It's My Party!

He Said . . . Live It Off The Wall . . . (Click on highlighted words to see pictures and links) I am a sucker for throwing on a crazy costume and going out on the town. Saturday night I put on my best (and only) PRINCE outfit and trotted through Mike Ford’s Birthday Party @ the Cox Capitol Theatre with my wife “Lucky Star” Madonna! Needless to say we stood out in the crowd! Nothing causes a little CONTROVERSY like a boy in a purple suit, a hat lined in lace a little eyeliner & a feather boa escorted by a Madonna! We were blinded by the light from all the paparazzo’s cameras! I actually had a lady ask, “Will you do my daughter’s birthday party?” Hey the economy ain’t so great . . . so I said “YES!” We just popped in to extend a birthday greeting to ole’ Mike and then moon walked our way to the MMP (Michael Jackson, Madonna & Prince) Party at The SoChi Gallery. Got Into the Groove with all the P.Y.T.s (Pretty Young Things) at the MMP Party … it was SO OFF THE WALL !!! Michaels and Madonnas and Princes, OH MY! The signature cocktail: the Purple Rain was concocted by Saralyn Harvey of Good To Go catering. L.A. Times’ cover boys DJ Tagg, Roger Riddle and Dirt Dog rocked the house with all the classic Michael, Madonna & Prince hits. Even Mayor Reichert & wife Dele made an appearance. This was a Black Card Party fund-raiser for The Mentor’s Project. From the Purple Shag carpet on the walls, to the purple toile snaking through the stairway to the purple balloons all over the floor. “U Got the Look! it must a took a whole hour just to makeup your face” This was a true costume party! In addition to “Lucky Star” Madonnas, there were “Papa Don’t Preach” Madonnas, a “Like a Virgin” Madonna, a “Nothing Really Matters” Madonna, “Erotica” Madonna, “Express Yourself” Madonna, “Human Nature” Madonna . . . ok . . . there were also some Princes and various incarnations of Michael Jackson as well. There was even a “Dancin’ in the Dark” Bruce Springstein! The party was a “THRILLER!” Sunday arrived early! I awoke in a Purple Haze still Crushed with Eyeliner! PURGE, BABY, PURGE! Downsizing seems to be the trend these days. Corporate America is leading the pack . . . but we as individuals are being forced to do some downsizing as well. And that is not such a bad thing. We need to check our personal portfolios and purge what isn’t working: jobs, clients, frienemies and other excesses that are sidetracking us. Bottom line, we should all be in the process of streamlining our lives. And this is NOT a bad thing. I look at it like Spring Cleaning . . . throwing out the trash and appreciating the Good things we have in our lives: Family and true friends. Bring your best game because mediocrity will not survive! tS FABULOUS FINDS: As any true Southerner does, I love Sweet Tea and a good liquor drink! WELL . . . Heaven & Hell have collided in flames and a FIREFLY has arisen from the ashes. Catch your own at Vineville Beverage! Try the Gyros at the new Greek Corner Deli at the intersection of Cherry & Second Streets. Delish! Future Love Paradise . . . First Friday, Dec. 5th Downtown Macon MItzou Art Opening Friday, Dec. 5th @ 5pm The SoChi Gallery 534 Second Street Captain Planet’s 14th Annual X-Mas Party Dec. 12th @ The Tabernacle, Atlanta Special Guest: Chevy Chase Chuck Leavell will be performing

. . . She Said . . . And In Your Birthday Suit (Click on highlighted words to see pictures and links) In four days, I will be thirty-two years old. Therefore, THE TOAST . . . this week . . . goes to Moi! That's right - I'm not one of these "don't make a fuss", "I'm getting old", "I don't want any candles on my cake - it'll look like the burnin' of Atlanta" kinda girls. I LOVE my birthday. In fact . . . I'm a tiara wearin', sparkler blowin', "ooh-wee I can't wait to get my spankins" kinda girl. And I really am just about to come out of my skin to get them! Anyhoo . . . I realize that all of you may not be out shopping for me, in particular, but I am going to share the list . . . Ashley's Favorite Things (Please note: None of these items are under your chair - nor will they be brought out from backstage by grown people dressed as elves) Bubbles Enchantment Resort's High Desert Bath Gel Baubles Those three little words that I'm just dying to hear . . . Kenneth Jay Lane Sweet Nothings Whispered, written . . . or on your wrist? Drama & Passion A night at the Opera! Course, like I said earlier, I'm really only in it for the tiara wearin' and the sparkler blowin'! At very the top of my birthday wish list . . . would be another year . . . filled with all of the things that made this one so special. Family and a million hugs & kisses from Tucker & Katie Grace. Good Times & Great Friends like those who attended Mike Ford's "Super Sweet Sixteen." Laughter with a fellow whose face lights up over surprise cheese dip from El Sombrero. Drama & Passion finding new ways to creatively express myself each and every day. Without these things, the pretty paper and shiny bows are only wrapped around "more stuff to put away." I know - Aaawww! Now, about those spankins . . . aS Hot This Week! (Ooh Girl It Is Soooo . . . ) Joseph Ribkoff Sample Sale Twilight! John Prine Mistletoe Market The Little Prince TOP CHEF 4th Annual Goodwill Gala Friday, November 21st @ 7 pm Anderson Conference Center 5171 Eisenhower Pkwy For Tickets: call 478-475-9995 or email: Ivey Hall @ ihall@goodwillworks.org Save The Date! Christmas Belles MItzou Art Opening Friday, Dec. 5th @ 5pm The SoChi Gallery 534 Second Street Captain Planet’s 14th Annual X-Mas Party Dec. 12th @ The Tabernacle, Atlanta Special Guest: Chevy Chase Chuck Leavell will be performing

