a few thoughts~~~

Darlings,

I am on the run today, but I just had to leave you with these few thoughts.

"When posing for the paparzzi, always stand on the right!" There is a reason for this, your angle for both face and body is always thinner also when they label the photo underneath it reads from left to right, so your name will be first, so when facing the photographer stand to the right of the group---your right.

"True Divas go by first names only" This is true if you are someone like Cher, Marylin, Madonna, and Dietrich, but with someone like Mae West, you need to use both names, because one cannot contain the full Divaness of her.

"You don't have a soul. You are a soul. You have a body." --- C.S. Lewis Never truer words spoken or written, our souls continue forever, we only borrow the body.

And now Darlings, I must be off, so much to do, not enough time to do it in.

Until Anon, Kisses.

A Life Time Routine~~~~

Hello My Darling Divas,

It was so strange and yet not strange to wake up yesterday morning and finding cold, wet fog surrounding the house, feeling so cut off from the world.

The aroma of coffee was enough to perk me up, but it was so cold that even Princess has to wear a sweater; I have a special doggie heating pad so that her joints are not in pain.

The sun finally shone wetly through the fog, and as it lifted I was surprised to see a small flock of ducks had taken shelter under some of the bushes, on the mulch covering. I guess it was warm enough for them, poor things. I keep a small metal bin of duck feed in the garage and I put some out for them in a pan, Juanita has ‘clucked’ at me saying they make a mess on the wooden deck and that her son-in-law will have to come and wash it off, but even I have heard her muttering in Spanish “poor things”, I smile thinking about her soft side and yes her son-in-law will have to come and wash/scrub the area.

This last Sunday Juanita took a break from visiting her family and came by the house to take down all the indoor decorations while Manuel took down and stored the outside lights and put them away for another year, I don’t keep a live tree anymore, the artificial ones seem to work very well, then he and Juanita went to join the rest of her family for a special mass for Epiphany, I told her to have fun with her family she is to have a vacation through Jan 11. She didn’t have to but it is traditional in her family to be sure that all the Christmas decorations are removed by January 6 the Feast of the Epiphany, otherwise one would have bad luck for the year. I think it’s really to show that one is not lazy, but it was very sweet of her to help me.

For the last few days I’ve been starting to put together my paperwork for my Tax Preparer, now it’s just waiting for the paper work from the government agencies, my banks and my broker and put it all together in a packet.

Now as a reminder I want all of you to go to my blog posting for January 4 and 5, 2008, in these two blogs you will have information to help you put your paper work in order, especially if one of your resolutions is to be better organized.

I have another Magazine to recommend to all of you. It is again our old standby Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, the February 2009 issue. Again they focus on how to rebuild your retirement portfolio, plus stocks that pay 5% or more.

I was happy to see that one of the stocks that I have an investment in, Briggs & Stratton (their symbol is BGG) was mentioned, granted it’s dividend share isn’t big, but what I did over a number of years is simply let the dividends buy more shares, (of course there is taxes to consider) so that I do get a nice little income now (not much but nice enough to put into a rainy day fund).

Remember Darlings, I always believe in something that is going to remain for the long haul and has less chance of going under.

A number of you who’ve contacted me, via my comments section (and please forgive me if I’ve deleted your comments but they were long and saying pretty much the same thing) were asking ‘You seem like such a social butterfly, how you keep up with all of this?’ or words to that effect.

Well Darlings it’s this---the key word is discipline, I have a schedule that I do adhere to, but I do vary it depending upon my health, weather conditions, commitments, appointments, etc.

Let us consider the week as going from Monday to Sunday, although calendars show the week as starting on Sunday and ending on Saturday, but think of it as I suggested.

Monday is for me is the start of my business week and I use it to find out how the stock market and other financial institutions are starting out, so that is a “work day for me”, while I watch what the market is doing I’m also reading all the news in regards to events both nation-wide and overseas, because I believe in the domino effect, what happens in one place will affect things and the economy in another. Having an idea of history is important.

This is also the time when I will flag stocks or bonds that show some promise of being a good investment, I don’t invest every week, most of the time I just monitor the progress of stocks holdings.

Tuesdays is when I make or return phone calls, I’m always careful in calling my friends in finance I know that they have busy work schedules, if they are unable to speak with me, I’ll make an appointment for when I can call them. This would also include my broker, now I know many of you invest on line and that is fine, I’ve done this for so many years that I prefer the personal touch.

Tuesdays is also a good day to call credit card companies, business companies, etc. if you have a dispute over your billing or to make doctor or dental appointments, beauty shop appointments etc. I try to have the calls completed in the morning; the only time I’ll make an exception is when I’m having my car maintance done.

I continue to read the news or watch CNN especially with on going situations.

Wednesdays is when I make financial decisions if I might buy either more shares in a stock, continue to watch it, invest in a stock that looks promising, or flag those that look like they may be in trouble. I also use Wednesdays to balance my banking accounts and for bill paying as well as certain days that I have flagged when I know certain amounts are going to be deducted to pay bills, this way I can keep tabs on my income and outgo.

I do not necessarily buy stocks on that day and not every week, it could be months before I make a purchase.

This is also the day my house keeper clips coupons and we do grocery shopping when I get home.

Thursdays I meet with my “Business Ladies Who Lunch” I find that this is a good time for me to hear what is happening in their business world and if they have heard of anything that is shifting, these are savvy ladies and if anything feels “off” with them they are usually right.

Fridays are when I look in to see how the markets have faired and how the flagged stocks are performing. I make notes and check on my notes from Monday and Wednesday.

I try to make Fridays my final decision days as well, if I’m going to buy or sell, but most of the choices I make is for the “long haul” that is what I prefer in my stocks. An excellent source is Value Line Investment Survey, some people prefer the print edition and some the on line source. I like the print because sometimes things will jump quickly out at me, but, and I know it seems redundant, I also subscribe to the on line version only because sometimes my print copy doesn’t come in a timely manner in the mail. I also do not keep a print copy beyond 6 months (it does add up since its weekly) but what I do is tear out those stocks that I’ve flagged for future reference and put them in a folder for safe keeping.

Saturdays, the only thing I do is check the news and see how things have closed I use the rest of the day to pick up and drop off any Dry Cleaning, run errands, and anything else.

Sundays is when I catch up on my reading both news and magazine articles I also use Sundays I try to go to Church at least twice a month and sometimes more, I find that getting up early even on Sundays keeps me on my toes and to not get lazy, then on the early part of the afternoon is use that for planning my week and looking over my “Day runner” for appointments and create my “tickle file” after that on the later Sunday afternoon’s I go to the Library and quickly read a weeks worth of Christian Science Monitors newspapers, drop off any magazines I’m done with in the exchange bin, look for at least one good book to read to off set my business reading and select several music CD’s for the week.

Now it is not all business for me, I try to end my day after the close of the New York Stock Exchange which is 3 hours a head of us since I’m on the west coast, but I do check in on the performance of a few of my overseas stocks.

Once the market has closed then I use the rest of the day for any appointments, or do some shopping, I make every effort to go to the gym 3 to 4 times a week, not necessarily the same day, and before I go to the gym I give my little Darling Diva Princess her little walk. It’s just several blocks to the beach and then along the beach trail and back, it’s a good time for me to think and muse on things, of course when crossing the streets one has to be careful and Princess cannot be hurried in leaving her “messages” and her “Mommy” does have to clean up after her.

Because it gets dark so early we go about an hour before Sunset, during the Summer of course we go later,

Weekends are for fun, sometimes I have things planned and sometimes I have nothing planned, when I have quiet evenings I use it to catch up on correspondence, writing for my Blog, calling friends or family, catch up on my reading.

When I come across an article that has promising information I first flag it and then when I’m done with the magazine I remove the article and put it into recycling, or if I have not removed anything out of the magazine I take it to the Library and put it into their magazine exchange bin.

And I have to admit it is a lot of reading, I subscribe to the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, our local paper, the San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Business Times (includes the Bay Area) and most of the magazines that I have mentioned. My library is my home office and I have a fast DSL line although I’m thinking of upgrading.

I do go into the city Mondays through Thursdays, and on occasion on Fridays, I rent a very small office space from my late husbands old firm where I keep much of my file information and I have a computer on line with a T2 line that is part of the office building, I am able to access the use of that for my use, now I had to get a business license, but I am in business for myself, I do not take clients, but because I am in business for myself I can take tax deductions. It’s complicated but it works well for me.

Years ago when I was learning about investing from my father and mother (yes she was a very sharp lady) and going to college to learn business, I started this routine and kept it up when I got married, I was fortunate in that I had a staff to help with the upkeep of the house, and although I’ve down sized my home (which was a good thing for me) Juanita although an employee for me, is also my helpmate, she keeps a keen eye on the house and makes sure things are run well, she also comes to me if there is a situation, I really view her as a partner, that is why is was so important for me to increase her income and improve her medical and dental insurance. I also established a retirement fund for her when she feels she is unable to work for me anymore.

I’ve also guided her daughter and son-in-law in solid investments to help them gain a better income. One of Juanita’s grand daughters is going to college and also has a keen sense of investment banking, she is a very sharp young lady and has started making modest investments with money she got from working part time and of all things, collecting cans and bottles, the income she’s getting from her investments is paying for most of her college, which has taken a burden off of her parents.

Juanita’s other grandchildren and children are doing well following her daughters’ Constance’s lead.

Now I know a number of you are wondering how can I possibly be able to do all this reading, it’s simple, I can scan an article in a magazine to see if it’s worth reading in depth, with newspapers, I skip the fluff articles, although Juanita loves the gardening and cooking section, and go directly to the financial section and then I scan local, national and international news as it would relate to affecting the economy, I save the comics, theatre and movie reviews for when I take a brief break. After all, the mind does have to play. In the evenings if I’m not going out, and television is a bore I will read for a bit from a novel and then meditate to relax my mind before going to bed

By meeting my “Business Ladies Who Lunch” on Thursdays, it also gives me a break from routine and keeps my mind relaxed and active as well.

