Dreaming.

A friend recently shared this quote from Jacques Brel, the Belgian songwriter. I don't know if Mia knew this quote, but it's so very very her. (Coincidentally, Mia and I had not just one but *two* holidays together in Brussels.) "Le seul fait de rêver est déjà très important. Je vous souhaite des rêves à n'en plus finir et l'envie furieuse d'en réaliser quelques uns. Je vous souhaite d'aimer ce qu'il faut aimer et d'oublier ce qu'il faut oublier. Je vous souhaite des silences. Je vous souhaite des chants d'oiseaux au réveil et des rires d'enfants. Je vous souhaite de résister à l'enlisement, à l'indifférence, aux vertus négatives de notre époque. Je vous souhaite surtout d'être vous."

Here is a literal translation, from Google. Would anyone care to offer a more nuanced interpretation? "The mere dream is already very important. I wish you dreams that will not quit and the furious desire to make a few. I wish you to love what is love and forget what to forget. I wish you silences. I wish you the songs of birds wake up and the laughter of children. I hope you resist the stalemate, the indifference, the negative virtues of our time. I especially want to be you."

This photo is one Mia shot in December 2006, from Pier 17 in NYC. The terrace there—offering a stunning view of the Brooklyn Bridge—was one of her secret hideaways in the city. She particularly loved being there at sunup and sunset.

Birthday gift.

Nina has donated $10,000 to Rotary International in Mia’s name, in honor of her birthday. What a beautiful gift. Thank you, Nina.

The Queen of Cool

I was busy struggling to meet a deadline (remember them?!) in my office this afternoon, and then paused for a moment when the thought hit me that it's your birthday.

As Tiff said in an earlier post, it often seems that you're on the other side of the world, as you were so often when you were away on your travels.

Often think back to how cool you were at Uni.

I used to find it both funny and cool when you swore in French, so many other things as well that pop into my mind every now and again and make me smile.

Met you in 1999 and said goodbye to you in 2009...and now saying a virtual Happy Birthday to you in 2010.

That decade flew by far too quickly. But it was your decade and you were - and are - the Queen of Cool.

Would be great to see some photos from your days in Afghanistan if anyone has some.

Happy Birthday

Dearest Mia,
I'm thinking of you today with so much love. I know the angels in heaven are treating you to all you deserve on your birthday. Maybe a special birthday treat from Babycakes? Today I remember some of the times we shared in New York, in San Diego, and in Cambria. I can't forget your beautiful smile and hope you are smiling on this special day.
Adam and your mother decided that I should have your wallet. I carry it with me all of the time and it reminds me so much of you. The leather is soft, yet strong, beautiful, but practical, and just the perfect size.
Love,
Judy

toast from on top of the world

well... from the 19th floor with a 360 degree view of the glittering lights of Caracas... you can easily make it down in time from San Diego...

It's a beautiful day chica, its your birthday and the sun is shining!! XXXXX

Cumpleaños Feliz,

Cumpleaños Feliz,

Te Desee-aamos Tooodoooos

Cumpleaños Feliz!!

Feliz Cumple tía!!!!!!   

I'm sure you've got everything you need up in the great big blue... and what Heaven hasn't got, you'll invent.  

Robin and I will toast you tonight at Wine Steals, 7pm WST.   You probably have a lot of toasts to attend around the world, but if you wanna stop in for a minute, our hearts and smiles will be looking your way.  

And oh, 

Thanks for continuing the magic.   (and for the laptop, of course!)

amor amor amor!    Andy. 

Happy Birthday!

Ah, my love. It's your birthday! I hope you're showered with love and presents, and that all your wishes come true—over and over again.

Katja and I toasted you this morning at Clinton Street Bakery, over a plate of huevos rancheros. It wasn't quite as good as Schiller's, but Schiller's doesn't open early enough to have breakfast and still get Kat to work on time! My band toasted you last night at Banjo Jim's—at midnight, as the clock ticked into the official start of your birthday. I sang and played all your favorite songs. Though they asked us to keep the volume down a bit, I sang loud and proud. I know you heard, and danced, and laughed, and sang along.

Loving you today, tomorrow, and ever after,
~Adam

P.S. Thanks for sending the beautiful butterfly to Eric's house at Christmastime. We were all overjoyed—and *very* impressed.

In Australia its already your birthday!

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday to you

Happy Birthday dear Miiiiiaaaaaaaa

Happy Birthday to youououououo

Wish you were here guapa xxxxx hope there's plenty of cake in heaven!

Big love and thoughts going out to you Nina on this special day.

Thanks for bringing this beautiful and special woman into all out lives!