Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The Marie Antoinette portrait...

A friend recently sent me a copy of Courtney Love's new album release, "Nobody's Daughter" with a print of Élisabeth-Louise Vigée-Le Brun's portrait of Marie Antoinette on the cover, playfully suggesting this was an 'homage to The Countess'.  That little compliment made me smile :)


Everyone who follows The Countess Bedelia sees that portrait on my Facebook page, my Twitter page, and most anywhere else I post.


I alternate it with my 'official' Countess portrait....


As a modern woman who has attained a measure of success in today's business world, I have always had an interest in women who managed to succeed in olden times that were not as conducive to a woman's success at anything other than a wife, mother, and literally someone's property.  And as a woman who has since reinvented herself in her old age as The Countess, I am fascinated at the history of other woman who have overcome odds to do the same.

Élisabeth-Louise Vigée-Le Brun was such a woman.  "Now, generally regarded as the most famous woman painter of the eighteenth century, she was unappreciated for many years, not only because of her association with the unpopular ancien regime, but also due to the fact that she competed in a field largely dominated by male artists and their patrons."

"After the royal family was arrested in 1789, she was forced to flee France.  Settling in Italy she became an intrepid traveler and raised her daughter on her own."  A woman after The Countess own heart.  My grandmother was born in a chateau near Bordeaux, France, and family history states that we can trace our ancestry back to the court of Marie Antoinette.

Now this portrait of Marie Antoinette that started back in the eighteenth century has become a part of modern American culture.  I wonder how many people who purchase Courtney Love's new album will ever know the history of the portrait on the cover.  I wonder if Courtney Love even knows.
Countess Bedelia 4/27/2010 01:40:00 AM | 0 comments |

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Opening night at Yale Repertory in New Haven, CT...

No rest for the weary Countess as she travels on planes, trains, and automobiles...and the occasional royal carriage...from one social occasion to the next.  Tommy Schrider and his beautiful wife, Nurit Monacelli, invited The Countess for the opening night of "Battle of Black and Dogs"....


Tommy is such a fine actor and so were the other members of the ensemble, Andrew Robinson, Albert Jones, and Tracy Middendorf.  I was so excited, repulsed, and enthralled by their intense performance that I almost chewed off one of The Countess' famous red nails!  Don't take my word for it.  Read one of the reviews and then go see it for yourself.  It is an incredible theater experience!

After the performance, there was the opening night party.   Tommy and Nurit are such a beautiful couple...


Albert is not only a fine actor but also a fellow connoiseur of fine scotch.  Here he is posing with Nurit...


Tracy and Danny Binstock, a Yale MFA candidate who recently appeared in POP!, were part of our fun group...


After the party we went for a nightcap at Sullivans and then pizza at Albert's apartment.  Such a wonderful night of exciting theater and fun with friends.  Thank you, Tommy and Nurit, for inviting me to share opening night with you. 

In a couple of days, The Countess will return to New York City for more adventures.  "If it's Tuesday?  This must be Belgium!"
Countess Bedelia 4/25/2010 02:05:00 AM | 1 comments |

Saturday, April 24, 2010

Last day in Miami Beach...

The final day of my whirlwind weekend dawned dark and cloudy.  The pool where we had frolicked in the sunshine the day before was drenched with torrential rains.....


But a lovely brunch was planned at the Van Dyke and nothing was keeping us away, not even the weather.  Mark and I took a cab from the Victor and met up with Chris, Susie, and Alexis....

We also got to see Scotty who was starting a new job the next day.  Go Scotty!!!

And a fitting finale to the weekend was hanging out with RayRay for awhile.....


Ray and Gary keep the inside bar at The Palace hopping...


The next morning Susie picked me up in her bright yellow VW bug with the white daisies painted on the sides for the ride to the airport.  Quite a contrast to the limo that brought me back to the Castle Bedelia.


All in all, a fairytale weekend for The Countess!!!
Countess Bedelia 4/24/2010 10:03:00 AM | 0 comments |

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Miami Beach Pride Parade & Pool Party...

What a great day!  The weather was perfect...slightly cloudy so that the hot sun was not beating down on you, high 70's, with a nice breeze off the ocean.  We were perched above Ocean Drive at the Hotel Victor pool looking down on the parade route.


