Happy birthday, Vinita! May your 44th year bring continued growth and inspiration. See the glass I raise to you from 7217 kilometers away. (Or better, come to Arkansas and share a bottle. Fellow writers are always welcome here.)

My perspective--informed by 25 years more life than you have yet experienced--is that it keeps on getting better. Not always easier, mind you, but the blessings of advancing age include not only wisdom but good humor, patience, and appreciation of the sweetness of so much we hurried past when we were younger.

So savor every year and every day. L'chaim!