An Appetite . . . For Staunch Women

"Oh, yes, I did. I did, I had my cake, loved it,masticated it, chewed it and had everything I wanted."
a
I "met" Big Edie Bouvier Beale and Little Edie Beale this week. And as far as I'm concerned . . . everything else pales in comparison!
a
Grey Gardens is first and foremost an East Hampton Mansion designed by Joseph Greenleaf Thorpe in 1897. And "the Edies" are Jackie O's aunt and first cousin. The connection between the two has given way to a Broadway Musical, a play, a song, and (soon) an HBO movie starring Drew Barrymore. And when you begin to research their influence on fashion and pop culture, it really is a teensy bit overwhelming.
a
I spent Sunday with Miss Jessica Walden (sipping a delightful combination of caramel ice cream, chocolate covered coffee beans, mint chocolate cookies, and a wee bit of hooch: vodka and Kahlua . . . that - "er" . . . somewhat resembled a milkshake) watching the Documentary that started it all.
a
The Maysles Grey Gardens Documentary is a film that has made me think, really think more than any other that I have ever seen. I don't know whether to be entertained or horrified. I don't know if . . . . . . well I just don't know. But I do know this. It's as if you are right there in the room with them. And I love the challenge that the enigmatic pair has presented my brain in the "put your big girl panties on and wrap yourself around this" department.
a
The thing that stuck with me is this. No matter how imperfect things can be, in squalor even . . . Life is Beautiful.
a
And the (somewhat miraculous in my opinion) thing that I saw through that camera lens and on the television, was what happens when someone tells you, shows you, bares to you . . . unabridged authenticity. It was mesmerizing and I will watch it again.
a
Miss J plans to have a Grey Gardens Party. One that we haven't even begun to plan. She was kidnapped the very next day, you see. She was taken into the woods & forced to wear (gulp) flats. I know, I KNOW.
a
So if the Big Bad Wolf doesn't get her (you know he'll be out there) and she doesn't break a bone trying to walk flat-footed, we'll resume "Garden" Party planning. And I'll let you know ALL about it.


aS


Hot This Week! (Ooh Girl It Is Soooo . . . )


Lily Barksdale Hatcher! Congratulations to Sally, Gene & Big Brothers Stetson & Cal.


The White Bean soup at Fountain of Juice!


Five Women Artists: A Panel Discussion


The 11th Hour’s Readers’ Choice Awards, Thursday, January 29th 7pm (Voting is a must! Of particular note - and hilarity - is the last question.)


Third Annual Big House Revival!


The Superbowl, NFL Trivia Super Bowl Edition!


Save The Date . . .


Macon Civic Club’s 48th Annual Musical Revue


“Opry at The Grand”


Feb. 4th – 7th


For Tickets call 478-301-5470.


Macon Film Festival (MAGA)


Feb 19 – 22, 2009


The Macon Film & Video Festival (MAGA) announces special guests Vince Dooley, Karen Black and Carrie Preston will be in Macon for the fourth annual film festival taking place in historic downtown Macon.


MAGA Executive Producer Passes are $100 and includes admission to the entire festival. It also includes access to nightly MAGA after-parties and a V.I.P. meet-and-greet with Vince Dooley, starting at 5 p.m., at the Grand Opera House, where pass holders will also have reserve seating for the documentary screening.


These passes are free to volunteers! So call me at 361-9645 if you’re interested.