**My fabulous rainbow cake, rainbows are funky AND fancy
I’m enjoying all kinds of email, text, phone, bloggy (read about how I forced Beth to eat something exotic), mama (go read my mom’s post, y’all) Facebook and Twitter love today. It’s surreal to have such a loving and friendly community online and in real life, to chime in and remind me that I am loved.
Starting out the day not wanting to get up is never fun, but especially not when it’s your birthday. Bills to pay that we can’t pay, one child having yet another meltdown, another tossing his cookies like it’s his job. I really didn’t want to deal. Didn’t the world know that today was my special day?
But then a song came on (I had music on, it didn’t just come on in my head…or did it?) and I heard the words , “oooh oooh child, things are gonna get easier, ooh ooh child things will get brighter…”
I chuckled to myself, because even though the song didn’t necessarily cheer me up (eating the above cake for breakfast did) I knew there was no way I could ignore the song and pull the covers over my head, no matter how badly I wanted to.
I really am optimistic that this year will be great, and I know when I focus on the good, it’s already been great. If we choose hope, we have all we need. So I am hopeful.
“…we’ll put it together and we’ll get it all done…”

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{ 30 comments… read them below or add one }
Happy Birthday, lady! Hope you have a spectacular day, and keep that positivity, we <3 you for it!
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Just as I was reading this Mad World covered by Alex Parks came on (hey! I just registered for Pandora- finally!) and it was just so fitting… I don't know how to explain it.
Arianne, this life is so surreal. I hope your day has only gotten better and I know if we all stick together that we all are going to get through whatever it is we're in right now. Never lacking in laughter and inside jokes and meaning…
I love you, friend! Happy Birthday! And that rainbow cake is too awesome.
Steph
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Happy Birthday, Friend! I just want you to know my life's a little better having you as a friend. It really, really is. So, thanks for that.
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Well happy birthday to you!!!
Hope the kids nap extra long for you today!
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY Arianne!! You deserve only the BEST today (and everyday)!! I'm thinking happy thoughts for you today!!
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Oooh, that cake does look good!! Happy birthday to you, sorry that your day started out a litte rough. I sure hope it's gotten better.
BTW, we are the same sign. My b-day is Thursday. Here's to being an Aries! : )
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Happy happy Birthday!!! I hope the day is as wonderful as you are, you deserve it!
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I love that song. Love. I once heard it at a really rough time, and I remember listening to it, crying, and realizing that the words were true. I know they'll be true for you, too. I love you and hope you have the best and brightest of years! I have a birthday hug for you next time I see you!
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Happy birthday! Hope your little one feels better soon.
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Hope you've had a great day! It's been great getting to read your story and get to know you a little better after our chat in Nashville! You deserve the best today girl!
Erin
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Happy Birthday my love!
So sorry I couldn't be there for your birthday dinner but I'm totally thinking of you today. Here is to hoping you have a fabulous year!
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I am with ya on the hard-to-get-outta-bed part!! ;o)
I hope you have a wonderul day and things carry on brightly for you! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
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Happy Birthday to you, Arianne! Enjoy your day and enjoy that cake! A fabulous year lies ahead of you…
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Happy Birthday!
I had to laugh at the "doesn't the world know to stop on my day" sentiment…I can really relate
Hoping your birthday was special.
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Happy Birthday!!!!
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I hope you've had a great day!
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I'm not sure if I told you on Monday or not but Happy Birthday! even though it's belated. I can sooo relate to this post… especially for my most recent birthday in July (my 31st also). And my 30th. That was a rough one! I'm reading your mom's post simultaneous to this one! :-)
Hope you had a great day! Be blessed.
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PS I really don't like how distorted my gravatar appears here! but it's not all about me!
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I really hope your birthday was wonderful. I know you have a lot on your plate (literally apparently too..lol) but you handle it all with grace and with nothing but positive energy. MWAH!
P.S. I haven't gotten a cake for my birthday since I was 14. ;) It looks awesome!
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Happy Birthday! Hope the day did get brighter for you.
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Happy Happy Birthday!!! I <3 you! (I know I'm a day late, I suck, I'm sorry!) Card forthcoming :)
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Hope you had a great Birthday!!
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Happy Birthday… I love ya, babe!!
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Hope your day finished smoother than it started………..
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wow. Happy birthday. And hope it all ended up swell and wonderful and smiley and brighter!
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And now we're adding some Parky love to the celebration too! *smooch*
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I'm sorry your birthday didn't start out so well, I hope it got better. Happy Birthday!
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Ooo my mom's birthday was the 23rd. Isn't the online community something? It feels so good to follow and admire someone and find out that the feeling is mutual. Blog friends are the best friends. Hope your birthday was special despite the way it was jump started. This year will be awesome.
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Having now met you, I appreciate your posts even more. I'm hopeful to get to know you better, because you are fantastic. Hope your birthday really was wonderful.
Natalie
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Oh happy birthday!!! I LOVE the cake and I am glad your day cheered up :)
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