Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Friday, August 3, 2012

Lawdy-Lawdy--Look Who's 40-50-60---SEVENTY

Elizabeth Bruce Banks (Betsy) born August 5, 1942
Uh-Oh!!!!! Another birthday?????  How can that be????  This ole woman is turning SEVENTY on Sunday!!!!!  Holy Cow---that's ANCIENT!!!!!

Oh Well---life is not age (although my old creaky bones let me know that I'm not 40 any longer)---but it's what you make of it and what you do with it.  Right??????   I don't feel 70 (WELL--most of the time... ha)---and I certainly don't act 70.....

BUT---I can  'act' dumb sometimes ---like when I'm playing Trivial Pursuit with my kids/grands.... YIPES----I AM dumb!!!!! ha

Today,  you are going to get a picture of me taken each decade....  All in all,  I've had a pretty great life for these 70 years...  AND--I hope to have more decades of good health!!!!

Hope you enjoy the pictures.....

Betsy in about 1952  (although I think I was 12 instead of 10 here)


Betsy in 1962 (college picture)


Betsy and ex-husband and three sons in 1971-72
Bert was about 8,  Mark -1,  and Jeff--just a few months old here



Betsy and her sweet Mama in 1982
Here is one of my favorite pictures of my Mom...  She was 82 years young then ---and lived 'til she was 91 (in 1991).   What a wonderful lady ---and I miss her so much!


Betsy at her desk working hard in 1992 (age 50)
My favorite job all through the years was the 12 years I worked at Clear Lake United Methodist Church  near Houston, TX.  Such great memories from there!!!!



Mr and Mrs. George Emery Adams --June 23, 2001
This began a new life journey for me with George--and was truly  the happiest decade of my entire life--with more to come! This portrait was our official wedding photograph --taken by my son, Jeff,  at his studio.


Betsy at the Biltmore House and Gardens,  June 14, 2012
Finally,    here is a picture of one very happy lady---even if she is 70!!!!!   I only hope I am doing this well and smiling like this in 2022.

I spend time on these special days thinking about my life, my joys and my struggles.   There's truly not much I would change because we all go through struggles and make good and bad choices and decisions.. I think that's just part of life ---and we certainly learn from these struggles..  The key is to keep God at the center of our lives,  find joy in everything we do,  and live each day to its fullest.  Thanks be to God for giving me these 70 years.

I am going to take a blogging break to 'really' celebrate the big 70, so I won't be back until either Friday,  August 10 or Monday,  August 13.    Hope ALL of you have a fabulous week!!!!!   Thanks for loving me!

Hugs,
Betsy

99 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good Morning Birthday Girl! I enjoyed these pictures so very much. Hope you have a marvelous week!

Ms. A said...

These photos are wonderful! You used to live pretty darn close to me.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY ON SUNDAY!" Enjoy your time away and live it up. See you when you get back.

Linda P said...

Have a wonderful birthday with your family and enjoy your week away. May you continue to be blessed with that special quality and gift - joy. Thank you for sharing this lovely post - it has done my heart good to see the photos of you through the decades and read your wise words about life.

Snap said...

Many Happy Birthday Wishes to You! Enjoy!!!

From the Kitchen said...

Celebrate your wonderful life!!

Best,
Bonnie

Elizabeth Edwards said...

happy birthday. enjoy your time away. big hugs. (:

Faye said...

I so enjoyed traveling though your birthday decades with you, Betsy. In each decade you can see that you met life with an open heart and that's the key to living well. I hope your 70s are full to the brim with all that makes life joyful for you.

BTW, I remember those add-a-bead necklaces. :-)

Marcia said...

Happy birthday! You could have fooled me! Don't look 70 at all. Enjoy your celebration!

Unknown said...

Wow! Such lovely photos. And you are right, if we don't see ourselves as getting old, we feel a lot younger.
Wishing you a Happy Birthday in advance - Hope you will have a fab day!

Hugs,
Eva

RoeH said...

What a wonderful post! I loved that you traveled through your life like that. I hope you make a book of all of your posts. I never tire of them. You two behave yourselves on Sunday with all that celebration and go find a cake with seven layers on it. I'll hit that mark in three years. Gosh I sure don't feel that old. Big difference between my mother and me. She preferred to be old. I've never thought like that. :)

Mr. Bill said...

