Birthday Thread Acceptance Speech from Miss Pennywise

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 3:28pm

I am so sorry it's taken me this long to respond to all the joyous expressions of love I received for my birthday this year. As many of you know, I left 2 days after "the day" for two weeks in California (where I am seeing many Left Coast BWWers, BTW!) I wanted to post something meaningful and personal, so it was a while before I had a good block of time to compose my thoughts. So, like Patti LuPone in Tony Night, I have written down all the people I have to thank for my last 29 years.

*************

June 11, 2008

Wow, what a birthday! What a BWW star-studded birthday!

My birthday started off about as perfect as one could hope for. On my Birthday Eve, I treated myself to a 3rd visit to THE VISIT with Chita Rivera and George Hearn, a show that has bewitched me. I went with KChenowethfan and H.Higgins; the first time I saw it was with WithoutATrace. (Chita jumped up from her seat and hugged me when I told her that seeing her in THE VISIT a third time was the only gift I actually asked my husband for. She is just so generous and beautiful. I am awestruck.)

The night of my birthday, I had dinner with Glebby and Mamie--as well as Caldwell B. Cladwell and the little Pennywise-Cladwells. It was glorious! Glebb took us to the Kennedy Center Terrace Restaurant, where I was showered with gifts and cards (five from one very special person alone!), sung "Happy Birthday" to and given a Mixed-Berry Birthday Shortcake for dessert...with a candle in it, of course!

Then we had the pleasure of seeing Ballet West perform George Balanchine's Serenade, and it was positively enchanting. LOVED it. It made me feel lucky to be alive (as opposed to OLD!) I just soaked in all the graceful splendor and thought, "My life is so rich and there is so much beauty to be found in this world."

Now, I am in Palm Springs, California, having the most sensational vacation. THIS is what it's like to get OLD? If so, bring it on!!!!

But first, I have a few people to thank:

Elphaba...
Did you realize that this coming Friday is the one-year anniversary of our actual meeting? I had no idea then that a friendship so deep and meaningful would evolve. Thanks for remembering my birthday and making this past year so much fun...and this birthday one to remember. (And HOW on earth did you know that the cake in your birthday message is my absolute FAVORITE? I guess that's a stupid question considering you eat off Fiestaware and have fashion illustrations on your walls.)

D2...
You and J2--like Elph and his partner--have made a real difference in my life. It's as though we've known each other our whole lives, not just this past year...and definitely not through a message board! I'll never forget the night we saw Next to Normal and all cried like babies. If I hadn't already felt bonded with you, that evening would have done it! You're the wonderfulest.

Raviolisun...
I don't know you that well, but I can easily say that you are a true individual just from reading your posts...and that's a very good thing.

YWIW...
if I don't get to see you this weekend, I'm going to implode!!! You're a special person and I thank you, as always, for your kindness, support and cheerful disposition (even when you get pissed off!)

Harris...
I have a confession to make: I don't really understand your cow fetish in the least, but it sure makes you stand out!

Thatgirl...
Of course, in my mind you look just like a young Marlo Thomas. But you sure seem to be a lot nicer than she is in real life! (Yes, I admit, I read that trash book by her former staffer.)

Borstalboy...
You are pretty babe-a-licious yourself there, handsome! I can't wait to see you again!

Phyllis Rogers Stone...
I am accepting your birthday post as a binding contract! September will finally be "our month"! You'll always be the "belter's belter" to me...and in a few months, I'll be your devoted and appreciate audience! (I still think that line about Elphaba being a "child f two worlds" is stupid! HA HA HA HA HA!)

PJ...
Calling me "Lady P" is so flattering. I feel an awesome sense of responsibility now. I hope I can live up to your high opinion of me! (Oh, and "Madame Pennywise" sounds just as regal. Merci bien.)

Mauriposa...
Thank you for your kind sentiment and thoughtful posts.

JoeKv...
You will always hold a unique place in my heart. You're delightful, you're delicious, you're delovely!!! (I'll see YOU in September, too!)

KelRel...
Just the fact that you have taken time away fro that gorgeous little baby of yours to write to me and then post in my birthday thread shows what a kind, generous and sweet person you are. Thank you. (And I will look forward to seeing YOU in September too!!!)

