Friday, August 31, 2007

We interrupt our regularly scheduled program.....

to report on breaking news:



Gay Marriage ruled LEGAL in Iowa!!!



A Superior Court judge in Polk County, Iowa, ruled Thursday that the state's ban on gay marriage is unconstitutional and ordered the county to grant marriage licenses to six gay and lesbian couples, the Des Moines Register reported. .......... The ruling by the Des Moines court augurs "full equality for all Iowans, including gay and lesbian Iowans and their families," Lambda Legal attorney Camilla Taylor said in a statement.
"This is the first marriage case launched in the American Midwest and shows that fairness and equality for all are valued across our nation. The Iowa Constitution has lived up to its promises of equality for everyone," Taylor said.




And two days ago Iowa's House passed gay civil rights protections Wednesday as the state moves to become the 18th to ban discrimination against gay men and lesbians in the workplace, housing and public accommodations.



In November 2003, Chief Justice Margaret Marshall ruled that gay marriage was legal in Massachusetts. In the past four years this ruling has stood up to many challenges and, through the hard work of MassEquality which I am privileged to support, will remain the law forever.



One thing we are grateful for in Massachusetts is that Mitt Romney is no longer our governor. Mitt never did represent anything that this state stands for IMO and, of course, he has come out with a statement against the Iowa ruling. Please,please,please ...DO NOT VOTE FOR HIM IN THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.



CONGRATULATIONS TO THE STATE OF IOWA AND TO ALL LGBT CITIZENS WHO LIVE THERE!!!!





Countess Bedelia 8/31/2007 09:20:00 AM | 1 comments |

Thursday, August 30, 2007

The Farewell Ball, Act One

For once I am at a loss for words......words that can convey my gratitude to the Baron of Troy for the party that he threw in my honor last night. A simple "Thank You" seems inadequate but it is the best I can do....


Thank you, Troy!!!


Another special thank you goes to my friends, Stew, Ricky, and Dale who brought me flowers and gave me a very special card. I am a fortunate woman to count them among my friends.


When I read the card, tears came to my eyes. I am truly overwhelmed by their love and friendship.


Dear Countess,


How grateful we are to your spirit, generosity, graciousness and humor! It has been a season to remember! Wishing all good things to you, your friends and family from our own BTF family which (even in a black wig and dark sunglasses!) you are a part.


Don't forget us. We'll surely never forget you!


Best!

Stew, Ricky, Dale, Erin
Countess Bedelia 8/30/2007 10:03:00 AM | 1 comments |

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Invitation to the Farewell Ball for The Countess...

The Baron of Troy has issued a formal proclamation to all of the Berkshires to attend the Farewell Ball in honor of The Countess Bedelia.


Full Royal Regalia is required for admittance to the Halls of Rumpy.




I'm sooooo excited. I have ordered the carriage for tonight. The Countess du Barry has returned to accompany me to the ball.


The jewels have been taken out of the vault, the designers just dropped off the ballgown, and the team of hairdressers, makeup artistes, and other servants are scurrying around to prepare us.
Here is the "before" picture....
Stay tuned for "after" when I give a full report of the exciting festivities.


Countess Bedelia 8/29/2007 07:09:00 PM | 0 comments |

Monday, August 27, 2007

Monday Morning Ramblings.......

My dear Mrs. Astor, the grand doyen of South Beach Society, is worried about me and thinks a stint of Castle Rehab is just what I need. I think she is mixing me up with her friend, Mamie Stuyvesant-Fish. I only drink after five (and it IS after five somewhere on the planet at any time of day!!) like any lady of high society and then, only Glenlivet. What is there to worry about?
Personally I think someone who has her hair done by Rosie the Riveter should worry about herself and leave others to their own vices. Here is Mrs. Astor at the latest Palace ball.

Someone asked me recently if the unseasonable cold weather we are having in the Berkshires was bothering me during my sojourn at the Summer Palace. I said, "I hang out in theaters and bars. The weather doesn't concern me at all." Really!!

Speaking of the theater, I have some recommendations for all you philistines to get off your duff and go out and enjoy some first rate productions if you are out here in the fabulous Berkshires. And if you're not here, you should be!!

