Thirty-six + three days.
It’s been one year (and three days) since I turned thirty-five. Now I’m thirty-six.
I usually do a post on my birthday so that I have a marker of the time that’s passed, but this year it seems like that time is passing quicker than ever. I’m so, so, so busy (hence the lack of posts here—I’m sorry about that, but things just get like that sometimes!), and to be honest, it feels like I just had a birthday maybe a month or two ago. What happened to the past year?!
So. Thirty-six. That means I was eighteen years old…eighteen years ago. Which seems kind of impossible since I really still think of myself as being eighteen. (Okay, maybe nineteen. Twenty on a bad day.) Am I in my “late 30s” now? Or does that not start until thirty-nine?
It’s okay, Anna, I still think I’m 36 and next year will be 60. Aaack.
[Reply]
Love it!
Happy Birthday Anna.
[Reply]
Happy Birthday beautiful girl! May this next year be full of positive surprises.
[Reply]
I think late 30s starts at 38, which I am. I’ll be 39 soon and I’m a little unsettled about it, which is stupid because it’s just a number.
[Reply]
You are not in your late 30′s yet. That starts next year. Also, you are talented and amazing. Here’s to a great year ahead, my friend.
[Reply]
Happy birthday!
Jules is right, 38.
So, gel manicure? New phone case? We miss you.
[Reply]
No gel manicure, just regular nail polish. :)
Happy Birthday, Anna! 36 definitely seems more ‘mid-30s’ than ‘late-30s’ to me! It seems like you have managed to accomplish a lot in your 36 years, so congrats! I love you blog and your bookcovers!
[Reply]
gorgeous photo
[Reply]
Thank you! My photos are always from weird angles because I take them in the mirror. I don’t like other people taking my picture!
happy belated birthday anna! thank you for hosting one of my favorite places on the internet:)
happy birthday! i’m loving your shiny nails and iPhone case…and hair…and lipstick. you look great!
(and in my book late 30s doesn’t start until 38!)
[Reply]
Happy Birthday to one of my favorite design bloggers! What kind of iPhone case is that? I remember you talking about it on Twitter or something to that effect. I’ve been trying to accessorize my 4S.
[Reply]
Thanks! The iPhone case is from Uncommon.
Happy Birthday!!!! May you get loads and loads of Pia Wallén blankets this year because you so deserve them. :) Also: your photo? So, so pretty!
[Reply]
Lipstick colour pleeeeease?! It’s yummy.
And where’d you get that spiffy phone case?
[Reply]
The lipstick is MAC Lady Danger, and the iPhone case is from Uncommon.
belated happy happy happy birthday, anna — and welcome to the late-30s club! woot. :) by the way: lovely self-portrait.
[Reply]
Grattis – congrats – three days too late!
Time is weird, quick and slow at the same time.
[Reply]
Hi Anna, I’m 40 and 3 days! When I say your post I remembered that our bdays are close. I’m not worrying about the number as I feel very young. Plus, worrying about it is a waste of time as we can’t change it :)
Happy belated birthday!
[Reply]
Happy Birthday Anna! You don’t look a day older 30, just the opposite :)
I was just wondering about when will you post next time, because I’m very excited to travel to NYC (and U.S.) for the first time ever. We’ll be there from Friday 28th to Wednesday 2nd. Really looking forward to visit Brooklyn’s fleamarkets on Saturday and walk back to Manhattan via Brooklyn Bridge :) Then a Danzig gig at Hammerstein Ballroom =D (I would have loved to see Pixies on Friday, but since that’s the day we’ll arrive, that wasn’t an option, and the gig takes place in NJ)
Just had to share this. Thank you for your lovely blog too!
Annukka from Helsinki
PS. Oh and I want to see the new Marimekko store on 5th Avenue too, so interesting to see how they market “our brand” in NY.
[Reply]
Lookin’ good! Happy belated birthday.
[Reply]
I’m 36 as well….and have the same feelings when I think that 18 years ago I was 18 and ready to travel around the world….but but…but happy the way I’m getting “old”…still a kind of “young forever person”…ok don’t know if you got my feelings…happy birthday.
