Thirty, Part Three: Surprises

I am not usually the most suspicious person. Things I get suspicious about are often rather factual or concrete, like perhaps a blip in my accounting, or someone's reasoning behind why they prefer one technique over another, or when someone it ourightly lying and I'm keen enough to perhaps raise an eyebrow and doubt their veracity.

My husband, I do not suspect of much at all.

But on Friday the 3rd, I headed over to Nathalie's with Michelle, where they said we would be having a little party for my birthday because Michelle was going away on holiday on my birthday, so a little Stash party would be in order.

I got there, found that Nick had arrived a little earlier, and then jumped out of my skin when a bunch of people yelled "SURPRISE!" and pelted me with balloons.

And there were Alice, Diane, Ruth and her boy Brian, Kerri, Lucy, Yuvee, and Chantelle.

So between Nick, Chantelle, Michelle and Nathalie, I got my first ever real surprise birthday party.

Of all the people who turned up, it was Chantelle who I least expected to be there, on account of her living and working in Swindon. She'd taken the train down just for the evening. I know I keep telling you why she is awesome, but you can see how I never seem to run out of reasons.

So there was lots of food, lots of talking and catching up, and lots more food. Everyone had brought something, which meant there was plenty.

And I had the best kind of birthday cake.

A birthday cake made up of lots of little Arianna cupcakes!

Nick had ordered the cupcakes in three flavours: red velvet with cream cheese icing, coffe with mocha icing and my favourite, chocolate with raspberry icing. Yum! Just as yum are Nathalie's homemade macaroons, which I utterly love and I was so happy that she'd made some for the party.

L to R: Nathalie, Lucy, Kerri, Chantelle, Ruth and Yuvee.

Alice and Deuce.

And unlike most years, I was overwhelmed by presents. I mean, I normally get a couple from Nick and then my parents send me money so I can buy my own - which I have, but that's for another post - but it was so nice to receive unexpected presents from fantastic people.

AllSpunUp fibre from Nathalie; photogprahy books from Chantelle; a knitted mug from Alice; Fat Face voucher from Michelle and a little notebook from her daughter Natalie; chocolates and Socktopus vouchers from Kerri and Lucy; cashmere (!) and the Majacraft sillyfast whorl from Diane.

Yuvee got me a copy of The Intentional Spinner, by Judith MacKenzie McCuin, and Ruth said she'll get me some yoga classes.

All of which are beyond wonderful, but still nothing compared to having an actual birthday party and having all your friends around having a fantastic time.

Thank you so much, all of you.

Comments

[Chantelle]

As if I would miss your surprise 30th birthday party!!!! Glad you had a great time :D. Everyone deserves a surprise birthday party at least once in their lives, after all.

[susetheslowknitta]

it sounds like a good time was had by all!

[mrika]

happy 30th again, Ema!

you've great friends and a darling husband. that he knits is just another plus. ;-)

may this year bring you greater starts to all that you do. insyaAllah ...