So, Saturday, tomorrow, is my Birthday.....There will be a "Ladies Who Lunch" and I am looking forward to that. To be surrounded by these dear loving friends right now during this tender time, means everything to me.....I press on.....
One of the strangest things about this birthday is how old I am.....It just doesn't seem possible that so very many years have gone by.....and sometimes I really do think...where did they go? How can I be 78??? I was just seven, a minute-and-a-half ago.....or eighteen.....or thirty-eight.....and now, I am this old lady...! How the f**k did that happen?
This is a hard Birthday for me too because of the loss of John.....There is nothing to say about this except that my body hurts all over....and it feels like it will never stop.
Part of what is so hard for me is being confined to my home as I am. All the things in my life that brought me out into the world, that kept me engaged in my work---writing, acting, composing, singing, producing, etc., etc.---all the things that kept me involved and engaged and creating----I can no longer participate in. To no longer be able to go to the Theatre, or to readings of plays, or to see films in a theatre.....to not be able to go to a restaurant or a party.....trust me, this is hard and it gets very old, especially after over four years, if you know what I mean. I try to stay as involved as possible, but under the circumstances, well.....
Anyway....I'm feeling quite melancholy on this Birthday....and that is just the way it is.....As my old and dear friend Gail, who lives in Palm Springs, said today in a Birthday card, among other things, "...God, life is difficult! But-------Here We Are!!....". And this from a woman who has survived two mastectomy's and is just out of a rehab hospital having broken both her ankles at an age when that is not a good thing to do.....I think of Gail as she was when I first met her....a beautiful young woman in her early 30's---a superb actress---who's career led her into the Producing end of our business, and a very successful producer she was.....that's how I see her now even though we are both hovering here in our mid to late 70's.....Indeed, Indeed, life is hard----but we press on.
And so.....another birthday is here. Another "Ladies Who Lunch". Another 'memory' about to be made......God, I sure wish I felt better!
More To Come........
- had this to say:
I wish you felt better too Naomi..and I wish I didn't relate so much! ..but here we are!
I am so happy for you that the ladies who lunch will be gathered around you once more! You know how I love the photos you take and to read all the wonderful things about them being together that you write...
I hope you can truly enjoy the day Naomi..
A Very Happy Birthday to you!- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 3:41:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, you have preempted me. I was going to come today and wish you a Happy Birthday - and I still am, of course - but you beat me to it....LOL
I hope, in spite of the sadness right now, that you will have a lovely birthday and all your close friends will be able to join you. I look forward to the photos.- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 5:12:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Dear Naomi, Happy Birthday! I'm sorry it's a hard time for you. This too WILL pass. I hope you can make a good memory. I sympathize with your inability to go places, it must be so very hard, confining. I too wonder how I got this old this fast. It seems like there were so many things I meant to do before now. It's hard to accept but what choice do we have. I honor and respect that you've not denied yourself the grief you must go through. It's the price we pay for having had the love and joy. Only by giving the emotions their due, can we be relieved of them. May the future bring subtle shifts that make room for happier emotions. Your many friends and thinking of you and wishing you the best that can be.
- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 6:36:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I just popped over from Scarlet's blog to wish you a happy birthday!!
What a great looking blog too.
I hope you enjoy your lunch. :)- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 7:23:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy Birthday Naomi. You have the same birthday as my childhood friend of over 60 years.
I am so glad you are having another party with your wonderful friends. Party on.
Age sucks, there is no nice way to put it. I think George Burns said it best about his 93rd birthday. "No one wants to be 93, unless you are 92."
I know it has to grind you to be house bound but you do have your friends plus a ton of cyber friends who think you are really great. Thank God for the internet.
Enjoy what you have and ignore what you don't.
Best wishes for a super day.- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 7:29:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Good Friday morning, dear Naomi.
My empathy -
I am afraid to say anything for fear it will be wrong.
Wishing you a happy birthday with good food and a pretty table and lovely flowers to be celebrated with your dear friends tomorrow, and I am sorry things are so hard right now and things are bittersweet with the passage of time and the death of John. Being forced to be inside for 4 years would be excruciating and frustrating- I would be melancholy too. Hope my words do not offend you or come off wrong - I mean them from the heart...
