I don’t know what it is about Fall in Oregon, but it seems to be spider season. They’re in my garden, in my office, in the bathroom and around the outdoor light fixtures.
Back when my cat Chicken was alive, I used to hoist her on my shoulder and we would go around the house hunting spiders. Chicken loved spiders. I’d say, “Chicky get the spider!” And she’d start purring and smack a spider with her little paw. Then she’d jump down on the floor and eat it. We had fun, but Tiger, my girlfriend, didn’t like it. She says spiders in the house are good luck and you’re not supposed to kill them. Don’t tell her I finally offed the one in my office that kept spinning a web around my alarm clock. Annoying. Besides, it was probably one of those poisonous brown recluses.
Every year, I seem to get a few really HUGE spiders around my compost bin. I think those are really cool and I don’t kill them. They would probably try to kill me. I mean these things are HUGE. Think mice-size. Or at least shrimp size. Well, I know those aren’t things we normally think of as big, but we’re talking about insects, not rodents or crustaceans. Obviously, I’m not much of an entomologist, but I wonder about these spiders. What happens to them in the winter? Do they just grow and grow and grow and then die when it gets cold? Do they lay eggs before they die? And why are the big ones by the compost? Are they eating the worms?
That’s the thing about nature. It makes you wonder. And takes your mind off other things, like the economy and the woman who could be president. Gotta love the spiders.
Which is real and which is Saturday Night Live? It's really hard hard to tell, isn't it? I think I am more scared than I have ever been in my life. Are there really still Americans out there who believe this woman is ready to run our country? Of all the qualified American citizens, this is really who John McCain picked? What does that say about him?
Even if I agreed with her right-wing politics, I don't think I could get behind this woman. Listen in:
So, my good friend and I were trolling the CURVE Personals the other night looking to find her a date and I was amazed. You see, it's the first time I'd ever been on the CURVE Personals and had no idea that so many women were so clueless about how to best represent themselves. If you haven't been to CURVE's new website, you should check it out. If you haven't been to CURVE Personals and you're single, check that out, too. The word on the street with single girls is that CURVE's the best roundup of women on the Internet.
In light of this revelation (lesbians don't know how to properly put themselves out there), I decided to jot down some tips for those of you who are out there or thinking about joining. Here goes:
++ In the photos section of your page, don't only put pictures of your dog. People want to see YOU.
++ In the same vein, don't just put one picture--the best one ever taken of you nine years ago in a group at the perfect angle. Give people at least four to see and represent yourself accurately.
++ Don't have the photos of you be taken from across the street or with any sort of crazy Photoshop filter. Again, let women see YOU for who you really are.
++ Be truthful about your stats. I saw women who said they had an athletic body, who clearly didn't. Maybe they like sports, and maybe back in the day they had an athletic build, but not so much anymore. What people want to know is what's going on NOW.
++ I also think CURVE should add a "Fuck Off" or "Scram" button to the application next to the "Smile" button. That way, when interested people contact you even though they're NOTHING like what you said you're looking for in your profile, you can get rid of them. The explicative button would be for those clingy lezzies who just don't take a hint. My friend tells me there are plenty of them.
++ Also in the same vein, read what each woman is looking for (physically and romantically) before you write her. Don't waste anyone's time, including yours.
++ Choose your photos carefully. Not only is it important to pick ones that accurately represent you, but don't put "come and fuck me" pics of you half naked. Save this behavior for our gay brothers.
++ When you "smile" at too many people or to the same women too many times, there should be an error button that pops up and say, "Calm Down" or "Cool it." Use that smile button with some discretion. When you smile, mean it.
What a week the gay world has had! I know it's old news now, but in case you live under a rock or in a lesbian commune with no running water or electricity, Lindsay Lohan finally confirmed her relationship with Sam Ronson to the syndicated radio show Loveline earlier this week. (This photo was taken the next day.)
Here is how the conversation went:
"You guys, you and Samantha, have been going out for how long now?" DJ Ted Stryker asked. "Like, two years, one year, five months, two months?"
"For a very long time," Lohan said after laughing.
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Lohan's publicist said that she and Sam are actually not engaged to be married, contrary to rumors that they'll tie the knot in November.
