When your husband knows how much celebrating family and friends projects and joys means, he offered a solution to combine a few of our favorite things. A friend, Joe, celebrated his birthday and debuted in a community theater play. To support him, we discussed sending a flower arrangement to help him remain excited. Peter saw an opportunity for us to enjoy a weekend getaway and surprise our friend. He threw out the idea to go in person. The notion thrilled me, and we began the travel plans.
First, a serene afternoon flight to Valdosta, Ga (Thanks, Delta!), and a quick rental car pick up from Avis. We checked in at our hotel and prepared for the weekend’s fun. Saturday morning, we jumped up, enjoyed breakfast, and then drove around town to see a few of the sights and scouted where we we going for the show.
Second, we returned to the hotel, The Drury Inn, and changed into our attire for the night. Ensuring flowers, birthday presents, and tickets were in hand, we set off for the surprise. With fantastic weather, we took a few moments to capture a few pictures of the entrance to the theater. While we hung out waiting for the doors to open, the birthday fella arrived with his daughter. He was indeed surprised we journeyed from North Carolina just for his debut. Mission Accomplished.
Third, the show was hilarious and fun. Joe did a wonderful job along with his castmates. After the show, we planned to grab breakfast before we headed back to the airport at Denny’s with his girlfriend. Wonderful fellowship and conversation rounded out the morning before our afternoon flight. Hopefully, we can come back if he decides to continue in his dramatic endeavor.
Finally, Peter and I returned the rental and prepared for the afternoon flight which was announced as delayed. The delay pushed passed our connecting flight, so with a few adjustments we booked a later flight and dined at the Atlanta airport at Iron Chef Cat Cora’s Kitchen restaurant – perfect after a long day of travel. We boarded our flight and ordered a Lyft car to drive us home. All and all, we embraced the moment and enjoyed the weekend.
Hallelujah Girls flyer
Peter, Joe, and Carmen
Oh, What a lovely Saturday afternoon. We should take in a show!
Highlighting birthdays reaches new levels with me each year. In March, Aunt Yvonne celebrated her birthday in spirit since she transitioned to her next life. My stepdad, Chris, dined with us at one of his favorite steakhouses. My mother-in-law, Susan, enjoyed her time with us at lunch and with a spectacular comedy show. I hope all savored their special days.
Celebrating forty-three trips around the sun released a newfound joy that unexpectedly delighted my spirit. My husband, Peter, kicked off the celebration by securing movie tickets to see The Chosen Christmas Special: The Messengers. The film nourished my soul as I looked at the nativity through the lens of the phenomenal show. Hearing the songs of Christmas and remembering the joy of reconnection to God through faith, wonders and promises fulfilled a weary soul. I found my soul moved by how the television show and film encouraged me to renew and exercise faith boldly and unafraid. Later that evening, Peter surprised me with a gift that touched my heart – a beautiful jewelry set of pearls.
43.
My mother planned a special pampering session for the two of us since I planned to travel closer to the Christmas holiday as a gift to her firstborn. A Mommy and me moment remained essential. My stepdad, Chris, secured a lovely bottle of wine by Melanated Wines. My sister, Johnea, called me from across the country to wish me birthday greetings. My dad checked on me to find how my birthday turned out. I wanted to give my family a big ole bear hug!
I do enjoy a good red blend.
Since I took in a film to begin the birthday celebrations, I intended on relatively low-key festivities on the actual day. My father-in-law, Chris, took my husband and me out to a birthday lunch at a nearby Irish pub, Trali Irish Pub & Restaurant. They partook in the restaurant’s specials while I set my sights on the shepherds’ pie paired with a delicious local cider. Chris gave me a present that reflected my love of being a Sagittarian and pearls. After lunch, Peter and I returned home, and the surprises continued.
Yes, the pie is here!
Make a Wish!
I found an online community that enjoyed music and gaming on Twitch’s streaming service during the pandemic. I followed a couple of gamers to enhance my skills with video games and a few DJs that moved the party virtually since the pandemic sheltered us. DJ Flash from Canada used his platform to help me celebrate and created an emote that I could use on the Twitch platform, especially for me for a couple of days. Saying that I was floored understated how overwhelmed I felt. Other streamers and chat families wished me a wonderful birthday, and I felt obligated to fulfill their good sentiments.
My Own personal Twitch Emote! WHAT!!!
Look, Ma, My handle is on TV!
After composing myself from the shock of my own special emote, we joined our regional Starfleet family at the Texas Steakhouse for our monthly meeting. My mother-in-law, Susan, joined us and presented me with a beautiful necklace for a birthday gift. (And of course, I began arranging outfits in my mind to showcase each exceptional piece.) The presents touched my heart, noting how all the local Baylies had the same thought pattern in mind in their gift-giving. So sweet!
When I closed out the birthday evening, I embraced some much-needed relaxation and meditative time to give my thanks. I received cards, calls, emails, messages, and texts that warmed this girl’s heart from family, friends, and acquaintances worldwide. I realized that I am a work still in progress, but standing on the promises and prayers answered humbled and strengthened me. I am an essential thread in the tapestry of a grand human design – a powerful and profound thought and fact. My task is to make my existence solid and purposeful so that God is pleased with the creation from my point of view. I strive to accomplish this mission by intentionally pursuing methods and actions to grow and be a better person than yesterday. For those who do not understand my faith or why, even after I fail and fall short, I still seek a real relationship with The Creator; I can only point out the basic facts of my journey.
I do not appear to have endured the challenges that I manage daily. Internal and external difficulties constantly mandate checks and balances to stay on track. I trust that when I redirected my course, the reason reveals that my destiny demands a more extraordinary mindset and circumstance to fulfill its purpose. I stand proudly beside my husband, whose very presence in my life is a compelling testimony of God’s faithfulness. I build my company to be a firm foundation of love and growth to inspire those who lose focus to hope and grow their legacy. With all the uncertainty in the world, I have my family and friends encamped around me, although we lost a few who graduated to ancestor/guardian status. I am blessed to know those who have ended their journey and appreciate having those still here with me.
Year 43, Here, I come! I want to take a moment to say thank you, God and Goddess, for another year. Peace and blessing, I extend to all.
