Strange Beautiful Lady Carnivale, acrylic on canvas by Tucson-based artist Vanessa Valencia.
Life is never uneventful for the Strange Beautiful Lady paintings. Maybe you recall the story of Strange Beautiful Lady II's trip to Paris? This beauty had similar experiences. Arriving at Aeroport Charles de Gaulle, she spent a few days languishing in Customs, recovering from jet lag. Then the real adventures began.
Chronopost took her on an impromptu mini Tour de France, first to Macon in Bourgogne - SBL reports the burgundy was divine - then for two days to various points unknown. Those locations remain a mystery, apparently. It was such a whirlwind tour, who can remember the details? Certainly not Chronopost! At last, SBL arrived at her new home in Paris, giddy with excitement and exhaustion. She and her children were joyfully welcomed by Strange Beautiful Lady II.
And here's a real life Strange Beautiful Lady, my wonderful, witty friend Di Overton of Designers Block UK. Di and her charming partner Harvey were here for dinner Thursday. My British chef cooked a traditional English roast chicken in their honour.
Earlier that day, Harvey and daughter Charlotte had stopped by to pick up things for Di's Ghost Furniture line. On Tuesday, some stained glass panels and other things ultimately destined for Ghost Furniture wouldn't fit in their van. So they bought a roof rack and returned to collect the remainder. For me, it was a relief to clear some space!
I spoke to Jordana, who just moved into a loft apartment in Philadelphia. (For the first month, she was in a holiday apartment). She and her boyfriend Keith thought the loft was a fine idea, until they had to move furniture up six flights of stairs. But Jordana's starting to feel in her element at work; one of her new designs even caught the fancy of her employer! Definitely an encouraging start.
Tonight I'm meeting my friends Ralf and Jutta - former Paris residents, now living in Budapest - for dinner at their favourite restaurant. David is in China, speaking at a seminar. On Monday I'm off to London, for a jam-packed week of meetings with editors, a doctor's appointment and celebrating my birthday Wednesday with friends. Hope you enjoy the week ahead!
Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Stephanie, Amber, Tammy and all my fellow Virgos!
Happy Birthday Tara!
Lovely paintigs!
Have a great time with your friend.
Posted by: Kay Cooke | 09 September 2008 at 09:19
Happy Birthday Tara and many of them. As I scrolled down this post past the photo of Di, I thought I was looking at Joanna Lumley. Di does resemble her, or rather Joanna resembles Di. Did you see Joanna's documentary on the Northern Lights Sunday night on BBC1? Magical.
Posted by: ainelivia | 08 September 2008 at 13:36
Awww! You too Beautiful Lady! Tammy and I are going to visit on Tuesday. Maybe we should get cup-cakes. ;)
I hope you have a wonderful day, whatever you do for it.
Be safe.
:)
Posted by: amber | 08 September 2008 at 07:33
Happy Birthday Tara for Wednesday!
Hope you enjoy London!
Looks like Di can shop til she drops like you...no wonder you are friends!
xo
Have a great time.
Posted by: Gillian | 08 September 2008 at 01:39
Have a great trip and a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Much Love!
Great news about Jordana!
Posted by: Tammy | 07 September 2008 at 23:44
First glance and I thought Di was Joanna Lumley.
Have a lovely time in London.
Editors ... how intriguing. It will be interesting to catch up with you.
Posted by: Di | 07 September 2008 at 20:45
Happy Birthday to you from San Diego. My youngest daughter will be 43 on Wednesday and I will be, 72 tomorrow!
Posted by: sheris white | 07 September 2008 at 19:45