Keep Your "Pants" On . . .

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So I put my hands up they're playin' my song

The Butterflies fly away

I'm noddin' my head like "Yeah"
Movin' my hips like "Yeah"

So far, 2010 really has been just about as much fun as ridin' around with the Teeny-Bop music turned all the way up and the top rolled all the way down.  And I don't care who you are - that's fun.

The ARC New Year's Eve Ball was a SMASHING success!  I felt ever so pampered when treated to a sneak peek at the new Loews Midtown Hotel (details very soon).  Vince Vaughn tied the knot.  Tavern on the Green sleeps with the fishes (although I can't say that I'm too surprised.)  And Pano's & Paul's is movin' on up to The Saint Regis.

The Bachelor was submitted to an unfortunate dose of Cambodian.  Atlanta braced herself for a "Snowpocalypse."  And Macon got bupkiss.  However, there is one matter that's had EVERYONE "a-flurry" . . . The Late Night Bowl: Team Conan v. Team Leno.  I've been watching that particular match from a barstool.  Forever a "Team Chelsea" die hard, I don't understand who even has time to tune into either of them.

And as, with every "spoonful of sugar," there is a bit of medicine to go down.  I was reminded - by Roger Ebert, and by the people of Haiti, that even (perhaps I should say especially) the creature comforts of food and shelter cannot be taken for granted.

But leave it to a little one.  For, as Carl Sandburg once said, "a baby is God's opinion that life should go on."  And on January tenth, he sent an early reminder.  Kathryn "Simmons" Dupuy was born to a most excited Daddy, a Mother who was more than ready to meet her, and one very honored Aunt.  I'm not one hundred percent sure what this world will do with another "Kathryn Simmons," but the very idea of both a Strickland and Dupuy version makes me grin from ear to ear.  Simmons Dupuy's Great Grandmother once called me the Sarah Bernhardt of Macon - one of my most cherished accolades.

And after deciding that my NEW theatrical role called for a Margarita Lunch, I picked up a copy of "Out of Order," hunkered down into a booth at El Sombrero, and stocked up on a frozen Margarita and a half order of Special Nachos. No guacamole/sour cream & japalenos  on the side.  At the bottom of page thirteen, a bit of Rita dribbled down my chin and I dropped my nacho.

Stage Note: Jane comes out of the bedroom wearing a flimsy nightie.

Jane = Me.

My heart skipped a beat, a bright lights Miss Kitty sort of beat.  Or four.  But I kept reading.  And as the other character in the scene swooned over mine, I maybe even - just a teensy bit - began to get used to the idea of running around onstage in the right teddy.

And then right there, in the middle of page twenty two, I choked on a large chunk of ice and pushed the plate out of my reach entirely.

Stage Note: Jane comes into the bedroom.  She is carrying a bag.  And she is wearing a bra and pants.

I haven't seen a nacho since.

I decided that this was just the motivation that I needed to make a few health-conscious adjustments to my diet.  I would just cut out sodas, and Mexican, and Italian.  I would take a break from my True Love, the cheeseburger.  I mean, it really wouldn't be that big of a deal.  This was a good thing!  Huh?  Absolutely.

Clearly . . . the sentiments . . . of a woman . . . who doesn't understand . . . that in a British Comedy . . . you see . . . PANTS aren't "pants" at all.  No M'am, PANTS . . .

Are PANTIES!

As I'm always telling Doctor Turvy, this definitely won't be easy.  But I can promise you, that it will be interesting.  So hang on!  Tight.  Here we go.

Doctor Turvy Suggests . . . 

The Skinny Girl Margarita

(Ooh Girl It Is Sooo) Hot This Week . . .

Andy Borowitz & Lily Coyle

Thursday: NewTown Getdown at The Hay House

Saturday: Belle of the Ball at Theatre Macon, 11am - 5pm

Win a "FREE" formal dress: Purchase a dress and be entered to win a "FULL REFUND"
5 entries will be drawn.

Hundreds of NEW famous label gowns/dresses (mostly one of a kind) priced from $30-$125, including prom, wedding, bridesmaid, mother of the bride and recital dresses.

