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

A Tiny Diva Darling~~

Well Darlings I did it!!

In the midst of everything, I made a very serious commitment!! To a 4 pound ball of fluff!

All right Possums let me start from the beginning. 2 months ago my dear, sweet friend Betty’s cat, Tigger, passed away (20 years old the poor little creature was) and after a couple of weeks, Betty was feeling very lost, so I suggested that we go to one of the shelters or adoption programs to find the one kitten that felt that it would belong to Betty.

But try as we might there was nothing! And I have to confess, seeing all those lost little kitties and doggies just broke my heart. There was so much love at these places just waiting to be given a home.

Betty (rightfully) insisted that there had to be a “special connection” otherwise it was not right. I certainly could not argue with that logic and it was dear Betty’s feelings I was considering. While we were having a light lunch someone had left a local newspaper about a shelter accepting applications for volunteers, and that the volunteers would be trained.

Betty called for the hours the shelter was open and then said to me “Let’s go there after lunch, its close by.” So I agreed, hoping that Betty would find the little life that would fill the empty void in her heart (Betty has children but they all live out of state because of their jobs).

So we arrived and I saw that this shelter was accepting applications for volunteers as well as donations. I asked about donations to help out with the animals waiting to be adopted, which they told me about as Betty went to the back area to look among the cats and the kittens. After a few minutes Betty came breathlessly back and said I had to look at this kitten---well there it was, a little thing with deep green-yellow eyes, and it put a paw out to Betty as she approached. Betty then asked me to approach this kitten’s cage and I did but the kitten totally ignored me, its green-yellow eyes completely focused on Betty.

“She’s the one! Oh she’s such a flirt!” Betty exclaimed. I couldn’t agree more, the little thing is beauty, alert, and appeared to have a sharp intellect. She was mostly white with a couple of dark brown spots, longish fur but not too long, and a long fluffy tail that the kitten would hold straight up like a flag. I was happy to see Betty happy.

While Betty was doing the paper work to adopt “Jezebel”, I noticed that I didn’t hear too much barking and asked if they had dogs or puppies waiting to be adopted, the attendant said that they only had a couple at the time, which for them was unusual and that one of them acted vicious, a pit bull that was being trained to fight when they rescued it. They were hoping for a member of a pit bull group to come soon and foster the dog to see if it could become adoptable.

I asked if there were any others and they said they only had one other in, so I took a look and there she was, the smallest, saddest, folornest little creature I had ever seen.

She was a cross between a Pomeranian and Chihuahua with reddish blond hair, not quite as fluffy as a Pom, but tiny. She was curled up on the small bath rug that was provided, I could tell that this was a comedown for her; she looked up at me with eyes that didn’t hold out much hope but not devoid of interest. I went back and asked the attendant what was the history behind the little dog and was told that her elderly owner had died suddenly over a month ago, there were no relatives to take it in as the owner had died alone and had not made any provision for the future care of the little thing, she was three years old, had all it’s shots, in excellent health, house broken and a lovely disposition, but not a good match for a family with active children, which pretty much left the little thing alone since all that was coming in were families with children that was looking for an active family oriented pet.

The Lawyer and executor of the late woman’s will gave specific instructions that the dog was to be adopted and not put to sleep and that there were funds to pay for the board and care of the little thing until it was adopted. I went back and looked at her again and this time she looked at me with more interest, ----dare I? Should I?

Just then a very large and loud man and his wife came in to look at the animals waiting to be adopted; his voice was so loud that I could see the little thing recoil. Looking at the man’s wife she looked like she had been brow beaten over many years.

They were about to look at the little thing and I spoke up and said “I’m sorry but I’m adopting her, I just have to put in the paper work” and quickly went to the attendant and said I’m adopting the little dog. The attendant didn’t waste any time went and brought out the dog and put her into my arms, all the while the loud man was blustering about the dog, but the attendant was firm that I was adopting the dog and that the other one was not up for adoption.

The man continued to be loud until I said “Sir, your life must be very busy with your job and your home life, I suggest that you not adopt any animal that would require a long term commitment, it may not meet your requirements and instead think of installing a pond for Koi, you may find it more satisfying.”

