Millions watched FEUD: Capote vs. The Swans on Hulu and millions read CAPOTE’S WOMEN, the book on which the series is based, BUT Sherrill met swan, C.Z GUEST IN PERSON!
When Sherrill met her, later in her life, she still liked getting her hands dirty.
C.Z. had written books on gardening and was speaking about her passion for flowers and her book at the home of a well- known Chicago TV anchor.
C.Z. was still cool and blond when she and Sherrill met in the spacious “powder room.”
She smiled and complimented Sherrill on her flowery flowing dress so appropriate for the luncheon.
As women will do, they chatted about fashion, flowers and the fun event. It was a memorable five minutes.
His True Crime masterpiece, IN COLD BLOOD, caused millions to start locking their doors at night.
His whimsical wonderful novella, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S, became the favorite film of millions with Holly Golightly becoming one of Capote’s best-known creations. Certainly, Audry Hepburn burned her into the American culture.
But who was this man who created worlds in which readers could lose themselves?
A genius, a con-man, friend or foe?
Ultimately, he was all of the above.
His swans took him into their hearts and their homes and he stabbed them in the back with his words.
Laurence Leamer gives us the bold and beautiful New York in a time gone by.
CAPOTE’S WOMAN is a true story of love, betrayal and a swan song for an era.
C.Z. Guest was the only swan who did not desert him. I believe it.
“You must write about it – otherwise you didn’t do it – otherwise it didn’t happen -otherwise it’ll all be forgotten tomorrow”
Famous British Travel Writer, Robin Hanbury-Tenison
I was in the “lungs of the world” producing 20% of our world’s oxygen, surrounded by 10% of the earth’s species with new ones being discovered every 3 days, plus 50,000 species of plants,2.5 million species of insects, 3,000 species of fish and 1,3oo species of birds.
The Brazilian Rainforest has the subtle scent of smoke. I couldn’t tell if it came from forest being burned to clear land or came from locals cooking over wood. I hoped it was the latter.
This was especially true at the vast shopping emporium, the Mercado Municipal in Manaus, the most isolated urban city in the world.
This building was designed by Eiffel in France and brought over in pieces during the hedonist days of the Brazilian Rubber Boom. In Manaus the Rubber Barons created “The Paris of the Tropics.” In this crazy moment of time, 1879 to 1912, the wealthy erected extravagant palaces with the jewel being the lavish Manaus Opera House which today would have cost two billion dollars to build. Then every piece of wood, marble, crystal was all brought from the very best artisans in Europe. It took 14 years to build, and it has now been lovingly restored to its former glory. Other grand structures have not fared as well.
Everywhere there is a feel, a look of decay. The hot humid air is not kind to the lofty monuments’ men build to themselves. Some facades remain with the jungle growing within and I sensed soon it would claim dominance overall.
Usually, a quiet town until the Boi Bumba festival, an amazing spectacle of joyous song, dance, dazzling costumes, body paint and fantastical creature floats – all indigenous beliefs fused with African influences.
There are religious undertones of redemption but the outpouring of joy, and the energy of the dancers are more thrilling than the story being told.
It is the Carnival of the Amazon. It takes place in June and 50,000 people descend on Bumbodroma for the 6 hour dance competition between the red and blue teams.
For the visit from my ship, the red team gave us a one-hour version which, for me, rivaled the excitement and pleasure of attending Rio Carnival.
I left home to learn more about the world – it has left me filled with the thrill and urgency of what I have discovered and the joy of sharing it.
Have you made your New Years Resolutions?
We did! And they include all of YOU!!
We vow to be Happy Travelers through this new year - bringing you along on our traveling adventures!
Sherrill is circumnavigating South America from Ft Lauderdale & back - which includes Carnival in Rio and cruising a thousand miles up the Amazon River to Manaus
At the same time Debi will be exploring the Hawaiian Islands
Watch for HAPPY TRAVELERS blogs & Dare to be Curious videos as we share Ports of Call - our favorite coffee/tea finds - shopping- food - a taste of the world! All our adventures!
We can’t wait to share!
Meanwhile, we wish you all health, wealth, love & perfect self-expression in the new year!
XOXO Sherrill & Debi
It is true that chocolate gives us a soothing rush of endorphins –
and, really, don’t we all love that feeling!
Owners, Barbara and Christopher, shared their expertise as they showed us their impressive curated store plus the charming inviting tasting room.
Sherrill got soooo much information and inspiration she will incorporate into her upcoming mystery series – The Empress of Bubbles.
Daring To Be Curious we popped the cork on the Andre Clouet in the bar/restaurant attached and owned by The House of Gluntz.
It was delicious and the perfect setting to enjoy the fine bubbles –
beautiful old world charm restaurant, the yummy aroma of freshly made popcorn and comfort food from their menu.
We would love to hear your favorite quotes and please send us the names of any new champagne you have discovered and loved.
The holiday season is about love!
Plus on this occasion we had the opportunity to learn so much about truffles – one of our favorite taste treats and a wonderful delicacy anytime, anywhere!
