Friday, October 17, 2008

Celebrating Life

Last weekend was my brother-in-law’s 60th birthday. To commemorate the accomplishment of six well-lived decades, he and my sister invited our entire extended family to a party at their home in the foothills of Mount Hood. In honor of his birthday, Angelo built an enormous teepee in the backyard, which served as the party venue for the evening.

We all sat around the bonfire, laughing, eating good food, and helping the little ones roast marshmallows. We sang snatches of folk songs written by well-loved musicians like Woodie Guthrie and Simon & Garfunkel. The party was by no means fancy or expensive, but with the bonfire, the stars, and my family all around, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time. Especially now, when the world is so uncertain, this gathering soothed my soul, and left me fulfilled and uplifted. I realized that for our collective wellbeing, good times during trying times are unbelievably important.

The guests at the party ranged from 2 to 85 years old, and gatherings like these provide wonderful opportunities to show our children the things that are truly important in life: our relationships to others. After this party, I learned anew the invaluable lesson of joining together during crisis, and finding happiness in sharing in old traditions made new.

To put it simply, a night like this comes down to two words: Celebrate life.







www.rosannainc.com

11 comments:

  1. Gosh! I'm not good on this. and im not american or something, I'm brazilian, but I just love your blog! I love reading and see your photos :D keep the good work, I'm sorry about my bad english, but ♥ your work :D

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  2. That sounds like an awesome party...

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  3. just love all your posts...
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  4. Looks like a wonderful celebration.

    I like the way you learn about life, even after a party...

    Well, happy to hear you happy, Dear... :)

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  5. What a fantastic party, and yes in trying times like these it is important to find solace and happiness with the ones you love.
    Thank you for sharing.

    cheers~
    ~Tara~

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  6. There is nothing better than being with family and celebrating. You just have to sit and soak it up. It just doesn't get any better than that. Susanna

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  7. your blog and photos are so nice
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  8. I'm a follower too! Thanks for sharing and have linked to your blog from my food blog. Thanks.

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  10. looks like that was a great party.
    Congrats on being listed on blogsofnote! That's where I found your blog. Maybe one day my blog will join yours! :) (queue the music for "high hopes" song) lol

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