Goodbye Grandma Daggett!

I've been off the radar. My grandmother--our beautiful Italian Matriarch--Nora Elaine Daggett died recently. I'm headed home for the funeral this week and have been working on her eulogy. I'm lucky enough to get to write and present her life on behalf of my big family.

For those of you who follow this blog, you also know I lost a cousin in Iraq in 2008: Kyle. The photo below is of Grandma and Kyle at Christmas a number of years ago. Grandma was so proud of Kyle and so devastatingly heartbroken when war took him from our family. I'm not sure she ever fully recovered after losing such a young bird in her flock.

I am embedding this song, Mama (Il Divo), which we'll be using in a video we're making of her life for the memorial. Her parents were born in Bologna, Italy and moved to the US right before her birth. Her Italian heritage was very much a part of her life in America and continues to be woven into our family.

We miss you and love you Grandma!

A Walk Down Halloween Memory Lane...

Lipstick LOVES Halloween. Down in the garage, there are two huge boxes of costumes I've collected through the years. Also, as a former sorority girl, I seemed to have doubled my collection during my college years. Greeks are always finding a reason to dress up (and drink).

Here are some old photos of Lipstick through her formative years on Halloween.

Really Mom and Dad, you had no idea I was gay--even when I dressed up like a punker dyke and entered that contest?

Oh yeah, and as a football player? What straight girl dresses up as a quarterback?

In these photos, are some my oldest friends. If you look carefully, you might be able to pair them with their mug shot from the trouble we got into last summer.

Believe it or not, the sweet little witchy costumed girl sitting next to "Chief Lipstick" in preschool is actually "Tatum" in the mugshot. We're not sure how she got from sweet little preschooler to rocking rambler.

A Tribute to JoEm Purdy

Last month, this world lost a very special soul. Her name was JoEm Purdy and she was like a second mom to me. I grew up knowing JoEm as one of my mom's dearest friends, someone my mom could always count on, confide in and--equally as important--laugh with. She was a beautiful woman in every sense of the word. Looking back, if I'm being honest, I had a little crush on her when I was growing up. Of course, I can only see that now. Back then, I knew I just really liked having her around.

She and my mom met back in college on sorority row. Since those days in college, they've been connected at the hip. By watching their friendship, my mom silently instilled in me the importance of true friends and how relationships--no matter what they look like--need to be cared for, nurtured and cherished.

After JoEm got sick 3 years ago, I began mourning the thought of losing her. What would my mom do? What about her husband? Her beautiful children? How will they ever go on without the bright light of JoEm in their lives? Imagining that it was my mom who was ill brought me to my knees on more than one occasion in gratitude and sadness.

And then the day came last month. And with her family by her side, JoEm faced her passing with immeasurable dignity and grace.

Today is her memorial (they waited so loved ones from out of town could make it) and I wanted to lift her up to the world and say JoEm, we love you and we miss you.

Who Would You Give Your Kidney To?

I saw a Special Report last week on the CBS Evening News that moved me to tears. I thought I'd post it here because the media doesn't tell enough of these heartwarming stories. It's about a man who is giving his kidney to a woman. It reminds me of my cousin Mikey, who needed a kidney about six years ago. His wife, LeAnn, gave him hers and he's been doing great ever since. That is a true testament of love and I always smile when I think of their story.

Anyway, may this remind you that there are still a lot of good people out there:


Watch CBS Videos Online

Summah Time

We've finally hit our stride for summer and isn't it fantastic? The BBQs are burning, the tanktops are out and there just aren't enough hours in the day to do all the fun that is summertime. For this last week, I've been visiting my parental units in Montana. During my time there, I blazed some hiking trails with my dad, enjoyed my mom's chocolate chip cookies, road ATVs, fished, grilled some steaks and saw a ton of little critters (grizzly bears, black bears, deer, skunks and turkeys), including my folks' dog Trapper. I've included a few pics here. One of Trapper where he looks like a vicious dog (he's so not so I thought it was funny), the path where the hammocks await and another of the river they get to enjoy--Flathead River--each and every day.