The parade was spectacular.  Sharon Gless and Dan Choi served as Grand Marshalls....


And when the rainbow flag marched by, I cried with happiness...


At the pool my cabana mates were having a grand time....

Leo, Stephen, Maria, Countess, Mark, Mrs. Astor

Then Mark decided to jump in the pool with his pink tube....


Adrian from England, who was stranded by the volcanic ash disaster, joined our party....


It's not a party on SoBe without Gary (The South Beach Bum) and his partner Eddie.  They have been together 17 years!!!  Go to Gary's blog to see some wonderful pictures of the parade.  He is one of the best photographers on the beach.


So many friends, all having a great time....








A big thanks to Thomas Barker for organizing the pool party and offering one of the two cabanas to The Countess.  Go to his Wire Magazine site for more great pictures taken that fabulous day.
Countess Bedelia 4/22/2010 10:46:00 AM | 2 comments |

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

The Start of the Miami Beach Gay Pride Weekend...

I flew into Miami on Thursday night and my beautiful friend, Mark, picked me up at the airport. 


After checking into my suite at the Hotel Victor, we went off to the Hosteria Romana for dinner....one of my traditions here in Miami.  We fielded phone calls from friends who wanted to make sure I had arrived safely and, after a quick nightcap at The Palace and a chance to catch up with my darling RayRay who was bartending that night (and the whole weekend!), it was an early night for both of us.

The next day I met up with Chris and Mrs. Astor at the 11th Street Diner for lunch and then we were off to Twist for Happy Hour.  Larry and David were there with their little angel, Spike...


Spike found a home in my arms for a nice long cuddle while we all chatted.  Larry and David are renovating a fabulous home here in Miami Beach and were very proud to share pictures of all the improvements that they have made since I was here a few weeks ago.


That infamous socialite Mamie Stuyvesant-Fish came in to check out "that Yankee woman who steals all the boys" but we soon formed a firm alliance, much to the chagrin of Mrs. Astor!!  No more court intrigue from Mamie.....she is firmly in The Countess Court now !!


While we were sitting at the bar, Mrs. Astor noticed Alexis Arquette.  Mrs. Astor and Alexis are old friends from New York City and a happy reunion commenced.  Alexis Arquette was in town to be in the Pride Parade on Saturday.  We all had a great time with this lovely woman who was so gracious to everyone.


It is always so nice to see my friend Chris.  I missed him the last time I was in town.  He is the most generous and kind person....and a bit of a financial genious too....a good person to know in these economic times :)


And just because we always find the cute boys, here is a little eye candy for you...


Later we met up with Henrietta, the Queen of South Beach, to share a little girl talk....


And got a goodnight kiss from Mrs. Astor....


We needed a good night's rest before the Gay Pride festivities the next day.  Here is a little preview of The Countess in all her Pride....



The beginning of a fabulous, whirlwind weekend !!!!!!!!!!!!
Countess Bedelia 4/21/2010 09:11:00 PM | 0 comments |

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Baubles, Bangles, and......Bedelia

In anticipation of my visit to the Southern Court later this week, I went jewelry shopping while I was in New York City.  There is always a lot of pressure to wear just the right bauble with just the right outfit.  With many parties to attend, especially the Second Annual Gay Pride Pool Party and Parade Viewing at the Hotel Victor, the pressure is intense.

These ruby earrings will be perfect for the Pool Party festivities....


And this necklace will complement my rainbow striped gown....


For my formal reception at the Southern Court, this pearl and diamond tiara with diamond necklace and earrings will fill the bill....


Lest you think that this is all about frivolity, remember that we "party with a purpose".  PRIDE IS IMPORTANT.  "Lesbian. Gay. Bi. Trans. Straight. Proud. It takes all kinds of people to make up our beautiful, strong and diverse LBGT community. And it takes all kinds to make our 2nd Annual LGBT Pride celebration as great a success as last year's inaugural event."


The Mrs. Astor sent me the kindest welcoming message by carrier pigeon...

"The peasants have been sweeping the streets in anticipation of your arrival. School chidren will sing your graces as your carriage goes over the bridge. Just watch out for Mrs. Stuyvesant-Fish's snipers; she is jealous as all Hell that you are usurping her power."

