OMG – I’m feeling like fifty is gonna be everything. I just turned 50 (heeeeey Scorpios) and the ENTIRE month of October was so much fun. I just got back from France. I treated myself to an amazing trip to Nice (and I dipped my toe in Paris). But before I went on that trip, I went to a Lizzo concert at Madison Square Garden (I had no idea how talented and inspiring this woman is and her concert was sooooooo much fun – thank you CW). I went to a Mary J. Blige’s Hello Gorgeous concert, and you already know the number of hits Mary has. My throat so sore from singing every one of her songs. Mary looks amazing … her signature thigh boots and shorts are inspirational. She is an icon, and her concert was super fun. Then there was the Halloween party attended by The Coven (and a soul brotha). We laughed until we could not laugh anymore. The journey into China Town for authentic Chinese food, the various lunches, drinks and dinners, the housewarming that turned into a beautiful gender reveal party (congratulations Camara!) … I feel like the celebrations were nonstop and all I could think was “this is living.”

Then there was the France trip … I cannot explain how beautiful, amazing, and transformative this trip was for me. I wanted to celebrate me, and I did – to the fullest. My hotel room was on the city center with French doors that opened out to the street … which means I got no sleep each night. I shopped and explored everything. The sea was also only a few blocks away from where I was staying. I ate amazing food and drank delicious wines. I explored the markets in Antibes. I made perfume at the famed Fragonard perfumer in Èze Village. I toured the stunning and ultra-rich streets of Monaco. I dipped my toes in the Paris streets. I danced in the streets. I listened to singers, and I met wonderful people, who gave me directions when I was lost. I laughed with people I met on trains and buses in transit to places in my Lonely Planet guidebook. I felt safe wherever I went but admittedly a little taken aback by all of the stares I was getting (someone explain this to me please). I will never forget sitting on a wall at the Villefranche-sur-Mer beach on the evening of my birthday looking out at the Mediterranean Sea and thanking God and the universe for this amazing blessing to be able to experience the Provence-Alps-Côte d’Azur (and enjoying wine). I was so incredibly happy in that moment for this incredible gift. I had to close my eyes and express my sheer gratitude. This was never in the cards for me. It wasn’t something I ever actually dreamed of. The lesson I learn over and over again in life is to DREAM BIG. You never know what is in store for you. Your life can be bigger than you could ever imagine. Merci France … I cannot wait to experience you again.

Some of the things I will take with me:

There were so many lingerie shops, chocolate shops and eyewear places … I will step up my lingerie game, my high-quality chocolate consumption and my glasses will always be on point.

Every couple was holding hands and being affectionate and it was beautiful and inspiring.

I will enjoy beautiful dinners whether alone or with others, at any time of the year, no matter where I am and no matter what time of day or night … it is an amazing way to celebrate and enjoy life.

I did not see any sweatsuits and while the women were not dressed up, they were elegant and sexy – at all ages.

I took this trip alone … and it was amazing. People were worried for me (I do appreciate the concern for my safety). And people said that they wanted to travel with me for my birthday but as the date drew near, none of those plans worked out. Never, ever wait for anyone else to do whatever it is that you want to do. If you do, you will never do anything.

I will never, ever tire of being called Madame Cuberson. 

Lastly … Drink. More. Wine. Always.