Vse Najboljše!

Today, Mr. Puppy is 9 years old. Miha and I have been through a lot together. When I think about it, he’s been the only constant in my life for these past nine years. Miha (Michael) is, of course, named after the arch-angel (is that the sun or his halo in the picture above?). I guess you can say he watches over me, sometimes more than I over him. The photo above was from a hike in northern New Jersey. The photo below is from a day we visited Central Park with my mom (click on each of the photos for the rest).

Simply saying “Happy Birthday” doesn’t resound with the strength and respect that should be conveyed. In Germany, one would say “Alles gute zum Geburtstag!” and in Slovenija, “Vse najboljše za rojstni dan!” (both meaning “all the best to you on your birthday”). That seems to be a bit more proper. Regardless, these days, birthdays seem to be more about the nuisance of remembering to buy something for someone that is within the acceptable price range, and accompanied by the right Hallmark card. More recently, e-greetings seem to be replacing the effort all together. Ach!

A few weeks ago at the office here in Hungary, we all gathered in the mid-afternoon to celebrate someone’s nameday with a Champaign toast. It was a very proper and thought-provoking gathering. The crowd of some 30 people was almost silent... none of the typical, awkward humor you get during such a gathering in the States, just a solemn moment of tribute to a valued colleague. It’s a very big thing here in Catholic parts of Europe to celebrate the day of the saint, after whom you were named. My staramama (grandmother) used to always celebrate name days (I’m not even sure she would recognize her actual birthday), and I’ve completely forgotten all about this practice since she passed away. It was a real treat to be reminded of something so special. I’ve never met the girl to whom we were toasting, so I instead had a secret toast to my staramama. She is always in my thoughts!