The Folks
Lin and Robert invited some very special local friends --- Angela, Ellen, Nadine, XOXO, Kate, Hilliard, Linda, Denise, Sandy, JoAnne and Nick.Some of my out-of-town friends sent their salutations long distance, and were happy to share their favorite inspirations across the miles. Some of those with us in spirit for the party were: Wendy, Steve & Ivy Rose, Lizzy, Marlena, Diane, Debbie & Clyde, Dan & Ashley, Gilann, Barbara, Connie, Barb & Jerry, Penny T., and Mike & Jean.
All guests got a spiffy nametag!
No matter who attended, who called, who emailed, or who wrote, I truly felt as though I were surrounded by all of the best vibes from decades of friendship with the kindest of people. I even felt the presence of many friends with whom I had lost touch and even those who had passed on. The evening's energy was palpable and I thank everyone for that!
The Place
We chose the Jade Palace for their steadfast hospitality to us over the years and their helpfulness and willingness in organizing this event. Not to mention their scrumptious vegan buffet prepared with variety, healthfulness, and...love! Thank you, Morales, and Mimi and Kent, and the rest of the smiling, courteous wait staff at the Jade Palace! [NOTE: Jade Palace has this wonderful veg buffet EVERY Thursday night.]
Special thanks to Hilliard and Kate for making it more festive with the addition of a big shiny balloon and... even champagne! WOW! Thank you, Hilliard and Kate!
The Menu
Dinner was a vegetarian buffet (almost 100% vegan) and was outstanding.
Some of the items included:
- Vegetable soup with Tofu and Cabbage
- Steamed Rice
- Vegetarian Spring Rolls
- Vegetable Won-Tons
- Steamed Broccoli
- Vegetable Potstickers
- [Superfresh!] Green Garden Salad with cues, tomatoes, onions and lettuce
- Vegetable Lo-Mein
- Vegetable Fried Rice
- Bean Sprouts
- Tasty Fried Tofu with garlic, onions, vegetables
- Kung Pao Tofu with green pepper, onion, celery, cabbage, & peanuts in red pepper sauce
- Marinated Sauteed Mushrooms
- Curried Potatoes
- Eggplant with garlic sauce
- Sweet and Sour Carrots
- Tempura Sweet Potatoes
All of the above was served in addition to your choice of 4 different sauces! And, of course, whatever beverage you preferred!
Dessert was extraordinary.
The standard dessert bar at Jade Palace is normally tempting, luring diners with moist cakes, fresh fruit and more to complete the dinner fare! But on this particular birthday evening, we were able to revel in an all-vegan chocolate/raspberry Rhapsody cake specially prepared by Sweet Life Bakery in Eugene and gifted long-distance by the Liberko Family. Thank you, Wendy, Steve and Ivy Rose!
The Party Favors
Party favors were fun to assemble as a token remembrance of the evening to those who attended. Red, blue and yellow envelopes were designed with a Friendship quotation and sticker bow on the front and were marked:
Inside was a printed copy of the lyrics to a song called "I Hope You Dance". This is Lin's wish for everyone, always.
See online video with Lee Ann Womack and her daughters and Sons of the Desert here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RV-Z1YwaOiw
(If for some reason this link doesn't work, you can do a search. There are many available on line; just be sure to search 'womack' so you get the original..)
Giovanni Bath Bar Organic Soaps (Thank you, Ryan and Courtney!)
These triple-milled, all natural, all vegan, bar soaps from Giovanni dip into rich organic scents and contain an uncommon blend of ingredients to gently and refreshingly cleanse your body. Moisturizing and easy foaming, these bars were included as part of the party favors in the following scents: Cucumber Song, Bamboo Birch, Raspberry Winter, Lavender Vanilla Snow, Grapefruit Sky, Cool Mint Lemonade and Hazelnut Vanilla. These soaps and hundreds of other wonderful vegan products are available online from Vegan Essentials at http://www.veganessentials.com/
100% cruelty-free, vegan soaps. Mmmm. Good for everyone.
Hand-made, pocket-size tissue holders (Thank you, Angela!)
Unique, hand-polished stones from Lin
Each stone was enclosed with the following description:
This is a stone I found on a beach in Cape May, NJ, off the Atlantic coast in the mid-70's. I polished it myself in a tumbler for over 4 weeks, until it was smooth and shiny.
I had saved these stones as a special part of my past, but now that I am 60, I would like to share these precious keepsakes with my friends. I give it to you as a token remembrance of this wonderful evening and how you helped to make my 60th birthday celebration so special!
Everyone is getting one of these stones, but they are all different. Yet each one brings with it special blessings and an eternity of good wishes. Thank you for making tonight so memorable.
Love, Lin
(11-19-09)
The Cards & Gifts — Sweet Sentiments
[This fantastic, memorable website was designed and assembled by my dear husband, Robert, as a gift for my 60th birthday. This heart-felt endeavor was a labor of love that represents an enormous amount of his hours and energy to create a wonderful remembrance of this birthday celebration evening. Thank you, Robert!]
