Happy 61st Birthday, Elizabeth Edwards

Greetings BW Readers, and most especially, Elizabeth Edwards.

This is the 5th year that Benny's World has celebrated EAE's birthday.

We are celebrating EAE's 61st year of life, with at least 8 years (I think Elizabeth will exceed that, but 8 is a good goal) more to come to blow out candles and have picnics. I hope Elizabeth gets a chance to read the e-card I sent her.

This week, I read the afterward in Resilience and noticed the time it was written: the week after NcDem Amy, BettyNC and I saw her at the Red Window warehouse sale near her home in Orange County. I know this because she mentions her sister helping out at the warehouse the week we were there.

I enjoyed the interviews EAE had this week. I just bought my People magazine copy but probably won't read it until tomorrow. I'll probably post my thoughts about all of those interviews on Monday, as tomorrow, I will be celebrating my own birthday--number 51, however 45 lbs less than last year, the best present I could give myself.

Tonight is Elizabeth's night.

Happy birthday, Elizabeth. Another gift...celebrating another year of life with your friends, family, and fans.

She's gone

This is my about my Mother. BW readers, hope this becomes clear to you.

Elizabeth Edwards realized that her life of what she imagined as a young person was gone and to create anew.

My life has changed many times in recreating the past, and realizing, I have the strength to go on with a new one too. I had some bad/weird things happen to me in the past few weeks, but I feel the need to push forward.

I didn't talk to the sky last night. EE may or may not call it faith. I call it prayers instead in my thoughts. And I think I am about the journey, not about the faith to an afterlife. I am not critical though of EE's faith towards the afterlife, especially being raised that way.

Hall and Oates from the pop days of the 70's recorded, She's Gone.



I thought it was about a big breakup. In truth, I think that is the main topic. But I believe it was broader than just the lyrics presented.

When I had seen that my mother had passed, "She's Gone" was the song which passed through my thoughts immediately. It was supposed to be about a breakup btwn a woman and a man, or perhaps any couple, including GBLT, which it should be in real life . To me, the tune was about losing a loved woman in my life. Broadly speaking, it was my mother, not one who took a hold on me personally, but who loved me, and for eternity loved all of us, including me.

But I felt she was gone.I have to move on. And I will. I love my friends online and those by on FB too.

Big 5-0

Yep, it's my birthday. I'll post more later as I'm watching the Tour de France, but here's a pic taken of me a couple of days ago (with a colleague):



and here's a song that I love by Chicago, "Saturday in the Park".

Yankee Doodle Dandee: Yours Truly

That's me (along with poligirl)..within an hour.

Because I was born on this special day in our country, I am a patriotic slob. Any time I am in attendance of a program that includes the playing of our national anthem, I get teary eyed. That's who and what I am as a person. I love my country, and that's why I'm an activist as well.

Off to my Momma's place today and for the weekend.

I'm closing with a birthday YT by Astrosirius. She made a good one dedicated to John Edwards but it works for any of his supporters.



Have a great 4th everyone!

Benny's World Salutes Elizabeth Edwards

Happy B-day, Elizabeth Edwards. You have inspired many of us with your determination to get health care coverage for all of us and still have time for your family. You have been a vocal advocate for media reform, something needed so much in our country. The Fourth Estate is in a mess, just as our country is. Yet, unfailingly you remain optimistic.






NCDem Amy got this right with this v-card for EE (done two years ago):



She is the "everywoman".

Hope your birthday is relaxing on your day, Elizabeth--at the summer place or wherever you and John, Emma Claire, and Jack are. On behalf of BW readers, we wish you the best!

Happy Birthday, John Edwards

And here's his favorite pie recipe by his momma:

Bobbie Edwards' Pecan Pie

INGREDIENTS
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar (pack down)
2 tablespoons flour
4 tablespoons milk or cream
2 eggs
1 stick margarine or butter (melted)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup pecans
1 unbaked pie shell (9")

INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Mix and pour ingredients into 9" unbaked pie shell.
3. Place on cookie sheet.
4. Put in oven and bake 20 mins.
5. Reduce oven temperature to 275.
6. Bake for approx. 20 mins. longer.
7. Center should be slightly soft - check pie during last 10 minutes of baking.

Pic below is the last one I had made with him. I'm to his right, but in the pic, it appears left.



My Left Wing is honoring John Edwards today as well.

Check out this cool website that also tells you about the days of the year and historic events.

Sign the Birthday Card for John Edwards!

L Wilcox has set up a beautiful e-card, and is collecting donations to send for John Edwards' poverty and learning programs here: http://www.groupcard.com/c/0T6uqFrIGTQ

The card is 24 pages long...let's make it bigger, and show our love for the most progressive Presidential candidate in many moons. John's birthday is on Tuesday, June 10th.

To show your support, please sign the card: http://www.groupcard.com/c/0T6uqFrIGTQ ;
It costs nothing unless you volunteer to make a donation, and it only takes a couple of minutes.

And watch for a special birthday bash here and at the EENR blog. John turns the double nickel this year (dang, he doesn't look it though).

Happy Birthday Emma Claire Edwards

Emma Claire is 10 years old today. I'm certain John and Elizabeth will have a great time with giving EC a birthday party.

I remember my 10th birthday as a little embarrassing, but mainly because it was a surprise party and I wasn't accustomed to surprise parties or anyone paying attention to me on my birthday.

Happy, happy to Emma Claire and her family.



Here's the special video Astrogirl created for John's birthday last year and I think it is applicable here:

Robert Scoble Got Older Today

It's his 42nd birthday.

And still the one of first official 2008 Presidential campaign vloggers (with Chuck Olsen). You did a good job at making people feel at ease, or at least you did with me when I was interviewed in Iowa.

Happy Birthday, Robert. You geek good.