It's so hard to find time to blog when the sun's out and there are frisbees to throw, parties to host, runs to run and trips to take, so please forgive Dip and I when we vanish from the grid. When we do, just smile and know we're somewhere having fun and most likely you'll hear about it after we return.

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer months so far!

Memorial Day

I've been waiting for this photo to come in from Arlington. To all those who've lost loved ones in war, I hope you've found peace.

Does Anyone Speak Italian?

Help! I just found some relatives in Italy and they've written me a letter in Italian. I don't speak a lick of it and the handwriting makes it even harder.

Do you speak Italian and think you could help? If so, drop me a line: lipstick@lipstickdipstick.com

It's very short--six lines. I'm DYING to find out what it says.

This is the first letter I've received from them.

Grazie!
Lip

PS: All these images are from Bologna, where my cousins lives and my family is from.

The Arizona Recap

So, I've sorted through all the photos and videos from our recent trip to Arizona and have a few things to share. The first, a couple gems from our night out with the Posse. The photo was taken at Kyoto, where we enjoyed sake bombers for the last time (they're tearing it down soon and rebuilding some huge glitzy, Scottsdale building). We used to go there when we were in college. All these girls--who are still some of my absolute nearest and dearest--I've known for at least 23 years, some for over 30! We use to run around in diapers together.

From our night out, I've also included a video (albeit dark) of Melanie (who I went to Kindergarten with) and I doing Sweet Caroline at Geisha A Go Go, a fabulous karaoke bar in Scottsdale, where you can rent private rooms and sing your hearts out. And that we did! Patty was filming, but you can see her hand. Together, we sound like a bunch of howling cats. Our karaoke room has never seen such craziness. I'm sure they had to re-upholster the couch and repaint the walls as we bounced up and down on it with drinks all night.




When we weren't singing karaoke or laying by the pool, we played golf, enjoyed grilling out and had an all around fabulous time with my family and friends. We spent time with my uncle Stan and his family, as well as Nana and her best friend Mary Faye. They're pictured below together. They've been friends since grammar school" (Nana's words), so I guess long-term friendship run in the family. Hard to beat 70 years! But I'm sure my friends and I are on the same path and will be rocking out with our rockers when we're 80, laughing about our old shenanigans, too.

I slid in a little video of my mom and Nana doing a little jig to My Humps. Priceless.




For kicks, I also included a video of my parents' dog, Trapper, getting into it with their resident swan, who my mom feeds regularly.

Patty was quite entertained.

The Posse Reunited

We're headed to Arizona this week to spend some time with family, golf and soak up some vitamin D. A trip to AZ would never be the same without a night out with the Posse, so heads up Scottsdale. Lock up the kids, batten down the hatches and get ready!

Tomorrow night is sure to go own in the books. Stay tuned for a shout out from the trenches and a recap from the Scottsdale Police Department.

Crab Dip Revealed

If you watched the new Lipstick & Dipstick Show yesterday on Curvemag.com, you may be waiting with baited breath for the crab recipe I passed off to Rainbow Girl. In case you're having a lezzie potluck soon, this is sure to be a hit. It was my mom's recipe (see photo of her cooking) and she's a great chef. Yumm. Thanks Mama! Rainbow Girl's mama liked it.

Lipstick's Mamalina Crab Dip

1 bar Philadelphia Cream Cheese

12 oz crab meat (fresh is better but canned will work)

12 oz cocktail sauce

1 box Ritz Crackers

Put cream cheese on a platter, cover with crab meat and pour over cocktail sauce. Use Ritz Crackers to serve.

Vail Lift Accident

In honor of the upcoming WinterPRIDE Dipstick and I are a part of next month, I thought I'd share this story with you, as it also gives a whole new meaning to "free balling." This happened in Vail, CO when a man, who was just trying to get on a lift to go skiing, somehow fell through the seat (rumor has it it wasn't working properly--duh) and it pulled his clothes off as he slid through, only to be caught by his ski boot. Rumor also has it there was a lawsuit filed (double duh).

