DYNAMITE PARTY = DYNAMITE PEOPLE

I am so happy and grateful that a dozen came to my birthday gathering on Sunday night. I hope at least a few of them get to read this.

We really clicked as a group, and each one added his/her own special uniqueness to the party.

There is one thing, however, that I neglected to do during the gathering. I had considered this earlier, but thought it might embarrass some people there, so I nixed the idea when I first thought of it and then forgot about it.

What we actually did was to go around the tables, each person introduced him/herself to the rest of the group. Everybody got to know everybody else that way.

I considered going around the table again, but this time I would do the talking and tell the group just exactly what it is that is unique and special and positive about each person there.

Since I lost a golden opportunity to do this at the party, I take the opportunity to transcribe this activity in this blog, for perpetuity.

Leah Levine: My substitute mother, my sister and my dear, close friend all in one. She's the first one I informed of my own mother's passing 8 years ago. She immediately volunteered to be my mother! I've shared many a man trouble with her, and at age 81, she's still a hot tamale and lots of fun to be with!*

Zvia Ben-Chaim: My "adopted sister", a dear friend I feel so free to share just about anything with. Her laugh and her smile light me up! She manages to laugh at all my jokes and clowning around, and I love her for that!*

Gila Ramirez: My dear, sweet, precious "Chiquitita Banana" (born in Puerto Rico) friend from way back in Philly, from the late '80's when I first met her in shul on Succot, trying to shake her lulav along with the guys below..... I knew then how special she is. We're close friends all of these years, and she's one of the most lively, intelligent, passionate and unique women I have ever met.

Dan Brock: Gila's husband, for whom she waited almost a whole lifetime to meet and marry! Gila used to tell me often that she wished she could meet a man who's a friend.... well, she's sure got him in Dan, whom she still refers to as "my friend".... how many married women refer to their husbands as "my friend"???? Dan's a total gem and a mensch, in every way, and very, very special to marry my dear friend Gila.

Harry Rosen: A sweet, sensitive guy who at first didn't want to come to the party, but I was told that in the end he was glad he came and thoroughly enjoyed himself! Harry was a member, along with myself, of the Israel Center singles' group many years ago. Had his share of marital troubles, but is now seeing my sweet friend ---

Chava (Evelyn) Tigris: Harry's friend, who has been a true friend for a good many years, since we both met at a mutual friend's Friday night Shabbat table. She has so patiently listened to me and my troubles over the years. We have shared both her tzarot and mine. She will always be near and dear to me - and she's sweeter than sugar!

Yair (whose last name I don't know): A young Dutchman who is Daniel Pinner's friend, whom I don't know but who filled in as Daniel's friend for some people who didn't make it (he wasn't originally invited). Soft-spoken, I felt that his birthday wishes for me were very sincerely meant. I've seen him around my circles, and he impresses me as a good, menschlicht young man.

Daniel Pinner: A hero and former Jewish prisoner of conscience who sat in jail for 2 years for firing in the air after being attacked by rocks thrown by 50 Arabs on the Gush Katif beach before the Expulsion. A man of many talents, an electrician and teacher by profession, and possessor of a brilliant wit, and as I found out two nights ago, a talented artist, too (on the restaurant napkin he drew the dome of the rock monstrosity being hauled away with a crane dropped down by a helicopter, which is now hanging on my fridge). A resident of Tapuach, now trying to get his life back together. We go back a long way, to the days of rallies with Rabbi Kahane HY"D.

Arlene Alyehs: A fairly recent addition to my life, she is one of the most creative and brilliant, savvy women around! Generous and sweet, too! She doesn't know it yet, but I am about to serve adoption papers on her (as another sister of mine!). She invited me last week to a very moving tribute to her father z"l, who was niftar 10 years ago. From him (and of course, from her mother, who is still with us), she gets her many unique gifts.*

Micha'el Rubinoff: A totally positive, upbeat man with a wild and crazy sense of humor, I just love his company and just being around him is a major lift for me! He always makes me laugh my socks off! Life of the party! He was definitely in "prime time" on party night and made me and everybody else there laugh our heads off! Plus, he had the audacity to pay for my dinner (am I complaining?!?!).

Chaim Tannen: There are so many, many things I like about Chaim, my friend and my neighbor.... what I really regret, with a giant sigh, is not being much closer to him in age..... well, that's another story. He's got all the right stuff, and I told his parents that when I met them this past Pesach. Fascinating stories he tells me about his Mishmar Hagvul service. He's one of my heroes! I am very gladly a frequent contributor to his Yahoo group. We are of one mind on many issues.... and I'm very grateful both for his presence in my life and for coming to the party! Sometimes he's like a reverse "sabra" (cactus) - sweet and gentle on the outside, but tough on the inside! May we stay friends forever, sweet Chaim!

* I went out after the party with these 3 for some good ice cream, letting our hair down and "girl-talk" (were anybody's ears burning???)

'Nighty-night to farts young and old,
Dina