Bloggers are already beginning to ask about the big event! Every year, Life at Willow Manor celebrates the arrival of autumn, my very favorite season, in classic cyber style. I am pleased and excited to announce the ushering in of October with this year's
Third Annual Willow Ball
Thursday, September 30, 2010.
A Mr. Linky widget will be provided, here at Willow Manor, on the 30th. You will be able to sign in, so attendees will have the opportunity visit your blog, in order to see who your date might be, or what you'll be wearing to the black tie event. So, ladies and gentlemen, please mark your calendars, choose a date, (last year Sir Anthony Hopkins and Johnny Depp both showed up as mine) and get out there and do some glamorous cyber shopping for that perfect gown or tuxedo and plenty of bling. Feel free to take the above poster to advertise on your blog. No need to brush up on those dance steps, since we all dance like Fred and Ginger in cyberspace.
In addition to the festivities, there will be...drum roll...door prizes chosen from everyone who leaves a comment here at Willow Manor on the day of the Willow Ball, Thursday, September 30.
If you'd rather not post on your own blog, all you need do to attend the event, is show up here at WM the day of the ball and leave a comment. Easy peasy.
So, stay tuned. I'm sure there will be lots of bloggy scuttlebutt leading up to the big day!
So, stay tuned. I'm sure there will be lots of bloggy scuttlebutt leading up to the big day!
You are wonderful! That is all I have to say...Much love and thank you...
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure. This event is always so much fun. I look forward to it all year!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I believe this'll be my very first Willow Ball. I sincerely look forward to it - it sounds like the most wonderful event! Just one small question...what exactly is it? :D
ReplyDeleteoh count me in...was just thinking about this as i was putting together your spotlight for tomorrow..
ReplyDeleteAlways fun to see this--the big event of the season!
ReplyDeleteOh, hooray! Autumn is my favorite season too. I'm going date & dress shopping today.
ReplyDeleteSam, it's just what I say in this post...it's a gala cyber ball! So, grab a date, some fancy duds and mark your calendar!
ReplyDeleteI have never been to a ball or invited to one so I'm very excited!Love having something to look forward too, and love autumn. thank-you so much...........
ReplyDeleteThis is be my first Willow Ball - but I am going to start shopping for a dress now...bkm
ReplyDeleteI know it will be elegant.
ReplyDeleteI'm on the search for a fantastic outfit & a surprise escort.
ReplyDeleteOh, how exciting...seems a little early this year but no matter, I'm depositing a fair amount in the account so I'll be shopping from tomorrow on...gowns, men, shoes...I'll need the time! Door Prizes!!
ReplyDeleteYAY! I have been taking ball room dance lessons, I have bobbed my hair...I am getting excited ....
ReplyDeleteReally looking forward to it, Willow. I haven't been to a proper Black Tie Ball for yonks. Dare I tell Lady Magnon that I'm taking someone else? My life wouldn't be worth living!!
ReplyDeleteDear Willow, How extraordinary and what great fun. You are both creative and inventive and there is always so much of interest, and often amusement, flowing out of Willow Manor. Does your mind evr stay still?
ReplyDeleteI can't wait, and I already know who (or should I say "with whom") I will be going --
ReplyDeleteI remember missing this last year and cannot believe that 11 months have passed since you came to see my (missing) post.
ReplyDeleteI doubt I will be able to attend this year I'm afraid but look forward to seeing your beautiful outfit and soaking up the atmosphere as a spectator.
I have bought the sequins and I shall sew each one onto my ballgown by hand. See you at the door!
ReplyDeleteOnly one month's notice to do up my hair??!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Willow! I missed this last year - I do hope to be able to attend this year!
ReplyDeleteLoved the pics of your 17 year old self on a trip to Japan.. still catching up on some older posts, too!
Checking my diary, right now.
ReplyDeleteI'm putting on my top hat, Tying up my white tie, Brushing off my tails . I'm duding up my shirtfront, Putting in the shirt studs, Polishing my ... [Although I will be away from CyberSpace 5-15 sept so I might only link on my return.]
ReplyDeleteIt's that time already? Oh dear, I must start shopping for the perfect dress!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait. I saw the posts after your ball last year. Wondered if you would do it again. I already have a dress in mind. Now for the date. Hmmmm
ReplyDeleteSounds like fun! And I just sent that yellow feathered jacket to Japan, oh well, I'll find something else?
ReplyDeleteFrench Fancy, you don't have to post on your own blog to attend, all you need do is show up and leave a comment! Easy Peasy!
ReplyDeleteOh, I can't wait to see who your date(s?) will be this year and what you'll be wearing!
ReplyDeleteSadly, I think I'm going to have to miss this one, Willow as it is the day before our house goes on the market for sale.
