Chester Francis-Jackson, Gleaner Writer

For ages, people the world over have not only longed for the mythical fountain of youth, but mounted many expeditions, some with disastrous effect, all in search of the magical fountain with its life-altering potion.

To date, however, there are no historical records and/or data documenting any such discovery! There is no doubt that irrespective of the absence of evidence, older persons are indeed looking younger, and living longer.

Seems modern man found the proverbial fountain and has been drinking from it and basking in its afterglow.

30 is the new 20

And so, while some dismiss the new buzz phrases that proclaim 30 as the new 20, 40 the new 30, etc, these are not necessarily the delusional ravings of narcissists, but an acknowledgement of the understandings and present realities! And so it is that when the charming marketing dynamo Safia Cooper, sent out e-invitations for the 30th birthday celebrations of her dear friend, the lovely Marsha Wilson, the invitations carried the proviso that indeed 30 was the new 20! The party was two Tuesdays ago at the Beverly Hills residence of family friend, the fab Peju Wilson, and what a celebration it was!

With the lawns done to reflect the festive mood of the occasion, in the vibrant colours of red, white and blue draping the marquee that housed the libation station, as well as the marquee housing the fare, there was no mistaking the moot that this was a celebration and nothing else. With the patio reserved for dancing, y'all know we are talking some serious partying here!

Celebration of family and friends

The partying got started in early evening, with guests meeting and greeting, as this was more of a celebration of family and friends, as relatives joined former university chums and high school friends in sharing and swapping stories about the yesteryears of the birthday girl. By the time night enveloped the occasion, the fabulous home and lawns were in party mode! Obviously, there was lots of partying to do, and so with Cooper as compere and offering an open microphone for friends and family members to offer up toasts, and toasts there were aplent. Hilariously at times, as schoolmates joined family and other relatives in sharing their toasts and expressions of goodwill, some holding little back as they shared some of their more precious memories of the birthday girl.

This interlude was followed by the cutting of the birthday cake. In fact, there were two, one from her family, the other from friends. With a generous thank you from the guest of honour, it was then on to the dance floor! This was a no-holding-back dance-a-thon as guests, as if on cue, moved en mass on to the floor, and there they remained. They danced from the first exhortation until it was time to take their leave! From dancehall to reggae, soca, hip hop and pop, the music was cooking and guests, not missing a beat, partied up a storm to a wonderful musical menu!

Guests

Among those out sharing in the warmth and beauty of the occasion were parents Winston and Janet Wilson; sister Sandra Wilson-Dale, visiting from the United States for the event, and brother Kirk Wilson; hosts Peju Wilson and companion Carl Davies; businessman Dwight Moore; siblings and style icons Marcia and Carol Reid; Andre Hylton; fashion designer Minka Francis; Seun Wilson; Sasha Caesar-Garel; Billangigi Trail; Aisha Barrett; Taneisha Davis; Andrene Blackwin; Andre Reid; Araya Thorne; Devon Manahan; Kelvin Kerr and wife, Camille Rodgers-Kerr; Dennis Grant; siblings Denton and Nicole Tyndale; Andrene Hayden; Nadine Swaby; Barrington Spencer; Alecia Fredericks; Tanya Hemmings; Cressida Rattigan; Gregory Duhaney; Donovan Johnson; ZJ Liquid; Renee Wong; and Monica Cobourne, plus a number of others.