Just wait until you're approaching 90, like me, Ros. I think of parties as scary but everyone seems to expect this one so that's what we have to do. I'm hoping for lots of good memories. We're going to gather round in a huge circle - 90 of us! - and talk about old times, about cricket and teaching and conservation projects and family events and falling in love twice in one lifetime. Oh, and writing and literature and music and circle dance. Perhaps it won't be so bad after all!
You sure made your sixtieth birthday a doozy. Quite a wardrobe exhibition in that group photo. It's good to still have projects on your plate when your time here is over. That means you were never bored and never felt you were without a purpose. These posts are like receiving a newsy letter from a close friend.
Ah, I have strayed into "newsy letter" territory. Thought I might have done :-). Although the intimate tone of a close friend, I am definitely here for. Still better get some books written before the ride is over though. It will be easier now I am a Full Time Writer ;-).
I’ll go anywhere that boasts of a communal yurt with leather Chesterfield sofas. Swanky and very oxymoronic. Quixotic is my spirit animal name. Loved this piece. Laugh out loud loved. 🧡
Thanks, Chris! I loved how well the playlist went down, even with the teens. Very gratifying. I also love the shifts as you move through the eras, playing it in order.
I fully support the Epicurean urge to gather and celebrate like this, Roz. Look past all that mounting stress and logistics, and go big. Make it a proper event. Yurt-village levels. Good times worth subsidising. Tomorrow is not promised.
I am so blessed with my friends, so grateful for them. There was a time, years ago, when I was friendless. Literally couldn't find a person willing and able to spend my 36th birthday with me. Maybe that is why I go so hard on the celebrations now!
Whoa I recognize about 90% of the "60 years of dancing" playlist and I have more or less ignored the last ten years of pop music and am in the States, we must be muy sympatico.
"A chilling performance by Hector Lavoe, Jorge Santana, Cheo Feliciano, Celia Cruz & the Fania All Stars from mid-'70s Zaire, Africa. The All-Stars was part of a 3-day festival which ushered in the famous "Rumble In The Jungle" fight between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali! The concert was done before an amazing 80,000 people and the newly built stadium. Enjoy this treasure.
Celia Cruz; Santos Colon; Cheo Feliciano; Larry Harlow; Felix 'Pupi' Legarreta; Hector Lavoe; Nicky Marrero; Ismael Miranda; Ismael Quintana; Roberto Roena; Jorge Santana; Yomo Toro; Bobby Valentin; etc..
"Fair Use" Section 107 through 118 of the copyright law title 17 U.S. Code for educational purposes."
The site specified no amplified music after 10pm (sound carries a long way in the countryside) and it was they who suggested the silent disco. I thought it sounded lame, but my daughter was pretty excited about it, and it turned out to be much better than a traditional disco. In fact silent discos all the way from now on!
I’m so glad the party turned out so well, that’s fabulous! The only parties I ever give are launch parties and for the last one, I was so exhausted by 7.30, I could hardly speak, and we were in bed by 9pm!
Just wait until you're approaching 90, like me, Ros. I think of parties as scary but everyone seems to expect this one so that's what we have to do. I'm hoping for lots of good memories. We're going to gather round in a huge circle - 90 of us! - and talk about old times, about cricket and teaching and conservation projects and family events and falling in love twice in one lifetime. Oh, and writing and literature and music and circle dance. Perhaps it won't be so bad after all!
You sure made your sixtieth birthday a doozy. Quite a wardrobe exhibition in that group photo. It's good to still have projects on your plate when your time here is over. That means you were never bored and never felt you were without a purpose. These posts are like receiving a newsy letter from a close friend.
Ah, I have strayed into "newsy letter" territory. Thought I might have done :-). Although the intimate tone of a close friend, I am definitely here for. Still better get some books written before the ride is over though. It will be easier now I am a Full Time Writer ;-).
I’ll go anywhere that boasts of a communal yurt with leather Chesterfield sofas. Swanky and very oxymoronic. Quixotic is my spirit animal name. Loved this piece. Laugh out loud loved. 🧡
I love that, thank you. I'm so with you on the communal yurt/leather Chesterfield sofas combo. It's so perfect.
That stupid party sounds amazing, Ros! And your playlist is awesome.
Thanks, Chris! I loved how well the playlist went down, even with the teens. Very gratifying. I also love the shifts as you move through the eras, playing it in order.
I fully support the Epicurean urge to gather and celebrate like this, Roz. Look past all that mounting stress and logistics, and go big. Make it a proper event. Yurt-village levels. Good times worth subsidising. Tomorrow is not promised.
"Tomorrow is not promised." The perfect encapsulation. Going big was worth every minute of stress etc and shan't be forgotten.
How wonderful! Happy birthday! And I'm so happy to hear you threw such a joyful celebration! It sounds like my ideal kind of party!
I'm not surprised, Georgina, I sense we are very sympatico! Thank you for the good wishes.
It was such a great party, as are all of your parties! So delighted you found the Welsh ball, too!
I know! The Welsh ball! That really was the icing; George was so chuffed. I do love a party. And I love you, my friends.
It sounds fantastic. How lucky your friends are to be at such a celebration.
I am so blessed with my friends, so grateful for them. There was a time, years ago, when I was friendless. Literally couldn't find a person willing and able to spend my 36th birthday with me. Maybe that is why I go so hard on the celebrations now!
Sounds like a brilliant party. Loved this post. I too, would fill up my living room with sand to avoid thinking about my inevitable end…!
Haha, I love that image in isolation. Thank you, Sian.
Sounds fabulous, Ros! 🥂💪👏👏❤️ (very sorry we couldn’t be with you)
I'm sorry, too but yes, it was indeed fabulous!
Congratulations, Ros. Glad for you that you went ahead with the celebration. You've gathered some wonderful memories.
Truly I did. Thank you.
Sounds wonderful and very well-curated, Ros!
It all came together in the end :-). Some of it *really* last minute, but nevertheless, beautifully.
Whoa I recognize about 90% of the "60 years of dancing" playlist and I have more or less ignored the last ten years of pop music and am in the States, we must be muy sympatico.
Absolutely any excuse to post this link will do:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gidQoGp2pE0
"A chilling performance by Hector Lavoe, Jorge Santana, Cheo Feliciano, Celia Cruz & the Fania All Stars from mid-'70s Zaire, Africa. The All-Stars was part of a 3-day festival which ushered in the famous "Rumble In The Jungle" fight between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali! The concert was done before an amazing 80,000 people and the newly built stadium. Enjoy this treasure.
Celia Cruz; Santos Colon; Cheo Feliciano; Larry Harlow; Felix 'Pupi' Legarreta; Hector Lavoe; Nicky Marrero; Ismael Miranda; Ismael Quintana; Roberto Roena; Jorge Santana; Yomo Toro; Bobby Valentin; etc..
"Fair Use" Section 107 through 118 of the copyright law title 17 U.S. Code for educational purposes."
Jeez Ros the silent disco alone is pure genius! And "Music produces a kind of pleasure without which humans cannot live," as ole Confucius said...
The site specified no amplified music after 10pm (sound carries a long way in the countryside) and it was they who suggested the silent disco. I thought it sounded lame, but my daughter was pretty excited about it, and it turned out to be much better than a traditional disco. In fact silent discos all the way from now on!
I’m so glad the party turned out so well, that’s fabulous! The only parties I ever give are launch parties and for the last one, I was so exhausted by 7.30, I could hardly speak, and we were in bed by 9pm!
Thanks, Sue!!i found the whole thing surprisingly energising.