Happiness does not consist in things, but in the relish we have of them.
— Francois duc de la Rochefoucald

Today is my birthday, and this quote is more applicable than ever. We’re celebrating by going to my favorite dumpling place, about an hour out of town, then to play skeeball and air hockey for a few hours.  I’m also getting a free birthday cupcake from Sprinkles.

The last thing in the world I want is more “things.”  What I want for my birthday is joy, and it looks like I’ll have that in abundance.

Now, if you feel particularly compelled to give a gift in honor of my birth, please give someone you love a copy of Happiness as a Second Language, or buy one for yourself if you haven’t yet. That will help us both spread joy.

Happy 9/8!  Hope it’s as good a day for you as it is for me.