Wednesday, October 1, 2008

WILLOW MANOR BALL

Welcome to the first Willow Manor Cyber Ball!!!

We cleared the furniture from the living room and rolled up the rugs
for a perfect dance floor! Please check into the comment section and
tell me what you are wearing, who is accompanying you and what
music you would like to hear, or just say "hello" and let me know you
popped in. Thank you so very much for coming and I hope you enjoy
the evening, which is miraculously lasting all day long!! And please
don't forget to sign my guest book in the comment section. I'll add
your name to the drawing for the door prize!


Oh, well. What's a royal ball? After all, I suppose it
would be frightfully dull, and-and-and boring,
and-and completely... completely wonderful. ~~Cinderella



I'm wearing this dress, once owned by Princess Diana. Yes, it's the one she wore to the Cannes Film Festival. I won the bid at Christie's Auction House for just under a quarter of a million dollars. What a steal! And it fits me just perfectly! It reminds me of the gorgeous gown Grace Kelly wore in the Hitchcock thriller To Catch a Thief. Cary Grant's here...I wonder if he remembers it?



Sir Anthony looks dashing in his tuxedo and dances like a god. He has graciously agreed to play a bit of the Goldberg Variations, he played in Hannibal, for us on the piano later tonight. He started out as a young pianist, did you know? And yes, that is me dancing with him here. Don't I look incredibly cyberlicious? I magically lost thirty pounds for the occasion. It's amazing how we can all dance light as feathers in cyberspace! Isn't this fun?! I'm glad I chose the flats. Looking him directly in the eyes while dancing is making me absolutely weak in the knees. I think I'll swoon so he can catch me.

Mr. Leonard Cohen was kind enough to make room in his busy schedule to come to Willow Manor to be our Master of Ceremonies. Of course we must start with Dance Me to the End of Love, which no other could sing but the masterful Mr. Cohen, himself. He's such a nice guy. I want to hear Take this Waltz and First We Take Manhattan, too. And where is that Mr. Brynner? I need to have a little father/daughter chat with him while we waltz to the strains of Shall We Dance. He should be easy to spot. He's wearing his King of Siam outfit, complete with the slippers with the turned up ends. Et-cetera, et-cetera, et-cetera.


There are literally crates of fabulous vintage champagne! I think I'll help myself to a glass of bubbly right now. Would you like one, too? Here, let me drop in a strawberry! Oh, how pretty! Oops...don't spill it on my Queen Victoria slippers! They have to go back to the Victoria and Albert Museum tomorrow.







I made sure hundreds of my favorite yellow roses, with just a few pale pink ones scattered in, were in every nook and cranny of the Manor and the scent is absolutely heavenly.



Please help yourself to all this wonderful fancy food, including caviar and seafood tapas. No expense was spared in hiring the best caterers in town. I don't know about you, but I'm starved after all this hopping around the dance floor! Don't be shy. Let's dig in!!! Please tell Tom Hanks not to scrape off any of the caviar garnishes.


And last, but not least, for all of us who have a sweet tooth, there are lots of lovely desserts, including this scrumptious chocolate mousse tart with raspberries. Umm! And since these are cyber desserts we can eat as many of them as we like and not worry about gaining a single ounce!! How fun is this?!

The weather is gorgeous tonight! The patio is lit and set with tables. Come on out! It's soooo romantic.

Be sure to keep an eye out for these dreamy special guests. I know you'll want a spin around the dance floor with some, if not all, of them! And thanks to Tangobaby, the famous Argentinian dancer Juan Carlos Copes is here gracing our dance floor with his magnificent tango. Be sure to take a turn with him! (see clip)











Ta-ta!! It was a lovely evening, was it not?! And don't expect an early
morning post from me tomorrow! After dancing until the wee hours of
the morning, I must get my beauty sleep. Stop in for some coffee and
brunch around noon and we'll chat about all the fun dance scuttlebutt!
~~Willow x x~~

106 comments:

  1. YoooHooo, Willow, so nice of you to invite us to the Manor. You look divine in that Princess Diana original. Have you meet my escort? Let me introduce you to Mr. Antonio Banderas. What is that you say, I look fantastic in this dress? It's vintage Oscar de la Renta...just something I pulled out of my closet.

    Oh Antonio, they're playing a tango. Let's go dance. Later Willow!

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  2. I am wearing a dress of green feathers and stardust, with glass slippers on my feet and a crown of gardenias and moonlight in my hair. I am accompanied by a bearded Richard Harris who is clad in his regal Camelot robes and I am leading a magical Edward on a ribbon of gold. Edward will speak in iambic pentameter til midnight and we all would love to dance to baroque music all evening. And, the flowers are lovely.