He looked at me dumbfounded but was quiet and taking my courage and working my charm I said “You appear to be a person who loves beautiful, graceful things, yet you need to be free to go and enjoy such beauty as well as attending to business and family which I’m sure make great demands on your time. Having a dog or cat would tie you down, you couldn’t give it the proper attention that a busy person like yourself has to deal with, but a pond to breed and raise beautiful Koi would be perfect for your aesthetic tastes and values and the amount of time and commitment that you could provide.” I was more than surprised that it stopped his bluster, and he began to preen himself muttering something about how busy and important he was.

With further discussion and nudging (on my part and my noticing a smile and a look of relief on his wife’s face) he agreed that something like that would be perfect since he was planning to expand their green house, and a Koi pond would be a perfect addition especially since in the green house it could be enjoyed year around, he could see the value in it and they left in their Mercedes.

Betty and the attendant looked at me with amazed looks and even I could feel myself in shock at having that kind of courage to try that ploy on that man, but Diva’s need to have that kind of courage.

I then realized my decision was the right one when I felt a soft, gentle, wet lick on the side of my cheek, possibly removing some of my make-up. I looked into the now bright eyes and happy face of my little ‘Cinderella’ pooch that proceeded to give me another quick, gentle lick on the tip of my nose, which left me laughing. I looked further at the little thing and realized she needed serious grooming and wondered who would be best for her, not having had this situation before; fortunately the attendant who was putting the paperwork together for our formal adoption was able to give me that information.

It seems that the Lawyer had provided a list of the vet and grooming services that had been working on her, “Well” I said “We are going to have to make you into a little Princess again.” and the attendant said, “How did you know her name was Princess?”

Over the next few days I took her into her vet and her groomer and introduced myself as “Princess’s New Mommy” (Oh that does sound so precious). She’s’ had her full check up and complete grooming from her tiny little head to her tiny little toes. (I know it does sound so Too-Too) and when she came out of the Doggie Beauty Parlor she acted like she knew that all was very right with the world.

So now Betty has her Jezebel who is the perfect fit for Betty, so sweet, and I have Princess; amazingly they get on very well when I take Princess with me to visit my dear friend. Right now in all her preened glory she sits next to me on her own chair and cushion as I write.

I make a regular donation to the shelter where I found my little Diva Darling as well as to the local SPCA. My little princess now goes with me everywhere in her little carryall. I was concerned that my housekeeper Juanita would be upset about my bringing a dog into my newly purchased house but the minute she saw her, soft words of endearments flowed from Juanita’s lips and Princess is very happy with her as well. More than once I’ve spotted them playing catch and Juanita sneaking to her tempting tid-bits. Hmmm, I think I’m going to have to watch Princess’s weight.

Ellen Degeneres and the Iggy situation helped make people aware that there is a lot of love to be adopted at the SPCA and the local animal shelter, but always be sure that it is the right fit for you.

My days are made even more interesting because of this little ball of fluff, she listens to my thoughts and offers her opinions and has the joie de vivre of life, my friends include her in all our adventures, she adores riding in my mustang “Ms. Wicked” and Bill’s Packard. She relaxes when I play the old songs, dances to Dean Martin, loves to curl up in my lap when I watch an old movie and sits right in the middle when my friends come over for hors d’oeuvres, good wine and sparkling conversation, She has become quite the Diva Darling that she deserves to be.

So now my Housekeeper Juanita has gone to join her very large family for Thanksgiving festivities. So I won’t see her for the next 4 days, she has been so excited about seeing her family.

I and Princess are getting together with Bill and Irma and Irma’s sister Iris and Bill and Betty---my goodness two Bills and they are Packard enthusiasts! Just love it! So we are going to have a delightful Thanksgiving dinner at Betty’s home, with other good friends.

All I can say Darlings is that Life for us Divas’ is Good.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving to one and all and Remember Diva’s there is a lot to be Thankful for and to also spread the blessings around to those that are not so fortunate, the Holiday Season is a very hard time to those that are not so lucky as we are.

This Diva signing off thinking of cranberry sauce and stuffing and knowing that she will have to pay for it at the gym. ***sigh****

Time to bring you up to date Darlings,

I think Darlings that it is time that I have brought all of you up to speed on what has happened in this Diva’s life.