Sizes range from 2 to 28.  Proceeds go to support Theatre Macon 2010 season!


Sunday: Brunch at Dolce Vita!

Docs, Ducks & Dancing . . . With the Sugarplum Fairy!

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Once, when I was very sick, my grandmother “Honey” sent me a rather large, fuzzy, yellow duck. I lived in New Orleans and so she couldn’t cook for me or draw me a hot bath (a cure-all in our family) but the duck, she explained on the card, would certainly make sure that I was all better. Ever since then the duck, and a baby that hatched a few years later, have made their way to the homes and hospital beds of friends and family when I thought that a little extra sompn-sompn should be prescribed.

Very late Thursday night I took my web footed friends over to The Coliseum. On Saturday morning, Dr. Bickley asked Honey, “Would you like to go home?” Those are some well trained ducks! Kidding - A Toast to Honey’s doctors . . . Bickley, Ogburn, Parel, Deal . . . and some of the sweetest nurses, therapists and technicians I’ve ever met.

And despite a 12 on/12 off schedule as her roommate, I managed to find some time to stop and smell the roses. To tell you the truth, I felt as if I needed to enjoy myself enough for both of us . . . and I believe that I succeeded quite famously.

Second Sunday with the Loyds was just dee-lish! In SO many ways . . . Breakfast casserole & home fries a la Josh, Bloodies, Mimosas, Bubbles & Sparkles in cute little pink cans . . . not to mention that the performance by Molly Stevens and Shane Bridges was absolute perfection. Afterwards I spent some quality time with Little Miss Walden and Shuga D, and we had the whole park to ourselves. It’s my new fave, right next to “raindrops on roses.” Second Sunday After-Party in The Park - see ya there.

Isabel’s Girl’s Night Out was so much fun! I left with a jar full of fireflies that will serve as my new night light, a high-heeled & fur trimmed red boot that will allow me to put my best foot forward in the Christmas decor aisle, and a new “Fancy Nancy” for little Katie Grace. Isabel’s is the perfect place to tickle your own Fancy this holiday season. Her penchant for carrying the luxurious linens, gowns &serving pieces she’s known for along with $10 candles and $14 scarves makes 3121 Vineville Avenue THE spot for one-stop shopping.

In my family, we save the great big packages to open last. And that’s exactly what I did this week! The Festival of Trees Gala was the Angel atop my Frasier fir. I spent so much time with my head in the clouds and my feet on the subway this summer. And it really was so wonderful to see everyone! Ann Lovein, Anna Sharpton, Cason & Robbie Wilkin, Jennifer Fruitticher, Hayes & Clay Capps . . . I can’t possibly even begin to name everyone that was there. I can only feel sorry for those who weren’t.

Elizabeth Culp and I got some time to catch up and Kathryn Strickland and I enjoyed some friendly fire in a heated bidding war – which we both lost, unfortunately, to a much more “sophisticated” collector. The food was AMAZING . . . I mean, I’m pretty sure there were even a couple of elbows thrown over the Butternut Squash Ravioli. A Toast to Natalias! A Toast to the entire Festival of Trees Gala Committee!

“It’s windy in Chicago . . .”

Christmas will be here soon! But first, Thanksgiving. And just before that . . . I’ll be turning 30 again!!! Keep your eyes peeled for a special invitation . . .

aS

Doctor Turvy Suggests . . .

Birthday Punch

(Ooh Girl It Is SO) Hot This Week . . .

A Night In Atlantis, The 2009 Goodwill Gala

A Grand 'Ol Time

Last Wednesday I had a hot date!

Leigh, Josh & Baby-Girl-On-The-Way Loyd picked me up for dinner and a show - The Macon Civic Club's 48th Annual Musical Revue, "Opry at the Grand."

The name of the show set the stage for the adorable costumes and the musical selections that delighted my fellow audience members. (I got a little bit sentimental over the Hee-Haw skits . . . I used to watch Hee-Haw with my Grandfather, Boppa. Those times will always be one of my fondest memories.) However, had the show been named for the talent that we were treated to that evening, it more likely would have been called "To Catch A Thief" at the Grand.

