busting the seams

Sunday night was the Academy Awards, which for SF means the Academy of Friends Oscar gala benefit. Always a good time, and an opportunity to see friends you might not have seen since last year's event. SF really does not, especially in the gay community, have enough formal functions. As husband Sean was out of town, blog favorite David O'Connor was kind enough to invite me as his escort. The three of us had a great time last year and we managed to wrangle more zest out of this year even without the heroes in spandex. Although we started out in black tie, by the end of the night and the deck of drink tickets, we were more in the realm of black out. I blame Coco. She's not truthfully responsible, professional enabler though she may be, but still. Blaming Coco.

I always want at least a little flair at these theme events, and I indulged the face paint as is now apparently my "thing." It's also always so hideously hot and humid in Fort Mason (it is almost always raining buckets for this event), so I painted a tux shirt with sparkle for when the jackets came off. This year, however, clear skies, strong winds, and a cold snap made the hangar quite comfortable and jackets remained donned until the final dance mess.

Supper happy fun times.

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David O was happy to find his old friend Brent, and also Jay Nicolas Sario of Project Runway Season 7:

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As the theme was "Behind the Seams" there were both backstage/behind the scenes attractions as well as fashion exhibits. There was a neat setup where you could insert yourself into any number of famous movie scenes using a green screen. David and I both chose the Ingrid Bergman side of the "Play it, Sam." scene from Casablanca.

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However, I was just happy because this prompted my new favorite photo of David O:


I'm thinking "Christmas Cards."

It was delightful to run into the charming Hilma again (together we are Wilma and Hilma),


And of course, the irascible Coco. If you're ever at a party and need to jump on the first shuttle downhill, Coco will be drivin'. Or flirting with the driver.


And we were full speed ahead. Coco calls this shot "subtle":


And we are nothing if not fashion forward.

Oh my Dear. Ma petite chou. Let me whisk you away from this place.
Maybe in the morning we shall shop for earrings...oh, apologies mademoiselle. A necklace then.

There, there Precious. Shhh....shhhhh.
Did the bad man touch you? It's alright.
We will be home together soon. shhhh.

The Facebook comments have been priceless.

Fab time. And big shout to David O!

Flickr set.

Leavin' on a jet plane

and I'll be back again in July.

It's a travel day so no blogging. I leave for BNA to OAK in about an hour and a half and have to pack up. Travel surprise: my neice Ellen will be flying back with me. She is off to Saratoga to visit Morgan (aka Morris by the Uncles) her former next door neighbor and best friend who moved away last year. She is flying with Morgan's grandmother who had already planned a trip, and being on the same flight just happened to be a happy accident.

Swan Ball stories simmering. But I won't have time to get to them until Wednesday. Photo sets will be uploaded tomorrow.

Wilson, Barry, Ginger and Chuck at the pre-party

In the meantime, perhaps this will hold you over:



There is such a thing as enough rope.

Black tie, white hot.

Shilpa and I have gotten as close as sibs. We are fabulous, riotously funny, and we make work bearable for each other. Last night was a big black-tie work function. And frankly, we looked hot:


And we could't resist taking a prom pose:


But the question remains, which one is the prom queen?

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies

Several months ago, EJ asked if I would be her date to a small birthday party the Friday before Christmas. Clearly, that far in advance I had not made other plans, and any reason to party with EJ is a good one. (President of the EJ fan club here.)

As it turns out, it's a big black-tie wedding reception at the BMCC for Lauren Hagen who got married in Spain. That was a detail that would have been good to have before I was picked up for the party.  I don't generally travel with a tuxedo. But I faked it acceptably.  Everyone just sort of blames "California" when I dress strangely now.


I will say, I do love my new brown velvet blazer. Very versatile (like me, ahem). It made a nice west coast fashion ensemble with the tux shirt (I keep a few in every port). Who knew I would get a chance to dance with Pat Patrick. Ever since Mac had encouraged Paige to sing with the PPB on other occasions, she has started singing with them professionally. Paige (who was in my class in high school and married Mac's best friend Bill) gave up her singer/songwriter career for family and motherhood now is back shining behind a microphone. Set of pipes on her. I am always grateful for an opportunity to hear her sing. She sang "Oh Holy Night" at a friend's Christmas wedding so many years ago and the memory still gives me a chill.


Wilson Hardcastle and Elizabeth James
Of course, I didn't know she was a formal part of the entertainment as she and Bill were also invited guests. She was a bit embarrassed that people would think she just wanted to sing and wouldn't get off the stage.

We had a fabulous time drinking and dancing at the club and I got to visit with a lot of old friends I would not have had the chance to see.


Mac Hardcastle and EJ
EJ, ever the trooper, joined me and Keith afterwards for drinks and dancing at Tribe and then Play. MUCH fun. I remember I had tales to tell about that night, but I only remember that I remember I had tales, not the tales themselves. Alas.

But still, love that EJ.