Happy Happy Happy! You keep going girl!! Wishing you many more.

Ann said...

Love the Betsy through the years pictures. You are definitely one of the youngest 70 year olds I know. Wishing you a very Happy Birthday this Sunday. Enjoy your blogging break and your celebration

Ruth Hiebert said...

I think someone got the numbers wrong. You don't look or sound like a 70 year old. Don't ever start acting your age,that would be boring. Hope your birthday is extra special,just like you are. Hugs and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Amy Burzese said...

Happy Birthday! I wonder what will happen to the internet by 2022! :)

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

A HUGE happy 70th to you! I can't wait to hear how you've celebrated upon your return. I do hope there is yummy cake involved ;-)

Valerie said...

Fabulous Post!! HAppy Birthday!

Michelle Palmer said...

Happy Birthday! Sweet, sweet post~ great smile :)

imac said...

Happy Birthday Betsy, looking good there.
Great photo of you and George.

Just retuned from 2 weeks cruise around the Baltics

MadSnapper said...

enjoy your break and birthday and have a happy one. i love the idea of the every decade pics, love all of them, but the odd thing is, i like the last one best. i have the me at desk at age 50, i was selling Real Estate then. i will be 68 in sept.

linda m said...

Have a very Happy Birthday. I love what you said in your last paragraph. It is all so true and God IS the key! I am so grateful that I found your blog and all the inspiration that you have given me through it. May God continue to bless you and again Happy 70th Birthday with many more to follow!

Tabor said...

What a great montage. Happy Birthday you lovely young lady!!

happyone said...

I so enjoyed looking at all your photos. The thing I noticed about every one of them was your smile!!!
A very very Happy Birthday to you Betsy!
Enjoy your break.
I agree with you about putting God in the center of your life. God had to give me a test before I learned that one. : )

Karin said...

That's such a lovely post idea! Each photo such a wonderful treasure! God's been good to you and you've used your talents and strengths to bless others! Have a beautiful week-end and enjoy your beautiful life for many more beautiful years together!

Out on the prairie said...

What a great day to celebrate, I will offer your name during our joys and concerns on Sunday, a joy to celebrate this much life.

Janice K said...

Happy Big 70! I know the feeling.
I pray God will bless you with many more happy years. You have blessed us all.....Janice

PS I enjoyed seeing the pictures of your life.

Donna said...

Happy birthday, dear lady! I think all the joy that you radiate helps to keep you young! Have fun with your blogging break.

CottonLady said...

Happy Birthday, Betsy!!! That was really special to see the pictures of you throughout the years. I know George will do something special for you on Sunday!
God's richest blessings to you on your birthday and in the coming years.

Hugs!

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, Have a stupendously wonderful and blessed birthday! You deserve it!

Starry Dawn said...

Hi precious lady, Betsy,
What a wonderful post you have shared today with your amazing pictures of your lifetime!!
You have been a very beautiful girl since the time you were born. I can see your beauty today and in your youth years. Your beauty sparkle like a torch of light in the evening hours. You always smile showing your happiness inside your heart. You sound like the light of the world. You are an inspiration for many, Betsy.
I see it's your BIRTHDAY...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MY SWEET DEAR FRIEND, BETSY!! HAVE A WONDERFUL TIME WITH YOUR HUSBAND, GEORGE, AND ALL YOUR BELOVED ONES!!
You are taking a blogging break to celebrate and enjoy your birthday, and that is great for you...
You've got a very positive attitude towards others, and I feel that you are a super friend.
I am really happy to have met you in Blogland, Betsy. Anyway, thank you so much for visiting my blogs and expressing your heartfelt comments!! I highly appreciate your kindness, Besty.
God may bless you all!!
Warm Hugs,
Poet Starry.

Susannah said...

You are so cute! I wish you many blessings and good fortune. Have a very Happy Birthday!!!

Friends,
Susannah

PS - The photo of you and George (wedding portrait) is wonderful!

nanny said...

Betsy, I want to wish you the Happiest Birthday of all time! I really, really loved the pictures of you from each decade! You just got prettier and happy every year!
The last one is my very favorite, it speaks volumes.

Happy Birthday, my friend.

Linda at To Behold The Beauty said...

