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Celebration of Appreciation

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Today, March 13, is my Birthday!

3/13/39—wonderful string of “3-based” numbers.
According to some sources,
13 is powerful number for women.

It was on my 60th birthday, March 13,
I joined a commercial company’s group of 27 women
To bike across the U.S.
Powerful in a way I’d not known possible.
I discovered biking brings me into
My experience of Personal Peace.
Still does.

Today I am 85 years old.
Unbelievable to me,
Since my inside self is much younger,
Maybe forty.
Or some days, about four.

What a privilege to have this time!

To live long and get to interact with
Very adult children.
And the “Grans” are grand.

To live long and learn to NOTICE.
Notice the quirks, loveable synchronicities,
Breadth of ways of Being.

To live long and know value
In trying to view life through
My internal “Gratitude Prism.”

Oh yes, there is my lower level of stamina,
Wrinkles and sags,
Thinning hair and a slowing gait.

Days of running through memories,
Thinking of long ago,
And how much slid past my awareness.

The current times of grayness and low light when
My own unwillingness to be active
Pulls me into periods of deep discouragement.

Still for me, there is this extended possibility
For appreciation.
Perhaps the slowing down fosters
Appreciation.

I’m grateful to be able to tell you,
Today I am 85 years old!

I look forward to more time for      
Appreciating.

Hugs,
Lin

Limerick:

So many years now long behind her,
She seeks an apt birthday reminder.
“View what you may see
“As best it can be.”
Who knows what adventures may find her!

2020
2014
1956
2020
1991
1942
2000
Lin Bruce
 

Lin McLaughlin Bruce uses stories of her cross-country bicycle adventures post age 60 to inspire and encourage people to reach beyond perceived limitations. In her words, "It's never too late to say 'yes' to bigger things!"

Jerri - March 13, 2024

Happy birthday, Lin! What an inspiration you are. Your testimonies, encouragement, and limericks make me smile. Let’s ride together this summer sometime–I’ll be back in the heartland for a spell then. Happy happy!

Marian McKone - March 13, 2024

Happy Birthday Lin! You inspire me. I am grateful that our paths cross and for the energy you share with all of us.
Be blessed.

Linda - March 13, 2024

Many Happy Returns! That smile has brought warmth to the world for for 85 years! Lucky for us all!

Connie Allen - March 13, 2024

Happy Birthday!

Shari Lehman - March 13, 2024

Happy birthday, Lin! Your honest and wholesome perspective on living a long life are truly inspirational. Thanks for sharing your views. I appreciate you. Have a good day!

Shari

Patsy Dew - March 13, 2024

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Lin!

Loved what you wrote, and am so glad I took time to look at the pictures today. So special to see you through the ages, and even more wonderful to have known you for more than half of those!

Love,
Patsy

    Lin Bruce - March 15, 2024

    It is an honor to be known by you, Patsy, over all these years! Thank you…

Doug F - March 13, 2024

Happy Birthday Lin! Congratulations on the journey so far!

Great post today, very reflective and relatable. Wisdom in there, too. Just like most of your posts.

May the road rise up to meet you, today and evermore!

Jane McWilliams - March 13, 2024

As we used to say, “Many Happy Returns of this Special Day”, Lin! As always, your post was thoughtful and inspiringl today and Like Patsy, I love the dedades of photos.

    Lin Bruce - March 15, 2024

    Thank you, Jane! Time flies, doesn’t it. Grateful for our shared bank of sweet memories!

Maggie - March 13, 2024

Happy Birthday!!!

Alan Johnson - March 13, 2024

Lin, welcome to the 85 club where we live at warp speed. Thank you for words that encourage and direct me to enjoy the offering of each day. Your pics took me back to Cheyenne High days. Alan

Barb - March 13, 2024

Have a wonderful birthday, enjoy this beautiful weather! Your soul is a very special one!❤️🙏

Jackie Bailey - March 13, 2024

Happy birthday, Lin! I am honored to know you, and to be one of the many people you’ve touched along your journey. Keep riding and feeling free!

Hope - March 14, 2024

Another great post Lin. I love the photos. Yes you can.
Hope

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