Croquet anyone? The gorgeous exterior lawn at the much awarded hotel, Chewton Glen.

I want to Talk about being home, by necessity … cold reality, actually. Willfully, I am in my cozy quarters taking care of taxes, some bits and dabs of dermatology, celebrating birthdays with old friends, and involved with the windup of the AFTRA/SAG decisions to form a new union — while avoiding the winter chill of England.

David is there now, at Milford on Sea. We visit daily via Skype and today he signed off by telling me he is off to Chewton Glen to relax in their spa. What was I thinking? I’m feeling a strong yen for that loveliest spot in Britain, a country known for its lovely spots.

Non-traveler’s remorse?

CHEWTON GLEN: David, full of details, is keeping me up to speed on my favorite fantasy place, this endlessly awarded resort hotel, knowing how tempting it is to drop everything and take a jet to their Hydrotherapy Spa (speaking of jets!). It’s comforting just thinking of those warmed chaise lounges around the whirling pool. I have a picture of David under the tall swan-like power jet that buffets one’s neck muscles and massages the brain. Couldn’t we all use that around now? You don’t have to use your imagination, just take a virtual tour via Google and see for yourself: There is only one Chewton Glen.

UP IN THE AIR: It seems that Chewton Glen is undergoing a supreme makeover conceived by our special friend (and managing director) Andrew Stembridge. David taunted me with a tale of Andrew driving him around the gorgeous property, between the sea (just a 15 minute walk to the beach) and the ancient New Forest. He is blown away by the new development: amazing Tree House suites, deep in the wilds of the Chewton Glen property, yet minutes from the scenic approach to the main building.

Tree houses on stilts, the new development at Chewton Glen, ready for summer.

No fair! Where is my croquet mallet? I want to go play. It’s so Andrew, to make a peaceful play land for grown ups. A romantic and private world deep in the woods, yet just a golf cart away from the main building. Six intriguing buildings, all on stilts! They will be ready in time to celebrate the summer. I might propose this thought, if you are going to London: Give some time on either side of your journey to really indulge yourself at Chewton Glen. My cousins just stayed there prior to a cruise from Southampton and didn’t want to leave. The dining at the hotel certainly outshines most other venues. And you can guarantee the country freshness as the veggie garden, well-used by their kitchen, is now expanded, and their enormous orchard promises fresh fruits year round. The newly designed dining room is named Vetiver (fragrant extract from root of Indian grass, used in perfumes and aromatherapy), and has new green leather seating, in tune with the hotel’s philosophy of “Green.” A new young Head Chef Andrew du Bourg, fresh from 11 years at top London eateries, joins acclaimed Executive Chef Luke Matthews. Cruise the internet to see the gorgeous platings. With a dining facility spread over five rooms including a wine room, there will be room for all (except the ninny who chose to stay in Los Angeles with too much fish to fry).

BIG FISH: As I’m finishing this column, the Joint National Boards of the Screen Actors Guild and the American Association of Television and Radio Artists are taking a brief break in a long day. This is a big reason to stay in L.A., as it’s time to decide on the merger of these two great unions. This was an informational meeting and next weekend is the time for each union board to gather separately and vote up or down to proceed with a new union. If both vote yes, then a referendum will be sent out to all the members, the final deciders. It’s all very confidential, but when we’re allowed to discuss it, you know …

We’ll Talk….

Well, then I must face weight loss, so hard to put in black and white, but all those amazing meals while traveling do creep up on one. So strength be mine (please send positive thoughts). Meanwhile, I’d be a bad friend if I didn’t mention our last Paris dining miracle. Blame it on Mary Willard. Fred and Mary had just returned from Paris and I asked for any special tips. Mary said, “Jules Verne.” Mon Dieu.

ALAIN DUCASSE IN THE EIFFEL TOWER

View from Le Jules Verne on the Eiffel Tower.

Walking up towards the Eiffel Tower, our excitement was palpable. David told me I could go any place I wanted to on our final day in Paris and I, with assurance, told him Jules Verne. It was nervy, but Mary said. We found their special little elevator and went up the Tower and into this heavenly place. Le Jules Verne Restaurant is beyond words, but it’s not beyond viewing on a divine website. Gaze and dream, or maybe, make a reservation. (If Paris is in your future, reserve now; it’s a hot ticket to a magnificent and delicious experience: http://www.lejulesverne-paris.com/.)