The show was first stolen by David Mincey! His performance of "All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down" gave me chill bumps. A tip of the hat was definitely in order. And then what do you know? Matt Jerles "Mr. Big", Erin Bickley "Nurse Morningwood" and "The Limp Sticks" stole it right back . . .

Albert Edge and friends wowed the crowd with a choreographed, hospital gown clad chorus that made me squeal with laughter. The Rockettes can put on a show . . . but I have never before seen anything nearly as delightful as the walker-toting step ball changes that these fellows gave us.

But the most exquisite "thief" of the evening was the divine Nan Solomon. Her performance of "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue", a touching serenade in memory of Don Beaty, was breathtaking. Listening to Nan sing is like curling up by a warm fire. It's as if her sweet soul reaches right out and wraps all the way around you.

Snaps must also be given to Walter Moody & Chris Wilson (as Bo & Luke Duke), Johnny Walker & Allison Sellers (for their mad dain-cin' skills) and Robert Stribling (for his impeccable fashion-forwardness.)

I can say, without hesitation, that this was the finest Civic Club show I have ever seen. A heartfelt thanks to all of you for entertaining me so completely.

aS

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

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.

Solid Gold-en Celebrations!

. . . To Thank You For Bein' A Friend

What better way to start the Thanksgiving Holiday than with the YaYa’s! Beth (Tucker), Milly (Sanders), Leigh (Loyd), Elizabeth (Culp) and I met up at Marco. There was an empty chair that was promptly removed and I was thankful for that. It reminded me of Sweet’s absence. (Dahlin’ we missed you!) We also had a couple of fellows along that were quite . . . . . . the delight. Husbands are such a wonderful thing and - much like babies – even more enjoyable when you can send them home with the girl they belong to. Kent Tucker & Derrick Culp, neither of whom could be labeled a “shrinking violet” by any means, are the perfect compliment to a table of YaYa’s and an evening to remember.

The girls went with La Crema but I remained faithful to my true love: the Dirty Vodka Martini. There was another decision, however, that was - for all intents and purposes – unanimous . . . Branzino! You see one of us doesn’t eat things that swim and another felt as if she needed to branch out a little (having already had the Branzino-gasm so many times). Long story short . . . when the entrées arrived . . . it looked as if the “Justin Time” (a boat that I go deep sea fishing on) was backing up to our table. So “Just In” case this showstopper has evaded you, I'll give the “dish” in exquisite detail. “Branzino del Mediterraneo al sale grosso servito con gamberi saltati, capperi . . . ladida ladidi” is more than a mouthful and “Mediterranean Branzino (striped bass) baked in rock salt served with sautéed asparagus and mashed potatoes, topped with a sauce of white wine, shrimp, and capers” just doesn’t do it justice. So I’ll tell you what I love about it.

I love things that happen at the table (like "The Rock", strip cooked & presented on a hot rock at Japonais in Chicago - I also reccomend "Le Quack"). So I cop a little thrill when I get to watch them release the fish from its rock salt encapsulation with that cute little hammer. I love, love, love a “spirited” sauce - and this one is divine. I’ve had the Branzino every time I’ve ever crossed the threshold (including the mildly scarring birthday dinner when my grandmother brought up the unfortunate subject of whether or not baby boys should be circumcized . . . ?/wince/?) and I don’t plan on branching out any time soon. If you’ve not had it, the Branzino that is, you are missing out. The other is really such a personal choice and I honestly don’t know where she comes up with these things sometimes.

I do know that she is the living, laughing, loving example of how to be "young" & happy. Thanksgiving dinner at Honey's was just as magical as it has ever been and almost every year we have a special guest or two. This year, it was our cousin James (whom we've never met). He is . . . my late grandfather Boppa's sister's grandson . . . (whew). He lives in Texas, is stationed in Valdosta and contacted my dad because he wanted to be with family. It really woke me up to how lucky I am that my family is "right down the road" - even if that, in some cases, means Charleston or Savannah.

