Lux Lotus

On Positive Thinking

Yesterday, from London: "I discovered that people who christen ships are given diamonds as thanks. For some reason this made me think of you." Later, someone thought of me while at the Van Cleef & Arpels show (I had a little fun there once, at their behest; see: "Setting for a Fairy Tale"). And today, from my mother: "Talk to me, Harry Winston (as Marilyn M. sang in 'Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend.' Great article in March Veranda. Thought of vous!"

Image: Mrs. Hazel Grant Davis, striking Razorback's bow with the traditional bottle of champagne. Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum.

On Clubs and Queens

Today, as lovely as a sigh. I mailed a letter to Mr. Fives, though I don't think you could quite call him that, care of Brooks's, where I think he goes slightly more often than White's. I wrote the Down Town Association to inquire about membership, a terrible faux pas, but I'm a young woman, with few friends in clubs. 'Til I get there. I was given a gold ring, alla maniera di Giacometti, and tonight, a dinner in my honor at Mary Queen of Scots. Hurrah.

I'll tuck you in, and then...

I so enjoyed pressing champs, dinner, jewelry and cash into the hands of my young friend Megan this evening that afterwards I thought, maybe having children wouldn't be so bad... of course, an hour later, and mummy's going out. Night night, bright star.

On Shifts, and Other Things to Swing From

Just got a text from a client. We're due at the Boom Boom Room, or whatever it's called, at 10, for a big do. Sleepy, I say: I am going for more than starlet but not quite major heiress. Turban, gown, fur.

New York Does Deliver, Sometimes

Two bottles of Perrier-Jouët and a charming young friend, maybe two, en route. I wonder who'll get here first. We'll watch the sun set and have a chat on my balcony. Women call me their fairy godmother. Men refer to me as the Oracle. I just tell it like it is.

Windowlicker

I may've found something my father doesn't have (yet): "Portable bar in the form of a carriage and mounted on four wheels."

[Crystal & Silverplated Bar Trolley, $15,000 at Beaux Arts Galleria]

Windowlicker - from the French for window shopping: faire du lèche-vitrine - often appears on Tuesday and Thursdays at 10am EST-ish.

Monday Morning Daydreaming

Have I mentioned lately my desire to go live in the woods with some dogs and take up archery? I can smell the damp earth and hear the twigs crack under my heels just thinking of it.

Photo: beautiful pointer from Grousers, hunting blog.

Lux Lotus Icons: Gaby Deslys

"Gaby Deslys was used to creating sensations... She loved audiences and they loved her... She was noted, among other things, for her stage wardrobe and the way she wore it –– and, apparently, on occasion, for the way she did not wear it... Prior to the overthrow of the Portuguese government, the youthful King Manuel, so gossip said, showered jewels upon her with scandalous disregard for the state coffers. And at her death she was mourned by the Duc de Crussol, who had followed her to Paris at her final illness and who fled afterwards to America to forget his sorrow. These reports are in addition to such casual evidence as the necessity for the police, on one of her American tours, to remove forcibly from the stage two Yale students in pursuit of her." –– The Shaw Review (January, 1960). Deslys was so fond of pearls that she claimed to own her body weight in them.

On Renewal, and What Comes Next

 

Easter's my favorite holiday, so affirming, if not entirely pagan. My brother and I went to John Street Church and then he came over for lunch–– I made filet mignon and roasted potatoes and tomato-avocado salad and whiskey sea salt truffles, and we had champagne and wine on my balcony and he felt over-indulged and we had to go for a walk. On my way back I bought a rose bush, a geranium, five ikat pillows and a Moroccan lantern. Anything to distract myself every time I get a letter from London: What the Huck Finn am I doing here? Honestly, I have no idea.

On Odds, and Improving Them

Enjoyed brunch with a good friend this morning. A little down about her romantic prospects –– such is life in New York. I recommended she decide what sort of man she'd like to meet, and go wherever they congregate. In related news, buying my ticket for the 52nd Annual Hunt Country Stable Tour next month.