Happy Birthday to Me

As my birthday approaches I find myself becoming forlorn, wishing I could gather old friends and family around for that embarrassing round of applause for surviving another year. Not yet knowing if we will be here for a third year, I vacillate between delight at the prospect of staying, and melancholy at the thought of another year with people who I have only recently met; another year without apple cider, decent peanut butter or slipping on ice. The list goes on.....    

On the other hand, (and there is always another hand, in fact, I usually have 5 or 6 hands) While I am impatient to return, the second year has actually been less stressful and more enjoyable than the first. I have had more time to learn Spanish, and to work on a graphic novel. (The characters are fish, similar to those I drew in my collection of images for my 50^th last year.)

The girls are doing well. Iris is taking voice lessons, and growing rapidly. She is looking like a lanky colt and catching up to Adele, who is almost as tall as me. Adele is happier at school, though still says she would like to escape to Vermont. Claire is thinking about colleges, working on art projects and soon to start Spanish classes after school. Unfortunately, none of them get much Spanish at the American School.

The girls with Currin Wallis, visiting from Concord

Matt continues to travel a lot. Today he is in Brussels. When he's home, he has the shortest commute possible. Going to work often means waking up and reaching for the iPad or Android phone next to the bed. Even his real desk is only a few feet away.

Matt on the job

And for all my lamenting over old friends, I should say that we have met many wonderful people and, occasionally, even have gone to a party. Last Saturday we went to a Mardi Gras party, as party seasons start early and end late in Madrid!

This one was organized through the International Newcomers’ Club. A misnomer really, as most of the people at the party have belonged to the club for 5 to 15 years. Most were from Europe and South America as well as from the States. But it seemed that everyone had grown up with American music: Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, Michael Jackson, and – this stunned us– the majority  line danced to country western, with Billy Ray Cyrus projected on the wall. The irony was that Matt and I - born and bred in the US - didn't know how. But best of all was watching our hosts do a fantastic Tango. He, Orlando, also entertained us with his impersonations of Marilyn Monroe and the Duchess of Alba. The Duchess is a great favorite of the tabloids in Spain, having recently married, at the age of 85, a dashing young 60 year old.

The Duchess dancing at her wedding with the groom

Orlando as the Duchess, dancing with the Marquis

So, we await Matt's company to dictate our fate, to stay another year or return. Buoyant optimist that he is, Matt would tell you that he will be happy with either outcome. For me contentment is ever elusive, and all the more so for having now lived in Madrid. I can say with certainty that I will be mourning for the people and surroundings of one side of the Atlantic or the other!

Ah, but here is some comfort. I will be spending my actual birthday, the 25th, in Rome! Enjoying 14th and 15th century Italian art. My absolute favorite! Life in exile does have its perks.

With hopes of seeing many of you "back home" this summer, when we return, either to visit or to stay,
Hasta luego, y muchos besos!
(See you later, and many kisses!)

Margot