This is a possible dream. Pricey? Oui! Worth it? Oui oui. Our week day lunch was 85 Euros. They offer wine by the glass, and food by the gods. The meal is as superb, and as beautiful, as the views — the best in Paris. Out the windows, the city surrounded us and we could see beyond to the far away countryside. And, please use the washrooms; they had Lucite fixtures, even the toilet! Naturally, David wants one. So dear readers, I wish you Paris and the magic of Le Jules Verne.

MAGNA-CARTA

“Can’t you hear me callin’, Caroline?” — Our new cow from Magna-Carta.

Last year’s Paris trip was my favorite. So here is my final, most wonderful memory as I plow into 2012. A Boutique became a focal point of our stay. I was doing a little power-walk\window shopping on rue de Bac one morning when I stopped in my tracks at number 101. A gently appealing gift shop, called Magna-Carta, had some paper mâché animal heads mounted on the walls. So beautiful, real, amusing, personal art, totally unique. Most of Magna-Carta’s merchandise are perfect gifts, like paper goods, toys, specialized items that make it a go-to place when a present is required. But the animal heads, wow! It seems they are made by two sisters in Paris and are like nothing I’ve ever seen. See them, and other darling merchandise, at their very pleasant and happy website: www.magna-carta.fr. When you get to the site, click on “Les nouvelles” and then to “Petit bestiaire en papier mâché” and view the blog with pictures of a camel, rhino, deer, and other majestic creatures large and small.

The animals mesmerized me. The problem was: Which one? I came back with David and he offered me one for my birthday. We settled on the cow, simple but perfect for us. (I took pictures to keep memories and show pals and now their beautiful rhino head is in Yuki and Cedric Scott’s home, along with a charming little chicken.)

Such imagination and choice of themes. Our cow, Caroline, named after the “Gypsy” cow, is white and covered with delicate antique sheet music. Yuki and Cedric’s rhino, named Jackie, is white with Japanese waves and soothing flowers making it so beautiful.

This Boutique is owned by a lovely young family, who are now our friends. David really admired a fantastic rooster so we both secretly purchased one to be shipped home. Luckily the dear shop owners figured it out. And, they do fool proof packing, which is another art. The only problem is we both want a camel. C’est la vie, such is life.

Here’s to living with loss, and loving life.

We’ll Talk….

The endless dessert at Taillevent. Lucky Lawrence and Lawrence.

CHRISTMAS-HANUKKAH: This is a year when Hanukkah and Christmas meet, offering a double glow of joy and family celebrations, full of intended beneficence.

Whoa: More than a few friends have expressed a paralysis, a jolt. Where to begin? And how to meet one’s own expectations? Whoa. Slow down now, take it easy — whoa. Deep breath, a glimmer of reality, and let the spirit move you. Here’s where I’ll wish you a peaceful and Merry Christmas, and a Hanukkah that’s full of family and love. Blessings. Easy now….

WILLARD WORLD: It’s always jolly to think about Fred and Mary Willard. Besides cheering their friends with a Christmas songfest (at their most Christmassy house), Fred is appearing at the El Portal in (back by popular demand) A Cinderella Christmas, along with a bevy of talented television stars. They open Dec. 22 and that will surely bump up the Christmas spirit! And check out “Fred Willard’s MoHo’s Sketch Comedy Group.” Writers and performers creating fun together. The Energizer Bunny is a wuss next to Fred. Hooray for talent. Hooray for local theatre. And Hooray for the mighty wonderful movies that are overflowing at the close of 2011.

I want to throw in a huzzah for the stunning film Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close. There is something amazing here that all who respect performance must see. After winning Teen Jeopardy, Thomas Horn was spotted to audition, and was cast in an integral role. It’s like an extraordinary, insightful, brilliant young human brushed by this motion picture and left a bit of genius for us all to appreciate and wonder. Whatever Thomas Horn chooses do with his gifted life, the afterglow of his first time in the movies will stay with me for the rest of mine.

