If I could be any sign of the Zodiac, it would be Leo. If I could be born in any year - it would the Year of the Dragon. Jackpot, baby!

Bicentenial baby, too.

Red, White, and Blue.

Now I'm 42.

and I love every bit of it. (probably doesn't hurt that I look pretty young! he he heeeee!!!) I've grown so much in these 42 years. I've learned a lot and am still learning, but here were some major milestones achieved!

Learning:

• Patience (well, if you don't think so - you should have seen me before!)

• Grace (That's been a tough one, too.)

• How to say no. (woo ho - no! Nope! no way - nuh uh - not doing it!Why?  ummmmm cuz I just don't want to. How freeing is that?!?!?)

• Picking my battles. (This one took until age 38 to really sink in, but gaining ground on this one, year after year.)

• How to lose at any game with dignity. (HA! just kidding!!!! lose? what??? shame on you!)

All joking aside....

My gosh, there have been some painful phases in my life. But they've all made me who I am. Some people think back to their youth and think "oh, how I wish I could go back to those days!"

Me? Never. EVER! I have absolutely no desire to go backwards - only forwards. I have my eyes on where I'm going, who I'm going with, and bringing all the love and joy in my heart each step of the way.

Leo in Dragon image source, edited by @dreemsteem
All other images by @dreemsteem