So long 2012, it was good to see you come, better to see you go. There have been challenges and blessings galore in this year and I’m happy to say I survive to welcome the year 2013.

2012 saw losses in the PurpleMoose clan: hubbymoose lost his last aunt, and one of his very best friends. PM lost her very best friend as well as a long-ago love. Each loss took a piece of our hearts to the grave.

2012 saw blessings as well: grandchildren who are growing, thriving and, even at the age of the eldest (nearing 21), still unashamed to yell my name across a crowded store, following with a giant hug. Daughters are thriving and loving, both old and new loves. Hubbymoose and I will celebrate our 44th anniversary come May 10th.

Something to look forward to in 2013: I will reach the ripe old age of 21. Wait! What? Didn’t you say you had a grandson who will soon be 21? Ah, yes, you caught me out.

January is my birth month. I will turn 63 on the 27th. How did I arrive at 21? Well, my fave number is 3 and 63 divided by 3 is 21.  Yes, yes I am silly. But I am having fun with it.

Want to join in my birthday fun? Want to be a survivor like me? It’s simple. I don’t want presents. I want the joy of seeing you all pass on the joy and love for others. Do a random act of kindness in my birthday honor, then comment below here with what you did. Make sure you leave me your email address so I can reach you later.

Why do I want to reach you? I am going to place the comments into a number generator and pick at least 3. Those 3 people will receive a hand-knitted washcloth/dishcloth from me. My birthday present to YOU.

Game? You have 27 days until my birthday.

With love, the Moose.
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The Trifecta challenge this week is survive using the third definition below.

1: to remain alive after the death of (he is survived by his wife)
2: to continue to exist or live after (survived the earthquake)
3: to continue to function or prosper despite : withstand (they survived many hardships)
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To celebrate my birthday, I decided to hold a little Random Acts of Kindness challenge – with all commenters taking part. Here is what you might win at the end of the challenge: (it will be completed – promise)

18 responses

  1. Lance says:

    we lost 3 this year. my father in law, my sixteen-year-old cousin, and my 72-year-old aunt. My heart is with your losses.

    so glad your’e doing trifecta

  2. Tara R. says:

    I really like your birthday wish. I’d be happy to help celebrate our special day by paying it forward. Here’s to a great 2013.

  3. Tara R. says:

    “your” special day…

  4. Tracy says:

    Happy 21st PM 🙂 2012 was challenging for me/us too…. 13 will be better. Some of my small kindnesses are included here: http://fecthis.wordpress.com/2013/01/01/peace-be-with-you-today-and-all-days/
    they’re easy so maybe we can all give them a go and share much joy and love in your honour

  5. Trifecta says:

    Oh Barbara, I love this. Happy Birthday! I’ll be looking for ways to spread the happy. xx

  6. Deana says:

    Terrific idea! Happy birthday month!

  7. This is a really great idea! (:

    In your birthday honour I told my parents I loved them <3 (and helped mum wash the dishes!)

    but no I don't want to be part of the giveaway (: I don't believe in getting rewards for kindness hehe ^^

  8. kgwaite says:

    Gorgeous pattern! Where did you find it? My daughter wants me to teach her to knit.

  9. joetwo says:

    I hope you have a nice 21st birthday. I happen to know several people who have been 21 for several years now and are very happy with that scenario. The best of luck with the new year.

  10. vivinfrance says:

    It has been a sad year for you – and many others. But survival is the name of the game, together with persistence, kindness and generosity. I like your thinking on birthdays!

  11. Tom macInnes says:

    Congratulations on the blessings you have with regard to those you love who are still here to be loved by you. Congratulations, as well, for the cherished memories you have of those who have departed from your life. Paying it forward and conducting random acts of kindness is a wonderful philosophy to have. I constantly say to my elementary students that you don’t have to be rich or strong or good looking or famous to be nice. I say it to my own daughters at home, too. They are good kids, all.
    If my name is randomly chosen for your washcloth, please feel free to give it to some deserving person in your area; perhaps some new Mom who is shellshocked from the responsibility she has been entrusted with or, someone down on their luck who could use a kind moment to enter their lives. I want for nothing. My life is rich with love, health and purpose. May your year ahead be filled so, as well. 🙂

  12. stephanie says:

    What a lovely idea! Happy 21st Birthday, Barbara! I’ll see what I come up with. What better way to begin 2013 than with a random act of kindness.

  13. jody says:

    congrats to you on your upcoming 44 years – what an accomplishment! And what a great take on life, despite the losses – to see the gains! blessings, -j

  14. JannaTWrites says:

    It seems you have much to look forward to in 2013. I like the random acts of kindness idea. Too bad we don’t do that every day 🙂 My younger son’s birthday is next week, so I happen to think January birthdays are quite nice. Hope it’s a happy one for you!

  15. Best wishes for your birthday, anniversary and the new year!

  16. Lumdog says:

    You have such a wonderful outlook. I admire that. Great idea. I’m in, but maybe you could send out a reminder? 😉

  17. Lucy says:

    I’ve enjoyed reading your writings and look forward to reading more in 2013! After the school shooting in Conn I decided to crochet 26 child size blankets to donate to the preschool my children went to years ago. For your birthday I am going to make a purple one! I’ll send you a pic when I finish it 🙂

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