TAILLEVENT: If Paris is your Holiday destination, I must mention Le Restaurant Taillevent. Be sure and make a reservation, no matter when you might be there, as it is historically wonderful and very popular with Parisians and visitors alike. Recently celebrating its 65th anniversary, a question was asked: “Is your cooking traditional or contemporary?” The answer: “We unceasingly renew tradition.” And, it is unceasingly terrific. This restaurant manages to evoke a well-bred, respectful, distinctly French air that’s at the same time totally comfortable. Starting with the staff and their respect for the client, the seasons, and high quality. The owner, Valeri Vrinat, daughter of one of the world’s most celebrated chef/ restaurateurs, sets the tone. Taillevent’s Director, Jean-Marie Ancher, follows through, takes pleasure in welcoming you, and takes care of your happiness while you are under this roof. Alain Soliveres, Head Chef, strongly believes in tradition and innovation, his motto, “Haute cuisine is based on simplicity.” Simply special, I say. And now, the not-so-simple Pastry Chef, the young Matthieu Bijou, has a strong belief in exigency and precision, his motto, “Tout mon savoir-faire au service de la gourmandise et des gourmands.” Trust me, he succeeds.

Here are some Le Restaurant Taillevent’s significant dates: 1946, opened at the end of WWII; 1948, First Michelin Star; 1954, Second Michelin Star; 1993, Third Michelin Star; 2011, Jackie Joseph-Lawrence enjoys her first lunch at Taillevent.

The website is delectable, Google, oogle, viewgle. And in the top left corner, under the word “Taillevent,” click on the British flag for English. I’ll leave you with a few words to savor, Mille feuille de saumon fume, Au bois de hêtre et raifort (see the photo, I hope), and in boring English, Risotto with Mushrooms, Salmon, a wine list of great distinction … It was the most beautiful and delicious lunch topped by a dessert that was a delicate parade of sweets, with a granita made with grenadine, pink champagne, and mint tea. I long for it all now … until next time….

We’ll Talk.

The Glorious Paulanna, owner of Pergolina.

I want to Talk about being a Tolucan, and the generational charm of the merchants and attendants at the renowned Toluca Lake Holiday Open House. Having lived in Toluca Lake over 30 years, it doesn’t matter where I am, where I live, I’m always a Tolucan. Attending last Friday’s Open House was like being in a time-jumping adventure: old and new, past and present. Seeing neighbors from then, seeing their grown children (and their children) from now … and seeing Hair Stylist George Caroll, who transcends time.

NEW: The first shop we peeked into was Zookies. I asked Lora Jakobsen, the lovely owner, how long this happy store has been there. “An hour,” she calmly replied. I recommend a visit, for a smile and maybe a perfect gift. Its charming, child oriented offerings, are practical and imaginative. I’d like to decorate a Princess Crown for myself, to suit my private fancy, and seriously, the lively bibs and art smocks would be a boon for adults who are tired of spraying pasta sauce or salad dressing on whatever we are wearing. (I have been crusading for Adult Bibs and lovely Lora said she might create some, yea!) May Zookies, on Forman just north of Riverside, enhance our hood for many more delightful hours.

The Enchanting antique clown decor, among the infinite treasures of Pergolina.

FAMILIES CONTINUE: There is something about continuity that that warms the heart. Two of Toluca Lake’s legendary shops have been there for me for my lifetime. Neighbors on Riverside Drive, just east of Forman, both Generales & Generales and Pergolina are owned and run by the children of the previous shop owners. They have done honor to their history. At the Open House, it was déjà vous seeing the mothers, the originals, attending the happy events and looking so timelessly beautiful.

Helen Ohanion shined and, speaking of constancy, made her famous baklava. The elegant wife of the late Van Ohanion must be so proud of her daughter Sylvia and son-in-law Peter Generales. Generales & Generales maintains the high-end and hip jewelry and services that can create treasure to your design, or repair our old watches. They have a lovely Internet site, so check the possibilities for you and yours. And see their window with a tiny train toting shining jewels around the glittery and choice offerings.

Lora Jakobsen, founder of Zookies, a brand new gift shop for the young and young at heart.

