A lot has happened since we last spoke. I am proud to say my blog has been picked up by L.A. Splash, which includes the latest info on cities around the world. Check it out; I’m in the entertainment and culture section! Now, on to the latest happenings.
A "SUPERIOR" EVENING
On August 14th, we were privileged to be the guests of Jan Melk for an evening I’ll never forget. The night started at Boka Restaurant with a sit-down dinner with friends Christopher Clinton Conway, Jonathan Ryan, Margaret O’Connor, Dr. Michael O’Meara, Dawn Mattozzi and Ashley Wheater. After the delicious meal, we had fantastic seats at the Steppenwolf Theatre for Tracey Letts’ new play, “Superior Donuts.” For those who aren’t familiar with Tracey, he is a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and actor who recently won a Tony for his last play, “August: Osage County,” which is being made into a movie. As you can imagine, “Superior Donuts” brought the house down; it was an incredible story set in Chicago with first-rate acting to match. And just in case this wasn’t enough, we were all invited backstage for a champagne reception with Tracey and all of the actors! A heartwarming and loving toast was given to our Jan for her generous support of this extraordinary theatre company. It was beyond exciting, but witnessing a part of history always is…
Photos: top left, the Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago; bottom right, "Superior Donuts" director Tracey Letts, Jan Melk and lead actor Jon Michael Hill.
SANDY DEROMEDI'S 50th BIRTHDAY ON THE CAPE
As you may remember from my last post, I was preparing for a trip to Cape Cod – or Cape “Cawd,” as the locals say. It was wonderful! We went for my friend Sandy Deromedi’s 50th birthday party and what a party it was! Christine Ott-Shaw, Chris Long, Chuck and I all went together and never stopped laughing.
The weekend-long series of events started on Friday with a meet-and-greet at their fabulous summer home in Orleans. After that, it’s not what we did but what we didn’t do! We ferried to Nantucket for a day, drove to P-Town for lunch and shopping, enjoyed a clambake at the Deromedis’ home and had a sit-down dinner with 150 of their closest friends at their golf club. They even organized a whale watching trip where people saw 11 whales!
Loving birthday wishes to Sandy, who was simply glowing with happiness the entire trip. Her darling husband Roger gave a toast to Sandy brought tears to everyone’s eyes. What a wonderful birthday memory!
Photos: top right, Christine Ott-Shaw, me, Sandy Deromedi, Adam Sklute (artistic director of Ballet West), Melinda Jakovich and Chris Long; top left, me, Chris Long and Christine Ott-Shaw; middle right, me, Chuck and the boys of P-Town; bottom left, a few more of the colorful characters we met in P-Town; bottom right, Roger and Sandy Deromedi.
MY FIRST GLAMOURCON!
Most recently, I participated in Glamourcon, an autograph convention in Chicago and Los Angeles highlighting past and present Playboy Playmates and pinups. Though it was the first time I participated, I had a blast meeting Playboy fans who brought me all sorts of magazines and photos to sign. Tom Shimada even brought a cover of me to the show that I never knew existed (Spain 1986). I'm on the look out for it now! My dear friends, Shanthi and Rob Wilson, accompanied me to the event. They both work for Playboy and Rob is the senior art director for the magazine. They are a darling, loving couple. I also couldn’t have done it without the help and advice of Larry Armstrong. Thank you so much, Larry! :) It was a walk down memory lane when I caught up with fellow centerfolds Janet Lupo, Bridget Rollins, Dede Lind and Cathy St. George—all still beautiful. Past Glamourcon attendees include Dita Von Teese and Hef’s current girlfriends, Bridget, Holly and Kendra. For those in the Los Angeles area this fall, Glamourcon will be held on November 8th and 9th at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport.
Photos: top left, my February 1979 cover and the award-winning "Eyes" cover from February 1980; top right, me signing autographs; middle top left, August 1982 Playmate Cathy St. George and me; middle right, me and Chelsea Charms; middle bottom left, Rob and Shanthi Wilson; bottom right, pinup Christine Mendoza and me; bottom left, Rhonda Sanderson, November 1975 Playmate Janet Lupo and me.
O's NO-NO
If you have read the recent O Magazine (October), you will have noticed this I hope. It is the First Commandment of Fashion and it was BROKEN by Oprah’s fashion stylist, Adam Glassman! I know Oprah doesn’t make mistakes so maybe this is why I was so shocked to see it. In the fashion feature, the model is (gasp!) wearing panty hose WITH sandals! If you weren’t aware of this fashion faux pas before, please take note now. I don’t want to have to hunt you down and write you a fashion ticket. :)
Photo: right, O Magazine logo.
Stay tuned for my next blog featuring the Michigan Avenue Magazine launch with Cindy Crawford, Trump Spa party, Rebecca and Charlie Besser’s party for Everlands, the Joffrey’s fabulous Couture & Cocktails event and much more!
Aren't you glad we've had this little chat?
Oprah needs you on her team!
Posted by: Jessie | September 23, 2008 at 09:19 PM