June 25th is my birthday and it fell on a Thursday this year, so I really wasn’t thinking of doing much more than going out to dinner with the family. I didn’t feel like I could possibly top my big blowout a couple of years ago anyway. However, I found out a very special young lady named Carlyn had her 14th birthday the day after mine and she too was from my home state of Louisiana. Now Carlyn is pretty special because she is also part of our “Bay Family” which consists of quite a lot in cast and crew. Carlyn’s mother is our Bay publicist and Carlyn has diabetes. So when she expressed with such excitement that we should celebrate our birthdays together this year; I just couldn’t resist doing it to see her beam up with joy.
Carly as we call her, was already planning what kind of cake we should have while we were filming the Bay and even though I didn’t have throwing a birthday party on my mind, it was impossible not to do it for her. I thought a good old fashion house party would be perfect. Plus, we haven’t had a Potluck Jam Party in quite some time. It kind of went with being a Louisiana girl to have everyone bring a dish and participate. I wanted to take the time to spend with Carly and some of my girlfriends who I had not seen in a while. So it was awesome to hang out in the pool and Jacuzzi with the girls, while we watched Ronn and his buddies grill.
Throughout the day, other friends joined us and brought over more food. Some of my girlfriends have autistic children and they joined Carly, along with PLAYER and some new and old musician friends we were excited to hear sing. One of those friends was the $100,000 Star Search winner in the singing category from my year, Miss Peggi Blu. I had not seen Peggi in 30 years, so this was such a blessed treat. She was joined by Guns n Roses Keyboardist, Chris Pittman and New Zealand’s Steve Cooke. Vocalist, Shannan Rene’ Parks brought the house down with her powerful voice and Carlyn surprised everyone and sang, “Baby Come Back.” I also got to hear our 16 year old Calee sing with PLAYER, and like her daddy, she’s got the music in her! Our little flower girl, Trease Baker showed off her set of pipes as well, and she’s only eight!
I cooked red beans and rice and we also had grilled BBQ chicken, amazing salads, fried chicken, potato salad and watermelon. It felt like we were right back in the south the way we were carrying on eating, drinking and dancing to some killer music! The evening flew by and needless to say, both Ronn and I were completely exhausted by 1am, which was around the time the last of our guests left. I had to see Ronn off the next day as he joined Ambrosia in Oklahoma for the start of their summer tour. So I’ve been left alone to rest and relish what an amazing birthday I had and how blessed I was to have shared it with Carly. I didn’t expect to have received so many amazing gifts, from flowers, orchids, perfume, candles, scarves, handbags, makeup bags, champagne, wine glasses, martini glasses, crystal candle holders, wine and gift certificates, cards and DVD movies, my birthday was filled with love, laughter and blessings galore!
I felt 25 again and decided to switch my numbers to this birthday to reflect just that. I mean 50 is the new 30 right? Age is just a number anyway and I certainly felt good on my birthday just to keep up the pace with all those kids around me! We jammed the night away and it seemed to just fly by so fast leaving us wanting more. They say like energy attracts like energy and the energy all day was magnetic. We were all on a great high from the love and positive energy around us. It gave me such joy to feel that and to share it with Carlyn!
12 Comments
What a wondeful way to enjoy your birthday, by sharing it with Carlyn. You are an amazing lady Devin.
Thank you for sharing you fabulous day with your fans. XXOO
What a blessing for Carlyn. You have such a giving spirit. She will never forget this special day. Happy Birthday!
wow….so uplifting, my dear. So glad you guys had such a Blast! I’m so happy for you! Here’s to another Great year, I hope, for both of us! Love and hugs Pam
Devin, We are crying with tears of joy writing this. Carly and I have no words for your kindness and generosity towards Carly and I. I cant tell you what YOUR friendship means to both of us. The three of us have a piece of the south we carry in our hearts. Being with you is like being home again. Home is where the heart is and we carry your friendship in our hearts. We southern girls GET each other and I feel a true bond with you and feel so blessed to know you and Ronn, The Bay cast and crew,and especially Gregori and Kristos who introduced us.
Carly was on such a high after the party. What an epic party and a special life experience.Carly will never forget! She has never felt that special. Thank you,Thank you for opening your home and your hearts to her and everyone who came and for sharing your birthday with her!!!!!
Amazing food,music,swimming(she loved),and fun by all!!
You and Ronn are amazing people!! You are so beautiful inside and outFriends 4ever
We cant wait for the next jam session party,movie night, lol!! Im hooked now:)
We will never miss home as long as we have you in our lives:)
It was truly my pleasure and I knew it meant alot of Carly and that’s really why I wanted to do it, plus you guys had never experienced one of our jams. So happy she had a wonderful birthday memory!!
Wow this is amazing!!! What a wonderful celebration of Birthday! Devin wish u once again all the best. (((bighug))) to u and Ronn. Loveu both.
Hi you two. The heartfelt comments on this page echo just about everything I could possibly say. How truly sweet your friends are.
During a serious power outage yesterday, I had the surprise of hearing “Baby come Back” in my car while charging my cellphone. So, you know I was thinking about my buds from your old neck of the woods.
Happy Birthday with Love, your Cancer bud, Lilian
Thanks so much Lillian and Sharon love my Louisiana girls! It took me a couple of days to rest up after this party. I rather do smaller gatherings as playing hostess to many people can be really exhausting. I was happy to make Carly so happy so it was well worth it!
Happy Birthday to both of you lovely ladies. I am happy that another good time will go down in your memory banks to remember any time you may want to recall. The party sure seemed well fed and a nice group to party with. I am another friend from Louisiana, Sharon
Lovely that you were there to spread some joy and make a wonderful day for Carly, your friends and family too! I wish you a very Happy Birthday Devin and many more!
Happiness Always, Jane from ‘down under’
Looks and sounds like it turned into quite a party after all! You definitely created a memorable experience for Carlyn.I enjoyed the photos!
Lovely Blog Lovely Gathering of family & friends__Lovely DEVRONN