The first time I met Angie I was having a "crafty lady" meeting at my house. My hair was probably a disaster, and in general, I was most likely a disheveled mess. I will skip the irony about me hosting a "crafty lady" meeting, but I will delve into my overall state, at that time.

When my girls were little, I had difficulties in getting myself together. My friend Jane calls those early Mommy years "the frump years" and nothing could describe it better for me. I swore off any pants that did not have an elastic waste band, my hair was always in a wet ponytail and I always felt frenetic, like I forgot something important but I didn't know what it was. I was sort-of like a modern-day Lucille Ball without the style.

This background information has a point, I swear. You see, I am now going to do a compare-and-contrast analysis.

Angie is one of those people who does it all, and looks fabulous while doing it. She runs a successful business, is active in the P.T.G., church, various organizations, is participating in the 3-day walk for the cure, and I have yet to see her flustered or even slightly ruffled. Ever. She is always well-dressed, perfectly groomed and never snippy. Oh, did I mention that she has two beautiful and well-mannered little girls and she is a hands-on Mom? How does she do it?

As if her accomplishments weren't enough, she also has amazing attributes, and while there are many, (good looking, honest, intelligent, wonderful sense of humor), my favorite is her quiet and non-boastful way of going about life. Her wry and self-effacing manner make her even more endearing. (By the way, I hope you do not mind too terribly that I am "tooting your horn" for you.)

Moreover, she is a great friend. With her hectic schedule she manages to make time to be there for her friends and in her unassuming and calm way, she can always be counted on. Her promises are never un-kept, no matter how difficult or trivial, for that matter. This last year, she helped my sanity when I was trapped at home sick, and even took the time out of her overloaded schedule to bring me a cheeseburger because I had a "wild craving".

I look around me, and if I am fortunate enough to be surrounded by great people that I appreciate, then I need to acknowledge this. Angie, I appreciate your ability to make us all laugh, how you always come through with quiet action and for being an all-around class act.

Happy Birthday, Pal! I hope this year brings you all the best. You truly deserve it.

I am going to try and give a tribute, so to speak, to each of my friends on their birthdays this year. My friends bring so much joy to my life, and without them, my life would lack a great deal of warmth and love that I have grown accustomed to. Benicia has spoiled me; this town seems to be a breeding ground for fun, down-to-earth, kind and generous people. I write these blogs as not only way to shout out to the universe how grateful I am, but to take the time to let each person know how appreciated they are.

When the wind kicks up in town, (and it often does), I always shake my head and smile. Personally, wind makes me a tad grumpy, but I know one person that will be ecstatic: Angela. I know that she is personally dancing and thanking the "Wind Gods" for blessing her upcoming sailing trip.

Just like a mermaid, Angela was born to love the water, and she discovered sailing a few years ago, and I would venture to say that it is one of her favorite ways to pass the time.

Angela has spark. No two ways about it. Always smiling, her eyes sparkle with an unwavering love for life, and she attacks everything with such zest that one believes that there is nothing that she can't accomplish, and by the way, this would be a true assumption. During the last few years, along with being a great Mom and wife, she has helped put on an auction, mastered wine-making, become an accomplished sailor, and tackled numerous other projects that I won't list.

You get the picture...Life is an adventure to be embraced, and she attacks it dead-on. Observing her, I have learned a lot about how to appreciate each day and not waste a minute. Do what you love, spend time with the people you care about and be kind to all---these are things that I notice how Angela lives her life, and it truly inspires me.

Her arms are always wide open to hug all--and warmth flows easily from her. She is thoughtful, and an amazing hostess. Once, I called her to chat, and after a few minutes of talking, she asked if we wanted to come over for drinks and appetizers. We walked over (10 minutes later) and she had put together this beautiful spread of food that would have taken me an hour to put out. She greeted as at the door, with cocktails, and immediately made us feel at home. My kids run to her because they love her hugs, and we all felt happy, lighter, warm. Happiness spreads, and her wonderful positive energy affects people.

Life is to be celebrated and any task, event, and/or moment can be made enjoyable with the right frame of mind. I am lucky to have a friend who "walks the walk" and lives her life with a ferocious love of joy, love and happiness.

May fierce and sturdy winds guide your sails this year! Happy (belated) Birthday, my friend!