[Reply]
Don’t worry pretty girl. The number doesn’t change anything. The most important is the way You feel inside. I’m only 30 I look 25 and I feel 19 :D Happy Birthday Anna. By the way You have a very nice blog :D
[Reply]
Happy Birthday! I’m 46 & feel 30 inside. That’s all that matters! ignore the number. :)
[Reply]
Happy birthday Anna! Hope you get lots of goodies!
Nail color please? (BTW, have you checked out Incoco for nail polish strips…I just ordered a slew of them-lots of different colors. My favorites so far are “Berry Rich” and “Lolita”.
And sometimes I feel 12..lol
[Reply]
Thanks, Dusa! :)
The nail polish is just black with a little glitter on top.
Happy Birthday (+ 4 days), Anna! I hope 36 is the best yet.
XO.
Kathleen
[Reply]
Happy birthday! I’m a few months ahead of you and I’m still going with mid-30′s. ;)
So strange that I had the same thought on my birthday!
[Reply]
Happy Birthday for the other day!
I’ll be 36 on my next birthday, I always have to think hard when someone asks my age, I’m never sure if it’s just that I don’t want to remember or worryingly that my memory isn’t that great! I’m only 23 in my head and that suits me.
[Reply]
Birthdays are over rated. Youth is overrated. You look terrific, I hope you feel terrific.
[Reply]
Happy Day! I started saying” late-thirties” right after my 40th :)
[Reply]
Goodness, I hope I’m as gorgeous as you when I’m in my 30s!! Have a happy birthday :)
[Reply]
36 is not really late 30′s…still sort of mid. I say you can wait until you are 38 to declare that you are in your late 30′s. Nonetheless, Happy Birthday!
[Reply]
happy belated birthday, anna! and it’s my belief that age is totally objective. nevermind the number, how old you feel you are is more important. (but isn’t it nice that you can buy your own alcohol?)
[Reply]
Funny, I think I’ve only bought alcohol maybe two or three times in my life! (Aside from ordering a drink in a restaurant, etc.) And I definitely never had anyone buy anything for me when I was underage. Maybe that’s part of the reason I don’t feel like a grownup. I don’t drive, I don’t care about drinking…not really anything that requires age consideration. Well, except for voting. I’m glad that I can vote. :)
I turn 33 in a couple of weeks and I can’t believe how unreal it feels. I can’t even tell how old I feel…something between 16 and 22 maybe? But definitely not 33!
Being allowed to buy alcohol is definitely not something that makes me feel grown up considering that I bought so much more times alcohol when I was still underage than the few times I did when I was allowed to…
I do LOVE driving though! And I guess having kids makes one feel grown up…maybe…I have no clue. Because how should I come up with such a life changing decision feeling something between 16 and 22?!
Oh, and happy belated birthday!
Hi Anna,
HBD. I will be 36 in June and FEEL EXACTLY as you do – 18, maybe 19/20, never really 30+. I think that is a good thing but time sure is picking up speed. Anyway, I love your blog and feel uber connected to you. We have a ton in common. I first started to read Door Sixteen when I was working for Canadian House & Home magazine and it was your interiors that got me but now, it is WAY more. I knew we were kindred spirits when I found out about your love for Michael Jackson. I don’t know if you are planning to see Cirque du Soleil’s Immortal Tour but if not, you should! A real fan will appreciate. I cried for half the show! Anyway, I hope it is a REALLY magical year for you. Happy 36th. You are an inspiration.
Patrice (Toronto, ON)
[Reply]
Happy Birthday Anna! My 35th bd is coming up soon and that feels really old to me. But I felt the sam at 27. That seems pretty silly from where I am now. So I guess I shoud stop that right now.
[Reply]
Happy Birthday. I turned 41 in August. It’s very odd for me because I remember high school and college like it was literally yesterday. It seems as you get older the birthdays just come faster and faster. When I was a kid it was f.o.r.e.v.e.r for my birthday to come around again. I think it’s because as a kid, you’ve been around for less time, so your sense of time is a bit off. A year is an eternity when you’ve only been on earth for 10 years. At 41, it’s fast as heck. Idk. It’s weird.
[Reply]
Dear Anna,
We share a birthday! Same day, same year :) We are totally mid thirties. Late thirties is several years away. And since 40 is the new thirty, we are technically twenty six.
Happy Belated Birthday.
Chris
[Reply]
A very happy birthday to you! You look great.
[Reply]
Happy birthday!!
