Always late to the party, but here, nonetheless

So, I know you've been having a fabulous time there in the motherland. Been receiving first hand reports. So, so sorry I can't be with you. You know that. Hope that this will be a really memorable time for you. You deserve it.

I have always told Pamela that the singular trait that will forever endear you to me, is the passion that you've always exercised in fostering our friendship throughout the years. And I so admire that. With you, I know one simple truth: that you'll always, to your last breath, stand in defence of anyone who is deserving enough to have you call them friend. For those not so fortunate (like a certain friend of mine who until recently resided on the other side of the world) well, God help them!

You've been a sister, a confidant, stood with me throughout, whether on the mountaintop or in the valley, unflinching. I'll always remember your candor, counsel, and commitment during my California journey. You were then and will always be, family. Your embrace of Pamela and anyone I've introduced to you over the years, for that matter, has been always very meaningful.

As a fellow political traveller since Clinton's 1992 campaign (can you believe we've been at this now for 17 God-forsaken years?!) I can say, having been exposed first hand to some of the most capable political minds here in Washington, that your political instincts remain among the most awesome I've ever seen. As I've always said, the legal thing and the cooking thing are just secondary strengths. Your core capability is in the political realm. Remember ths? "Mek dem impeach him, them no know Bill. If you think him popular now, wait till dis done." Or this in January 2007, "O'Neil, I don't care how much money or big friend Hillary have, she can't beat this boy. Yes, is two years out. But watch, you'll see." And we all saw.

Anyway, you're one in a mil. Will always be. Love you a bunch!

O'Neil.

Living Your Dreams on Your Terms

Happy Birthday Liz,
You are doing exactly what you should be doing at this stage of your life - living your dreams on your terms - Congratulations!!!
Once again I apologize for not being able to be with you.
We all consider ourselves blessed to have you as a friend, and your loyalty and faithfulness is unquestioned.
So far everyone has mentioned these qualities. I would like to add that your ability to analyse human nature and behaviour, especially within the context of relationships is one of the things I admire most about you. Whether it is business,romance,marital,chiildren etc. this ability of yours, is without doubt one of your greatest gifts, that we all have benefitted from.
Secondly, your ability to have fun, regardless of the circumstances, has got to be what we all love most about you.
Please enjoy this time and those around you, and I look forward to our time soon.
Love,
Christine

Never ever doubt my enduring love for you Liz

Liz: I cannot believe it has been fifty years since I gave birth to you. You came into this world and filled my life with love and joy. You used to melt my heart with that special smile. You were smart, loving and bright. You were everything a mother could ask for. Not only are we mother and daughter but we are best friends also. I remember when you were in England and returned to Jamaica for that brief period before coming to the U.S. your father used to be baffled by our relationship because we used to telephone each other every day and if you were having a bad day I could always tell because I could feel it. When you came to the U.S. it was then I realized that we could even read each other's thoughts. I remember I would go into a bookstore and if I saw a book I wanted to buy I had better call you first because you would inform me that you had also bought the same book.

Even during the "terrible teen" years you were a good child. You never gave me one gray hair (probably one or two) but I never had to worry about you. You used to visit your friends a lot but would always inform me of your whereabouts. I need to say a special thank you for that. I could go to bed and sleep peacefully.

Enjoy yourself in South Africa -- have a blast for your birthday. You work hard and sometimes it is acceptable to play hard too. Sorry I could not be with you on this trip but if our lives are spared I am sure we will spend many more birthdays together. Never forget how much you mean to me and never, ever doubt my enduring love for you.

All my love.

Mummy.

Liz: There is Never a Dull Moment in Your Company

Happy Birthday. I know you are having a great time in South Africa as I am sure your traveling companions are, since there is never a dull moment in your company.

You deserve this rest after such a hectic campaign season. It's good to see that the President took time out of his busy schedule to wish you a happy birthday and thank you for your contribution. He even posted his sexiest picture.

