Jessie’s Girl Turns 50!
I recently attended THE birthday party, of all birthday parties! My friend, Lora, turned 50 (last year actually, but this thing called COVID, delayed the celebration a few times). Within minutes of meeting Lora, you will realize she has a magnetic personality…and a love for Rick Springfield, unlike any other!
Rick’s number 1 fan wanted nothing for her birthday, other than Rick, himself! With a combined effort from her loving husband and family, many friends and the Springfield team, Lora’s forty year dream became a reality! I was honored and blessed to share in the most special weekend and it’s a priviledge to give you a glimpse inside of it.
Friends from San Fran, Miami, Atlanta, New York, Sedona (and a little KY gal) were welcomed Friday night at Lora’s home. The front lawn was adorned with “Jessie’s Girl Turns 50”. Red roses spelling out the same sentiment, floated in the pool. Food was provided by an In-N-Out food truck, a Poutine Brothers fry truck and Ice Cream Occassions. Welcoming bags were waiting on guests, as they arrived back to their hotel rooms. The bags, the tissue and even the M&M’s, all reminding us why we were here…”Jessie’s Girl Turns 50”!
Saturday evening was the BIG event. Everyone knew there would be a surprise. Not everyone knew what the surprise would be! I was one of those entrusted with the secret. Rick Springfield would be performing LIVE for LORA!!!! This was a once in a lifetime night for my friend. I had to dress the part…but I had to dress to dance! I chose a black off the shoulder top, paired with silver sequin pants and rhinestone boots. (The birthday girl was breathtaking in a head to toe black sequin jumpsuit). Clear ligths filled the trees as we pulled into the Sherwood Golf and Country Club. We entered by way of red carpet. Upon entry, was a “paparazzi station”, where we posed for pics. We made our way thru the “Rick Muuseum”, which was all of Lora’s Rick memorbilia, lining both sides of the foyer. (tickets, magazine cutouts, tees…you name it, she had it!) The food tables, in the dining hall, were themed for each of the monumental locations in Lora’s life. She was born and raised in Kansas., later moving to San Fran, before settling in Los Angeles. Georgia was the final food station, representing the family’s summer lake retreat.
After mixing and mingling, we were directed to the outdoor tent. We all sang “Happy Birthday” to Lora, as she stood by her birthday cake. The cake was topped with a custom Rick and Lora, replicating a photo of Rick delivering Valentine roses to her earlier this year! THEN THERE WAS RICK!!! He hit the stage and I suddenly found myself as giddy as a high school girl. It took me about 5.2 seconds to make my way to the stage. I danced, sang, jumped, slung my hair, and fist bumped with Rick, not once, but twice! I also watched Lora, who not only knew every single lyric, but every single motion. She was moving in sync, with Rick, to every song! Did I mention he is 72 years old?! The man is in amazing shape!!! He performed a full set, around an hour, to be exact. When his performance was complete, the party moved to the inside dance floor, but this gal’s feet couldn’t do anymore. Take a look at my Steve Madden shoes below and you will see what I mean! I walked into my hotel, in socks!
Sunday morning, we were welcomed back into Lora’s home for a poolside brunch. No words could adequatley describe the latte bar, so I will leave it to pictures. I especially enjoyed this part of the weekend as I was able to sit and talk with several of the new friends I had made. There were hugs, but no goodbyes, as plans were already underway for the next adventure (and Rick, you can come too!!! :) )
Happy 5oth Lora! Love ya girl!!!
Marada