Sad birthday

Yesterday was my birthday.

I usually ride. I probably would have borrowed a horse and done that this year, too, but it was really cold. 

Instead, I spent most of the day cocooned in my studio, cleaning and prepping.

I asked Seth not to buy me any gifts. Eventually, there will be a horse, and I'm saving all our pennies for that. He complied with my request, but took care of a couple items on my honey do list. Good man.

I wish I could say it was a good day, but it really wasn't.

This was the first birthday without a call from my mom with the traditional off-key, Bray family rendition of Happy Birthday, the first birthday without a card and ridiculous fifteen dollar check - "for deposit only ' - from my mother-in-law, the first birthday during which I didn't see either one of my kids. The roads were terrible, and I didn't actually want them driving, but still... And, of course, Olive wasn't there either. 

Not going to lie, tears were shed.

But today is a new day. Things are still the way they are, but Ryan is on his way over. That alone means today will be a better day. Plus - as I keep reminding myself - eventually, there will be another horse.