To the Cape to Celebrate
The weekend of October 13th, 2019, was a moment to celebrate. I celebrated my birthday with good friends who traveled from all over to be with me. Sandra Arnold and her sister Pamela Adam put us up at their Inn (A Little Inn on Pleasant Bay), where we spent 3 beautiful days together. The theme of the weekend was “To the Cape to Celebrate.”
And celebrate we did.
From fine dining to a tour of the JFK Museum, a lobster boat cruise followed by a Sunday brunch (with a violinist thrown in for good measure). It was all magical. Even Lilly, my dog, had her portrait plastered on my birthday cake. But the highlight was when my longtime friend Bob Cortez revealed a video that he pieced together for my birthday. This video was a moment to celebrate, as it flashed my entire life before my eyes in less than 4 minutes.
The Highlights
And if that wasn’t enough, Bob made a video candid of the entire weekend. I may add that he had very few photos to work with. But you will definitely get a taste of how great a time we had.
An Unexpected Performance
One of the most unexpected highlights of my 60th birthday celebration came at the end of an evening that did not go quite as planned. The night was supposed to include a boat ride out on the ocean along with a festive lobster dinner, but the weather kept us from leaving the dock. Even so, the celebration went on, the lobster was served, and the atmosphere was warm, lively, and full of laughter. Although many of them knew I had trained and performed as an opera singer, very few had ever actually heard my voice in person. With no rehearsal and only their encouragement to carry me, I dusted off my vocal cords and sang in the moment. Someone happened to record it, and this video remains a wonderful reminder of an evening that turned out to be memorable in an entirely different way than expected.
Returning the Favor
On July 17th, 2024, I had the distinct privilege of returning the favor of the gift Bob gave me for my birthday. The day was Bob’s 80th birthday, and I spent two months pouring my heart and soul into a video that would showcase Bob’s life in a powerful, exciting, and emotional style.
I accomplished that goal and was so proud and filled with joy to have played it for him on the eve of his birthday. It is a 4.5-minute video highlighting his family, wife, and two daughters, with a particular highlight of his granddaughter and a visit to my hometown, riding in a boat on Lake of the Woods. I hope you enjoy celebrating Bob’s life of 80 years.