At The Berkshire Theatre Festival in Stockbridge you can see two first rate productions. "Mrs. Warren's Profession" on the Main Stage is getting rave reviews for the actors and the whole production. Xanthe Elbrick as Vivie Warren and Lisa Banes as Mrs. Warren are two powerful actresses who are chewing up the scenery in these two roles. Xanthe was nominated this year for a Tony for her role in The Coram Boy on Broadway last spring. Randy Harrison, Walter Hudson, Stephen Temperley, and Mark Nelson are the four men surrounding these two women and each gives a fantastic and well rounded performance.

At the intimate Unicorn Theater at BTF you can see "Educating Rita" starring the great Jonathan Epstein and the fabulous Tara Franklin. I don't know when I have seen a better production. On opening night last week, these two actors just amazed me. I have seen them both in several other plays but IMO they have never been better than they are in this play.

On August 30th you can go to the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington to see a fabulous cabaret show "Fly Me to the Moon" which is directed by Charlotte Kaufman, the founder of Boston Musical Theater. Charlotte has had a long career in music and she assures me that this will be a fantastic show. I actually met Charlotte while I was getting my nails done at Lucky Nails in Lee. So you never know who will be sitting next to you wherever you go. Good luck on Thursday, Charlotte. I will see you there!


While I was at BTF last Saturday night enjoying Mrs. Warren's Profession, a young man took the seat next to me. He happened to be Ted Gallant, the Technical Director of the Portland Stage Company in Portland, Maine. His wife, Marjorie, is a Stage Manager in the summer season at BTF and then joins him in Portland for the winter season. The list of plays for the 2007-2008 season looks great. I'm ordering a season subscription so you will probably get some reviews from me about this company.
Yesterday I attended the final performance of "La Boheme" performed by the Berkshire Opera Company at the Colonial Theater in Pittsfield. You youngsters might be aware that the hit show "Rent" is based on this opera. This production was as good as any I have seen at The Met in NYC. Beautiful voices, acting, and good production values. The pre-show talk by the Musical Director, Kathleen Kelly, was particularly interesting.
So you see, Mrs. Astor, there is nothing to worry about. Theaters and bars are a fine place to be when you are in the country!
Countess Bedelia 8/27/2007 01:07:00 PM | 0 comments |

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Hold onto your hats, it might be a bumpy ride....

It actually started a couple of days ago at Michael's of Stockbridge, the famous Karaoke bar that you have seen The Countess perform at (badly!!!). I went into the bar and the wonderful Susan had the Glenlivet on the bar for me before I sat down....now that is service!!! Susan steered me into a seat next to Tim. Tim turned out to be a fabulous singer (who dedicated two songs to The Countess) and also a wonderful conversationalist and first rate bar stool companion!! Tim is also a gigolo from Las Vegas who likes to live the high life!!



Tonight I was out and about at the theater and some other social obligations for most of the evening, but I knew that Rumpy's would be jumpin' and that was where the action would be. When I walked in, Troy gave the Royal Fanfare to greet The Countess and royal courtesies were observed all around. I was a little confused because Troy seemed to have joined the Navy with his uniform but he assured me that his naval service only extended to his belt line.....LOL!


I met a most delightful couple, Brian and Jesus, who are actually from my part of the world. I gave them The Countess Card and told them to expand their horizons and go the Palace Bar on South Beach. Ditmar and Alexis...be on the lookout for these two boys and give them the Royal Treatment!




A couple of weeks ago the Principessa and I attended a performance of Blue/Orange at the Shakespeare & Co. I had seen a production of "Rough Crossing" there earlier in the week. So, of course, tonight at Rumpy's I meet one of the stars, Jason Asprey. He is a wonderful actor and if you ever have a chance to see him in a production, do yourself a favor and go and enjoy. A truly talented person and a pleasure to make his acquaintance. Some of you might recall that I met Leroy McClain at a party at the Berkshire Theatre Festival and promoted him to "the Next Broadway Star"in my blog of June 23. Leroy was in Blue/Orange with Jason. It is a fantastic production and is still going on; so get tickets and adore these actors as I do.



