Yep. That’s Brad Pitt with Lena Dunham on her Instagram. Brad and Lena had probably met before last year, but they definitely got to know each other in 2018 while working together on Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. I’m not saying they’re BFFs now, but apparently they got along well enough where Lena invited him to her birthday party and he came by. Lena did something special for her 33rd birthday: she used it to host a Pinterest-inspired fundraiser for the Peggy Albrecht Friendly House, a recovery home for women battling substance abuse and addiction. Lena spoke about her own addiction to prescription painkillers last year. I mean… Lena pisses me off, but this was a good thing. She had to do a big Instagram caption about it:
I may own a birthday bitch hat, but IRL I’m no big birthday bitch. For someone who loves both attention and presents, I’ve sure cancelled a lotta bday parties at the last minute (a special sorry to @mattpolf who had already hired a crafting teacher last year, and @lesleyarfin who was ready to DJ in 2011.)
I used to think there was something a bit unseemly about an adult leaning into their birthday, until I realized I was actually just jealous of the confidence and self-love it takes to say “it’s my day, people!” I often felt I was making up for some original sin and that the nicest thing I could do for others on my birthday was make myself as unobtrusive as possible (it never worked and I usually either barfed or cried.) But this year is different. This year I’m… wait for it… happy. And so grateful for where I am, who I am, and everyone who has helped me on my journey to health & sobriety. 32 was good to me, and for 33 I wanted to say a big old thank you.
So I hosted a Spring fundraiser for @friendlyhousela (the first recovery home for women in the United States) in LA last week. It was the best day ever and @anniecampbell literally brought a Pinterest board to life!!! And today, rather than presents, I’d love for you to donate to Friendly House, which is dedicated to helping women navigate the journey through addiction to recovery. It’s a journey I know first hand can only be attempted with love and support, which is why I have started a scholarship fund for women who are determined to recover but don’t have the financial means to begin. Go to the link in my bio to donate.
Thank you to everyone who came out to support last week; you melt my heart. Thank you for the birthday wishes. And a special thank you to those of you who donate. It brings me such joy to think of how together we can directly affect so many women who have forgotten that they matter. Let’s remind them! Lots of LOVE xo
“I often felt I was making up for some original sin and that the nicest thing I could do for others on my birthday was make myself as unobtrusive as possible (it never worked and I usually either barfed or cried.)” That’s maybe the most Lena Dunham Thing ever. She thinks about NOT making her birthdays all about her, then makes it all about her by barfing and crying and insisting it’s not about her. It’s like next-level theatrical self-absorption. As for the fundraiser, as I said, it was a good thing. I found that I hated celebrating birthdays past the age of, like, 25. I mean, a nice dinner out, that’s okay. But mostly after a certain age, don’t most people just treat their birthdays as any other day?
Photos courtesy of Instagram, Getty.
General feelings about Lena aside, this was a really nice thing for her to do. And I’m genuinely glad she seems happier because I think she was really shocked and hurt by the split with Jack, especially because it happened at almost the same time she had the hysterectomy.
Celebrate birthdays. You survived another year. Celebrate with friends and family. Large groups and small. Their presence in your life in the present. You don’t actually have to acknowledge how old you are, just that you’re still here.
yes. agreed.
people die! sometimes way way too young!
life is difficult and grief is infinite…
So I say celebrate how far you’ve come and bring gratitude, humility and graciousness right along with you 🙂
When my friend group was entering our 30s, we started a tradition of 33 1/3 parties, where we’d play vinyl records. You got two birthdays in one year!
For 42, you can have a Life, the Universe, and Everything party.
For 52 I want to do a B-52’s themed party, and for 54 it’s going to be DISCO! Not yet speculating on higher numbers, haha.
Hey @Kaiser weren’t you guys saying on the podcast this week that you hoped Brad gets a girlfriend for summer gossip?….
…..yeah OK, I’ll see myself out. 😉
lol. I had a same idea though 🙂
Treatment and recovery programs are close to my heart. I have many addicts in my family, and I worked for a treatment center for almost 8 years. I totally appreciate what she did here, because safe and well-managed recovery homes are hard to come by.
+1
+2
Nope. I will be 39 next month ans I love planning my birthday. It doesn’t always go to plan but I always like doing something special. Because as adults as we get older things become less and less about “us” and more and more about fulfilling obligations and doing things we “have” to do. So why not take that ONE DAY out of the year and make it all about celebrating you? Although in my family we tend to celebrate birthday MONTHS. Because we’re extra like that lol.
I wish more celebs would do this for their extravagant b-day parties! They already have so much $$ and material possessions, giving back should be more habitual.
now that I’ve said something nice…her dress is hideous.
Very nice thing to do.
My birthday is the most important day of the year to me. Both my husbands knew/know to take the day off to spend it with me doing whatever: hiking, eating out etc. I am incredibly grateful especially on that day to have a loving family and I never take it for granted.
One year I put it out into the universe that I wanted my birthday to be meaningful whatever that meant. On that day I got a call from a dog rescue organization I had volunteered with that there was an urgent need for a transport of a dog from the shelter to a surgeon. He was in rough shape. I fell in love with that one eyed dog and adopted him. The amount of joy and sunshine that angel brought into my life was incredible. He’s since passed on and I still miss the little fellow. Best birthday present ever.
apparently the universe knew what you needed. what a sweet story, and bless you for giving that doggo a good home. He brought you joy because YOU brought HIM joy by making him part of your family. Good on you.
She is still a yucky person and I just don’t get Brad Pitt anymore. He is even more of a disappointment than previously. I am so happy that Angie is free of him.
Is she pregnant?
No she’s had a hysterectomy. It looks like just some weight gain and a terrrrible dress. Or, a dress with potential but bad execution. But I get it if you’ve gained a bunch of weight and you are still working on embracing it/ dealing with it.
I had the same reaction at first. but then I realized (as Skwinkee said) that she can’t be pregnant.
she’s never been built like a VS model (nor am I, no shaming here!) but she doesn’t dress for her body shape very well. and that dress is NO BUENO.
yep, there is so much cute plus size fashion out there now, lena definitely dresses in these unflattering clothes on purpose. everyone can look great for their size, lena just chooses really awful clothes, always has.
Two losers.
I am pretty sure that they are in the same sober network.
I’m not big into birthdays, usually just go out for dinner with family. But for someone who is usually all about ME! ME! ME! I will give Lena credit for using her day to do something for others.
I don’t think we needed 4 big paragraphs to say “hey, I’m using my birthday to support this charity, if you’re interested in donating, thanks!” but OK.
I may take a walk to that recovery home since it’s close to me. 5 days ago I decided to stop smoking weed after 16 years. I’m ready.
Pushing the submit comment button took me 20 mins. I’m scared to share my truth but also ready.
Wishing you all the luck and strength in taking whatever steps you are ready to take.
One day at a time, friend. Wishing you the best.
Really being Ready is so much.
Wishing you love & light from NorCal!
=^. .^=