It's always been a riot to be a part of your audience whether you are updating us with current events as you read your numerous daily newspapers; sharing your many letters to producers who cast babies "unappealing to the eye" or writers of Grey's Anatomy who have confused their characters. We can always rely on you to write the letters while most of us just mutter on the sidelines. Perhaps we too would write to address some of these annoyances, if only we could write with such precision, passion, and wit.

Continue to keep us all laughing and inspired to enjoy the moment.

Enjoy!

Colline

To My Dear Sister Liz on Her 50th Birthday.

I would like to join in the celebration of my sister's 50th golden birthday along with her accomplishments in life. I am also grateful that we have had a chance to reunite our families and hopefully we can secure a long lasting relationship moving forward. Hope you enjoy yourself in South Africa and wish you many more birthdays to come. The kids send their love and birthday wishes.

Love

Alison

Liz Mi Dear...Continued Happiness

The thing I admire most about Liz is her effortless wit. When I hear some of the turns of phrase Liz comes up with I’m convinced she should be a writer. Listen to this classic: We’re at this party and we notice this woman who is sticking to her escort like a lizard on a wall. Hear Liz she, pointing with her mouth, “apostrophe.” I’m so slow, I don’t catch on. “What you talking bout Liz?” She laughs and says, “apostrophe, shows possession.” Mi nearly dead with laugh. I’ve shared that witticism so many times.

Then if you kept up with Liz for the roller coaster ride to Barack’s inauguration you would have heard her irreverent critiques of anyone who was getting in the way of Bam’s success. Liz was ready for them in the choicest of language. When I recently asked her how come she has such a flair for language – Jamaican, no less than English – she gleefully told me that as a child she read the entire literature catalogue of the Tom Redcam Library in Kingston from A to Z. It may even have been the entire catalogue!

I’ve enjoyed getting to know Liz through my sister Donnette. And I’m so sorry I’m not on safari with them. I really couldn’t take off two weeks in the middle of the semester. But I’m definitely there with them in spirit.

Liz mi dear, I wish you continued happiness (and quick wittedness) for the decades to come!

Carolyn Joy Cooper

One of a kind...

Know that Prince song "Friend, Lover, Sister, mother, wife? Okay, scrap lover and wife (for most of us), throw in bon vivant, political junkie, comediennne, straight talker and chef and you have Liz, the best multi-threat all-in-one friend anyone could ask for.

I met Liz in DC during the late 1980s, as one of Donette's eclectic crew. She mentioned possibly moving to California and opening a restaurant, which I promptly forgot. I moved to LA in 1990 and about a year later noticed a new restaurant on Westwood Blvd., Jamaican Café. I made a yardie style illegal U-turn and rushed in, hoping for the best but expecting mediocrity. Surprised and then elated, I inhaled the meal and was about to leave when the owner came out to ask how everything was. I recognized her--who can forget Liz?--and complimented her cooking genius. She had no idea at first who I was, unable to reconcile my neo-radical dreadlocks with the quiet upwardly mobile young man that she'd met once before. So I said the magic word--in this case Donnette!-- and gained instant entry into the tribe.

The Jamaican Café became my dining room and sometime living room, and Liz became my friend. I loved the food, but if it had not been good, I would have kept coming just to hang out. Some of my favorite LA memories revolve around the restaurant locations. And I blame her entirely for my first pot belly. I remember first meeting Steve there--in his mustachioed, pre-patois phase--after he had passed muster with the staff, and it's nice to see that same happy energy still flowing between them.

Liz is famous among her many friends for her generosity, insight, passion, wit and vibe. She inspires loyalty. She remembers the favorite dishes of her friends, and makes sure to cook them when we visit. She's a great listener and if pressed has been known to dispense advice and caution to the lovelorn, or so I hear. Me? I rely on the as yet infallible Liz-o-meter: if Liz likes her, she's a potential keeper. When I start to hear phrases like "not your speed" and "poppy show", I take the hint.