After dancing with the young folks and yakking it up with everyone else, The Countess was a bit thirsty. Troy served up a BIG GLASS OF WATER...LOL!!!





As you have probably already figured out, people approach The Countess and introduce themselves. I love meeting new people and making new friends. Tonight I met Ben, a bartender at Firefly, and Carrie, who works at Chez Nous. These two beautiful young people made my night by introducing themselves to me and telling me a little bit about their lives.



The ball just keeps on rolling!!

Countess Bedelia 8/26/2007 02:32:00 AM | 1 comments |

Friday, August 24, 2007

New Readers Welcome!!!

Tonight at Rumpy's I met some new friends.
First up is Amelia. Now when the Countess Bedelia meets Amelia, the stars are aligned and the heavens have ordained that we should meet. Amelia is a beautiful lesbian who should be meeting another beautiful lesbian but instead met up with me. I hope I see her again. She is a wonderful person.



Then I met Phillipe from France who is visiting his friend Brian. I told Phillipe that I might be a guest at a castle in the Loire Valley outside of Tours next May and he assured me that it would be peak season and we would all have a wonderful time. Bon Jour, Phillipe.



Then the DJ put on Flash Dance, the old Jennifer Beale hit, and the girls got me up to dance. You can't dance Flash Dance unless you have a bare shoulder. In spite of the fact that the old lady has seen better days, the kids all danced with her.



The famous artist, Michael Allen Lowe, showed up and showed some skin. He is a sweetie even if he doesn't want you to think he is.



My pal, Troy, the Bartender Extraordinaire, keeps the action flowing at the bar like any good bartender does.


The Countess always has a good time with everyone she meets.
Countess Bedelia 8/24/2007 01:20:00 AM | 2 comments |

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Life goes on....

Even though du Barry has left me alone here in the wilds of western Massachusetts, life must go on. I gave myself one day to rest and then it was time to get going once again.

I started the day at the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield attending a lecture with the famous composer and conductor, John Williams. The program was hosted by Martin Bookspan who did the broadcast "Live at Lincoln Center" for 30 years until he retired in 2006. Mr. Williams told so many wonderful behind the scenes stories of all the movies he has scored like the Star Wars series, Indiana Jones, Schindler's List, and the Harry Potter movies. He has scored over 100 movies and written many more classical compositions for orchestra. A fascinating man and a wonderfully entertaining morning.


Later I went to a play put on by the Barrington Stage Company in Pittsfield, "The Mysteries of Harris Burke". It was an interesting little musical. But afterwards I was still feeling pretty lively so I went over to Michael's in Stockbridge and met a new bartender, James. I bet you thought I knew them all, didn't you.

Here is James and Greg behind the bar. Greg is going to be a famous rock band drummer some day, so keep an eye out for him.


Then my Berkshire Theatre Festival pals came in, Stew, Ricky, and Erin, and we ended up closing the place.


The good times are still rolling along!!!!!!
Countess Bedelia 8/22/2007 03:56:00 PM | 0 comments |

Monday, August 20, 2007

du Barry has left the building.....

My dear Countess du Barry has departed for her castle in Newport and I miss her already. We had a wonderful week of laughter, pranks, dinners, theater, and general mayhem. The Berkshires will never be the same.


One final display of the Royal Crowns and Royal Sceptor (appropriately propped up on a glass of Glenlivet)......


She had a grand send off at Rumpy's. This Countess performed her signature dance to The Scissor Sister's "I Don't Feel Like Dancing". The crowd roared their approval and du Barry acknowleged the Royal Tribute. A fitting farewell to a Royal Lady.

Countess Bedelia 8/20/2007 12:18:00 PM | 0 comments |

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Back to Basics

Now I have to admit that we have been having a little fun with Mrs. Astor for the past few days. Countess du Barry and I have been thinking up all kinds of outrageous things to make her hair stand on end. We know that she will call out the Council of Countesses soon to throw us out of Royal Society if we continue to keep up our very bad behavior. So today we are back to basics....


