74!

older but really much the same

Well, ok.

Still here. An old hag, with nothing to hide. Old is good if you have your energy and the will to keep going.  There are stories to be told and hopefully enough days to tell them.   I was on  the porch, grabbing some wood.  Some Bible  folks came by,  I was surprised, out here in the middle of no where, walking up the road in the freezing cold. They said they were here to help me set a goal for 2025.  I said I already have mine.  I would like to stay alive and stay kind.  Told them I had all the story books, the Bible, the Quran, Tao Te Ching, etc.  I have no God,  but I do love stories. And I am fascinated by the many interpretations.  Especially those of Donald Trump.  I was polite and honest, shook their hands and wished them well.  They left rather speechless, but smiling.

once again, sunlight through a cat's ear.

leaning into a darker wisdom.

Another birthday,  not really wanting to celebrate, this being the day, last year when everything got turned upside down.  But then that's a new perspective right? A chance for new eyes.  So here I am,  maybe drawing a line so I can simply cross over.  Begin fresh, shape shift, with a sense that spring is actually coming.  As cold as it is. The light has changed.

the sun came out for 5 minutes

by on
Categories: Birthdays • Tags:
197

197 comments

  2. Jane

    May you journey in this 74th year as wisely and as deeply as you have in the last one! May health, strength, and creative wonder be with you!

    Reply
  4. Irene

    Happy 74th birthday dear Jude! Lovely to see your beaming grin.
    May your new journey round the sun be filled with delight, robust health and creative bliss. xo I

    Reply
  6. Leslie Gardiner

    A very Happy belated Birthday, Jude! I hope your year ahead will be special for you in many ways.
    I love finding your art on an Art Pinterest page ; I can pick yours out often and enjoy them. What I just discovered by chance is that, if I click on the image, I sometimes find another page to look at that has much more of your art. This was a happy discovery!!!!! I wish you many happy discoveries in the year ahead.

    Reply
  10. Claudine en France

    Dear Jude, I wish you a happy birthday. Accompanied by the beauty that surrounds you and that you know so well how to share with us. For so many years that I’ve been reading you, you’ve helped me remember what’s essential in life. Thank you so much for everything.

    Reply
  11. Maja

    Dear Jude – Happy Birthday! You have kept me going for quite a few years now. I turned 81 this year and what I find is that getting older is easier because I have gradually pared my life down to just the essential things that make me happy. Simplicity is the answer to a long and content life. A warm home and a warm animal friend, and the time to be creative are what keep me going. I think you have many years to go!

    Reply
  13. JayJay

    Happy Birthday, Jude! May you create many stories and stitches in the year ahead.

    Love your owl, it’s a great waypoint on our road to wisdom.

    Reply
  14. Cj

    Oh beautiful owl! I’ve always found you so wise. Goddess of learning, solitude and mystery. The feminine, the moon! You’re an amazing woman, thank you for sharing you! Sending a WARM hug!

    Reply
  16. Judy

    ~Hey Jude~ from a 1940s Jude. Your joyful photo, made me smile, it’s beautiful. I’m impressed by how respectfully you engaged with the Bible visitors, we need more of that kind of interaction these days. My wish is that you have a gentle(r) year, you’re on the other side now. Be well Dear Jude.

    Reply
  18. Terry

    Happy Birthday. As always, grateful for your sharing.

    The 19th is my birthday too, 69. I struggled with the happy part this year – did not feel like celebrating given the darkness that seems to be getting worse every day – although, usually, my birthday is a favorite day as it marks my presence and the passage of time unique to me.

    I tried to spend the day gently. Stitchng, walking my dog in the cold as snow fell, staying quiet.

    Reply
  19. Margery

    Happy Birthday, Jude! May your 75th journey around the sun be filled with curiosity, learning, and joy. May you stay amazed! You are always a delightful amazement to me! Today your story about Stories and storytellers filled me with such joy –Kindness in action instead of confrontation. You showed us all how to approach this trickster world. And they were smiling when they left! You are a gift to the world and you give such wonderful gifts. And I leave your post and start the day smiling.
    Thank you!

    Reply
  21. Dewey

    Happy Birthday!! I was noticing the change in light yesterday when I left work . Spring is coming and not soon enough. Sending you birthday wishes and many happy days to tell your stories! Xo

    Reply
  23. Caro

    Happy birthday Jude!
    A OWL showed up…perfect!
    Yes to alive (and healthy) and kind!
    I have a little movie in my head of the scene with the bible people. Cold, snow, people with cloaks and heavy book under arm on the way to your home. The colorful cloth in the wind and your kind reply :-), love it!
    Need lots of those little clips in my head to shut out the madness.
    Thank you and CHEERS to you🥂
    Stay well

    Reply
    • jude

      I am trying to shut out the madness, indeed.
      The little cloth sort of took form from a lot of the comments that were shared when I showed the beginning. A collective form I guess I can call it.

