Turning forty

                                 

I had a special day last Sunday; I turned forty. I guess this age is a kind of a milestone for many people: you cannot really convince yourself  anymore that you're young, and you just have to accept the fact that your life is just about halfway through. This acceptance -thing is actually easier said than done, and I know many people my age who have been very distressed about this particular birthday.

I have to admit that I had mixed feelings about my upcoming birthday, and I didn't really know what to do with it. Somehow it was obvious that I didn't want a big celebration, but I knew that I wanted to do something special or to go somewhere special to celebrate this unique day. For a long time I was puzzled and couldn't figure out what that 'special something' would be. But then it hit me: maybe I could fulfil my dream and buy myself a painting from a renowned artist I've admired for a long time..?! First it seemed impossible: could I, would I, should I...? But the more I kept thinking about this idea, the more intriguing it became.

After having this notion, one thing led to another, and in short: now I am a proud owner of a Soile Yli-Mäyry original! I had an opportunity to visit a showroom filled with her works, and fortunately I was able to afford one that I particularly liked. Now I have to admit that it feels good; I was able to fulfil a dream, I have a long-lasting memory of my 40th birthday, and I don't feel nearly as bad as I did before that I turned forty!

A painting Jälkiä hiekassa by Soile Yli-Mäyry