The Blonde Side Of The Moon

He Said . . . Bond Ambition Get Into The Groove . . . (Click on highlighted words to see pictures and links) Just as I’m getting used to incorporating the new catchphrase: “Facebook Me!” into my vocabulary, a new phenomenon has morphed into everyday verbiage…it’s “UNfacebook so-and-so!” To clarify: Your friend (Jane) makes an enemy (Dick.) Jane will ask you to “Unfacebook Dick!” It’s SO grammar school…but effective in punishing those who don’t play nice on the playground. Apparently one’s value is based on how many “friends” one has. The moral of the story: Don’t be a Dick! Speaking of UnFacebooking folks, a Foxy Lady asked me to light up a photo of her ex-Slim Shady. As the picture burned and the man’s face melted away, Foxy’s pack of friends howled at the moon. The cathardic cleansing was all very voodoo-esque in nature and an experience I don’t believe I’ve ever had before. So I can only say that THIS is the ultimate way to unFace (sans book) someone…without committing a crime. The ASCENSION BY NUMBER Art Opening @ The SoChi Gallery on Thursday night was certainly something to Facebook about. The Yellow, but certainly not mellow, signature cocktail “The Ascension” DEscended down many a throat. Passed hors d’oeuvres provided by The Tic Toc were also doing some descending of their own. I’m still thinking about that fig thingie. DJ TAGG brought the SoHo vibe to SoChi! Love that guy!!! The star of the show was of course the brilliant works of artist Stacy Jackson. Just like COKE, she’s the real thing! The 350+ people that attended was also quite impressive. BOND AMBITION: Were you at the James Bond Party at the Cox Capitol Theatre on Friday night? Oh no you weren’t! Bond mixologist Gene Dunwody was shaking AND stirring up some Extra Dirty Martinis as BJ Dunwody was serving up Pussy Galore by the glassful! I think I may have had one too many as I ended up taking home some pretty BONDish auction items which will go unmentioned. But I will say The World is Not Enough for Tom Carr. He wouldn’t leave without the Diamonds are Forever bracelet for wife Taffy AND the 2-hour lease on the Lear Jet from Southern Jets! It was also Jesse Gertwig-Moore’s night. Not only is he The Man with the Golden Gun, but he also got the glamour girl in the Red gown, wife Sarah! Drill, Baby, Drill! My daughter’s soccer team won the championship on Saturday! (just had to throw that in.) Men are Dogs! At least Sam on TRUE BLOOD is. No, let me clarify, he’s a “Shape Shifter!” Now THAT is cool. This is the super hero power I would like….the possibilities are endless. Music can be such a revelation … Dancing around you feel the sweet sensation. We might be lovers if the rhythm's right … I hope this feeling never ends tonight … Get into the Groove and join me for a Purple Rain cocktail on Saturday night. Put on your Raspberry Beret and Moonwalk on down to The MMP (Michael Jackson, Madonna & Prince) Party at The SoChi Gallery. The L.A. Times cover DJ’s Dirt Dog, DJ TAGG & Roger Riddle will be spinning the tunes. Come dressed as one of the 3 Icons from any decade and there will be no CONTROVERSY! tS Future Love Paradise . . . Festival of Trees Preview Gala Friday, November 14 7 p.m. at the Museum of Arts & Sciences Designer holiday trees, an open bar, silent auction, cocktail buffet by Natalia’s, and live music by “The Grapevine.” $100.00 per person. Advanced registration required: 478-477-3232 ext. 200 “MMP” (Michael, Madonna & Prince) Party. Friday, Nov. 15th at 10pm Cash Bar The SoChi Gallery James Bond Films at the Cox Capitol Theatre. Captain Planet’s 14th Annual X-Mas Party, Dec. 12th @ The Tabernacle, Atlanta Special Guest: Chevy Chase Chuck Leavell will be performing.

. . . She Said . . . The Tinman's Heart & The Lion's Courage (Click on highlighted words to see pictures and links) The past week has been quite lovely and wonderful. A fantastic party at Terrell’s (his best signature drink yet – the Ascension), First Friday (note to self – add to Birthday/Christmas list), Madagascar with my nephew Tucker (Love Moto Moto – with “a name so nice you wanna say it twice” – who also says “she loves me, she loves my eyes, she loves me, she loves my thighs” and absolutely ADORE precious Melman), Tennessee Williams’ Sweet Bird of Youth (a Toast to Jim Dear), Drinks at Tic Toc (special time with my baby sister) . . . why I was even honored with one of the starring roles in Christmas Belles at Theatre Macon (save the date!) But every single word that I tried to write about any one of those events ended up on a hypothetical piece of paper, hypothetically crumpled up and hypothetically thrown in the wastebasket . . . most of them even missed! And then my friend Adam came to my rescue. He said “Close your eyes, just breathe, and take in every beautiful thing around you . . . the words you want on paper will flow, and you'll be blessed with the greatest writing you've ever imagined . . . loves u! –Adam.” So I did. And when I closed my eyes I saw one of the week's moments, playing on the back of my eyelids like an old movie: . . . I was holding little Katie Grace (4 months), my niece, when Tucker (4 years) came over to her, placed his forehead against hers, and said . . . “you are my heart” . . . Naturally, I began to think about all of the people who are in my heart. And that’s when I realized why I was having so much trouble writing about a party or a play or a feather in my bonnet. You see, two of those people in my heart are hurting. And I feel just about as helpless as a newborn baby. I’m a great soup & food delivery girl, I give THE best hugs, and I have a forged-in-stone policy that none of my people cry alone. But both of these people live far away? And when I talk to them on the phone . . . everything just seems so wrong. A joke or funny story feels insensitive. Talking about me seems . . . well – selfish. There’s awkward when I Pollyanna out and try to make suggestions about what might make them feel better. And when I commiserate I fear that I’m bringing them even further down. As one of them prepares to lose the home that they love and another prepares to lose a loved one . . . I can’t find the right words? And then I remembered an interview that I saw. A mother was asked how she remained positive during her infant son’s final days. She said “he was here now” . . . and . . . “I could be sad later.” So I went back and watched the touching story again. And I began to feel joy . . . joy for the gift of inspiration I've received from a loved one that I've never met and joy for the memories that I've made in a house that I've never lived in. Joy . . . . . . for the courage of the ones who are in my heart. aS Hot This Week! (Ooh Girl It Is Soooo . . . ) Festival of Trees Festival of Trees Preview Gala Friday, November 147 p.m. at the Museum of Arts & Sciences Designer holiday trees, an open bar, silent auction, cocktail buffet by Natalia’s, and live music by “The Grapevine.” $100.00 per person. Advanced registration required: 478-477-3232 ext. 200 “MMP” (Michael, Madonna & Prince) Party. Friday, Nov. 15th at 10pm Cash Bar The SoChi Gallery Captain Planet’s 14th Annual X-Mas Party, Dec. 12th @ The Tabernacle, Atlanta Special Guest: Chevy Chase Chuck Leavell will be performing. Save The Date! Christmas Belles

