Happy Birthday, Princess Di!

July 1, 1955

LOOK AT THAT FACE!

55 years young!

FIFTY-FIVE!

SERIOUSLY!

Our Princess Di shares the same birthday as the late Princess Di of Wales (although Princess Di of Wales was born in ’61). Our Diana was not born into royalty, but rather, her title of Princess was bestowed upon her by dear family and friends.  For her 50th Birthday surprise party, I bought her a tiara that she lovingly passed to me last year for my 40th. I do believe I should pass it back. No other Princess looked so beautiful at 55.

Her youthfulness can be attributed to many factors. Young at heart though achy in body—seriously, I’m not just talking elderly hip pain—Diana could get lost in dress-up, tea parties, Barbie Dolls and tree houses. She’s drawn to things of beauty, whimsy and art. Like her father—a locally known artist—she’s gifted in painting. With the whisk of her hand, she’s created murals in her home. She has a knack for decorating and can literally turn discarded items into home decor. Rarely is she seen not fully dressed with carefully matched accessories and face and hair equivalent to the pictures in fashion magazines.

Diana is neurotic (self admitted) about health, vitamins and exercise. It’s taken me all of the ten plus years I’ve known her to finally surrender to the purchasing of various omega 3 oils. Well, the need to purchase. I’ve yet to purchase. I’m sometimes a slow learner. I’d take a picture of the bottom of my feet to show you why I was once told during a spa pedicure that I am in desperate need of omega 3 oils. But this isn’t about me. And you’re welcome.

Diana is not only careful about what foods she eats (well, except for her weekly Friday cheat day in which she will devour her favorite food—pizza) but she is also a connoisseur of facial lotions, potions and cocktails. Ever looking for the latest skin care product for puffy eyes (listen, no one is perfect) or fine lines (insert magnifying mirror here; otherwise, you won’t detect them) as well as make-up products for the perfect glow, she is my go-to guru for all things important to female beauty. Diana has gone to the extreme to preserve her beauty. No longer does she drink with straw in order to discourage those tiny lip lines from drawing in.

But her number one beauty secret. . . You heard it here first! Drum roll, please . . . Vaseline! Your grandmother was right! Soft, supple skin can be found at the price of a nightly smear of Vaseline. The pictures don’t lie, people.

Diana’s love for Christ and heart for the lost and hurting is reflected through her inner beauty. Regardless of her own circumstances, pain or turmoil, she gives 110% when I am hurting or in need. She loves deeply with intense emotion. There is no question or doubt when she shows up by my side in crises. She truly rejoices when I rejoice and weeps when I weep. No words could pen what this has meant to me of late in the midst of trying circumstances in my life. A person of ongoing sleep issues, she willingly gave up sleep and ran to my side in my dark hour. Drained physically and emotionally she also recently aided in my own stress relief with a killer massage and then cracked a rib while trying to crack my back. Go ahead and snicker. It’s absurd. The idea of her rib cracking rather than my back. Love, my friends. Love. And she refused to complain that day while on mission with me.

There’s so much more that I could say about this woman. Our girls’ nights out are the best, recharging me to keep going. Movies, eating out, talking, laughing, shopping, Diet Coke, popcorn, more talking and more laughing—she is often my reprieve from life’s weariness. Nanna Di to more than just her own grandchildren, she gives fully with each act of love. Her humor is an added bonus to my life. If you know her on facebook, well, you know.

She may embrace each year through gritted teeth, but she does it with grace. For months I have barely contained my excitement over her 55th birthday. And I’ll tell you why. Senior Citizen discounts on DIET COKE! It’s the little things in life, people! Unfortunately, we have discovered that Senior Citizen discounts vary from age 50-65. To think of the possible discounts we’ve missed over the past five years! We’ll proudly ask all manner of food establishments (and be sure we already have at least once) what age they honor Senior Citizen discounts while they look questionably at us. I say “we” and “us” as if I share her age with her although I’m fourteen years her junior. *Insert reminder of age difference here. You know I love to pick, Di.

Diana, I’m looking forward to our girl’s night out birthday celebration. And discount Diet Cokes, of course. No, yesterday’s visit here with me while Nannysitting does NOT count! Especially since you bought the pizza. And helped Nannysit. With a cracked rib.

I came across this photo of you the other day. This was taken nearly four years ago just after Sophie’s birth. You look like a young girl. So beautiful! Basking in the joy you shared with me over Sophie’s birth. Sniff, sniff . . .

I’m so thankful for your hugs, laughs, tears and prayers. Your friendship is priceless! A certain song has come to mind in honor of your 55th birthday. Well, first it was I Can’t Drive 55, but that’s hardly appropriate for a 55th birthday celebration.

More Beautiful You by Johnny Diaz was far more fitting.

[youtube vXSkd8apbWM&feature More Beautiful You]

Happy Birthday, Princess Di!

There could never be a more beautiful you!

I love you more than Diet Coke!

The President of your fan club & Loyal Subject