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  3. Willow - I stopped by to take a peek. I am absolutely faint with delight. Everything is so exquisite! I may be a wee bit late Mr. Connery's schedule prevents him from picking me up until about 4:30 tomorrow. I just picked up my Marchesa gown - it's divine and befitting your beautiful Willow Manor Ball.

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  4. I am pleased to say that I was able to clear my usual Wednesday schedule and have arrived at The Willow Manor Ball. I agree with Steviewren that dress you are wearing is worth every penny you paid for it. May I add I am a bit jealous. I was able to borrow Reese Witherspoon's vintage Christian Dior dress that she wore to the Oscars in 2006.
    The food and decorations are exquisite.
    I am attending alone, but I have brought my dance card. I am not planning to be a wall flower! It is not everyday I attend such an event.
    Oh, there's Johnny Depp. Oh, Johnny!

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  5. Oooh, I like what you did to the place! May I introduce you to my guest, Mr. Alan Rickman? Alan, meet Willow... He is an excellent tango dancer so we will be having a lot of this too I think.
    I have borrowed one one the sumptuous dresses worn by Maggie Cheung in "In the Mood for Love" - one that is slightly maroon. Very flattering and it has a mean split on the side - handy for tango.
    ;)

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  6. Kindest, most gracious, powdered, sugared and candied Ladyship!

    I cannot thank you enough for the intoxicating evening (yes, I admit that I "crashed" your affair by hiding behind a mutual friend).

    Perhaps for your next ball you will consider inviting insignificant little me? I will be only too, too happy to lead your orchestra in some dances from the harpsichord, and if you would be so kind as to accept my invitation, I should love to take a turn with you on the floor in a Minuet.

    (Shh.... I am still in hiding and helping myself to your champagne... The caviar is superb!)

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  7. To compliment your post, I have added a royal waltz on my blog.

    Thank you, Willow, for coming up with an innovative idea.

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  8. Bonjour Willow !
    Merci pour l'invitation !

    Elle est belle la robe !
    Avec une coupe de champagne, hummm...
    Nice ball for us !
    See You later...

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  9. Ah dear Willow, M.Sharif of course you know, but may I present Mr. Gregory Peck who seems rather taken by your willowy form in that stunning dress. I see your ballroom is filling up, Parhaps Lara's theme just before supper?
    Ah there is dear Richard, I almost brought him but he looks so good with the ephmeral Pamela.
    NB, My dress? surely you remember it from "My Fair Lady", complete with tiara and the little ring to hook my train on my finger for dancing?
    Mmm the scent of roses...

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  10. Well, first of all, congratulations on the organisation of the firstcyber ball. It has been magnificent.

    I will go back a few years now and try to replay the catchphrase of a famous British programme called 'Stars in their Eyes' where the public came in to impersonate a famous singer (and actually sing the song, too, no lip-synching, my dear, no lip-synching!). The presenter was one Matthew Kelly and the catchphrase was: 'Tonight, Matthew, I'm going to be (singer's name).

    So, in that spirit, tonight, Willow, I'm going to be Joel Grey in Cabaret in his role as Master of Ceremonies (and I hope Mr Cohen doesn't mind, it's just a cameo, sir).

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=_D7AebhY4qg

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=rkRIbUT6u7Q

    And this is just a piece of indulgence.

    http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=CX-24Zm0bjk

    Greetings from London.

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  11. Oh Willow, this is more my style! The Ambassador's Ball was getting a little stuffy...Your dress is amazing! I hear you bought it at a celebrity auction? How savvy! My gown was selected for me by Colonel Pickering at Whitleys of London... why, is that Sir Anthony?? He hasn't taken his eyes off you this whole time! I think I must excuse myself ...now did someone mention chocolates?

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  12. It was so hard to keep my secret, but I have a very special and unique escort. He is from long days past, but oh so charming and when he heard of your ball, dearest Willow, he begged me to summon him from the past in order that he might attend. So here I am dressed in my most lovely butter colored silk 18th century court gown and powdered wig, befitting Marie Antoinette, and my escort, of course, is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

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  13. Willow, the Manor looks smashing! My escort is Bertram Wooster. Have you met? Bertie, go fetch me some champagne, will you? Oh Willow, that dress is gorgeous. Oh, thank you! Mine is vintage, of course. http://etsyhighdesertdiva.blogspot.com
    Oh Bertie...thank you. We're off to mingle Willow...

