Halloween in Ardsley Park

Halloween is such a fun holiday. My ma and pa had a cookout, and I got to see my friend Joseph (he was dressed as Thomas the Tank Engine) and my friend Lancaster (he was dressed as Lancaster). We also welcomed more than 100 trick-or-treaters, and some of them were afraid of little ole me!

This morning my mom and I took a walk around the neighborhood, so here are some scenes from Halloween, Savannah-style. Enjoy!

Hello, Lover

Yesterday, my mom volunteered with Coastal Pet Rescue at the inaugural Savannah Pawrade. I wanted to go, but had to stay behind at home to get ready for our Halloween party.

However, my mom is always thinking of me. She took a photo of this dashing fellow, and I think I'm in love.

Hello, lover.

Reunited

Six Inches High and Rising took a road trip to Maconga this past weekend so my Ma and Pa could see some old friends. Added bonus: I got to see my old friends, too! In addition to seeing my old pals Buddy and Sunny, I got to see my BFF Ellie, who was so excited to see me she got grass in her mouth:

Here we are together trying to figure out a way to get inside my old house and wreak havoc:

To quote Peaches and Herb, "Me minus you is such a lonely ride."

Why I Wear Purple

Several years ago, a friend of a friend wrote a letter to his mother, drove his pickup truck to the local cemetery, held a gun to his head and pulled the trigger. Why he did it is anybody’s guess. He had just received his third DUI and was reportedly despondent over the fact he was going to have to spend time in jail. There was also a rumor going around his small Texan hometown that he was gay and had never come to terms with it. Whatever the reason, the world is now without this fun-loving and talented cowboy who loved animals, storytelling and a good whiskey.

I couldn’t help but think of him when, a few weeks ago, we learned of the fifth gay teen suicide within three weeks. Tyler Clementi, a talented violinist and freshman at Rutgers University, jumped from the George Washington Bridge on Sept. 22 after his roommate recorded Tyler’s sexual encounter with a man and posted it on the internet. Asher Brown, a 13-year-old middle schooler near Houston, Texas, shot himself in the head. His family said he was “bullied to death” for his small size, his religious beliefs and because he did not wear designer clothes and shoes. In Indiana, 15-year-old Billy Lucas’s mother found him hanging lifelessly from barn rafters. Although he had never told anyone he was gay, he was picked on relentlessly by his classmates because he was different and was told “you don’t deserve to live.” Raymond Chase, an openly-gay culinary arts student at Johnson & Wales in Providence, Rhode Island hanged himself at the end of September. And 13-year-old Seth Walsh of Tehachapi, California, was discovered by his mother who cut her own son out of the tree from which he was hanging. He died after 10 days on life support.

A word of disclosure here: I have more gay friends than I can count and have even been dubbed a “queer whisperer.” At this point in my life, most of my friends and I are comfortable in our own skin and in being ourselves. So it pains me to think of my gay friends today – the surgeon, the caterer, the event planner, the education consultant, the assistant vice president – as 13-year-olds being bullied by their schools, churches and, yes, even their families to the point of wanting to end it all.

One friend recalled coming out to his mother and the primal, guttural screams that followed. He knew she would prefer his death over his homosexuality. Another told me a story of preparing his Christmas gift list and asking his mother what she wanted. Her response: a white daughter-in-law and a white grandbaby. Secure in her own salvation yet fearing for her son’s, she had no qualms in dropping the “n” word.

But those horror stories have recently been balanced out with good ones. A little over a year ago, I had the honor of attending a friend’s same-sex wedding. The ceremony was beautiful, the party was lavish and the meal was spectacular. But one of the standout moments of the weekend came when my friend’s father, a devout Hindu, made a toast to his son and new son-in-law. The pride and love he felt for both were so very evident. It gave me hope that things are changing.

Attitudes will evolve, laws will change, and things will get better. Please don’t deprive the world of your fabulosity, for whatever reason.

A Dandy and a Lady

The Manly Dandy interviewed me too! Read this riveting account of life, love, style and S-U-P-P-E-R here.

A Date with the Dandy

Last weekend on our way back from the mountains, we stopped in Flat Rock, NC, to visit the home of American poet Carl Sandburg, see Mrs. Sandburg's champion dairy goats and hike up to Big Glassy Mountain. The best part of the trip, however, was getting to see my mom's friend, The Manly Dandy. It was the perfect opportunity to ask him some questions I've always wanted to ask.

Hello, Manly Dandy. Thanks for interviewing me for your blog. I think turnabout is fair play, don't you? Would you mind answering some questions for me?

Sadie, reciprocity can be the spice of life in the right soup and I would love nothing more at the moment than to answer your questions.