      Reply
  24. Sue Facherty

    Happy Birthday for yesterday beautiful Jude. Tomorrow will be my 73rd and the following day would have been my mum’s birthday. Round and round and round we go. Alive and kind is a good plan 🦉

    Reply
  25. Helen Lee

    Happy birthday for yesterday Jude. Love you lady 💗 So glad to know you.
    Grinning back at you ☺️
    What a great and kind way to engage with the bible folk.
    That Owl though 🤎🦉

    Reply
  26. Christine Duffy

    Good on ya girl, Birthday Blessings from Ireland, Eiriu. I am loving being old, I am so much wiser, happier and more of who I truly am. You are a inspiration, keep on keeping on.

    Reply
  28. Vi

    Hi Jude.
    Here’s to delightful shape shifting, freshness , being alive and kindness..! Happy Birthday, Jude.
    Love the story of your response to attempts to ” help” you setting goals for 2025…that had me really grinning!
    Cheers Jude…It truly is a Newish Year. Happy Birthday once again.

    Reply
  29. Deborah Liversage Sanneh

    Happy birthday Jude! I always enjoy hearing your voice but it’s super lovely to see your face! Keep smiling and telling your stories. You’re beautiful 😍

    Reply
  30. Jane

    Happy Birth day to you dear Jude, I know, it is hard to face them at times. 25 odd years ago – My beloved announced on my 40th bday that he was leaving for greener pastures. Great timing mate! Rip the world from under ones feet. But we get up, dust ourselves down, and get on with the life we face, and it is a great life. Just an experience we went through, tis all. Have a warm day. xxx Jane in Aus

    Reply
    • jude

      I’ve spent much time considering what happened. It’s a long story, I see it more clearly now. Soon I will no longer see it as separate from all that I am and will be.

      Reply
  32. Marilee

    Happy birthday, fellow Aquarian, I just chalked up #86 on the 12th and am feeling pretty good about it. Better than the alternative as some have said.
    Love the smiling photo and your friendly exchange. I bet they were speechless when they left after you giving them something to think about.

    Reply
  33. Deepam Doris Hanz

    Happy Birthday dear Jude❣️ I just had birthday No 75. and do relate. Not such an exiting event anymore. But still here. Still standing. (May be better sitting.) Thank you for sharing and being who you are, Deepam ❤️

    Reply
  35. Amy

    Happy Birthday, Jude! I’ve been thinking of you as I’ve participated in this project, The Witness Quilt, a creation of Louise Silk, a textile artist here in Pittsburgh. She is also age 74. It’s so beautiful to see all the paths and stories weaving together, isn’t it? I also noticed the change in the light today. Sunny at 5 pm! Wishing you many more years, dear Jude.
    https://www.hadassahmagazine.org/2025/01/08/a-fabric-artist-on-quilting-jewish-identity/

    Reply
  37. Suzette

    Happy birthday! You inspire me and your light shines through in spite of the challenging year you have had. Watch for more sunlight in the days to come!!

    Reply
  38. Louise

    Dear Jude:
    Wishing you the very best for your next year, & many more to come!
    From a fellow February baby!
    Take good care,
    from Louise in Canada, though wintering in Florida

    Reply
  40. sharon

    o happy day! can u see the joy-filled faces of all of us ragmates smilin’ back, as u “take a sad song ‘n make it better”? hey, jude… the best is yet to be! love u BIG! x

    Reply
    • jude

      The plow guy is old and forgot my name, I said jude like hey jude and now he remembers. Rolls down the windows in the truck and sings it.

      Reply
  42. Valerianna

    Happy 74! I’ve had interesting conversations with Bible people before, especially when I tell them that God to me is the Goddess and nature is where I worship. Some call me a witch, I’m fine with that. I can be respectful of whatever mythology they want to engage with, so show me the same courtesy. That never goes over well… but I remind them, it’s in the Bible – do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 🤷🏻‍♀️

    Reply
    • jude

      I tried to switch the conversation this time, from belief to interpretation, it went well…we ended up talking about story. One of them told me his wife works at the library as a story teller.

      Reply
  43. Mary Aiton

    Live long and prosper. I turned 75 last year in October and right now I am getting ready to move back from Florida to Colorado. It’s fun and free to be old – the wise woman that no one notices – looking forward to new adventures.
    Happy happy birthday!

    Reply
  44. Victoria W

    Happy birthday! They come around faster and faster these days for me.

    You’re right the light is changing. The plants I bring in to overwinter are beginning to perk up. Even the Clivia (currently living in the basement) is greening up and a new shoot has suddenly appeared. It somehow just “knows” that spring is on the way. Magic!

    Reply
  46. Elizabeth

    Happy Birthday, Jude! Love your smile and attitude. I’m actually just starting to read a book in a book club called “Hagitude” Reimagining the Second Half of Life by Sharon Blackie. I loved the title right away. 💖🎈🎂

    Reply
  50. Henrietta

    Time for a little Joanie Mitchell. Circle Game is what I’m thinking. I was just saying to my kitty today, “at some point you are old, but not today.” We were chasing each other. 74 is 47 backwards. Happy days to come and more.