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  14. Absolutely wonderful! I loved the dessert. I am sorry we had to leave so soon. We had to run to Tuscany so my partner could continue filming on location. I hate this jet-setting life. One day I just want to settle down somewhere in a little island and paint and draw. Thank you for having us even though we impolitely forgot to RSVP.

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  15. Oh Willow, you certainly have outdone yourself! Everything looks fantastic! So happy to be here...and please say hello to Mr. Kevin Costner, my guest. Do you like my dress? It's a beautiful brown silk gown with lots of beads...perfect for dancing. Pop over to my blog for a pic!

    Yes, do tell Tom to leave the caviar alone..and the mini corn cobs, for that matter! tee-hee.

    You look fab in your gown...I just knew you would pick a Princess Diana...she had impecible taste!

    I must go nibble on some cakes and I'll take a splash of oj in my champagne this morning! ta-ta!...

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  16. Wonderful Willow, despite my stressful week this was just what I needed as I donned my Silk Georgian period dress in the palest of blues. It has quite a daring decolletage but retains it's ladylike appeal with a fine silk damask shawl. My hair is up with loose ringlets, a light powdering and ribbons threaded through the intricate style. I have satin high heeled shoes with diamonds encrusted on the toes.

    I think maybe you didn't realise Mr Cary Grant is my partner for the evening and I am quite overcome by his dashing good looks and wonderful manners.

    I will be dancing any country dances, but I might be daring and attempt a waltz too ;-)

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  17. Willow...everything is absolutely stunning! I was delighted to meet Mr. Depp on the patio...he is truly as mysterious in real life as I imagined! I must apologize though...in my excitement to sip my champagne I jarred poor Sir Anthony spilling a bit on his sleeve! He was gracious and kind despite my faux pas! Thank you for the wonderful evening...the mousse tarts were divine!

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  18. what a delightful room this is! I never saw anything so charming!
    " Mr Darcy is here"
    What is Mr Darcy to me, pray, that I should be afraid of him?
    "walk towards the drawing-room"

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  19. "I think I'll swoon so he can catch me!" tee-hee...I missed that line on my first reading!
    Oh my! You are too funny! This is so much fun....can't believe the crowd...and the line of limousines down your winding driveway!

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  20. I saw Mr. Darcy walking towards the Manor very early this morning in the foggy mist. That's when the swooning fits started to hit me!!!

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  21. Oh Willow...thank you so much for your kind compliment on my dress, I borrowed it from Penelope Cruz for the evening. I know she just wore it at the 2008 Oscars, but I don't think anyone will notice.

    I think they'll be paying too much attention to my escorts, Daniel and Ralph who are at the champagne bar right now fighting to bring me back the first glass. They are indeed two beautiful men... and such talent. Daniel Day-Lewis and Ralph Fiennes...my girlfriends will be green.

    Every looks lovely and I do so appreciate all the planning that has gone into this evening. Oh, here come my men now...

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  22. I have crashed your ball - I am a little older than most of your guests. I go by the name of Indian Lake Papa but my real name is Fred Astaire - the line forms to the right. Mama did give me permission to be out tonight. Nana Trish, when you get here,you can move to the front of the line.

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  23. Betsy, oh, dear, I did see Tom Hanks nibbling on those mini corn cobs! He is too funny!!!

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  24. Wow !! I'm just popping in Willow, I'm afraid I can't make it to the ball but had to stop by and wish you all the best for a fantastic event. All of your preparations are simply divine.
    xo, Susan

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  25. Oh, Willow, everything looks MAHvelous! I must know who made your gown. An artist friend of mine, William Merritt Chase, painted a portrait of me in this gown. You should pop over to my place and see it.

    As you can see, both of my gentlemen friends insisted on accompanying me. (whispers)...although I'm sure Mr. Gable can find plenty of ways to amuse himself while I dance with Mr. Grant. And, well, the other Mr. Grant, who I see over there.

    Oh Hugh! Hello darling! (Oh, my, he gets more handsome every time I see him!)

    Everything looks perfectly stunning, Willow. I see you spared no expense, and your taste is divine.

    Well, I won't keep you, dear. I must make the rounds! Thank you so much for the invitation!

    Oh, and I promise to make these two boys behave.

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  26. Willow, everything is fabulous! The food.. the champagne... the guest list! WONDERFUL!!

    I finally decided on a strapless flowing red gown as you can see me modeling at the Tea Society. Gary at first was reluctant to put on a tux but I pursuaded him to do so ;^)...

    Ooh...I see Sir Richard Harris with Pamela and Edward..Must say hello....Ta! Ta!

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  27. Someone please inform Wolfgang that I have him listed on my card for the next dance. You'll find him at the table by the caviar, surrounded by a host of beautiful women...

