"In an African tribe, when a woman turns 40, her friends and family draw and write something for and about her, that uplifts and comforts her, to carry forward in life," I replied. My husband had asked what I wanted for my 40th birthday.

Terry got me a beautiful, handmade, pine needle basket with a large pine cone on the lid. He planned a surprise birthday party and dinner at a fine restaurant. Tables were set outdoors with white tablecloths. Tiny white lights strung in the trees created a magical atmosphere.

Forty friends attended from as far as 300 miles away. They carried drawings, poems and small tokens for me. I treasure the memory and basket filled with love.

Oregon's pretty damn awesome... ?
For real though, it's amazing here. Mountains, desert, ocean, we have everything.

Mind if I borrow some ideas? 50 next week.

Yosemite

Antarctica, while it's still cold there.

Palma De Mallorca Spain.