I told you that I bought a new car “Miss Wicked” and was in the process of selling my old home and buying a new one.

Well there was a bidding war for my home, most unusual, I didn’t expect it but a husband and wife (both doctors) with two children (boy 6, girl 4) finally laid claim to it. We worked out a very happy arrangement.

Most of the furniture that I had I was happy to sell with the exception of some personal pieces, I have this beautiful Art Modern Vanity table and chair made of solid Maple that was lighten, that has a very unusual shape. It was a piece that I insisted on purchasing, even though my late husband despised it, he claimed it was too, too decadent, poor prude.

But in my previous maudlin state I told you a bit about my marriage to him, not a bad one really when you consider the number of abused women that have to suffer the tortures of the damned.

But enough of that Possums. Well while I was waiting on who would purchase my house and selling off (thanks to an excellent antique dealer that I know) what I didn’t want, I closed the deal on Iris’s house---a very simple arrangement really, had a team of workmen in there to spruce it up with paint and lay down new cedar in the closets, check out the plumbing, bought a new stove, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer, dryer. Just so much FUN!

In the mean time I had my housekeeper Juanita and her daughter Constance store for moving my wardrobe---and it was a good thing it was a team effort, there were things I decided I didn’t want. Constance was eying this evening gown that I couldn’t make up my mind about and I decided that I didn’t want it, so I asked her if she would like it (we’re the same size) and she did. So since Constance was my size we came to a very happy arrangement. I told her that if there was something that didn’t look good on her to take it to this high-end consignment shop and she could get extra money for it.

But the evening gown---It looked so beautiful and right for her----I told her she better keep it for special events. When her husband Manuel came into the room he was dumfounded, his mouth just hung open and then a big smile came on his face, and he said to her in Spanish “You are so beautiful, this makes you look like a Queen, an Angel”

Well even more things turned out just right---Poor Juanita told me that the rent on her small apartment was being raised and couldn’t afford the increase, but that Constance and Manuel wanted to take her in but things would be very crowded I told them that there is a Maid’s room at the new house and if Juanita wanted to she could move in there.

Well we all went over to the new house, (I had to check on the workmen anyway) and showed Juanita the room with its own bath. It’s view out onto the lagoon, and Juanita said that it was larger than her own apartment---- Darlings that even shocked me!

Right away we made arrangements, I talked to the workmen and told them the next room to be painted was Juanita’s and we set about choosing colors (really Juanita did I wanted it to be her choice).

Now my Dear’s where is this all going----simple----it’s a wise Diva that can take a situation and make it so that by benefiting others it also benefits you. By having Juanita move into the new house, she would be saving money on rent; her daughter knew that she would be safe. I was guaranteed that someone would be watching the house when I traveled. And Constance and Manuel would be able to help me on the property from time to time. And I could rely on them. Juanita would avoid that horrible commute and feel more relaxed and refreshed and she could park her car in the three car garage, which still left enough space to store things like extra linens or holiday decorations.

So after the workmen painted Juanita’s room, her family helped her move in, and once the workmen were completely done working on the house, I had a landscaper come in and work on improving the landscape---I decided on roses, very fragrant roses.

Then Irma and I went to Thomasville and I bought the selected pieces of furniture from the Bogart Lux Collection that I wanted. Dears the Bedroom piece with the curved headboard and matching end tables was a perfect match to my vanity table. I just knew I was on the right track. All so Art Deco to Art Modern, and then it was new bed linens, and everything else.

I’m still decorating the place, although I love the dinning room chairs I was not happy with the dinning room table, so I’m still looking for a table.

But Darlings I’m happy, comfortably ensconced in a home I adore, I sold the one that was too big for me but perfect for the family that bought it (just know that now it will be a happy home)---made a nice little bundle on the antique furniture that my late---but not very lamented husband had purchased.

And now I’m going to the Art Deco Show that will be offered in December---two days worth of looking and choosing, I don’t know what I’m going to find---but it will be fun looking for it.

Happy?? You can never be too old to be Happy and live your life and your dream, remember that Darlings.

Now I must dress, we are planning to go to Bix’s. Should be fun.

Kisses Darlings, until later, dream expensive dreams.