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  28. I'm wearing tails from my collection from Fred Astaire's clothing. Hot pink lining to the jacket of course, white tie and vest, bright blue socks and velvet tuxedo slippers with my initials embroidered in gold thread. Of course, white rose on my collar, diamond watch on my wrist and glass of champagne in hand :-)

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  29. Wolfgang is dreamy! Mind if I call him "Wolfy"? He promised to do that blind folded, backwards piano playing trick for me...

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  30. Hey, Change, your attire is the talk of the evening, I must say! Open up that jacket...I want to see that beautiful lining!! Wow!!!

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  31. Hello my dahling Willow! You look simply gorgeous in your stunning white dress! Oh, and I love those V&A slippers. They look comfy. Are they?
    I'm on my 10th cyber-dessert! I know! Isn't it great that we can eat as many as we can stuff in our little cyber-faces?
    I must say you've found a rather stern pic of my delicious date. If you pop over to Poetikat's corner, you'll see him exactly as he is today (I'm having trouble keeping hold of him as all the girls seem to be snatching him away - now that they know who he is!)
    Ooh! Pamela! Richard Harris as King Arthur - well, at least my head-dress will fit in somewhere!

    I decided to go Edwardian. Can you tell? I love that series, "The Manor House" and fancied a turn as one of the Ladies of that house (although more than likely I would have been a scullery-maid)!

    Oh well...I must mingle - you never know who I might run into. Has anyone seen Rebecca and Gary Oldman?

    Ta ta!

    Kat

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  32. Oops! I forgot. Willow, could you ask the conductor to play Schubert's Ballet Music#2 from Rosamunde? I fancy tripping the light fantastic!

    Kat

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  33. What fun! You are quite the hostess!

    I am wearing the gown that I wore on my wedding day, which really isn't a wedding gown at all but rather a vintage 1960's evening gown. I've always wanted to wear again and this is the perfect occasion.

    The professor isn't much of a dancer so I'm hanging on the arm of the gallant Colin Firth.

    Can you ask the band to play Glenn Miller's "Moonlight Sonata"?

    It's delightful, Dahhhling! What a way to bring in autumn.

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  34. Your ball was fabulous! I admit that I did sneak in through the back, but non-the-less, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

    I sat out on your lovely patio eating my mousse tart and sipping on champagne while coyly batting my lashes at Johnny Depp...alas he finally asked me to dance to the last number and made my night complete!

    Cheers!

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  35. Oh Willow...this was sensational! but i had to refrain myself from engulfing these delicious raspberry pastries. I had to watch myself to talk to Mr Depp...you see..
    and as my boyfriend is now in France, i came on my own..what a shame ! but yes I made friend with Mr Banderas too..well he's nearly my neighbor in Spain !
    May I say you look absolutely ravishing in this dress my dear ?
    Oh this tango..wish i could have danced too...
    I'm wearing a simple little black dress (a paper one on my blog...) and invited other friends over to the ball on my blog too...
    :-)
    Save some champagne for me !!!

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  36. I'm having the loveliest time, Willow. I didn't notice your ball slippers at first, but the whole room is buzzing about them. How fortunate you are to be wearing them!

    I hear the strings striking up the Blue Danube by Johann Strauss; I've promised this waltz to Cary.

    (You have no idea how hungry all this cyberdancing - and that spread of pretend food is making me.)

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  37. Is Yul Brenner here yet? I can't wait to see him and see if he says anything about your dream! Maybe we can settle this little family secret once and for all! He must be coming fashionably late....

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  38. I thought I saw him over there with Wolfgang. He's easy to spot with that "King of Siam" thing going on. Yes, he and I need to have a little family chat. And he promised me a waltz, too! Et-cetera!!

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  39. Willow, Ralph Fiennes and I want to thank you for inviting us to this fabulous ball here at the Manor.

    Everything looks lovely, from the desserts right down to the hundreds of yellow roses! Gorgeous!

    We are so enjoying Mr. Leonard Cohen and we also can't keep our eyes off from Juan Carlos Copes dancing his magnificent tango!

    And thank you kindly for admiring my silk and cotton voile corset strapless gown made by my good friend Stella McCartney. Ralph looks absolutely handsome in his Prada tux, does he not?

    You look stunning in your Princess Diana original!

    Quickly... while Ralph is heading towards the champagne table... he wanted me to mention that he was very impressed with your dancing skills and that you were quite the lady whilst he was dancing with you.

    I'm so glad you like my shoes. They were created by celebrity shoe designer Stuart Weitzman. Did you know that the diamonds on them were diamond earrings once owned by the late actress Marilyn Monroe?