Rose Chimo is the mother of vivacious Paulanna Cuccinello, who is the magically inspired owner of the “one-of-a-kind home, gift, and garden boutique,” Pergolina. It’s the same venue where Anthony and Rose Chimo ran the famed Flowers by Anthony Rose shop for 45 years. I asked Paulanna where to find Rose and she said, “She’s the glamorous blond greeting the crowd.” Rose is really a dish, and claims that her Pilates, at Align and Define, are keeping her strong. To define Pergolina’s energy and beauty, take a look at the women involved. The shop’s European items are whimsical and gorgeous. The Pierrot-ish clowns, bearing banners of “Good Cheer” are the décor that dreams are made of. You can bank on finding originality and beauty; their website will prove me right. And remember the grand gift-wrapping, from wherever you get your gift. It’s a fine family tradition!

Toluca Lake is a majestic neighborhood full of loving people, and it’s a wondrous place to shop, eat, wander, wonder, and do business in general. Thanks to all the merchants for their goods and the goodies, for Santa and Fritz, the wine, cider, cookies, Irish Stew, pizza, popcorn, ham, and tuna tartare(!). To the Pipers and the Drums, the trolley and to all The Tolucan Times readers who said sweet things about this (intentionally) sweet column, Cheer,

We’ll Talk…. 

PS: As the Seabees song requires, “And we promise to remember, the 7th of December….”

The ever-enchanting Doris Day.

DORIS DAY: A happy surprise came in the mail from Doris’ friend Nancy. There is a wonderful cover article — full of delicious photos — on Doris Day in the Carmel Magazine. The interview is by Dina Eastwood, the charming journalist who happens to be married to Clint. It’s a rare visit with America’s Sweetheart (and the best selling recording artist of all time). For those who love her, Google Carmel Magazine’s winter edition and catch up with Doris at 87. For those who love her music, her first album release in 20 years, My Heart, debuted in the top ten on the charts in the United Kingdom. We’ll be keeping our eyes open for the USA release, but there are some peeks on the Internet! I miss her, but reading this piece fills my heart, knowing that she is happy and healthy and fulfilling her mission to help animals. Thank you, friend Nancy, for sharing this neat update on one of Toluca Lake’s great residents.

LE DIANE

When planning our Paris trip (that I’ll never stop talking about), our kids, Sheri and Adam, kept insisting that we go to Fouquet, “their favorite restaurant in the universe.” Well, when our attempts to reserve were futile, it was suggested we go to their new restaurant, Le Diane. Once again, a Paris surprise.

Right around the corner from the Champs Elysees at avenue George V, Le Diane is the gourmet restaurant of Hotel Fouquet’s Barrière. There we discovered the stunning French cuisine of Executive Chef, Jean-Yves Leuranguer.

It was a rare warm fall evening, and we dined on the glittery terrace that drifts alongside the elegant restaurant with all the glow of Paris’ Golden Triangle. We could hear the music from their amazing bar and were mesmerized by the waterfall walls and sculpted flying white birds while we fell victims to the gastronomy. We learned why Le Diane is one of those Paris restaurants whose name is uttered with reverence. Let me utter a few irreverent clues to our memorable meal: duck balls (don’t ask); Brittany Langoustine (like butter); butter — four flavors (sweet, salt, herb, seaweed!); Charolais Beef cooked in a fig leaf (such sauce); Bresse Chicken (David’s passion); Seared Amberjack (special); then an array of desserts by top Pastry Chef Claude Ducrozet. If Paris is in your future, take note and take a virtual tour.

Just five years new, Hotel Fouquet’s Barrière, a Lucien Barrière Hotel, has a longstanding, historical relationship with the César Ceremonies and French cinema, hosting many great film stars. Since the inception of the César Awards, the “French Academy Awards,” Fouquet’s has hosted the César Nominees Luncheon and the After-Awards Ceremony César Dinner.

It may come as a surprise to those of us close to Hollywood that the French Lumiere Brothers are the true “Fathers of Modern Cinema.” In 1895 they first showed their films in Paris, which leads me to Talk about HUGO.

This majestic movie is full of Paris and good lessons about early cinema. Fanciful, and factual, this is not just a film for children: Hugo embodies a heart warming/heart stopping tale of a 12-year-old orphan who lives in the walls of a Paris train station in 1930 and a mystery involving the boy, his late father, and a robot. Bravo for Martin Scorsese, for making the most magical 3D movie!

ABU, SON OF ADAM: This humble motion picture is from India and brings a slice of life rarely offered. The unique story is of Abu and Aisumma, an aging Muslim couple. Their aspiration is to go to Hajj and they make many sacrifices to achieve this aim. The purity of the characters and the performances give us a look into a peaceful Muslim community, poor but helping each other.

