Pay-it-forward birthday

As I wrote, yesterday was my 34th birthday. And, somehow the predictions from the year in an earlier post are coming true, though not intentionally on my part. I am becoming more introspective. I also hope that I am ramping up my generosity and general goodwill towards man (even after the Christmas season).

I decided this year was going to be a pay-it-forward birthday.
First:
All of my bday money will be donated to the pay-it-forward goal of a wonderful Mama. I started reading her blog some time last year, after she was featured on an AOL something-or-other and was instantly hooked. I now read her blog daily and she doesn't even write a new post every day. She is an inspiring woman, wife, mother, photographer and all around human being. In addition, my wonderful brother (yes, it's written down now. can't take it back) and his beautiful wife will be having a little one with "Designer Genes" in March. Jackson will be amazing. I have no doubt. And because, he and Nella will have this commonality, I get an even warmer and fuzzier feeling when I know that my money, money I have no need for, will provide them opportunities to do whatever they want in life. Yay for NDSS.
Second:
The only fun thing I did for myself was schedule a hairdo. It's gotten really long and I thought, "What better thing to do on my birthday than donate it to the Locks of Love." I was one inch too short. Ugh, bummer. I even looked for others and found one that would have given me 2 inches to spare...no permanent die. For real? So, alas, that donation will wait for another day, but it will happen and I will link it to this birthday.
Third:
I did visit the ultra nice, not-so-inexpensive yarn shop. I bought some really pretty yarns. I plan to give it ALL away once it has reached it finished product. Why? Why not?

I hope I can keep doing this all year, this year of my internal personal development. It feels good and I like feeling good. I've also thought about starting some sort of business with screen printing or making items that say "Designer Genes." Would it be fun to have a special munchkin, child, adolescent who could flaunt what makes them special? I would love to do this and then give proceeds to NDSS. Then I could partner with various therapies and have shirts that say things like, "Music Therapists love Designer Genes." :)
It's still a work in progress, but the ball is a-rolling...Watch out world!

...add a dash of new adventures

...and my year is off! During my national conference in December, I was inspired by many of the music therapists I have known for several years. They're amazing men and women who are pushing the boundaries and sharing their knowledge with the world. So I decided to throw my hat into the ring, as well. Since I spend so much of my time in the world of research, I decided to see if there was a niche out there for me. *Poof* I have created a new website that will hopefully allow me to share my experiences and (limited) expertise with those who can benefit. And so "Notable Musique" is born. We'll see how long it lasts, but I have had so many ideas going through my mind for posts that I've got at least a few months worth of writing (and lots of drafts saved). This will still be my own, personal site for expression but I think it will be great to have another, more professional outlet. It will take care of some of that "Clutter" I've had building up.