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

An Open Book...

I realized the other day that just because you've known someone all of your life, doesn't mean you know everything about them!



I decided to "interview" the birthday girl to get a little closer and dig a little deeper as my mother's birthday quickly approaches and we both reach a milestone.

So, this morning my mother was an open book. Here's what I learned:

Q: How does it feel to be turning the big 8-0?
A: It feels great! Still a little hard to believe, but I'm excited and looking forward to it.

Q: Looking back thru the years, what are your most memorable moments?
A: Meeting your father (Joseph Tilton) at a friend's wedding and then being married to him for 43 (wow!) years. Being blessed with 8 wonderful children and seeing them achieve their independence and grow into adults, now with families of their own. Reconnecting with Alfred Edmondson, my dear childhood friend, and remarrying. When we met again much later in life we learned we'd both been married for the same number of years and had the same number of children! Also, having such a great extended family and close circle of friends.

Q: What's your favorite new product or invention?
A: I'd have to say the advancements in health care. Being a former nurse, it's amazing what they can do in this day and time, things we never thought would be possible. Couldn't even imagine...

Q: What's your favorite book?
A: The Bible.

Q: What's your favorite song?
A: Amazing Grace.

Q: Do you have a favorite actress?
A: Yes, Lena Horne!

Q: How about a favorite quote?
A: "Listening is an open door to understanding."

Q: That's your favorite quote of all time? Who said that?
A: Ugh, I knew that would be your next question.... I'll have to look it up!

Q: What do you know for sure?
A: God is good.... And true love and happiness comes from within.

Do you have a question for Bessie? Mailto: bessiesbash@gmail.com.

Host Hotel

Marriott Courtyard
Atlanta Airport West
3400 Creek Pointe Drive
East Point, GA 30344
404.344.4414

Click here to visit the website.

NOTE: Free 24-hour shuttle service to the Atlanta airport and printing of boarding passes. Transportation will also be provided to the program and dinner at Princeton Court on Saturday.

The new Marriott Courtyard Hotel near the Atlanta Airport offers stylish accommodations in a fabulous location just 4 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Int'l Airport (ATL) and in the center of the newest shopping and dining in the area, Camp Creek Market Place.

The hotel is minutes from Downtown Atlanta, Georgia International Convention Center, Turner Field and the GA Aquarium. Arrive to a stylish lobby, unwind in spacious guest rooms and suites or relax on the outdoor patio by the cozy fire pit. Courtyard Atlanta Airport West offers premium hotel accommodations close to the Atlanta airport and only a few minutes from Bessie's home at Princeton Court!

Weekend Itinerary

WELCOME TO ATLANTA

Friday, December 4
7:30pm - 9:00pm
Join us for a casual reception to re-connect with family over a scrumptious spread. Plus, a special toast to all December birthdays!


Saturday, December 5
Morning & Afternoon at Leisure
Click here for suggestions of what to see and do. From the Georgia Aquarium, World of Coca-Cola and sporting events, to a museum visit, tour of CNN or pit stop to see Dr. King's birth home - Atlanta truly has something for everyone!

The Big Birthday Bash: Princeton Court
--Community Room--
Cocktail or Semi-Formal Attire
Hors d'oeuvres, 6:30pm
Program & Entertainment, 7:15pm
Dinner, 8:00pm


Sunday, December 6
Optional Farewell Brunch, 11:30am

QUESTIONS: Send an email to bessiesbash@gmail.com.

Save the Date

By now, most of you have received word of "the bash" coming the first weekend of December. I can't believe God has granted me 80 years (and counting!) on His wonderful earth. I feel great (and look even better :) and although there are some achey days I am in good spirits and am glad to have "the bash" to look forward to. I hear that family and friends from near and far are making the journey - just for me. I am overwhelmed by the outpour of love and so very excited. I can't wait to see you!