An overstuffed Thanksgiving Toast was celebrated at Chris Abbott's a little bit later. He's the host-ess with the most-ess!

The end of my week was, as the famous trio of bears' blonde friend once put it . . . "just right." Amy Hellis is not quite family and much more than your run-of-the-mill friend. Someone you "can count on" . . . we discussed over soup and sandwiches. Like the YaYa's, I've known Amy since I was an itty bitty thing. And as my favorite turkey likes to say "Macon IS a good place to be from." That's the thing about the girls you grow up with . . . friends like that are hard to find.

I'm giving thanks to have so very many of them!

aS

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

Macon Arts presents an Opening Reception for: Exploring Landscapes - Real and Imagined: Paintings by Daly Smith and Ceramics by Amy Hellis

Save The Date!

Christmas Belles

Captain Planet’s 14th Annual X-Mas Party

Somethin' "O" & Somethin' New

. . . An Appetite For Something New

Last Tuesday I met my oldest friends at Macon’s newest restaurant, The Stack. Milly (Sanders), Elizabeth (Culp), Leigh (Loyd) and Sweet (Dupuy) shared fries, homemade chips and the delightful company of two of my favorite petite belles Lillie Sweet (Strickland) and Florence (Dupuy). I was so excited that the next generation of YaYa’s could join us! Lillie Sweet is quite the conversationalist and baby Florence was so sweet . . . sitting in my lap like a little doll and coo-ing at me until I was completely under the spell of that sweet baby smell.

The Stack is, for sure, one of my new faves. The menu features a build-your-own burger assortment of meats (and a little something for the veggie lovers as well), cheeses, toppings, breads and condiments that gives a girl all the options that her heart can possibly desire. I had a turkey burger on an English muffin with garden, pepperjack cheese, black bean salsa, pepperocini peppers and ranch dressing. It was complete perfection and I will definitely be back. I’ve already promised to meet Cason (Wilkin) there . . . it’s just the spot for her to appease any particular craving she might be having that day. (SO excited for her!!!)

The very next day, my Daddy took me to another new spot - Sticky Fingers. My grilled chicken breast and veggies hit the spot and the spicy barbeque sauce that I chose was definitely up to my discriminating standards. Our father/daughter dish n dash was delish. And I now know that my Blues Name is Sticky Bones Davis . . . coming to a Juke Joint near you with the soulful sounds of Big Killer Brown. Get your fingers sticky, lick that spicy sauce right off of them, and find out what the lights will spell out when it’s your turn to take the stage.

I spent the latter part of the week enjoying the company of friends and family. My grandmother, Honey, invited me over to the Allison Park Greasy Spoon for Salmon from Hoyts. Mmm – Mmm! And I headed over to the Hellis Patio bar for cocktails and catchin’ up on Saturday.

The cherry on my Sunday was put there by Mark Brooker and the Soul Proprietors. Josh Rogers has done it again! The second, monthly Second Sunday was quite a hit. I rode with Shugar and Miss J (Jessica Walden) over to Leah's (Yetter) precious downtown Magnolia Street bachelorette pad where we made sure that the champagne and the orange juice were not mutually exclusive. Perhaps the only shadow cast over the whole day was created by the battle of the brellas. That’s right, leave it to David (Higdon) to get parasol envy and break out the big guns.

The sun set on a most delicious week as Miss J, Leah, Georgeanna (Walden), Stephanie (Shadden) and I enjoyed gourmet-secret-recipe strawberry daiquiris on Shugar’s deck. And a new one began as the sun rose on Vista Circle and I hit the pavement to sweat the toxins out with Kim (Sandefur).

aS


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

THE ANDREW J. LYNDON III COLLECTION

August 6 – Cox Capitol Theatre presents Dinner and a Classic: “Wuthering Heights”

Holly Doss Cosmetics (LA) and Perfect Pair (Nashville) - who donated auction items for Taste of Music. Interested too? Call us!

Auditions for Theatre Macon's Moonlight & Magnolias.