Wishing you a very happy birthday, Betsy. Doug and I aren't far behind...nipping at your heels, in fact. :)

Shilpa said...

Wow! Lovely photos Betsy and you are very cute and sweet. I just love the photos and no one will tell you are aged when go through your hike photos.
Absolutely wonderful! Many more happy returns of the day... Advance wishes.

Hugs
Shilpa

Miss Debbie said...

Happy Birthday to you! Love the pictures and your attitude! You have been blessed for sure. Many more blessings to you and yours!

TexWisGirl said...

happy, happy birthday, smiling lady! :)

Sharon said...

My favorite is the one of you sitting at your desk because it told me one more thing we have in common - we are both SOUTHPAWS!!

Actually, my favorite is the most recent one because it is the Betsy I know NOW! Happy, happy birthday, my friend! Enjoy your time away from the blog, but know that I (and many others) will sorely miss you.

Jeanne said...

Love your attitude about life, especially keeping God at the center of our lives!! If we do that everything else seems to fall into place!
Hope you have a very Happy Birthday!!

Dorothy said...

Happy Birthday, Betsy! Remember my granddaughter shares your Aug. 5th birthday. Great pictures! Enjoy your celebration!

LV said...

Best wishes Betsy for many more happy birthdays. You do very well if you can do all that hiking. Rest and enjoy your break. I would not have known that was you with your mother. Hair does change things.

Randy said...

Happy Birthday Betsy! Hope I look as good when I'm there!

Sylvia K said...

A very Happy Birthday, Betsy, and may there be many more indeed! I'm celebrating mine this weekend, too!! Have a wonderful week!

Unknown said...

Enjoy!!!

Connie said...

What fun to see these pictures, Betsy! I hope you have a very happy birthday and a wonderful week ahead. Enjoy your break!

GreatGranny said...

Happy Birthday, Betsy. I couldn't see any of the photos. I'll have to come back later.

Rohrerbot said...

Happy birthday Betsy! I really enjoyed the photo show throughout the years. I wonder what mine will look like. Probably something from man to gorilla...the opposite of evolution:) You make it look easy and wonderful! My grandma, who turned 80 this year, and my friend Sidney say the same thing as you.....it's the attitude about life and not the age that matters. It's all about the happiness. Have fun this weekend:)

Big Dude said...

A big birthday wish to a great lady and I look forward to your 2022 post.

The Allens said...

You are one beautiful lady! Wow! You have aged well. My favorite pic is actually the one of you at 70--it's so obvious life has been good and you are extra special happy!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRIEND!:>)

eileeninmd said...

Fabulous post, Betsy! Happy Birthday, I wish you all the best. I enjoyed seeing your photos thru the years. You are one amazing woman, it would be cool to see the 2022 photo.

DeniseinVA said...

Happy, Happy Birthday Betsy! I think this post is fantastic and I loved seeing you through the years. You are a beautiful lady in so many ways.

Rose ~ from Oz said...

Happy Birthday for Sunday Betsy. You are such a joyful lady and I adored looking at your photos.
You are very much loved. Have a wonderful break.
x

Cheryl said...

And you are indeed loved...Betsy you always bring a smile to my face with your cheery posts! You truly are an inspiration to me!! May you have a wonderful birthday and many, many more to come!

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Happy Birthday!!!

Thzank you for sharing the photos. What a sweet young girl and beautiful woman.

You deserve to celebrate. Have fun!!!

Nava said...

Betsy--thanks for sharing your photos--they are cute and you do look very happy. Happy Birthday! I have an August birthday too. I also lived in Texas for years.
Love you new header with the sunflowrers!

A Colorful World said...

Betsy--Happy Birthday! I loved this beautiful grouping of photos celebrating your life so far! I especially love the happy face you have now! You are such a dear person, and I wish you and George many decades more!

I'm sorry I haven't commented, but when I clicked on your comment to me and discovered you were now on Circles, there was at first no way I could comment. Then, tonight, I got to see a number of pictures you posted, but I still don't understand how to comment on them. Circles is just not something I am familiar with. Fortunately I have you saved on my sidebar the "old" way, and could find you here! I'd been missing you!!!!

Hope you are having a wonderful week! God bless you now and always.

Latane Barton said...

