Hey Karen...Lookee, Lookee... .....one of those Chicago Cows is really gettin' with the party!

Prime rib? That would be Lawry's (as in seasoned salt and salad dressing), but that restaurant came out of LA many years ago if I'm not mistaken. So not indigenous to the shores of Lake Mich... Perhaps, one of our LA Firthettes can wade through the sprouts and find a hunk of beef in out there!!

Oh Evelyn, that is a udderly hysterical. Have added Twinkletoes to my repetoire. ;-D

I had to do one more cow. Such a good picture! It's called Top Cow. I forgot to tell you that boxer shorts cow is named "Udderly Romantic" Ain't that the truth? ;-D

And my birthday card to you, Colin: Hope your birthday was a SCREAM!! Because we had a SCREAM celebrating it with you.

Don't - - -! I have been knitting for weeks. Difficult pattern :-pX__________@ Must have been all I've had to drink. Take a good look at that box, ladies! At 272. Renate, that's a riot. Very difficult pattern, but amazingly, it looks better as wrapping paper. ;-D

I'm very late, but I wanted to join the party...Happy Birthday, CF. Sing along with Colin HERE Murph

Wow, that was beautiful, Mary! Karen, I love all the cows but I think that Colin was born in Year Of Rat! Now I desperately want to see FP, that Arsenal short looks dreaming!!!!!!! This party is getting better and better just like our guest of honor.

Where am I? Still on that yacht in the lovely Pacific with the happy couple having feasted on all of the aforementioned goodies and a Luau...I think they are like the proverbial sofa...over-stuffed. It has been glorious fun. Thanks all!

Wow - what other actor has such a creative and classy group of fans?!! I am so glad to have "virtually" met you all, and explore our mutual appreciation of a FANTASTIC actor who transforms himself in every performance he gives us....it really is magical!! My gift to Colin is my effort to create more "FirthFans" among my friends, relatives and neighbors by inviting them to see his films, most recently "MLSF", (in Cleveland, Ohio). If Miramax was counting, I saw it 5 times, and brought 7 new "converts" with me. I also have a "lending library" of his videos, and am waiting to see him clutching a (well deserved) Academy Award (which, in my opinion he is overdue for!!). I am now trying to get to London for 3DOR, perhaps I can (get the nerve up!) to give Colin a hearty handshake and thank him for some great performances!!! All my best wishes to you, Colin, and thanks for sharing your talent...I hope you and Livia are having a wonderful birthday celebration!!! By the way if you ever find yourself in the Cleveland, Ohio area....I'd be happy to give you (and Livia), a guided tour of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame...! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS! to all the lovely ladies who invested their time, effort, expertise, and sense of humor into making this the most wonderful, outrageous, and unique celebration of the 20th Century ... and all in honor of the 39th natal anniversary of that wonderfully talented actor, Mr. Colin Firth I'm sure we all hope that he was able to discover it and enjoy it as much as we did! In appreciation for the many contributions from all of you, I'm sure he'd want to award you this: ... for BEST IN SHOW, ... followed up by THUNDEROUS ... *****WELL DONE, LADIES !! *****

OOPS!! I forgot to mention one other somewhat IMPORTANT compliment to our "Birthday Boy"..... The general opinion among the Cleveland, Ohio-based "Colin Firth Fan Club" is this.... We feel that while Colin has always been attractive, upon closer inspection, we have decided that Colin is now BETTER-LOOKING as he has "matured" (Colin, please take that as the compliment we mean it to be!). Seriously, his face has become more expressive, so I guess it can be true - like "fine wine" Colin improves with age!!! One OTHER quick request to Colin...how about a BROADWAY play? Talk to Judi Dench and Natasha Richardson...it worked for them!!!

You guys are great!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY,COLIN!. I know this is late but, I have had to work all day. These pics are fantastic... Hey, GI,Marci and Evelyn...I am glad to be back. I have missed you guys..

For Rita's birthday tomorrow, back to 72?!

Unwrapping time! ;-P

*argh!* I only do that to enhance the anticipation!