Lin,
You turning 60; you've helped to add to my short list of women I would like to emulate as I approach that decade. Thank you for putting a generous, wise, energetic face on this glorious age of 60....
As I get older, I rethink what "older" means to me. When I was in my 20's, 40 seemed "older". Now that I'm 47, I realize that this decade is still filled with pure youthful feelings and activities.. My bar on older continues to adjust as I gracefully age and remain healthy. Kudos to you!...
Thank you for continuing to be my friend. In general, I don't think technology has brought our relationships closer, more genuine and intimate. In this case of ours, I'm very grateful for this link that binds us.
Have a beautiful day,
Gilann
Dear Lin,
Happiest of Birthdays to you!
Love,
Angela
Lin,
Of all the birthdays you recall,
may this one be the best of all.
Happy 60th!
Love,
Barbara
Lin,
We still talk about the great times we had country dancing with you. Sure hope your 60th is a great time and just remember---you are only as old as you feel. "Inside" we are all only 25!!!
Wishing you all the beautiful moments of a perfect day.
Barb & Jerry
Wow,
Look at all you've done and all you're still doing. You keep finding new experiences and fresh challenges. Look out, world, you're on the loose, and you're sensational. Happy 60th Birthday. Hope you have a wonderful birthday!
Love,
Connie
Good Works
are links that form a chain of love.
— Mother Teresa
Dear Lin -
We're so glad you made it to 60 and we hope you'll enjoy many, many more birthdays! We wish you good health and much happiness.
Love,
Kate and Hilliard
Lin,
May your birthday be just wonderful, may happiness surround you, and each tomorrow may you find life's nicest things around you.
Happy Birthday!
Denise
Lin,
Have a great party! Best wishes on your birthday and for many smiles throughout the coming year!
Dr. Thornton and Team
Dear Lin,
I wish you the very best on your birthday and hope you are having a big celebration with many friends. It's not possible for me to be there, but I'll be thinking of you. I chose this quotation because I believe it represents what you have already done.
The best of life is to invest it in something which will outlast life.
— William James
Love,
Diane
To Lin on your Birthday -
Gazing at the stars, thinking how wonderful life is...
... and how wonderful you are!
To Lin on her Birthday:
A daughter, a girlfriend, a dancer, a wife.
A friend to many throughout her life.
A naturalist, a wholesome-as-can-be kind of person!
A lover of nature, animals and humane human beings, a lover
of life and joy. Lives in the moment, loves others more than
herself, thinks from the end and doesn't have a negative bone
in her body — that's our dear friend, Lin!
Happy Birthday, Lin!
Many More!
Love,
Debbie & Clyde
Dear Lin,
You're a wonderful reason for a party! Happy Birthday to a wonderful and inspiring friend. Thank you for letting me share this special occasion with you!
Love,
Ellen
** Happy Birthday! I saved you a pupcake.
Love,
Pumbaa
Chocolate Raspberry vegan cake from Sweet Life in Eugene, with real roses on the top! Wow! Thank you, Wendy, Steve and Ivy Rose for this thoughtful (and yummy!) long-distance gift! And thank you, too, Hilliard and Kate, for the personal pick-up and delivery!
Lin, to a very special person -
Best wishes on your birthday - Happy Birthday!
Linda :)
Secretly Celebrating The Magic of You.
Dear Lin,
Thank you so much for thinking of me and including me in your 60th birthday celebration. I am honored to participate!
As I contemplated your request, so many words and images came to mind and heart. Rather than share one, I've enclosed a collection of my favorite quotes and images that are displayed around my own home that serve as reminders and inspiration.
Lin, your dedication to EVEN and educating the masses is inspiring to me. My only hope is that you also take the time to care for YOU! You are special, Lin. I'm so glad we met in Eugene and have continued to stay in touch.
So, here's to an amazing woman! Wishing you an eternity of health, happiness, and love.
Have an amazing birthday bash. I feel like I'm right there with you. Hooray! Happy Day!!!
Love,
Elizabeth
Dear Lin,
Wishing you much happiness as you celebrate your 60th year of life. I'm so grateful our paths crossed. My life is so much better for knowing you. Happy Birthday!
Love,
Marlena
[See more of Marlena under Shared Inspiration!]
Lin -
Happiest Birthday wishes to you!!!...Have a wonderful celebration.
Much love,
Jean, Mike, Elie, and Emmett
...because you're just that kind of a person! Happy Birthday Always!!!
Dearest Lin,
You are a Bright and Beautiful Woman, a Blessing on this planet for 60 yrs! (so far) My wish-gift for you is to feel deeply the generosity and kindness you give to so many others, bouncing back from the Universe to your heart, as you continue your Magnificent Visionary work. (albeit at an easier pace :)
Thank you for your presence, with Many Blessings and much Love to you,
Nadine
Lin -
Have a beautiful day. You do so much to help other people and our planet. I hope you know how much you are appreciated!
Wishing you all the best.
Sandy
[Sandy gifted us with another generous donation to EVEN. Thank you, Sandy!]
Lin!
Sending you warmest wishes on your special day. May your 61st year be the most beautiful yet!
Many Blessings,
XOXO