Happy Birthday, special lady. You have the most amazing smile... your happiness just shines through. Have a great time on this birthday.

Anonymous said...

Happy 70th birthday, Betsy.
Enjoy your break from blogville.

joy said...

Happy, happy birthday to you Betsy. You are so sweetttt. FRom the time you were born until now. And with a heart of gold. You are still going strong. I wish you more happy days, years and everthing that God can shower you. You are an inspiration! I got teary eyed looking at your pictures and the words that goes with it. I am so happy for you.

Cheryl @ TFD said...

Happy Birthday to you, sweet lady!! I'm so happy I've gotten to meet you in blogland and see your beautiful photos and read about your travels with George. I wish you many, many more years of traveling and photo taking!! Keep smiling and enjoying life. And have a wonderful and safe birthday trip!!
Love, Cheryl

Jeevan said...

Happy Birthday Betsy! Thanks for sharing your photos on each phase of life and it’s all beautifully displayed here :)

All the best and be happy and cheerful like today always... and I quite agree with you and age is nothing until we feel young inside.

Enjoy your birthday and have a nice weekend!

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Aww, Happy Birthday Betsy- I hope you and George celebrate with a bang- you deserve a fantastic party!!

troutbirder said...

Hey! Seventy not so bad. I just survived a whole year of it...:)

Dr. Kathy McCoy said...

Happy 70th, dear Betsy! I loved reading the celebration of your life as you are living it -- and seeing all those wonderful pictures. May you have many more birthdays, see many more waterfalls and gift us with many more uplifting, life-affirming posts!

Brenda Kay Ledford said...

I enjoyed these photos very much and wish you a very Happy Birthday!

Diane AZ said...

Happy Birthday, Betsy! Beautiful pictures of you through the decades. Have a wonderful birthday and week!

Annie Jeffries said...

I'm not going to wish you a happy birthday, Betsy. Clearly, THAT wish has come true. All the good things that go with it have made this a beautiful time of celebration for you. So, instead of Happy Birthday, I wish you, by the Grace of God, many more Happy Birthdays to add to this one.

Mary said...

Well, happy happy birthday! You have a youthful spirit that will always fool people about your age :-) Enjoy this milestone and you and George have a great weekend celebrating your birthday!

Plant Chaser said...

Happy Birthday Betsy! Enjoy the week ahead!

Plant Chaser said...

Happy Birthday Betsy! Enjoy the week ahead!

Beth said...

Well, happy birthday to you, Betsy! I loved seeing the pictures of you through the decades. Clearly, staying active and keeping a positive attitude has kept you young---you look great!

Have a wonderful birthday week---I'm willing to bet there will be hiking and waterfalls in your week. :-) Can't wait to hear about them.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Happy birthday my sweet Betsy!
I swear, you are just as cute today as you were in those early photos! I especially love the one of you and your mama in 1982. Your parents would be so proud of the sweet, kind and big hearted lady you turned out to be.
XOXOXOXOXO

Shug said...

I sure hope this has been a day full of joy for you...certainly enjoyed seeing all the pictures....I think you look beautiful at the good ol' age of 70. Enjoy your break!
Shug

Chatty Crone said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU - you improve with age! You are beautiful! sandie

Pedaling said...

Happy Birthday!
I'm like you... no regrets!
My mistakes, I've learned from them and they ended up making me the woman I am today--I loved your words about putting God first & the center of your life--it truly makes a difference.
so loved the pictures with a little peek into your life!
Have a great birthday week!

Shilpa said...

I have a Sunshine Award for you on my blog. Pls do visit :)

Hugs

Rose said...

Oh, Betsy, I love these photos...I was going to come here last night after emailing you but got detoured. We had been gone all day and I was easily distracted. You were such a cute little girl...and I love the twinkle in your eyes. I really hope that never disappears.

Brenda said...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU, YOU FABULOUS LADY!! I just want to hug you!! I loved seeing all the pictures of you as you were growing up. You are beautiful, Betsy, inside and out!! I hope you are enjoying your birthday celebration and I REALLY REALLY wish you MANY MANY MANY MORE BIRTHDAYS! I looked at the one of you in 1992 in CL. WOW! I turned 40 then and had my last son Zack that year. You know what...live has been good to you.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Elizabeth Bruce Banks Adams!!
Hugs and Kisses!
Brenda

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

Happy 70th!!! Love these photos of your life...My bones tell me I am not 40 anymore too:)

Anonymous said...