Call me the "Mistress of Suspense"! (if not something else :-p)

Isn't she clever? Did he complain much when you took his shirt off? Did he put the beer down? ;-D

Loved the birthday song, Mary. I'll be humming that all day now! And Colin really is the top against whom I measure every other actor.

No, Karen, *I* did take the beer down - just visualize the coffee cup scene in FP. ;-P Don't you think he enjoyed the fireworks?

Nan, if you are out there: it's a long time ago that you created the collage above, isn't it?

*I* did take the beer down - just visualize the coffee cup scene in FP. mmmmmmmmm, I am visualizing. Very nice collage.

Oh Murph..."You're the Top"...You outdid yourself ..... I laughed and almost cried....you got it baby!!! ***** Renate...my favorite pic with the fireworks...what a finale.

Nan, if you are out there: it's a long time ago that you created the collage above, isn't it?

That collage with the fireworks is wonderful, truly beautiful. And Murph, your poem to Colin is GREAT. I so much wish that he has been informed about this (who trusts the ICM people in these things? Unfortunately, I do not) because I�m sure he would have been happy to see so much sincere appreciation and devotion. Thank-you everybody for making Colin�s birthday such a great happening!!

LOL at the greetings, great fireworks. I had to leave and unplug my pc when natures fireworks started here. What a storm but not enough reain *%#@%^&*

My apologies for my tardiness... Happy Birthday Colin! Thank you for being such a talented actor. I am giving you this gift because I am eager to see you in breeches again when you play Flashman...a feast to the eyes...

And here are the boots to go with it...

Ladies, I am overwhelmed. What a great party! Sorry I missed all the festivities, but my demanding employer has been keeping me at the oars rowing as hard as I can. HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLIN! Thanks for all your great work which brings us such enjoyment.

Even better than I imagined it could possibly be! Karen and Evelyn and Marcia, batting 1.000 as usual. The pix, and Murph, that song! I was traipsin' down Broadway trying to remember more than bits and snatches, so I printed it out and am committing it to memory. Such love, creativity, humor and technical expertise has been lavished on a worthy fella, and that happens so rarely in life. I'm proud to know you all and to have been privileged to watch a rerun of the party. Moon Dreams...oops, it's getting li e an acceptance speech where you cringe to leave people out, so I bow out and let Him do the accepting. As I'm sure he will. Love the laughing lady, Arami. Stop! Stop! Now I really do quit.

It sounds like you are leaving. Have I missed something? Oh dear....!

Marcia, you gotta watch more awards show! ;-D

uh...ok...i guess...where do I find them? In Hilo?! Not the Joan Rivers' aftermaths?! That is about all I get to watch. (gotta share the TV with the hairy chest beater of the house, you know!) So, what did I miss?

quimby is merely giving us her version of a typical acceptance speech. She's not going anywhere. ;-D Of course, at about line three, the director cued for the music to start... ;-D

thenk yew veddy much....

A source of funding for cf.com? "CALLING ALL WEBMASTERS/MISTRESSES! About.com is launching a new Affiliates programme which will enable those who run related sites to become a part of the About.com communuity and earn a little money into the bargain. Your British Theatre related site could carry a banner or button linking directly to mine, and, if you like, a search engine which will carry out searches on the British Theatre site or even the whole of About.com's 650+ sites, and every time a visitor clicks on the banner, the button or the search box, you get paid. I know that many of you already link to this site - you have my gratitude for that - so formalising the arrangement will give you a little back in return. To find out more, pop along to - http://britishtheatre.about.com/library/weekly/blaffiliates.htm

It is just like the visto banner - but how many of us click it to help Terry? One is not more worthy than the other, but this is a PRIVATE web site and the other is commercial. Help Terry, too, please!

Oh Karen! That is so neat! We are all "over the moon" for the honoree, anyway. Most of us probably don't need the rocket to get us "high" on this guy!!! See ya in 5 1/2 days...