This whole thing with Lindsay is really curious to me, as I think it's indicative of what is happening in the world. While there are still people coming out on the cover of People Magazine (hello Gayken, who I just learned got a whopping $500,000 for the exclusive), the way Lindsay's handled herself and her relationship is sort of trailblazing. Unlike so many celebs who go to great length to hide their sexuality, she never has. Sure she didn't want to discuss it, but she never denied it (maybe her folks did, but she didn't) and she was always super affectionate in public, despite the swarming paparazzi.
Perhaps this is not only a sign that being gay and coming out is not as formidable as it used to be and it wasn't certain career suicide, but that, in general, people are caring less and less about who's gay and who's not. They realize that sexuality is fluid and no one else's business. There's less shock value and that's a good thing for the droves who are still behind their closed doors. Come out, come out wherever you are!
So, a month or so ago, I confessed that I was raised as a Republican and that--being the strong-headed woman I am--it only made sense that I was President of the Teenage Republicans in high school. [I cringed as I wrote that, I swear.] It was before I'd taken a hard look at the issues and before I had any sense of self, so I was really just another sheep. That all said, I got a free trip to Washington DC with my best friend Mel (see rap sheet to find out how being a Republican worked out for her, but then again, I'm on the same rap sheet, so being a liberal now hasn't faired me well either). Since we were from Arizona (I grew up in Scottsdale), we got to do a meet and greet with a much-younger, cancer-free Senator John McCain. For hours last night, I tore my condo apart looking for the picture I know I have (somewhere!!!) of he and I together, but couldn't find it. I posted this one of he and Melanie, since I was the Republican who took it. Good enough?
Thanks Goddess sake I've since wised up. And besdies, politics--and what each party represents--has really changed since I roamed my high school halls.
Anyhoo, I say all this because I haven't been able to tear myself away from CNN and MSNBC since 3pm this afternoon. It's too fascinating and I'm all caught up in Republican nostalgia because this week (especially tonight) Americans are watching the ticket of McCain/Palin (soon to be McCain/Romney my brother and I predict) implode. Seriously, McCain's move to cancel Letterman and try and bail on the debate and then, once in DC, fuck it all up? And I can hardly even write about Palin's interview with Katie Couric. It was like driving by a horrible car accident. I'll let you be the judge; her soundbites about Russia are below.
In honor of Republican Implosion Day, I give you the below counterpoint (below Youtube). Read it, digest it and think hard about who you're voting for on November 3rd, which just so happens to be one day before Melanie's birthday. Happy early birthday Meline!
Point counter point for Barack Obama and Palin/McCain:
* If you grow up in Hawaii, raised by your grandparents, you're "exotic, different." * Grow up in Alaska eating mooseburgers, a quintessential American story.
* If your name is Barack you're a radical, unpatriotic Muslim. * Name your kids Willow, Trig and Track, you're a maverick.
*Graduate from Harvard law School and you are unstable. * Attend 5 different small colleges before graduating, you're well grounded.
* If you spend 3 years as a brilliant community organizer, become the first black President of the Harvard Law Review, create a voter registration drive that registers 150,000 new voters, spend 12 years as a Constitutional Law professor, spend 8 years as a State Senator representing a district with over 750,000 people, become chairman of the state Senate's Health and Human Services committee, spend 4 years in the United States Senate representing a state of 13 million people while sponsoring 131 bills and serving on the Foreign Affairs, Environment and Public Works and Veteran's Affairs committees, you don't have any real leadership experience. * If your total resume is: local weather girl, 4 years on the city council and 6 years as the mayor of a town with less than 7,000 people, 20 months as the governor of a state with only 650,000 people, then you're qualified to become the country's second highest ranking executive.
* If you have been married to the same woman for 19 years while raising 2 beautiful daughters, all within Protestant churches, you're not a real Christian. * If you cheated on your first wife with a rich heiress, and left your disfigured wife and married the heiress the next month, you're a Christian.
* If you teach responsible, age appropriate sex education, including the proper use of birth control, you are eroding the fiber of society. * If, while governor, you staunchly advocate abstinence only, with no other option in sex education in your state's school system while your unwed teen daughter ends up pregnant, you're very responsible.
