A dear artist friend wrote, “May your special day offer deep introspective meaning for you. May you be joyful and at peace. And may your gathering wisdom guide your hands at the canvas.” This last part was especially touching and inspirational. So that’s what I’ve been doing all these years? Going through passage after passage “gathering wisdom”? Such a lovely way to frame the many travails, triumphs, sorrows and joys, in searching for and claiming my autonomy. Ahh, the power of language! With this phrasing, my awareness has been elevated, and I so look forward to being guided at the canvas.