One thing I always say is, it’s not only important to do a good job, you have to look good doing it, too. In my opinion, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton is doing just that. I absolutely love her new hairstyle, swept back into a simple ponytail. Despite handling some very hot matters that could really make a person sweat, she’s keeping it cool, hair and all.
Also handling some very hot matters–globally speaking, that is–is our own the Rev. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, ambassador at large for International Religious Freedom. We have been trying to catch up with one another, as she has agreed to an interview, but talk about a busy schedule! Never fear, dear readers, I’ll catch up with her. In the meantime, you should definitely check out her official State Department bio at state.gov/r/pa/ei/biog/163202.htm–very impressive! It makes a mother proud.
During the last conversation I did have with her over the summer, as she likes to take a little time off and hang out with her homies in the Hamptons, she wasn’t able to say too much about her job, as most of it is highly classified. However, the one thing she said was that America is still the most powerful country in the world. All right, now! Between Hillary and Sujay, do you doubt it?
Farewell, good friend, farewell, is what the family, friends and those who knew her best said at the funeral service for Ellie Dargan–wife of the late Joe Dargan, a Guardsman, mother of Valerie Dargan and good friend to so many–who recently passed away. Many came out to send Ellie off at the services, which were so tastefully done. She lived a good life, a long life, and will be missed.
The Empire City Moles celebrated their annual holiday party with a luncheon and dancing at the Davenport Country Club. Chairperson Jacquelyn Smith, Lisa Ray Clarkson, Stacey Bell and Ceil Newkirk pulled out all of the stops to make sure this year’s event was even better than last year’s, if that could be possible, and it was. Among the crowd was Audrey Bernard, looking very–what’s that French expression, oh yes–oh l l, and Roy Scott, debonair as ever. Next year, girls, next year.
Congratulations to Sandy Jamison and Bill Higgins, who recently got married just in time for the holidays. Up for the holidays was Michele Palmer Wright, but only for a minute before dashing back off to Atlanta with a brand-new Jaguar to stuff into her stocking.
Have you gotten your Christmas tree yet? They are quite beautiful this year. Even a little one or a wreath for your door does so much to lift your spirits. There is something quite magical about the smell of fresh pine. Have you gotten your shopping done yet, and, in the midst of it all, have you been spreading holiday cheer? It’s possible you haven’t quite gotten into the swing of things yet; I know I haven’t. I also know that time is ticking and I haven’t much time to dillydally, so I came up with a wonderful pick-me-up.
While reading, reading, reading through endless dot-com sites, I finally came across something that struck me (I always pay attention to something that immediately “strikes” me, as in makes me tingle). It was a site promoting this fascinating line of skin/hair care products (always sounds good to me): Rodin Skincare, created by 64-year-old Linda Rodin. Made from exotic essential oils like jasmine, jojoba and neroli, the products are referred to as “real elixirs for the skin.” Found at www.oliolusso.com (Italian for luxury oil), products range in price but all are very tempting.
The line’s mission statement reads, “The key components in each product are essential oils, derived from flowers and botanicals that are legendary for their soothing, softening and protective properties.” Now couldn’t we all use a little bit of this right about now? In other words, treat yourself to something nice.
The Children’s Cancer & Blood Foundation hosted its annual Breakthrough Ball and raised a whopping $1.2 million to treat the thousands of children suffering from cancer and blood disorders at the Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology of New York Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Among those in attendance were Lauren Williams, looking elegant with her hair swept back, and basketball legends John Starks and Larry Johnson, both looking so handsome. Now that too should lift your spirits.
All fur coat lovers will be happy to know that fur coats are back in. Did they ever go out? As the chilly days are upon us, don’t be afraid to pull yours out and wear it, honey. In these days of a tight economy, I have recently found myself visiting the various thrift stores and finding some real bargains. From a mohair coat to a mink and even a shearling for my daughter, we’re talking high-end merchandise at low-end prices. One of my favorite haunts has become Housing Works on 74th Street, Columbus Avenue. Every time I go in that store, I come out with something. I don’t know if that’s a good thing or bad, but yeah, it’s that good.
Rumor has it Lenox Lounge has been sold, and so it goes, another one bites the dust. Rumors hope that the new owner will turn the famous watering hole into a supper club; something chic and entertaining while maintaining the original warmth and charm. Chic, entertaining, original warmth and charming–sounds like qualities to live by.
Until next week … kisses