For us, this special evening was the beginning of our holiday season of gratitude which we want to share with you all.
2 pounds sliced bread, toasted, preferably bakery egg bread
4 eggs, slightly beaten
¼ pound butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
2 large red delicious apples, grated
Mushrooms chopped – as many as you want – I put in a lot! (Saute the fresh mushrooms in butter and then add – very important for the flavoring)
3 cans of chopped water chestnuts
Place bread in large colander. Run cold water over bread for a few minutes and then squeeze as dry as possible. Transfer to large bowl and toss with all other ingredients.
This makes enough stuffing for a large turkey up to 20 pounds. Since I always have a bigger turkey I double the recipe and put the extra in a casserole and bake covered for about 45 minutes at same temperature as turkey.
As Nora Ephron stated . . .”The turkey. The sweet potatoes. The stuffing. The pumpkin pie. Is there anything else we all can agree so vehemently about? I don’t think so.”
Best Wishes for a Joyful Holiday Season!!
We have all seen that first birthday party –
one year old cutie in a high chair with a small cake within reach. The gleeful look as the cutie dives into it with both hands – smearing more on their adorable cheeks than in their rosebud mouth.
This heartwarming scene is recorded in pictures by family and friends who would not have missed this special moment for the world!
Who would not miss YOUR party for the world?
FRIENDS are the first super component!
We know it is hard to make those list – space, cost, timing, location can all be limiting factors. We have found if we can’t invite all our Besties to one gathering, we set up breakfast, lunch, tea, drink, dinner dates in small groups to keep the celebration going – as we always say, “Everyday is an opportunity for a special occasion!”
Once you have your list – be it 10 or 110 – think about FUN – the second super component.
What do YOU – your BESTIES – enjoy?
A Spa Day, Hiking, Cooking Class, Flower Arranging, the list is endless as we are all curious and want to keep learning.
We love to dance – good for mind, body and soul!
Sherrill’s last birthday party was a Mama Mia Dance Party!
Who doesn’t want to shake their moves to Dancing Queen!
And of course you are working off calories so you can enjoy the FAVORS – the third super component.
Make the favors match the party theme. For Mama Mia, everyone had a feather boa – it just works with Abba music.
Food and Beverages are important – also they should compliment your theme. However, we have discovered that if you have those super components of FRIENDS, FUN AND FAVORS, everything else falls into place.
“Count your age by friends, not years”
Like all our Book Club Babes gatherings we get into the theme – Roaring 20’s attire – the drink – the food – the music of the time
Add these elements to your own Book Club – it really does make for a richer adventure.
Join us on our YouTube Channel Dare To Be Curious to share in our party!
We love a film which makes us both laugh and cry!
Because of the wonderful marketing champaign, 2023 continues to be the “Summer of Barbie”: - the “must see” movie of the year!
And pink!!!
Thank goodness it is such a happy color which complements all of us!
Happy is how the movie made us feel – plus enchanted, stunned by its creativity, thoughtful at the many messages woven into this modern tale directed by visionary filmmaker, Greta Gerwig, and delighted by its two leading actors, Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling – two of our personal favorites!
Go Barbie go! Yes, you may bring Ken!
We are often asked about writing – Sherrill’s novels and travel articles – Debi’s Divine Biscotti baking and recipe book.
We love sharing LIVING LOVING AND LEARNING on this blog and our YouTube channel,
DARE TO BE CURIOUS.
Now we are expanding our sharing to speaking at conferences.
We both have been speakers many times for large groups before COVID. AS we all know, the world changed in 2020 and is only now righting itself.
We are delighted to report that we will be “in the trenches” speaking at Evanston Writers Workshop In The Trenches Conference 2023.
Sherrill spoke at their first conference and won their Bard Award. She is excited to return to this conference November 2 thru November 5 at the lovely Hyatt Regency in Deerfield, Illinois. Debi is equally excited about being a part of this inspiring event.
In The Trenches is a learning opportunity for all interested in writing for every genre. PLUS – voice acting/narration classes will be taught by the famous Carlos Ferro.
More details to follow! We must share one of our favorite quotes about learning.
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go”….Dr. Seuss
Get your ticket today!
Inthetrenches2023.com
WHERE IS YOUR HAPPY PLACE?
As writers and readers we have always known a romance reading habit doesn’t need to be hidden between the covers of a literary masterpiece you are pretending to read – or only whispered about to select friends.
As readers we were confused by the choices made by the main characters, Harriet and Wyn, which generated much debate at Book Club Babes! Which is exactly how it should be in any Book Club discussion – that is the magic of it.
Demon’s words are quite fatalistic, instead of hopeful: “Save or be saved, these are questions. You want to think it’s not over til the last page.”
It is our reaction to adversity, not adversity itself that determines how our life’s story will develop.
As Nelson Mandela stated, “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.
Supporting others to overcome adversity and build resilience will be explored more fully on our YouTube channel, DARE TO BE CURIOUS
Our theme has always been “We are all in this together.”
Please join us.
Of course in Chicago this time of year, we can experience all four seasons in one day!
