I had a great weekend. I finally got to meet Freddy! He is even more adorable in person and so fun. A bunch of people met up at Locust St. Bar for Karaoke night. I don't sing except when alone in my car. I would have to be very drunk to have the nerve to vocalize in front of a whole bar crowd.
Ricky (AKA: DJ K-Tell) kicked out Jungle Love like no body's business. Morris Day and the Time never jammed like that kid did on Sunday night. Ricky tore down the house and had the whole place in stitches. I haven't been that damned entertained in a very long time. No wonder he is the founder and creative director of the Dumpsta Players. What a show stopper- even the straight guys were patting him on the back in complete hysterics. Philly can be a tough crowd, but once you catch on the fans are devoted.
Mikko Ricky's b/f, and I decided we can take about three hours of the "non- Ricky" karaoke. You know the Janis Joplin and Johnny Cash numbers. Most people are off key- god love 'em- like I said i couldn't do it, but it does wear on me after a few of those standard American Idol numbers.
There are some things in life I don't need to do often. I don't need to attend a lot of funerals or play the slot machines. I can live without fast food joints and breaking a sweat and I think Karaoke might be somewhere nearby on this list. Mind you unless of course Ricky is performing! Believe me that guy is worth the price of a Madonna ticket!!!
See Prince (He is AWESOME!) walk right past Ryan Secrest at the end. I'm sure Prince knows he is way too cool for this dog and pony show, but artists have to sell CD's.
Most human beings behave as they do for reasons that have little to do with us.
We're entitled to support and response from other human beings. When I find myself in a group where I experience a warm, engaged response from others, I make a point of returning. Support and validation from others quenches one of my deepest thirsts. But we can't rely on others to give us a sense of self-esteem. That comes from within, it grows as we do the work.
In Antonia Fraser's book about Marie Antoinette, we learn that Marie never uttered that old let them eat cake line. It was all a part of the trash talking that went on against the Austrian born queen of France. Now Sofia Coppola's long awaited film (long awaited by me at least) was boo'd at the Cannes Film Festival. Sofia seems to have thick skin but it might be the knowledge that at least she is safe from the guillotine.
I bought the tee-shirt Joaquin is wearing. You should do the same cause it's a cool shirt and a worth while cause.
In other news....Yesterday my nieces were playing cyber paper dolls online. These little 7 and 4 yr olds were laughing, giggling & having a ball because they put a dress and wig on the boy doll and boy clothes on the girl doll. Aunt Lizzy (that would be me) explained what the word gender means and how they were doing what is called gender bending. Every kid needs at least one open minded Aunt or Uncle to explain these things. :)
Sometimes you just have to turn and walk away. You don't want to hurt anyone but then again you don't want to be hurt anymore. Maybe the person has changed or maybe it's you that has changed, it doesn't matter things aren't the same and you feel wounded.
Walking away in the hardest thing in the world for me. I'm so good at making excuses for people and letting them off the hook. I'm good at keeping myself tied in through imaginary guilt. If someone can't be present for me why would I hang on? That's the million dollar question for which I struggle until letting go becomes the answer.
This weekend I watched Superstar in a Housedress: The Life and Legend of Jackie Curtis. Curtis was an amazing performer and Warhol superstar who died in 1985. I actually didn't become familiar with Curtis until his death when the obituary appeared in then club bible- Details magazine. Curtis was by all accounts a genius and a tragedy waiting to happen. Warhol didn't enable his drug use and that was a good thing although it didn't keep him alive for long.
Maybe Andy knew how to walk away from his stars? He let Edie Sedgwick go after she left the factory. It doesn't keep people alive, but I'm sure it kept Andy from hurting more than he needed too.
Recently, I was told the person I walked away from is a much better friend now to others. "XXXX seems to appreciate me more and is much more available to me, " I'm told. This is not to say that I'm directly responsible for XXXX being a better person, but maybe my departure was a wake up call of some kind? One thing I have learned is taking care of myself is always the best thing I can do for myself and the people in my life.
Jackie Curtis on a Greenwich Village rooftop, leaning on the Empire State Building (1975)
One minute I'm planning a vacation to London and then it hit me- what about Ireland? I've never been so I mentioned to me Mum (who has been many times) and she highly recommended Galway Bay. Apparently, it's a quaint 700 year old seaside town and it's known for lovely people, fresh fish and breathtaking scenery. I would stay at a charming b&b and escape to the shore everyday to read and write. The area has inspired many Irish poets and writers. In the evening I'll seek out some nightlife at a local pub where I will trash talk George W. to people who wouldn't be stupid enough to vote for him given the option!
**************************************************************** Misery Loves Company
By now everyone has seen the clip of those miserable bitches Paris Hilton and Brandon Davis trashing Lindsey Lohan. I can see why Nicole Ritchie moved on from Paris. Sometimes you just get tired of dumbing down for a so-called friend who won't smarten up. I feel ya Nicole girl, I feel ya.
I've have been watching the HBO series about polygamy since the beginning and I confess mostly because of it's convenient top slot. The show starring, Chloe Seveny really falls short for me on a few points.
