I'm Gina Smith

Happy Birthday, Victoria Cowan Birringer!

Victoria Cowen Birringer, wow. You are hitting the age of great importance to me -- the one when I finally felt adult. In fact, the way I felt at 14 inside is pretty much the same as now.

So welcome to you! I hope you have a terrific birthday somewhere fabulous, and know that your aunt loves you no matter what. Say hi to Isabella and, especially, your maternal grandmother (who has been reading these posts, so I hear).

I think it was at 14 that I figured out that holding grudges was stupid. They only make you miserable, whereas the grudge-getter feels nothing. Much better to ahimsa -- and just live happily.

I'm rooting to hear you're going to Berkeley in a couple of years! You're lovely and wise beyond your years, sweetie. Have a blast during the last half of teenhood. I know you will.

Happy Birthday Isabella Malby Cowan Biringer.

You are 48 today. Be happy! I wish you wonderful friends who make you smile a lot.

Happy Birthday Keith Prewitt.

A brother, a friend, a confidante. And many more ...

Happy Birthday Alexandra Cowan!

Alexandra! You are getting to be such a great young woman. We love you so much -- that means me, your Uncle Henry and Eric, too.

Since you were just a little girl, I've always thought you were genius-level. And an amazing writer. Maybe you will follow in my footsteps.

Eric is getting big. If by chance you find this, you can find his photos on the album on this site.

We love you!

Aunt Gina and Uncle Henry

Says George Gershwin on love staying and rocks crumbling.

There was a song, way back, that made mountains crumbling seem ... ridiculous. It is also one of my favorite songs. I like the original sang by Sinatra, but Rod Stewart did a cover, too.

Our Love is Here to Stay

It's very clear
Our love is here to stay ;
Not for a year
But ever and a day.

The radio and the telephone
And the movies that we know
May just be passing fancies,
And in time may go !

But, oh my dear,
Our love is here to stay.
Together we're
Going a long, long way

In time the Rockies may crumble,
Gibralter may tumble,
There're only made of clay,
But our love is here to stay.

Happy Birthday, Victoria Cowen!

Today is the big day. Fourteen is a great time. I am so proud of you for what you have grown up to become. Your mom is to thank, too. She brings out the best in you.

I know you probably won't see this for years -- I doubt that at 14 you are on Typepad -- but someday when you google yourself and see this, know that I love you and wish you all the best on the big 14.

I love you.

Love, Aunt Gina, Uncle Henry and Eric (who is three!)

Alexandra Cowen and Victoria Cowen

Alexandra Cowen and Victoria Cowen, my beautiful young nieces, I want you to know that I love you.

Love always, Aunt Gina, Uncle Henry and Eric, who is growing into becoming a beautiful, gentle and sensitive boy. He asked me about you today, so I told him I would put this on my blog since I can't reach you.