Hello, 35. Nice to meetcha.

Dear Thirty-Five,

Let’s just get this out of the way: I didn’t like you at first. I’m sorry, it’s true.

But I think it’s because you made me feel anxious. And it’s like when my daughter feels hurt or sad, she lashes out. I heard the sound of you with my name and it scared me. But here’s the thing—I don’t feel any different. I feel good. So you must not be so bad. Remember that show, Thirty-something? Well I don’t. I never watched it because it was for old people. At least they sounded old to me. But now I know. That’s not even close to old. Who knows, maybe if that show was on today I’d watch it. Maybe it would still be lame, but at least it wouldn’t sound so old.

So I’m in my late thirties. Do you know what happened when you and I became one? My beloved Mr. Soucy took the day off work and sent me to Boston. Just for the fun of it. Just me and my book on the train! Just me and myself looking at all those beautiful things at the Museum of Fine Arts. So, Thirty-Five, you can’t be so bad because that was rad.

You know what else? I’m in a good place. It has taken, well, thirty-something years to get here, but I like the feeling of knowing myself—the good and the bad—and loving myself anyway. I like the reality of wisdom and clarity. I’m sure there is more of that to come and I’m looking forward to it. Do you know what else I like? Perspective. I like knowing that things change and hard times come and go and good times are to be embraced and remembered. The seasons are whipping by so quickly these days and if there is a lot of rain, I know to just hang on and the sun will eventually come out. If I can’t go out to my barn and paint, just hang on and eventually I will have the time. There is peace in perspective. It’s hard to be patient, but still. You know what I mean, right?

I just wanted to let you know that I’m glad you’re here. I’m gettin’ all geared up for you, Thirty-Five. Let’s take it one day at a time, one goal at a time. You and me.

With love,



Brittany