Is there gonna be a theme this year, boss? (As if this crowd ever follows the rules;-)

A theme? Moon is our official party planner. What would you like us to do? Baa, One of the sheep

Hello, hello! I was inspired by Colin's colored glasses and all our "bong" talks to go psychedelic. "Imagine me and you, I do... Feeling Groovey" Is this baaad of me? ;-) BTW, checked out Cicciolina's site. She will definitely NOT be making an appearance! ;-)))))

Holy cow! I get busy elsewhere and the high and mighty Darcy is now a pothead??? Oh no! I thought I could trust him in your worthy hands... Licker 'um up and have your way with him,, I guess...

TV Times Stars Happy Birthday to Colin Firth: Rugged good looks have endeared Colin to the hearts of the public.As a Virgo,one of the earth signs,Colin,who'll be 40 on Sunday,is lke a mature wine and will improve with age,2001 heralds his Uranus half return,a time when you realise you only live once.In June he'll set off on the adventure of a lifetime.

In June he'll set off on the adventure of a lifetime. Now you know. That is exactly when Colin and I are planning to meet. ;-) His fortieth shindig will be bang on!

Ha ha!! Although, maybe next year...

Why are you talking about CF here and not on "his" board?

Just trying to make it difficult for you to find us. Tag, you're it!! *running like hell*

Running in circles, more like.

Perhaps we ought to be gearing up to celebrate: The Firthst Anniversary of his 39th birthday! Yippee! (**Heehee**)

Good idea, KJ! Like this? more days!!

I am having so much fun tasting the food for the party! ;-)

Creme brulee.

Chocolate brownies. ;-)

I don't care as long as we have enough bubbly....and not that cheap Andre stuff...:-))) evelyn*who is thirsty*

A drop of nice Italian red for me, please.

Evelyn! We have always had nothing but the best at DBs party and this year is no exception. We have just added a few novelties to the menu. (Cue in Groucho Marx and cigar, "If you know what I mean"). The cases of Dom Perignon are already chilled. :-D And, Arami, the Brunello di Montalcino has also arrived. :-)

Slurp.

What does ODB drink...besides ale. Did anyone see what he was drinking at the Donmar Gala or the recent RV reception? Red or white?

I'm two days early but I most likely won't be near my computer this weekend, so it's time for some early greetings from a few friends... So Colin Firth, the birthday boy, has a personal trainer. He is no longer a big girly man? HA! We can take his flabby pectoral muscles and tie them together in a Christmas bow. So hear us now and believe us later, Hans and Franz are the only personal trainers for Firth...there is still time for us to *clap* pump him up! Hey Firth! It's your birthday, huh old man? I heard you got some time on your hands. Why don't you bring your candy as* into the ring and let The Rock pop open those six-pack abs?! Forty years old--time for a career change. Think about it, Firth. Wrestling can give you a whole new future. It took me from this... ...to this in just a few short years. Why do you want to PLAY Tony Blair when you can BE Tony Blair? Take my advice...you'll see. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLIN!

LOL, Eileen! You are setting the pace quite nicely. Evelyn, we will have some Amontillado for Colin when we start on the desserts.

How about Guinness?

Ding Ding Ding and in this corner, a pencil-legged, beady-eyed star of stage and screen, who shall remain nameless and hidden in brown paper bag (*loud catcalls and boos*) and our own, one and only, THE Bod *loud cheers heard from all continents* Yeah!! LOL! Eileen

Following Eileen's lead... Since I'll be travelling the (well, a bit of Europe) tomorrow, I want to leave Colin's present here today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, COLIN! Or, if a quill is not appropriate, here's this: Enjoy the party! You will be in great company

It�s a minute past midnight... HAPPY BIRTHDAY Colin! To celebrate his birthday thoroughly I�m leaving for London in a few hours. Have a grrrreat party!