Tricks & Treats

He Said . . . We’re Here For Your Livah And A Chocolate Kiss To Go . . . (Click on highlighted words to see pictures and links) Do you Mitzou? I do! Or should I say, I’ve been Mitzou’d! Mitzou is this fabulous French woman who does the most incredible portraits … and for a VERY REASONABLE fee. My cool friend Jessica Walden hooked me up with her and I must say, Merci boucoup! You can meet the Fab Frenchy at The SoChi Gallery on Dec. 5th. I’m having an art opening for her on First Friday. Speaking of France….who’s voting for Paris for President? My friend, Kay Johnson, smoked cigarettes with Miss Hilton (how very French!) at an L.A. club and said she’s a very nice girl. “We’re here for your Liver!” (Monty Python's "The Meaning of Life") or should I say, I was digging the fried chicken livers at the Grey Goose Players Grill. I know, I know…your mouth is watering, but I must go on. I also had fried pickles!!!! The fried food freak-out may be attributed to the hibernation mode I’ve been in but make note: the fried livers aren’t on the menu…so you have to request them. The James Bond Party at the Cox Capitol Theatre will be a Don’t Miss Party. "Diamonds are Forever," but this party is 0nly 0n the 7th! The $25 ticket price will attract all the spies in town. Bond Girls beware: if you are looking for that perfect Pussy Galore outfit, jet on over to TREASURE VINTAGE at 352 Cotton Avenue….they have clothing & accessories from the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s & 80’s. I swear I think they have that dressing gown that Maude Adams wore in Octopussy in the shop! One of the uber luxury auction items that has been generously donated is a 2-hour lease of a Lear Jet by Southern Jets. My wife, Kim, has been enjoying her celebrity this week. She was on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” this past week (actually for just a few seconds.) Now the truly amazing thing is how many people actually watch it. Apparently this show is everyone’s “guilty pleasure” but don’t tell anyone I said that. I totally dig Halloween! I love the gothic drama of if all. Trick-or-Treating is really like Door-to-Door Salesmen on Crack! Little people all dressed up in costumes, trying to scare you and take your loot. The better the ‘presentation’ the better the payoff! I must admit I enjoyed this Halloween more than most. You know Vampires are SO IN right now. Well, I got a $1.00 black cape, some KILLER make-up, blackened my hair and got my Vampire Freak ON! Scaring the chocolates out of many a goblin as they ran off screaming into the night! Simply Thrilling! And speaking of thrilling, did you attend the THRILLER DANCE on Cherry Street Halloween night? It is truly a Zombie-lishous MUST SEE! See ya on First Friday, “Bitches!” tS Future Love Paradise . . . Fashionistas beware: celebrity fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo will be previewing his ’09 collection this Wednesday, Nov. 5th in Atlanta at Neiman Marcus from 6p to 8p. “Ascension by Number” Art Opening Party Original works of Stacy Jackson Spin-master D.J. TAGG Thursday, Nov. 6th 7-10p The SoChi Gallery 534 Second Street James Bond Party “007 on 11.7 @ 7:00” Cox Capitol Theatre Benefit Attire: Dress as a Bond, Bond Villain or Bond Girl *Needing wardrobe: check out TREASURE VINTAGE on Cotton $25 admission includes a Martini, Mashed Potato Bar, Cash Bar Auction (one item: a LEAR JET for two hours!) “All That Jazz” Tubman Museum Benefit Saturday, Nov. 8th @ 7pm Black-Tie event, $100 admission City Auditorium, 415 First St. “MMP” (Michael, Madonna & Prince) Party, Nov. 15th The SoChi Gallery Captain Planet’s 14th Annual X-Mas Party, Dec. 12th @ The Tabernacle, Atlanta