I also offer suggestions to my friends if they are in a “puzzlement’ over something; not too long ago my dear friend “Mean Kitty” and I were having coffee and she told me that she was thinking of closing her savings account at a particular bank, I asked her why and she said that because she could not maintain $300 in her account for a full 30 or 31 days that $5 dollars is taken out as a fee. I suggested to her to ask her bank officer why that was happening, but do it in the bank, I told her that I have several standard savings accounts with attached checking and what I do is have once a month a certain amount automatically transferred from my checking to my savings and there is no fee and you can have the savings account go as low as you want, I told her to find out if that is possible and find out what is the minimum she can transfer without having to have fee charged.

That worked for her. She now has $10.00 a month transferred she doesn’t feel it, and it will build up in her account and as her finances increase she can have more money transferred if she wishes.

I try to post my blog when I can, and I write my blog when I can between everything else. Some postings may take a little longer, and of course I do take vacations when I feel that things will hold just fine. And since my investments have been for the long haul with solid companies I’ve very seldom have had to do any sell off.

Now that so called banker Madloff who got arrested, well years ago he approached my (now deceased)husband and me at a function and we did get together for lunch with him when we were in his area, and although he spoke of glowing reports on things, there was something about how he was describing things that made me want to hold back.

When my husband and I had a chance to get away from Madloff’s influence, we looked over what he had presented to us, and we both agreed that there was something a little “off” we couldn’t put our finger on it, but it didn’t have that solid feeling like Apple Corporation did when we first invested in Apple. We wisely decided to not invest with him; my husband felt it was some sort of pyramid scheme, which could collapse. Although it did appear to be solid, there was something just “off” with it. Now people have lost their retirement funds and Madloff is in jail. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is some sort of trap.

But that is my routine, I do have a beauty routine, an exercise routine, but I won’t bore you with those.

Now a quick investment suggestion, go to Value Line on line they have a 6 tips for investing or selecting stocks, an educational section, Do read that Darlings, also I'm going to look further into Logtectic, they supply add on's to computers, they've just been listed on Value Line For January 9, 2009 and they seem to be a good investment, I'm always cautious on computer stocks, so I don't have many (here today, gone tomorrow) but they seem to be a good solid company, so it's something I may take a few shares out on, and see how they do for the year, don't go overboard, always be cautious and always diversify your portfolio.

Just remember my Dear Divas and Diva’s in Training, you are in business, you are your own CEO’s of your life and your life is your business, Remember That.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.

Blogging From Santa Barbara

Hello Darlings,

I’m blogging from Santa Barbara, it took me a bit longer to get here than expected, just so much to do. I’ve been busy taking care of business at home, such a bore but it needs to be done.

Juanita returned for a few days, but I sent her back to her family so she has more family visiting time and a wedding to go to, so she is going to be busy for the next few weeks as well. My house sitter is back on duty, so I tied up a few things and then I was off with my darling Princess in my car, Ms. Wicked.

Some people have asked me if I am afraid to travel by myself, taking into account the dangers of a woman traveling alone. Well they are right about that, but there are some things one can do.

I’m going to post here some suggestions for you, there is much, much more that you can research but this should give you a good idea.

1. Never travel in clothes that scream “tourist” that is only for when you are at your resort. Travel in clothing that matches in colors, and choose neutral colors like black, grey and khaki, it’s easy to mix and match things that way and you carry less shoes to match you can always accesorise with a colorful scarf.

2. Remain low-key a much as possible do not wear expensive jewelry while traveling and that includes watches, purses etc. I have a watch and a purse that I bought at what my dear friend Mean Kitty calls “Wally World” (Wal-mart), I chose them to not be flashy and that is important. Some pieces of costume jewelry are fine as long as it’s not flashy.

3. Pack as much of your luggage into the trunk of your car as possible, anything that you put into the back seat, cover with a dark blanket so it will blend in. Get good but non-descript luggage if at all possible. (I’m afraid I sort of over indulged when I purchased my new, well now nearly new, Samsonite Retro collection---just love it) Just make sure that your luggage will hold up to heavy use. When you are traveling on a Airplane, train or Greyhound bus you can use something to make your luggage stand out, like a colorful ribbon or identification tag.

4. Pay attention to your surroundings and the people in it. Try to spot possible trouble makers. When walking to your car or to your room, always turn around to see who is behind you, have your cell phone ready to take a picture just in case.

5. Have 911 on your speed dial on your cell phone. Carry Pepper spray and don’t be afraid to use it. (Not good to take on an air plane because of cabin pressure)

6. Park your car as close as possible to the restaurant doors or Hotel that you are staying at and in a lighted area.

7. Never get a room that is too close to the emergency stairs or elevator, it’s too easy for a trouble maker to invade and escape. But make a note of where the emergency stairs are.

8 Never carry your purse just over your shoulder; always carry it so it is mounted across your body, that way the thief would have to pull it over your head, instead of snatching it off of your shoulder.

9. Never carry identifiable things or credit cards in your purse, there are little travel pouches that you can pin to the underside of your clothing or the inside of the pockets of your jacket.

Only have a little cash, some aspirin, and a lipstick, a cheap purse can always be replaced.

One time I was stopped for going over the speed limit (Yes, bad Moi) and the officer needed to see my driver’s license and I told him I had to un-pin it, He was surprised that I had it pinned to my bra strap, but he understood.

10. Never flash a large amount of money or large bills, if need be use your debt or credit card, never carry a check book while traveling, but get American express travelers checks they can always be replaced.

11. Always carry in your car a first aid kit as well as a disposable camera and car insurance information in case you are in an accident. Call the police and get an incident report if need be and contact your insurance agent right away.

12. Designate one credit card and one debt card for traveling only (you can have a separate checking account for that purpose). Put your travel money that you have saved onto the debt card, and never use that credit card for anything else except hotels, food, and gas. On the credit card make sure you have a high credit line, incase there is an accident and you have to pay for repairs while traveling. But when you get home pay that credit card off.

The extra debt card is only to hold your traveling expenses money. I know some people who sell things on line like e-bay and they have a pay-pal card, the money they make on-line is used for their travel expenses and they use the pay-pal card for traveling.

Keep the phone number of the debt and credit card company in your hidden travel pouch in case the cards are stolen or to find out what your balance is. Report stolen cards immediately.

13. If you are traveling for business, whether your company or your own, always keep an expense list and mileage list for tax purposes.

14. If you are a woman alone and a charming young man tries to make your acquaintance to the point of romancing you, be very aware that he maybe charging all those meals, drinks, and services to your room. Check with the front desk and insist that all charges must be approved by you in writing or else in person; no one else is to sign for it. Also beware of handsome young charming men who try to romance you, they are not in love with your but only after your money, your body or a way of becoming an American citizen---there are too many scam and con artists. Remember all those news stories of young girls disappearing, never to be found.

15. When staying at a Hotel always make a note of where the fire escapes are so in case of an emergency you can find it quickly even in poor visibility. Always have your most important things on your night stand when you go to bed, in case of an emergency you can sweep it into your tote bag that should be next to your bed, and always have good solid flats next to your bed in an emergency. Slippers do not hold up well.

16. If the Hotel has a safe and you want to make sure you don’t have important things stolen make use of it.

17. Always use the hotel locks, if they don’t have those special locks, you can buy them at a travel store, or put a chair angled in front of the door and under the door knob.

18. Always find out about the roming limitations on your cell phones, there are parts of the United States that may not have your cell phone service, select a cell phone service that is nation wide and have full roming service. Be aware that there maybe dead zones.

19. Have a good reliable Road Side Service that is nation wide, AAA is almost everywhere, keep the 1-800 number for Road Side service in your purse or glove compartment along with your insurance. Also have the phone numbers for Car Rental agencies such as Hertz, Avis and Enterprise.

Remember a person may come along and offer help if you break down, but always be careful, use your cell phone to let a relative know if you've had a break down tell them when and where and what your situation is, update them frequently. So even if a good Samaritin comes along do call Road side service, never leave your car unless you are with the Highway patrol.

Now these suggestions are fine if you are traveling within the United States. There is more if you are traveling overseas, but unless you are doing it for business then always travel with a tour group, in that situation Never, Ever travel alone.

There are many more suggestions on how to travel safely, like always carry a bottle of water in your car; you can become dehydrated easily, especially in hot weather.

There are new laws now when driving your vechile such as you must use a hands free device if you are going to use your cell phone, I have blue tooth myself. Do not wear an IPOD to listen to music you cut yourself off from hearing the outside sounds and that could put you at risk. NEVER, EVER Text Message anyone while driving, just one second your eyes are off the road and you could be killed.

Do not drive when tired, if you fall asleep at the wheel, it will be permanet.

Stay at Reputable hotels or motels that have AAA approval, of course some of them may not be the Hyatt or Regency and the pillows maybe flat, but they have been inspected.

I have stayed in some of the "funkiest" motels while traveling, but I've always judged by the manger and if I found them to be agreeable then their rooms while aging have been agreeable.

But always inspect the sheets, even 5 star hotels have been found to be infested with bed bugs, and it's not so much the hotels cleanliness but the previous travelers filtiness.

How to travel with your pet, how to pack for a trip, etc. All these suggestions can be found on line by just googoling it all in, or by going to Wiki-How and typing into the search engine “how to pack for a trip” “How to be safe on a trip”, etc. print the information out and create a binder to refer too and also include a master copy of a check list that you can print out and use over and over again for each trip.

I travel with one tote bag that is my medicine chest, you can get sick while traveling and it can be hard to get to a drug store, although many of the better hotels have a small concierge service they may not have what you need.

If you travel frequently then you will eventually use some of the things in your medicine tote, but in January of each year check the expiration dates of some of those items use them before they expire if you need to at home and keep a list in the medicine tote of what you should have in there.

Never wear on a vacation what you would never wear at home; always make sure your clothing is comfortable. I have no idea why some women wear muumuus and silly straw hats, and the men in Hawaiian shirts, shorts to the knees and sandals with socks, it’s just so tacky.