Have a wonderful week of celebration!

Terry and Linda said...

Happy Birthday Betsy!!! You share the same date as my dear Momma. Have a great celebration!


Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://deltacountyhistoricalsociety.wordpress.com

Andrea said...

Oh Betsy may you have a lot more happy birthdays to come! I know ages is never felt as i also am thinking about it myself. And my mother who is turning 83 might not be feeling it herself, in fact that is the usual source of my being upset with her. She forgets what that age makes of her bones and condition, she always forget that she must take care doubly this time. She knows it when i say it but eventually will do the same thing forgetting she is 82. Sometimes i really get angry! At least in your case you have George who is always at your side, your life is envious. Congratulations for a life very well lived, and still is being fully lived happily.

amy @ Life in Pink Hi-Tops said...

You go celebrate!!! Congrats and happy birthday. Have a great one....I would have never guessed you were 70! You look great and I love the decades of pictures. You're a very brave woman!

carolina nana said...

Late HAPPY BIRTHDAY GREETINGS to you.
I've been out of town and am just now catching up reading my blogs.
Hope you had a wonderful birthday,I know you and George went somewhere special to celebrate !!
Blessings
Marilyn

Pat Tillett said...

Happy Birthday my friend! Thanks for sharing the photos! Very nice...

SquirrelQueen said...

Happy Birthday Betsy!
Each of the photos are great. I hope you and George have a great week celebrating!
Birthday Hugs,
Judy

diane b said...

Your smile got wider and wider as you got older and I hope it continues that way for many more years.

Adrienne Zwart said...

What a wonderful re-cap of your milestones! I hope you are having a terrific birthday week!

Catherine said...

Oh my stars ~ how did I miss your birthday? Well you know I am hoping you had the most beautiful day and that you are enjoying your week off. I imagine you and George are doing all kinds of fun things and will be already with some new photos to show us when you return.

Hope you are having a terrific week Betsy!
xo Catherine

Rohrerbot said...

Hey there lady:) You better be having fun:) Miss your fun and adventures:)

HolleyGarden said...

Happy Birthday, Betsy!!! I found it hard to believe you were turning 70 - you are so energetic I would have sworn you were much younger. Loved seeing the photos. I think my favorite is the last one. :)

Fred Alton said...

Betsy, Yes, you are loved! Look at this - My comment is number 90! So many friends - says you have been friendly towards many others. I think there is a Bible verse about that..."He that would have friends must show himself/herself friendly." I'm happy that you found George and the two of you are perfect together.

Thanks for the comment on my blog. I've just been too busy to do much with it - but decided this morning to do something about that. ☺

reba said...

Betsy...Happy Birthday!!! Not a thing wrong with seventy... just promise you will keep on snapping that camera. You are a joy to know. Blessings my friend..reba/La.

Cicero Sings said...

Oh what a fun post! I really liked the stroll down memory lane. So interesting lifes twists and turns - how we weather the storms!

Small City Scenes said...

Beautiful pictures, Betsy. A nice idea to do the decade thing. Wow we grow up fast down't we. I turned 70 a couple of years ago--it is quite an event. SO.........................
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
MB

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Happy birthday, Betsy! You haven't changed all that much and have the same wonderful happy smile your whole life! It was so nice to see your photos and know that each decade of life briongs joy. I'll be 60 next year so U can appreciate the meaning a new decade brings. God bless you in this new decade of your life!

Kelly said...

Happy Birthday, Betsy!! You'll definitely still be smiling 10 years from now!!

Janie said...

That was fun, watching Betsy through the years! Hope you and George are having a grand time celebrating your birthday.

Mountain Mama said...

I loved seeing your pictures. I know what you mean about not feeling your age 'most of the time,'
It's our body that ages, our spirit is forever young.

Anonymous said...

Reminiscing through old photos brings back such wonderful memories.. doesn't it, Betsy.
Thanks for sharing
Hugs

Lynda said...

I like all the pics but especially the last one. You look the happiest in that picture. It is crazy how fast time flies by us and like you, my mind and spirit don't feel my age - - - just my body some mornings!