. . . She Said . . . I'll Take Mine Mesmerized, THRILLed & Shebeened (Click on highlighted words to see pictures and links) What a plastic pumpkin full of treats this week had in store for me! On Wednesday, a most dashing Jim Barfield (the charmer who described me as "an arbiter of Macon style") presented "The Architectural Works of W. Elliott Dunwody, Jr." to the Downtown Macon Rotary Club. I was absolutely mesmerized! Now, I had a rather special seat - right beside Walter Elliott, who snapped the exquisite photographs in the book. So between Jim's anecdotes and Walter's occasional behind the scenes tidbits . . . I began to imagine myself wrapping this one up as a Christmas gift for more than a few of my friends and family members. On Friday, this little kitty had more fun than she could stand. I joined the girls, sans costume, at Miss Jessica "J" Walden's house for cocktails and (a Toast to Trader Joe's) the best horsey hummus I've EVAH(!) had. George (Walden) was doing everyone's makeup for Thriller Dance . . . she really is a genius and all that glitter & paint sorta "got me in the mood." So I asked her for a kitty cat nose and some whiskers and a costume began to formulate. The girl's headed downtown early and I went to pick Amy (Hellis) up. Upon seeing my nose & whiskers, Charley (a Toast to the little girl whose "trash" costume was one of the cutest I have EVAH(!) seen) shot off like a lightening bolt and returned, moments later, with a tail and a pair of ears. Voila! I was a kitty cat . . . and in the BEST company . . . with starlets like itty bitty Maggie Tucker. Amy and I thoroughly enjoyed Thriller Dance, where we ran into Anne Bragg & her little princess, Amy's daddy Charlie, Terrell & Wyatt. It was SO very Toast-worthy that we're hoping to see a longer version next year and crossing our fingers for some bleachers. Our night ended at The Riverview Ballroom, dancing our little tooshies off. As Chelsea Handler would say - "WHAT . . . a whirlwind!" Saturday, a Southern Gentleman who makes me smile (even when I'm a tad bit agitated and trying not to) picked me up looking much like I might have cut him from the pages of THE FINEST men's clothing catalogue. So I took him to my favorite place in Macon . . . the Hellis Patio . . . where I spent the evening, and a most precious extra hour, with three of my favorite people. If I could design my own "Life Is Good" t-shirt, it would have an illustration of the four of us sitting on that patio, around that lovely fire . . . . . . . And should the night be depicted in a vodka campaign - it would be called "Absolute Perfection." . . . And if we were going to say that the week was an order of hash browns . . . well then I had mine mesmerized, THRILLed, and Shebeened! aS Hot This Week! (Ooh Girl It Is Soooo . . . ) Sweet Bird Of Youth Seasons of the Vineyard A Double Feature: The Art Of Illustration & Acsension By Number Yappy Hour . . . Pets get in on the First Friday fun this Friday, Nov. 7, at the Patio behind the Hummingbird. The first-ever “Yappy Hour” is being held as a fundraiser to eliminate the gas chamber at the City of Macon Animal Shelter. 5:30-8 p.m., admission is $10 and furry friends are welcome (on a leash, of course). There will be light hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, silent auction and music by Abby Owens. Mark Ballard will be giving rickshaw rides around downtown for donations. Parking is free on the Poplar Street deck. Save the Date . . . Festival of Trees The X-Mas Party Christmas Belles

A Cup Of Joe & A Checklist

He Said . . . Can Café Society Afford a Latte in this Economy? . . . (Click on highlighted words to see pictures and links) (Devoted D.C. TOASTIE, Agnes Williams, inspired the title of this week’s entry.) Will the tanking economy mean the end of the Latte for “the Joneses?” A tip for saving pennies at Starbucks: Get a Starbuck’s card, register it on-line and you save buck … seriously. I don’t’ ever pay cash or credit there….my card provides discounts. I enjoyed lunch @ Edenz, the Vegetarian restaurant on Poplar Street this past week. Have you tried it? I had the Garlic Bread that must have been made by divine intervention….I can’t get it out of my head. Their Honey Tea is surely the nectar of the Gods. I had the $7.95 Daily Special that was delish. Followed by a “Sex Driver” smoothie. My sneezy lunch date had the “Allergy” smoothie. EDENZ offers a “MEAL PLAN” which is a multi-day money-saver. The 5-day Meal Plan will save you $36. The 3-day Meal Plan will save you $15. Call for their daily specials: 745-3336 Do I have enough dough to buy a pizza? Cost cutters, buy it by the slice. At Ingleside Village Pizza, the slices are huge. My kids eat one slice apiece … me, I go for two. 3 pieces does a large not make. Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, Jack jumped over the Color stick and blew me away with another amazing haircut. Have you made an appointment yet? Jack Adams @ Vineville Salon is a Hair DO. 478-742-3322. FORGETTING SARAH MILLER …. The James, Tom James girl just delivered some Bond-worthy clothing from ATL for me. I’ll be dressed to Kill and perusing the Obituaries so I can wear the new duds. The 3 Dubyah’s: Witches, Warlocks & Werewolves were a no-show but we were imPALINed with politics! Halloween is here! Robby & Starling Thornsberry’s HOTEL HELL Halloween Party was made all the tastier this year with the addition of The Vampire Bar. Maura Pipkins has the vamp bites to prove it! TruBlood Red was the signature color and as always, the pad looked amazing. Starling and sister Anna came as Republican darlings Sarah Palin & Cindy McCain….until their arresting costume change into Hot Cops! Another Hot Cop was Deidra Stewart! Democratically speaking, I think the hot cops were faves of the fellas! Pull out the handcuffs & billy sticks!!! The sadomasochism not was lost on me, l went as a Perverted School Teacher with spanking yardstick in hand. My wife Kim went as a Slutty Schoolgirl. Speaking of sticks, a shout out to the Hockey Mom-Palin, Barbara Jenkins! The most understated of the group was Dave Rozier’s McCain with microphone in his coat pocket escorted by his wife the impressively pearled Palin (Susan Rozier.) With plungers in hands….Joe the Plummer made an appearance or two: Jack Jenkins & Charlie McCullough. If you are looking for period pieces to wear to costume parties, check out Treasure Vintage on Cotton Avenue. It’s an amazing vintage clothing store for authentic “costumes” at 70’s prices. Happy Trick-or-Treating! tS Future Love Paradise . . . “Ascension by Number” Art Opening Party Original works of Stacy Jackson Spin-master D.J. TAGG Thursday, Nov. 6th 7-10p The SoChi Gallery 534 Second Street James Bond Party “007 on 11.7 @ 7.:00” Cox Capitol Theatre Men: Black Tie or your favorite Bond Villain Women: Come Dressed as your favorite Bond Girl ROCKING SOON... COLDPLAY @ Phillips Arena Nov. 5th & 11th 7:30 pm