Liz is the only person for whom I have happily trafficked in Rothmans cigarettes, "mule-ing" from Jamaica. What Liz wants, Liz gets. I never leave her presence without feeling like my heart has been warmly hugged.

I hope when I'm 50 in a couple years I'll have a coterie of devoted friends willing to follow me halfway around the world to celebrate. Wish I could be there to join the party. Happy Birthday, Liz, and Mazel Tov!

whole heapa love,
Konrad

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LIZ!

Happy 50th Birthday Liz! I’m so sorry that I cannot be with you in South Africa to celebrate. I know you’ll have an amazing time, and South Africa will NEVER be the same!!! While you’re there, please don’t get talked into a diving with the sharks tour, and if you’re considering a safari – be reminded of the flea bites we received at Truck Stop and the week of incessant itching and scratching! I wish you many more years filled with good friends, travel and laughter (and some juicy issues to debate, and a few politicians to set straight. :) Thanks for including me in your tribe!

Happy 50th

It was about 1985. I was in a bank in Cross Roads, Jamaica, with my freshly styled afro (short on the side) when Liz walked over and complemented me on my "do." My spirit took to her immediately. I liked her spunk and obvious comfort in her own skin. Imagine my surprise when a few months later I walked into a coffee shop and saw Liz. We were both freshly minted employees at Dynamac Corporation, Maryland, USA.

I quickly learnt that Liz was no ordinary person. She held court at Dynamac, befriending anybody "interesting" who came her way. This included a gentleman, his name slips me now, who we gathered was fresh out of jail or some kind of probation. She introduced him to curry goat and such delights and would zip over to Bevin in Silver Spring to buy a Jamaican lunch at his and our insistence. Her warm personality earned us friends in high places (Bloomies, Paraphernalia, Ann Taylor) during our frequent forays at White Flint Mall, unhappily across the street from Dynamac.

I lost day-to-day contact with Liz after I returned to JA some years later. Luckily, Donnette kept me in the loop and continues to do so through Liz's various incarnations and adventures. Throughout this period, I remember her calling me after Gilbert to find out how I was faring; sharing her California highs and lows; her exercise odyssey, enlivened by chats with Bryant Gumbel and other such media notables that she took on while on the treadmill; her “arrival” in Florida and more recently, her unpaid job as chief Obama organizer for the unruly outpost of Florida.

Liz, I'm honoured to be considered a member of your tribe. I don't think I (and my family) could have been more favoured than to be with you on this pilgrimage to South Africa. Happy Birthday! Happy rocking and rolling to many, many, many more.

Click on my journal below as I share some of my wonderful memories of our trip to South Africa.

http://liz50thtripjournal.blogspot.com/

BIRTHDAY WISHES FROM ERIKA AND ROSALIND

Thank you for always being there for us. You're wonderful and we hope that you enjoy your birthday expedition through Africa.

Erika and Rosalind

P.S. Erika requested that you take your 17 hour flight back to the real world from Africa with an actual hippo for her. I suggested that a picture will do, but she insists.

Wonderful 50th to my Dearest Cousin Liz!

You have been a source of inspiration and admiration for pretty much my entire existence. You have been more of a friend than a cousin to me. I have always admired your forthrightness, honesty, integrity and, most of all, your ever present humor! The face you put forward to the world every bit represents the authentic and original person you are, and despite being a "constant", you have still managed to evolve into a better version of your original self. You are true to the core; true to your friends and the family members that matter (LOL).

I wish you true joy and happiness for the next 50. Continue to let the beautiful person inside of you come more fully to life as each moment passes. Let yourself, and the world around you, know the joy and fulfillment that is meant just for you to express. Happy, happy birthday, my friend! I love you dearly and will value your friendship always.


Cecile Campbell
Stone Mountain, Georgia

Happy Birthday Lizzy!!

