Sunday Reflections: Remember Bilbo's Birthday?

It's the eve of the first day of my 28th year... and, as it seems to be the M.O. lately, I'm pooped!

Rather than go into the details of my day, I've been thinking about our friend J.R.R. Tolkien and his take on the hobbit customs concerning birthdays. Instead of others giving gifts to the birthday boy or girl, the celebrated hobbit offers gifts to his/her family, friends, and acquaintances. I've always thought that this is a brilliant idea... Yes, yes, it's good to be alive and I appreciate that people spoil me and honor my life and interests, but my life would not be what it is without the people in it and their own lives moving alongside mine.

Without specifics, I'm thinking of what I would give to the people in my world... not so much because of things that they may want, but because of the spirit that the things may represent.

I'd find a book... something that offered both an escape as well as validation for feelings, experiences, pains, and victories. Something that would cause one to read until he or she fell asleep in bed... something that made that person want to rise a bit earlier the next morning to continue the story. What was that book that moved one in childhood and made him or her wish the tale would continue indefinitely? I want to find a story that will capture the same awe, the same sense of identity, the same sense of inspiration...

There should also be a song... some sort of music. I can't think of too many other elements of human creativity that speaks louder to the soul, to the heart rhythm of every individual. Remember the first few songs of one's life that he or she had to sing to, hear again and again, a song one couldn't help but quote while talking to a friend? I'm looking for something that resonates with those esoteric fibers in the being, something that reminds a person of who he or she is and makes the spirit lift with magic and self-acknowledgment.

I also would prepare a meal... the kind that quiets a room. Everyone is so preoccupied tasting everything that went into the mix... every spice, every juice, every subtle flavor combining so succinctly into an experience. A meal that one remembers. Something that reminds one of how good it is to be alive, to have taste buds, to be in this room with this company and sustaining one's body on such food.

If I could, I'd find a jewel... a rock, a gemstone, a vile of water... and I would find a way to make it easy to carry this object wherever one may go. Something with some weight, but not so much that it's a burden. Something with significance to a specific person that reminds one both of the self as well as the love that surrounds him or her. Something that serves as a physical reminder that one is remembered, loved, needed, admired, and thought of daily.

Lastly, I want to offer a plant. This can represent so many things, but the goal, within the birthday custom, would be to symbolize a relationship. It takes care, time, and patience to help a plant to grow. Some plants require more or less attention than others... and I'll find the one that best remarks on us. Something that survives the necessary in-between times, and thrives as though no time was ever lost when one can return and tend to it. Something that changes with the seasons in appearance... just as relationships must grow and evolve. This may sound like a delicate process, but never fear. As much neglect as my plants have suffered and still live on, surely our togetherness can brave the winters, too.

Happy Birthday, to all my nearest, dearest, and influential people. May you be presented with the sort of gifts that remind you of you, how indispensable you are, and your unique beauty.