Here's somebody to demonstrate the former gift's use: Since I am unable to get online on Sunday, Against all other contingencies, ... I'd like to make my wishes known a bit early:

Happy Birthday, COLIN! Also have a look at http://www.colinfirth.com/index.html (probably you have to hit "refresh")

For the actor who is a standout in his field, a giant among thespians, the big swan in the little duckpond ... ...Who has been described as "One of the best of his generation" -- only because he works like a dog (?hamster?)at his craft ... ...Who has so vividly portrayed many different characters, and who is capable of taking on a wide variety of roles ... ...We wish to celebrate the Firthst Anniversary of his 39th Birthday, ...that is to tell him to have a --

Colin's birthday? PURRRRRRR-fect! Feeling kind of kittenish lately. He's our cat's meow. Breaking out the catnip and the buck's fizz.

Happy Birthday, Colin. Wish I could be with you to help celebrate. Instead I'll send you a smooch from afar.. and head on off to bed.. Hey, a girl can dream..

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday DEAR COLIN , Happy Birthday to you. Three Cheers for Colin, HipHip Hurrah HIpHip Hurrah.

I too want to say....hyv�� syntym�p�iv�� (=happy birthday)

Happy Birthday Colin! You know what they say, "Life begins at......." And as a small token of my esteem here's a little something to enhance that new bod we're all aching to see. Enjoy! BTW - If you need any help with applying it there's no shortage of willing volunteers at Spring!

Happy 40th Birthday Colin! (Champagne units 4, bongs 2, calories 2000 so far, vvg) Colin, before you become famous after the release of The Bridget Jones�s Diary, I would like you to remember that we have been throwing your virtual birthday parties for many years and we are also planning to have your new millennium birthday party next year so make sure you write it in your agenda. In keeping with the theme, my first gift will be Aldous Huxley�s The Doors of Perception , and all the Quicksilver Messenger Service albums. Much more awaits you here: http://www.geocities.com/davidia7/birthday.html Buon Compleanno!

After seeing all the fantastic,technological greetings already posted mine will seem pretty tame. Nevertheless - HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY COLIN and enjoy your birthday. Many happy returns. We look forward to seeing many more of your films and plays in the years to come.

Happy B Day, Colin! Hope this works. 40 is special 40 is great Too old for pimples Too young to ache. Enjoy each minute, Old love of my life, Drink lots of champagne, Make love to your wife.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY Colin! Murph

Adorable, Murph :-D

I second that, excellent Murph.

And nice pages, Moon. Loved the fun and games. :-D Got the munchies, Colin? 'Cause I'm going to take you on I've got an invitation To make a reservation The Magical Mystery Tour is waiting to take you away Waiting to take you away Roll up, roll up for the Mystery Tour They've got everything you need Satisfaction guaranteed The Magical Mystery Tour is hoping to take you away Hoping to take you away Aaaaaah- The Magical Mystery Tour Roll up- roll up for the mystery tour I've got an invitation To make a reservation The Magical Mystery Tour is coming to take you away Coming to take you away The Magical Mystery Tour is dying to take you away Dying to take you away-take you today Play me

