So this is how it began.
I wanted a costume party not because I like costume parties(at all) but because I wanted to wear a really short skirt, false eyelashes and go go boots. If I had worn these without calling it a costume party I would have looked unstable or like a cross dresser. Or a lady of the night too old to be one.
So the fun really began when on the night before a few friends came and helped set up the room. Then I picked up my daughter (yay yay yay) from the subway station coming in from University just for me. She told me her friends were shocked that a) she was making the trip for my birthday and b) that I was turning 50. This was gift #1. Even if she was lying.
Gift #2 In the morning of my party really early- I got a text from someone really important to me saying ” I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooo excited for your party. Thank you for inviting me.” She is 10.
Gift #2. My great friends S and J and B formed a committee to help me. They ran around and did and made and created. My talented friend C made an enormous and incredible cheese platter so beautiful I could not believe it. This is beyond love.
Gift #3 We went to a lash bar. Seriously. I want you to imagine anyone at 50 deciding to pay to have hair put on their body. We made appointments and my girlfriends and I had lashes put on us. (weirder still a girl in the corner was having permanent ones put on her- we were in the chairs for 15 minutes and she was likely there half a day)
Gift #4 Of course my life is weird so I had to go home and teach an art class Friday afternoon. In my lashes. These adorable boys arrived with flowers for my birthday. The were so adorable and I looked a little weird with the lashes.
Gift #5 Friends and loved ones arrived early in costumes to help. I can’t explain how this feels. It is love.
Gift #6 My friend from Vancouver flies in just for my party. Just for me. Love.
Gift #7 I think people had fun. This is a gift. When you are invited to a party it is your duty I think to have a great time, be charming, funny and gregarious. My friends and family gave me this.
Gift #7 My children sang for me. The only reason I did not ball my eyes out was because I was numb from happiness. There is a point with the elevated consciousness of a spectacular life moment- as in a party for yourself, or a wedding- where it is so surreal you float above yourself and the world.
Gift #8 I am pretty sure I told anyone who tried to leave early that they were an a%#hole. This is not polite but I truly did not want the night to end. This is a gift. It means I was having a great time.
Gift #9 Lying in my bed with out of town guest chatting and laughing until 4 in the morning. Love.
Gift #10 Leftover party snacks for the next day.
Gift #11 I have a list of what I want to do this year and everyone is helping me to make this list happen. Do you have any idea what this feels like? This is beyond love.
Gift #12 That I am entering this new decade with the right attitude, excitement and energy. And a great pair of GO GO boots. Don’t be shocked if you see me everywhere in these. After all this is me right now on a regular Tuesday at my desk in 1960’s gear writing to all of you
Gift #11 Opening all my presents the next day. I said “no presents” of course but I love presents and was so excited to have them. My two favourites were a video of my life and a book with notes from everyone about ME!!!
Gift #12 All the flowers that arrived that I continue to enjoy.
And the gorgeous bouquet of balloons
Gift #13 All the friends and family over the whole weekend to continue to celebrate
Gift #14 That I get to be loved by all these good people.
Happy Birthday to me.
It was perfect
Such a lovely evening, for such a lovely woman – special, indeed. I’m so very sorry I couldn’t make it, Village, but I loved you from afar, and just knew you were in a full-on love fest… I’m so happy for you!! Excellent, wonderful you. YAY!! xoxoxox
thanks so much friends, I appreciate it. Jen if you have a video I need it. I was too frozen to think about filming it!
and the goody bag for all of us…knowing that there’s all these fabulous people out there! happy go-go boots to you!
I can’t tell you how many times I have watched and showed others the beautiful performance by your daughters. So beautiful and talented. I could feel the love all around, Nancy and it was a privilege to be invited. Happy Birthday! xo
Best birthday EVER!!!! Lashes and all! Enjoy Nancy!!!! Happy Birthday to you!! xx