* If your wife is a Harvard graduate lawyer who gave up a position in a prestigious law firm to work for the betterment of her inner city community, then gave that up to raise a family, your family's values don't represent America's. * If your husband is nicknamed "First Dude", with at least one DWI conviction and no college education, who didn't register to vote until age 25 and once was a member of a group that advocated the secession of Alaska from the USA, your family is extremely admirable.
It must be in the air...What a brave, brave man. Contemporary Christian singer Ray Boltz has officially come out to the Washington Blade. Apparently, in 2004, the day the tsunami hit all of Asia, he told his family his truth and has now, four years later, decided to tell the world. You can read the whole article HERE.
His biggest Gospel hit was a song called Thank You and you can watch him sing it below.
Congrats Ray! Your brave step will help many, many people stand in their truth, so THANK YOU! Today is officially Ray Boltz day.
Big news: Clay Aiken FINALLY opened his closet door this week. [*sigh of relief*] This tormented American-Idol-almost-winner can finally sleep well because he came out on the cover of People Magazine this week and confirmed what every person in America already knew: he's a fudge packer.
The cover shot of People--a photo with his new son (he used a surrogate, music mogul David Foster's sister!)--is paired with People's now infamous line (originated by trailblazer Ellen Degeneres on Time Magazine in 1997) "YES, I'M GAY."
He said he decided to come out because he didn't want to raise his child amidst the lies and teach him that hiding is okay.
This comes out (eh hem) right before National Coming Out Day, which is October 11th. Maybe his bravery will inspire other closets celebs to step out, too (yes Kevin Spacey, Queen Latifah, Lindsay Lohan, Ricky Martin, Tom Cruise and Mr. Rogers, I'm talking to you).
Way to go Clay! Welcome to the party! Life will be a lot easier now.
Check it out! Lipstick and Dipstick make the front page news of Lincoln City News Guard. Which is strange, because Lipstick wasn't even there. Even without her, Lincoln City Gay Pride was a blast. Somehow I think that small coastal town is never going to be the same after the drag queens came to town.
The weekend started off with a fireside clam bake. What lesbian doesn't love clams? Here Diane Anderson-Minshall enjoys clams with comedians Jackie Monahan and Lisa Kaplan .
The thing about Pride in a small town is that everyone is so excited about it. That and where else would queers submit themselves to a pie eating contest? As I hung out at the booth selling books, I had so many people come up and tell me how great it was that Lincoln City was having a Pride Event. I met the sweetest butch named Meredith, a volunteer firefighter, city planner and huge Lipstick & Dipstick fan. Ran into friends Debra and Mary Ann from Portland who have a beach house in Lincoln City. Mary Ann *almost* won the pie eating contest. Some shirtless dude barely beat her.
Nel Ward and Sue Hardesty, partners of 40 years and publishers of The Butch Cookbook kept me company most of the day. We remembered that I had stayed in their Bed and Breakfast years ago, when their dog broke into our room and stole all of Juneau's dog cookies. It really is a small lesbian world, especially at a small town gay pride.
There was no parade, but that didn't dampen the spirits. The weather was perfect, the entertainment fun and even the mayor came to all the events.
My weekend ended with a fun comedy show. The only downer was the drunk lesbian heckler who had to be removed by security after she tried to remove her shirt. Poor thing, she was probably overcome with seeing more than 100 lesbians in a room at one time. Lisa Kaplan and Jackie Monahan were tons of fun. If you get a chance to check them out, please do. Here I am hanging out in the VIP area (ie: the front row) with my new friends. Thank you Lincoln City. I can't wait to be back next year.
It's always so sad when couples break up, especially those who've been together for a long time and, even more so when they have children, but there is a glimmer of good news in this story. Sarah McLachlan (who has dated women in her past) is back on the market. She and her husband of 11 years, Ashwin Sood, have split up. He used to be her drummer and appararently their divorce is "gross" (her words). Can you imagine cheating on Sarah Maclachlan once you landed her? (That is the rumor around town.) What a fucking fool!
They live in Vancouver, BC and have two kids together--India Ann Sushil (6-years-old), and Taja Summer (14-months).
She broke the news when she was doing press for her soon-to-be-released album--Closer: The Best of Sarah McLachlan. It apparently has some new songs on it inspired by the breakup. It comes out on October 7th so start saving up!