When I first saw this (thanks for sending Dad!), I didn't want Dipstick to see it, as I knew this would be the lynch pin--coupled with the fact one of Whistler's gondola's recently collapsed and people were injured--for Dipstick backing out of her proclamation that she's going to take a skiing lesson while we're there. A day after Dad sent this to me, however, I decided it was too good not to share.

My first thought was how cold and humiliated the guy must have been. My brother, who is a male version of Lipstick, had a different immediate concern: "The horror for that poor little girl to have to sit there while this guy's junk was dangling in the wind!" Well said, brothah.

Happy Friday!

A Final Salute to Kyle Daggett

Our dear family friends took these photos of my cousin Kyle Daggett's headstone this weekend and I wanted to share them here. In celebration of Obama's victory, let's also take a moment to remember those who have given their life (no matter how you feel about the war) and thank the universe that soon no more American lives will be lost in Iraq.

A memorial fund has been set up (click on pages of brochure below to enlarge) in Kyle's honor to help wounded soldiers.


"There are patriots who opposed the war in Iraq and there are patriots who supported the war in Iraq. We are one people, all of us pledging allegiance to the stars and stripes, all of us defending the United States of America." - Obama

Greetings from Montana!

Pattycake and I have been visiting my folks (and Nana) this week in NW Montana and have had a blast. We were staying at their brainchild Flathead River Ranch, an exclusive ranch community they've been developing for the last five years.

It was Nana's 83rd Birthday and we celebrated in style on Tuesday: with lemon cake and Pinot Noir. You'd never know Nana was 83 and I swear, she is still sharper than most people I know. Mom and I were surrounded by three Libras (Dad and Patty's birthday are earlier in October).

We spent this week lounging around in flannel pajamas, going for walks during fleeting snow storms and eating. Did I mention the food? There was plenty of eating. (In fact, as I type, my mom just walked in and said "donuts!")

The photo above is of the four girls, taken at another project my parents are developing on the other side of the valley. It's called Canyon Creek Ranch.

The adorable dog in Pattycake's lap is Trapper, their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. He is ten months old and totally owns my parents. He goes everywhere (even to the Bulldog Saloon for buffalo wings) and on the raft to float down the Flathead River. (In case you're worried about him, he has his own life jacket--no joke.)

Sadly, we're leaving today. We road-tripped here and we're hitting the pavement again today, this time headed up north to Calgary and then to Banff. It's my first trip to Banff and I'm super excited.

Stay tuned for more.

My Big Confession

So, I've been in the closet about this for some time, but now I feel that it's important to come out about it. I've been ashamed of this for years and have only confided in a few close friends. Dipstick's known for some time now and has been a good friend, keeping her lips locked about it and I appreciate that. Thanks Dip. But now it's time to tell you all about something from my past:

I was the president of the Teenage Republicans club in high school and I like to shoot guns.

There, I've said it. It's out and I feel much better. Now we can make fun of me...

These pictures, taken last weekend at my parents ranch in Montana (www.flatheadriverranch.com), are evidence of me sliding back into my old behaviors (the only one of which I still struggle with). I'm a card carrying liberal now, but the damn NRA could use this as ammo, I suppose, for something. Maybe a counter attack against some lezzie anit-gun campaign. Surely a group of dykes has gotten together and tried to figure out a way to bring the NRA (and the second amendment) down.

While I fully appreciate all the cons of guns and the horrible things they can do, I still love the feel of it kicking me in the arm as I blow to bits a clay pigeon (see the above shot of me taking one my dad winged into the sky out with a 22 rifle). I have a pretty good eye. The one below is of Pattycake, who is from Vancouver, BC and had never shot a gun in her life. She was an eagle eye, too, and took out a number of clay pigeons. She's against guns (don't you have to be if you live in Canada?), but got that twinkle in her eye when my dad said, "Patty, do you want to shoot one?" After her fist shot, she never put the gun down; well, not until it was too late and too dark to shoot any more trap.

Laying Kyle to Rest

Goodbye Sergeant John Kyle Daggett.