LuvtheEmcee...
You are absolutely darling! I am SO glad we finally got to hang out, and I, too, look forward to the next time (July???). You have a delightfully sinful, yet innocent sense of humor. I want to be like you when I grow up!

Robbiej...
Oh how I wish we went to PC together. We would have had so much more fun at that place! (The Trouble with Angels, anyone?) But I still think it's Mary who brought us together. It was our destiny, and I will say the rosary tonight just to show her my gratitude for her divine intervention. Actually, YOU'RE the one who's divine!!!

Besty...
Je t'adore aussi. Thank you so much for the virtual champagne as well as the REAL birthday card and Disney-related gift. We'll always have Disneyland! I'll always feel like Liz Taylor to your Monty Clift. XOOO

Wexy...
I know you're a good guy...not just 'cause I've met you, but because you are born on one of the most awesome days of the year! Hope to see you again one of these days!

Shh282...
Thanks for the birthday wish and sharing my love of that cake!!!

Jerby...
I know EXACTLY what I'm getting with that gift card...a book about EDIE! Thank you so much for thinking of me, for being a very special light in my life, for your unique and bodacious personality, for your insane sense of humor and for your sweet, sweet sweetness. You don't need a box of cupcakes...you ARE a box of cupcakes!!!

BigFatBlonde...
I feel exactly the same about you as you feel about me. You're fabulous. I never tire of reading your posts and corresponding with you. One day I hope to make it "official"! (Do I even know where you live? I'll find you, I swear it! )

Jaystarr...
Meeting you and Chris was a day I will never forget. You're a crazy, lovable, kind and generous person, and I can't believe we're going to meet next week in San Francisco! Yay!

SM2...
Wherever you are, please know that I think you have so much to offer. And no, I am NOT old enough to be a "Golden Girl"!!!!

N69n...
if you ever doubt your value in the world, just remember how much my family and I love you. I'd travel through 5 states (including New Jersey!) all the way to Mt. Sinai and back for you!!!

Addy...
Words are inadequate conventions for expressing my gratitude and love for you. It seems like we've been through so much together and yet our friendship still feels so fresh and new. The joy you add to so many people's lives, your devotion to your family and friends, and your sense of wonder and playfulness...all are lessons that guide and inspire me. The flowers and the cards mean so much to me, but you mean even more. You're the top! You're broccoli!!! MWAH!

DayDreamer...
We don't have to wait until the "wedding day"...we're already family. Love you! And thanks for the raclette. Nothing says "love" like comfort foods on a cold winter night!

Kooky...
Thank you for your very lovely birthday wish!

Mamie...
I wish I were as talented as you...I LOVE that birthday card with my three favorite shows on it! I'm going to print it out, frame it and hang it on my wall at work so I can stare at it every day and smile. It was also wonderful spending my actual birthday with you. I wish I were there to return the favor...I hope you can forgive me for having a PALM SPRINGS WEEKEND!!! You have taught me so much. I hope you know that.

NYCboy2...
Thank you!

Shira...
Thank you for your sweet birthday wish and always sunny disposition.

Supportivemom...
I suppose that husband of yours is a truly sterling individual!

Wonderfulwizard11...
Thank you for that heartfelt and kind compliment. Grey Gardens brought us together and will always keep us that way!

Blueroses...
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your very gracious birthday sentiment. You are much too kind. But I do so appreciate your words...especially since they come from a person as lovely as you.

Liotte...
There is no one else like you! Thank you for being such a devoted friend!

Bdwaygirl...
I know life isn't "fair," but I still feel cheated that I haven't seen you in so long! The sad thing is...when I finally DO see you in July, we'll probably have a vicious cat fight trying to claw our way to Cheyenne!!! XO

SOMMS...
I love the "Mudslinging Barbie Cake." I mean, who WOULDN'T??? Can't wait to be your date at DY!!!