And be sure to get your game on, girls, as this has been brewing for long time (another rumor around town) and she'll need some soft woman to rebound into.
We love you, Sarah! Hang in there and be strong. And come back to our team already!
My sister Mary sent me this video. It's of a friend of hers in Northampton, Mass who was participating in a concert where all the acts imitate some famous performer. Because you can't hear all the lyrics that well, and because they're really funny, I posted them below.
Julie Waggoner is a comedian and she's trying to get on Ellen with this routine. I think she has a shot!
Lyrics by Julie Waggoner 2008
[Feminem} May I have your attention please? May I have your attention please? Will the Middle-Aged Lady please stand up? I repeat, will the Middle-Aged Lady please stand up? We're gonna have a problem here.
Y'all act like you never seen a woman before Jaws all on the floor like Minnie Mouse just burst in the door and started hot flashin’ like never before We’re menopausal and missin’ punctuation (Ahh!) It's the return of the... "Ah, wait, no way, you're kidding, she didn't just say what I think she did, did she?" And Jesse Helms said... nothing you idiots! Jesse Helms is dead, he’s buried down in Raleigh! (Ha-ha!) Lotsa women love Feminem [*vocal turntable: chigga chigga chigga*] " Middle-Aged Lady, I'm sick of her Look at her, walkin around grabbin her you-know-what Shakin’ her you-know-who," "Yeah, but she's so cute though!" I probably got a couple hormones in my body loose But better than being George Bush with my lips loose Sometimes, I wanna holler ‘cause I’m older and I’m flashing Just like you other menopausal ladies "It’s really hot in here! It’s REALLY HOT in here!” And if you’re lucky, we might just give you a little kiss And here’s the message we deliver to you ladies We want you to know what this inconvenient truth is of course you’ve gotta know what menopause is By the time you’re forty We’ve got Oprah, don’t we? We ain't nothing but mammals…Well, some of us cannibals who wage war on other people just like misanthropes But in the Peaceful Valley of the Commonwealth, ain’t No reason that a woman and another woman can't elope (Yay!) And if you feel like I feel, I got the antidote Women wave supportive hose, sing the chorus and it goes
A Middle-Aged Lady, yes I'm the real Lady All you Younger Ladies are just imitating So won't the Middle-Aged Ladies please stand up, please stand up, please stand up?
I'm a Middle-Aged Lady, yes I'm the real Lady All you Baby Ladies are just imitating So won't the Middle-Aged Ladies please stand up, please stand up, please stand up?
[Feminem] Madonna don't got any bit of jiggle when she dances well I do, so bleep her and bleep you too! You think I give a damn about my fanny? A middle aged fanny is just fine, if you ask me. "But Feminem, getting old, isn’t it weird?" You bet! But it’s better than the alternative! So I’ll sit here, with all my chin hairs- And talk about my back, my knees and gray hairs Everything creaks, the knees went first And you can call me “Ma’am”, yeah that’s the worst There’s a contest now to see which breast drops first "Aw, Middle Aged Lady, stop, you’re embarrassing me!” We’ll all shake our middle-aged boobs on TV and show the whole world with Feminem glee [AHHH!] I'm sick of those tummy tucks and botox, all they do is annoy me so I have been sent here to tell you [bzzzt] That there's a million of us just like me who cuss like me; who hot flash like me who laugh like me; walk- talk and act like me and just might be the next best thing but not quite me!
A Middle-Aged Lady, yes I'm the real Lady All you Younger Ladies are just imitatin’ So won't the Middle-Aged Ladies please stand up, please stand up, please stand up?
I'm a Middle-Aged Lady, yes I'm the real Lady All you Baby Ladies are just imitatin’ So won't the Middle-Aged Ladies please stand up, please stand up, please stand up?
[Feminem] I'm like a head trip to listen to, cause I'm only givin you things you joke about with your friends inside your living room The only difference is I got the ovaries to say it in front of y'all and I don't gotta be false or sugarcoated at all I just get on the mic and spit it - And whether you like to admit it, you’re with it Cause we’re all getting older and older and older and You wonder how it happened like yesterday and overnight
It's funny; cause at the rate I'm goin when I'm eighty I'll be up on stage pretending to be somebody!! And all of us who once were young we still are young Because we’re all alive & still workin’ it And every single person is a Middle-Aged Lady lurkin Workin at Burger King, serving you your onion rings Or in the parkin lot, circling Screaming "I’m burning upppp!" with her windows down and her radio up So, will the real Ladies please stand up? And put one of those fingers on each hand up? And be proud to be outta your mind and outta control and one more time, loud as you can, how does it go?
