What is the best birthday present you can give someone? For families far-flung around the globe, just arriving in person is a perfect gift. On February 24th, when we gathered at our friend Michael Ceurvorst’s beautiful home on Kauai for his 70th birthday, we were treated to the company of his daughter Lucille Teckla, who joined us from Hong Kong.
Michael’s daughter Lucille Teckla in from Hong Kong to celebrate Michael’s 70th birthday
Michael wrote us:
We — Michael Anthony, Lucille Alice, and our beautiful daughter Lucille Teckla journeying here from Hong Kong – welcome you Sunday Feb 24, 4 – 8 p.m. on the last day of my 69th year, for all the p’s above: poetry, politics, pool, ping-pong, pupus.
On poetry, an invite. I will read seven of my own poems, not really one from each decade though that’s the symbolic import. Anyone so inclined please bring a poem meaningful to you so we can share poetry in our lives.
On politics I will utter a few insightful generalities about today’s twisty turns, and welcome anyone — particularly those currently engaged in the profession — to share her/his observations, pains or pleasures. Think functionally, not partisanly: Are our tools right for the job? What interests/forces/ideals contend? Contexts can be local, regional, national, global, epochal, as you wish.
Guests enjoying Michael’s poetry
Per Michael’s request in his invitation, several of us brought poems and read them to the group. Lee Morey wrote one for the occasion and presented it in a frame.
Man in the Middle poem for Michael Ceurvorst by Lee Morey. Please click to enlarge image.
JoAnn Yukimura sharing poem
I read a poem by my father which resonated with quite a few people so I wanted to provide the link to it here: The Kiss
There were special musical performances, also a great gift idea for Dad.
Olivia, Pat and Marghee Gegen’s daughter, playing violin for Michael
Michael applauding Olivia’s violin playing
Arius Hopman played the flute for Michael. He asked the room if anyone could join him in playing a second flute and Cal Sears stepped up. These traditional flutes were made in Kalalau from Hawaiian bamboo found on Na Pali. Arius made the tuning Arabic.
Arius Hopman playing flute for Michael’s birthday
Flute duet by Cal Sears and Arius Hopman
Cal Sears kindly volunteers to accompany Arius Hopman for flute duet
Michael’s wife Lucille Alice and their daughter Lucille Teckla prepared birthday cupcakes for this big occasion. Each cupcake had a number on it from 1 to 70.
Mother and daugher with Birthday Cupcakes they prepared
Mother and daughter with Michael blowing out birthday candles
Of course guests help make a party a memorable event. The guests joined Michael in contributing to the robust and very interesting discussion on the state of the American political system.
JoAnn and others contributed to a very interesting discussion on the workability of our political systems
After the group discussion, we enjoyed food, ping pong, pool and each each other’s company.
Hostess Lucille Alice Barale Ceurvorst with guests, JoAnn Yukimura, Yvette Bamhas, Bill Hackett and John Zwiebel
Joe Sylvester, Michael and Lee Morey
Lee Morey with Michael
Michael with Catherine Petterson and Arius Hopman
Joanna Carolan, violinist Olivia Gegen, Michael and Neil Zaslow
Unique Gift Ideas For Dad
Michael with daughter, Lucille Teckla Ceurvorst Wolff, and Catherine Petterson
Photos by Ray Gordon
We forgot to tell people about the guest register at the entrance, so if you didn’t leave a message there or even if you did, please take this opportunity in the comments here to leave a message for Michael.
About Linda Sherman
This was truly a lovely evening. A diverse group of people that had a penchant for poetry, politics. pool, ping-pong and pupus. In gatherings of this nature we all learn more about each other, hidden talents, likes and dislikes, and an overall appreciation for our differences. Thanks for a lovely evening celebrating Michaels 70th and Linda and Ray’s ability to memorialize it all.
Mahalo Lee! One of these times, you and I have to take a shot at the ping-pong table.
Events at Michael and Lucille’s marvelous home high in the Kalaheo hills are always fun – and very informative. This event was no different – lots of time to relax and reflect, while getting to know new acquaintances and renew connections with friends from around Kauai and elsewhere. Can’t wait for the next opportunity to “talk story” with you all… mahalo to Michael and Lucille for hosting a memorable gathering!
Once again, I forgot to pry the camera out of your hands to get you in a photo, Ray. You are always Behind the Camera. Thank you for the pics!