Mean Kitty use to tell me that when traveling up North towards the “Trees of Mystery” you always knew who had been up there, they would have this wired on bumper card that said “Trees of Mystery” it labeled them as vacationers, she said she doesn’t see it so much anymore, the bumper stickers usually say “Beat Bush” or “My cat is smarter than your honor roll student”, but bumper stickers like that label you as a tourist and as a target, besides Darlings, bumper stickers are so tacky.

Souvenirs—your pictures are your souvenirs and postcards work well because they can always be put into the photo album, just be sure to label your photos. Those tacky trinkets just take up so much space. Keep a journal as well and add the journal pages into your photo album.

Oh darlings there is just so much more, just check on line or read the Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel Magazine. Wiki-how will tell you what to pack and everything else.

Another thing that I’ve known for a long time, when people reserve their hotel reservations through either Expedia or Travelocity or other online discount reservation services via the internet, it is the policy of a hotel if it’s over booked to look at the internet reservations and “bump” them because many times those people cancel and the hotel is never informed, also the hotel makes the least profit off of internet reservations.

If you want to guarantee a hotel room, call the hotel directly yourself. You do not have to accept what is called the “rack rate” you can inquire about discounts and many times they have them plus special packages, especially now with the gasoline prices and the economy being what it is and you will always get better service because you do not use the internet reservations. When you call you always get a confirmation number. That means the room is guaranteed, of course you must notify the hotel if you have to cancel and if it’s at the last minute you will be charged for at least one night. BUT Dahlings you will get good service.

Now there are many hotels that will accept pets, call to inquire, there will be a non-refundable fee for this but it’s worth it and always ‘crate train’ your pet, and inquire on the hotel policy for pets. Traveling with pets is not easy, and requires very careful planning. Never travel with your pet on an airplane, they put them in the luggage compartments, and many times the luggage compartments are not pressurized, killing your pet, or they will lose your pet at the baggage handling, this has happened more frequently than you can imagine.

I prefer to travel with Princess in my Car, no matter what, and be sure to carry copies of all your pets’ shots.

Princess is ‘crate trained’ but because she is so tiny (only 4 pounds) I’ve managed to sneak her into places in her little carry all, as long as she has water and can relieve herself and has her favorite chew toy she is fine.

Zoos will not accept your pets, not even seeing-eye dogs, an animal quarantine thing.

Well Darlings that is all I can think of about traveling as a woman alone.
But I have to admit for the last few weeks I’ve been having fun, I had chance to go to a Fall/Winter fashion trunk show for all the top line designers, I must say I think I’m going to be looking forward to the fall/winter fashions that will be coming out.

Before I left Kevin treated me to dancing to the Glenn Miller Band on the U.S.S. Hornet, we had the admiral seating, so had a great view of the Band and the Andrew Sisters Tribute, very good food, so much fun to see everyone in costume or dressed up, I had to be careful with my ankle but Kevin and I danced to the slow tunes.

I came across my friend Mean Kitty and her wonderful man, she couldn’t dance poor dear, a very nasty injury to her knee, she is not sure if she will ever be able to dance again, but one can hope, but she was enjoying everything food, music and people. I, of course was dressed in my glamorous best ala la Marlene, and we had our photos taken. The men in uniforms, the women looking beautiful, it was a delightful evening that ended all too soon.

So now today I’m at my other brother’s home in Santa Barbara, Ms. Wicked is always ready to roll, and so is Princesses she knows when I pack her things it’s going to be something special. Of late the open road has been frequently beckoning me, and I get a restless feeling that I can hardly wait to see what is around the next bend or over the hill.

I e-mailed my friend Mean Kitty and she said that I should tour Highway 49 and stop and stay at some of those quaint bed and breakfast places in those old time gold mining towns she said I should select some harvest festivals and see what looks interesting. I think she has a point.

My brother Tom has called me and he is going to purchase a small, gently used trailer to put on his home site in the next few weeks, that way he and Lois and Smokey have a place to stay while they make plans to build their new cabin ala “Ponderosa” Lois has made contact with some people who knew the set layout as well as the layout of the actual physical Ponderosa up at Lake Tahoe, she said she is going to have to do some back extensions for the Bedrooms that will be up stairs because if one looks at the pictures there is no real upstairs there, because of the window factors. So this will prove to be interesting. But Lois is going to have fun and that is what is important.

Must go Darlings, there is a wine tasting and art exhibit fund raiser that my brother and his wife are invited to this afternoon and I’m included as their guest, who knows I may come across something I’ll simply adore.

Until Anon, Kisses Darlings.

An Update

Hello Darlings,

To all of you who personally know me, Thank you, Thank you for all the wonderful get well cards. I will have by now been in touch with most of you, don't worry I will catch up with everyone.

Just an update darlings who have been following me on my "Blog". I am getting better, I can get around now quite well, but I will need to use a cane from time to time and a light weight wheelchair if I have to stand or walk for more than a half an hour.

But I can move around my home again, drive my car again and generally take care of business again.

The Doctors have told me that I injured the tendons around my ankle a bit more than what was first realized, and as with anyone of a 'certain age' it will take me longer to heal, but heal I will.

I know can get around with out the use of my nurse, and I was very sorry to see her leave, but all is not lost. My dear friend Dolly is having her elderly mother live with her instead of those care homes, the dear lady is very alert and in her own way very active, but she does need assistance. So when I told Dolly about my nurse, Dolly immediately interviewed her and since her mother and her are fluent in Spanish and other languages, it worked out very well.

So arrangements were made that as soon as the doctor said that I no longer needed Isabella that she was available to go to Dolly's home. Dolly told me that with having Isabella to watch her mother and take her mother places, she has much less worries while she is at work.

Juanita does miss her, but since she knows where Isabella's new place is they will still be able to visit.

Oh but Darlings it is just so wonderful to finally be able to get out and do things again, even if at this time I'm still a bit limited but to be able to have my spa and beauty treatments again is just so wonderful.

Alright I'm vain, but it does feel so good.

Now to all you Darling Divas, it is good to budget especially during these bad financial times, but on my routine trips to the city (which I'm so glad to be able to do again) I've managed to 'chat up' several young ladies who are in the business world and we manage to get together for lunch once a week.

(side note to Lauren who I know checks this blog every day---don't sell those rings yet---I have a suggestion for you and I'll tell you about it when we meet for Lunch this coming Tuesday)

Any way Darlings, in talking to these bright young ladies, we've come up with suggestions to save some money here and there.

Now this is only a few ideas and there will be more added---

One young lady use to have a weekly mani-pedi but by only having it just once every 6 weeks, and bringing her polish choice from home, she can do touch ups at home and save over $200 every 6 weeks.

Another young lady use to drive her car to work every day, pay for monthly parking, and Fast Track as well as the cost of gasoline, now she leaves her car at home 4 days a week and takes public transportation, she has stopped the monthly parking, lowered her gasoline costs, and dropped fast track. Especially since she found out that the transbay buses have WiFi, so she is able to start on her work sooner.

And in just two months she has been able to save, in her words, "A Bundle". She only drives her car on Thursdays so she can do her grocery shopping straight from her job.

Another young lady brings her coffee and lunch from home instead of buying the 5 dollar coffee's at Starbucks and eating out. With the exception of our weekly lunches, and even she has noticed more money in her checking account.

They are are using coupons, watching sales on products they want, buying store brands, and using the public library to save money, they plan their shopping errands and keep a note book so they will know the times when some shops open and close when they plan their trips.

One of my young ladies has said that in stead of buying a gift she gives a gift card for a certain amount at a store that they know their family member or friend likes to go to. It saves money.

And this is only the start.

Now I do recommend my dear Divas to look for "Money" Magazine for June 2008, in it there is an article for creating a good investment portfolio for each stage of your life towards retirement.

Now there is one thing that all my young ladies have said, getting a spa treatment or a massage every two to 3 months as a treat is a must just to feel good.

But it seems that the adventure of Saving Money seems to be catching up with them, how creative can they be?

One young lady told me that because she has been working on saving money that she has reduced her attendance at some of the hot spots, and when she does go she has found that falling back on the most inexpensive drink (not beer) has been a savings for her as well as not having more than two during the whole of the evening, she told me that she has found it to be more of a 'prop' to have in front of her than as a drink. And she has found more fun and educational things to do that are free. For her she has put her savings into her investment portfolio.

So much to think about---Now to all you Darling Diva's and Diva's in Training---I put the challenge to you. What can you do to save money and still have fun? Time to put your "thinking caps" on.

Until Anon. Kisses Darlings.

Back from my Winter Vacation Darlings

Well, Darlings I am back!

And such a wonderful whirlwind vacation!

I’ll give you all the highlights in just a few paragraphs, but first, I know that some of you wonderful Darling Pet Lovers want to know how my little Diva Darling fared while her “Mommy” was gone.

Princess did remarkably well, I phone Betty every few days and it seems that Princess and Jezebel were have their own little vacation. The two of them would play for hours on end until they were exhausted and then they would sleep together in Princess’s little bed. My little Diva Darling even used the kitty litter box, like a little lady.

This surprised Betty, but seeing as they were getting along so well and Princess appeared to be happy it was no cause for concern, but it seemed that each wanted to try the others food, fortunately no tummy upsets.

Of course when “Mommy” came to pick her up she was just jumping for joy and is back in her own home and into her regular routine, first checking out everything in the house to make sure all is well.

I know some of you would have asked “why didn’t I have Juanita watch Princess,” well I would have except that we had made arrangements prior to my going where she could visit her family for a few extra days and simply check on the house from time to time.

And Betty prefers to stay home as much as possible during the winter time; she is not one for the cold outdoors, it makes her joints ache painfully and considering how cold it’s been and still is, with snow on Mts Hamilton and Diablo I’m not a bit surprised. So it was a perfect arrangement and Princess and Jezebel’s antics did give Betty much laughter, especially in light of the horrible weather that everyone here in the Bay Area is suffering from.

As my dear friend “Mean Kitty” would say “…and I do mean suffering!” Poor dear is down with a nasty cold, all coughing, wheezing and sniffling. Not much one can do except bed rest, plenty of fluids, and cold medicine to at least make it bearable and lots of Kleenex with a very soft ply for a very sore nose. As soon as I found out she was sick I sent a Care package to her, her “hubby” was very grateful for it, poor soul was all thumbs caring for her.

