I published this on my birthday in 2009-13, took a year off last year, but I still think it tells the first part of my story, and I love the old photos of the little me…
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 suburban streets pretending to be this and that, my parents were building a new house and having a new baby (or three…).
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 
I wanted to be a cowgirl too. I never left the midwest……Chicago to Berwyn to Racine and many years ago, Milwaukee. Good for you that you followed your dream.
Happy Birthday Bonnie.
Happy Birthday!
happy birthday, bonnie! & may we see this post reposted many times in the coming years. sloy & nic
Especially love this blog. You are such a talent. Loved the photos. I shall share mine with my six shooters drawn. Happy Birthday. See you soon.
You are my favorite cowgirl. Happy B-Day Big Sis! xo
Wishing you the best of birthdays, and many many more. Sending birthday hugs.
No wonder we are friends! I felt the same way about Hopalong Cassidy, even had the thermos and lunchbox. Wish I had it to pass along on this auspicious occasion.
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday Bonnie!! hope that you have a festive and happy day and another super-creative year. You are the best cowgirl blogger around…thanks and xxoo
I hope you have a lovely birthday, lovely lady. Hugs and kisses, Frankie
Happy happy birthday!
Many happy returns of the glorious day when YOU were born! What would we do without you. Love to you today and on all birthdays to come. E.
Happy Birthday! Thanks for leading the wagons out west.
Say hi to Meriwether and William.
Happy Birthday, Bonnie. I was supposed to get and mail a card to you as soon as I got back from Oregon, but, instead, I hibernated and made a big dent in the piles of papers in my office. There’s still a pile but I think tomorrow will take care of it and I will know what is hidden there that I need to do taxes. Hope you had a celebratory day today.
Happy Birthday my new Salem friend! 🙂 I wish you a day filled with sunrays, surprises, and cupcakes.
Happy Birthday dear friend…I’m glad this lovely blond cowgirl found her true love out West! Nance