Friday, January 01, 2010

Happy New Year!



I hosted my first New Year's Eve party in years last night. It was the first one I have ever hosted on my own, so I was a bit nervous, and frankly I think I may have gone over the top as there was no one to say "Stop!". I always wanted to have a masked ball like the old ones of Mosart's Vennia or like the Carnival of Venice, so I set the theme as 'Come as a character that Terry Gilliam might have dreamed of'. What fun!!

I rented beautiful Lakewood Lodge; I had made the reservation back in April but as there was a wedding reception held there on the 27th, I really had to scramble to get the ballroom decorated in time. Two darling friends helped me, but even still it was a major job. Everything was done in gold, silver and red as much as possible. Unable to find that many tablecloths in red, I used white ones with red and golden candles nestled in greenery sprinkled with silver glitter. We used white candles in the chandeliers simply because I thought it would look better, more romantic. Lakewood has a mirror ball so with the lights low and all the candles lit, it looked truly spectacular! Bubbles, baubbles and sparkles everywhere!

Last night, a Blue Moon... the moon that only occurs once every nineteen years on New Years Eve. It's not really blue, but full, against a sky of the deepest, clearest midnight blue. The man in the moon looked like it came from a vintage story book with the brightest stars dotted artfully about, all reflected in the still lake below the lodge. It was bitter cold but the lights from the ballroom glowed warmly on the closest trees of the surrounding woods, making everything seem cozy and inviting. There was even a hint of woodsmoke from the roaring fireplace in the air. Perfect!

I think everyone I had invited came and brought friends. The fantastical creatures that arrived at my party seemed not of this world. I felt as if a portal had opened up in the ether and beings from unseen worlds had come pouring in. Wings, horns, wands and crowns...glimmer, gossamer, silk, satin, sequins, velvet and soft leathers. Heroes and villains, beauties and crones, serfs and kings, dancing denizens of beaches and forests... all and more.
All had come for a Midnight Dream.

The catered food was spectacular as was the music provided by a group of friends. Many of my friends are multi-talented and those with musical gifts sat in with the band and added their special sounds to the delight of all. I don't think it was just the magic of champagne that made everyone glow with excitement and happiness. We were all saying goodbye to 2009 with style and hello to 2010 with the sparkling eyes of children opening birthday presents. Ah, what is in this big box, what will it be? All I know it is just for me! Hehe!

I dressed as the Snow Queen. Vintage lace, white, heavily beaded satin, fur trimmed cape, all assembled with the tiniest hand sewn stiches. I borrowed my great aunt Lavinnia's diamond tiara (Yes, it was real, presented to her by her adored husband Theodore on their tenth wedding anniversary... unfortunately he was killed in a tragic hunting accident two years later. She never remarried but remained alone in their Victorian manor where I, coincidentally spent many an enchanted hour amonst her vast collections of pictures and books.)
I felt the part, even though my heels were killing me. :)

At Midnight we held our glasses high and began the countdown, some were misty-eyed, some were grinning with anticipation of New Year kisses, some were looking a bit serious and thoughtful. As the count of seven was reached, the huge double doors of the ballroom crashed open and there stood Zorro! Posed, left hand on hip, right hand grasping a rapier pointing down at the floor. The room suddenly became quiet, every eye fixed on this stunning man in black. He grinned wickedly and began marching towards me, flicking his rapier as he came. When he stood in front of me he bowed deeply, one leg crossed over the other. (Men can be beautiful too can't they?) Quick as a cat he stood upright, snapped his sword at my face and lifted the diamond tiara from my hair in one smooth movement. High in the air it sailed and as it came down, he caught it in his gloved hand. "My lady." he laughed, turned and ran from the room.
Stunned but for a second, I rushed after him but unfortunately he was better on his heels than I on mine and I (and the crowd behind me) reached the open door to the outside just in time to see him rear up on his black horse. We could only watch in shock as he galloped off and melted into the dark woods, leaving behind a "Z" cut deeply into a snowdrift by the door. Great aunt Lavinnia (who had came as a hag complete with a wax 'poisoned' apple) passed out on the spot!

Of course the police were called, but I don't think they took it seriously, believing their time would better spent catching drunken drivers than chasing a man on a horse in the cold woods. It had clouded up since the party had started and snow was falling heavily. Hoof prints were not to be found. They took statements, wished us a Happy New Year and left us to get on with our party (after cautioning us to drink responsibly and have designated drivers). Police!
Well what could one do? We did as advised.

I began to write this to you today just to let you know the first thing that happened to me in 2010 was that I was robbed by Zorro! It is kind of funny; horrible, but funny. (but not as horrible as my hangover:) I got halfway through the telling, when there was a bold knock at my door. When I answered it, there was no one to be seen, but there was a small gold foil wrapped package left on the step. Pinned to the silver ribbon, a mask! A black velvet half mask!

Opening it I found the tiara and this note:
My Lady,
Forgive me my theft of your treasure! A prank, a practical joke, nothing more,
to give you and your guests an unforgettable New Year's Eve!
Find enclosed the tiara, unharmed!
Forever your faithful servant,
"Z"

I'm back in Great Aunt Lavinnia's will!

27 comments:

LDahl said...

This is a "Creative Whopper"! I have made my New Year's resolution to be creative in 2010 in anyway that seems like fun... so far, keeping the resolution on day 1!

In truth, I spent a quiet evening at home watching over my ill mother, but a girl can dream, can't she? I just thought it would be fun to invite you all to my "Party". Hope you had as much fun as I did!
Happy New Year to you, may 2010 bring you all you dream of.
~LD

valerie walsh said...