(hugs)- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 8:23:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
a *VERY* Happy Birthday Naomi - and *many* more of them!
- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 8:46:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy Birthday, Naomi. I hope this year is more joyous to you than the last one *hugs*
- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 9:10:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Hi Naomi, am here to wish you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Enjoy the Ladies who Lunch. Am sure there will be some chocolate included in the day, simple pleasures yes.
Sometimes as we pass thru the seasons of our lives it is very hard to cope. But cope we do. Memories are one of my greatest gifts. So from the files of your mind envision a favorite and smile. You are loved by your family and friends and cyber friends.
Pat from NY
HAPPY BIRTHDAY !- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 9:28:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy Birthday! I hope your luncheon cheers you up. You should hire the guy in the red suit for entertainment. I have it on very good authority that unless it's from an obscure Japanese anime, that red costume was just an original creation. And a very good one at that, I thought.
At 48, I'm already doing the "where did the years go?" thing. Does this mean I'm going to be doing that forever? Well as they used to say in the 70's "Keep on truckin'!"- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 10:41:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy Birthday, Naomi - I forgot that you and my daughter share the same day!
I hope your day is wonderful with your friends - The Ladies who Lunch" - and that you will enjoy yourself!
Love ya!!!- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 11:08:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
78 and still "in the groove"!!
Now, THAT'S long-playing!!
Here's a "platter" of good vibes, fond thoughts and the appreciation of your blog fans to enrich your special day!
Oh, and while your life is now one big "remote", your work is still streaming out there for all to see, hear and enjoy. You're participating and creating as much as ever! So, remember you're very much with us when we attend a show or a concert. And, in my case, every time my red line train rattles deep beneath your neighborhood, I wonder what's happening up on the hill with you and Sweetie.
Have a loverly lunch and a great day.
the fat lady- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 11:34:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Happy, happy birthday, Naomi!! Although you don't feel well today, I am sure as soon as the festivities begin tomorrow for Ladies Who Lunch, you will perk up and be fine.
Have a wonderful day and I can't wait to see the photos!
Love,
Anne- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 11:36:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Happy Birthday!
Hope you feel better.
Did you ever think that if you don't go to parties and shows, you don't have to squeeze into girdles and nylons? It might not be an even trade, but it sounds more comfortable.
sassy- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 12:17:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi--
Wishing you a wonderful birthday. I hope the emotional pain can find a corner to hide away while you and your longtime friends enjoy your meal and fun together.
You're looking forward to the Ladies who Lunch celebration, but you've trained us via your blog posts/photos to look forward to them too. And so I'm equally excited for that lunch.
Naomi, as for your homebound status: you continually leave me in awe and admiration with regards to that. I'm sorry that such is the case and you're up in the hills
with ill health. Believe me, if I lived in your vicinity, I'd be knocking on your door weekly for you to engage me in stories, for me to bring you treats and surprises and just a friendly face. Perhaps one day yet, we'll get to meet...
Stay well, and enjoy your day.- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 1:39:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy Birthday to you. You are such an inspiration to me and I'm sure others. I wish that we could all come and visit you since you can't get out...but I know that is impossible. I'm so glad that you do have a wonderful view to enjoy at you home and good friends who visit! I do love your memories and stories...and thank you for sharing them.
- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 2:27:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Dear Naomi, Happy Birthday! I have your name on my calendar, but I also memorize the 27th June too! I hope you have a lovely the ladies who lunch !
Tomorrow I will be here again to send you many hugs and wishing to you all Happiness of the World!- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 3:04:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Dear Naomi; Happy Birthday from your blog friend in Norway!
It has been such a pleasure to meet you and make friends here in Blogsphere and wonderful getting to know you and follow you in about four years. I love to read your posts about your life, your garden and even the birds up there in The Hills.