ReplyDeleteHope it is as splendid as it usually is.
All the best!
Kat
Oh Yay!!! I was just thinking about the ball the other day, wondering ... knowing it was coming sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteIt's never too early to start shopping for my gown, and to start considering options for dates. Hmmm ....
I watched the elegant festivities from a limb overlooking a window at the Willow Manor Ball last year. This year I'll be there dressed Audrey Hepburn chic and as for my date...no need to wander far.
ReplyDeleteI shall be there. I am already eyeing up prospective partners and wondering how much I dare spend on a dress.
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to this wonderful cyberspace event! Thanks so much Willow.... it will be grand! xo
ReplyDeleteWillow, this sounds like an event I would truly love to attend.....alas, this girl will be on the first flight she has taken since splitting with her Ex 18 months ago.... I will be 'flying over' your neighbourhood though - enroute to MA - where I will be attending an "ART PARTY" and will meet - Suki and several other bloging friends...
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to read about the "Willow Ball"....who wore what, who came, who "overdid"....etc.
Hugs,
♥ Robin ♥
Oh, wow! I am a newbie and can't wait!
ReplyDeleteWillow -- i am not familiar with your "ball." I certainly will follow your pre-ball notices and hopefully will attend if I am in town. If I were able to attend my date would be President Obama -- I shoot high. -- barbara
ReplyDeleteOh goody! SO delightful. Thank you Willow.
ReplyDeletePlease include me on the guest list. I'll have a hard time choosing a partner though; so many wonderful men to choose from!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Star
Only a month to arrange a new outfit?! And I shall be changing my date for sure this year!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to all of the voyeurist activities! -J
ReplyDeleteI am very flattered to be asked to attend the ball!
ReplyDeleteSo thrilling
and so good of you to give a little notice so I can prepare.
Quite THE event in Blogland.
You are a real temptress,
ReplyDeletemaking it all sound irresistible! :-)
You are a real temptress,
ReplyDeletemaking it all sound irresistible! :-)
i think i might crash. me and the Tobster.
ReplyDeleteI started some cyber shopping today at work....shhhhh...don't tell the boss. Can't wait for the ball. Last year it was quite fun and I met some wonderful bloggers!
ReplyDeleteA cyber Ball at Willow Manor,
ReplyDeletewhat joy is brewing, what
fluff and fancy; it makes me
all giddy and handsome and
wacky just to contemplate it,
for it is the Third Annual
ball, and here we go Universe,
Three, 3, third, the trinity,
perfect cyber symmetry,
and yes, hell yes, I will come
from the north woods,
wearing the leather hand-made
poet's shirt I keep in my deepest
closet, made for me by my
live-in lady of the 60's,
when I managed to get out
of the military in one piece,
never went to Southeast Asia,
fighting for my country in
the bars of Poway, CA, very near
San Diego--and I am sure the
eats will be fabulous, and there
will of course be folk singing,
a dance band dressed up in
40's attire, a slip-and-slide
on the lawn, an open mic for
spoken word poetry. So be
there or be square! I will be.
Ah, you speak as if you know the manor ball well, Glenn. Last year, a private jet landed on the front lawn, Anthony Hopkins pulled a revolver on Johnny Depp, and someone brought a Drambuie-mustard concoction that made everyone crazy. I'll make sure the mic is in place for your poetry reading.
ReplyDeleteTom, yes, please do bring sweet Tobster! Dress him in a little bow tie!
ReplyDeleteDerrick, I think a different date this year might not be such a bad idea! ;^)
ReplyDeletesounds fabulous , have fun
ReplyDeleteYou made my day...it feels like just yesterday that I tottered home from your last ball! Can't wait...
ReplyDeleteoh what to wear? whom to take? i'm already riled up and it's still a month away, damn.......
ReplyDeleteI've put it on the calendar! It was so much fun last year; I can hardly wait.
ReplyDeleteDon't hold me to this, and
ReplyDeletemy wife could still intervene,
but there is a solid possibility
that my date for the ball
could be Carrie Anne-Moss.
She is a poetry fan, and
secretly haunts the hall of
Willow Manor, sniffing for
the latest entertainment
news, social event, and
of course, Williow poetics,
compounded and complimented
with those hundreds of
contributers on the Chapbook
clone, Magpie Tales.
SOUNDS LIKE A REAL SHINDIG..
ReplyDeleteI'LL GET MY TOP HAT AND HIGH
HEELS OUT.
YVONNE
ReplyDeleteOh...Joy!
You heard me thinking! I am only surprised to discover that it will be a whole year since my first attendance at The Ball! I shall have to be considering who to bring as my date and what my wardrobe will look like this year! I'm excited.
ReplyDeleteUm, I wanna come, but not quite sure how to do that at a cyber ball.... Guess you'll have instructions for us neophytes?
