Lucy had put these on the outside of my front doors.....I think it looks very cheerful and pretty cute, too......My niece Debbie took this picture, and I am so glad she did.....And Audrey Franks took this picture, below....
And I am really glad she did!! This is another of those big 80's that I had bought on-line and had no idea what to do with them....Again, dear Lucy figured this out---She put them wherever she could find a little space....! They are very colorful and kind of 'glammed' up the place......
Two different people took a picture of me with Mark Travis--next to me, and dear Joe Umbrino---kneeling in front of me...I thought it was quite amazing.....
I was so happy that they both were able to come---it looked like they each might not be able to---Mark had been in Europe working and got back sooner than he thought, and Joe wasn't sure about his work schedule until the last day or so---he is a Nurse, and a damned good one, too----But it turned out he had the day off, Thank You God.....
Joe brought me these wonderful flowers....So very pretty; So colorful!
Above...a few days later...still so very beautiful, but faded, the way things and people often get when they age....A few days later these blooms were almost white, and the petals falling on the floor...I so wish I had taken a picture of that.....It was so very sweet of Joe to bring me this gorgeous arrangement.....
This was such a great idea for a "photo"...the Balloons, from Earl and Craig--in the foreground....Then, Carole and Tom with Audrey Franks' back towards the camera.....But, once again, it was one of these lousy 'throw away' cameras...The reason I included this is because Tom Troupe is standing there next to Carole, and here, below, is the Birthday Card he made for me....!
Oh, do click on this to make it bigger.....Tom makes these wonderful "cards" for all of his friends--for our Birthdays and for Christmas, etc., etc....He says..."It's my occupational therapy before they take me to the home.....!" (LOL!) I have a whole collection of them and I cherish them with all my heart....They are true treasures.....!
It is rare for me to have so many pictures of myself at a "gathering", (As Joey from the UK pointed out in a very dear comment on my last post)....And he is correct! And, do you know why? Well, it is because, usually, I am the one taking the pictures...So above, there I am drinking water that someone brought to me...Yes, W-A-T-E-R....! The Best Drink There Is, in my book. To the right in the picture, Carole Cook sitting next to me and that is Audrey Franks talking to Carole, with her back towards the camera.....And way over on the far left of the picture is Anne Leyden, who had brought me the water....and below, some more pictures of me with different people.....
Me, with the darling wonderful talented Bridget Hanley....a good friend and a very dear dear person.....!
And above, the incredibly special Jane Abbott---another Theatre West 'connection'. Her dear talented husband Phillip, was a founding member of Theatre West---January 1962....And I worked with him and played with them and had some very profound spiritual and loving experiences with the very unique Jane, as the years went on---She is another "Original"....(My "Profile" picture playing pool was taken at their home---a million years ago....) To have so many very very wonderful friends here to help me celebrate 80 f***ing years on this earth....Well, how fantastic is that? Some people, like Lee M., were away working, and that was hard, because we go back to 1962, as well....But truly, the most painful "missing" for me, was my dear dear friend, Betty......
This picture above is from my 65th Birthday which we celebrated at Betty's house......That is the wonderfully talented Writer/Actress, Leslie Caveny in between Betty and me.....And here is Leslie, Below---15 Birthdays later.....
That is Michael Franks and Leslie and darling Earl and the dear Garrett Parks, Betty's older son, out on my deck.......
Leslie brought me this lovely bouquet of flowers, above.....So many people brought me flowers that day, that we ran out of Vases....lol! They were all lovely and it was so sweet of people to do that.....
Above, my dear Housekeeper and friend , Lucy....I would be lost without her.....And below, "The Tile House" Genius....George Ehling and his dear wife Ivenia, plus, my dear Kim and the darling David Ankrum......And if you want to read all about 'The Tile House', in case you haven't....please go here.....and know that there are 11 'Tile House' posts in all, going through June 23rd 2010......It is an amazing work-of-art and a monumental achievement, by dear George........
My sweet niece Debbie came up with this wonderful idea! She took the top of the Cake Box and made a "map" of how everyone was related to me.....Below, Andy Parks signing it......
And later..... my 'Grand' niece Laurel, who had already signed it and Jane Abbott signing it while the picture was being taken.....
And here below....the 'finished' product......
Debbie got quite a few people to sign this....And I just loved the whole idea of it! There are still more pictures to share with you, so....there will be a Part 4, coming along, next time.........More To Come.............
- had this to say:
I clicked on the cake box signatures... what a great idea! I loved reading all the comments people made, even down to what they were wearing. This was definitely a party to remember, so many friends and family honouring you and celebrating the fact that you play an inmportant part in their lives. Great stuff, Naomi! You look so happy in all those pictures.
- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 5:37:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, I am so glad that people took the photos this time, since you are in them - not the usual thing!! You are lucky to have such wonderful, loyal friends.
- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 5:50:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Terrific pix. Such wonderful friends you have. Betty's book helps me know more about your references. I feel a part of it all! Thank you for allowing me inside. It really means so much to me. I may never see my own 80th, but I have seen a very special one with you, your cards, balloons, cake, gifts and special friends. :)
- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 7:42:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What an amazing celebration you had, Naomi. It's wonderful when everyone gets to celebrate with you, and in this case, we are all over the world!
- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 8:01:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I just love all the photo's and everyone gathered to celebrate you! you have some absolutely wonderful memories of so many gatherings (and I don't mean just birthdays.. ladies that lunch etc)... people who care and will come to you when you can no longer get to them!.. true friends.
- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 8:20:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
i've just come across your wonderful blog through pat at pastimperfect and cannot tell you how much i've enjoyed my visit here - what a magical journey you allow us to take with you! thank you so much for not just the journey but all the beautiful memories of magnificent times/magical times in our own lives - that time of yesteryear!
HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, dear lady!- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 9:36:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
You are an amazing person my friend and i still say you dont look 80.. So hope you enjoyed every last minute of those people. and spending time with loved ones.. Its such a special time.
- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 11:35:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
A belated Happy Birthday!!! (Or "Penblwydd Hapus!" in Welsh!). You don't look 80 at all!
It looks like you've had a wonderful time and received some amazing gifts.
I hope you're having a great weekend :)- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 11:41:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
It is really wonderful to see all the pictures with YOU in them. You look MARVELOUS my dear.
The signing of the cake box lid is just perfect. I'll have to remember that for the next birthday party I attend.
Again, I am so pleased to see "More to come".- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 1:52:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
The cake box blew me away! What a great idea. I love the pictures especially because you look so happy.
- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 3:15:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, I think it speaks volumes about you that so many people (young and old) helped you to celebrate your 80th.
To paraphrase Oscar Hammerstein II... You must have done something good.
All My Best-Kevin- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 4:13:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Ditto what Kevinr said
- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 8:53:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You have such great friends and I am so glad you had this wonderful celebration for your 80th! You're the youngest 80 year old I know!!! What a youthful spark you share with us. I hope this is a year of good things.
PS- the flowers from Joe were divine.- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 9:37:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Oops! Just remembered that the great Richard Rodgers wrote "Something Good." Mr Hammerstein had passed away by the time the movie was being made. The song was written for the movie (not the Broadway show) "The Sound of Music."
- Saturday, July 16, 2011 at 9:45:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi,
I only just came across your birthday posts, so have just spent an enjoyable half hour browsing through all three posts.
Such great memories and a great way to share them with us all.
I looks like you had a fantastic few days of celebration, with all those people who are nearest and dearest to you, just as it should be.
Wishing you a very happy belated birthday, with many more to come.
Yvonne- Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 12:12:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
The memories of the party will stay with you for a long time. I left my balloons in place until they deflated and I still have the small tree of tiny eighties.
You have the most wonderful memento with the cake box signatures. What a great idea - a testament to enduring friendships.- Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 3:07:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Nay Nay! You are so loved. I'm glad the tile house guy came.
- Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 7:41:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
I'm eating these posts up! And you do look great, dear. You need to post more photos of yourself.
Cheers.- Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 9:39:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Oh I think the cake box would look great framed and on your wall. What a fun idea that was!
xoxox, Audrey- Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 9:41:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, you are so cute in the pic from your 65th birthday!!
- Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 10:59:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I love that you were in so many of the pictures this time, and the "tree" was a great idea. We did something similar for my former in-law's 50th Anniversary. We painted a huge tree on canvas with no leaves on the tree, then each member of the family put one of their fingers in paint at the party, "stamped" their fingerprint on the appropriate branch of the tree as if they were a leaf on the tree and then signed it. So on the closest branches were the couple's children, each branch that reached out from there, the grandchildren, next the great-grandchildren, and so on. By the time all the fingerprints were added, it looked like a bunch of leaves on the tree. It was great fun to do, left a memorable piece of artwork, and also fingerprinted every member of the family. *giggle*
- Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 1:00:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Another great post Naomi, and I did enjoy seeing such nice photos of you! I know you had a wonderful party and I'm sure you hated to see it end! You'll have to do it again next year!!
Love the cake box signing. What a fun thing, and as someone else said, framing it would be great!!
Looking forward to the next part!!
Hugs!!!- Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 1:43:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Now that you mentioned it, it's definitely rare to see pictures of you in gatherings. It's refreshing to see you doing well and looking healthy and glowing as well :). Take care always Naomi and may you have many more birthdays to come!
- Sunday, July 17, 2011 at 3:18:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Dear Naomi,
Love seeing more beautiful photos of your Birthday with all your dear friends!
Looks a great and happy party for sure.
I loved the wonderful idea of your niece Debbie! Just great to make a "map" of how everyone was related to you.
Sending to you much happiness and all the best!
(((Many kisses and hugs)))- Monday, July 18, 2011 at 6:11:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
My favorite things about this post;
The 80s on your door and how your friend put them here and there around your home, all the photos of you engaging in conversation, those BEAUTIFUL flowers that were given to you (I'd love to have so many flowers that I'd run out of vases!), how you included an old photo of Betty on your 65th b-day and I LOVE the map on the cake box cover where everyone shared how they were connected to you.
My dear friend, I'm almost half your age (can't believe THAT!) and I don't celebrate as BIG as you do!! You look fantastic and I wish I could've been there to bring you flowers (WITH A VASE!) and celebrate with all your loved ones. Maybe for your 90th...who knows?
Love, hugs and cheers from Miami!! xo- Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 4:49:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
It is SO wonderful that you had so many people to help you photo-document your birthday, so you could relax and enjoy your celebration! As you should! :)
Love that customized card, so much fun... and the cake box top? Now THAT is something to truly treasure. What a clever thing to think to do.
Also, the flowers, lovely.
:)- Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 8:45:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You have amazing friends :)
- Wednesday, July 20, 2011 at 4:31:00 PM PDT
x4