I remember first meeting you at Baker & McKenzie - now well over 20 years ago. You were an absolute riot then and you still are today. Funny, whitty, charming and beautiful - inside and out. There were so many years of fun and laughs from B&M through the Jamaican Cafe and beyond. Even though we're living on different coasts now, I have had and continue to have more fun with you than most people I know. You make me laugh so hard my face hurts - every time we're together (and you don't even drink?). I wish I could be with you for this special day and trip. I hope you have a wonderful and safe trip and I look forward to the time when we live closer together and can spend more time with eachother. Welcome to 50!

Your friend forever,

Love you Lots!
Cathi

Liz- the friend you can count on!

Dear Liz,

Unlike my husband, you know, I am a woman of many words. He was joking, I am not. I remember hearing about you from Yvette and thinking, " Yvette is so crazy, trying to introduce me to some Jamaican I will have nothing in common with." Our first conversation, changed all of that. Our first meeting at your house, confirmed in my mind that we would be friends forever. I was instantly comfortable and at ease with you, Steve and the food which was out of this world. Both Jeff and I couldn't stop talking about your cooking and still talk about your food all the time.

Along all my different journeys since then....marriage highs and lows, pregnancy, pondering life and it's meaning...you have been there. My anchor in the storm, my psychiatrist, sister and friend. Sometimes I feel I should pay you. How can one person be so efficient at work, friendship, cooking,loving, campaigning for Barack Obama..... and doing it all with a smile and some "drop down on the floor" jokes.

You are truly wonderful and special. Your ability to keeps us honest and entertain us at the same time is a gift we reflect on even when your in another state.

I wish you many more years of living a full and fulfiling life. I look forward to making new memories with you and taking new journeys with you, whether it be to a new location, old haunts or just a new emotional adventure.

Have a great bday! This L.A.D.( long awaited dream) is the only reason we can't physically celebrate your birthday with you but know our spirits and thoughts are with you.

Lots of love always and laugh out loud always,
Gillian

"Gud fren beta dan pakit moni"

Jamaican Proverb

How do I capture the essence of Elizabeth Owen: creative chef, hostess extraordinaire, insightful conversationalist, voracious reader, loyal friend, news junkie, current affairs encyclopedia, movie reviewer, restaurant guide, people magnet, unrelenting advocate, letter writer, hard worker, kind, sharp, funny, direct, brilliant!!!

St Hugh’s High School

I met Liz at St Hugh’s. At 11 she was already adept at holding court, wielding comedy like a scepter, and we were drawn like moths to a flame. She entertained us in and out of class. She engaged Cookery Brown, terrorized Miss Chang and the various teachers who “supervised” her in detention, laughed at Miss Kingdom’s foibles, commiserated with Mrs. Carnegie about the difficulty of running a school, blew off the commerce teacher, generated endless excuses to avoid PE, and probably outranked Yvette Pussey as the reader of the most Mills & Boone romance novels. I remember fondly our days in Miss Morrison’s English class, where Liz--always the multi-tasker--excelled from the back of the class while cutting up with Joan Spencer, Enniver Nevers and me. One day Liz forgot to do her home work, but when called upon by Miss Morrison “read” her essay from a blank piece of paper.

US Reunion

I lost contact with Liz after high school when she moved to England and I came to the states. But soon we were back together in Maryland. It was a pleasure to get to know the adult Liz and cement my place in her tribe. Liz is a caretaker with a wide circle of friends and loves to entertain. I spent many hours in her home over scrumptious food, in great company. I remember the super bowl party she had the year the Red Skins won w/ Doug Williams as quarterback. Even coming from a culture that venerates cricket, I still find American football annoyingly protracted (why does it take 10 mins for 5 seconds of play???). But Liz' enthusiasm is contagious. By the end of the evening I was screaming like a lifelong fan and blowing my horn all the way home down 270.