Peggy at the Firthden posted this today. I repost with her permission. Thought it was neat: ********************* HAPPY BIRTHDAY COLIN 40 years - 40 quotes 1-Mother: �he has an enormous capacity for friendship. When he makes friends he stays friends� 2-Sister Kate: �Since he became a father I�ve noticed a much gentler, softer side to Colin� 3-Penny Edwards, teacher: �His head is very difficult to turn because he knows which direction he wants to put his face� 4-Meg Tilly: �He�s one of my best friends� 5-Mother-in-law: �My daughter has married an admirable English gentleman .......we knew that a man who could treat our daughter with such beautiful love & respect was the right man for her. He is very dear to us.� 6-Christopher Fettes, Drama centre: �I knew instantly that he had quite an extraordinary talent...Colin represents everything that is best about the sort of middle class English background that he has had. He has an inner sense of culture & class & a maturity which is seen in only a few actors� 7-Yat Malmgren, Drama Centre: �He was the kind of student who almost never occurs. He had everything I expect & rarely find; imagination, intelligence, logic, common sense� 8-Kenneth Branagh, AMITC: �Colin is a supremely generous actor� 9-Kenith Trodd, AMITC, COF: � There�s more to Colin than there is to most actors. Even when he�s doing a costume role he brings something to the performance that makes you feel his performance isn�t just teeth & pantaloons. He�s able to suggest a feeling of inner life in a way that most actors can�t.� 10-Martin Donovan, AZ: �Colin- he�s a magic actor......he learnt Spanish, he drank & ate with the film crew� 11-Fernando Ghia, Nostromo: �I owe so much to the stoicism of the British actors. While the Italians & Spanish would storm off the set complaining they couldn�t work in the heat, Colin Firth & Albert Finney would just sit there sweating it out.� 12-Michael Wearing, Nostromo: (Re Colin & Livia ) �their relationship flowered slowly & was delightful to see� 13-Anthony Mingella, TEP: �There�s a sort of transparency to Colin�s inner life that only the best actors have. He has to do very little it seems to give you access to his inner being.� 14-Nick Hornby, FP: �...wouldn�t you know it, & doesn�t it make you sick? - Colin Firth is a genuinely nice guy; smart, funny, self-deprecating, complicated, thoughtful, good company� 15-Ruth Gemmell, FP: �...he�s so lovely, he immediately put me at ease....Colin is not as serious as people think. He�s also a very sweet man� 16-Holly Aird, FP: �Colin Firth hasn�t let fame go to his head....Colin isn�t arrogant. In real life he�s quiet, shy & mostly sits & reads� 17-Gwyneth Paltrow, SIL: �When I first met him I thought he was quite serious. But actually he is very funny.� 18-John Madden SIL: on Wessex. �Crucial character, brilliantly played, I think. But it�s the kind of performance that gets richer & richer the more you see it� 19- Nia Long, SLOW: �.... a sweetheart, a true professional. He tells great stories & has a wonderful sense of humour & he really tries to give everything he can as an artist� 20-Jodhi May, TOTS: �Colin Firth was lovely, a complete joy to work with� 21-Mary Elizabeth Mastrantio, MLSF: �But he�s fantastic & he�s a dear family friend of ours.......and he�s a fantastic actor. ...if you were to read the script & then you watch these scenes & see the humour & pathos that he�s extracted & imbued them with, it�s astonishing� 22-Sir Denis Forman, MLSF: �He�s my father to a T - the way he walked, the way he talked. I did send them some old time movies.....but it really is almost uncanny. A wonderful performance.� 23-Julie Andrews, RV: �Colin Firth played my nephew. We had some wonderful scenes together� 24-Jo Weedon. Womans Own, 1986: �There�s more than a little cynicism about Colin Firth & yet, behind the tough facade is a shy, unpretentious young man� 25-Guiiana Mercorio Films & Filming:1989 �...this smiling, eminently sane, attractive 28-year-old� 26-Jane Oddy. Sunday Life 1994:�Despite protestations that he is shy of women, Colin exudes charm & confident sex appeal� 27-Kathy Passero. A & E Monthly.1996: �.....the 36 year-old British actor, who, in contrast to his aloof & brooding character, is genial & pleasant� 28-Judith Stone. Mirabella 1996: �...many would say he slices, dices & purees the mustard� 29-Weekly News, 1996: �He is as humorous & articulate as Darcy is chilly & silent. His classic good looks give him a powerful presence, but something happens when he opens his mouth & you hear his amazing voice. The man is magnetic� 30-TV Times, 1997: �Colin Firth remains that rare thing - an actor who�s more interesting than any of the characters he plays� 31-Radio Times. 1997: �His level-headed attitude is probably genetic� 32-Daily Telegraph 1997: �...you would expect a hint of aloof arrogance or impatience from someone who has set the hearts of British womanhood a-flutter. But nothing could be further from the truth, Firth turns out to be unassuming, friendly & funny� 33-Mary Riddell. Sunday Times 1997: �He truly doesn�t care for his looks & allure� 34-Steve Grant. Time Out 1997: �he is one of those rare commodities; a handsome, youngish, intelligent, heterosexual film star who�s as quintessentially English as, & a lot more rugged than, Hugh Grant� 35-Harold Finlay, Attitude 1997: �It appears even as a student he was warm - & liked..... the floppy hair, the soft intense eyes, the lovely smooth voice all add up to the perfect person to cuddle up with in front of the fire on a cold night� 36-Pamela�s Film & Entertainment site, 1998: �There�s no getting around it. Colin Firth is a charming man. Articulate & well-read , he talks with passion & lucidity & is strong but unaffected.� 37-Good Taste (Australia) 1999: �For an actor widely regarded as one of the nicest in the business it is a strange irony that P & P heartthrob Colin Firth often ends up playing the bad boy� 38-Victoria Brittain. Guardian 1999: �Firth has a taste for contradictions & a gift of empathy unusual in a profession so crowded with egos.� 39-Wm. Leith,Observer, 1999: �Firth is impeccably warm & charming� 40-Helena Bertodano, Sun.Telegraph 2000: �Although nearly 40 he appears as a younger, slimmer version of Mr Darcy & is altogether much easier company....... he is all good natured charm &, yes, self deprecation� No wonder we are all under his spell, Peggy (Thanks to all the Firth websites who keep us supplied with news & information)