    How did I manage to put my long hair up in a braided updo? Why hairstylist Robert Ramos brilliantly created this "modern goddess" look just for me, do you like it?

    And along with the Cartier yellow and white diamond Creole hoop earrings and the vintage Cartier bracelets...I feel just like a princess, thanks to your delightful ball here at the Manor!

    Have I told my dear Willow that this is a most magnificent evening?

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  40. It is a most magnificent party and I am so glad of being there.
    Thank you so much Willow.

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  41. Did anybody invite Christopher Plummer? He was sooo handsome in The Sound of Music.
    Did you know today is Julie Andrews's birthday? She is 73.

    Happy Birthday Julie/Maria!

    Kat

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  42. Yes!!! Happy Birthday to my kindred spirit, Julie Andrews!! I'm sure she is on her way with Mr. Plummer in tow. I can't wait to see her...she's such a daaaling!!!

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  43. I love your shoes! I wrote a post on those ages ago. Wasn't Queen Victoria smart to wear flats on her wedding day!

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  44. We're here, Poetkat!..Gary's looking forward to a dance or two with you and Willow...Did someone mention that Ralph Fiennes is attending? ...I have yet to dance with Colin firth and must remedy that immediately if his date will be so kind as to let me borrow him for a moment...Or two...or three....

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  45. Would it cause a scandal if I were to disappear behind a potted palm with Johnny Depp? Just for a minute?

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  46. Ooops...Maurita...you better find yourself another potted palm!! Mr. Day-Lewis and I are having a little "chat" behind this one! ;)

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  47. Would it be out of line for me to tell that rascal, the violinist, that his E string is mistuned a sixteenth of a tone flat? Ach! My Ears! Better, I will take his violin from him and show him what real playing is!

    Hm, what a striking woman... I shall be back later...

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  48. Yes, Mr. Mozart, mind if I call you Wolfgang? It would be perfectly fine for you to deal with that outrageous violinist. In fact, I wish you would, before my date, Anthony Hopkins, is tempted to make him into a strange ragu.

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  49. I'm looking for Jeremy. Irons. Yes. Did anyone think to invite him? Oh, and Jeremy Northam, I thought I saw him in the hallway.
    Willoooow! Has Mr. Gambon made an appearance? I should love to chat with him about all his amazing movie roles!
    This is such a treat! What a fabulous idea! We must make this an annual October event, don't you think?

    Kat

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  50. Willow Manor is more beautiful than I had imagined and you are stunning in your white gown. My dress...this black silk gown is Chanel and I do believe the diamonds set off my summer tan nicely. Indiana Jones has been a perfect escort but was called away to a card game hosted by Omar Sharif. My dance card has been full and I have had a magical time...Mr. Darcy is relentless! Here it is at the close of the evening, I do hope there will be time to play "Claire de Lune"? I will be joining Picasso for an apertif on the terrace...he is so intense! Thank you so much for such a lovely and memorable Wednesday evening!
    In love with love,
    Mary Ann

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  51. Kat, Yes!! Most definitely. This is so enjoyable it MUST be an annual event. Both Mr. Irons and Mr. Gambon are here somewhere. Their hypnotic voices should be easy to distinguish. Oh, look, they are both out here on the patio. Let's go join them and listen to their marvelous voices. I could chat with them both the rest of the evening...

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  52. Willow - the Manor is bedecked, beautiful and beckoning!

    I am wearing the most glorious off-the-shoulder, blue velvet gown with the fullest skirt imaginable. A certain Indiana gentleman once told me I would look beautiful in blue velvet...

    My handsome escort is a noted Russian Count who, for the sake of utmost international diplomacy, is wearing an ornately jewelled mask. His identity cannot be revealed without dire consequences. But he is the most divine dancer, and speaks very highly of your welcoming Manor.

    We are just going to step outside for a breath of fresh air... oh... my... we are twirling on your romantic candlelit patio - how divine... he's reaching in for a kiss... oops - we must briefly remove the mask... he just can't help himself! Tee-hee.

    Thank you for the invitation... we hope to return next year. Spasiba!!

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  53. are you looking for someone?
    No, not at all, I am just admiring the sensational splendor
    is that Bernard Shaw?

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  54. I wondered who that elegant bearded Irishman was! George Bernard Shaw! I read his book "The Black Girl in Her Search for God" recently and would love to chat with him about it...now where did he go?

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  55. What a incredible hostess you are!

