Happy Birthday! Really. Happy Birthday 2 U.

This is a belated wish for some. Or perhaps, I am early with my salutation. If so, that is reason to celebrate given my propensity for shaving a few off even the 11th hour.

Conventional wisdom suggests that living on full blast ages us. In some ways, it probably does. But, TheVillage wants you to meet Mrs. Ivory Lambert, who at 111 years old, lives a life full of joy and laughter despite witnessing two World Wars, the Great Depression, and the loss of her husband and children.

Living a celebratory life often begins early so be sure to watch “Two Paths to Freedom.” It is the debut of a young documentary filmmaker. Zachary Hardwick is a high school junior from Kansas City, who teams with a schoolmate in an exploration of the philosophical differences of Dr. King and Malcolm X.

In this issue, TheVillage welcomes Dr. Wanda Turner with a thought-provoking article, “Too Young to Be So Old.” Dr. Turner invites you to examine your life which is not an exercise for the fainthearted. Will you choose more color? Or is the picture perfect as it is.

Having just celebrated another birthday, I am grateful for my life. One of my favorite gifts came from my five year-old niece, who lives in technicolor! It’s a card covered with butterflies…each one spreading brightly-colored wings.