Widow's Voice

Birthday Week

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A long time ago I decided I would never be upset if I couldn’t do something super special ON my actual birthday. Oddly enough, Mario and I were kind of on the same page with that, but he was even worse in that he didn’t like to celebrate his birthday at all. In hindsight, as he got older, it might have been because he felt that every year was just one year closer to The End.

For me, some years I do end up doing something, some years not, but I don’t let it get to me if I don’t have some special thing planned. Many times, just due to life or other circumstances, I take my own personal “rain check” and count some other fun activity I do within the month of March as a birthday activity.

For a few years I went down to Ashland, OR at a little resort I like for a birthday trip. Going snowboarding was also a go-to, but we have been having an awful season for snow in the mountains here.

But this year, I actually did a birthday activity, it just happened the day before the actual day. Me and a couple friends went to a local place that does axe throwing.

The marketing drew me in:

Looking for a unique and unforgettable experience? Axe throwing is the perfect mix of fun, challenge, and excitement! Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a night out with friends, or just trying something new, axe throwing is an experience you won’t forget.

Also, I forgot I joined their mailing list when I first found out about them and they sent me a text that I could get a free session during my birthday week, so it was the perfect opportunity.

Believe it not, I have thrown hatchets before, but not since I was like 10 (my dad was rather good at that and throwing knives, so he taught me). After we arrived at the place (and signed the waiver), the owner ran us through all the safety rules and gave us a quick lesson. It took a few throws to start sticking the small axes in the wooden target board. We were all having so much fun with it that when the hour was up, we elected to continue for one more hour.

axe throwing at a wooden target

By the end of the 2nd hour, we’d all hit the bullseye multiple times and me and one of my other friends could even throw it left handed. So we all decided we’d definitely come back!

After that we went out to eat at one of the local breweries.

Earlier in the day another friend gave me a cool oracle card deck with great rabbit artwork, so it was an excellent day all around.

On my actual birthday, I did get a lot of happy birthday’s from friends near and far but ended up working the whole day. My mom bought me a small cake so I went to hang out with her for a little bit (and I do always at least try to eat cake on my actual birthday!).

About Sherry Holub

I met my spouse, Mario, at UCLA School of Art in 1993. After graduating in 1995, I founded a small agency specializing in web and graphic design. Mario became my partner in the company in 1999. In 2002, we were married at the Costa Mesa, CA court house because neither of us wanted a big wedding ceremony (after already being together since 1995).

Mario was a highly talented artist, musician, illustrator and 3D Designer, but a tortured one. He was one of those gentle, creative souls who ended up burning twice as bright for half as long. Mario lost the battle with liver disease induced by alcoholism (almost exactly 6 months after he became sober) on 2/10/21.

I’m a long-time artist and writer with a background in photography who enjoys cooking, getting outdoors, staying young at heart, and sharing experiences to potentially help others. When it comes to writing, I’ve written both for fun and professionally over the years. Writing is also sometimes therapy for me and I don’t mind sharing my personal experiences with a wider audience.