First off it really seems to lack the grit and edge of HBO programming like OZ and Sex in the City. Big Love holds back and I think it's because of its underlining theme of polygamy. It's like trying to make a show about child molesters with characters people will grow to care about. Sickening.
I find polygamy appalling so much so that unless they are bashing that way of life every episode, I'm annoyed. Big Love candy coats and presents this patriarchal religion like one big happy family barbecue. As most of us know Warren Jeffs a known polygamist, who has millions of dollars in assets was recently added to the FBI's Top 10 Most Wanted List. He is a pedophile who has abused literally thousands of people either directly or indirectly. His followers are hiding him deep under ground based on there delusional concept of heaven and hell. This is the truth I want HBO to expose but week after week, I'm disappointed.
Last weeks show depicts the wives holding hands and leaving there children to one another in newly drawn up wills. The shows characters live in a sprawling home in a cultisack where they expect to fool the neighborhood with an elaborate string of lies to explain the housing situation of three women, their children and one man. Meanwhile, they are dressed normally, drives cars and the kids even have friends in for dinner. I find the normalcy very hard to believe considering today's climate towards polygamists. This brings up another point of irritation for me, there are two teenagers in the house who are clearly left to go about normal social lives. Most teens of polygamists are betrothed at this point and shipped out of the house to begin their own multiple marriages and child bearing- a woman's sole purpose according to what I have read.
Some might say I have my polygamy facts a bit twisted, but in general I wish HBO wouldn't minimize this horrific topic to make it palatable for monogamists. Whether the program is renewed or not, remains to be seen but I urge HBO to read the papers, investigate the Warren Jeffs story and bring audiences a more realistic Big Love.
There are many variations on a cucumber sandwich recipe, but I prefer to make them quick and simple. They are so refreshing and delicious in the summer time, always simple and elegant. Even British anarchists use cucumber sandwiches to get their point across at Parliament. Good show chaps!
FANCY CUCUMBER SANDWICHES
1 medium size cucumber
1 tub whipped cream cheese spread
shaker of dill weed
1 pkg white or wheat cocktail bread
Wash cucumbers well. Using a fork, scrape down the cucumbers lengthwise. Slice the cucumbers into 1/4 inch slices or thinner. Set aside.
Using a butter knife, spread the cream cheese onto the individual slices of small cocktail bread (cocktail bread might be found in your deli section rather than the bread aisle, it's just a small and dense miniature version of bread).
Don't cake the slices with the mixture, just a thin layer concentrated in the middle of the slice.
Next, lay one slices of cucumber in the middle of the bread. Once done, shake a small amount of the dill weed onto the cucumber slice. Remember that dill is strong and a little goes a long way. Just one or two taps of your finger on the shaker should do it per slice.
Cut the crust off bread slice in triangles. You get raves about this at parties and requests for it at potlucks.
Just remember to cover them tightly because the bread will dry and the cucumbers will get wilted if left out too long. It's a good idea to do some preparation work the night before, but leave the slicing of the cucumbers and the assembly of the sandwiches for the last minute.
We all perform on two stages: one public, one private. The Public stage is what we do and say. The Private stage is what we think and what we rehearse in our minds to do on the Public stage. Even though we may never perform it, what we rehearse in our minds helps mold our character and guide our actions.
Are we rehearsing anger, fights, and what we're going to tell that SOB next time? Are we rehearsing addictive behaviours, the old ways of living? If so, we are risking the serenity we have achieved.
To keep growing and to keep building character, we need to rehearse kindness, patience, and love. We need to practice awareness of our Higher Power in our lives.
Five months into the new year for me and over all I would say it's going well. This year thus far has been pretty low key for me and thats what I need. My focus is on myself where it belongs. Work is steady, but my sleeping patterns are goofy and never did seem to straighten out. Lots going on at the homestead but nothing I can't let go of each day.
Right now I am planning a trip to London for next next summer. Now anything could change but I miss London, high tea and I'm thinking Covent Garden area.
"The older I get, the less I connect to things. Things tie you down. I do love being here but I don’t ever want to be a prisoner to things." ~ Decorator Charlotte Moss
New York Social Diary is running a series on gorgeous homes and their decorators. These places are in NYC, which is great in and of itself but here again is one of my favorites. It's the home of decorator Charlotte Moss. Noting the quote from above, I adore her attitude about things and she is so correct. Things mean nothing but maybe it's only those of us with plenty of things that get that lesson?
I've been on the net for years now and like anyone who puts themselves out there, I've received my share of critics. The personal attacks I've endured are nothing compared to what Dr. Diana York Blaine is dealing with now. Hell, she has even made the evening news.
Dr. Diana is a feminist professor of gender studies at USC and a bunch of conservative bitters have taken, as conservatives are known to do, like rabid dogs to the good Dr. Diana. I was there on her blog posting my at a girl and way to go's when this band of boneheads showed up to put Diana on notice. She replied tactfully but they were unrelenting. Too bad they don't go after there shitty President Bush the same way. Diana was all class and brains and dare I say, beauty. The anonymous bloggers couldn't take it and called in the news media.
