The Arrival of the Birthday Queen

The Queen and her Pudding Knave:  8/12/2009

The Queen & The Tale of Orange Mandarin Cake

I love being a Queen; even if it's just in my mind.  I must say that I have this attitude because of my parents.  They made me feel like a princess.  In those days, dark-skinned babies just weren't cute.  "Black" was ugly; the doll studies said so.  I was dark chocolate with black, curly hair.  My mom thought I was beautiful from the moment she set eyes on me.  I had my daddy wrapped, too.  My mother always dressed me like a gorgeous little doll.  We didn't have much, but she didn't let us know that.  My father spoiled me rotten.  His love made home, for me, a palace.  He was my first hero.  His death was hard on us.  And now, my brothers treat me like royalty.  Each one has such a special place in my heart.  They make me feel very loved and special and each one will do everything he can to help me if I ask.

Last year, I told the story of my life through the eyes of the Birthday Queen (BDQ).  The Queen, because I am so blessed and feel treasured, "rules" her loyal subjects with love and kindness.  Yet, as in every Queendom, there are an unruly few!  Knaves who want to usurp the throne can't be stopped at the mote.  Many of my friends and family went along with the game and made me feel so special by playing in my world.  One friend wished me happy birthmonth all month long!!  An August baby herself, we exchanged hellos and good wishes each day.  Friends smiled and many laughed out loud (I'm told) at the Queen's antics.  And so the queen reigned.  From then and forevermore, the Birthday Queen appears the first day of each August and reigns until midnight August 31.

The Queen, this year, changed.  The picture leading the blog is 2009's Queen.  The second image reflects today's Queen.  And changes have only begun!  The Queen is stronger, more self-satisfied and definitely happier.  The new Queen is met with much support and encouragement!  In four short days, the Queen will be a year older, a decade wiser, and at least 26 pounds lighter.  She has already been given wonderful gifts; tangible ones like the new Zumba suit and new jeans.  The intangible gifts are invaluable; the "atta girl" high fives and generous compliments are priceless!  If nothing else is said; if no more gifts are received, the Queen has already had the best birthday celebration ever!  Through the BDQ, Lynette, lives well and loves!

and away we go...