A Middle-Aged Lady, yes I'm the real Lady All you Younger Ladies are just imitating So won't the Middle-Aged Ladies please stand up, please stand up, please stand up?
I'm a Middle-Aged Lady, yes I'm the real Lady All you Baby Ladies are just imitating So won't the Middle-Aged Ladies please stand up, please stand up, please stand up?
I'm a Middle-Aged Lady, yes I'm the real Lady All you Younger Ladies are just imitating So won't the Middle-Aged Ladies please stand up, please stand up, please stand up?
I'm a Middle-Aged Lady, yes I'm the real Lady All you Baby Ladies are just imitating So won't the Middle-Aged Ladies please stand up, please stand up, please stand up?
[Feminem] Ha ha Guess there's a Middle-Aged Lady in all of us – Heck, let's all stand up
There's a very heated battle taking place right now in California. Although same-sex marriage has only been legal there for a few months, it is all ready being threatened by an anti-gay ballot measure that aims to change the state's constitution and make marriage only between one man and one woman.
Straight ally Brad Pitt just made a generous donation to ensure its defeat. POWER UP has released this video PSA.
Want to get involved too? Check out Lesbian Mommy blog for some ideas about how you can get involved whether you live in California or not.
I'm up in British Columbia mountains this week working on a feature article for Passport Magazine about Whistler. (I know, lucky me. Tough assignment, but someone has to do it.) Last night, Patty and I went to the Whistler Village Square for a Community Celebration to mark the Closing Ceremony of the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, and the beginning of the home stretch on the road to the 2010 Winter Games in Whistler and Vancouver. We sat at a cafe nearby with a glass of wine and listened to all the stories and photos from athletes and the town mayor.
Just as we were ready to leave, the best part of the night was upon us. Closing the party was a performance by Justin Hines, a singer/songwriter who has a rare genetic joint condition called Larsen Syndrome, that keeps him wheelchair bound. But OH WHAT A VOICE, with such gentle beauty and sunshine about it. We were totally moved by it. Think Van Morrison meets Cat Stevens and David Gray. We bought his debut CD--Sides--and played it all night while we made dinner. I'm listening to it again this morning while I type this post. Be sure to check him out on iTunes. Hopefully, if he really gets what he deserves, he will be the next big sensation to come from Canada (like Sarah McLachland, KD Lang, Micheal Buble, AlanisMorisette, AvilLavigne or Anne Murray). Like all of them, Justin is a true, true talent.
You can watch two of his music videos here, but I posted something from Youtube below--a song that's not on the album. Apparently, he's super prolific, too, writing not just the standard 12-15 songs for his first album, but an astonishingly 30. They has to pick and choose, I guess.
So far, my favorite songs are: There's Always Next Time, April on the Ground, Wish You Well and Another Way to Cry.
Life is better at the beach. Gays are gayer at the beach. Lesbians love long walks on the beach. That's why I'm so excited to be going to the very first Gay Pride in Lincoln City, Oregon this weekend.
At last!!! Dip and I just got back from a fabulous retreat in Napa with the Curve staff and were so excited to hear they were launching their new website this week. It's been in the works for some time and it's finally here! Be sure to check it out and if you're single and haven't signed up for Curve Personals, my solo friends tell me it's the best site around for finding a hot date.
We're still talking to our Executive Editor, Diane Anderson-Minshall, about how we can be more interactive with our readers on their site, so stayed tuned on that. There should be some exciting developments. In the meantime, poke around and enjoy.
Or at least this one was. How many weddings have you been to where they do "the wave?" No, not on the dance floor, but during the actual ceremony. The Brides, Chama and Sandy, know how to put on a party. They rented out a summer camp and dubbed it the "Big Love Weekend."
