81st Birthdays are Fun!

Father Time is not always a hard parent, and, though he tarries for none of his children, often lays his hand lightly upon those who have used him well; making them old men and women inexorably enough, but leaving their hearts and spirits young and in full vigour. With such people the grey head is but the impression of the old fellow's hand in giving them his blessing, and every wrinkle but a notch in the quiet calendar of a well-spent life. ~Charles Dickens

Birthday Bash Photos!

Thanks for attending the BIG bash!

Wow, time really flies when you're having fun! Family and friends from seven states (AL, FL, GA, IL, KY, NY, TN) gathered to celebrate the Birthday Girl!

Everyone had a chance to relax and reconnect at Friday's Welcome to Atlanta reception. Bessie was even caught dancing to house music - more than once! This was also the first time that she and her brothers (Clarence and Bob) had ALL been in the same room together since the "Garden of Eden" as Uncle Bob put it!

Click here to view a photo slide show from Friday.

The main event was Saturday's Dinner & Program. The banquet featured:

• Family Photo Slide Show
• Grand Buffet
• Bessie Bash Trivia - Lucky attendees had the chance to win cool prizes!
• Youth Recital
• Birthday Love Box - Fond memories and special birthday wishes were collected from guests and presented to the Birthday Girl at the end of the program to help her remember how much she's loved every day of the year!
• Special prayer and blessing from the 1st Lady of Providence Baptist Church

Click here to view photos from Saturday.

ORDER PHOTOS: Visit my Kodak Gallery to buy photos.

SLIDE SHOWS: Click here to view all photo slide shows.

Atlanta Sparkles & Shines this Holiday Season!

50 Holiday Events Over 50 Days!

Atlanta sparkles this holiday season with over 50 holiday events and a myriad of shopping and dining options. Celebrate old traditions like the 50th anniversary of the Atlanta Ballet's Nutcracker at the fabulous Fox theatre, or take in a magical performance of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the Woodruff Art Center. Start new traditions at the Georgia Aquarium, or kick it up with the Rockettes at the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. And of course, enjoy ice skating at Centennial Olympic Park and a multitude of special events downtown and throughout Atlanta.

Click here for more information to plan your "down time" during Bessie's Bash!

Your Weekend Update!

Well, it's finally here - the BIG bash!

Family and friends are coming in from 7 states (wow!) to celebrate my Mother's 80th birthday. We are very blessed and everyone is excited about the birthday party that has turned into a mini family reunion - especially the Birthday Girl!

For those of you that can't attend, I know your spirit is with us. Check the blog next week for party photos! For everyone else - get ready to have a blast!

Important Info:

Friday, Dec. 4, 7:30pm - 9:00pm

Marriott Courtyard (Atlanta Airport West)

Suite #102

3400 Creek Pointe Drive

East Point, GA 30344

404.344.4414

Join us at the host hotel for a casual welcome reception. Stop by the hospitality suite (Room #102, 1st floor) to "meet and greet" other travelers. Pick up a light dinner then convene in the lobby/bar area to mix and mingle.

Saturday, Dec. 5, 6:30pm

Princeton Court - Community Room

3633 Howard Avenue

College Park, GA 30337

Please arrive on time and let me know in advance if you require transportation from the host hotel to Princeton Court (one exit away from the hotel). Schedule of events:

Hors d'oeuvres, 6:30pm

Program & Entertainment, 7:15pm

Dinner, 8:00pm

Sunday, Dec. 6, 11:30am

Princeton Court - Bessie's Residence

3633 Howard Avenue, #115

College Park, GA 30337

404.305.0456

For those of you that are still around, feel free to drop by and say farewell! Enjoy a light, informal brunch before your departure hosted by Joanne & Tanya (Daughter & Granddaughter).

NOTE:

Please contact me directly (not Bessie) with any questions regarding the event or special needs. I can be reached via email at bessiesbash@gmail.com or cell at 404.797.1911.

We look forward to seeing you this weekend. Have a safe trip to Atlanta!

(By the way, only outsiders still say "HOTlanta"! :)

I'm Thankful for YOU!

Thanksgiving is the appointed time

for focusing on the good in our lives.




In each of our days,

we can find small blessings,

but too often we overlook them,

choosing instead to spend our time

paying attention to problems.

We give our energy

to those who cause us trouble

instead of those who bring peace.

Starting now,

let’s be on the lookout

for the bits of pleasure in each hour,

and appreciate the people who

bring love and light to everyone

who is blessed to know them.

You are one of those people.

On Thanksgiving,

I’m thankful for you.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Share Your Family Photos!

Do you have photos of Bessie?
Childhood, Early Adult, Later Years?

Please let me know! I'd like to display them during the event.
Bring them with you, mail or better yet - scan and email.
ALL photos will be returned.

Please send an email to bessiesbash@gmail.com if you have photos to add to the fun.

Thanks!

Those Who Are

Author Unknown

To an infant those who are older are security, or those who are older are our first pain

To a toddler those who are older are givers, or those who are older are the first taste of life withheld

To a school age child those who are older are teachers, or those who are older don't notice

To a teenager those who are older are listeners, or those who are older live our life out of their own regrets

To a young adult those who are older are something we strive to be, or those who are older are something we want to avoid being

To a middle-age person those who are older are reminders of happy memories, or those who are older are reminders of painful memories

To an old timer those who are older are where wisdom resides, or those who are older are a burden and know nothing

To a senior, those who are older are a miracle