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Are you the type who can go to a café all alone? Would you ever go to the theatre and watch a movie solo? I have a confession to make. I totally can. In fact, there’s no place I’m happier than in the middle of a big city, a new one if possible, alone and free to explore and take in the people and the sights.
My husband, who knows my vagabond-like tendencies all too well, surprised me with some very fun gifts for my birthday. Among them, an entire day off. I was given a spare but carefully chosen collection of supplies, including a very small picnic blanket and equally small library. And I was set free on the city. I roamed streets, met warm and wonderful strangers, and picnicked in the company of Hemingway. It was the most delicious day. Oh, and he also gave me a birthday dress. (His bday is in less then two weeks. I am feeling a little pressure. Just a little.) The pic above is me about to be let in on what I’d be doing all day.
I was also spoiled for my bday by friends and family and by wishes from you. So thanks to all of you.
And now, I am dying to know. What would you do with your perfect day off?
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Speaking of warm and wonderful people. I have one stopping by tomorrow as a kitchen guest. Here are two clues to get you ready. She has mad writing skills (not to mention handwriting to die for), and knows how to take a good road trip. Okay that was three. Be sure to stop by tomorrow to say hello and make her feel at home.
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
what a wonderful birthday surprise! you look absolutely adorable. my perfect day off would start with window shopping in old down town and end with a giant bowl of ice cream.
can’t wait for Marta’s post tomorrow!
Oh this is an easy one since I dream about it all the time. Wake up to an empty house go to bed with an empty house and have all the time int he world to watch movies, crochet, knit, sew, whatever. This would be tricky considering the kids, but oh I can still dream of just one perfect all me day :)
Wonderful birthday! My hubby has done the same type of thing for me except an overnight. I organized a sleepover with my sister and we met for coffee, went to see a movie (Eat Pray Love) then headed straight to Whole Foods to shop for our evening slow food dinner and put our pajamas on, watched chick-flicks, and had the best wine, cheese, prosciutto/melon, fig, warm bread, roasted tomatoes, bottle of Viognier finished off with home made chocolate lava cakes and a glass of milk! I got to sleep in the next morning before taking a leisurely shower and heading home. What a GREAT gift for stay at home Moms, I will say!
a day off? well… um… its been so long, I dont even know what I would do! read, I think. and read some more. and eat sushi- because no one else in my house will. and take a nap. and read some more.
Happy Birthday to you!
The best present ever – alone time! Happy Birthday!
I would go to the city for a mid-day air-conditioned flick (gloomy and moody) get tea, walk and then go for sushi! xoxo Lisa
Lisa + Megan. Of course, why didn’t I think of sushi? It is on my list for next time.
Sounds divine! How wonderful a gift! My perfect day off would be similar. There are so many wonderful looking antique shops in our old part of town that I’d love to spend hours picking my way through. This is impossible with children and/or my husband.
Years ago, I live in Los Angeles for a short time. When I needed to unwind or just clear my head, I’d pick a freeway and see where it took me. That was a blast! I found myself is some delightful places.
Thanks for sharing!
Misty! I love the freeway idea. What a great adventure. I love outings that are not quite fully planned.
I am fine eating lunch and catching movies by myself, and almost prefer to go to museums without anyone who might “get bored”. Sometimes having a good quality take-yourself-out is exactly what one needs.
Perfect day off involves a hammock, screened in porch at the lake, glass of wine, good book, and some sort of grilled sandwich…
Carly, I couldn’t agree more about the museum. It’s such a luxury to take it at your own pace. And a grilled sandwich? That is brilliant.
Could we be sisters? Yes, think we could. That is definitely one of my most favorite things to do, a city all by myself, a movie, a…..anything. My husband is just now getting used to it.
Happy Birthday dear, 30 if I remember correctly? I have loved my thirties. Enjoy!
Destri! No way. I can’t tell you how excited I am to hear I’m not alone in my, um, aloneness. It’s true, my hubbie just started catching on to this a year or two back.
Thanks for the bday wishes!
You are so beautiful! I’m glad you’re posting more pictures of yourself these days.
Oh – and happy belated birthday. It sounds like your day was delightful.
If I had a “perfect day off,” I would go on a hike w/ my family and perhaps have a little alone time to curl up w/ a good book. :)
I would like a gas card and a friend to get lost on the road with. Any chance to get out of town and explore without a destination is good, but it’s better when shared with a like-minded friend.
What a wonderful birthday gift !!! Hope my husband could read my mind…
You look beautiful! And I love that your husband knows you so well that he could get you a gift like that!