Brunch at the Summer Palace with a few of the most delightful boys. Countess du Barry prepared the following menu:


August 19th Sunday Brunch at Noon

Main Course:

French Toast stuffed with Blueberries, Strawberries, and Cream Cheese
Served with Grand Marnier infused maple syrup with strawberries & blueberries

Sausage Links

Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict

Smoked Nova Scotia Salmon pate with bagel chips

Bloody Marys & Mimosas


Dessert:

Alka-Selzter over Tums


While at Rumpy's Tavern we did meet up with the most adorable Ryan who is moving to this area and wanted to meet some family. Even Mrs. Astor will have to admit that he is a cutie.


Also on the invitation list was Scott and his partner Adam. They graced our brunch with their wit and elegance.


Now because the Countess Bedelia was involved, there might have been a few bawdy stories told involving pumpkins, bananas, and possible police arrest; but for the most part, it was a social occasion with the highest decorum. We did cover the Count de Jardin's ears when vegetables were mentioned.
We are ladies, after all.
Countess Bedelia 8/19/2007 04:24:00 PM | 2 comments |

Saturday, August 18, 2007

The Countesses Entertain in the Summer Palace

Introducing to the Northern Court a new dignitary, the Count Oliver de Jardin. We were introduced to the Count at Guido's Gourmet Produce Market and it was love at first sight.



The Countess Bedelia, Countess du Barry, and Count Oliver de Jardin entertain their guests at an elegant dinner soiree.




Plastic Mules by Ferragamo = $285


Caftans by Zsa Zsa Gabor Collection at Bergdorf Goodman = $564


Upstaging Mrs. Aster = PRICELESS !!


p.s. du Barry Trust Fund intact.
Countess Bedelia 8/18/2007 06:25:00 PM | 1 comments |

Thursday, August 16, 2007

Just for Mrs. Astor......

The Countesses gather at Rumpy's Tavern.


Countess Bedelia, the newly crowned Baroness of Troy, and Countess du Barry grace the halls of Rumpy's with style and royal aura.
Countess Bedelia 8/16/2007 12:44:00 PM | 2 comments |

The Countesses lead "The Simple Life"


Fred and Ethel at the trailer court:


Ethel: They're here again with their fuckin' tiaras. What are they doing?


Fred: Ungngngn.......


Ethel: They do have nice outfits...what do you call them things?


Fred: Ungngngn........


Ethel: Fred! Get the shotgun!


DumDumDumDumDum..........
Countess Bedelia 8/16/2007 12:06:00 AM | 3 comments |

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Royalty visits the Berkshires

The very famous Countess DuBarry is visiting the Summer Palace for a week. During this time we will have dinners, fancy dress balls, theatrical productions, and many local dignitaries paying their respects.


First step for a new visitor to the region is drinks on the porch of the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge. The very handsome bartender and exceptionally cute bellman helped to make the Countess DuBarry feel right at home. Here she is enjoying her martini on the porch this afternoon.


Of course no visit from the wonderful and magnificent Countess DuBarry would be complete without a few prezzies and surprises. She gifted this Countess with a magnificent string of diamonds and many of her home cooked delicacies.....peach mango jam being my very favorite!


And there is more to happen during the week. This is just a hint of the surprise awaiting the Dinner Guests on Friday night.


Stay tuned for the further adventures of the Very Merry Countesses.
Countess Bedelia 8/14/2007 05:54:00 PM | 1 comments |

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Karaoke at Michael's in Stockbridge

Michael's was quiet on Saturday night until my gang swept in. The Countess, the Principessa, and Cat, with a little help from Paul, belted out "Eight Days a Week" by the Beatles. We were pretty bad but at least they didn't throw us off the stage.


The Singing Bartender, Brianna, was behind the bar and behind the mike a few times. She has a beautiful voice and will be going on some auditions later this month. Good luck, Brianna!


Let the Good Times roll!
Countess Bedelia 8/12/2007 01:07:00 PM | 4 comments |

Saturday, August 11, 2007

The King of Karaoke

Maurice Peterson, the King of Karaoke, entertained at Rumpy's Tavern last night. The Countess even wore her royal crown to attend such a command performance.


The Principessa is visiting the Summer Palace and she had to have her picture taken with The King.