If only I was invited, you know that the two of us together would make for quite the time!!! Oh to be your handmaiden, i could see it now. This is more real to me than most of the things I have seen with my own two eyes :D Thank you for this luscious tale, I think we should do this next year? Happy 2010 my dear pal!

LDahl said...

We would most certainly kick up our heels and cause much naughtiness and mayhem together!!!!!!!!!
Perhaps we could collaborate for next years "party"? Make it a "Whopper" to remember!!
Throwing confetti your way!
Hugs,
~L

Anonymous said...

nice post. thanks.

Unknown said...

Your imagination astounds me. You had me captivated from the start. I'm with Val and would love to be next to you on the eve of 2011. A virtual internet whopper of a party. I'll be there and can help you plan. Hugs to you for this wonderful new year.

EvScott said...

What a truly incredible, magical event and evening. Your wonderfully vivid description of it transported me right there. What a creative & fun way to start a new decade!
Ev

LDahl said...

Toni, you're on! You and Val will have even more awesome ideas! I wonder if I still have your e-mail addie...? We'll plan a bang up of a "party" next year!Start thinking of the "Guest" list now...heheh!

So very pleased you attended and enjoyed my "Whopper"!

LDahl said...

Ev, hi! SO glad to have you visit as I've really enjoyed your blog.

I'm also happy that you were a "Guest" at my virtual party, next year promises to be even a bigger "Whopper"! You must be sure to attend!heheh!

andrea said...

From the first moment I was wishing I had been invited. This is pure magic! Thank you.

LDahl said...

Ah Andrea, we will be sure and get you on the "Guest" list for next year...Whopper Ball 2011! Be there or be square!!!hehehe! Start planning your attire now. Who or what will you be? Don't tell of course, we will have to figure out a way of having a virtual "Un-masking"!
You're more than welcome, the pleasure was mine!

simon said...

What a fantastic event!! Happy new Year Lilah- 2010 is going to be the best!

LDahl said...

Thank you Simon, so far I'm liking 2010 just fine. Everything keeps going up in price though....creep, creep, creep...like if they raise the costs just a little at a time we won't notice:(

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

Oh, I had such FUN, my scalp tingled reading this. I wish, how I wish.

Yes, a girl can dream, and it's dreaming that takes the mundane out of life, doesn't it?

Happy dreams and happy fullfilling of as many as possible, Dahl gal.

I spent one New Year's Eve helping my mother to take care of my sick grandma. That's life, eh?

Marco Bucci said...

cool! happy new year!

LDahl said...

GG, yep and sometimes, the best of life. I lost my adored grandmother to leukemia when I was 10. She had six children and as I was a bit of a handful for my mom, mom was more than happy to let me spend as much time with grandma as was feasible, so I became somewhat like grandma's seventh child. To this day I would happily trade every piece of gold, diamonds and gems I own to spend one more hour with her.
The day is coming when I will feel the same way about my mom... so I have no problem with spending New Year's Eve watching over her... making sure she is still here for 2011. :) (I've been to lots of great parties, but there is only one 'Mom')

LDahl said...

Marco!!!Hello!! So very happy to see you visited! I visit your blog and keep up with you as much as possible, hope this New Year is an exciting one for you and I get to see more of your awesome work!

aynaku said...

yes, a rare event: the full blue moon has been really magic to look at...
tnx for your comment about my post; we must decide the case on its merit...
stevenson, sting or.....me?
;)
ciao

LDahl said...

Each of you are wonderful in your own way Aynaku. But you are the only one that I personally hear from, so that gives you a bit of an edge doesn't it? HEheh!
I wasn't kidding about your painting taking my breath away. It's a stunner!

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

I love this:

(I've been to lots of great parties, but there is only one 'Mom').

Because I spent this new year's eve with my mother.

Romeo Morningwood said...

A-HA!
What a great tale, you totally had me going.
May 2010 be a creative tsunami for you :)

LDahl said...

GG, you know, when you get older you discover you are where you need to be, doing what you need to do...in other words, if we are doing it, we are doing what is right for us. :)

Don, *throwing both fists up* I Win!!
hehe!
Thank you... I sure do hope so!:)

Soozcat said...

If you ever do hold such a masked ball, I would like very much to be invited! Sounds like a fictitiously good time was had by all.

LDahl said...

Soozcat, hello! You will have to come next year to 2010's "Whopper Ball". I've really enjoyed your blog, you ask some tough questions.

EvScott said...

I think you need to start planning a Valentine's Bash! An AWESOME idea to have a Whopper Event. That's how I travel to far away places too ... in my mind:)

LDahl said...

Hi Ev! I think I may even start another blog to plan the next Whopper Ball. (or use my website, not sure yet) You will definitely be invited!:)
I have always wanted to go to Venice, but I don't think I could stand to be in an airplane that long to get there. I got to thinking, after others have visited Venice what do they have to show for it (besides a big Credit Card bill!)?
Memories and photo's... so I started a collection of other people's photo's. I ended up really studying everything about Venice I could find. Maps, history, artists and artwork, buildings and language... books,videos, everything I could find. Wow, what a trip! Loved being an armchair tourist!:)

Krimo said...

Magical!!
Have a great Twenty Ten, L...x

LDahl said...

Hi Krimo, loved your Chefs snowman, lots of personality. Is it true you wouldn't let them name it Ratatouille? *grin*
Maybe when the temps warm up he(the snowman) will 'die' to become a chef too!
No expectations that it will warm up here anytime soon. 1.5 °F with a snow mist this morning.
Glad you enjoyed the party! Stay warm!