You see a while back Diana was vacationing in London with her husband and she posed topless for a couple of photos comparing her body form to those of the art work in the flat. The topless shots hung around flickr forever until the kids came across them and decided to do what children will do. They phoned the big bad ever looming channel 4 in California and REPORTED the photos. Oooh. That's it kiddies, send her to the Principles office like little tatel tales. The funny thing is Dr. Diana winds up doing a terrific interview furthering her cause via the news media. Mission NOT accomplished gang, sorry. Then again, you and your lame ass President should be use to that!
Yea, some knuckle head frat boys felt threatened by a strong female and tried to do her wrong, but like that wonderful quote goes, Resentment is like drinking poison and hoping someone else dies. Being hateful never works. Typical conservatives- they herd together use bully tactics and then just drop off in the ratings. HA!
The party of the season was today!! My oldest niece turned seven. Family and friends gathered to celebrate and give thanks for our little treasure. The party theme was Mermaids. My sister- in- law is a super party planner and organized the whole day. Lot's of party favors for the kids to take home too! Check out the pictures....
The birthday girl and fondue
Food everywhere
Friends come to celebrate
Making crafts
There was even a moon bounce
and pony rides
Middle sister (L) and friend (R)
A really cool Ariel castle cake.
Making a wish.
Presents galore.
Me with the birthday girls baby sister. Niece number three.
Baby rides with help from Mommy
Middle sister watches (orange tee) and wonders, 'When will it be my turn for a party?"
I've said it before when you out yourself out there in the form of a blog expect to take some shit. I think it's really weird. Mostly, I can"t figure out why people who claim to hate you want to read every word you write. My best guess is they are secretly intrigued with you and maybe jealous they can't do what you do. It's so passive/aggressive to attack a stranger online. It would be like me posting on Rush Limbaugh's blog (if he even has one) just to call him names most seventh graders know.
I like that there is an aspect of my personality that pushes people's buttons. It's a fine line between love and hate and I like that people at least feel something about what I've written or said. I know who I am and I also know everyone is entitled to their opinion. Here are some examples of great bloggers who have to beat off the haters with a stick. I'm in some damned good company! I'll take that as a compliment. ;-)
"Some handsome men are like diamond bracelets. They show up on some woman's arm, and you admire them, but they never really seem worth what you'd have to pay. Others are like Swatches: cute, disposable and interchangeable." ~BELINDA LUSCOMBE on George Clooney
The real issue between Charlie Sheen and Denise Richards is of course addiction. Addiction is a family illness that spans across the world in varying and damaging degrees. Some studies suggest that it affects at least seven different people connected to the addict.
When I first began reading the Richards Sheen transcripts on SmokingGun.com my own life experience jumped off the pages. For instance- Denise claims when she married Charlie he was clean and sober working a 12 step program and had a sponsor. I believe him. What Denise didn't know was a whole lot about the disease of addiction and it's effects. She didn't understand the core personality of an addict. I guess she thought he was "cured." I'm sure Charlie showed her signs of who he was, she just wasn't looking as so many women don't. She saw the dashing charming man who wanted her, she overlooked what is called the ism's of Alcoholism. Denise claims Charlie had a temper, was controlling and not terribly interested in being a father. I feel certain that Sheen didn't wait to reveal this just after walking down the isle. Denise gets pregnant, Charlie balks but she has the baby anyway. Did she think he was change after the baby came? Millions of woman still cling to that notion and it NEVER happens.
This brings us around to the latest twist I find most telling. According to reposts Denise is seeing another man. She is seeing former friend Heather Locklear's ex Ritchie Sambora. Once again putting herself in a vicarious position Denise is caught on film kissing and canoodling with Sambora. You see here's the thing... Denise needs as much help as Charlie. Common sense would indicate she wasn't attracted to the alley cat Sheen for healthy reasons in the first place. Richards has two small children and I can't help but wonder how much real help they are being given during this tumultuous time in there little lives. I believe a healthy suggestion for Denise would have been to stay out of a relationship for at least a year. Is she putting herself in a position to get healthy feedback? Has Denise joined Al- Anon or is she seeking counseling for herself? How about a therapist to sort through what attracted her to an abusive addict in the first place? Clearly Denise Richards has some boundary issues if the first man she goes too is a dear friends recent ex husband. I think Denise picked the quick fix I see lots of woman pick- a new guy to sweep her off her feet.
A marriage breaks up, little kids lives are turned upside down and women have no idea that their self esteem is on empty. Why is it that we believe a man will make us better when our previous choices left us filing police reports? Why are we shocked when our children reach puberty and are angry, aggressive and experimenting with drugs? Addiction is a family illness. Once a person has suffered the effects they need treatment. In many cases, years and years of treatment.
Charlie just had his Denise tattoo removed from his wrist. I'm afraid the damage on their lives and the lives of their children won't be so easily erased.
