I asked my friend, Becca, to write this blog post because its about her sweetheart's 30th Birthday bluegrass celebration.

This past weekend we organized what we hoped to be a great coming-together, all for the mutual toasting of a dear friend to many, and husband to one (lucky ol' me) who was turning the big 3-0. The birthday boy was suprised- not by the party per se, but by the music, the atmosphere, the lighting, the transformation of an rarely used space, into the best daggon pickin' party this town has seen in years. Because there is something about going all out for someone you love- so they feel overwhelmed and floored by your love for them. That's what we were going for: a smothering love that shows itself through the guise of a party, with all your friends, with everything you love (food! beer! live music! pastures and alpacas!), with warm, summer lighting and picnic blankets.

The concept of community is a living and pulsing being, always growing, always working. And this life is comprised of two vital components: collaboration and celebration. What Chris may not know, is that so many people worked hard to make this party happen. Kate and Rob with the photos, Ann, Barry and Jesse clearing the space, bringing in the trailer, Jon and his band, Emily helping me string banners, Becky and Joe with their spontaneous instruments, our mothers with the cookies, Clair with the ice, and on and on and on. All so our communal choir can say: you are worth celebrating, Chris. You are loved. We are so glad you are alive.

We are called to life abundant- and sometimes that requires a whimsical party, with all your friends, a bluegrass band, and staying up to see the earliest hours of the morning. Happy Birthday Chris!