. . . She Said . . . "Every Time It Rains It Rains Pennies From Heaven" (Click on highlighted words to see pictures and links) If the sky IS indeed falling, I suppose that we're all very lucky that the best things in life are free. I didn't buy a single new trinket in preparation for the Spooktacular Halloween Party at the Thornsberry's and I enjoyed a hot (and complimentary) cup of café au lait and a delicious batch of "the evening in review" at Amy's (Hellis) the next morning. My point is this . . . there are some things that can't ever be taken from you . . . and now is not the time to give them up willingly. Here are a few of my favorite things: An Economically Savvy To-Do List Gratitude A clean floor, a long hot bath, a handwritten note and a freshly polished locket are all ways to appreciate everything you already have: home, health, friends & feathers. This Moment Multitasking is practiced for efficiency - slow down already and ENJOY what's happening now. Romance the "celebration of life often through art, music and the attempt to express love with words or deeds." Sleep The crisp weather makes it so much more fun to curl up under the covers. Laughter It is absolutely the best medicine and can be found, for those of you ("Mother Tucker" ;-) who are missing Sex & The City in the WORST way, under this cover. Philanthropy I believe that the gift of your time is more precious than any other. Find an organization that values this contribution. Knowledge Wikipedia offers you a complimentary curriculum in any subject your heart desires and your fingers can type. Togetherness "The best thing to hold onto in life is each other." Audrey Hepburn Prayer The quiet, reverent, pursuit of thanks, forgiveness and deliverance creates a sense of peace and calm that cannot be found down any other path. Sunshine There's nothing like walking outside, closing your eyes, and feeling the sun (or rain for that matter) on your face. . . . These are the simple pleasures that are so often overlooked as we mourn the loss of retail luxuries. Times are tough, and, more often than we would like, things don't turn out the way we want them to. In the movie Good Will Hunting, Robin Williams' character says this . . . "You'll have your bad times, which wake you up to the good stuff you weren't paying attention to. And you can fail, as long as you're trying hard. But there's nothing worse than regret." Taking the time to check a few things off of this particular list won’t lighten your change purse one teensy bit . . . but it just might lighten your load a whole bunch. aS Hot This Week! (Ooh Girl It Is Soooo . . . ) Harley Davidson Holiday Fashion Show Haunted Corn Maze Haunted Woods Underworld Free Chicken Fingers! Save the Date . . . Seasons of the Vineyard Festival of Trees

Hotties, Toddies, Big Band & Ballyhoo!

He Said . . . Hotties & Toddies . . . (Click on highlighted words to see pictures and links) Hottie, Toddie! God Almighty! Homecoming weekend was a Back to the 80’s adventure, like fer sure! It’s been 19 to 21 years since I’ve seen the majority of these folks and I have to say, they all still know how to party! I went to Valdosta for my homecoming and fraternity reunion weekend. I needed to get in the right mindset so while driving down I switched the radio channel from Fox News to Channel 22 First Wave, the 80’s alternative channel, on Sirrius Radio. Upon arriving the memories began to flood back. My college friends will always have a special place in my life because these are the people I enjoyed so many firsts with: my first fraternity rush, the first time I won the “The first to eat the worm wins” Tequila-shooting drink off,” the first time I ever got pulled over by the cops with a keg of beer sticking out of the back seat of my convertible, my first roommates, the first time I ever dated a beauty queen, my first of many vodka-drink offs, the first time I ever heard alternative music, the first time I ever volunteered, the first time I ever ran an organization, the first time I became MYSELF! It was so great to be back after all these years. My fraternity house is now a parking lot and the frat has a new house, the school is much larger than it used to be, my fave haunts Jeph’s & Jimbo’s are no longer there. But The Wooden Nickel Pub is still serving Camel Riders and for the most part, everyone looked the same. Some of us have gained a few pounds and some gray hair, but still look pretty good. SAE Little Sisters Karen & Konda Mathis are still gorgeous and sexy as ever. Steve DeLoach is still as wild & funny as he was in college. Roger Musgrove is still as cool as he used to be. The list goes on and on. Bottom line, we were all the same people that we were back in college. These are the people who knew you when you were your best you. The truest You. The unscathed You. Before marriage, kids, jobs, mortgages, stress, success, failure had ever touched our lives. We were young and ready to take over the world. This reunion weekend took me back to that time. We are still Brothers and Sisters…Family. For the weekend, we were the same crazy college kids we were back then. Though I was away partying it up with the college buds, I did DVR Saturday Night Live so I could catch the Tina Fey & Sarah Palin skit upon returning home. Did you see it? Say what you will but Sarah Palin is a good sport! Ok, there is a new getaway in Dublin. The DUBLIN FARM is a new bed & breakfast. They hosted a media dinner there last Thursday night. Thanks to Paige Henson of HHB for organizing the event. Mark Wahlberg would love it here…”Hey Donkey, How’s it going? You live in a barn, right?” Fly that Freak Flag! The Real Housewives of Atlanta on BRAVO (Tuesdays @ 9p) Have you seen it? OMG, if you need a guilty pleasure….this is the show. These Be-otches are not trying to keep up with the Joneses … They ARE the Joneses! Or so they say. They refer to themselves as “Socialites” and “the Elite.” Who does that? If you have to TELL people you are a socialite, you Ain’t a Socialite! I imagine if you came from section 8 housing to a 15,000 sq.ft house .. you would like to think you were “the Joneses” too. I’m excited about The SoChi Gallery, my new event space. If you need a cool space for events, check us out. tS Future Love Paradise . . . “Cool Hand Luke” Dinner & a ClassicFriday, Oct. 24th, Cox Capitol Theatre, 7:30p Savannah Film Festival Oct. 25 – Nov. 1 FNI call: 912-525-5050 “Ascension by Number” Art Opening Party Original works of Stacy Jackson Spin-master D.J. TAGG Thursday, Nov. 6th 7-10p The SoChi Gallery 534 Second Street James Bond Party “007 on 11.7 @ 7.:00” Cox Capitol Theatre Men: Black Tie or your favorite Bond Villain Women: Come Dressed as your favorite Bond Girl