Friday night we hung out, laughed, ate pizza and actually got to visit with the Brides. Chama is from Venezuela and had friends and family in from all over: Miami, Columbia, Houston, Germany, Mexico and Venezuela. It was touching to see that so many of them made the trip for a big fat lesbian wedding. Many of those Latin countries aren't exactly known for being gay-friendly.
The ceremony was multi-cultural and multi-lingual. Chama looked stunning in the outfit she and I picked out: brown tuxedo pants and an understated, low cut tuxedo shirt. She couldn't show up her beautiful bride, who elicited gasps of approval as she strode down the aisle in a beautiful orange vintage dress.
And while the brides did look stunning, I must admit, my date and I looked pretty hot too. Chama and Sandy, while standing under the hupa, waiting to say their vows, looked over at Tiger and I and commented to each other on how good we looked. Don't we?
Dinner was a lesbian buffet. At least it wasn't potluck. Guests were seated at tables named after TV shows. We, of course, were at The L Word table. Our friends Pam & Vicky at Ugly Betty. Sandy named one table after Exes & Ohs, but it wasn't just for lesbians. That's where she sat all her exes.
Of course we ate cake and danced our little birkenstocks off. (You really don't think I'm wearing birkenstocks in that outfit do you?) Right after cake, there was a rousing version of The Macarena.
It was a fun time and kinda cool that in Oregon they can actually get some rights to go with that party. You can't ask for more than that can you? Well, maybe full marriage equality, but I'm guessing that's right around the corner.
I've been spending some time up here in Vancouver and Patty and I went to a fundraiser on Saturday night. It was an evening of poetry, storytelling and of recognizing literacy as a basic human right. At the event, seven celebrated queer women authors read to raise funds for the women's literacy program in the Downtown Eastside. They inlcuded: Mette Bach, Cathleen With, Afuwa Granger, Michelle Miller, Shana Myara, Amber Dawn and Mimi Mahovlich.
We went with some new friends Jill and Jess (pictured here). They're super fun and they met at Curve Magazine (they were both working there) ten years ago. Our publisher, Frances Stevens, introduced us and now we're super happy they're in our lives. Two other friends joined us, Jenny and Cara, and we love them, too. It was so nice just kicking it in a cozy booth with friends and wine and not having to get up and read. The cafe--Rhizome--is lesbian-owned and served some good grub. If you're ever in Vancouver and looking for the local scene, this place is a great stop.
Not sure if you watch Ellen religiously, but in case you missed her show earlier this week when she shared their private wedding video and photos with her audience, you can catch a glimpse of it here. She got really emotional at one point and even danced with Portia. When Ellen said we get to see their second dance, she went into the audience and boogied down with Portia, which is cut from the first video. You can see it further below.
Greetings again from the Bay Area! We had such an amazing weekend with all our Curve friends (and all of the wonderful friends of Curve who joined us). Saturday, after our pool party, we headed to Ceja winery, an amazing Mexican-American owned vineyard in Napa. The matriarch, Amelia Ceja, did our exclusive tasting of their bella rosa, sauvignon blanc, pinot noir and one of their delicious blends. And was she ever a pistol. While she proselytized about the state of the union and a slam or two about the religious right and how hypocritical they are, this feminista kept all of us on our toes and many of us thought we were activists and political spokespeople. She was a riot and with each sip of their wine, she became more and more eloquent (it's usually the opposite for me and Dip). What a joy she was. Next time you're in Napa, be sure to stop by their vineyard and say hello. Be sure to tell Amelia the girls from Curve sent you. Our next stop was Domaine Carneros, someowhere I'd been years and years before when I just had a fake ID. I was in college and my best buddy, Billy Finch, took me on my very first wine tour. Their brut is perfection, and that afternoon/evening, our hosts paired it with soaked hibiscus flowers, which are very edible. Belisimo! The private party--hosted by Shell Vacations--was a page torn out of Romantic Wine Tasting 101. The back drop could've been found on a Hollywood lot and the company--30beautiful lesbians--made the experience that much richer.
The evening ended at the fire pit with smores fixins'. A sweet way to end a wonderful weekend with good friends, great wine and lots of laughter. For those of you who were there, please drop me a line (lipstick@lipstickdipstick.com) so I can send you your pics from DomaineCarneros! Somehow, I lost the list of emails. Cheers. Lip
As you probably all ready know, Lipstick & I are big fans of Team Gina. These girls are fun white girl rappers from Seattle who know how to have a good time and really love the butches. Plus they're sexy, cute and smart as hell. Here's their latest video.