    I have on an ink blue Calvin Klein with a plunging neckline and a sort of dressed up/elegant racer's back so there's a lot of skin showing ... I have on my pale blue/silver satin Manolo Carolina pumps in 2.5 inch heels, I had the gown hemmed for them and they are the perfect height for dancing ... with George Clooney

    :-Daryl

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  56. Come! He must be here to convince Ellen
    maybe they will kiss....
    Willow, today was dear

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  57. I was pleased to see heads turn when I pulled up in my beautiful Black carriage trimmed with silver being pulled by two elegantly harnessed white Arabian stallions. I blushed w/pride when you accepted my invitation to take a ride after the ball around the lake. Wasn't the moon and starlit night beautiful?

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  58. I feel just like a princess in your beautiful black, silver trimmed carriage! The night is balmy and oh-so-lovely. The sound of the horses clip clopping along and the crickets make heavenly music.

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  59. I'm feeling a bit peaky so I'll bid all you fine ladies and gentlemen "adieu".

    Thanks so much Willow for a delightful time. I've loved every minute. (Must just grab Picasso and see if he can give me any tips for my husband's new venture into sculpting.)

    Mwah. Mwah!

    Kat

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  60. just stopping for a quick glass of champagne, a spin on the dance floor and a bit of respite on the terrace - oh my what a ball - wish I could stay longer, but alas -

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  61. when our carriage returned back at the ballroom my heart sank as I watched you leave - your gown was so a-glow from the beautiful moonlit sky - Alas, I must bid you goodbye - mama just called on the cell phone!

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  62. Thanks for a lovely time, Willow.

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  63. What a yummy selection of food - and even yummier men.
    Could we have Prince Andrei
    and Rupert Brooke
    and Ralph Fiennes
    and Mr.Rochester
    andMaxim de Winter
    too?
    What fun it all is

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  64. Willow, Sorry that I could not make it to the dance, I was called out of town and this is the first chance I've had to take a peek. It looks like a good time was had by all and your preparations and efforts payed off. Congratulations on a perfect dance. Maybe next time I can make it - hope so. David

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  65. Oh, Maxim de Winter, the Laurence Olivier Maxim?! I think I see him over at the punch table with Vivien Leigh. He is astonishingly dashing. I must have a dance.

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  66. What a lovely ball. So many nice guests too. I hope you didn't get a cyber-hangover. Cheers!

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  67. ... I had to sneak back to the ball despite needing to be home before midnight as I had to "see" all the other witty, charming and innovative guests that have attended since I left! WHAT FUN!

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  68. Thanks for popping by, willow. It is all the more appreciated taking into consideration how busy you must be with so many guests to attend to.

    May I just be cheeky and place a request if it's not too late? As it is 9.30pm here in GB and your ball will probably wrap up somewhere around 5am my time (I can't stay up that late, have work tomorrow!), could I please ask you to have a word with Mr Cohen and see if he could perform 'Closing Time' for us? I just think that it would be an apposite song to bring this hootenanny to an end (until the next one!) and I hope he won't mind.

    Greetings from London.

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  69. Cuban, Mr. Cohen would be delighted and is dedicating "Closing Time" to you, who so generously helped him MC this evening!! I am thrilled that you and Liza graced us with your presence.

    Willow x

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  70. yes, you do look lovely! i so rarely get to wear my vionnet, so thanks for the opportunity.

    and i hope it's not too much, but i've brought our resident string quartet to loan you for the length of the event.

    i'm sorry, they cannot hear, but will therefore intuit what people are wishing to hear; they're always spot on.

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  71. So fashionably late, here I am. Johnny looks so dashing in his tux don't you think? Depp, darling, Depp. Oh, you like it? I thought I'd go a bit daring in this Ferrari red off the shoulder low front, low back, split sided number. Of course, Willow, you look adorable in Diana's gorgeous gown with Victoria shoes. I'm almost jealous!

    Johnny, wait for me... So many women after him but tonight, girls, he's mine all mine.
    xxxxx

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  72. Good evening Willow, you look absolutely divine!

    Do you like my classic black and red tango dress and matching killer heals? I thought that as we were dancing in cyberspace i could get away with a figure hugging dress with a slit up the side!

    My date for this evening would have been Mr Antonio Banderas but sadly Steviewren got in there before me. Not to worry though as Antonio promised he would join me in a tango later as we have been practicing. Click here to see us earlier today!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ce2N_LprfeI

    The manor looks wonderful and i love all the tiny candles everywhere, it's so beautiful and incredibly romantic!

    Oh Mr Depp..... sorry willow must dash, got to have an in depth conversation with Johnny.

    Two glasses of your finest champagne please waiter!

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  73. Bt beat me to it, i'll just have to catch up with Johnny later.