. . . She Said . . . Big Band & Ballyhoo (Click on highlighted words to see pictures and links) A few years ago, Historic Macon's Decorators' Showhouse was held at the home of Scott and Maura Pipkins. She (the home) stands grande, proud and elegantly across the street from the Junior League of Macon and Vineville United Methodist (where I went to Sunday school, was confirmed, and . . . yes . . . in some way involved in a particular "hymnal over the balcony" incident that, I believe to this day, remains unsolved.) Anyhoo . . . let me tellya . . . the stately old girl got down like James Brown this weekend! The house - that is. Okay, the house and everyone inside. Yez mayum! Neon ablaze, bouncers, bar wenches, a cage to dance in . . . "you had me at temporary tattoo artist!" The "Pimp"kins threw a Pimp/Ho that can best be summed up by 1. the words of one "Ruby O'rear" who exclaimed "I think there are some real ones here!" (hookers) and 2. the fact that one "Yo' Mama" . . . literally. . . forgot where she lived. I would LOVE to show you pictures but I have promised all involved to restrict that honor to facebook friends. Other highlights of the week included springin' my grandmother, Honey, from the Coliseum (a Toast to Doctors Ogburn & Parel, for taking such good care of her) and a trip to Dublin Farms for "Dinner & A Little #&&." However . . . THE Toast of the week goes to Arts on Riverdale and, more specifically, EmmaJane Canady - the tiniest fashionista. The orange boots that she busted out brought me to my knees! And I have to admit that I've been a fan of the little girl who was "a Penley" before she was even out of diapers for quite some time. But I never imagined I'd be taking style cues from her. Clink, clink . . . David & Julie. And please don't let me forget the bright pink slippers spotted on Eliza Grace Wood! The sippy cup set is putting us to shame ladies. I know, I know "Arts" not "Fashion" on Riverdale. Well - the artists were getting their swerve on too! There was local work by (one of my favorites) Daly Smith, Starling Thornsberry and Teresa Sparks - just to name a few. And there were pieces by Cindy Inman of Thomasville that caught my eye. Goodness, it was as if I had been absolutely whisked away. A beautiful day, a crisp breeze, a streetside Artist market and . . . all of it set to the quintessential beat, the heartbeat that is, of America - JAZZ . . . “Days can be sunny with never a sigh Don't need what money can buy . . . I got rhythm, I got music, I got my man Who could ask for anything more? I've got daisies in green pastures I've got my man Who could ask for anything more? Old man trouble, I don't mind him You won't find him 'round my door I've got starlight, I've got sweet dreams I've got my man Who could ask for anything more?” Ella Fitzgerald Tink, tink . . . Amazing! A great big Toast to Ed Clark and the Jazz Association. Ya did it again - it was really such a special day. As for me . . . The hangover lasted longer than the temporary tattoo and I now know the antidote to the debauchery induced illness of a Pimp/Ho to be (huh?) Five Guys! Who knew? Would that be considered a "hair of the dog" deal? I think I'll rest for a few days. Maybe involve myself in a bit of boot hunting . . . the non-pleather, non-platform variety of course. Meet me at Head Over Heels? Ginger Michelle? Karla's? I'll be there with bells on. aS Hot This Week! (Ooh Girl It Is Soooo . . . ) Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" Junior League of Macon's "Marketplace" Green Tomato Festival The new menu at Fountain of Juice! Save the Date . . . Harley Davidson Holiday Fashion Show Festival of Trees

Parachutes & Pancakes

He Said . . . “GREED IS GOOD," But It Doesn't Compare To A Bailout! . . . (Click on highlighted words to see pictures and links) So, are you better off today than you were four WEEKS ago? The plunging stock market has gotten us all in a frenzied state. Stress levels are on the rise. Is it all too much? I have an idea, get as high as you possibly can, walk to the ledge and jump! Bailout, if you will. Sorry, Gordon Gecko already took the Golden parachute, but a regular one will do just fine. Skydiving is just the ticket to recoup your zest for life. There is nothing quite like free falling from 10,000 feet to make you appreciate living. It’s the closest I’ve ever come to death, but when I landed on earth I loved life more than I ever had before. If you are in need of a little perspective-readjustment, I would suggest a “Bailout” of you own. They say people are most scared of Death & Public Speaking. Well, I didn’t die this week but I did speak publicly twice. Macon Arts hosted the annual Cultural Awards at Theatre Macon and I was the guest speaker at the Art Roundtable meeting on Thursday. I must give a shout out to my college public speaking professor Ann Lackey. She really helped me overcome the fear. Actress Jasmine Guy (Whitley from TV’s “A Different World”) was in Macon this past weekend directing the play “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf.” Did you see it? I had the privilege of being her media escort on Friday. After the 5p newscast on 13WMAZ she asked, “Does Macon have a Starbucks?” That sealed our friendship. We hit the Starbucks on Tom Hill for a little caffeine pick-me-up before her performance that night. She said she wasn’t “Feeling Macon” before she met us. She told Cindy Hill and me that she will help us promote the Macon Film Festival. If you didn’t get to meet her up close & personal, she’s super cool. I went to Jasmine’s play on Saturday afternoon and then on to a wedding. I don’t know about you, but I hate being late. Especially 20 minutes late to a wedding. Kim & I snuck in the back just in time to hear the wedding vows. Now that is late! The bride was beautiful. The groom was happy. We were thirsty…so we hooked up with Julie & Paul Tobin at Marco for a few Grey Goose & Tonics before going to the reception. The reception was large and catered by The Tic Toc Room. The drinks continued to flow and the butterfly wings were flapping oh so socially. I’m not sure what time we left but Sunday was spent in bed. My fraternity reunion & college Homecoming is this weekend. I am determined to loose 5 pounds. Vanity is one of the 7 deadly sins, right? Honk if you see me out running (sinning) down Vineville Avenue every morning this week! tS Future Love Paradise . . . “Spirits in October” is a month’s worth of events presented by Riverside Cemetery Observancy, Historic Macon & Cox Capitol Theatre. Dinner & a Hitchcock Classic, Cemetery tours, Ghost Tours, etc. For more info, call 478-742-5328 Joycine’s ART PARTNERS Wednesday, Oct. 15th 5:30 – 8 pm, 2nd Annual Art Auction Fundraiser Rosewood Ballroom: 170 College Street. For more info, call Barbara Barry-Nishanian: 478-743-3144 Thirsty Thursday, Oct. 16th 5:30 pm Luigi’s, The Rookery, Tic Toc Room, Spaghetti Alley, The Hummingbird, Cox Capitol Theatre, Michael’s on Mulberry Savannah Film Festival Oct. 25 – Nov. 1 For more information: http://www.scad.edu/filmfest or call 912-525-5050 James Bond Party “007 on 11.7 @ 7.:00” Cox Capitol Theatre Men: Black Tie or your favorite Bond Villain Women: Come Dressed as your favorite Bond Girl Rocking Soon . . . Friday, Oct. 17th, 9 pm Webb Wilder and the Beatnecks. The STAY & PLAY in Macon Concert Series at Cox Capitol Theatre

