My dears, I’m so excited about our guest today!!! Not only do we have the fantastically fabulous Leslie Kelly for Blogiversary, it’s also her birthday! You know how I love birthday guests, and this is double the fun! And you know, Leslie Kelly! So everyone jump on in for the fun!
Fifty?! ME?!?
by
Leslie Kelly
I’m so happy Lime invited me to be her guest-blogger here today, as she marks the anniversary of her blog. Because I’m actually commemorating an anniversary today, too. Right this minute, I’m in Las Vegas, with most of my family members—from my 19 year old daughter, to my 82 year old dad, and all the siblings, spouses and children in-between. You see, it’s become a tradition in my family (I’m one of six kids) that we all get together to celebrate one particular birthday. I’m the fifth daughter—and the fifth one turning fifty.
Ouch.
Yes, I admitted it. Fifty. It’s hard to believe, considering that I still think of myself as somewhere in my thirties. My thirties rocked—they were my favorite decade, better than my twenties or forties. Actually, my teens were pretty good, too. So I’m hoping I just have an “odd-number-decade” thing going on, and 50s will be the best yet.
I’m not one of those people who freaks out about a number, so it’s not the big 5-0 that intimidates me. I guess mainly what I am thinking about when it comes to this birthday is that I’m more than halfway through this journey of life. That makes me stop and take pause. There are more days behind me than ahead of me.
When I think of my favorites of those days, however, I know I have a lot more of them to look forward to.
The best part of my life has been my family—and I still have lots of wonderful times ahead with them. (Including this weekend in Vegas—did I mention there’s a porn convention in town at the same time? Oy—I envision Smith family shenanigans…what happens in Vegas, as they say!)
My dad is the hippest 82 year old around–funny, smart, sassy–and to this day when I hear him sing, I’m thrown back to childhood, remembering Sunday afternoons sitting beside him at the piano, singing my heart out. And although I’ve missed and longed for my mother ever since the day we lost her 25 years ago, I am happy that I have a lovely stepmother who’ll be right there with us as we celebrate tonight.
I have four beautiful, loving sisters, and one super-smart, super-adorable brother, all of whom I adore. We’re not just siblings, we’re the best of friends, and I know if I am ever in need of anything–from a chat to an airplane ticket–I can pick up the phone and any of them will drop everything to be there for me. And vice versa.
I am still madly in love with my husband, Bruce, who is not just my partner but my very dearest friend. Thirty years ago today, when we had just met, barely knew each other, and were both involved with other people, he led a crowd of people in singing Happy Birthday to me on stage at a dress rehearsal for a play we were doing. One year later, exactly twenty-nine years ago today, he dropped to one knee and proposed to me. Yeah–maybe it was whirlwind, but oh, was that “Yes,” the best word I’ve ever said. I look forward to our 30th anniversary next year—and my long-dreamed-of trip to Paris (fingers crossed!) And I hope we have far more than 30 more years ahead of us.
I am lucky enough to be the mom of three daughters, all of them remarkable. I loved watching them grow up, and enjoyed every minute of being the mom of little girls. But lately I’ve realized I also really like being the mom of women. They’re funny and bright, all of them gifted in her own way, and I can’t wait to see the amazing things they accomplish. And now that one of them has married a great guy, I’m lucky enough to have a son at last.
Maybe one day there’ll even be babies in my life again. One of my three girls has promised me grandchildren…someday.
I have amazing in-laws who’ve adopted me as a member of the family, and dozens of fantastic nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews, who I love watching grow and prosper.
I have wonderful friends, many of whom are also going to hit the big 5-0 this year. (I’m looking at you: Julie, Janelle, Karen, JulieK, Lori, Kim, Rick, Linda…et al!) I’m testing the water for you, my dears…I’ll be here to catch you when you make the leap.
I have the kind of job that doesn’t really have an age limit. My imagination has only grown as I’ve gotten older. Sometimes the brain cells are a bit slower, but I think I’m a better writer now than I was when I started out 18 years ago. I dream that I’ll become an overnight success in my 50’s and start seeing some leaps and bounds in my career, hopping out of that mid-list to something spectacular. Hey, it could happen…you’re never too old, right?
In all, I’m feeling great about today. I’m upbeat and positive about the future. I try not to look at the past, focused only ahead. As long as I’m surrounded by the people I love, and supported by the amazing readers who’ve followed me along my twisting career path that has gone from sexy romance to dark, bloody thrillers, and back again, I think my fifty and I are going to get along just fine.
Happy happy 50th birthday, Leslie!!! What a milestone! I hope you and your family are having an amazing time in Vegas – with hopefully some stories to tell us, despite the “What happens in …” 😉 Especially with that porn convention – oh my! :X Anyway, I hope it is on odds thing for you and your 50s are your best decade yet! <3
Oh and you know what? Leslie has very generously offering an ebook of any of her available books to two different winners! So go on – tell us about your milestone birthdays along with any birthday wishes for Leslie that you want to pass along!
Happy Birthday, Les!!! I own and love all of Leslie’s books, so don’t enter me in the drawing.
My friends and I celebrated 40 in Vegas 4 years ago (or at least 4 years ago in Oct). We had the best time ever and plan to do it up even bigger at 50! There are 7 of us that have know each other since our freshman year of college and I know these ladies will be there for me anytime I need them. Heck every single one of them is coming over at some point to help me unpack boxes and arrange furniture after my move this weekend.
Happy birthday! Celebrate them with family and friends
HAPPY BIRTHDAY LESLIE! I ALSO HAVE A BIG BIRTHDAY COMING VERY SOON MY 60TH! THANKS FOR THE GIVEAWAY!
Happy Birthday Leslie!!! So glad you’re enjoying it with the while family at Vegas. What a way to celebrate! Wishing you luck on some wins at the gaming halls. 😉
And as for me, I’ll be hitting my big old young 2-5 this Wednesday. But since it’s in the middle of the week, I have plans to have family time during the weekend and hang out with a friend on my birthday. Not much partying but just some nice dinners.
Happy Birthday!
I can’t believe I’m admitting this, I’ll be 50 in three years! It will probably come and go as quietly as my 40th.
Denise
Happy Birthday, Leslie! Any birthday spent having fun with family is monumental. Hope you are having lots of fun.
Enjoy your birthday festivities with your family. Beginning a new decade always makes new nostalgic and anxious. How will things be different? Will I lose anymore close friends or family? How will it change me? I do know this much,after I celebrated a big birthday last year. A year where we loss my husband’s older brother, and my younger sister. Enjoy each day to its fullest. Enjoy the time you spend with others. Do not be afraid to try new things, or to be yourself. BTW, after losing my sister before she was able to go to Europe to celebrate her 25th anniversary, do not postpone your dream vacation for your 30th anniversary with Bruce.