Nominate someone for Macon Arts' Annual Cultural Awards.

Step Right Up, Get Your Tickets Before They Sell Out . . .

Puccini's Madama Butterfly . . . Toast of the Townie, Laura Peacock will be in the chorus as a Geisha(!) and Fantasies of the Opera Ball.

Find Out Who Your Friends Are

. . . That's What Friends Are For

The Washington Post calls Five Guys Burgers & Fries "the Willy Wonkas of burgercraft." Well then . . . “come with me, and you’ll see. It’s a world of . . . “ epicurean pleasure. And that is just what my dear Milly did. I met Milly (Sanders) at Five Guys last week for a gluttonous adventure. And honey, it did not disappoint.

However, the topic on the menu for discussion – Gossip (audible groan) – was, unfortunately, not as appetizing as the cheeseburgers. I’ll tell you what, just when you think high school is so last millenium, here come the mean girls. And which of them is worse? She who fabricates the story or she who eagerly passes it along? I don’t have the stomach for either of them – a bit of pity though. Jealousy is such a pitiful girl.

Much to my surprise, a Rumor was the answer to my woes – Rumor Boutique that is. I popped in for a little retail therapy and left with an “Olho de Boi” seed necklace. One of the oldest superstitions in Brazil, the seed is believed to protect its carrier from “evil eye” or jealousy. Boy do I ever need that. And I even left a few things behind for all of you. Earrings, a precious clutch, and dresses from BCBG, Eva Franco & Envi (I know – too hilaroius!)

But as it turns out, I didn’t need the necklace at all this weekend. The YaYas (five girls that I have been friends with since I was four years old) came to town! We met up on Thursday at the Simmons to meet Baby Florence. She was perfect, just perfect. I held her . . . twice (not afraid to bogart a baby) and I fed her and, to be quite honest, I fell slap dab in love with Mrs. Dupuy’s itty bitty bundle of beauty. Florence Virginia Dupuy met the girls who love her Mommy in style . . . and with some of the most breathtaking peonies I have ever seen.

Friday night I met the girls for dinner at Taylormade Grill. Boys allowed this time: Josh (Loyd), Kent (Tucker) & Derek (Culp) were there too. And, while devouring the blueberry laden pork chop that made me want to pick the bone up and gnaw on it, I was overwhelmed by how lucky I am. There is something so very magical about being surrounded by the people who know you better than anyone else . . . at times even better then you know yourself.

If you want to know something about me, ask them. If you want to say something about me, watch out for them. Beth (Tucker), who is in many ways the heart of our group, once wrote this about me: “Ashley Smith is probably the funniest human being I have ever met. She is fiercely loyal to those that she loves, and knows how to be a true friend.” My cup runneth over.

The rest of the holiday was dreamy as well. Highlights included one trip out to the Farmer’s Market and another to Elliott Farms.

The Farmer’s Market was in full swing. God bless precious Tommy Irvin – and any other cowboy boot & suit wearing man for that matter. I get giddy just thinking about it. The bag of peaches that I bought would later meet up with New Year’s Eve champagne and big red raspberries to become fresh Bellinis that were the perfect companion to the gorgeous sun that you couldn’t help but soak up.

Monday morning Amy (Hellis) and I packed up the petites and headed out to Elliott Farms. Little Jozi was too cute for words. Charley, Sydney and Rosalee picked more strawberries than any of us could possibly eat. And I followed the peacock around in a hard-headed attempt to photograph the divine creature.

The long weekend ended with a glass of wine, true blue friends - Amy (Hellis) & Joellen (Spivey) and some much needed trash t.v. Denise Richards, It’s Complicated did not disappoint. Unfortunately (especially for the drones of Wild Things pool scene fans) another acting career may fall victim to Reality Television but I am going to enjoy absolutely every minute of it.

As for me – stay tuned . . .

aS

Hot This Week!

Wednesday, The City Club

(Steve Jukes & Mike Ford bartend. Non-members invited . . . DO NOT MISS!)

Friday, Sex & The City

Step Right Up, Get Your Tickets Before They Sell Out . . .