Glebby...
you are another one who defies description. I will NEVER be able to thank you enough for the most fabulous birthday night of my entire life! (I'm serious.) Dinner and the ballet, THE card and then the Tanny-Benny photo in this thread...I am just touched beyond belief. The world became a better place the day you graced it. Thank goodness you were here already when I arrived two months later. It would have been AWFUL without you. XOOO

Shameless...
How thoughtful of you to remember my M&M obsession! (I assume the M&M wearing the lampshade is YOU!) Can't wait to see you next month and have those birthday cocktails we've been talking about since December!!! Hugs!

Moony...
A lucky, lucky girl am I...and not just because you (didn't) bake me a Barbie B-Day Cake. The radiant glow you add to my life looms brighter with every passing day. Thank you for being here.

WithoutATrace...
We also have GREY GARDENS, you silly!!! You are such a mensch. Whether it's Washington DC, New York City or the moon, I know that wherever and whenever we are together, it's a magical place.

Momo...
You weren't late! How many drinks did you have before you read this thread, huh?

Shira's chef...
I have no idea who you are either, but I still appreciate your joining/crashing the party!

Brdlwyr...
We WILL survive parenthood...and THEn maybe you'll raise a glass with me in REAL life!!!

Calvin...
I could see you every day and never grow weary of it. You're a brilliant, talented, adorable and yet modest person. I'd take even ONE of those qualities! Love ya.

DG...
I hope you are back from your travels, because I will be rolling into to your town in the VERY near future! And I can't wait!!!

BADDY!!!!
Has it really been nearly a year since we were together??? We were getting together like once a month for a while there! You're such a phenomenal person and the kind of mom I aspire to be. Thank you for being my dear friend and a lovely, one-of-a-kind person. (Oh, and the Kir Royales are ever so thoughtful! YUM!)

Sueleen...
I've missed you. Perhaps this fall we will be able to share a laughs in person! (I think of you every time I look at my painting of Mary Magdelene, which I still completely adore!)

Javero...
I do believe you're my "neighbor." Thanks for the birthday wish...see you at the Arena Stage in the fall!!!

The Boy From Ohio...
Your birthday post brought a smile to my face. Thanks so much.

Greekmusicalfan...
Even though we had but one short meal together, I feel like we've been friends for YEARS! You are a darling, and I can't wait till the next time we get together. Thank you for being so good at keeping in touch. I'm so happy we're friends.

Ray-andallthatjazz86...
You wacky Gemini you! Thanks for the birthday wishes and your entertaining posts. You're so much fun!

Jbarafan1...
It was so sweet of you to pay my birthday thread a visit! Thank you! You are a kind and wonderful person. I'm so glad you got that DRS shirt with John Lithgow's artwork on it!!! Hope all is well with you and your family.

Tazzy...
I am really hoping we will have the chance to get together over the summer. You're such a sweetheart, and I thank you for your birthday greetings and the wonderful conversations we have had...and will continue to have for a long time to come.

It's funny. I'm not sure why, but I was dreading this birthday...something I have never done before. And it turned out being the best one I have ever had. Never in a million years would I have thought that this message board would have such a profound and enduring impact on my life, and yet it has.

There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that some of the friends I have made here will remain in my life, for the rest of my life. It's kind of bizarre in a way, but I can honestly say that those of you who have become close friends mean more to me than just about any of my other friends. Maybe it's because I have finally learned--after all these years--what really matters to me: compassion, kindness, joy, generosity, forgiveness, empathy, honesty and beauty. Qualities so many of you possess...and are gracious enough to share with me.

XXX
OOOOO
Penny

P.S. If I missed anyone, I apologize. You may beat me senseless with a giant strawberry if you wish.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 3:46pm

What a classy broad! And she named ALL those people and had something pleasant to say about EACH and EVERY one of them! Miss P truly is the most wonderful being on this board... I'm so glad you had a wonderful birthday! I wish I'd thought to send you some Yellow Shoes.

[Mamie]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 3:51pm

Miss P -
Your birthday is the time for you to receive gifts and accolades from your friends and loved ones.* Here you go and turn it around and give the gift right back! It's just one more sign of the generosity of your spirit and the size of your heart. Thank you again. And again and again and again!

(*when did our friends stop being our loved ones? and... did you notice the second version of the card that I attached to the email message I sent you?)

Updated On: 6/18/08 at 03:51 PM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 3:52pm

wow, thats a lotta love!
Updated On: 6/18/08 at 03:52 PM

[D2]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 3:57pm

Miss P, you know that J2 and I feel exactly the same way. Thank you for being you.