For us warm weather means Summer, which – again for us – starts on Memorial Day.
That long weekend which is the unofficial start to cookout season!
However, Memorial Day is foremost a day to remember the millions of heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country – for the world.
We grew up with this enduring quote by JFK: “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.”
We give thanks and embrace the privilege of freedom to celebrate friends and families with pool parties, parades and backyard cookouts.
We asked several friends how they celebrate Memorial Day. More than a few stated: “It’s the start of summer. With the fireworks of July 4th in the middle and ends with Labor Day and the kids going back to school.”
Welcome to Summer!!
Many – us included - thought we were celebrating Mexican Independence.
ACTUALLY, ON May 5, Cinco de Mayo commemorates the anniversary of Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza.
Even though his army was outnumbered in the battle which lasted from daybreak to sunset, General Zaragoza realized the superior French forces were losing because his troops were utilizing the knowledge of their homeland terrain to defeat the invaders.
The victory that day became a symbol of Mexican resistance.
In 2005, US Congress passed a resolution recognizing the historical significance of this holiday and encouraged a celebration of Mexican culture through food, drink, dance and music.
We started at the fabulous Colores Mexicanos
605 Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60601
coloresmexicanoschicago.com
What a treasure trove!
A beautiful collection of textiles carefully curated to bring all the best in exquisitely handmade garments and tablescapes.
Debi’s “had to have” was a piece of hand crafted jewelry - truly, everything in the store tempted us!
Packages in hand, we headed to our favorite regional Mexican restaurant, Tzuco by Chef Carlos Gaytán, who became the first Mexican Chef to receive a Michelin star in 2013 and 2014.
TZUCO
720 North State St., Chicago, IL 60654
tzuco.com
We had loved dinner there so this time we tried their brunch served only on Saturday and Sunday
And the margarita’s! We wanted to try a new twist ourselves so ordered a float of amaretto on top – Sherrill’s with salt – Debi’s without. Both yummy!
We agree with Congress – May 5 - EVERYONE should experience the culture of Mexico.
PASARLO BIEN
“Spring is the time of plans and projects”
—Leo Tolstoy
As the weather warms up and Spring arrives our urge for renewal – new beginnings – sends us scurrying to redecorate – to clean our houses – particularly our closets.
We determine it is time to weed out and replant with the best new Spring fashions to make us bloom!
“The magic in new beginnings is truly the most powerful of them all.”
Please join us on our YouTube Channel, Dare to be Curious, as we share our afternoon of fun and fashion.
The theme of this astonishing novel, FOREIGN AFFAIRS BY ALLISON LURIE, is how we change when we move to a new place and we are not surrounded by the expectations of others.
The book takes place in England and since we are both Anglophiles like the main character, Vinnie, we immediately identified with her!
She is there on a grant to work on her new book about children’s folk rhymes. Sherrill identified with Vinnie on many levels – not only because she is small in stature and wears a size five shoe!
Vinnie is also a woman who has given up and believes no one will truly love her because no man ever has. So when she finds someone who is not remotely the sort of man she can seriously imagine for herself, it changes her.
The big moment for her is when she does something frightening and uncomfortable because she wants to do what Chuck would have expected of her. His view of her is that she’s an absolutely wonderful person. She knows she’s not, but she wants to live up to that view of herself. And by doing this thing, which she doesn’t think of as very important, she has a tremendous effect on the lives of others.
There are countless rich layers to this book and so many fascinating characters. Fred, Vinnie’s young colleague, in England doing his research without his recently separated wife – he is miserable until he meets a beautiful unpredictable English actress and is introduced into her dizzyingly romantic world.
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USA TODAY wrote “IF YOU MANAGE TO READ ONLY A FEW GOOD BOOKS A YEAR, MAKE THIS ONE OF THEM.”
World Storytelling Day is a global celebration of the art of storytelling.
It is celebrated every year on the March equinox – March 20th.
On that day, as many people as possible tell and listen to stories in as many languages and at as many places as possible during that day and night.
It all started without much coordination or without much fanfare in the 90’s in Sweden, Australia, Mexico and other Latin American countries. It has grown into a worldwide phenomenon because really, who doesn’t love a great story?
Activities are planned on days around the equinox. Some examples of what can be done:
–Surprise a school with storytellers in the classrooms
– Organize an event at your library
– Combine Storytelling with music and/or dance
– Team up with a restaurant (take a page from Ashford Castle in Ireland where they have a resident storyteller in their restaurant)
– Share stories at a Senior Home
Do you have a story to tell? Please come be inspired at our YouTube channel, DARE TO BE CURIOUS!
These are paid links - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Her characters filled the pages of Property of a Noblewoman.
Go spend time with them and enjoy the fairytale.
Be it lose the weight from a joyful holiday season - join a gym or yoga class - get a new hair style or go darker or lighter or red!
All good goals - let’s face it goals are all good & the joy of reaching your goals even better!
The goal to follow your dreams & making them a reality was the inspiration for the luncheon that we attended, “New Year, New Me.”