Dipstick and I are having a blast here in Napa, California with the Curve staff and many of its readers. We started out the weekend last night with a welcome party/wine tasting in the resort's cave. They were serving Trinitas wine and it was delish. Here Dip and I are with two of our biggest fans--Denise and Elana, who are getting married Oct. 11th.
We then went to a romantic dinner in downtown Napa (isn't everything more romantic when you're in wine country?) at RistoranteAllegria. God bless the restaurant; they took a reservation for 20 lezzies.
Today, after a leisurely morning at the resort, we headed to the Curve pool party where we ate from a delicious spread the hotel provided and drank beer by the pool. It is 95 degrees here today, so we spent most of our time in the water. Very good times, great music and lots of laughter.
We're now headed to a wine tasting and then a champagne tasting at DomaineCarneros, where they'll be serving us dinner. Such a rough life here in Napa, but someone has to do it. More tomorrow.
For those of you who like to travel and are always frustrated when you can't find anything queer in each city you visit, your savior has arrived. Enter Girlports, an online travel guide for lezbots. Started by Montreal's Tanya Churchmuch, this site is growing each day, guiding you along the way as you travel across throughout the world.
Be sure to check it out and watch as it continues to expand, adding new cities all the time.
A friend of mine who is in a string quartet invited me to their annual summer concert. Because they know classical music can seem highbrow, they decided to appeal to the masses by offering free beer. The Quartet Kegger is now something I look forward to every summer.
And to prove they're not all classical snobs, they opened the show with Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody;;
They played some other stuff too. Like Bach or Mozart or something. But, being the lowbrow, beer swigging butch that I am, I couldn't tell the difference. It sure sounded nice, though. Here are some pics from the day.
I just got wind that Tennessee Valley Pride--which is October 12-19--is holding their first annual Lipstick/Dipstick Pageant. In the pageant, they will be looking for the best femme and the best butch lesbian in the Tennessee area.
Dip, do you think we should make a surprise stop in Chattanooga and throw the whole thing off?
If you live or are going to be in the area, here is more info:
Lipstick/Dipstick Pageant Sunday, October12th Images Show Bar Pageant starts at 10pm sharp $5 or free with Pride festival pin For more info, go HERE
A measured blend of guidance, wit and sincerity from the femme and the butch perspective, Lipstick & Dipstick is a punchy advice column in CURVE Magazine, the nation's best-selling lesbian magazine.
"Finally! What we've been missing from Oprah and Dr Phil!! Lip and Dip bring unflinching truth to gay gals who are in, near or want a relationship. And they drench it all with great gobs of humor. Irresistible."
Honey Labrador said:
"Get ready to learn all you ever wanted to know (and more that you never wanted to know) about that girl you are SURE is 'the one' in Lipstick & Dipstick's Essential Guide to Lesbian Relationships. A real page turner and eye opener...but most of all, with a sense of humor! If we can't laugh at ourselves ladies, than who will? Thanks for the insights...better late than never!"
Diane Anderson-Minshall said:
"Move over Dan Savage and out of the way Ann Landers. There's a new guru in town (two of them!) and they're dishing out sexy, saucy, ribald and totally irreverent advice for girls who can't say no, aren't in the know, or are still on the down low. Lipstick & Dipstick's Essential Guide to Lesbian Relationships from Alyson Books tackles everything from titillating first dates to vengeful ex lovers, bisexual babes, and the top five wedding no-nos (only a couple of dykes would put strippers and Styrofoam on the same list). Want to know when to take the plunge? Dipstick's quiz will have you down on your knees or running for cover. Does your girlfriend talk to her softball coach 17 times a day? Apparently Lipstick knows just the answer. Though you may disagree with the sometimes incisive, sometimes flippant recommendations-heck, they disagree with each other-you can bet that what you're reading is a well tested, hard-to-find, how-to guide to life as a lesbian in the '00s. No lesbian should be without it."
I don’t know what it is about Fall in Oregon, but it seems to be spider season. They’re in my garden, in my office, in the bathroom and around the outdoor light fixtures.
