a new beginning

With exciting new projects on the horizon and her milestone 60th birthday to celebrate, sources say Sandra Bullock is feeling good - and looking forward to what's next

- JAIME HARKIN

Sandra Bullock looked effortlessly chic as she made her way to her car while running errands in L.A. on July 12. Dressed in a white T-shirt, cream pants and a light beige cardigan, Bullock — who wore her long dark hair down in beachy waves — appeared to be in great spirits as she carried gift bags from jeweler Jacquie Aiche and later shared a laugh with a female companion.

Online, fans were thrilled to see the actress out and about. “Nice to see her happy!” wrote one commenter. “So lovely to see her smiling after all she’s been through,” posted another. It’s been a little more than two years since Bullock announced she was taking an indefinite break from acting to focus on life at home with her children, Louis, 14, and Layla, 11. Last August, her partner of eight years, photographer Bryan Randall, tragically died at the age of 57 following a secret battle with ALS.

Now the devoted mom is slowly returning to form. In early May, she made a rare podcast appearance on 50 MPH to talk about her hit 1994 film, Speed, alongside costar and longtime pal Keanu Reeves (during the episode, she laughingly recounted auditioning for the role using a paper plate as a bus steering wheel). And in mid-June, Nicole Kidman confirmed she and Bullock are reprising their roles in the upcoming sequel to the 1998 cult classic Practical Magic. “Sandra’s gradually reemerging into public life,” says a source. After turning 60 on July 26, the A-lister is reflecting on everything she’s accomplished — and gearing up for what’s ahead. “She’s excited about what the future holds,” the source adds. “She’s ready to get back in the game.”

Time to Heal

Bullock sent shock waves through Hollywood when she revealed she was going on an acting hiatus while promoting The Lost City