The Jamaican Café (Caaf)

With encouragement from many quarters, Liz moved to California and opened the Jamaican Café (or as one her customers called it the Jamaican Caaf). It was a pleasure to have been part of that venture with other friends and supporters of Liz. Liz was in her element; all her skills and talents were deployed with amazing results. The Jamaican Café was more than a place for great food ("where bland is banned"), it was a community center with open membership presided over by a warm and engaging griot/storyteller. With due respect to Littler, I hope another venture with this spirit and sense of self-empowerment is in Liz' future.

Mrs. Obama

Omigod!!! How did we make it through this election cycle? Bill! Hillary! Pastor Wright! Jesse! Jesse, Jr! Palin! Olbermann! Matthews! MoDowd! SNL! Tim Russert! Liz was at her news junkie best, or worst. She soared with good news about our bwoy and plummeted with any dis. She was impatient when he wouldn't knock out his detractors and opponents. She read everything, watched everything, knew everything and wrote everybody. MSNBC should have hired her. She was dubbed "Mrs. Obama" by her beauty shop posse who felt she could advocate Barack's position better than Michelle (sorry Michelle). As Liz always reminds us, she is a "all or nothing girl" and she was all in for Barack. She supported him by substantial donations, by her one woman letter writing campaign, she canvassed door to door in Florida, registered voters, and coaxed/cajoled and/or twisted arms to bring friends and colleagues onboard. Her biggest regret of the campaign was that Russert was not on spot election night. She also had to kick Bill to the curb--the same Bill she used to love like Jesus loves little children. But through it all she renewed her belief in the wisdom and reasonableness of her fellow Americans. It was a pleasure to be on the mall with her January 20, 2009 to witness the culmination of our dreams, efforts and faith. Ok, we didn't actually witness it in the flesh as the news junkie was missing switching from channel to channel to hear the pundits and see all the action. :-) That's our Lizzy!


Happy Birthday Liz
Stay as sweet as you are.
Love Donnette

Happy Birthday Liz!!!

Dear Liz,

As you know, I am a man of many words, but I will try to keep this brief. You have been such a great friend to us over the years, and we have so many great memories both here in L.A as well as in Florida. Whether its brunch at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills or Chinese food at ABC in the Valley, your wonderful spirit for living life to the fullest is always the main course. Such a spirit is contagious, and we all feel that much happier to be alive after being in your company. Of course you know we would have been along your side in Capetown for your birthday, if not for the very exciting "delivery" we have coming in April (or March). We look forward to creating many more memories with you in the future, on both the east or west coasts. Liz, have a wonderful birthday in S.A., and may you have many many more!!!

love,

Jeff

Happy Birthday Liz!!!!!!!!

Liz, 50 and Wow!! You are still looking good, still the life of the party and still the epitome of a true friend to me. I am happy to be a "part of the tribe". I can hardly believe we have been on this path for forty years, and 'though you have had to chide me on occasion for not staying in touch, we have never lost contact with each other. Thank you for making the extra effort in that area.

Thanks also for having made me a part of your tribe during our high school years. What wonderful memories I have of those days - from explosive laughter at the back of the cafeteria to bike rides on Hillview Terrace, walks up to Red Hills, not to mention all those parties and best of all - those "wonderful" classes of Mathematics with Ms. Chang. Your honesty as a friend over the years is one of the qualities I admire most in you - that unapologetic way of letting us know when we are just being plain dumb about our choices. I will forever treasure that. Most of all, I value your ability to make me laugh, often incessantly, and sometimes just from the simple memory of something you said.

So sorry I can't be with you on this long-awaited voyage. Happy Birthday and I love you dearly.

"Never forget the days I spent with you. Continue to be my friend, as you will always find me yours." ---Ludwig Van Beethoven

xoxoxoxxoxoxxo
Marcia

Postcard from LA - London Calling!

My first introduction to Liz was in LA, at her restaurant. Found quite by chance, located in a little cubby hole mini mall in Westwood, myself and my smorgasbord group of friends immediately made it a place to meet, celebrate and enjoy each other's company. We had going away celebrations, birthdays and graduation parties there, reveling in the food, music and conversation that created some of the most awesome evenings.