Great brownies, Karen! ;-) The music is great and look who just started playing, Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars! Thank you David Bowie!

When I get older losing my hair, Many years from now. Will you still be sending me a Valentine, Birthday greeting, bottle of wine. If I'd been out til quarter to three Would you lock the door, Would you still need me, will you still feed me, When I'm 64, You'll be older too, And if you say the word, I could stay with you. I could be handy, mending a fuse When your lights have gone. You can knit a sweater by the fireside Sunday morning go for a ride, Doing the garden, digging the weeds, Who could ask for more? Will you still need me, will you still feed me, When I'm 64. Every summer we can rent a cottage, In the Isle of Wight, if it's not too dear We shall scrimp and save Grandchildren on your knee Vera, Chuck, & Dave Send me a postcard, drop me a line, Stating point of view Indicate precisely what you mean to say Yours sincerely, wasting away give me your answer, fill in a form Mine for evermore. Will you still need me, will you still feed me. When I'm 64.Since you're only The answer is a RESOUNDING Turn me on

May the coming year see all your wishes realized! From you number #1 fan in the whole world, Happy birthday, Colin. Guess who.

WOW! What a tremendous bash. You sure know how to throw a party. I just want to add my humble congrats to the much cleverer dazzling posts.

Dear Mr. Firth there is nothing I can give you for your birthday that you don't already have. So I send you the hope that as you stand on the threshold of a new millennium you have much personal happiness and joy in your life's chosen work. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Happy Birthday to an actor who grows lovlier by the year. Hope this coming year will be your best yet, Colin. And thanks to everyone's efforts in making this a terrific birthday bash.

Cheryl - wonderfully put! This is one great party, well done all! Vol-au-vent anyone?

Great pages everybody.... Hey Murph tell Peggy at Firthden that she forgot to mention Jennifer... "He's a very nice man, and a terrific actor"... Hey...where's the food ' drink, Moon? Here's my contribution to the food-fare.... Hope you enjoy it Colin.... And it's as good as the one you had in Liverpool...

Evelyn, the food is everywhere! Thanks for the sushi, I never thought you would be the one to bring it. ;-) There is plenty of champagne and through that green door we have a flourescent bong all for you. And do try the brownies, Karen made them and they are delicious. :-D

Thanks for the sushi, I never thought you would be the one to bring it. ;-) Weeeelllll last year you all didn't appreciate the prairie oysters...so this year I decided to go a little less provincial.... BTW...I've been looking for a gift that all of us want to give Colin.... A NEW AGENT Better roles @ half the commission!!

And a very special message, specially made from ALL of us:

Karen, sei molto creativa! Time for the cake!

And here is Your horoscope Colin. IF SEPTEMBER 10 IS YOUR BIRTHDAY: You are an independent thinker, creative, dynamic, dramatic. People describe you as colorful, temperamental, sensual. Leo, Aquarius persons play memorable roles in your life -- could have these letters, initials in names: A, S, J. During remainder of September, forces could be scattered, you will be flattered and very social. Travel, flirtation in November. Thanks, Marcia