    Reply
  53. Marilyn Clulow

    I will be 90 in a few months and I would never call myself an old hag, others can say that behind my back and who cares. I am still vibrant, exercise at the gym, do my textile art, on no meds, only vitamins and haven’t seen a doctor in 3 years, they are good with trauma , but not good with advice about diseasepreventionorhealth maintenance. I think you are lovely, you create lovely things and you are strong, look at how well you are coping and doing . Kudos to you, pat yourself on the back, many blessings, you are an inspiration to all and I love your musings 💖👍

    Reply
  54. Bethany Garner

    A very happy and much-loved friend, smiling here above – Happy Birthday, Jude- and do know how much you are bringing us the joy of sharing your next years with us here – we are enjoying every day!
    Take care, stay warm and keep the days that will last for many years close to your heart and to your Solo!!

    Reply
  56. Mary M Kelly-Stobert

    Happy Birthday Jude! Wishing you wellness and contentment as you start your 75th trip around the sun. You are a blessing to us all.

    Reply
  57. Susan Lamb

    Can only see a beautiful face defined by inner wisdom and outward creativity. I pray the lord gives you many more years in which to charm us with your talent and humour. Happy birthday.

    Reply
  59. Bogi

    Another year around the Sun! 🌞It is special!!! Wishing you many more happy years to come, so you can tell more stories, and write even more beautiful stories through your cloth and art. Lots of love and virtual hugs from a soul to soul! Happy Birthday!💕

    Reply
  61. Catherine Russell

    Happy birthday Jude. You are such an inspiration to me – to follow the ideas that pop into my head and see where they lead me. To listen to my own voice. And I love hearing what pops into your head.

    Catherine

    Reply
  62. Jana

    Lovely to see your birthday face! (I turn 72 this Friday). And that quilt from the back looks like a stained glass window. Gorgeous. I don’t know why, but I was so surprised to see the piece that turned into the owl – wow! Dark wisdom is deeply sourced. Happy birthday!

    Reply
  64. Heather S

    Happiest of Earth rotations to you, and a sunny day for it too! May we all live long enough to get old and and completely used up. Looks like you have plenty of use left. Hood job with the religious folks. I am usually not that patient.

    Reply
  65. Pam S.

    Is the 3rd time to say happy birthday a lucky charm? 😁 Happy Birthday Jude! 💙💙💙 and many more!
    You’re my inspiration… if I have half as much energy and spunk to speak my mind as you do when I turn 74 in 10 years I will count myself lucky! Keep going 💪

    Reply
  67. Joe Madl

    Happy Hag’s Day! 🎉❤️ Much Happiness and Love to the mostest of the Most! Love you, Old Thing! Stick around and become the Oldest Thing filled with Joy! 🤩😍😻

    Reply
  72. Deb VZ

    Happy birthday Jude! What a difference a year makes…but as you said, you are still you…for which I’m grateful. May the remainder of your day be peaceful with some joy thrown in. (Your wise owl is just utterly perfect.)

    Reply
  73. Jen

    As long as we can smile, be kind, gather wood, carry water, share stories– it’s good to be a crone, an “old hag”
    Love your big beautiful smile, Jude! Many Happy and healthy returns of the day– whether, or how, we choose to celebrate another circle!
    Spring is not that far off ( right? Right??!) and that is certainly something to celebrate, yeah!
    It is cold again, & I am indoors sorting cloth.
    You have stepped through a new portal, ( a whole year since…whew!)
    Welcome!
    💖💖💖

    Reply
  78. Gail Nichols

    Happy Birthday Jude and the best year yet!! Loved your visit with the Bible people, perfect. And polite. I usually just say ‘no thank you’ and close the door. Your response so much better.

    Reply
  79. Lynda Merry

    Happy Birthday Jude! Love the photo of you smiling, and how you have described your intentions for this day and the coming year. You are one of the most resilient people I know. My mom shared your birthday and would have turned 90 today. She would have been in total disbelief of that number!
    Love to you💕
    Lynda

    Reply
  82. Nancy

    Happy Birthday Jude!! Yes, if you have your energy, and health too. I’m so happy for you that you do and you continue to come and tell your story.
    Really love the way this cloth has turned…beautifully wise old owl. From an empty (?) Anywhere Door to the Wisdom Years. Some lines are meant to be crossed.
    xo

    Reply
  83. Kathryn

    Happy Birthday Jude
    May all the following years be filled with kindness and joy for you.
    Enjoy you, you are the whole point of your life.
    Sending love from my heart to yours.

    Reply
  84. Judy Sall

    Many happy returns of the day! You’re still younger than me by 3+ years! The way I see it, I’m above ground, still healthy (a real surprise, considering the lousy family health history!) and still enjoying the heck out of the creative process. I hope this will be a good year for you in all respects!

    Reply
  85. Debra A Price Agrums Sposa

    Happy Birthday Jude! So happy the sun is shining for you today. I’d love to see a photo of the quilt you have hanging from the front side, can’t remember if I’ve seen this one before. And you look amazing, love seeing your smiling face.

    Reply
  86. Ksozgirl

    Happy birthday Jude. I wish for you the best year ever! Your esthetic and gentleness are positive effects in an increasingly troubled and dark world. When I see your art I look away from the abyss rather than stare into it. What more could one want than a life well loved?

    Reply

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