"In regards to the b-day email my concern is that my W will see it as manipulation on my part."
Mindreading. Why on earth would you think she would see this as "manipulation"? Just a simple "Just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday. LBS" and that's that. It's not pursuit. It's being courteous and considerate.
M-43 W-40 2D - 9 and 5
Emotion, yet peace. Ignorance, yet knowledge. Passion, yet serenity. Chaos, yet harmony. Death, yet a new life.