Thanks for the sniper warning, Mrs. Astor.  The Palace Guards are on alert!
Countess Bedelia 4/13/2010 11:06:00 AM | 0 comments |

Monday, April 12, 2010

What a whirlwind.....

On the train to New York City on Thursday afternoon, arriving just in time to meet the boys, Matt and Travis, for dinner at Cafe Orlin in the East Village. 


The occasion was Opening Night of "Poppycock" featuring our girl, Daiva Deupree. 


Daiva literally lights up the stage when she walks on and proceeds to steal the show....and she looks smoking hot in a gorgeous dress and spike heels!!


The next night I went to see "My Custom Van" at The Drilling Company Theatre on West 78th Street.  This hilarious production by my friends at Project: Theater is a must see for everyone if you want to laugh and have a great time.  It has been recced by Village Voice, Time Out New York, and several other publications.  The success of this wonderful theater company makes The Countess so very happy.  They even had a little sign in the lobby to welcome me...


Spending two nights in New York City seeing friends demonstrate their incredible talents on stage is the best kind of fun. 

Saturday was a long travel day....train to Boston, pick up my car, and drive to the Berkshires.  But it was well worth it in order to go to the Aglet Theater play reading of "Fifty Words" featuring Jim Beaudin.  Jim and Melissa Wolff gave such a passionate performance in reading this play that most of the time you forgot they had scripts in their hands.


Sir David, Duke of the Davoshire, came to the reading with me....


Jim and his wife, Paula, met me at Rumpy's Tavern for cocktails after the show and we proceeded to dissect the whole play, scene by scene.



As I was driving to the Berkshires on Saturday, The Mrs. Astor called to discuss plans for this coming weekend when the Northern Court once again visits the Southern Court to celebrate the Miami Beach Gay Pride festivities.  Lots of parties are planned for my visit so I need to get some rest in over the next couple of days.  In this photo, Mrs. Astor gives her royal wave to the adoring crowd...

I am certainly living up to my motto..."I'm running as fast as I can, while I can!"  But I wouldn't have it any other way.  I love my life!!!
Countess Bedelia 4/12/2010 10:20:00 AM | 0 comments |

Tuesday, April 06, 2010

Looking at the calendar....

Hey peeps.....Lots of fun things coming up.  In 2 days I'll be in New York City to see some theater.  I have two top recs this week...

"My Custom Van" by Michael Ian Black is being produced by Project:Theater and runs for the next 3 weeks.  The Countess is a little angel for this production and wants everyone to see it.  You are in for a treat!!


"Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson" is playing at the Public Theater.  Last spring this production had sold out runs at one of the Public's smaller theaters.  Now it has been moved to a larger theater and is giving all those people who couldn't get tickets last time another chance to see it.  It also has the talents of my dear friend, James Barry, who really gets his rock god on....so go, rock out, and tell your friends!

James Barry rockin' it in Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson

From New York City I'll be traveling back to the Berkshires to attend the Aglet Theater reading of "Fifty Words" at the Unicorn Theatre at the Berkshire Theater Festival on Saturday night.  Not only can you see Karen Allen, of Raiders of the Lost Ark fame, but you can also see another pal of the Countess, Jim Beaudin.  Jim is a fantastic actor and any theater experience that includes him is one worth being involved in.


Jim and his beautiful wife, Paula, at Rumpy's Tavern last New Years Eve

Then next Thursday the Countess is flying into Miami to attend the festivities for Miami Beach Gay Pride.  Thomas Barker, the editor of The Wire (the weekly South Beach newspaper) who is the chair for Gay Pride weekend, had sent me a message that for the 'fabulous Countess' there would be a reserved cabana at the Hotel Victor VIP Pool Party.  How can a lady say no? AND my friends Bob and Terry will have the cabana next to me.  Oh, yes!  What a party we will have!!!


Thomas Barker with an actor who must not be named, The Countess, and Father Tony


Countess, Terry, and Leo at the Winter Party Pool Party last month

The calendar is filled now until the fall.  Fun, fun, fun!
Countess Bedelia 4/06/2010 08:34:00 PM | 2 comments |