. . . She Said . . . "Insisting That The World Be Turnin' Our Way - And Our Way" (Click on highlighted words to see pictures and links) What better excuse could there be for a road trip than an eco-chic party? My thoughts exactly! First Stop: Laura Turner Seydel's EcoManor. Lunch by Six Beans & Persimmon Creek Vineyards, absolute paper HEAVEN by Verde Paperie & Forties Forward, and Jewels by Smart Glass. Well . . . here . . . have a look for yourselves! After forming a rather sizeable Christmas/Birthday list, it was "On The Road Again" . . . add a dash of scootin' up 75 and a gorgeous leafy swirl of breathtaking mountain views on 24 and, before we knew it, the Gentleman and I were strolling the streets of Nashville. If Macon is a great place to be from then Nashville is . . . a great place to eat breakfast! Saturday at Loveless Motel & Cafe, Sunday at Marche and Monday at Pancake Pantry. But the TOAST, of breakfast in Nashville, goes to none other than the Southern Gentleman that sat across from me at these stellar breakfast joints. You see . . . Sunday morning we arrived at Marche where I immediately pressed my nose to the sweets window and, salivating over chai infused creme brulee, was oblivious to anyone and everyone around us. My concentration momentarily broken by something or other, I turned around to speak to him. When I did, my heart ached with such adoration that it nearly lept from my chest. There was a woman putting her wallet back in her purse and balancing a baby boy on her hip. And the cashier was holding a tray of Halloween cookies out for her to take. And my gentleman was reaching for the tray and saying to the mother "I'll get these . . . you're holding something far more precious." As he carried the tray of ghosts and goblins out to her car, a lump formed in my throat and my eyes watered a teensy bit and I wondered how any Toast that I could ever write would do the moment any justice? The gesture was one that was so sincere, so instinctual to him and so simple & lovely at the same time. I was proud to be with him . . . to say the very least. The weekend was delicious all the way around! Atelier, one of the Artisan Shops at Loveless was DIVINE. It tops my list of shops where I could "wrap it all up" and have nothing to return. Rumba, a fabulous little restaurant recommended by G. Scott Walden, takes the cake where small plates are concerned and the drinks are an Adventure. A late night stroll through the Vanderbilt campus even made me question my aversion to formal education. Huh? And the downtown neighborhood bars are riddled with character, especially my favorite (the name presently escapes me) where I could have sworn I was mere yards from the ocean. I have to admit . . . I have never been so (UN)happy to be home. Stay tuned because . . . "Like a band of gypsies - I just cain't wait ta get on the road again!" aS Hot This Week! (Ooh Girl It Is Soooo . . . ) Dinner & A Classic At Cox Capitol Theatre James Stewart and Doris Day are absolutely stellar as parents anxious for the safety of their son who has become an unwittng pawn in an international assasination conspiracy. It's "The Man Who Knew Too Much" from 1956. Your dinner menu is: Roast Cornish Game Hen, Wild Rice & Seasonal Vegetables 3 Bands For 3 Dollars The Fifth Annual Arts on Riverdale, this on is a can't miss people! A fellow with a Hoopty . . . the Gentleman won't be here and I'm going to need a Pimp to take to the Pipkins'!!! Hay Day! The new menu at Fountain of Juice! Seriously y'all . . . I had the new portabello sandwich and it rocked my WHOLE MOUTH!

October Isn't Over, In Fact The Fun Has Just Begun!

He Said . . . “A-Tisket, A-Tasket, Let’s Call It A Trillion - And Tax It!" & Other Nursery Rhymes . . . (Click on highlighted words to see pictures and links) After the VP debate on Saturday Night (LIVE) I’ve made my decision. I’m voting for TINA FEY! All others PAL - IN comparison! Wink. Wink. Wave. Ok, I’m going to Pull-a-Palin: wink-wink-wave to Kay Johnson for showing me a “monumental” afternoon in Atlanta on Thursday. I’m still pinching myself just thinking about that Lobster Burger @ STRIP in Atlantic Station. I didn’t get Shucked & Sucked this weekend. But I did enjoy some Green Eggs and Ham. SEUSSICAL THE MUSICAL is a Run-Don’t-Walk! Opening Night at Theatre Macon was a sellout . . . as in not a seat was left to be had. Props to Director Katy Thompson and the fantastic backdrops provided by Backdrops Fantastic. The Technicolor performance is more magical than an acid trip! Listen, I know the Grinch Stole Christmas, but Jake Adams’ Cat in the Hat Stole the Circus McGurkus!! This Cat’s Purr-formance was just about Purr-fect! Jim Crisp, I’d keep this one on the catwalk. All the Who’s in Whoville must agree when I say that Adams and the Seussical cast are this week’s Toast of the Town! I meant what I said and I said what I meant, Seussical is the musical that you gotta be at! The Mayor and the Dele The Mayor and the Dele Hi-ho, the derry-o The Mayor and the Dele were all over SoChi on First Friday with Beautiful Bowen in tow! Were YOU? The art opening for Craig Coleman & Katy Olmstead at Macon Arts was certainly the best first stop. If you like cutting-edge, don’t skip this exhibit. Some of the pieces are ”outside the box.” Other pieces ARE the BOX. But none of it is “interior designer art.” You won’t buy this art to match the sofa . . . but you will buy a sofa to match this art! After several glasses of wine (from a bottle, not a box), I moseyed on down to Market City Café to meet Reg & Suzanne Rogers, Curtis & Jenn Hayslip and my wife, Kim, for a much needed “licka drink.” Sadly, this was not to be - due to the Senior-sized Junior League crowd. The time went “tic toc” . . . and so did we. Hey Diddle Diddle, it was gettin’ late and the cat was playin’ the fiddle. We found a cozy street-side table at the Tic Toc Room where the double Goose & Tonics jumped over the lime! I ate the cow, Rare! The little dogs laughed to see such a sport and after the dishes were clean we ran away with the spoon (just kiddin’ Cesare, it was in the rhyme.) . . . I meant to say, we ran away with the spooks. Yes! The spooks of the Underground Haunted House at the Children’s Museum. Their slogan is “Where Your Screams Come True.” And hey, our screams did come true! Didn’t they Honey? We were in a dark room. I jumped at a fright . . . but had no sight, and landed on the Toe of my Ho. Talk about a scream coming true! I thought her tears were from terror. But as she punched me in the back and screamed “GET OFF MY FOOT!” I realized her tears were from Terrell! I truly prefer my blood on TV. . . not in the shoe of my wife! While on the subject, have you gotten sucked into the new HBO vampire series TRUE BLOOD? I’ve mentioned this before because of the show’s Macon star: Carrie Preston. But the TRUEth of the matter is I’ve turned into a fan . . . a “Fangbanger” if you will. If you’ve not seen it, check it out. I’m sure this Bloods for You. tS Future Love Paradise . . . “Spirits in October” is a month’s worth of events presented by Riverside Cemetery Observancy, Historic Macon & Cox Capitol Theatre. Dinner & a Hitchcock Classic, Cemetery tours, Ghost Tours, etc. For more info, call 478-742-5328 Joycine’s ART PARTNERS Wednesday, Oct. 15th 5:30 – 8 pm, 2nd Annual Art Auction Fundraiser Rosewood Ballroom: 170 College Street. For more info, call Barbara Barry-Nishanian: 478-743-3144 Wild Game Dinner @ Edgar’s Bistro. Saturday, October 25th @ 7 p.m. Reservations Required: 478-471-4250 Savannah Film Festival Oct. 25th – Nov. 1st For more information: http://www.scad.edu/filmfest or call 912-525-5050 James Bond Party “007 on 11.7 @ 7.:00” Cox Capitol Theatre Men: Black Tie or your favorite Bond Villain Women: Come Dressed as your favorite Bond Girl Rocking Soon . . . ALLMAN BROTHERS @ Chastain Park, Oct. 10th & 11th