    Here comes Antonio. What was that darling, your ready for that tango now. Excerlent, lead the way!

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  74. That was suppose to be excellent, oh dear i fear the champagne is already taking a hold!

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  75. What a lovely ball! Fabulous dress, wonderful guests, and incredible dancing! I hope you do it again soon!

    And I'm glad Juan Carlos could make it.

    ;-)

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  76. Bohemian, your classic black and red tango dress is terrific...and those killer heels...Wow!! You look fab!!!

    I think "exerlent" is kinda cute! Maybe because I'm on my 17th glass of cyber champagne!!

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  77. Willow - I'm just having the most wonderful time! I've danced my feet off! I must sit on the balcony outside with Sean and catch my breath. Everyone looks so beautiful this evening! Even after all the champagne. Your wine cellar must be mammoth!

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  78. LOL--I just arrived in LA and have to dash out to a meeting for this evening, but I HAD to see how the festivities were going! I'm dyin--I feel like I'm heading to the Academy Award parties. Too funny--you give a good party, Willow. You're hired! Rest up after all that dancing. Take your shoes off and curl those toes up with a glass of champers.

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  79. It all sounds perfectly splendid!! I was not able to make the ball, but had a pagan frolic through the trees, deep within the forest where I live.

    What a hostess! What a triumph! I shall scour the society pages for days soaking up all the details. :)

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  80. Willow dear...I'm having such a wonderful time! Would you mind introducing me to Indian Lake Papa? He seems quite the gentleman and I'd love to have a ride in his carriage before he leaves for the evening!

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  81. Willow, I'm so sorry to arrive so late, but as always I was working and lost track of time. I finally got myself together and I want to thank you so much for a wonderful dance. The Manor is so beautiful and the talk all night has been what a divine party this is. You are such a great hostess!

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  82. Don't say I'm too late ... story of my life, hey.

    And that hussy BT's been swanning around with Johnny Depp ... I thought she was a long time at the shops.

    Mind you, I was a bit worried when I saw Leonard Cohen was master of ceremonies. Always reckoned he made the best music to commit suicide to, but I may have missed his more alluring charms.

    Anyway, if I'm too late I guess I'm going to have to steal off into the night with Jean Simmons. After drying her out, and carefully restoring her to her 1958 'Big Country' best, I'm not going to waste the rest of the night.

    Oh ... in case you wondered, the name was conjured up a while back and refers to the contorted willows in the garden BT and I have. No reflection on you Willow!

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  83. Don't say I'm too late ... story of my life, hey.

    And that hussy BT's been swanning around with Johnny Depp ... I thought she was a long time at the shops.

    Mind you, I was a bit worried when I saw Leonard Cohen was master of ceremonies. Always reckoned he made the best music to commit suicide to, but I may have missed his more alluring charms.

    Anyway, if I'm too late I guess I'm going to have to steal off into the night with Jean Simmons. After drying her out, and carefully restoring her to her 1958 'Big Country' best, I'm not going to waste the rest of the night.

    Oh ... in case you wondered, the name was conjured up a while back and refers to the contorted willows in the garden BT and I have. No reflection on you Willow!

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  84. Jean Simmons, huh, the harlot. Last I saw of her she was propping up Peter O'Toole, or maybe that's being propped up by....

    I have to rush, Johnny's waiting in the Limo. He's promised to wear his Captain Sparrow outfit for me. Swooooon.
    Thank you for the very best ball I've ever been to Willow. Till next year.
    Yawns...

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  85. You have such a delightful way of presenting a story!!! No detail is left out... A smashing time was had by all it is plain to see..

    and I am a bit tipsy I must say with all the dips and sips!!! With Leonard and that voice that enchanted me, after a bashful request for "I'm your Man"... Oh yes Ahhhhhhh... yes... a time indeed....
    just a simple spaghetti strap slightly fitted basic black with heels...

    I was whisked away as if in a dream!!! Thank-you..........

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  86. Twisted, WT is mighty happy to see his long time "girlfriend" Jean Simmons!! I think he talks about her everyday. We just watched "Big Country" not too long ago and I had to wipe the drool from his mouth. See, he is taking her for a turn on the dance floor already! You have made him a very happy man.

    And I am relieved to learn that Twisted Willow has nothing to do with me! ;)

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  87. Betsy, Mr. Picasso hasn't been able to take his eyes off you all evening!! He's been following you around in a trance~! I think he has been inspired for some brand new artwork.

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  88. Oh my, where is he? I would certainly be honored to be his subject! I must check my lipstick....oh wait...this is cyberspace where your hair and makeup stay perfect all day long! OH Mr. Picasso!.....