He passed away on May 15th from injuries sustained while fighting the war in Iraq. My family and I are here in Washington DC for my cousin Kyle's burial service at Arlington Cemetery. It was a beautiful day and his graveside ceremony was really powerful. He is now laid to rest where he wanted to be--here at Arlington Cemetery.

A long string of black limos picked us up at the hotel (where family and friends from all over the country have taken 30 rooms) at 8:15am. After a beautiful speech by a decorated General about what an extraordinary soldier
Kyle was, the General presented Jack and Colleen (Kyle's parents) with not only the purple heart medal (which is given to soldiers wounded in war), but also the bronze star medal (awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service).

The below videos show his casket being removed from the hearse and the 21 gun salute, as well as part of Taps. The music: Tim McGraw's If You're Reading This

It was a very emotional day, but it was beautiful and I hope everyone--somehow--will now begin to heal.

Goodbye Kyle. We love you. God speed.

In Memory of Kyle Daggett

Friends, I wanted to share a few things with you about the passing of my cousin Ranger Sargent John Kyle Daggett (original blog when injured). One of Kyle's friends (I'm sorry, I don't know who) created this video in his memory. It's a stirring tribute.

For those wou'd like to read or post a comment in the online guest book for Kyle, here is the LINK.

An update on memorial plans:

Per Kyle, he will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery. The service, which will be for family and close friends (I'll be there), will--no doubt--be a powerful salute to a wonderful man, soldier, son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, boyfriend and friend as it is his final wish.

Within the next week or so, there will be a "celebration" service in Phoenix, Arizona, where Kyle is from. Although they're shooting for May 30th, those details are still coming to light and I will update this blog once they are confirmed.

UPDATE (this just in from Kyle's sister Kendall):

Kyle's Celebration Memorial Service is being held on Friday May 30th at 1:00 at Highlands Church in Scottsdale, AZ. We encourage anyone who has any memorabilia of Kyle to share it at his service.

Highlands Church is located at
9050 E. Pinnacle Peak Rd.
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
ph: 480-348-9191

There will be a reception to follow at West World in Scottsdale

16601 N. Pima Rd
Scottsdale, AZ 85260

Everyone who loved Kyle is welcome.


Much love and continued grief,
Lipstick

We've Lost Kyle Daggett

For all of you who've been following my cousin, Kyle Daggett's, road since his devastating injury in Iraq earlier this month, I am very sad to say he passed away this morning in Nova Scotia. The infection in his body turned septic.

A very warm thank you to all who prayed, meditated and kept Kyle in their thoughts for the last couple weeks. The family and I are very appreciative of all the love and support.

Kyle was an amazing man and a strong, dedicated soldier who died doing what he loved. May he be in peace forever...

Kyle needs your help!

Kyle has come down with pneumonia and has an infection in his right lung. Additionally, his blood pressure is way too low and they doctors are concerned. The swelling in his brain has stabilized and, fortunately, the pneumonia has not raised his ICP levels. Please, please send Kyle all the positive, healing energy you can muster today.

Kyle Daggett Update 6

I didn't really have any new info yesterday and don't have much today. Right now, Kyle is resting and recovering from his recent surgeries--on his face/head and arm, which were all badly injured in the blast. He hadn't been stable enough to perform the surgeries before now. His brain is still swollen, but has gone down quite a bit in the last few days (although it still does spike every now and then). He is still in a coma.

Kyle is still surrounded by family in Nova Scotia and hope to get him to the states in the next week. As soon as I know more, I'll pass it along.

From my entire family, thank you for all your love, prayers and support.

Kyle Daggett Update 5

Finally, some good news! The swelling in Kyle's brain has gone down and his fever has broken! I understand that today, hopefully, they are going to start working on some of his wounds, specifically his arm, which is broken in several places. He's still in a coma, however, and they hope to move him to a military hospital in Bethesda, Maryland this weekend or early next week. Right now, he's still at a civilian hospital in Nova Scotia.

Please continue to think of Kyle and send healing energy.

Photo of Kyle and a fellow soldier. Not sure of his name.

Kyle's MySpace page.