Now Darlings about the trip; we finally made it into Reno, it was a bit of slow going because of all the snow, but the “upside” as my dear friend Michelle says is “We don’t have the headache and tense nerves driving in it”

And she is so right, how lovely it was to sit back, relax and leave the “driving” to the train and enjoy the view, it was like a Christmas postcard or a Thomas Kincaid painting unfolding before us.

We arrived at the Station a bit behind time and again gathered our luggage and took a taxi, although the station is only 4 or so blocks from the Legacy, considering the weather and all the luggage we had again it was best to take a taxi and again we paid the driver very well so he wouldn’t feel that he did a lot of hard work for nothing.

Remember that My Dear Divas, when you travel anywhere, if it’s a short trip from the station or air port and you have a lot of Louis Vuitton or quality Samsonite luggage be sure to tip generously. Everyone works hard for their money.

At the Silver legacy we settled in, and I found out that Michelle had booked us through Sunday with an option for staying one more night or two depending upon the weather. Of course we would return by train. So we took our time to unpack and unwound ourselves. We were fortunate to have Spa Suites, definitely for a romantic get away or just to relax, and feel pampered; the “I’M QUEEN OF THE WORLD!!!” type feeling.

And what a view of Reno and the mountains with all that cold, cold snow, which I’m sure many ski bunnies, appreciated.

After we refreshed ourselves we decided to talk a walk around to see what is being offered, do a little gambling, find a bite to eat and maybe take in a lounge or cabaret act.

And we weren’t disappointed. Since we were unwinding from traveling after a more than 4 hour trip from Sacramento to Reno, we relaxed and had a drink at the Sliver Barron Lounge where they had live entertainment, I thought the act was very good and Michelle said that she was familiar with them and was glad to see them doing so well.

Now on the entertainment---We saw Forbidden Broadway, very funny and very enjoyable and much of the “In-house” entertainment was very top notch, comedy acts, dueling pianos, a sort of Tiki act, singers too much to even begin to relate but I can tell you this you will not be disappointed. There was something different each night and with the Legacy, the El Dorado and Circus, Circus being linked with sky walks you can walk from one to the other and see something different each time.

Of course reservations are a must with the large name acts and a number of the cabaret acts. And each theatre or lounge had a different theme.

The same could be said of the food, so many choices so little time, we both were grateful for the workout rooms and spas massages that was offered, even so I did put on a couple of pounds---Got to work it off Darlings, can’t afford to have it all go to the hips.

And each restaurant with a different theme and specialty, from Steak to Tuscany and everything in-between. I cannot even begin to tell you which was my favorite.

But I do have to say that starting the day’s adventure at SIPS coffee and tea was the perfect way to begin. Michelle arranged for a chauffeured vehicle for us and we went to the Nevada Museum and took in the antique slot machine exhibit as well as paintings and everything. Another day when the weather wasn’t so bad we simply were driven around Reno to see how much it had changed over the years, and we had a chance to visit with some performers that Michelle was familiar with and see them do their acts.

I have to admit Reno is not the same as when I was a little girl to young lady, it’s all gone, Harold’s Club and the Mapes and the Primadonna, there was something about it that was just a bit gritty and edgy and a bit dangerous back them. The “Rat Pack” feeling now it’s a pizzazz and glitter and Disneylandish for adults.

I remember one time I was walking with my Father through one casino, he held my hand we were going to meet my mother at a restaurant at this casino and I can’t remember which one, and there was this table that was roped off and men and one woman were playing a high stakes game and everyone was gathered around with the ropes keeping the distance. There was one old man playing at this table. My Father stopped to watch briefly so I watched with him and there was something about this old man, he looked at his cards and then looked at everything on the table, his face revealed nothing, he said something to the house dealer, and another man laid his cards down and then the old man’s eyes seemed to take a sparkle at what he saw, and with that he laid his cards down without any flourish but with a little smile on his face.

All the chips were given to the elderly man and he shook hands with the fellow who had lost. People quietly applauded as if at a chess match. I heard my Father say “He’s still good” and who that man was I never knew, because we had to meet my mother for dinner.

I also remember staying with my parents at the Mapes Hotel and Casino many years ago when it was still in its Hey Day and I had my own room connected to my parent’s room. I remember it overlooked the Truckee River and that the drapes, bed clothes and everything being gold and white, at least that was the impression I had. Marilyn Monroe stayed there when she was filming the Misfits, if she had this room I cold understand the feeling I had being there, I felt like a princess. Ahhh so many years ago---now all gone.

But now with the Legacy, the El Dorado and Circus, Circus being connected by skywalk ways you don’t even have to go outside to get to a Casino. It feels a little disconcerting, like losing all track of time. That is why it’s very important to wear a watch.

But I could see the advantage of these walkways in both Reno and Vegas, and being connected to all the casinos

I remarked to Michelle that what Reno and Vegas is doing feels like a forerunner to the city of the future. Imagine being able to walk around Chicago and New York with being in the snow or heat. But it also feels a bit isolating as well. Hmmm that is something for future thought.

Well besides touring, eating and taking in the shows we did gamble a bit and I need to warn you Diva’s do not lose more than you can afford, that is the best advice my Father gave me, so for years I’ve always set aside a “Gambling Fund”, any lose change in my purse plus a certain amount goes into that fund, and that is what I recommend.

An acquaintance of mine does that as well but she goes one further, she’ll save cans and bottles and such, so when she goes on her walks she takes and old canvas bag and any cans, bottles she finds she collects and once a week takes it to the recycling. She plans about several trips a year and always when one of her favorite performers is appearing.

I asked her about the Indian Gaming Casinos and she told me it was the same policy, only if one of her favorite performers was appears and the roads were really bad to Vegas or Reno.

So keep that in mind Darlings so you won’t have to use and Max the Credit cards.

One of several habits that Michelle and I have is when we are in our rooms to have the television on at certain times to the news and for me, stock reports; we each have our own personal preference depending on our interest.

Imagine our surprise at seeing the Monte Carlo on Fire, but so far as we understood it no one was hurt. Michelle said she wasn’t a bit surprised about the situation, as she had heard of someone trying to set fire to a hotel that was in the process of slowly being renovated while it still maintained its tenants, she was wondering if it was some sort of arsonist trend. And taking into consideration the age of the Monte Carlo that was another factor. Michel I know will be looking into this considering her interests in the entertainment industry.

Another habit we both have is to listen (without appearing to be listening) other people’s conversations, there are different reasons for the both of us; you never know when it’s someone who is affiliated with some aspect of finance, industry or trends. It gives the both of us what to consider on our various investments. And on the lighter side it also made for good gossip for us after the other people leave, much more fun than soap operas. And on some occasions with our eaves dropping a bit more dramatic than “Dallas” or “Falcon’s Crest” or that other high society soap opera that had Joan Collins in it.

Michelle and I have set our Televisions to Tivo “Cashmere Mafia” and “Lipstick Jungle” so well has something to laugh over. I’m sorry Darlings I simply cannot get excited over “America’s Top Model” or “Survivor”, who wants to see sweaty, insect bitten, undernourished contestants bickering and that’s just “America’s Top Model”.

Well Darlings considering the weather we weren’t able to leave Reno until the following Tuesday but that was no hardship for us since we did have that planned. So once again we took the Capitol Corridor back into the Bay Area and then Taxi to my home. Allowing ourselves a bit of time to unpack and for Michelle re-pack I had her stay with me for a couple of days until she caught the train to Los Angeles and I have to admit I will miss her, we had so much fun together. Now she says that we'll have to plan a trip to Hawaii!!! I asked her if we could hold off on those plans for a while. And she laughed, and said I'd have to plan on staying with her for a week or two and do some serious shopping with her.

Juanita had all my mail sorted and stacked and ready for me to go through, she transferred messages from my answering machine so I do have people to call back, which I have been doing.

Oh just when things were so wonderful I have to make an appointment with my Tax Preparer.

My Father use to say, “January, February and March is really the time to get once house in order for the New Year, January especially you really can’t plan for fun until after April 15th.” And he was so right.

So now Darlings, the sun is just about to set I still have an hour of daylight, so my Diva Darling and I are going to take another walk to the Beach, I find that it gives me inspiration. Then a nice quiet dinner and we will curl up in front of the fireplace with a nice warm fire burning, and plan our next set of adventures.

“Hold me close and hold me fast
This magic spell you cast
Is La vie en la rose.

When you kiss me Heaven sighs
And though I close my eyes
I see la vie en la rose

When you press me to your heart
I’m in a world apart
Where roses bloom

And when you speak
The angels sing from above
Everyday words that turn
Into songs of love

Give your heart and your soul to me
And life will always be
Le vie en la rose”

So until Annon Darlings, La vie en la Rose.

Update on my Travels Darlings~~~~

Hello all you Fabulous Divas,

I'm doing my posting from one of those delightful cafe's that have internet access.

Well Michelle and I have been having the most marvelous time, and thank goodness we are using today as a chance to catch our collective breaths.

We took the Capitor Corridor train on its mid-morning run to Sacramento, and then from the station we took a taxi to the Delta King, our floating hotel on the Sacremento River next to "Old Town Sacramento". Poor cab driver, we had so much luggage that it couldn't fit into his trunk so we had to put some in the back seat, so I sat in the back and Michelle sat in the front. We tipped him handsomely for his hard work.

Remember that dear Diva's if anyone give you extra service or they take that extra step to help you out, be sure to tip them for their work, it's always appreciated.

It only took two hours by train to get to Sacramento, which is a marvel because if one drives it takes the same amount of time, so why stress one's self and it can be so relaxing.

The Delta King is just a beautiful thing, I almost felt like Rhett Butler was going to be walking the boards of it. Our rooms are comfortable and most importantly Warm.

Since it's on the river and since it is Winter time, it will be Cold, and since we were also going to Reno we packed for cold weather, which is a good thing, gloves, wool scarves are a must.

