I published this on my birthday in 2009, and also in 2011, but I still think it tells my story, so let’s go again!!
Today is my birthday and I’ve attained a certain age. I have plans, things to do, places to go. But today I’m looking back.
(I tried to cut my own bangs–oops.)
For a few years after “the war,” I was an only child. We lived in an apartment in Chicago where I played.
I REALLY wanted to be a “cowgirl.” I dreamed of the far west. I idolized Hopalong Cassidy.
While I was running around the streets pretending to be this and that, my parents were building a new house in the suburbs, and having a new baby.
I noticed immediately that the driveway made a PERFECT stage:
Time passed and many new houses were built filling up the street, new brothers arrived, new cars.
Eventually they all moved into a bigger house, but by then I was gone, starting a new life. I moved to the far west to be a cowgirl.
Here’s to another year of fun, out on the ranch!!!
On The Way 
Happy Birthday, Bonnie!
Glad you wanted to be a Western Gal and that you made it all the way to Salem, OR!
Love the look back!
Happy Birthday! Love the bangs. 🙂
Such wonderful photos! And I supposed you made those little brothers dress up, too, to be in the plays.
So glad we get to celebrate your birthday today! Cheers, Bonnie!
Happy Birthday dear Bonnie! Thanks for bringing us to the party of your life so far. So glad the West attracted such a prize to these here parts! Love the photos…indeed that little girl is the woman I recognize! OX
gee bonnie, how cool! i’ve (we’ve, as in i’ve & he’ve haven’t yet together…) never seen this post of pics before. happy birthday! san
Happy Birthday sweetheart. Too bad that 1948 Studebaker didn’t stick around.
Check out this baby:
http://tinyurl.com/6sfer5b
So glad you got into one of those covered wagons and started the family migration out west.
Have a wonderful day and weekend. XO -Bru
Sweet reminiscence, with pictures—priceless.
Happy, happy, happy birthday! You’ve really made yourself a beautiful life. Enjoy it today and everyday. xxxxoooo
two studebakers, one a convertible. & a 60 chevy wagon. i’d like to have any one of them. happy birthday. nic
What a delight to see your early childhood photo essay! Happy birthday! We are so glad you chose to come West to be a cowgirl. Have a lovely birthday. We look forward to a report on your blog!
Happy Birthday Dear Bonnie. Thanks for being the Western Branch that grew the tree this direction! Toasting you today on what feels like the first day of spring. x o from all here.
Happy Birthday, Bon! Can’t get enough of the photos. Hope you had a great day.
Love, Nan
Happy Birthday!!! the picture of you dressed in costume in the driveway is my faaaavorite. oh my gosh it’s great.