[JbaraFan1]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 4:02pm

What a beautiful acceptance speech. This world could use more people like you, miss pennywise.

[tazber]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 4:04pm

Patti could learn a thing or two.

[doodlenyc]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 4:06pm

Sondheim's speech was better...

Glad you had such a great birthday!

[best12bars]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 5:25pm

Oh, Miss Penny, I'm sure glad this wasn't the Tony Awards. They would have played you off before you made it halfway!

Which woulda been completely rotten.

Thanks for the kind words, and I'm glad you enjoyed your special day(/week/month)!

[YouWantitWhen????]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 5:51pm

Miss P, you are freaking wonderful.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 5:52pm

I think that from here on out, Miss P's birthday should be celebrated much like Queen Victoria's, in that word of the celebrations and tributes in the outlying territories come rolling in just as the next year's events begin.

[DayDreamer]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 5:56pm

Can't wait to share that raclette with you again, and for you to finally meet jS.

[supportivemom]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 6:45pm

Wow Miss P- that was extremely thoughtful of you to think of everyone! After seeing your photo, I can see that you are just as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside. I've also loved seeing the photos of your stunning parents. Sounds like you had a wonderful evening. I wish I lived in the Northeast to experience all that you get to do. My son is in NY this week. He's with his teacher and 10 other students. They are taking in 13 Broadway and off-Broadway shows (and they are all great shows). Have a wonderful vacation and thanks for sharing!

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 6:53pm

Miss Pennywise...wow. That was the sweetest, most thoughtful post. I can't get over it really. It is YOUR birthday, you should just sit back, indulge yourself, and enjoy the love :)
And like Besty said, it's a good thing there was no one to play you off mid-speech
BTW, how I wish I could have joined you in one of those fabulous trips to see THE VISIT...It MUST transfer! (just had to get that out of my system).

Updated On: 6/18/08 at 06:53 PM

[thatgirl712]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 7:23pm

Thank you Miss Penny for the kind words. Very glad you had a wonderful birthday!

[jrb_actor]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 7:36pm

So much love around a lovely person.

[jaystarr]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 8:19pm

[Calvin]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 9:05pm

Miss P, after reading that, I feel like it's MY birthday. Just another sign of that grace you have that very few others do.

I'm so glad that, since I couldn't see you for your birthday, that I could at least play a small supporting role in it this year. Hope your having a wonderful time in the desert!

[BigFatBlonde]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 9:12pm

What did I say? A class act!

I have such good taste.

[iflitifloat]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 9:26pm

Shoot. I totally missed your birthday thread. Is it too late to throw in my best wishes? You know how I am, always a day late and a dollar short, but the feelings are sincere, no matter how tardy...

[best12bars]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 9:49pm

It's never too late to say nice things about Miss Penny, iflit!

And BFB, you do! You do, indeed.

[wonderfulwizard11]

Posted: 6/18/08 at 9:50pm

This is without a doubt one of the sweetest, loveliest threads ever posted on this board. A lovely post by a lovely person.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 6/19/08 at 4:55am

You guys are making me cry...again. Seriously. I feel like I should start ANOTHER "thank you thread" for your responses on THIS "thank you thread"!

I am reminded of one of my favorite quotes, from Marcel Proust:

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." MWAH!


Iflit, you know how I feel about you. Don't even THINK for a second you need to apologize. I'm just so glad you're here...in so many ways!

And, Doodle, Sondheim's speech may have been better, but at least I showed up! :P

[PalJoey]

Posted: 6/19/08 at 6:54am

Whatever happened to class?

It's right here.

[miss pennywise]

Posted: 6/19/08 at 12:39pm

Danger, Will Robinson! Danger, Will Robinson!

I have been bludgeoned by a giant Singaporean Strawberry.

BOOBS, I hope you're having a million new shirts custom-made for you there so that you can model them for me when you get home.

Thank you for thinking of me even though time and space separate us. Nothing can can get in the way of true friendship though really.

You're a doll, a living doll. Don't ever let anyone make you think differently!

XXX
OOOO
Penny