My birthday is this Thursday. I will be 34. The big three four. I'm okay with turning 34. I don't look as young as I used to. In fact, just in the last 5 years, I think I've aged a lot. I've been through quite a bit though. I moved to a new state. Had a horrible work experience. Moved into a new house. Got married. Found out I couldn't birth babies. Chose a valve for my heart. Found out I could birth babies, but that it would be a major hassle. Had heart surgery. Became a mother. Lost my grandmother. And a bunch of stuff in between.
Mostly, I am happy. There are some personal things that I want to work on, but really I have a great life. 34 is going to be good. I'm going to make sure of it.
For more self portraits go HERE!
What a beautiful picture!!
Congratulations on successfully navigating the waters that got you this far - happy birthday!
Posted by: LeS | July 18, 2006 at 10:34 PM
Happy Happy Birthday! I think you look gorgeous! Not a day over 24!
Posted by: shannon | July 18, 2006 at 10:40 PM
You young pup. You haven't even reached 35, where you get the major blues!
Posted by: Johnny | July 18, 2006 at 10:40 PM
You are just so cute! Love your green eyes! And NO crows feet! Woo Hoo for you!
;) LORI
Posted by: Photographer Lori | July 18, 2006 at 11:05 PM
Happy bday Michele! You look great and have come so far. I hope Ray treats you to something special on your big day.
Posted by: Ashley | July 18, 2006 at 11:56 PM
happy happy birthday to you!
Posted by: joy madison | July 19, 2006 at 12:20 AM
Happy Birthday to you! You have a lot of blessings to celebrate! And the photo is awesome, too.
Posted by: Miriam | July 19, 2006 at 01:18 AM
Happy Birthday!
This picture is fabulous. The last 5 years do sound like they could have been a little crazy... Here is to being 34!
Posted by: Georgia | July 19, 2006 at 01:48 AM
You look amazing. And 34 is the age I'd choose to be again if I could. It rocked.
Posted by: Jo | July 19, 2006 at 04:51 AM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, pretty lady!
Posted by: Schnozz | July 19, 2006 at 05:24 AM
What a great picture! Happy Birthday tomorrow!
Posted by: Jessi | July 19, 2006 at 08:14 AM
Happy Birthday! I've never noticed that your eyes are green! Those are so beautiful! And you are younger than me!
Posted by: spacemom | July 19, 2006 at 10:13 AM
The beautiful face of a 34 year old woman.
One of the things I like about you is that you do not catalogue the
things you've been through - this is the first time I've seen what it's all added up to. I'm proud of you for that. So many seem to relish each and every hurdle rather than celebrate the life in between.
Happiest of days to you my friend.
Posted by: blackbird | July 19, 2006 at 10:30 AM
Happy Birthday on Thursday! Woot woot - 34! You really do look quite young you know. The green of your eyes is so purty. I'm 34 sister, and you look much fresher than than I do. Here's to a wonderful year.
Posted by: shelly | July 19, 2006 at 11:07 AM
Happy 34!! Look forward to celebrating with you.
Posted by: Figlet | July 19, 2006 at 11:24 AM
A beautiful picture for a beautiful attitude!
Posted by: Jeremy Stockwell | July 19, 2006 at 01:28 PM
Happy birthday Love.
Kisses from me and Bill Miller
Posted by: The Aitch | July 19, 2006 at 04:56 PM
My, you have such beautiful skin! Really, happy birthday girlie.. here's to the best of em!
Happy B-day sweets!
Krista
Posted by: KJB | July 19, 2006 at 06:36 PM
Great photo - Happy Birthday for tomorrow!
Posted by: Debberoo | July 19, 2006 at 07:10 PM
Happy birthday to you!!!! Have a great day. Aren't birthdays wonderful? I just love 'em....mine, my husband's, friend's. They are great!!! Have a good one.
Posted by: Sparky | July 19, 2006 at 08:24 PM
And I'm back to say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!"
Posted by: Jo | July 20, 2006 at 05:41 AM
happy birthday!
Posted by: jacks | July 20, 2006 at 08:23 AM
I am late to the party--as usual. I hope it was a good one you gorgeous young woman you!
Posted by: Tracie | July 22, 2006 at 11:01 PM