Day 186 of a Photo a Day: Sweet Birthday

This is Sweet Tea. These three are part of why I had one of the best birthdays of my life this year. Them, my family, the rest of my friends, and my love.

My birthday weekend was spent in Ottawa celebrating life and love. If you've read any of my previous posts, you understand how amazing spending time with my family was these past few days. Thanks to my awesome mom, dad, and Josh this year for some incredible gifts filled with thought and kindness.

On the evening of the 15th, I took the train back to Toronto. It was so good to see Don again. It was like I hadn't seen him in months.

The next morning he made me some breakfast and I danced around the living room for almost an hour. He left for work and I played some guitar and sang.

Then to the Sweet Tea practice and the lovely Alexis. I arrived not too hungry ready to take in some sweet tunes. I got to see Alexis again! Alexis just moved to Toronto from Halifax, where she was finishing her degree. She's pretty cool. Kate and Mel played their set list and I played a bit of cajon. I even got to make a little Sweet Tea-style riff on the guitar. Alexis and I started to get a bit hungry and Ingrid arrived. In our group of friends, it's rare for an all-ladies hang to occur, so that was cool.

Alex, Bella and Chris strolled in, and Chris and Bella gifted me with two beautiful plants (which I unfortunately forgot at Kensington house).

I met Drew, and Alexis and I started dinner-ing. Mel joined in and it was a sing-song-filled cooking adventure. I love my friends. The food was groovy and Kate and Ingrid even snuck out to get me two cakes. They lit candles and everyone sang happy birthday and I nearly cried. I feel so grateful and lucky to have the most amazing people ever in my life.

After that, Donny was getting home to gift me with some surprises. I think I'll save the details of that for my next post, though, because it honestly felt like a whole other birthday.

I don't think I've ever had a birthday that I've felt so freaking out-of-this-world lucky and loved on. I am so grateful for my people and my life. Any time I take things for granted, I'll be thinking of this day. I love you all.