I have turned 40!

Hello dear blog friends!

First, let me wish you all a happy new year.

I have the feeling that this year 2012 is going to be a fabulous one!

Lots of things to celebrate in 2012: Dicken's 200 years, The Queen's Jubile

e, The Olumpic games in good old London and on a not very positive note, Titanic's first and only trip.

On a personal note, this month, on the 3rd, I have turned 40. Yes, I

am officially a middle aged woman and ever so happy about it. If I were asked to be

20 again, I would definitely say "no".

Anyway, for the occasion, of course, I had to treat myself to what I call a "Pretty Woman Day" ( shopping AND annual visit to the hairdresser...yes, I have to confess, I don't do this sort of things very often way too absorbed by work and doll making...)

(here, the crucial moment when the hairdresser gives you the mirror so you can see the back of your head and you have to say all the good you think of what she's done)

My friends, from England, France and even Florida were here with me.

There were big ones,

(Here I am with my lovely friend Angélique)

...and little ones.

My family from England had gathered for the party and my only regret was that my mother and my sister who are in Australia couldn't make it.Well...little did I know that my whole family was here! They'd made this extraordinary surprise, all the way from the other end of the globe to be with me. As you can imagine, my makeup didn't last long, wiped out by tears of joy.

(dancing with my mother)

Everything was perfect. Better than what I imagined!

We sung, we danced, we laughed.

(My adorable friend Sarah without whom there would be no photos on this post)

And I was sooooo spoilt!

But most of all, my best memory is to have all my friends and family with me.

Thought I had to share this with you as you are very special to me too.

So, you understand now why I had been quiet for such a long time?

I wish you all, love, health, wealth, AND happiness.

Patricia.

PS: A teaser of what is next to come