"So, what did you wish for?"

Turning 25

Today is the day!

I advance further into adulthood: a terrifying but equally exciting thing. A friend was so kind to remind me I am roughly a quarter of the way into my life.

I briefly panicked.

My birthday often leaves me anxious, due to planning between various groups of people, and this year was no exception. I grew up with the fear of friends never being able to mesh/like each other (there was a pattern for a while…)

So, in an effort to navigate past those feelings…

I'll toast to how much progress I've made in my art and writing in 25 years! I have more ideas than ever and am so excited to keep creating and sharing them.

So many adventures lie ahead. I can't wait to be decorated with more tattoos (I have a 1 per year minimum). I also look forward to expanding my list of coffee shops and new memories with the people I hold close to my chest.

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☆A fun fact about my birthday:☆

A few years ago I noticed KFC buckets in the background of some hospital photos. It’s one of the funniest things I’ve ever seen.

Artists/Songs I’m listening to:

• Hozier – I, Carrion (Icarian) & Son of Nyx

• Chappel Roan – Feminineomenon

• JVKE – this is what slow dancing feels like

• Lyn Lapid

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About Me: a poem with a chaotic rhyming scheme

My favorite ice cream

Is cotton candy & mint chocolate chip

But I like a lot of other flavors in between

I struggle to multitask

As I write, draw, or read my mind will slip

My favorite soda is Baja Blast

I used to eat PB&Js with only the jelly

Now I like bananas, PB, and honey

But don’t offer me the deli meat…it’s too smelly

My nails are always short

I pick at them and catch myself if I’m lucky

It happens when I’m stressed or bored

…

I often forget what I dream

I draw with a gentle grip

I like it when there’s rain in the forecast

I always leave a tip

Food made with love warms my belly

I think puns are funny

I don’t play a sport

I love my dog Destiny

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My heart is full.

My close friend/roommate made me a whole cake with two toppings to go with it, and got me some very sweet gifts to go with it. In a couple of weeks, I’ll be a bridesmaid in another close friend’s wedding I’ve known for over a decade. Then, I’m going to see my best friends from college at the end of the month for a late celebration.

One of those friends greeted with a multi-level piano serenade of Happy Birthday to start my morning. They haven't played piano in years but they did…for me.

My heart could burst.

Surround yourself with people who truly love you – you deserve to be completely, and utterly, loved.

My friends are something I do feel lucky about.

It’s time to blow out my candles, but this year I’m finding it hard to wish for anything. Maybe, I’ll just wish to stay like this.

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