The Gift of Being Happy, With or Without a Handyman

Yesterday was my birthday.

In the early, way to early morning, I drove French Husband to the train station, he will be away for several days on business.
When French Husband asked (over the last several weeks) what I wanted for my birthday I said:

1) That I wanted to go clothes shopping for him since that last time he went clothes shopping was 1969.

2) And I wanted a handy man… for the house.

We he balked, "I have clothes. I can fix what needs to be fixed…" I kissed him, ran to the car and waved goodbye saying, "Shopping for you when you come home. Happy Birthday to me."

Happy.

Very happy, to be happy, for the want of nothing….except a handyman for the house…. and in the end if French Husband doesn't want to go shopping he can run around naked and I won't mind.

————————————–

Locket-pin-French

Thank you for your birthday wishes I am going to wear them all year long.

I heard over and over throughout your comments the truth of happiness. When asked "What was one of your fondest birthday memories?" Many of you did not say it was "something" but more it was "someone": The gift of feeling loved.
Those loving memories that your shared are indeed the best gift, and a gift that gives forth.
Thank you for sharing your happiness with the readers of Tongue in Cheek and with me.

The out of the hat winner is: Mmd. Tortoise

"A favourite birthday happens to be my 53rd. It involves a boyfriend from 32 years previous and red french silk beret.

I was 20 when he rode his motorcycle into the side of the hospital
where I was a student nurse. He sustained serious injuries to his
shoulder, and fortunately I was able to ensure he received extra
special care.

It seems he never forgot that, even though we only saw each other a few times once he left the hospital.

Thirty two years later, he heard I was undergoing chemotherapy and he
managed to find me via email. Shortly after, from San Francisco he came
because he wanted to be a part of the group who were caring for me. He
arrived on my 53rd birthday bearing the gift of not only himself, but
also that of the most beautiful red French silk beret for my bald head.
On it went, and off we went to the home of dear friends for a
celebration of my 53rd"



Comments

32 responses to “The Gift of Being Happy, With or Without a Handyman”

  1. Marie-Noëlle Roland

    Here is a song I like and it matches the title
    of your post:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHFDa9efCQU
    Have a good happy day !!!

  2. Belatedly, Bonne Fete! You were a proper little princess, and now you are the Queen of the Blogs!

  3. jend’isère

    You are the worthy winner, Mmd. Tortoise

  4. Corey, Corey, Corey…you hit the nail on the head, (pardon the pun) but, what wouldn’t I give to have my very own handyman. My husband can do anything but never has the time..
    Hope you had a wonderful Birthday.

  5. I’m glad you had a nice birthday. I drank a glass of champagne with my lunch in your honour. I very much enjoy your blog, which makes me happy every day. Have a wonderful first day of the rest of your life today!

  6. Congratulations to Mmd. Tortoise, beautiful story, just how wonderful that the boyfriend, found her, and wanted to repay her..How very caring, and with the Beret 🙂

  7. Natalie Thiele

    I agree. Mmd. Tortoise’s story really touched my heart as well.
    All stories were fun. Interesting to see the personalities of “Tongue and Cheek” followers.

  8. Ed in Willows

    Corey !! are you obsessed with the number “53” ? Stop rushing it……..it will be here before you know it. LOL

  9. Ooooh! Happy Birthday Corey!!! I missed yesterdays blog … making art or something.
    Here, I have a big bunch of virtual flowers for you – they’re your favorites! Can you smell them? They have the most wonderful scent and last forever too! Kisses of light to you new friend xx Katiebell.

  10. As always, I am late with birthday wishes! Happy Belated! You are the very best, and deserve every happiness you have! And…french husband running around naked? Best gift of all….

  11. HA! The idea of FH running around naked caught my attention!
    I’m so glad you read that you are happy. What a wonderful gift.
    Again, Happy Birthday.

  12. I told my husband about getting a handyman, as he also thinks he can do it all and then it doesn’t always get done.
    What a precious story of the red beret. She definitely deserved to win.

  13. If your husband played handyman while naked…now THAT would be a gift!

  14. Happy Belated Birthday!!!!!!1

  15. Enjoy your day! Off to San Luis Obispo with family!

  16. cynthia Wolff

    Happiness truly is a feeling of contentment…of not wanting..of feeling grateful..of being in the present moment and knowing that is enough..
    In todays LA Times, there was an article on how celebraties “GetTheir Glow” It talked about expensive face creams,facials,makeup, but no mention of contentment and being happy with who you are…Now that is a glow that no cream,lotion or potion can produce..

  17. Happy Belated, Corey! Thank you for writing this lovely blog. You have a wonderful voice.

  18. Get French husband a tool belt and nothing else****

  19. For Mmd. Tortoise – love heals all wounds. God bless you!!

  20. OoPs & HaPpY BeLAtEd BiRtHdAy CoReY!
    (i forget my age too)

  21. Hope you had a splendid birthday!!! Love the great story from Mmd. Tortoise too!

  22. Denise Solsrud

    i think birthdays are very special to women, so keep on celebrating. Bestest,Denise

  23. Happy Belated Natal Day!!!!! You spring chick!
    The story of the red beret so deserved the prize. Life is full of wonder.
    Enjoy your celebratory weekend as well!
    annie

  24. Cynthia Rieth

    there must be something about the date 9 months ago – my cousin’s birth was 45 year ago and my 2nd cousin once removed was 13 years ago – I just found out I have 4 “cousines” due in July and August – have been searching diaper cakes for all – but something french for the bebes could be much more appropriate! What do they do for French baby showers? Am feeling sad with lots of snow in central Ohio and a 59 year old Cleveland husband who sleeps too much – will trade for 40 year old French husband and 19 year old who will shovel snow! Happy B-day and thanks for bringing joy to my days! Cindy

  25. I am late, very very late for your birthday. Happy Birthday Corey. xxx

  26. Corey,
    “Very happy to be happy, for the want of nothing…” What a beautiful expression! I hope your year ahead will be as spectacular as you are!! It is such a joy to get to share a little part of life with you through your blog. You have made me smile – even laugh out loud (a huge compliment in my book!) – shed tears at times, and always you have made me look at life in a fresh, new way with much gratitude for the gift of life and the joy in the journey. Should I be lucky enough to finally get to take my long-dreamed-about trip to France, I hope I have the chance to meet you. You are a joy!
    Wishing you birthday blessings!
    Evelyn

  27. Oh happiest day you young thing. I turned 58 in December. I wish I was 53.

  28. Oh Corey, me too. Isn’t to want for nothing amazing? Congratulations to Mmd. Tortoise, a worthy winner.

  29. Happy birthday for yesterday Corey… I hope you had a beautiful day with your beautiful family… x x

  30. Happy Birthday, dear Corey!!!

  31. I’m awfull late… but… I believe that wishes can reach into the past and do their work regardless, so Happy Birthday!!! and lots of happy things and adventures… until the next one! “I see a look of destiny about you!”

  32. being happy means many things, happiness lies in how you see your life, and from that point of view, I enjoy reading articles about it, thanks for sharing information

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *