Yep.
That’s right.
Yesterday was my 37th Birthday.
So happy birthday, to me.
*Disclaimer*
You should probably know that I was NOT going to post that video. However, I ultimately decided that I should, as per a conversation I had with a very dear friend of mine, Ron, author of the blog, Vent.
And here’s why….
In Ron’s post, he wrote a few things about blogging and why it’s important to stay ‘True To Yourself.’ And quite frankly, he inspired me to be bold.
Here’s an excerpt:
RON: “You unconsciously start grading yourself on how good or bad your posts are by the amount of comments you get. Slowly, you begin to question what you share because you don’t want to lose readers. And then before you know it, you’re not writing your blog to express your voice anymore….you’re tailoring it to your readers; trying to please everyone.”
ME: Oh yes. Been there. Done that. But after five years, I’ve also learned, I can’t possibly please everyone. And now I am back to writing about what I want, when I want to write. If I don’t get a lot of comments on a particular post, that does not equate to failure.
RON: “Don’t ever be afraid to take chances and share topics you assume your readers may not enjoy or initially understand. Because not only will you be denying your voice, but also the chance for your readers to discover something they might have never known.”
ME: I love that. Love that. I have been contemplating about posting a very personal video on my birthday, but I was feeling VERY hesitant about it, because I don’t want my readers to assume I am either conceited, overly narcissistic, or obnoxious, for posting a video of pictures of myself. But after reading this? I feel much more confident about giving it a shot. Thank you, my dear friend. Thank you.
So, I listened to Ron’s advice. And I took a chance. Hope you enjoyed.
* waits nervously for responses *
You should be true to yourself, lady. We would expect nothing less…my wife and I are glad to have (and continue to be making) made your acquaintance here on the Interwebz.
Oh, and I guess we’ll forgive you giving us all the finger. 😉 Or the double finger, as the case is here.
I couldn’t agree with Ron more. I had a similar conversation with our mutual friend not long ago. To borrow from the JG Wentworth commercials (now there’s obnoxious), “It’s Your Blog, Blog About What You Want.” Just continue being yourself, and say what you have to say, for you. We love you just the way you are.
Why wouldn’t you be true to yourself, when you’re SO COOL!
Happy belated, Meleah!
Hope it was a super great one, and the beginning of a wonderful year! 😀
Happy birthday to you 🙂 37 is still way young …
Happy birthday to you 🙂 37 is still way young …
Happy birthday to you 🙂 37 is still way young …
I can’t believe I missed your birthday. You are in for extra spankings when you come up here in November. *tests paddle*
I’m happy that you listened to Ron’s advice and posted the video…I loved it and you!!! <3<3<3
Damn. I missed your birthday again. Did you get the card I didn’t send?
37? Pffft. You’re still a kid in my book. Now stop moping around worrying about 40 and get out there and dance like there’s no tomorrow.
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind. (Dr. Suess)
Okay, first, HAPPY BIRTHDAY my AWESOME fellow Libra friend!!!
(((((( Meleah )))))))
Second, FREAKINFANTABULOUS video!!!! BRAVA! The song was PERFECT! And I just about fell off my chair when I saw the photo of you smoking a cigarette in front of the NO SMOKING sign.
Bwhahahahahahahahahahahaahaha! OMG…that was FLAWLESS, girl!
Thank you so much for sharing this video. LOVED! LOVED! LOVED! IT!
And can I just tell you….you’re such a beautiful lady.
x ya bunches!
I am so glad that you shared it, You are always very real with your words and now you have shared yourself with pictures. I want to have a coffee (or something more fun) with you!
Never be afraid of being yourself here — it will only make me love you more.
Happy birthday, girl. You will rock 37!
🙂
Traci
PS Tell Ron thank you from me!
Happy Birthday!! Hey, you’ve only got two more years to catch up to me: I’m the ‘proverbial’ 39 (I can no longer get away with saying I’m only 29).
Great video! You go girl – flip the bird anytime you like (do they even say, “flip the bird” anymore?).
😉
Happy Birthday kiddo! and I can say that being much older than you…BUT we are as young as we feel inside which means I must be approaching my 97th birthday soon. Hope that you had a great day and if you are ever down my way – the drinks are on me!!
Love the video – I don’t think that there are enough pictures of me to fill 3 seconds worth of footage – you are brave to post it and it was Fabulous – love seeing you and reading your posts!
Dude, I love that video. I’ve loved it since the day you originally posted it. It’s so you, feel free to post it whenever you damn well please. Hell, post it every single day if you’d like, you certainly aren’t going to lose me as a reader. 🙂
I totally agree with Ron! Our blogs should be an extension of us and reflect who we are, not what we think others expect.
I think it’s a great video, technically and the content. I LOVE the last shot 😉
I did something similar, if you remember (My life in photos/Turn Back Time), but didn’t have anywhere near enough photos to do what you did, so had to begin mine as a tiny child. I’m not often in front of the lens 😉
Oh, my gosh I loved the video!! Oh, gosh, I never thought of tailoring my writing and then maybe I would get more comments, geez, I am idiot but then again, you know I say it all over on Lucy’s Reality and it gets me in trouble, a lot LOL. Write for you, it really does feel good, I love getting stuff off my chest and not just vents just writing what’s in my head feels good!
Sorry, I missed your birthday…belatedly, I wish you a Happy Birthday.
WWWWAAAAYYYYYYY CCCCCOOOOLLL. 37 sounds so young to me….hell, 40 sounds young to me.
Frankly, if I looked like you, I would have friggin billboards with my image on it. Again, (as I have asked this before) how is it that your whole family is so good looking??? Isn’t there an ugly duckling in the bunch???
Happy Birthday meleah!!
I missed your birthday? Happy birthday!!!
Love the video. I laughed at several of the photos. It’s very “you,” and I like that. You crack me up. Your buddy, Ron, was right. It’s your blog and no one else’s. I’ve been guilty of not posting things before for fear of how people would react. I shouldn’t.
Happy belated birthday!
37, hmmmm I can remember being 37, just about! Love the photos and the accompanying music 🙂
What a powerful statement. I’m so glad you posted this. So many exquisite aspects of Meleah. You’re a crystal reflecting light of all colors and all so beautiful. Good for you, girlfriend. This past summer, I tossed aside my worry about the expectations of others when I went from posting on schedule every Wednesday and Sunday to a schedule of when-I-feel-like-it and you know what? The readers who like me and like my writing still show up, and that’s great. I’m not about pleasing everyone and Ron is absolutely right about losing your authentic voice when you try to do that. If you write it, I will come, my friend.
And happy birthday. 40 is when I got my bad (size 4) ass really on. It truly does just keep getting better.
Hugs.
Happy birthday! Thanks for the slideshow of the many different flavors of you.
That video was just an affirmation of what those of us who know you, even a little bit and even just virtually, already know about you. You are a gorgeous, generous, kind, warm and funny lady with a loving heart. Conceited, narcissistic and obnoxious are on the list of adjectives that DON’T describe you, not even slightly.
enjoyed…. 🙂 pssst you did have one typo..should have been 27..minor point… 🙂
Great video, Meleah! Celebrate yourself every day!
Happy yesterday B-day! Remember: 37 is the new 27. No. 21. It’s the new 21. Now go party like you’re legal again for the first time!
Don’t worry about it young lady; you’re still quite young, and you look great. I’ve been married for 38 years; I’m the one who feels old sometimes.
Fantastic! Dare to be different? Ha! Dare to be yourself! Especially when yourself looks like that. You go girl! And don’t worry about the numbers.
Aw. Thank you!
I am enjoying getting to know you and Kim too! Y’all rock.
Thank you, Jim!
Thanks, Ferd!
I feel older than dirt!
Deal!
Thanks, Aunt Lynda.
I love you too!
I love that quote.
Thanks Agg.
And I did party/dance my ass off.
And boy did I pay for it the next day!
Thank you, thank you, thank you.
And thank you for giving me the courage to post it here on my blog.
Awwwwww! Thanks StarTraci!
If you are ever in Central NJ, we MUST get together!
I love flipping the bird!
Thank you, Laughing Mom.
Glad to see you’re back to blogging again!
I’ve missed you!
Aw. You’re the best, Nik!
xoxoxo
I’m usually behind the camera too.
I was actually surprised to see how many pictures I have of myself!
And you, Lucy, are the greatest VENTER in all of Blog Land!
Oh Cheryl! You’re too kind!
xoxo
Well, now you’re not allowed to hold back anymore!
Thank you, Lady!
” to a schedule of when-I-feel-like-it”
Amen to that, Jayne! Amen to that.
And amen to no more people pleasing.
That’s my new mantra for 37!
You’re welcome!
Awww!
Thank you, Nicky!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Yeah, if only!!