[Reply]
Happy Birthday ^^
[Reply]
Anna. I think about age and time passing alll the time. Kind of and obsession that I care not to have. I am 26 and freak out on a daily basis about it. I read your blog. I think you’re beautiful, have an amazing house and apartment and a great life (at least what you share). If I was you I would not worry about age. In my eyes, you’re doing great and you still look 19. :)
[Reply]
You’re in your “late mids.” Next year you’ll be in your “early lates.” It is odd to think about being 18 x 2. When you think of how old you felt at 18….and especially how loooong it took to get to be 18. And then the next 18 years just FLY by. Odd.
Happy birthday.
jbhat
[Reply]
Happy Birthday Anna!
[Reply]
Thirty-six is so close to thirty-five that it is definitely still mid-thirties. Same with thirty-seven. Have a happy 362 days!
[Reply]
Happy belated, Anna! You don’t look a day over 19, and I’m of the opinion that late 30s doesn’t start until age 43. I hope your mega-freelancing jag ends soon, and you can take some time for self-care!
[Reply]
Thank you for all of your supportive comments and note, Karrey. It means a lot. :)
Happy birthday! 36 sounds great, but I believe one’s true age is the one they feel!
[Reply]
Happy birthday Anna!
I’m looking forward to being 36 in some years. Then maybe I’ll feel like a grown up.
[Reply]
36! That’s double chai in Judaism! Congratulations!
[Reply]
Late 30′s starts when you are in your mid 40s.
[Reply]
Happy Birthday Anna,
Sadly, had to get out my calculator, as I’d forgotten my age, and was going to say that I turn 36 in a month…but in fact I will be 38 – time certainly does fly. Here’s to the mids.
[Reply]
Happy Birthday Anna! I hope you try and celebrate a little, it’s your own personal holiday! No matter what job I’m working at any particular time I always take my birthday off. I’m not into huge celebrations (though sometimes I dream of a huge birthday bash just for me), but it’s nice to just revel in the one day that’s completely yours.
[Reply]
Happy (belated) Birthday Anna! Hoping you had a nice birthday and get a bit of a reprieve from work to relax.
[Reply]
Happy Birthday Anna! :) It is certainly “something” when one passes the halfway point of a decade…
[Reply]
happy birthday! we have the same iphone cover!
[Reply]
Late thirties don’t start until you’re at least 43… or at least that’s my plan!
Happy Birthday!
[Reply]
Happy birthday, Anna (grattis på födelsedagen!)!
[Reply]
Anna,
Happy Birthday, hope it’s a lovely next year in your life!
[Reply]
Happy Birthday! 30-33 = early thirties 34-37 = mid thirties 37-51 = late thirties.
:)
The best is yet to come.
[Reply]
Late to this..
Happy 36!!
It’s a great year! Cherish it as much as you can because it just keeps getting even
Faster in your 40′s!
You are gorgeous….I love your hair so much!!!
[Reply]
A very Happy Birthday to you!
[Reply]
Happy (belated) Birthday! :)
[Reply]
Happy belated birthday! I love your hair; it really suits you. I always feel like a grandmother when I say something “suits” someone, but your hair really does, so there you have it.
On the age thing: I’ve been 31 for over a year, and still cannot get it through my head that I’m not 30. And it’s not even like I’m afraid of getting older. Thirty was such a good age for me. I think I’m stuck in it now.
[Reply]
Um, “almost” a year. Not “over.” Dear me.
Oh, PS, on an unrelated note, my husband and I just bought two Keep Cups, and I’m in love with them. I first read about them on that post you wrote long ago – so thank you!
[Reply]
BEAUTIFUL HERO.
[Reply]
A happy, happy, sweet and mellow birthday to you!
You’re gorgeous, creative, supercool and looking like you’re in your early twenties :)
[Reply]
Happy Birthday, Anna- A little late.
[Reply]
Thirty six? Really? Not that I’m a good judge when it comes to ages but, from that picture I’d say you weren’t a day over thirty! Seriously.
[Reply]
Happy belated birthday, Anna. I know what you mean about still feeling 18 or 19! I’ll be 42 in December and I swear I walk around in the world some days still feeling like the same person I did back then. It’s pretty cool that no matter what our age is and how much we change over time, we still keep part of that same person we’ve always been.
I hope your schedule eases up soon! xo
[Reply]
Happy Birthday, Anna!