When the Cafe moved to Santa Monica, and me being a child of Jamaican heritage seeking additional employment, ('What!? you only have 2 jobs?!), Liz offered me my third job as a waitress at the Cafe. It was then that I really got to know this strong minded and frankly opinionated woman, as the Cafe became 'OJ Central'. She was glued to the small tv to watch the OJ Simpson trial, analysing every legal angle that was being thrown at that poor jury and judge and discussing it with patrons and friends with gusto!

When she eventually got divorced, through a lonely hearts column, she staged her hunt for a husband at the Cafe. Those were hysterical evenings, as she would arrange to meet potential dates and have the waiting staff veto/approve & quiz them before she 'appeared' at the door as if she was a regular patron, and once seated proceed to further quiz them about all manner of current events and life in general. Luck would have it that Steve was given the big thumbs up by all concerned and the rest is history.

Her genuine words of encouragement and thoughtfulness as a friend have been heartwarming to me over the many years, as we kept in touch over the miles when I eventually moved to London.

I really can't say enough to 'big up' this tremendously energetic and warm-hearted individual. She cooks with a passion that surpasses most Caribbean women, can hold a conversation about politics and current affairs like Jeremy Paxman, and has a heart of pure gold.

Liz, my dear, I am so sorry we are not physically with you to help celebrate this momentous occasion, but we are with you in Spirit.  I hope this trip has been fantastic so far, and everyone is having a boss time. Looking forward to hearing all about it!

Many happy returns of the day, may you be around another 50 years to touch more lives and hearts.

God bless and keep you strong and healthy, and I hope South Africa has enough ice in stock to keep you happy.

All our love,

Charlotte, Christopher and 'Bubu' Nathan

PS. And someone for petes sake, please make sure she has more than a glass of Coke in her hand!

LIZ OWEN - Political Analyst, Friend, Mentor and Hell of a Human Being

Liz, when special people come into our lives, we see how wonderful and beautiful our world becomes. You are most definitely one of those people. I have only known you about 5 years but it seems like 50(that would mean I knew you at birth, which I could have).

When Audrey invited me to your home for dinner I had no idea I would be making another lasting friendship. What an afternoon that was!! Great food(but of course), fantastic company and a hostess who insisted on not only serving us but keeping a very good conversation going strong. Well, you know you are the QUEEN when it comes to that!!

Thanks for being there for me during the political campaign prior to the election. I knew I could call you and discuss whatever was on my mind. It just blows my mind that you know so much about this American politics. You should be one of the Analysts on MSNBC.

May you always approach life with gusto and honesty-that's what I like best about you. I can't wait to celebrate your birthday in Cape Town. May you have many, many more.

With love,

Monica

Remembering the Teeth and So Much More

I remember our days at St. Hugh's as if it were yesterday. I was the quiet one who stood by and watched you hold forth in the cafeteria. You mesmerized us then and you still do today. How could I forget the concert at school when the singer's dentures filled with gold teeth fell out of his mouth and landed in your lap. And I fondly remember those days we took the smelly, overcrowded Red Hills bus home or walked up the hill. I am so glad that we remained friends all these years. You have truly defined the meaning of true friendship. You always reminded me how important it is to enjoy the wonderful pleasures in life -- whether it's treating yourself to a spa day or indulging in a few lazy days on the beach or immersing yourself in a good romance novel. I learnt from you the importance of always using your new things. "Why leave them for someone else to enjoy," you would often say. And as a fellow political junkie, together we thoroughly enjoyed the highs, the lows and the phenomenal victory of President Barack Obama's election campaign. Sorry I can't join you in South Africa, but I enjoyed our time as we celebrated Obama's inauguration. I wish you peace, good health and many more happy birthdays and I hope to join you at 60 in some other exotic part of the world.

With lots of love
Audrey