Off to Neverland!

Although many people do not look forward to certain birthdays because of the dreaded number announcing a new decade of life, I have tried to stare the big 4-0 right in the eyes reminding myself that it is only a number.  I love the thought that “you are only as old as you feel”, and since I still feel like a young, spry 20 something year old, 40 isn’t too bad.  Plus it helps that when people find out I am moving into a new decade, they think I am turning 30…talk about a boost to my ego...hehe.

Welcoming in the new decade started a few days early.  Several friends of ours met up to hear another friend sing Great American Songbook standards.  Not only did my friends come bearing cards, gifts & best wishes, but my singing friend gave me a Happy Birthday wish in between songs.

For my actual birthday, Ken took off the day from work and surprised me with a weekend get-away to a wine region about 2 ½ hours north of LA.  We stopped in Santa Barbara for lunch and time to check out the charming old town before driving on to the most amazing bed & breakfast I have ever experienced.  An adults only retreat, each of the 6 guest rooms are outfitted from top to bottom including furniture, murals, lights and sounds to a specific theme.  We were off to Neverland in our pirate themed room.  Located at the top of the Victorian mansion, it truly gave us the feel of sleeping in the captain’s quarters of a pirate ship with our “bunk” tucked under its angled roof and the sounds of ocean waves filling the room interspersed sporadically with cannon fire.  I expected to see Captain hook walk through the door at any moment.

Upon entering the room, I felt overwhelmed as I saw rose petals delicately sprinkled along the walkway and spread across the bed as well as a gorgeous bouquet of 12 red roses encircling 1 white rose, chilled champagne and chocolates.  The second day, a gigantic balloon bouquet arrived to our room adding to the festive environment. Prior to our trip, Ken gathered cards, letters, pictures, and even videos from friends across the globe which left me laughing, crying, and humbled that such sweet people are a part of my life.

During our stay, we toured local vineyards, tasted flavored honey from the area, had a couples massage by 2 ladies who came to our room, watched one of our themed movies (“Pirates of the Caribbean” of course), plunged into our giant hot tub, and just enjoyed some relaxation time together.   I couldn’t have asked for a more memorable way to bring in my 40s than to play like a kid in our pirate ship while looking back fondly over the memories created with dear friends & family!