So, just a few more examples of good people and good times.

We’ll Talk….

LAUGHTER

Sid Melton, with one of his many terrier dogs through the years, laid to rest at age 94.

Sid Melton equaled laughter. This was more than his job; he just loved making people laugh. Luckily, he was funny. He made his family laugh, strangers laugh. The desk attendants at The Animal Medical Center told me he used to come in dancing and singing funny songs. And he was full of stories; after all, he had a career stretching over seven decades.

Sid, a Brooklyn baby, was born into entertainment. His father was Isador Meltzer, a famed comedian in the Yiddish Theatre. Sid debuted in 1939 and by 1947 he was on Broadway. His brother, the great screenwriter Lewis Meltzer, brought him to Hollywood and an endless film and television career ensued. Look up Sid Melton on Google to get the full scope of his busy career. My favorite credit is “Captain Midnight” where he played the Cap’s sidekick, Ichabod “Ikky” Mudd. One of Sid’s favorites was in Bob Hope’s The Lemon Drop Kid. He said, “I had Bob laughin’ for nine weeks, talkin’ and ad libbin’.” And he was very delighted with all the series that made him a well-known fan favorite and a fixture in people living rooms: Make Room for Daddy as Uncle Charlie Halper, Green Acres as Alf Monroe, The Golden Girls as Salvadore Petrillo. Wow. Film roles that meant a lot to him were Lady Sings the Blues, The Lost Continent, and Steel Helmet. But that’s not all; Uncle Sidney loved to produce movies and write. Books, odd-ball movies. Sid was like the energizer bunny: He just kept pumping stuff out and he worked a lot with Frank Sinatra Jr., who was a very caring friend, and included Sid in his many activities.

UNCLE SIDNEY: You might ask: Where do I fit into this? As life does weave, I first knew Sid Melton when working with him in Make Room for Grand Daddy (he was a Danny Thomas regular for years) and The Doris Day Show (Doris really loved him). He was my boyfriend in both shows. We also crossed paths at Actors and Others for Animal Events: Sid loved, loved, loved dogs.

You might ask, why is he Uncle Sidney? My husband David’s sons, Adam and Dean, are Sid’s nephews. Their mother, David’s wonderful first wife Estelle, was his sister. Theirs was an amazing bond, and Estelle made sure that Sidney was taken care of. She had asked Adam to promise to take care of him. And this he did. So in an odd way, Sid was my brother in law by marriage, and Uncle Sid to my Lawrence kids. Anyway, I was in the mix from many directions.

Here, let me acknowledge the Toluca Lake Manor and the caring administrator, Mariana Romano — so hands on, such genuine affection. The family felt peace of mind knowing that the residents came together daily in the relaxing lounge, serene courtyard, and gardens. They took walks in the neighborhood and savored three daily home-cooked meals in a real house. And bless you Mariana for adopting Sidney’s dog, Boo — you are godsend. We are so grateful to the Motion Picture & Television Fund’s Community Care Team for directing Sid to this special spot and for making sure he had the best of medical care, besides the tender loving care.

A GIVER: Generous to a fault, Sidney was a donor to almost anything that came to his mailbox. But he was seriously loyal to St. Jude’s Hospital, animal causes, and organizations that helped humanity. Sidney honored humanity with his humor and his talent, his money and his good heart. If you want to honor Sid Melton, his family suggests a donation in his memory to “Guide Dogs of America” and “Actors and Others for Animals.” And perhaps, take the time to have a good laugh.

Go well, Sidney…. we’ll Talk.

Secret Wish at the Luxembourg Gardens

The mystical boat, in Luxembourg Gardens, with my new French friends.

The flowers were still in bloom as we headed to my favorite day in Paris. We took our books, got a sandwich from Paul’s Boulangerie, and walked to the most beautiful park in the world. Benches near the Luxembourg Garden’s big pond, where little sailing vessels are manned by children, gave us a cozy place to relax and people watch. I wandered to a group of men who surrounded a good sized, home made toy, a Kon Tiki type of boat that rested on a flat out baby stroller. The little rigging was happy with friendship flags. I was enchanted. Jack, the artist, asked me if I’d like to make a little flag. He gave me a tiny paper, told me to write a secret wish and then paint and sign/date my weenie work of art. I made a picture of my dog Skye. “Tres jolie, un chien!” laughed Jack. It was such a thrill watching it added to the many mini diverse flags. Happiest Parisian afternoon! (More talk of Paris awaits.)