My dear Friend Mean Kitty has always said to me "If you're going to the North Pole, don't pack a bikini". And she is right Darlings, one of the first steps in traveling is packing, always check what the weather conditions are like where you are going and with the internet you can always get last minute weather conditions.

Well we arrived just a bit after lunch time, so we decided to get settled in our rooms first and then see about a late lunch and do a little sight-seeing in Old Town Sacramento. We lunched in Old Town, and I have to say I am so glad they were able to preserve it. It felt like we had stepped back in time or that we were some how between time periods. We didn't have much in the way of crowds because many people were not there yet to take advantage of the Holiday Weekend, and I do belive that the cold may have kept some people away. But it was enjoyable.

And at night it just lit up and took on a hazy feeling, like a dream in a way.

The Delta King even had that quality as a hazy fog from the River drifted up and surrounded it; it felt like old ghosts were paying a visit to the old dear.

Well we returned to the King after we had lunch and walked around the town a bit, so we rested and finished getting settled. Later we had drinks and a light dinner, and it was very good, there were some dishes that I felt could have been better but I was not disapointed. We finished off with de-caffe coffee and later an after dinner drink.

I thought that with being on a large ferry that when I slept I would feel some movement from being on the water but I slept like a baby. On Friday morning we had brunch, and took in the Sacramento Railroad museum. Michelle had never seen it and we felt in a way like school girls, just looking at the old history and in some ways all the idea of travel by rail. Michelle said that in taking the Coast Starlight up to San Francisco she really had an appreciation of travel by rail that in many ways it was a great improvement over air flight. That is was a shame that people had gotten way from traveling by rail.

I told her that half the fun of travel is getting there, it's not so much the destination but traveling to it.

Watching our time, we had an early dinner and then took a chauffered vehicle to the ARCO Arena. Yes darlings I said "chauffered vehicle" now remember when you were going to your Senior Promp and a group of you would make arrangements to have a chauffered limo take you around, well as Diva's you can also make arrangements to get you to events. We did not ask for a Limo but we did ask for a nice sedan. Imaging my surprise when a Bentley showed up to take us there and bring us back to our hotel. Michelle made the arrangements and I do not know what service she used but we made sure that if there was any parking fees for the Bentley that they were covered.

And the "Blue Man Group", Darlings I cannot begin to describe this experience short of saying it was fantastic, it was music and performance art at the same time. If any of you have a chance to see them or if they ever show any of their earlier performances on Cable or DVD do see it, sadly it is not the same as seeing a live performance that "sucks you in to it" and grabs your senses, but do see them at least once.

We were just so overwhelmed by it that after the driver dropped us back at "The King" we decided to have a drink to just analize what we had seen. Michelle said that if they had been around when she was managing in the entertainment industry she would have leaped at having them as part of her "stars". She said that it was so much lack of talent and so much posturing that is what made her leave the entertainment industry and start doing real estate and later investments, she like Moi had the sense of when was the right time to get out of something before the bottom fell out.

Saturday we both slept in and then had a very light breakfast, Michelle wanted to take in one of the historical tours and we felt that afterwards we could relax a bit before we took in the Mystery Dinner theatre on the Delta King. Fortunately I have excellent walking shoes and the tour we had around "Old Town" was so informative and entertaining. I was wishing that we had some time to take in Sutter's Fort and a tour of the Capital as well as the Crocker Art Museum but I'll have to save that for another time.

Afterwards we stopped at a Lounge for a drink and a nosh, and that's when Michelle and I had a chance to do a bit of catch up.

I asked her what she had been doing of late since it had been nearly 5 years since I'd seen her although we had kept in touch with cards, letters and e-mails.

She told me that after I gave her the warning to sell out of the dot.com investments based on my "gut feelings" (and just in time too) she put some of her money into hotels that were in the process of being renovated and upgraded.

She still was representing talent but it was getting more and more exhausting for her. She said "I was representing 20 somethings that had not paid their life dues and wanted everything on a platter and just try and keep the drugs away from them, selfish, spoiled and without control the minute they had cash and this was long before the Paris Hilton
and Brittany Spears fiasco. I did have a few really talented people and I knew I had to get rid of those that were trouble but part of the problem is that those trouble makers were also my biggest money makers.

The decision came after I fainted in my office and was rushed to the hospital. It was what the doctors told me that made me make the final decision to get out of the business. I wasn't going to die for spoiled babies. But what to do with those that really counted?

I had to be brutal and yet find a way that would preserve my reputation in the business. I decided to let the "spoiled brats" know that I couldn't represent them any more and why and gave them the names of others that I said would take them up in a heartbeat. I didn't even recommend anyone to them.

But those that I knew worked hard and were paying their dues, those I gently guided them to those that I knew could give them the right venues, give good advice and treat them fairly, they are doing well. The "spoiled brats" ? Well some of them faded away on their own drug induced dreams, and some are still out there but not as well.

My hotel investments paid well and steady, and then when I felt better I did real estate on the side until I had that feeling that things might go down the "tubes" and got out at the right time. My investments are paying me well and I'm contacted by charity event coordinators about talent recommendations and seeing who would be available for fund raising events, so I act as a laison making the initial connections and then guide them through the rest of the process. It's not too tiring and leaves me with plenty of free time to see what other talent is out there and connect with them for future charity venues, keeps my hand in and saves me from heart attacks."

From there we talked about changes in L.A. and S.F., families, politicial issues, and the future.

Then Michelle stopped talking and was listening to the piano player who was singing in the Lounge, after the player stopped and took a break Michelle went up to her and exchanged cards with the singer, and then joined me "She is good, local preferrs, to stay around here, but I've got some people and such that might be interested in her for a few events around here. Smart too she's got a good manager, I've heard of him. I'll give him a call after I get back to L.A."

I could only smile, no matter what, my friend was still working and she just grinned at me when I smiled, it was like a silent secret message. Even I have to confess, I was looking around for things that might become a sign post towards good investments.

We returned to the King and freshened up and went to the Mystery Diner Theatre they have on board, Michelle and I had a lot of fun, I'm not going to even explain it to you, but I have to say you never know if you are going to be seated next to the victim or the killer. The food was good if not spectacular but I feel that one is in there more for the Mystery, but having good food helps.

Michelle said one drink after and then to bed, Sunday is going to be a busy day----And she was right!!

I have never seen professional bull riding or a rodeo and this was unbelievable! We had wonderful seats very up close and it was so dangerous, diffinetly a young persons sport. Forget Football, Soccer or Rock Concerts! Darlings THIS is something else!! It's one on one, mano e mano but between human and bull. It was in a way a sense of something almost primeval, and yet in the back ground I could sense that all though there was competition there was a form of comadre as well, not perfect because every one wants that prize money, but it's like they all know the chances.

I have seen Portugues Bull Fighting, which I preferr over Spanish Bull Fighting and I've seen the running of the bulls in San Marcos and this bull riding had all the excitment that one could ever want as in Portuguese Bull Fighting. It felt very Hemmingwayish if Hemmingway ever wrote a western, it was more competitive and the danger was more immediate. It was like grabbing a Tiger by its tail and knowning that it was trouble. And they breed these bulls for their abilities and strength, they were not going to be someone's meal after the ride.

Even Michelle was taken breathless by it all and she had seen it before. "It's Earthy" she said "but it's real and more exciting than any football game or rock concert and not snooty like a highclass horse or dog show. Not as glamourous as horse racing but more exciting."

Well Darlings I am "Hooked" as they say.

Well I must go my time is almost up and Michelle is has lunch for us planned. Once I get my business cards of all the places we've been too sorted out I'll post the places we've stayed and lunched at and what I recommend you see.

Just a quick up date for all you pet lovers----Princess is doing very well, I called Betty and Princess and Jezebelle are having a lot of fun together and Princess is eating well. A sort of Diva Darling vacation for her too.

Tomorrow Michelle and I will catch the Capitol Corridor train connection to Reno and we'll be staying at the Silver Legacy. One of the first things we are going to do is get a massage from head to toe, traveling and seeing the sights is fun but so tiring.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses

Travel Plans-----

Change in Plans Darlings,

Well my dear school chum Michelle or as the young people would say BFF, called me and there is a change in plans.

Oh yes, we will see the Blue Man group but not in Reno, in Sacramento instead. I don’t know how she manages it, but she wasn’t in the entertainment industry twiddling her thumbs, she has pull and can still effect changes at the last minute. I guess it’s who you know. And that is called Networking Darlings.

So as she has it planned we will leave a day early go by train to Sacramento, stay at the Delta King Hotel (something I’ve been planning to do). See the Blue Man group on Friday, tour Old Town Sacramento Saturday, take in the Delta King’s Mystery Dinner Theater that evening, and take in, of all things, the Professional Bull Riding competition on Sunday. Rest our poor bodies on Monday (and have fun catching up on each other’s lives), catch the train on Tuesday to continue on to Reno.

Where she made another change, we’ll be staying in the Silver Legacy instead of Circus, Circus and take in as many shows and acts that we can for the next week or so, as well as availing ourselves of the spa treatments. We even may take in the Slot Machine exhibit at the Nevada Museum if we have time. Then come back by train, Michelle will stay overnight with me (it does pay to have a fold out couch in the Library/Office) and then catch the train to Los Angeles.

Just thinking about it makes my head whirl and I may need to rest just from having fun, but it will be worth it.

So I’ve been packing and making arrangements, Princess poor dear, will not be able to come along, Diva Darlings like her, are not allowed on the Delta King or at the Legacy, but my friend Betty said she’d be happy to watch Princess, she gets along very well with Jezebel and Princess’s vet is also Jezebel’s vet as well, so it will work out fine.

Well I’ve been thinking about a trip to Old Town Sacramento and Reno for sometime, and this will take care of two things at the same time and being in the company of a dear friend always makes it so much fun. And she managed to get joining rooms.

Now Darlings, as I said “Why the Train?” Well for one thing you do not have to deal with those lines as you do at the airport, granted the departure and arrival times are not the best, but you can walk around the train, nap, stretch out, eat, and sight see out of the train, all that scenery that you can see, which you can never see out of an airplane and you do not have to worry about how much luggage to take or that they will lose it. And you are not stuck with seeing a movie that you have already seen or do not care to see and you are not crowed together like sardines.

