So how did that go?

Birthday Month was great! It was a very chill affair, all things considered. Nothing terribly outrageous despite all my scheming. And oh, did I scheme. I wanted to do some Big Four Oh thing while probably inebriated and wearing as little as possible and hitting people with my glittery cane. Because I made it, baby!

But um... I ultimately decided to take it easy.

I had one hell of a damper you don't just "bounce back from" months after it happens. I was told not to do 'shrooms when you're currently the emotional equivalent of a shattered retro laptop that went through USPS. (I'm getting better.) Getting the fuck out of dodge, however? Always a good idea.

I celebrated with another Virgo, and as is tradition we did a lil birthday trip together.

We walked up and down a few mountains, ate apples straight from a tree, and dunked ourselves in freezing cold mountain river water (up to our knees, and then only up to my neck– I'm stubborn). On the way back down we caught a nap next to a creek's broken bridge.

Very chill, extremely relaxing, and the best part? For most of the trip I didn't have cellular service. It was good to unplug (and had the foresight to download the entire state map beforehand).

Once back in town, though, I admit I largely kept to myself. I still saw folx to celebrate more Virgo birthdays. I drank in a lot of the arts, too, from jazz and tea to metal kinetic sculptures.

(...I was so present in the moment I did not take any pictures during the art festival. But I assure you, the month isn't complete without funnel cakes, giant turkey legs, and admiring the talent near and far.)

But I also took a lot of time for Just Me.

I won't be beating the moody allegations anytime soon (not that I'd want to). I'll accept the antithesis of the traditional Bombastic 40th Birthday. Besides, if it's anything like being 30, it just arrives with no fanfare.

It's the year after that's gonna be the kick in the teeth.

It's cool; I'm braced for it.