I’ve been reading your blog for about a year and a half now, but now seems like a great time to post, since it’s yo’ birthday and all. From me (and on behalf of the many people I’ve shared your blog with…) thank you for being such an inspiration! Your style and renovation shots kept me going through a less-than-scintillating commercial design job, and now that I am in grad school, your blog motivates me to be original, live a design-filled life, and, of course, listen to the Smiths/Morrissey on a daily basis. Thank you!!
And as my 92-year-old grandmother says, “Age ain’t nothin’ but a number, honey.”
[Reply]
you are so cool. are those glittered black nails? seriously just stop. happy bday. xoxo mcs
[Reply]
I think you’re quite beautiful…keep rockin’ girl!
[Reply]
love this post.
because i’m 10 years younger.;) and because i’m happy to read, that a busy busy busy ANNA still feels like 19 on her 36th birthday. i wish i will be able to say the same in 10 years. congrats, girl ^^
[Reply]
You are so beautiful! And so young.
[Reply]
Love this picture! It seems so fresh and young. Also, 36 is the prime of your life. Enjoy it.
[Reply]
Oh, and happy birthday! You are awesome!
[Reply]
Happy b-day! And I think you’d look *really* good with really short hair.
[Reply]
Happy birthday!!!!!
the late 30′s starts at 39!!!
i am 36,too.
Have fun
[Reply]
Happy Birthday!
You are officially in your late thirties on the 364th day of your 39th year!
[Reply]
happiest of birthdays, anna. even though i’m way late!
[Reply]
Happy birthday, Anna! I’ve been reading your blog for a whole year now and you’ve been such an inspiration in a lot of different ways, especially with veg*nism. Thank you for being such a great role model.
[Reply]
Happy birthday and a bit!!
And I class years 4-6 as being mid-whatever-they-are, so you are still mid-30′s in my book!
[Reply]
Congratulations!
You look wonderful for 36. I really enjoy flicking through your blog. I am just starting to learn photoshop myself (have a LONG way to go) and I find your blog so aesthetically pleasing and lovely.
[Reply]
I know I’ve missed your birthday, but happy birthday now! I’ll be 34 in a few weeks so I get where you’re coming from with the time…slow the heck down!
[Reply]
Late 30s starts at early 40s, right?
[Reply]
Belated birthday wishes.
I kind of got off the birthday train when I turned 40…and that was….oh, nevermind! My point is, I figure I’m not grown-up enough to be “that old”, although the calendar says otherwise.
As we age, we are still the same people as our 18 year old selves- only wiser. :)
[Reply]
I am 41 years old and I started having children young and so I am an empty nester at this age. Kind of crazy. So people are always saying to me, “you are too young to be an empty nester”. Who knew at 41 people would be telling me how young I am. I worked that one to my advantage…it did not feel that way at the time.
Happy Belated Birthday! You look great and have a youth to your blog in a mature level headed kind of way. Good for you!
Oh yeah, you have me in a tail spin after your tweet today about the, one space after the period thing. It is a difficult habit to break. I posted about it on my Facebook and it has created quite a debate.
[Reply]
Happy Birthday! I’m 36, too, so it’s great to bloggers my age. Yay! I definitely don’t feel like I’m, um, entering my late 30s. I still think I’m in my late 20′s. When did this happen?!
I love this quote form Margaret Atwood:
Another belief of mine: that everyone else my age is an adult, whereas I am merely in disguise.
so true.
xo, Anna of (Green Gable)
[Reply]
I usually feel eighteen until I actually have to spend time with an eighteen year old girl.
I wouldn’t want to be eighteen again but I wouldn’t mind having my eighteen year old body back.
[Reply]
A bit late, but still…happy birthday! BTW…great blog! :-)
[Reply]
To quote Father Morrissey, “Age shouldn’t affect you. It’s just like the size of your shoes – they don’t determine how you live your life! You’re either marvelous or you’re boring, regardless of your age.” — Happy (ridiculously late) Birthday to you! From a loyal, random reader. :)
[Reply]
Happy birthday, Anna! I love that iphone case. Did you get the capsule or the deflector model?
x
allison
[Reply]
Thanks! It’s the capsule.
You are beautiful and I wish looked like you and I’m 24…
[Reply]
Happy belated birthday and you don’t look a day over 18;)
[Reply]