Do you remember the first time you met me? What did you think about me?

I had seen so many pictures of you being close with your owners, I mean parents. What do you like to call them? I was always chagrined that we never had a chance to meet previously. I was hoping you would be at their wedding or at the wedding party or at my party in Charleston. Yet, you were very busy with your own projects and humanitarian endeavors such as Pet Rescue and Habitat of Humanity. When I walked into your gorgeous mid-century home and saw you in the entrance way, I was truly overwhelmed. You were so regal and shiny, I was a bit giddy. Then you were so warm and friendly and a true lady. It was love at first sight. I am glad we are friends.

What fashion choices would best complement my low and long body structure?

I wouldn't change anything about you! Your coat is perfect. Maybe you could dabble in some accessories like a handsome scarf or ascot like the Manly Dandy (both laugh out loud together). You would look fabulous in something simple and silver from Tiffany. I will tell Peter that is what you truly need for the holidays.

What are your favorite clothing items to wear?

I am usually wearing a scarf or an ascot. People think this is vanity but it is practicality. I get cold rather easily. I am always carrying a nice bag, usually Gucci. I am loyal to their craftsmanship and style. Sometimes, I carry a Cole Haan soft brief case when I travel. You know I LOVE hand-sewn loafers or fun sneakers. Alexander McQueen, Paul Smith, Emma Hope have all made fun sneakers. And as Miley Cyrus sang, I always have on a dream and a cardigan. Again, I get cold.

Who are your favorite designers?

I wear a lot of Billy Reid because I am Southern, stylish and quotidian. I like the attitude of Billy Reid and the aesthetic of the stores because it reminds me of my life in Western North Carolina: relaxed, gracious, warm and lots of taxidermy. Lately, I have been obsessed with Duckie Brown because "dressing men beautifully" is an art. Paul Smith satisfies my desire for color coupled with sharp habberdashery. Anyone who knows me knows that I live in James Perse, Vince, Theory, Hugo Boss, Ralph Lauren and Lacoste as staples. I have a few fantastic vintage pieces from Hermes and Balenciaga and Pucci. I must say style is not about a designer but it is about celebrating who you are, your uniqueness, your strengths, your you.

Do you subscribe to my 'nudity is best' philosophy?

YES! Love your body, it's the only one you've got.

What is your favorite color?

I have to have one? My favorite neutral is grey but my favorite color is orange. It is bright, vibrant and not afraid.

What is your favorite thing to eat for S-U-P-P-E-R?

I love adventurous cuisine. But more important than what to eat is HOW to eat. I love long dinners with good friends where there is much laughter and engaging conversation. The table setting with lovely flowers, candles and interesting serving pieces add to the aesthetics of the event. I am not overly religious but that is what heaven must be like. Well, that or the third floor at Barneys.

What is your favorite music/song?

Anything I can dance to. I love disco, that was such a freakishly free and stylish era where many groups came together for one purpose: a good time. All dressed in Halston of course. I also love some old school country, that has such gorgeous styling too.

I know you are also an education advocate, Mr. Dandy, because of your other business, Crisp Consulting + Coaching. I live next door to a school and I really wish I could ride on those yellow school buses. If my parents wanted to get me into a good school, what would be your number one piece of advice?

Discover and celebrate your child's strengths and talents and then seek a school that will foster those strengths. We often put students in schools that dictate what is wrong about them instead of celebrating them as vibrant and wonderful individuals. So if you are great at asking questions, find a school that will celebrate and capitalize on your ability to ask questions. If you love to tinker then find a school that will allow you to create meaning through play and tinkering.

What is the biggest issue facing American public education today?

American public education has myriad issues at the moment and I am encouraged that people are talking about films such as Waiting For Superman and Race to Nowhere. Yet, a serious problem is the standardization of education. To me, this employs an industrial model that negates the role and experiences of individuals. Standards should be for inanimate objects like cars or tools. Yet, we think of education as everyone knowing the same thing at the same time. To me, that is the antithesis of being a citizen of the USA. We are individuals and pioneers. We should celebrate and find new paradigms for individualize education. This industrial model is also preparing students for an economic future that is long past. We need to change our paradigm of education.

Would it help if some of those kids went to obedience school, like me?

It would help if students went to vibrant schools and were supported by all members of the community. Children are the real investment of the country.

Did I mention I was valedictorian of my obedience school?

You were? That doesn't surprise me since you are a super model citizen! You're the Linda Evangelista of the canine world. I wish we could talk like this every day Sadie.

Remember when you came to visit and we had a RuPaul dance party? Answer truthfully - were you jealous of my boogie?

I couldn't stop giving you the looky loo because Ms. Sadie, your milkshake brings ALL the boys to the yard.