I first published this on my birthday in 2009, but I still think it tells my story…and now it comforts and delights me to see it and remember.
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 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.
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!
I love this picture story. And I hope that this is the start of a healthy, happy, and unvirusy new you year.
-Eileen
Thanks Eileen…we’re vaxed and the day amazed…off to a good start!
Happy Birthday Cowgirl !!! Love seeing your growing-up photos. You have always been an adventurous creature, and i feel fortunate to know you. xoxo
Thanks Shirley…I do feel home on the range…hope to see you this spring…
Happy Birthday,Bonnie💞 from San & Dave
Thanks you two…every day a gift…
Happy Birthday!
Happy Birthday sweetheart. Love the photos-love you. Have a sun filled birthday today.
The day exceeded my expectations cpectatins…including a beautiful Jon piece in the mail…xxoo
Wonderful images and writing!
TY…xxoo
Happy birthday, Bonnie! Here’s to finding ways to do those things you want to do.
Nicely put BJ…all love to you. Xo
Happy Birthday Bonnie “of a certain age”. 🍰🎂🍷🎉
Xxxooo
Happy Birthday!❤️
Happy Birthday Bonnie,
Wishing you a great day and a great year!
Love the photos.
Rob & Carol
Oh, I’d recognize that darilingchild with uneven bangs and cowgirl longings. HAPPY BIRTHDAA, Bonnie. My better ha;f is remembering you another way. We both send love and wishes for health, joy, happiness, which I accidentally typed hippiness. love, Ginny
Could never see this delicious photo essay too many times, Bon. Thanks for sending it again, and I hope you are suitably celebrating your birthday, perhaps with small children. Happy Birthday and love every day, E
Sent from my iPhone
>
Such a treat once again.
Hope you had a great birthday. Seems our lives carried similar paths. Both of us grew up in Chicago, were wanna be cowboys complete with costume, adored Hopalong Cassidy, and headed west to live out our dreams. A fact: I was in attendance with thousands of screaming kids when Hopalong rode his horse on stage at Shriners Temple in Chicago eons ago. Now that was something!
NO WAY! So very cool…interesting how we cris-crossed…xo
Happy Birthday!
Love the photo of you with the uneven bangs. Happy Birthday Bonnie. Have a creative and fantastic day.
Thanks Nance..xxoo
Happy Birthday!
Thanks David!