Claudia turns 33

Another birthday for me. Thirty three is no youngster. But I feel like I have a lot to show for my still tender age.

I decided to have a Backyard Cinema Party. The idea came from the backyard cinema I attended for my young friends Sophia and Mickey last month. The party was great. With the help of Jolie and Brian, I rigged a white bed sheet up high under the live oak tree in the backyard. I had the genius idea to duct tape change- quarters and nickels- to the bottom of the sheet to weigh the fabric down.
I set a table with soda, beer, rum, peanuts, M&Ms and fresh popcorn made on an electric popper in the backyard and tada! a great cinema was had. About 20 friends of all ages showed up. Joaquin feel asleep at 7:00 so hardly anyone got to get a peek at my cutie but it did make it easier for me to enjoy the night.

We watched part of the silent star Buster Keaton's the General which has a great steam locomotive chase scene. Followed by Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon which was the perfect movie for the big screen under the stars. The second movie went until almost 1 a.m. Mickey and Sophia made it past midnight. Most friends had gone home. I was happy to sit with my original number one boy and enjoy the film. Daniel even surprised me with chocolate hazelnut cake from La Farine.

The next day, Saturday, we took it easy and I received two great presents. First, Daniel and Joaquin took me to a frame shop. I thought I was getting a framed picture of Joaquin, I am a mama now after all. But the gift was much better. Daniel had taken a canvass painted by my grandfather Frank Duminil and had it stretched onto a wooden frame so I could hang it. Last year my Abuelita carried the painted roll of canvass from Paris to Berkeley for me. The second gift was from my pop. Daniel and he conspired to get me an Xtracycle. The Xtracycle is an amazing cargo bike that I have wanted for years. Pictures to come.

It was a lovely birthday that ended with a rare July evening rainshower followed by a beautiful double rainbow.
A rainbow is a blessing. I will accept that blessing for me and my tender family as I walk less than sure-footed through the new terrain of mama, baby and family.