Today I am 40. You Are Cordially Invited.
You Are Cordially Invited
I had written this post a few days ago before learning of my dad’s passing.
A big celebration had been in the works by my children that I truly considered canceling. My sister in law Melody, who lives here in town, said, “Laura, don’t cancel. Norm LOVED a party and I REALLY need a drink.” (Who can argue with that?)
As my husband is currently overseas and will not return for awhile, it is actually comforting to me that dear, dear friends will surround me this evening.
You are among the dearest. I have to say that I have been absolutely overwhelmed with the love and support shown to me by my friends in the blogging community. So please join in the celebration of another year of life. It is so very precious.
For this Marie Antoinette themed birthday the invitation features a favorite image of the queen painted by one of my favorite artists, Elisabeth Vigee LeBrun. It aptly states: “Let them eat cake.”
The inside reads:
The Duchess of Decor summons you to court for an evening of enchantment and merrymaking to mark the occasion of her ladyships 40th birthday.
Wednesday, the twentieth of August, two thousand and eight.
Dinner shall commence at half after six.
The royal procession shall then journey to The Shout! House where the ladies shall attempt to lose their heads.
Lace, pearls and other frippery are highly encouraged.
On the back of the card are directions to Chateau Gunn (which I would rather not disclose on the internet) and provides instruction that “Men, small children, beasts and those bearing gifts are most unwelcome. Those making their presence known shall be locked in the stocks.”
So, select your gown and perhaps a pair of slippers.
Is red your color? This frock is quite fetching.
Perhaps a pink or aqua gown would suit you?
Don’t you just adore these slippers from Fete et fleur?
I will leave tomorrow for California but I promise a visual feast for the eyes in the near future. Laura
I really wish I were on a plane and coming to this party! Happy Birthday, Laura!!! Love & Hugs!
Oooh, I’d love to come – congratulations on your 40th birthday! Birthdays are reminders that life continues, even when you are going through such a difficult time as losing your dad. As Marie Antoinette would say, “bonne anniversaire, cherie!”Lorrie
What a creative invitation! I adore that pink gown!
What a fun party you have planned! Have a great birthday.
What a wonderful way to celebrate life. Even though your father isn’t here to help you party, I am sure he would not mind you having your party. He’s having one meeting angels.Happy 40th !!!Those dresses are just beautiful.Ciao
I just read your entire blog and love your style. Happy Birthday. The best is yet to come. My sympathies to the lose of your dad. I will be checking in to visit often.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! I’m glad that you didn’t cancel your party. It sounds like so much fun. You are incredibly clever. I wish I could be there in person.Those gowns and shoes are amazingly beautiful. I love period clothing. I used to do historical re-enactments and if I had the money I’d have a house full of period pieces.Eat a piece of cake for me. ( I LOVE the invitation!)Have fun and travel safely*hugs*
Happy, Happy Day! I hope you enjoy yourself and no boys show up!
Happy Birthday Laura 🙂I’m so sorry to hear about your dad and your aunt. My prayers go out to you and your family.rue
Happy Birthday, Laura!
Oh that sounds like fun! What a great party idea! My birthday is this week and I won’t be doing anything that cool or glamorous! Have fun Laura and happy birthday!
Happy Birthday Laura. That’s a beautiful invitation. 🙂 PS. I would wear the stunning aqua gown 🙂
I am so sorry about the passing of your father, it’s so difficult to lose those that we love.I hope your party is full of fun and laughs and good times. I turned 40 on my last birthday, it’s not so bad 😉 Welcome to the club 🙂Take good care,Bella
Happy Birthday! I am so sorry about your Father. I loved the post about the chocolate girl…that was pretty cool.
I’m so sorry to hear about your Father’s and Aunt’s passings. My prayers are with you at this trying time.I love your party theme and Happy Belated Birthday.
congratulations on your 40 th birthday!What a creative invitation, so cute! and…..I’m so sorry to hear about your dad! well, he always will to be with you!always!big hugs!!!!!see you next timevisit me anytime….
I’m glad that you didn’t cancel the party! Your girlfriends are the best medicine right now. What a great idea! You are a crafty chick! Have a safe trip! ~~Liz~~
Happy Birthday! We hope you are smiling through the tears and sharing so many stories of your amazing father! What a wonderful way to gather together as a family, sharing memories, just being close as you go through this together! Blessings and prayers to you tonight!kari & kijsa
Happy Birthday, Laura!! I wish you Gods richest blessings, health, a comforted heart, and even more creative ideas to share with us throughout these coming days and year. Love the Birthday party theme… how cool… and those dresses make me itch to try to fit into them and just twirl or at least watch a movie with someone twirling in one similar… 🙂 how beautiful!!!Thinking of you…
happy birthday my sweet little house on the prarieaholic buddy! Hope you have the best day and I love the shoes!!!!
Happy Belated Birthday Laura! It sounds like you had a wonderful time. My post is up featuring your kindness and your cute creation with a link back to you. I’ll be in touch soon.
Happy 11th Annual 29th Birthday!(**snicker!**)Love your invitation. I need to do something like that this fall for my …er, 12th Annual 29th.And after reading your tribute to your Dad, I’m glad to hear you didn’t cancel the party. After seeing him in the Lederhosen (sp?) I can just imagine a twinkle would have been in his eye as you shared Birthday Party tales with him.
What a fun birthday! Love the blue dress!So sorry about your Dad.xxxxGina
Happy Belated Birthday What a Beautiful Post. I just love your Blogs and this one is Just darling. I wish you many many more Peace and BlessingsCheryl …… Just remember to Snatch JOY!