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  89. Just rushing in from the garden...The sound and light show finale is all set to go at the stroke of midnight. [I have a Thai festival treat all ready on my blog. I thought Yul would enjoy it.] We will set candle-lit paper balloons aloft and watch them silently ascend as the string section fades away.
    Great party...why am I always the last to leave...

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  90. Willow, thanks so much for inviting me. You know Viggo Mortensen, right? He's my escort for tonight, but he's a bit shy around a big crowd and frankly, Matthew Macfayden is making eyes at me so maybe I'll ditch Viggo. It must be this dress. It's a strapless Proenza Schouler in a rich green with a fishtail frock. You can see it here: http://www.usmagazine.com/oscars_best_dressed_2008?slideshow_id=575&o=3
    Yes, I'll have a glass of champagne or three. The place looks divine. And with fall in the air, it feels divine as well. Oh, this is going to be fun!!
    Where did Viggo go?

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  91. Good evening Willow, thank you for your generous invitation! May I present my sister-in-law Tara(curtsey, curtsey, curtsey)... we left the men at home this evening, they could not find their dancing shoes. I am wearing a light blue velvet dress that matches my eyes and keeps everything in it's rightful place. Sister Tara is dazzling in her golden brown crystal kissed gown...

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  92. Light blue velvet and golden brown?! You both look fabulous!! Glorious autumnal colors indeed! There are plenty of dreamy men here who would love to take you two lovely ladies for a spin on the dance floor!

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  93. Mlou, what a wonderful surprise!! A Thai Festival finale?! Yul will be totally thrilled. What a grand ending to a perfect evening. Thank you!

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  94. Willow, my thoughts have been exuberant today just knowing that here in this imaginary sphere much dancing, carefree flirtation and laughter were taking place. As my friend Henry David Thoreau says:

    "That man is the richest whose pleasures are the cheapest."

    Using the imagination doesn't cost a thing but the payoff is rich beyond compare. Thanks for all the cheap entertainment! Good thing the clean-up will be cheap too...the Manor is a mess!

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  95. Uh.............................

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  96. Willow, I've had to help Tom Hanks remove caviar from his mouth for the third time this evening! He keeps forgetting he hates it!. I gave him a huge plate of those miniature corn on the cobs. That should keep him busy for a few hours.
    Your gala was such a wonderful success! Blogland was shoulder to shoulder in the manor. The lights, the roses, the champagne, the food and the dancing - all just perfect! Thank you for a lovely evening! Now I must find a comfy sofa in the library and put my feet up for a few minutes!

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  97. Last night I was a little nervous about coming to your party. I spent a few hours picking out my dress and jewelry. This morning I was still hesitant about attending, but how much fun was this. I met so many new friends, the eye candy was to die for and the food top notch!
    This was just what I needed.
    denise

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  98. I just dropped in to take a quick peek from the balcony. I have been hearing all about your fabulous ball around blogland these last few days.

    Your dress is divine, and the roses...mmmm I can smell their luscious scent permeating the heavenly atmosphere of the evening.

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  99. Yes dear Willow I was there and have posted about it. The music,your gifted and talented guests and exquisite catering were of course exceptional, but textile artist that I am, it was the divine imported fabrics,the sheens and velvety textures of the magnificent garments,that held me spell-bound.There was much hand-embroidery and beading that must have taken an eternity! Oh, and amongst such talented company I couldn't take my eyes of Mr Banderas and his beautiful partner with that tango!

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  100. Dear Willow,
    I'm sorry I couldn't attend your soiree today, but when I awoke this morning, I had a touch of Gout and couldn't get my left boot on. The doctor said no drinking or red meat for a while. Pappy

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  101. Willow...the morning after your delightful ball finds me in Bertie's guestroom. I quite frankly, don't even remember the ride back to his apartment. Happily, it is the guestroom, and even more happily Jeeves has already brought me some sort of vile hang-over remedy along with a pot of coffee. I think I may live. Thanks again for a memorable evening.

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  102. Are we serving coffee yet? I think I need some after all that bubbly! :)

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  103. Oh my this is all so delightful...so sorry i missed the ball...i do plan on attending the new fete however.

    Until then.
    Doreen

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  104. Over 100 comments! Now that's a cyber social triumph for sure. :)

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  105. This was amazing and fun. Sorry I missed it! Cary Grant is dashing.

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  106. And a very good time was had by all! I am so pleased your retinue of trusty servants from Downstairs were there to clean up.Princess Di's dress looked marvellous! Thank you for the invitation.

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Inject a few raisins of conversation into the tasteless dough of existence.
― O. Henry (and me)