Le Dome

In the disparate, historic, artistic area of Montparnasse, there is a great towering building, a cemetery where Jean-Paul Satre and his love Simone de Beauvoir are buried, underground tunnels of the Catacombs of Paris and a grand Gar — the train station to Tours, Rennes, Le Man, and on…. Bars and cafés were the places where ideas thrived and starving artists were allowed to subsist and perhaps leave a drawing if they could not pay their bill. One such palace, Le Dome, is now one of the finest dining brasseries, serving seafood delivered fresh from Brittany every day. Beginning as a dingy meeting place for exiled artists and intellectuals like Lenin and Picasso, it is now a temple for seafood. The place to eat oysters and fish. And so we did!

We sipped our Deutz Rose Champagne while David slurped a dozen gorgeous oysters (Belon number 3). I indulged with langoustines (sort of a cross between lobster and shrimp), a delicacy I still dream of… (Do we have them here?) The tiny mussels, dorade, sauté de homard breton (tons of lobster), and a giant Napoleon for dessert were cooked to perfection and served by a fabulous, doting head waiter with a tuxedoed staff in the romantic Belle Époque atmosphere dating from 1898. Our compliments to Direteur Jacques Drouot. Le Dome honors many of the famed artists the restaurant tended to with well placed displays of photos. Lovely. My only faux pas was thinking we had a big bowl of olives … that turned out to be sea snails.

One can find magnificent pictures of the food and the restaurant on the Internet. It’s a great way to visit this veritable institution from far away. Hopefully, you will be ready for your close up some wonderful day.

Meet Your Neighbors

Last weekend, in my Sherman Oaks hood, the neighbors met at a local home for a potluck and barbeque. An old fashioned Block Party/Persimmon Picking Party. Caught up with old friends from the block/blocks and met some really nice new friends. This is a good thing and makes my heart happy. So my thanks to Darcy Kaye and Denis Maloney for the organizing, and to the dear and darling Judy Oberg for her home. I love this stuff.

We’ll Talk…

RAFFLES/LE ROYAL PARIS MONCEAU

Artful plates in restaurant Le Cuisine at Raffles/Le Royal Monceau Hotel.

David and I were overwhelmed by the classic Brunch and startling beauty at Le Royal Monceau Hotel. Recently acquired by the elite “Raffles Group” and re-done by uber-designer Philippe Starck (who showed real restraint without sacrificing his trademark quirky humor), Le Royal Monceau is a wonder. A short stroll down Avenue Hoche, off the Champs-Elysees at the Etoile, brings you to this jaw dropping historic and glorious spot. The Brunch in their Restaurant La Cuisine was, almost, too pretty to eat. Food groups were artfully separated into fresh-from-the-sea delicacies — lobster medallions, huge shrimp, smoked salmon, sushi — then salads, fruits, cheeses, meats, and chicken, egg dishes, waffles, seaweed butter (!) — just name it — and the panorama of desserts, with emphasis on chocolate, were not ignored. Artistic plating, each group of delicacies like a painting, let us know we were not in Kansas. The décor was as delicious as the food, giant industrial lights over one area, dainty crystal lighting another. The walls had fabulous photographs and my favorite, framed groupings of white plates that were uniquely painted by current famed French artists. (See so much of this for yourself, just Google Le Royal Monceau.)

We were lucky to be shown some special places by the lovely Anne-Sophie Bonnisseau and to be thrilled by the art that graces each space in this glorious hotel. Raffles even has its own Art Concierge to lead one through the splendor of this intimate and almost private museum. Devastatingly divine crystal chandeliers were mirrored into infinity at their grand staircase, and downstairs was a large grouping of life size wooden woodland creatures just waiting for our visit. Spiffy and spectacular.