Chastain Park: Alison Krauss & Robert Plant, Thursday, July 10th @ 8pm. Eat your heart out . . . I HAVE TICKETS!

Looking Up & Looking Back

There's a new belle at the ball!

Writing this particular bit leaves me weeping tears of joy and happiness as I tell you that, last Tuesday at around 12:30 am, Sweet and Ben Dupuy welcomed Florence Virginia Dupuy into this beautiful world. Despite a very impulsive and decadent almost unignored whimsy to hop a plane to DC and drop into the hospital for a visit, I have not yet seen Florence in person . . . but I have seen pictures. She is . . . hmm, as a writer and perfectionist I find myself at a loss to adequately describe her! Simply perfect will simply have to do for now.

Sweet has been my friend since before I can remember. I even caught the bouquet at her wedding (which, now that I think of it, I have been meaning to speak to her about.) And I knew that Ben was for her when I saw the precious initials that were meticulously stitched onto his shirt . . . BAD. For me, such a sign sealed their marital fate - that and the fact that he was so highly amused by my tiara habit. I am so happy for them, so eager to meet baby Florence and so, so, so curious as to whether she will be a ballet flat or a peep-toe girl.

Thursday afternoon I drove out to Walnut Creek. The sun was shining, a light breeze whispered in my ear and the most beautiful (we’ll have to get some tips from Deidra) daffodils greeted me when I arrived at the Stewart Manse. I guess that right about now you are imagining me sitting poolside, overlooking the lake and sipping a glass of Sun Garden or a Bud Light. Well, guess again – I was taking a delicious dive into a new product. All five calories of Sparkling Ice are Mmm, Mmm, Mmm. I tried the Orange/Mango and the Strawberry/Kiwi. This tall drink of artesian water is a lightly carbonated must-try. I’ll let you know when, and where, you can get one for yourself.

The next day I was Raleigh bound! (A bit of trivia: Raleigh, coincidentally, is from whence the new Telegraph Publisher comes - The News & Observer, to be exact.) Sans anyone who would be tortured enough to see me leave that they might drive me to the airport . . . I rode Groome, a single girl’s best friend and far more posh than the ride that I got home - but we’ll get to that later.

Note: The candy shop at the Hartsfield has Sour Power!!! If you don’t already know what this is – PAY ATTENTION! Sour Power is a straw-shaped confection that my mom used to buy for my friends and me at the Hello Kitty Store. We would eat it out of the box until our tongues were raw. It is a part of my childhood . . . and now . . . a part of my semi-adulthood. I suggest that you make it part of yours.

Raleigh, and my mother, were both wonderful. The Tom Kha at Taste of Thai (I know – the Olive Garden-esque name of the restaurant caused me to set my expectations low but I was pleasantly surprised) . . . as I was saying, the Tom Kha was wonderful and I found a recipe so I may give it a whirl. Also not to miss is Dilly Dally, the most precious store ever! I found many things that I wanted to buy for darling Florence.

Sunday I U-hauled it home with quite a loot. My mother loaded me up with hand-me-downs . . . a term that I use loosely as most of what she sent can’t even be described as gently used. And what-do-you-know, I rediscovered another (albeit a bit less innocent) part of my childhood. The Mick Jagger, Wandering Spirit Album, brought back memories of unauthorized lake parties and trips to Atlanta for fake ID’s. Those were the days my friend.

Kisses!

aS

Hot This Week!

3/19 The Shoppes at River Crossing

3/19 More High School Reuinion!

3/21 Macon Iron "Junque"

3/23 Easter Sunrise Service

Step Right Up, Get Your Tickets Before They Sell Out . . .

Diamonds to Denim
Benefit Concert
Saturday, April 5th at 7:30 pm
The Grand Opera House

The benefit, sponsored by The ARC and The Middle Georgia Association of Realtors, will open with Shane Bridges and include the "diamond" Edward Eikner and "down home denim" Ronnie Milsap. Tickets are $50 (Gen. Ad.) and $100 (including a preview party) and may be purchased at http://www.thegrand.mercer.edu/