I indulged in one of those Ipod devices and down loaded classical music and my favorite big bands, (well Kenneth showed me how, he’s so clever with all this electronic things and he teaches so well)

If more people took the train, there would not be all that crowding at the airports or flight delays, of course people have to get some place in a hurry, but the whole idea of a trip is to enjoy getting there. If you know where you’re going, when you get to the station you can take a cab to your hotel and make arrangements to rent a car from the concierge for your stay. That is why earning the Diva Bucks is important, so you can enjoy things in style and do things in style.

Of course there is going to be some delay but the trains do have to meet a schedule as well, because fright trains also use the same tracks and being on time is very important.

You know Darlings you should think of taking the train to a destination, now some people take the train to Yosemite they get off at a particular station and the Yosemite shuttle bus will take you to the park to your hotel. Think of how stress free it can be.

I remember some 30 years ago, a girl friend and I took what was called the “Happy Hop” tour to Disneyland, we were crammed into a commuter flight, only had nuts and a small glass of wine (which I substituted water instead) but then it was only a one hour flight. Arrived at the Anaheim airport and took a shuttle service to a main drop off point where people waited for the shuttles for the different hotels there was a direct phone service there to each hotel and I will never forget this one man with a large stomach, wearing shorts with sandals and socks (why sandals and socks with shorts) and he had very hairy legs really not a good fashion choice and he was yelling into the phone “There are people waiting here!! When is that bus going to come!!??” And he arrived on the same main bus that I and my friend did.

He hung up not satisfied at all. I went to the phone to the same hotel that he called and said “Hello this is ‘so and so’ and guest, I would like to confirm that you are still holding our rooms? Wonderful… and what is the approximate time of arrival for the shuttle bus?... All right allowing for traffic congestion, thank you, please continue to hold the rooms for us as there was a bit of a delay getting here….Excellent, Thank you.”

The hotel staffer on the other end was friendly and informative and helpful, and I and Mr. Angry Man were going to the same hotel, so I tipped my hard sided Samsonite on end and sat on it and my girl friend did the same (old hands we were) she asked me “How long for the shuttle?” And I said “15 minutes allowing for any traffic delays, I recommend we take a quick shower as it’s so hot, to refresh ourselves after we check in” and I said this loud enough for Mr. Angry Man to hear me. He looked at me and my friend and we were looking as cool as cucumbers, totally not put out by the delay.

We then had the pleasure of hearing Angry Man’s wife saying to him “If you would just calm down and understand that delays happen and that it’s just what happens, you wouldn’t have ulcers. Look at those two ladies, they understand delays, but oh no you’ve got to have it done right now, you are going to die from ulcer problems if you don’t calm down and behave like a gentleman instead of a boor.” He did look sheepish after her scolding and us fanning ourselves with our magazines.

But that’s the whole idea of traveling; know that there are delays and plan on a trip in which you don’t have to be delayed, taking the train is, in many ways, the way to go. And packing correctly for your trip is also a plus.

Many hotels have laundry facilities now a days, and have irons and ironing boards in one’s room; you can plan on where to stay as you travel by car on where to stay even based on amenities.

If anything a Diva knows how to plan and also knows that there may have to be sudden changes in plans.

Well Darlings, to bed I must go, I’ve been busy today and I have more to do tomorrow, so if you don’t see me “blog” for a while-----Well I’m having fun!

Until Anon, Kisses Darlings.

A Diva Health Guide~~~

Hello all you Lovely Diva’s,

I could not believe the sun shine this morning! Instead of lying in bed as I would on a gloomy morning (with Juanita coaxing me out with a fresh brewed cup of coffee) I just had to get out and enjoy it.

So I walked with Princess in tow, to the beach, and marveled at the gloriousness of it all.

I’ve come to the conclusion that I do need sunlight, although I do not sun bathe and take care to not over expose myself to the sun, but sun light is needed to help get that Vitamin D going into one’s system besides drinking it in Milk. Yes Darlings even I at my age I still drink milk, it’s good for you keeps those bones strong, good for your teeth and it can be very calming for your nerves.

I realized this morning that I needed those light bulbs that imitate sunlight, and decided that I needed it in my bedroom, next to my desk in my library/office, and also next to my favorite chair where I read. So I’ve placed that on my list of things to buy.

Now Darlings were is this all leading to….

Health Darlings, Health…

One of the most important things a Diva needs to remember (besides lots of money and a fabulous wardrobe) is Health, it’s so easy to over look that most important of personal things and it is personal.

If you are in good health you will look good no matter what. This translates to your bones, your teeth, your hair, skin, eyes, nails and the muscles and nerves in your body.

First always get an annual check up with your general physician, your dentist, your eye doctor (not to be confused with where you purchase your glasses or contacts) and your GYN, find out how often you need to have a mammogram based upon your age and your family’s’ health background.

Darlings this is more important than a mani-pedi or having your hair styled.

If you are a bit overweight get into a good health loss program that can encourage you to eat right and healthy, but not unrealistic. Don’t go all vegan or on a faddy diet. It can do you more harm than good.

Find out about your family’s medical background, some people do family genealogy but what you should do is a medical genealogy, this will tell you what your family’s medical problems can be. I know that in my family there is a tendency towards heart attacks and heart problems, some people have diabetes in their family, some cancer. Do you see the picture my dears?

With that knowledge in hand then you can approach anything your doctor finds with realism and practicality.

Another thing is exercise, I do not recommend running as that can cause all kinds of foot and shin problems, but dancing can be wonderful. If you’ve watched “Dancing with the Stars” well you know doubt have heard them rave how much weight they’ve lost. Balance this with swimming as a low impact exercise, followed by Yoga for stretching and relaxing.

Alright you say you can’t afford dance lessons? Check with your Adult Education courses or with your city’s park and recreation department and see what they offer at a more affordable rate, another thing is walking, get good walking shoes that are comfortable, supportive and reduce any impact upon your bones or the Plantar of your feet. (Look that up Darlings, I can’t explain everything to you)

Some people say “well do bicycling” which is fine except that I have seen too many people foolishly ignore the vehicle laws, Remember your Bicycle is also a vehicle and since it’s a slower vehicle it MUST move over to the far right of the road way and you must obey all vehicle laws, do not “blast through” a stop sign it could mean your death and it would be your fault. And always wear a helmet and forget those Ipods, you must always be aware of the area around you. No one else will.

Weight loss cannot happen quickly, it took you years to put the weight on, and it will take you years to get it off, but remember, each pound that you lose is a victory, so keep at it.

Eating---one of the worst things that has developed over the years is the “all you can eat Buffet” and the supersize meals.

It is much better to eat six very small meals than 2 very large ones, because you will stretch your stomach. Eat only until your hunger is satisfied, not until your are stuffed.

Talk to your Doctor about healthy nutrition programs or join Jenny Craig and have them teach you how to eat healthy.

Another thing that can help you make healthy eating choices is attenting nutrition classes at your local hospital or health club, be on the watch for such program, taking them can be an eye opener as to what is healthy and what is not.

Alcohol---it can be a very bad thing, and that is one of the problems many young Divas-in-training forget, they drink to excess and think that being buzzed as they call it is fine. It is not. It can eat out your stomach, give you a bad headache, cause you to exercise very poor judgment and also someone can slip you a “Mickey Finn” or knockout drops, which could lead to being raped.

As they say “Drink Responsibly” and as a side comment, if you drink don’t drive, if you know you are going to drink then take a taxi and have a taxi bring you home, make sure you have enough for cab fare and tips. Do Not go home with some seemly kind stranger.

One of my nieces made the mistake of driving to a party and couldn’t drive some young fellow offered to drive her home in his car. Fortunately she gave him my address and she had a copy of my house key (this was at my old house) but her parents were not home (which was true in a way) so he opened the door and in the living room attempted to attack her, I was aware that there was someone coming through the front door because my alarm in my bedroom went off, so I called the police immediately.

I heard a female voice saying “stop it!” Imagine the young man’s surprise when I turned on the lights and said “Don’t move, I have a gun pointed at you and I will use it!” I told him to stay the way he was and to let my niece up, and she let in the police, I called my lawyer, he went to trial and jail, my niece knows better. That is why I say “Drink Responsibly”.

Of course Darlings that does come under the heading of Safety, but safety is also Health.

Now to continue----

Avoid soft drinks and sweetened fruit juices as a regular drink, even those waters that have a fruit taste has sugar in it, and soft drinks destroys the enamel on your teeth, drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated, milk is good too, but water will quench one’s thirst on a hot day.

You can have a soft drink or fruit juice on occasion but more as a treat.

And remember if you drink too much water you can wash out your electrolytes, 1 liter
a day maximum is good.

Always care for your skin, young people think that getting a tan is a good thing, but it like smoking can age one’s skin very quickly.

I take walks in the morning when the weather is good before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. I still get my Vitamin D and healthy sun exposure, but not to the point of being unhealthy for the skin, I always cover myself on hot days with hats and long sleeves, I even use gloves especially during the winter and light cotton gloves during the summer. If one goes to a vintage shop or sale you can find gloves in a light tan color that is good all year round, if they are made of cloth you can wash them as if you were washing your hands, to remove any soil.

And when I visit friends or have friends over and we are sitting outside I always make it a point to sit in the shade, you still will get enough sun to be healthy. At the most a 15 minute exposure a day is all one needs.

Find a good skin lotion that is hypoallergenic to put on your skin and hands to help keep it soft. Do not wash your body with a harsh soap. I’ve found that Dove soap for sensitive skin is an excellent choice.

Teeth---we often don’t think of our teeth except to brush them, but also use flossing thread and a gum massager to keep the gums healthy as well and to help remove food partials.

The old maximum of brushing after every meal is important, you can carry in your cosmetic case a small tiny toothbrush and one of those small travel size or sample size tubes of toothpaste, I even have found a collapsible cup which I use to rinse out my mouth.