PROTESTS: Every other day there were, what they call, Manifestations. These large marches stop traffic and buses, and are very much part of Paris. We witnessed a protest by teachers, who were angry at the tremendous amount of teachers let go from their jobs. A huge demonstration by the Orthophonistes demanded higher recognition for their position in the medical community. At first I thought they were orthodontists, but after talking with a group, I learned they were speech therapists. Vast amounts from all over France meant business. All was peaceful, and resolute. It seems to be the thing to do now world wide….

PLAY: Parks were our main source of fun and relaxation. We could grab a baguette sandwich at Paul’s Boulangerie and people watch at the Luxembourg Gardens, Parc Monceau, and the wondrous Promenade Plantee. The gardens were still in bloom as summer lingered during our stay (I packed mufflers, but wore tee shirts). A favorite day was at Parc Monceau where I bought David a zebra balloon that we named Xavier. He was with us all day and made people smile as we walked the park, the streets, the bus, the bistro, and all the way home to our little apartment on Cherche Medi. Xavier floated over us until it was time to pack. We couldn’t leave him, so after slowly letting out the air, I took him home … Now, will he properly blow up again?

We’ll Talk…

PS: Walk with me, Sunday Oct. 23, at VisionWalk, UCLA—Dickson Court South. 9 a.m. register, 10 Walk and help stop Blindness.

Thanks, JJ

Adam and Marci’s Fanciful and Free Fundraiser

From l, Mary Jo and Jerry Brown, good people who care about good causes, especially the Braille Institute.

September 25: Save this date and maybe win a trip to New York, plus a lot of other amazingly fine stuff! This is a heads-up for a sweet (with cup cakes!) party to raise funds for the Foundation Fighting Blindness Vision 5K Walk and to promote awareness for an illness near and dear to Marci Siegel’s heart; her mother is affected by the eye disease, Macular Degeneration. It so happens that her next-door neighbor, Adam Lawrence, is blind from the eye disease, Retinitis Pigmentosa, (“RP”). So these good hearted, ambitious neighbors, will host a (no charge to attend) fund-raiser on September 25 from 2 to 5 p.m. It will be an afternoon of wine and cupcakes, many rare silent auction items and a spectacular raffle prize for a trip for two to New York City (including plane, hotel, restaurant, etc). The event location: Co-Op 28 Handmade at 1728 North Vermont Ave., a fun and close-by community to visit.

This party/fundraiser is two peoples’ stand-up effort to find a cure for blindness. They hope that together they can help bring sight to all those who live in darkness.

Adam Lawrence, my handsome and freewheeling stepson, is a volunteer for the Foundation Fighting Blindness and is this year’s Chair for VisionWalk LA (on October 23, save that date too and join our team!). When Marci met Adam and learned about FFB’s goal to assist researchers in treating and curing eye diseases, she knew she had to get involved. So she did!

You get involved too! Have a little family fun, cupcakes and wine, shop and play silent auction and raffle, besides a New York getaway; Bob Mackie donated show biz goodies and wearable treasures. For info: call Marci at (323) 669-2828 or Adam at (818) 368-4707.

Good People: Mary Jo and Jerry Brown

Katherine’s Legacy: Speaking of Silent Auctions, it was my pleasure to be won by the very dear Mary Jo Brown at the Actors and Others for Animals silent auction. We went to lunch and I learned about Mary’s mother, Katherine Krupa, who suffered from the effects of macular degeneration and had a very difficult and depressing time when she lost her vision. A visit to the Braille Institute, an organization of hope and empowerment, changed her mindset quickly and she became determined to live a full life and continue doing things she enjoyed. She returned to her piano via their adaptive piano classes. “My mother enjoyed the books on tape as well,” remembered Mary Jo, “the Braille Institute’s Library helped her stay connected to that aspect of her life.” When Katherine passed away a few years ago, she left the Braille Institute her Closed-Circuit TV and vast collection of large print sheet music. This inspired Mary Jo and Jerry to name the Braille Institute as a beneficiary in their will. Just remembering the marked changes and all the great things Katherine had said abut the organization and the staff made the Browns want to ensure that future generations of people experiencing sight loss would have access to the same quality of programs and services.

It’s heartening to know that people like Mary Jo and Jerry are in our universe. They turned gratitude into responsible consideration. Planned Giving is so respectable and so is Mary Jo Brown, it was my pleasure to become her friend. And hopefully her story will inform someone who needs the Braille Institute’s services that they are there and waiting. And thanks to Mary Jo for caring about animals too. We’ll Talk…

The glorious lobby of The Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building, where Lucy became a redhead.

