 different countries. It hasn't subsided since I became single and unattached a few years ago. Lord help me!

To life and living it,
Ineda