A Quiet Birthday, Hemelvaartsdag, and a Literal "Beef Cake"

May 14th was a double celebration for me this year, not only was it my birthday, but it also aligned perfectly with the Dutch public holiday of Ascension Day (Hemelvaartsdag).

I've learned that Hemelvaartsdag is actually a lunar-based holiday here, calculating its date 40 days after Easter based on the cycles of the moon. Because of that, the date shifts every year, but the tradition remains the same: the Dutch take a long weekend to reconnect with the outdoors.

It felt incredibly fitting to celebrate a personal milestone aligned with a holiday governed by nature's cycles. I spent my day listening to the local bird calls and tapping into some beautifully primal urges.

Instead of a traditional birthday cake, I decided to go a different route. I fired up the grill and BBQ’ed a massive, savory roast to serve as my official "beef cake" to nibble on all week. There is something deeply grounding about fire, smoke, and meat when you're marking another trip around the sun.

It was the perfect, quiet reset. Now, it's time to channel that grounded energy right back into the studio.