Yep, I have yet another couple of friends who have joined the four decade mark. It has been a fun ride, the last few years, to celebrate all of these birthdays. I have watched people struggle with the number, embrace it, take it with a grain of salt or have a mixed reaction of everything previously mentioned. I just read a quote: “No one becomes forty without incredulity and a sense of outrage” and I believe this is universally true. However, both Karin and Lynn have managed to make it look easy, as both are two of the most grounded people that I know.

Karin celebrated her birthday on the water, looking stunningly beautiful and serene. Her sense of humor could make a day picking-up trash in the dirtiest back alley seem like a rockin' good time. Intelligence, keen wit and vintage Hollywood movie star looks add to her unique beauty. With class, she tells it like it is, and in this day and age of superficiality, it is a breath of fresh air to be around a woman confident enough to speak her mind.

To celebrate her four decades on the planet, Lynn decided to host a toga party, and I had just as much fun as I did back in the keg-soaked college days. She wore a gold toga, which is befitting in so many ways. Lynn is truly an old soul, with years of wisdom bottled inside her gorgeous self. She radiates warmth, love and constant compassion. With Lynn, I can discuss any philosophical or spiritual ideas that I am pondering or struggling with, and she will intently listen, never judge and gently offer her opinion with depth and quiet assurance. I always enjoy talking with her, as I know I am going to learn something new, interesting and thought-provoking.

It is no surprise that Lynn and Karin are good friends, as they both are fun-loving, intelligent, kind and loyal. They both have the ability to bring clarity to any situation, and this insight is invaluable. I will never be able to walk on a beach without thinking of them, as we have had a lot of good times strolling the Carmel beaches with sand between our toes, and share an appreciation of the sea, and of nature itself.

I wish you both the happiest of times with your respective families during this upcoming decade, and many more beach hikes, laughs and wine-sipping great times.