I want to Talk about celebrating two milestones in the life of America’s Queen of Comedy: Lucille Ball’s 100th birthday and the 60th anniversary of I Love Lucy. The gala reception was appropriately at The Hollywood Museum, in the historic and most fabulous Max Factor Building. A gaggle of stars became instant tourists cruising the premiere collection of movie wonders, and the special exhibit of Lucy-arama. The museum, along with CBS DVD and Paramount Home Entertainment, deserve gratitude and applause. And this is open to the public until November 30. Do not pass Go! This is a real destination; prepare to spend a good part of your day —there’s so much rich detail and memories of Hollywood glory, then and now.

Universally adored for her madcap television antics, I always think of Lucy the person, who was generous, caring and devoted to her family and friends — a great mother to her children and a fine daughter to her mom. It was great fortune to have worked with Lucy and experience firsthand her professionalism and serious knowledge of what everyone in the show was doing every moment. In the early ‘60s, she created Lucille Ball’s Desilu Workshop, in which she worked with and nurtured young performers such as Robert Osborne, actress-singers Carole Cook and Marilynn Lovell and Ken Berry. Ken and I were young marrieds then, and Lucy brought us into her circle of friends and sent silver toothbrushes from Tiffany’s when both my children arrived. At that time, little Lucie was young and not so little. We were guests at her wedding in big Lucy’s back yard. “She’s the funny one,” said the idolized comic Lucille, who was not “on” at home, but was a gracious hostess and emptied ashtrays. Wonderful days. Lucy and Lucie worked together at Actors and Others for Animals’ first event, taking Polaroids with fans. Inundated. Lucky fans!

Now, lucky fans can go to The Hollywood Museum and melt into Lucy memorabilia. An entire floor dedicated to everything Lucy.

From l, Donelle Dadigan, founder and president of The Hollywood Museum with Lucie Arnaz and her husband, actor Larry Luckinbill.

“The Hollywood Museum is the perfect venue for this exhibit because it’s where Lucille Ball went for makeup and hair treatments from Mr. Factor,” says museum President Donelle Dadigan. “It’s where Lucy first became a redhead. She had the longest-running contract of all of Mr. Factor’s celebrity clients, and he frequently used her image in his PR and ad promotions. The Redheads Only Room has been carefully preserved in her memory today. So, when you go, inhale the air in the heavenly pink lobby. Sense the stars that have been beautified in these glorious rooms. See how Jean Harlow became a blond, and see her car, on the third floor. Dazzling. (It’s open from Wednesday through Sunday, 10 to 5.)

The top floor is for parties. What a place to have your celebration and have free run of the museum, plus the creepy basement full of horrors (including Hannibal Lecter).

For the Lucy party, which was packed with stars and fans, very tasty food was served and a fantastic panel of speakers brought Lucy memories to life.

This was the largest Lucy reunion in the past decade, with original creative talent from Lucy and Desi’s world, including:

Lucie Arnaz (who said this was like a Desilu picnic) is the gorgeous and talented daughter of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz; Dann Cahn, the living legend of the original Lucy Creative Team and best known as the head editor of I Love Lucy; Bernard Weitzman, Executive VP of Desilu Productions; Arthur Hamilton, wrote the music for the Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour; Doris Singleton, actress and co-star on Here’s Lucy; Shirley Mitchell, actress from I Love Lucy; Wanda Clark, Lucy’s secretary for 28 years; Bob Schiller, original writer on I Love Lucy and Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour; Tom Watson, Lucy’s long time publicist and creator of All About Lucy the Webzine for Lucy Fans & Collectors. These are great members of the Hollywood community and the Lucy team, and thanks to them all, they quietly enriched the legend. I respectfully end with some quotes:

“The truth is they [Desi and Lucy] wanted to stay together so that they could have a family… Everyone did it for all the right reasons: not to be famous, not to make money, not to be better than another show… No one worried whether people were more talented than the next or who had more lines. They just got in the sandbox and played — and I think that’s the reason why this show has survived so long.” – Lucie Arnaz.

“I Love Lucy was never just a title.” – Desi Arnaz

“I’m not funny — what I am is brave” – Lucille Ball.

…We’ll Talk