. . . She Said . . . "If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good." (Click on highlighted words to see pictures and links) So says the fascinating Theodor Seuss Geisel . . . Dr. Suess! And I must tell you, it's a sentiment that I found myself expressing at the end of what was . . . an entirely . . . delightful . . . weekend! I had myself all whipped into quite the tizzie (over Friday night) for most of the week. Macon Arts, Marketplace Martinis, September Hase at Cox Capitol Theatre and the list goes on and on and on. Culturally speaking - I was in over my well scheduled head! Sans the ability to clone herself - what's a girl to do? However - in a single, clarity-inducing moment during which Charley Hellis invited me to be among her "Friends & Family" for the dress rehearsal of Seussical . . . I knew, for sure, that there was only one place for me to be - seated at Theatre Macon as both VIP and VHP (very honored person)! The sneak peek that I partook of par-took my breath away! A Toast goes to my friends Kate Long, Catey Beth Cohenour and (of course) Thing Two AND Cadet . . . Charley Hellis. They were simply adorable and I cannot wait to see their next appearance on stage. And THE Toast goes, without a doubt, to Leah Parris as Gertrude McFuzz. Her, at times heartbreaking, adoration of Horton made my own Seuss-loving heart swell (in a way that it hasn't since Taylor Momsen's portrayal of Cindy Lou Who) and reminded me of another little something that the Dr. Once said. "You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams." Hmmm . . . Ahhh! Saturday morning, what I was in love with WAS my sleep - and my eyelids . . . a love affair that ended WAY too soon. Seven o'clock a.m. is an hour that I don't even see on weekdays! But what a delicious treat was in store for me. I attended the Crossroads Writers Conference. It began with registration and a bit of reflecting on my part - including a chilling recollection of my aversion to formal education. The bagels and croissants at Market City were great! Although . . . I think the plates were hiding out with the liquor that Terrell was looking for the night before. But four or five cups of coffee later I was transformed . . . and this note-taking, teacher's-pet-yearning, sponge-braining, Soon-to-be (paid) writer-to-be machine was AB-SO-LUTELY BLOWN AWAY! Chris and Heather outdid themselves . . . and if you write . . . and if you weren't there . . . well then you should just be too ashamed to leave the house for a while. A Toast to Miss Jessica "J" Walden, and to Rick Hutto, and most especially to Ad Hudler. Please forgive me for not laughing at your periodontal parable. I am absolutely certain that it was devastatingly hilarious. But I was too tired, and too in deficit of attentiveness, and too low on caffeine to even muster a giggle. I beg you not to take it personally? And THE Toast . . . goes to Stanley Booth. Mr. Booth stole my heart with an opening proclamation that he had "married over his head" and the subsequent telling of "the most romantic thing that ever happened to" him. After listening to the story of a young poet named Diann Blakely who wrote a review in Nashville Scene of a book written by Stanley Booth and then, unbeknownst-to-her, stole his heart forever with a single poem . . . I couldn't help but feel that a teensy piece of mine had been stolen as well. The culture that you seek, is alive and well in the heart of our dear city. A heart that (much like the one beating in Dr. Seuss' classically misunderstood Grinch) is much bigger than it often appears. aS Hot This Week! (Ooh Girl It Is Soooo . . . ) My Manicorn! SunTrust Bank - but only if I can find someone who will help me clear up the internet scam I seem to have been targeted by. September Hase! They rocked the CCT on Friday night and, if you haven't seen the band that brought Alan Walden out of retirement, you must do so ASAP. New Year's Eve - Save the Date! A fellow with a Hoopty . . . If my G Man is out of town - I'm going to need a Pimp to take to the Pipkins'!!! The new menu at Fountain of Juice! Seriously y'all . . . I had the new portabello sandwich and it rocked my WHOLE MOUTH! Seussical the Musical continues at Theatre Macon.