If you don’t want to do it at the sink in the ladies room, use the cup to fill with some water and then brush in the bathroom stall. If you are unable to do that then at least brush morning and night, or when you get up, as soon as you get home and after dinner or when you come home from a date, then before bed. The evening brushing is very important to remove food particles from the day. The use of a mouth wash is also recommended, you dentist will be able to tell you what toothpaste and mouth wash is best.

Your eyes and your hearing are very important----when you are young have your eyes checked every year for any changes in vision or any problems, if you are constantly using a computer get glasses that have a tint to reduce glare, even if you don’t need glasses for reading, they will work like sun glasses and reduce the possibility of cataracts.

And speaking of Sunglasses, every time you go outside always use Sunglasses with a high glare ratio, if you wear prescription glasses then have your sunglasses as prescriptions as well. It comes in handy when driving, walking or just doing anything outside and it will protect your eyes from cataracts. Always make it a practice to wear sunglasses and if you wish have it as part of your wardrobe, be glamorous with them.

Your hearing is also important, having a hearing test every couple of years or if you sense that you have some hearing loss have it checked immediately.

Many young people are losing their hearing because of loud music at concerts, and at clubs, and also those young men that have their car stereos cranked up to the point that the car is vibrating are also going to be suffering hearing loss, we are developing a nation of young deaf people, and losing your hearing will deprive you of listening to natures’ joyous sounds, the songs of birds, the oceans’ waves, your baby saying it’s first words.

My friend Mean Kitty knew she was going to a concert with some friends and she knew that the concert hall had a strong echo reverb problem which for rock concert goers is just fine, but for someone who wants to preserve her hearing presented a problem. She solved it by wearing hearing plugs that are used when one goes to the gun range. She was able to hear the concert just enough to enjoy it but without it paining her ears.

So if you are going to a venue where it’s going to be very loud deafening music, wear ear plugs, it will save your hearing, they don’t cost much but what it will save is priceless.

Now one last thing, Vitamins Darling, Vitamins--- a good vitamin problem will help with teeth, hair, eyes and bones. Because many people are under a great deal of stress, the B vitamin complex is the most important, but make sure that your are getting enough minerals as well.

Be careful to not over do taking vitamins, one can get poisoned by too much Vitamin A and some of the others.

Now what Vitamins to take? Well Darlings there are many out there; Trader Joe’s has a thirty day supply packed in individual daily packets, you can put them in your purse and take each pill though out the day, and that way it will be spread out and keep your system going. They have them in what looks like a coffee tin, with or without Iron, I recommend always taking Iron, to help keep up your blood count.

But there are many others out there. Find the one that suits your body and lifestyle the best, and remember dear Diva’s you can always look stylish wearing hats, gloves and sun glasses, make it your style, have it make you look glamorous and mysterious, that is the Diva style.

Try to avoid stress, which if you are working hard to get the Diva Bucks can be hard to do, but no matter what, make time to relax and meditate to relieve stress. Remember Diva Darlings, STRESS is one of the biggest killers, so take up some healthy practices to help relieve stress, Yoga is one way, meditation is another. At work use the 10, 10, 10 rule in decision making how will it affect you in 10 minutes, 10 days, 10 weeks, 10 months, 10 years.

And if possible allow 1 to 5 minutes to gather your thoughts before going into a meeting or dealing with a situation that little pause will be enough for you to be confident in dealing with anything, even a flat tire.

And lastly, always get plenty of rest and sleep, the adage of getting 8 hours sleep is important, of course some of us can get by on a little less, but no less than 6 hours, remember Darlings, all that partying can take its toll on the Diva’s beauty.

If you can don’t be afraid to take a 15 minute nap in the afternoon, I’ve found that about 3 p.m. I get a little drowsy, a 15 or 20 minute nape can be very refreshing. But remember rest is very important.

There are many other things a Diva can do for her health, ask your dentist and your doctor. Remember you have only one body and all the face lifts, body tucks in the world cannot give you good health.

Now I must get to bed, it is past this Diva’s bedtime, but I wanted to be sure to post this for all of you.

Until Anon Darlings, stay healthy, be healthy. Kisses

Diva Ideas for a tax deduction for one's car------

Darling Divas

It seems I’ve opened a whole new chapter of information, I was enjoying my little trip to the city yesterday, I like to take the BART system (but the cars do need some clean up) and on my train I ran into an old friend of mine, Wallace.

Wallace is a wonderful gentleman who introduced me to my tax preparer. I told him about my “blog” and he said that he had come across it by accident and thought that it sounded familiar, and has it flagged when ever a new posting is put up.

He loved the information that I had come across, but he felt that I left another part off.

He informed me that just as it is important to keep all paperwork on home repair and improvement on one’s home, especially for re-sale, it was equally important to keep all receipts on work done on one’s automobile or van.

I thought that was a bit unusual, but he said that if one plans to sell one’s vehicle, by having a copy of what has been done and at what mileage, when it comes time to sell your car to a private party, you as the seller, can give all full information on what has been done to your vehicle, as a form of full disclosure.

He said that sometimes for those that use a personal vehicle for their job by having all these receipts for repair and maintenance it maybe possible to take it as a tax deduction, but always check with your tax preparer because the tax laws change every year.

But even so it did make excellent sense to keep this information on your vehicle, especially if there is any sort of warranty on the repair. It did make sense especially if your job is in real estate or as a wedding or event planner or something of that sort, which a lot of traveling to different locations or clients is required, therefore because of that type of work it then requires keeping receipts for tax information, but to also have it for your personal information on repair and maintenance is equally important.

Now the tax law does vary a bit if your vehicle is used both for business and pleasure, so I do believe keeping a mileage report is important, but do ask your tax preparer about the tax laws covering this.

He also said that it didn’t make sense to buy a brand new vehicle especially since one loses value the minute it leaves the lot, but to buy one that has low mileage, is gently used and is from a reputable dealer that has gone through it completely to check it out to ensure that it is safe makes sense, and to hold on to it for no more than 10 years at the very most, perhaps only 8 years, because after that time it begins to cost more to repair than the worth of the vehicle , unless one has a car that is a collectable (like a Packard or an Aston Martin) or has proven very reliable in the long run.

I have a dear acquaintance of mine who is in advertising and she has a car that’s 20 years old and is so reliable that she is loath to get rid of it. She told me that she will use it until is drops and can’t move anymore, which is what I was planning with my old car, until it was stolen by those 3 hoodlums (which the police eventually caught, we are now in the process of going to court) and wrapped around a pole. This forced me to buy a new car, Ms. Wicked, which I adore.

Although I do have to confess that there are times when one just simply wants a brand new car, in spite of the drop in value once it leaves the show room and even Wallace agreed with that, he said there are times when nothing but a brand new car will do.

Another thing, have full insurance which would also include being hit by an uninsured driver or catastrophic damage such as fire, flood, or falling trees, if you want to know who are the top quality insurance companies you can check with Consumer Reports, for their ratings, but rule of thumb for many people is this~~~go to an insurance company that also has a “brick and mortar” office, so you can deal with real people, not over a computer or over the phone. It may take some of your personal time, but the personal touch to get your claim processed is very important.

My Dear Friend Mean Kitty had that happen to her, she and her husband were traveling and were at a stop light and they were in a multiple rear end collision. Fortunately their car was drive able, so with the information from CHP, and everyone exchanging insurance information, Mean Kitty also had the added photo information of taking pictures of the entire accident to confirm that her car was not at fault.

When she got to her destination she called her insurance office to report that she was in an accident and when she would be coming into the office to do the claim since no one was injured in the accident, if there was an injury of course reporting the incident immediately even over the phone, is very important.

She was very pleased by her insurance company, they made the process of getting their vehicle repaired, the rental of another vehicle and processing their claim very painless, and it went smoothly, she did recommend that it’s best to be patient about receiving your claim especially if multiple vehicles are involved or if there maybe a dispute or investigation. But she received her claim in less than 3 months. She also said that the auto repair shop that was recommended by her insurance company made the process very easy and the car rental company also was very accommodating.

(Now I have to say that Mean Kitty had her auto insurance with State Farm and the car rental company was Enterprise, I mention these companies because they are fairly nationwide, although I’ve been told other well-known insurance companies also give excellent service, but remember the “brick and mortar” rule.)

She recommends and I do to, to keep no less than 2 disposable cameras in one’s glove compartment as well as your insurance information, by taking pictures right at the time of the accident showing the location and positions of the cars and the damage it can strengthen your claim.

She also says refresh or replace those cameras on Dec. 31 of every year, and use the ones that you’ve removed for holiday pictures. She said that if one does it at the same time that you replace your batteries in your smoke alarms as part of your check list it helps to remember these things.

Now why disposable point and shoot cameras? Well Darlings, they are there, they won’t fail if your camera cell phone is dead and it’s much easier to have the film developed especially with one hour processing. Nor do you have the worry that the pictures will be accidentally erased which could happen.

Well with this delightful and informative chat that I had with Wallace we also exchanged cards, so I could update him on my new home location, and we could plan on having dinner together with him and his wife Marsha and I with possibly Kevin or Kenneth (I do love to have several handsome men dancing in attendance)

So it seems that I have started a new venture with gathering this very practical information to share with all you Diva’s and Diva’s in training. This is all very important, even Mean Kitty has to agree about this.

Oh and why was I going to the City? Well darlings, there are a couple of stores that I love to purchase my DVD’s and music from, Rasputins just below Union Square and Virgin Records, I couldn’t take my Diva Darling, Princess, but I’m so glad that Juanita is back, she loves watching her and spoiling the little dear, although she said I made her work very easy for her because I called in Molly Maids, so Juanita tells me she is going to go through my closet to see what needs to be repaired, she is so through, sometimes I feel like I have a mother watching over me, that is why I just want to do my best for her as well.

And clothing maintenance will be another subject I will be touching upon in the future my Dears.

Until Anon Darlings, this Diva is going to treat a dear friend to lunch, and relaxation. Kisses Darlings.

What is the world coming to?~~~

Well Darlings,

Irma, Betty and I have gathered our information together and made lists, we’ve even gone on the internet to see what the best spots are. But from what we’ve discovered so far is that many coffee shop places appear to be for internet users, nothing relaxing and elegant, with good coffee and a little nosh.

