Okay, so I did not really, truly expect to drive a Tesla tonight–although that would have been hot. Plus, it’s not really a lousy stamp, I actually quite like the design.
We begin the evening with the fact that my datebook said things started at 7–which made for me arriving at about 7:30–except the party was not to start until 8 … which made me UN-fashionably early … (and I had wondered why I didn’t see any cars parked nearby!).
But the party host, Sarah Elizabeth Caples, was very gracious and quick to think on her feet, and promptly gave purpose to my pesky presence by making me a guinea pig; Molly Bennett took me through the drill of how arriving guests would be greeted and stamped and coat checked and so on. Which took about three minutes, tops … and then I started really remembering about the couple who always showed up at my parties super early and how much of an interference that is, and so even though everyone had been most gracious, I soon made ready to leave until the party really started.
But even then, Caples overflowed with grace, and took the time to direct me to Venik Lounge, a great little place just a few blocks away where I could while away some time. There, I had a cup of hot tea and eavesdropped–hearing all the details of one customer’s bed, and the dope on knit hats and how dreadlocked hair requires larger hats (natch), and that Experience Shoes still has the old Doc Martens, with steel toes. And I have this to say about Venik: the glass of water arrives unbidden, with finely shaved cucumber slices floating in it refreshingly. Smart.
After a bit, I aimed back to the real party at the real party time. And wouldn’t you know it, there were a LOT more people there once the true appointed hour had rolled around.
So in I go (again) and get “accosted” by a beautiful man checking my ID and remarking on my boots. It’s nice when the bouncer-role is so deliciously filled.
And then I had the fortune to have Caples introduce me to chef Kathy Casey who had a ton of great stories to tell about her recent trip to consult with the Fairmont Hotel in the UAE. There was also a story about Casey concocting delicious cocktails from of a bottle of good tequila and the limited on-hand ingredients afforded by the in-room honor bar at a Las Vegas hotel room. I think that’s a mark of a great mixologist–being able to make tasty beverages out of random available ingredients.
Photographer Sarah Takako Skinner was roaming the party in a dress that had tendencies to slip off her shoulders. I think the last time I saw Skinner was December ’08 when she and I got snowed in at the Home for Wayward Girls.
Her photos of the event will be posted soon on Subterfuge Seattle.
And then as I start walking across the room, I turn and there’s Chris Rugh standing right there. Of course. And I got to meet for the first time his GF, Joy Shumaker, and Chris declared that Joy and I would quickly become BFFs. Then they proceeded to “counsel” me re: my ANGER, which you may know is currently OVER THE TOP. They had some great advice, although as I sit here now I can’t say if they were pointing me toward expressing the anger or away from.
About the time the place really started to get packed, the music got too loud for talking–which is always the party killer for me, little ole introvert me. So I dished out a few good-byes and headed for my car. Of course on the way out the lovely Allison Lewis- and Brad–live the dream–Harlow arrived. Sad to miss spending more than a crosswalk-ing hug and kiss with them.
By the way Mr. Cameron Smith–venue provider extraordinaire–I really AM going to throw a party at your place. Where did you say you would be leaving the key for me?
