Tuesday, March 1, 2011

23 years

When I was seventeen I imagined myself at twenty-three to be an independent woman. I was going to be an artist in one way or another. I was going to be a writer or a starving writer at the very least. A cliche in a studio apartment with packs of Parliament Lights aside my trusty laptop. I was going to be in love with a boy by then, I knew that much, because I always am. I was going to be stylish and clever and cut through the world with my own rules.
I'm twenty-three today.

I made myself a writer, in whatever way I see fit.
I suppose you can call me an artist...

I'm definitely in love with a boy...

I suppose some days I'm clever, when the coffee is brewed right. Stylish, when the hours are favorable.

I didn't expect twenty-three to look QUITE like it does right now. I guess I've cut through the world with my own rules. Ever changing, ever evolving.

Today I am twenty-three.

My body has changed and so has my heart, both better and worse for the wear. Softer, some seams fraying, some spots calloused and worn, some hairs out of place. I have my health, I have my mind, I have some dance moves tucked away for a special occasion. I have friends older and new, silver and gold. I have a song or two. I'm still singing...

Today I am twenty-three.

And I still recognized the face in the mirror this morning.

12 comments:

Juli said...

Holy crap I can't believe how young you are! happy birthday!! Your words are incredibly profound and elegant for a just-turned-23 year old! Jack is a lucky boy to have such an awesome mommy :)

Adriana said...

whaaaat? You are making me feel OLD, mama! Happy birthday!

Chelsea said...

great post. You are SUCH a great writer!

<3

Unknown said...

Happy Birthday! 23 is such a great age, no matter where you are in life.

Yeah, I feel pretty old now. Especially since I am turning 34 tomorrow. But, go Pisces! We're the best! Haha.

TucsonScene.com said...

Happy Birthday! Great post, great song selection, and loved the vid with all the vintage campers. Sounds like SOMEONE needs a vacay. ;)

Elizabeth said...

I've been following your blog for a couple of months and have felt some kind of connection to you. Like we're in similar places in our lives. I'm about to be a new wife and new mom and I have a feeling that my take on both of those things will be similar to what I've read here.
Anyways, I wanted to comment today because I noticed that we have the same birthday. Very cool!
Hope you're having a good one!

Charlotte said...

23! Happee Birthday!

Amanda said...

Thanks for the birthday wishes everybody! You guys made my day.

@Elizabeth- I can't tell you how much I enjoyed reading your comment. Congrats on the new wife and motherhood! And Happy Birthday to YOU!

Rashel said...

I cannot believe you are only 23! Happy belated birthday and thanks for the face smack that I am old :)

Ashley said...

Happy birthday! I loved this post. Your writing is amazing.

NOELLE ALOUD said...

This is an awesome birthday post. Happy day!

Amanda said...

Thanks everybody! You guys make me happy :)