Well, folks, the big day has arrived. It’s my birthday, and its a freakin’ big one. But the one thing that makes turning 50 feel young, is remembering how old all these houses are that I write about. Don’t get me wrong, Snickers is the star of this show. But you only turn 50 once, so here I am!

Because a Queen Anne is all about being fancy and looks like an everyday party, this beauty in Alameda, California is our birthday post. We forgot to record its address for research when we photographed, it so… we’re assuming it was built in the 1890s like many of the other delightful Victorians in the town.

To take the edge off my newfound decrepitness, I’m heading to New Orleans tomorrow morning to celebrate with some of my Boston besties. I can’t wait!

In closing, here are a couple of quotes I really like. I’m trying to embrace this new decade without flipping out.

“A man who views the world the same way at fifty as he did at twenty has wasted thirty years of his life.” — Muhammad Ali

“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” — Abraham Lincoln

“50 years: Here’s a time when you have to separate yourself from what other people expect of you, and do what you love. Because if you find yourself 50 years old and aren’t doing what you love, then what’s the point?” — Jim Carrey

“I have enjoyed greatly the second blooming… suddenly you find — at the age of 50, say — that a whole new life has opened before you.” — Agatha Christie

“Nature gives you the face you have at 20; it is up to you to merit the face you have at 50.” — Coco Chanel

“Turning 50: It’s better than being dead.” — Me

I love y’all, no matter how old you are!