I hope you'll have a splendid day with your friends and send you all my love with tons of hugs for the day and the years to come!- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 3:09:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, I hope your day is uplifting and fills your heart. xo
- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 4:15:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, look at how very loved you are in spite of all that you CAN'T do and how restricted you are, you've found a way to reach out and "compose" and "sing" to all of our hearts! Just look! Your comments, your site meter, look how many virtual friends' lives you touch?
You know the best thing about your birthday for me? I get to see more Ladies who Lunch pictures and I know you will be very happy when you are surrounded with your real life friends.
Hugs and love and Happy Birthday to you, you are one special lady.
xoxo- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 6:48:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I can't imagine how difficult is has been for you not to have the choice to attend the plays and readings and all of the events you love to take part in. And to not be able to when really it would be the best medicine for a grieving heart must be all the more painful.
Naomi....soak in the love and kinship of your friends tomorrow. May they bring you a lift in spirit and a sip of good cheer. Happy Birthday.- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 8:54:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Getting old, being unwell, lost chapters, someyimes too much; but after today--- Ed,Farrah, now Michael gone...and we remain on the playing field; the envy of those who left, glove still in hand. Batter Up!!!!
- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 11:42:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!
- Friday, June 26, 2009 at 11:43:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You will NEVER be old. And anyway you are a year younger than me. Your posts are a joy and as my son pointed out this morning the writing keeps you young. However I aged this morning when a link I made to you didn't work and it has taken me ages to fix it and the air has turned quite blue.
We can always find people who have more to bear and I know what a brave girl you are. Lots of hugs xoxoxoxox- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 4:22:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Popped over from Pat's to wish you a Happy Birthday and a lovely luncheon today! xoxox
(I'm a Cali girl living in Georgia now, but I know what you mean about Hollywood and how it's changed!)- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 4:38:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Pat sent me across - Happy Birthday!
I've always felt birthdays are a way of sticking 2 fingers up to the gods and saying "see, I've survived another year, despite the shit you keep throwing at me."
Wishing you all the best :)- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 5:11:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Have a happy day, Naomi.
I know it will be a special day for you, you will be surrounded by your friends of many years. You'll enjoy fragrant flowers, delicious food, Birthday cake, love and laughter.
What could be better than that?
Happy Birthday, Naomi! Hugs.- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 5:47:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi, just wanting to send you lots of good cheer and birthday wishes, I am sure the Ladies will make you feel much better, and I hope you enjoy a wonderful birthday. Best wishes, Linda xxx
- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 6:06:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I'm back again, Naomi, to wish you the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!! I sure wish I could attend your party (even as a fly on the wall!)
- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 6:13:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy birthday to you today :-)
Good to know that although you aren't able to go to outside parties due to being confined to the house, you have plenty of wonderful friends who will be delighted today to bring the party to you :-)
Enjoy your day, I hope you get many more :-)- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 7:01:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Just stopped by via the delectable PI's blog, to say Happy Birthday Naomi.
Have a great day.- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 8:31:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy Birthday dear Naomi!
All the marvelous things to you!
I hope you have a great and lovely ladies who lunch!
Many hugs from
Sonia.- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 8:38:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
A very Happy Birthday to you, Naomi. I always enjoy my visits to virtual Hollywood (and the other varied destinations you whisk us away to!)
Have a great birthday!
rashbre- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 9:10:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy Year Naomi, You still touch people every day without leaving your home I know that is sucks in some ways but if you were still out and about all the time you would not have seen (and shown us) the seasons changing in your garden the lovely little animals that travel thru also....when God closes a door he opens the world....Happy year !
- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 9:51:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
On June 27 an important Date, the birthday of my soft wife!
Part of my youth it passed between Antibes and Cagnes-sur Mer to Biot close to the museum Fernand Leger!
Happy Birthday , Madame !- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 10:16:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you! have a wonderful day, enjoy your lunch with the ladies and think of all positive and bright things in your life.
((birthay hugs))- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 10:46:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I know I already wished you a Happy Birthday, but now I'm going to again since it's REALLY your birthday.
The world became a better place 78 years ago because you entered it. I am so glad you're here. I'm so glad you are who you are. I'm so very, very happy to have had the honor of meeting you in person... and again soon I'll have to come up and see you.
