For once in my life I’m not going to play that stupid “let’s pretend it’s not my birthday when it in fact IS my birthday” game. So. Today’s my birthday. I ushered it in during the wee hours by writing and opening presents from my mom, which segued nicely into surfing for vintage craft books and magazines on eBay. Holy crap — and I do mean crap. My mom, who is the coolest person in the world, inspired the journey by her choice of gift. “Hrm, PACK-O-FUN magazine,” I thought. “I wonder how long they’ve been around.”

Over fifty years. And they’re still going strong.

The thing that kills me is that the eBay listings go on and on and on again, and your eyes start to glaze over, and yet you still keep clicking. Well, ok, I kept clicking. “Just as you thought your favorite song was winding down,” Leland says, “there’s another stanza!”

Mom’s book, which is the new craft book from Leah Kramer (the woman who runs Craftster) is a scream. And I literally did scream when I saw this, discretely nestled in the back sections. Being a huge octopus fan in the 70’s, of course I remember these. I made these (I’ve been crafting for a long time, just ask Mom). I loved these. And now, as a woman in her 30’s, I am petrified of these. Leah admits that her mom made her one of these and she was petrified.

Speaking of petrification, while swimming in the land of eBay last night I stumbled upon an old Pack-O-Fun with a picture of a clown on the cover that totally puts to shame just about every clown-related item that my best friend has ever (sweetly) tormented me with. Do you dare?

I finally did get some sleep. Leland had presents waiting for me in the morning. Tonight, I’m thinking cupcakes. But I could change my mind between now and then.

I’m allowed to change my mind, for it is my birthday.

My birthday will not involve clowns.