More Good Times!
Countess Bedelia 8/11/2007 10:43:00 AM | 3 comments |

Friday, August 10, 2007

Gladys? Who's Gladys?

The Countess had a fun time at Rumpy's Tavern last night partying with the camp counselors from Camp MahKeeNac. Lots of beautiful young people from England and Australia. For some reason they all started calling me Gladys!


"Gladys, take a picture." "Gladys, dance with me." "Gladys, sit over here."


"Gladys, you are a legend!" I am a legend...in my own mind...and now these kids have confirmed it.


As usual, I just went in for one drink and say "Hi" to Troy, the bartender, and I ended up closing the place. Here is Troy behind the bar. Isn't he handsome?


Good Times!
Countess Bedelia 8/10/2007 07:17:00 PM | 3 comments |

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

This Day in History....

On August 8, 1974 President Nixon announced he would resign the following day as a result of the Watergate scandal. And the country didn't fall apart or descend into anarchy. Compared to what we are dealing with today, a little eavesdropping on a campaign headquarters seems pretty small potatoes.

Why are we still stuck with this?

Now that's a real crime.



We still have three of the original four jokers in power.

And this is their legacy.

Isn't it time to get the ball rolling?


Why are these people still in office?
Countess Bedelia 8/08/2007 08:10:00 AM | 1 comments |

Monday, August 06, 2007

do u read rosie's blog?


i am fascinated with rosie o'donnell's blog and her poetry with no capital letters or punctuation
she is a force of nature, that woman
and so generous with her time and money
she started rbk kids about 5 years ago for NYC inner city youth
the kids started in the fifth grade and now they are ready for high school
the kids just did a musical revue "this joint is jumpin" last friday
u can read about it on rosie's blog
Countess Bedelia 8/06/2007 03:06:00 PM | 0 comments |

Sunday, August 05, 2007

Living the good Life in Lenox.....


LENOX
"Currier and Ives lovely" is how LIFE Magazine recently described Lenox, in the heart of the beautiful Berkshire Hills in Western Massachusetts.

The Countess is enjoying her stay at the summer palace in Lenox. Today I took a walk around town. It is such a beautiful day here. Mid 70's, sunny, dry air, mild breeze. Lenox is full of little shoppes, restaurants, bars, inns. One of my favorite places is the Berkshire Classic Leather & Silver Shoppe.

The owner has a beautiful silver necklace that he forces your Countess to wear around the store.....just to get the "feel" of it. I just know that I will be back there to buy it soon!!!



Tonight is the Gala at the Berkshire Theatre Festival. Cocktail reception, entertainment, and dinner. Very High Society. The gown has been delivered and the jewels removed from the vault. We are ready to be amused.
Countess Bedelia 8/05/2007 02:45:00 PM | 2 comments |

Friday, August 03, 2007

Politics as usual,,,,,

Many of us are discouraged by the current crop of Democratic presidential hopefuls and their lack of full support for gay marriage and gay issues in general.

Matt Forman, the Executive Director of the National Gay and Lesbian Taskforce, has an excellent synopsis of the candidates on his August 1st Blog entry. Read it. It's an excellent treatise on what the candidates are publicly stating as their positions on gay issues. A big shout out to Joe.My.God. for putting the entire entry in his blog and bringing it to my attention.

This is an excerpt from Forman's blog entry:

"Let’s be clear: Romney and McCain do not include our families when they speak of “the family.” The Web sites of other Republicans, except for Ron Paul and Rudy Giuliani’s, explicitly reject full and equal recognition of our relationships.


But, what of the Democrats? Sadly, mostly silence. You can find our issues explicitly referenced on only three candidates’ sites (Kucinich, Richardson and Gravel). Frontrunners Clinton, Obama and Edwards carefully parse their support of our people into specific reforms. We find no evidence that the Democratic frontrunners counter Republicans’ anti-LGBT speech with routine and positive inclusion of LGBT people in their visions for a whole and healthy society.


It’s déjà vu all over again — the GOP often slyly and sometimes audaciously whips us for political gain. The Democrats include us — sorta — but only in response to a direct question and typically in the language of careful legislative reform."
Countess Bedelia 8/03/2007 11:14:00 AM | 0 comments |