We’ve even wondered if our focus is wrong.

But then Irma suggested that we simply put together first from our experiences, places we like first give it a review and what we think is best for it, like lunch, dinner, atmosphere, comfort, cost, what it’s close to, and how hard to get in, dress code (casual, tie, formal etc)

We’ll also keep in our purses a note book of each new place we find and write down our opinion of it, if possible get its business card.

So we’ve agreed to get together once a month and compare our excursions. This will be so much fun, and we’ve enlisted the husbands and Kevin and Kenneth and several other persons that we know, we may even expand on it to cover other subjects.

My friend Mean Kitty has suggested for very casual eating, the Country Way Inn on Mowrey Avenue in Fremont, retro early 70’s with comfort food, good prices and large portions. The waitress’s call you dear, or honey and is very friendly without out being snobbish, just down home as she calls it. I had to laugh because she always has a way of taking things down a peg or two.

She said to me, “Men Folk don’t want ‘elf food’ and micro bionic food, they want MEAT and plenty of it, they want to remember Mom’s or Grandma’s old fashioned
Cooking and ‘if you don’t eat it there’s children starving in India who’d love it’ type reminders and this place has it”

She also told me about Mel’s Drive-in Dinners (which are not drive in, just eateries) “Real good hamburgers, filling, good fries, and the one on Geary and Van Ness in San Francisco is good, but get there just before the crowd, I had the Tuna Melt, with a little potato salad and it was a good size sandwich, I couldn’t finish the potato salad and that was just a small amount, guess my stomach is shrinking.”

What I love about Mean Kitty is she keeps things “Real” when I tell her how much I paid for my luggage she broke it down to “Gee, I could get new gutters for the house and maybe a drive way patch job”

Mean Kitty and I had dinner last night at my “secret dinning place” which we’ve promised not to divulge, and I looked at her very closely----I know she is going to read this “blog” but I say these things with real love for her.

I want to make it clear I do admire her, I’ve come from a “privileged life” wealthy parents, made my money, married well if not for love, have a marvelous income, never had to really hold down a job, excellent college education, as well as being lucky to have a natural investment and business acumen. I’m slim, trim, in excellent health, have money, furs, jewels, a housekeeper, expensive car, and can hire anyone at any time when I want without worrying about funds.

Oh yes, I’ve had my disappointments, sadness, loss, but I’ve also had many joys and I never have to look over my shoulder or worry about how I’m going to be taken care of.

But I look at Mean Kitty, she came from a upper working blue collar class family, college did not come easy for her and the money ran out when her father became ill, by the time she was 22 everything she knew and loved was gone, because of so many changes she clung on to her mother and father, cared for them, lived with them and never got a chance to live her own life.

She’s worked from the time she was 18 till now and even before she worked, cleaning her parents and grandmother’s home, washed dishes, sewed and repaired her own clothes, got up on the roof and cleaned gutters, or replaced roofs as she said “I got so many splinters in my hands one time that I had to spend the evening with my Mom pulling them out before I could eat, it hurt so bad.”

If she had to have sometime done she had to save the money up or get a loan to pay it off, her cash flow has always been difficult, and “there were times when I felt among my own peers that I was always 5 years behind them in experience or just plain naïve”.

Until now she had always been unlucky in love “Just chose the wrong ones until my Man came along” and she chose for love not money. For her to go into a 4 or 5 star restaurant would as she’d put it “freak me out, because I know I just don’t belong there, like they know I shop at Mervyns’s not Saks 5th Avenue.”

And yet we’ve met, we share things and she helps keep me grounded, she knows a lot of things, and her information is so useful. But when I offer to help---well she has her pride “I don’t want to be beholden to anyone, a loan can break up a beautiful friendship, somehow I’ll manage”

She plans on working until she drops, for her it’s the only way she can pay the bills, and afford medical coverage, she never had enough for retirement or investment, she prays that she will never be laid up with a stroke or anything like that “I saw what it did to Mom, she just gave up, became bed ridden I had to use up all the money she saved, hire a caregiver to cover while I was at work, had visiting nurses, deal with Medi-cal and Medicare, use up all my savings. I refuse to give up---Dad had a stroke and he came back, but he could never work again, but he kept going until his heart attack----I’d like it to be that way, to be able to function and then just fall asleep and not wake up, no burden to anyone”

I look at the beautiful home I have, the beautiful things I have, blessed with good health and she says about her home “well the ceiling is peeling but at least the roof is sound and no leaks, but I can’t afford to paint the interior for some time or patch the cracks, I just hope the heater holds out until I can replace it and forget refinishing the wood floors, not a high priority right now.”

I am still a size 8 and have all my teeth but for her “ The stress of caring for Mom and then when My Man came down with congestive heart failure and dealing with Medi-cal and Social Security constantly denying his rightful benefits and then me hiring a lawyer and taking on a second job to pay for the bills has caused bone density loss especially in my jaw, so my teeth loosen up and become infected then they have to be removed, I hate eating with dentures, I don’t care what they say I’ve had to give up a lot of my favorite foods and I loss 2 inches in height”

As she puts it “Getting Old is NOT for Sissies”.

And yet I admire her, her command of the English language, how she can phrase things, be diplomatic, and yet honest, hard working even with her aches and pains. Her enjoyment of the simple things in life and yet even she is a “class Act” she knows what is proper and right, she can be elegant in her own way, and I’ve seen her in action, when we’ve gone shopping together, we were at Tiffany’s the other day (I was looking for a gift for my niece who has turned 13) she was looking at all the beautiful jewelry a staffer asked her if she needed assistance, instead of being flustered (as one would if they know they are in a place that they don’t feel they belong) she simply remarked “No Thank you, I’m just browsing and admiring, but ‘thank you’ for asking, one quick question are these “fancy diamonds?” I’ve seen pink sapphires, but I didn’t know diamonds are also pink---thank you, most informative”.

I did make my purchase and we went into the Westin St. Francis to see what we could find, I had the chance to ask her over coffee “Where did you learn to speak that way?” and she replied “I use to watch the old movies from the 30’s and 40’s (another reason why I love her) and I’d listen to how they talk. The “Thin Man Movies” are wonderful for style, and “The Women” , I just love the T.V. show “Mission Impossible” I always thought Barbara Bain was so elegant, she’d always play her character just so cool and classy, also I’d watch all the PBS mysteries like Agatha Christie, Sherlock Holmes, and the Dorothy Sayers “Lord Peter Whimsey” mysteries, some of the verbiage is fluff, so I don’t use it, but it taught me the best way to phrase things, I also paid attention in my high school English classes, it just pains my ears (and mine too) when I hear the teenagers using words like ‘that’s hecka cool’ instead of saying that’s really nice, or using profanity, there are millions of words in the English language that one doesn’t have to resort to profanity”

I had to agree with her, we both came to conclusion that the young people didn’t have the right role models in front of them, they were too caught up with Brittany Spears, Paris Hilton, Lindsey Lohan, the slut gangster persona and feel that, that is whom they must emulate. No Jackie Kennedy, no Audrey Hepburn, No Marlene Dietchrine, No Barbara Bain, no one to be in the forefront to show the way of how to be cool, elegant, classy and with style.

She said to me, “the other day I was watching ‘Judge Joe Brown’ and having a late lunch and he had on these 5 African American girls, one girl (who had a witness) was suing the other 3 for attacking her and these girls were big, I think collectively they could life up a bus.

She was beaten up real bad by these 3 girls, had to go to the ER, do a police report and such, and the 3 girls had an attitude like they were proud of what they did and brought in a video of the attack, and they just stood there posturing and rolling their eyes, while the plaintiff was explaining her case and her witness was verifying everything, now when the 3 defendants started talking, the plaintiff and her witness didn’t do any of that, they just stood there and quietly shook their heads at the lies and attitude of the 3 defendants.

Judge Joe Brown read the riot act to those three girls, told them what they really were and found for the plaintiff. And I have to admit, I could not believe those 3 girls even before I saw the video, their attitude put me off, made me believe that they were the aggressors and when I saw the video what I really saw was the plaintiff defending herself, I did not see her starting the attack. So the 3 defendants were in the wrong and yet they refuse to believe it.

And that is what this world is coming to.”

I could only agree with Mean Kitty, it is a sorry state of affairs, and we’ve lost what culture we had and it’s come down to all that.

But last night at dinner, in part I felt my faith somewhat restored when she said “If you always act like a class act, everyone will have to act that way too eventually, maybe indirectly it can influence some young person, give them the subconscious nudge in the right direction, what people don’t understand is that they themselves create the ghetto instead of improving it. Remember that movie ‘The Pursuit of Happyness’ it’s based on a true story and that guy is making a lot of money now a days, but he’s helping others, as they say ‘You’ve got to have that fire in your belly’ if you want to improve yourself, it’s just that too many young people are afraid to leave that which they are familiar with, but all it takes is one step and then another and another and keep going, and then you are free of the ghetto, but I think a personality needs to be in the forefront and is a strong influence to make change for the better. It will happen, it will happen slowly, but it will happen.”

And that is when I realized that even I have to be an example Darlings and give you this next lesson----remember it-----


DIVADOM IS NOT BEING RICH OR WEALTHY BUT BEING CLASSY EVEN WITH LITTLE MONEY, TO SPEAK RIGHT, ACT RIGHT, DRESS RIGHT WITHOUT TRASH OR BEING TRASHY.

It’s knowing what is right and what is wrong, it’s being responsible and helpful, it’s being considerate of others and yet, knowing what is legal and right. The world is not handed to one on a platter, it must be earned and also earning the respect of others.

You can be a Diva even if you can only afford to buy at Goodwill, Salvation Army or St. Vincent De Paul. The key to Divadom is EDUCATION.

If any of you Diva Darlings are putting together your notebook based on my “blogs”, then put what I have just written as your prolog and always remember it.

Now Darlings, I must go and do my beauty routine and get my Beauty Sleep, Juanita will be back tomorrow and I need to get myself on track for the New Year.

Until Anon Darlings, Kisses.