Happy Birthday dear one.- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 10:50:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
If I lived nearby, I would bring you a cake :-) and I would sing Happy birthday to you. Go here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MjF1bG5LUcs and turn your volume up. Much love to you, Naomi!- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 1:17:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, thanks for your nice words on my blog! I am glad you like my picture as a little girl. In that photo I was in vacances at the beach in the city named Santos, near São Paulo.
I hope you have been enjoying the ladies who lunch!!!!
Cheers!!!- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 2:15:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh I wish you felt better too!
I know a bit of what you're feeling and I'm 53 and not nearly as fabulous as you
I told the shrink the other day that I feel like my world is getting smaller and smaller
but I always end with - "and on we go"
I hope your day is wonderful.
You are a dear person, a wonderful friend and an incredibly beautiful woman - inside and out.
and damn! what a life you lead - even in difficult days- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 2:19:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
My very dear friend, Naomi....Wishing you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! And a healthy and happy year ahead.
I know you're 3 hours earlier out there on the west coast, so your Ladies to Lunch is probably going on right now. I can't wait to hear all about it, complete with your great photos!
Enjoy your day and know I'm thinking of you!
Terri
http://www.islandwriter.net
Love and hugs to you, Naomi!- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 2:41:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy Birthday, Naomi!! I wish you a day of joy and peace and lots of that delicious chocolate cake I see at all the Ladies Who Lunch gatherings! There's nothing a little chocolate can't cure.
I do hope your spirits have raised and that you are having a wonderful day! You deserve only the best and to be among the best of friends.
I can't wait to see the photos of this next celebration honoring YOU!! :)- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 4:06:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Well here's to another Happy Birthday Naomi. Hope your lunch was fun today.
-rick- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 4:17:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
(via Pat's)
A Freilekhn Gebortstog!- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 4:45:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Dear Naomi:
Happy Birthday to you from the bottom of our Hearts.
It's not true when you write you can not perform or write anymore.
Your blog shows the opposite.
You write and perform in a way most bloggers only can dream about to do like you.
Who else can write and tell stories like you - your style is unique. The way you describe meetings with your friends, about your visit to France, your wonderful captures of your Flowers and Birds and Bees.
Naomi you are very unique - and you have a wonderful sense of caring for others.
That's why we care for you and thinking about you every day.
And also thinking about you in the situation you now just are in - deep grief and sorrow.
he best we can give you is the future: Think about all the positive moments ---
Like papa does when thinking about Ruben.
I know it's hard. It's sometimes rude and ... I still cry.
Since I'm not around the corner right now, the best I can give you is a virtual big HUG. And say openly:
Your my favourite blogger.
Nobody else but you facinates me more - your variations of stories and themes and facts are way above what even so called professional journalist are able to produce.
You are a the Best. Simply;-))
btw. We have had a wonderful Day.
Around 90 F. That's warm to be in Norway.
Anna and my X did swim in the Ocean, when papa went shopping.
Stompa is here. Felicia is pregnant, and we expect kittens in a week or so. Rosa still working hard for finding mr right Cat;-))
Happy Birthday
And do not forget your friends all over the world needs you;-))- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 6:04:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I hope you're having a wonderful birthday, Naomi. You have such wonderful friends and I hope the lunch was a blast. I hope we can see you soon and introduce you to our baby boy when he gets out of the hospital. I also think we're three years late (gulp!) on that dinner we promised you on your 75th! I'm so sorry that you can't go out and about as you used to, but as far as your spirit goes, 78 is clearly the new 28!
Much love,
Danny & Kendall- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 8:49:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!!!
- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 8:49:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
Late to the party as usual. But in my defense, I some oral surgery this past week and am only now catching up. Although, the downside is that the anesthetic is wearing off.
A happy, happy day to you from all of us. I wish you many more if for only the selfish reason that I wish to read more of your blog!
Cheers, dear.- Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 9:10:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I hope you had a happy birthday and a lovely day.
- Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 7:57:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
A belated "Happy Birthday!" (or "Penblwydd Hapus" as they say in Welsh!). I hope you and your friends had a wonderful day :) Take care :)
- Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 9:05:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy Birthday, Naomi! 78, OLD!? My Dad is 80. Keep thinking positive thoughts and keep lunching! xxx
- Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 9:15:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
My beautiful calendar told me Friday was your Birthday! I had the kids and was so frazzled I completely forgot to come and wish you happy birthday! Oy. Well, Happy Birthday Weekend!
I've been reading your France & Picasso stories, LOVE! he's one of my very favorite artists. You know, I searched on Google Images, and there are no candid photos of him like you have. Quite a treasure! Amazing!- Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 9:39:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
For what it's worth, I knew it was your day yesterday but just never got to the computer. I was having lunch with a friend though and thought of you because I figured a "Ladies Who Lunch" would be going on.
I hope you had a fine time with your friends. And I hope the sadness that you're dealing with dulls soon.- Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 1:50:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy Belated birthday to you Naomi. Birthdays are always a time for contemplation and wonder arent they? Well past 40 it seems.
I hope you had a wonderful ladies at lunch and seeing your friends was just the tonic you need at this terrible time.
It certainly must be frustrating not being able to be outdoors but there is so much you are still doing with your blog. And you are loved by many people looking at all of these comments. So you are still creating, entertaining, writing and making people happy.Even if its not the way you once did. Its just in a different way.
Best wishes and here is to a year where your heart heals from the understandable pain you are feeling. Take Care!
PS I can't wait to see your birthday cake!- Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 4:15:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Happy Birthday Naomi..I'm wishing you a day to remember. I also feel so sad for how quickly time is going by I find myself wishing for more time and of course we know that is so fleeting as we never know so we just forge on.
Birthday Blessings and I can't wait to see your party pictures. YOU GALS ALWAYS LOOK SO LOVELY AND HAPPY...TOGETHER...
Dorothy from grammology
grammology.com- Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 5:33:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
you are a gusty lady who shares her life with such honesty and openness ... i hope your birthday was wonderful, despite the real sadness of life - and the problems of these earthly bodies that don't always cooperate ...
God bless you all year long ...- Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 6:05:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I wish you felt better too, Naomi.... I wish I felt better...Getting old is not fun...lol.
I am glad that you, at least, have your "ladies that lunch". group. What in the world would you do without them....
Happy Birthday, my dear friend....
Aren't you glad that you blog? You get to have friends from all over the country who are here to read about your life experiences and be your friends....If I ever get a chance to go the California, I want to be like Jamie Dawn and come visit you and give you a big hug.... Love ya, lady bug...- Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 8:45:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Who is the fairest of them all?
NAOMI!- Monday, June 29, 2009 at 2:00:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I'm so sorry you're shut in your house and shut out of all the things you love in life. I am grateful though that you have this blog and can still reach out to the world in this way. You're a gem. Happy 78th!
- Monday, June 29, 2009 at 7:12:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Belated birthday wishes dear Naomi! I raised a glass in your honour even though I didn't have internet access to visit you here.
I am so glad that your dear friends bought the party to you as I know what wonderful warm events these lunches are and I think you perhaps needed some warmth in your life at this difficult time for you. I hope you basked in the warmth of that friendship and took strength from it.
I hope that despite everything, you surprised yourself and had a lovely day :)- Tuesday, June 30, 2009 at 1:18:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Well, here I am, better late than never!
I scrolled down and have not read the ladies who lunch posts yet, but that is what I will do after I leave this comment.
I hope your birthday was one filled with some wonderful memories and some joys from the present too. I'm sure Sweetie got a smile out of you!
Having a melancholy birthday is perfectly okay. Life really hammers us sometimes, and to pretend that it doesn't would be very detrimental. You've had a series of losses not only of people but of your personal freedom.
Happy Belated Birthday, dear Naomi!
I'm off to read the other two posts now...- Friday, July 3, 2009 at 10:32:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I have a lot of reading to catch up on, on your blog. I haven't been blogging lately, but better late than never!
Happy belated 78th Birthday Naomi.- Monday, July 6, 2009 at 3:25:00 AM PDT
x4