ReplyDeleteRick
I'm so glad you've given us notice well in advance dear Willow. Last year I left my run a little late & Mr. Clooney had a prior engagement. I'm still a little peeved at being left in the lurch by the gorgeous one, so this year I'm turning my attention to that most scrumptious of Mad Men Jon Hamm. It would do his career a power of good for him to accept the invitation to accompany me to the cyber event of the year!
ReplyDeleteMillie ^_^
I just hope (but kinda already know) this is a diverse crowd, because I'm going to femme it up and invite that divine butch, k.d. lang. I sure hope she's free.
ReplyDeleteHi! Willow...
ReplyDeleteThanks, for thee reminder!
I have "grabbed" a copy of your banner and your link.
Decided to linger and checked out artist Romaine Brooks and what you are watching in your netflix queue.
Thanks, for sharing!
DeeDee ;-D
Oh wowww.. this sounds sooo exciting, Willow!!! I love your thoughtfulness and enthusiasm!! Fabulous!! Can't wait for the grand Willow Ball!!! Yaaayyyy... me off on a shopping spree :)
ReplyDeleteI had been worried that it might be when I am away on holiday, but it isn't and therefore I am looking forward to attending. A note has been made in my diary. Now who shall I bring?
ReplyDeleteI have been looking through your blog, and you do amazing work! I have saved your blog to my favorite list so I can come back and look at your work some more! It is beautiful there! I'll be back to see some more of your beautiful work!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you might have to get in an extra marquee tent or two, Willow -- maybe one with a nice big dance floor! Will the airstrip be an option this year I wonder I wonder. Do tell me if you have any waterways and docks nearby which could accommodate a paddle steamer?
ReplyDeleteWheee! Shall we dance?
ReplyDeleteI was only thinking about this last week.
ReplyDelete'It's about that time of the year' I thought to myself but could have sworn it was October last year.
Must rush - I have shopping to think about..............can't wear the same thing twice!!
I must go back and check out last year's Ball ... dreaming now of what I want to wear. OH how fun!
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping someone special will want to bring me .... hoping. OR, I may just invite him.
The Willow Manor Ball is ALWAYS marvelous! Bach and I are so looking forward to it! Now to decide what to wear...
ReplyDeleteFeeling frumpish and lacking any sort of time to exercise my quill of late, the ball is just what the doctor ordered!
ReplyDeleteThrilled with the possibilities...what to wear? what to wear?
I will be escorted by my Piet, donning his usual suit of primaries, I'm sure. He's a hoot, and would add much more to the mingling than would my husband.
Onward to the garden to oversee my floral lovelies....
Thrilled beyond belief !!!!!! Jude Law has accepted my invitation to the Willow Manor Ball. I'm also weak in the knees, shaky in the pit of my stomach!
ReplyDeletewonderfully clever miss Tess... ;)
ReplyDelete...rob
what a pleasure...i am so looking forward to the Ball....
ReplyDeletewhat fun...and a great way to welcome october !!!!
can i bring anything?
kary
xxx
Helen, Jude Law!!? I'm penciling him in on my dance card, if that's okay with you!!
ReplyDeleteSounds divine. What to wear, what to wear...
ReplyDelete:)
Ooo, i love dancing! Fave thing to do in the world. . . besides writing! I think I'm in love with you, you rock!
ReplyDeleteDaja vu. There is where I came in. In late 2008 I found my way to your blog and something special was going on. Well It was the 1st Willow Manor Ball. Could not figure out what in Sam Hill was going on. Now last year I got in on the fun and I promise you Miss Margaret and Mr. Tom will be there. Now Ms. M and Mr. T. will be glad to allow each to bring someone famous and special. Just someone beautiful to hang onto their arm and keep them from falling, of course. LOL
ReplyDeleteQMM
I think I'm feeling ball-ish this year.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog via Wink At Me and I LOVE it and this is the coolest idea ever! Can't wait to come and check out the rest of your blog :)
ReplyDeleteI am actually considering taking an actual day off in pursuit of total fun & fantasy....I had soooo much fun last year!
ReplyDeleteOh I can not wait. I am planning for it right now and I will not miss it. I just need to line up my date. It will either be Clive Owen or well Clive Owen. So I hope no one tries to steal him from me...As for the gown I am feeling a little Oscar de la Renta coming on.
ReplyDeleteUm, ah, is this just for people, or can Bears come too?
ReplyDeleteAs Lord Cleggie Winterbottom so pithily said "there's nowt queerer than folk." You barmpots are testimony to that.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like an event is not to be missed! I'm going to look for a date (The Engineer does NOT do parties) and start shopping.
ReplyDeleteThis is really an amazing way to bring the diverse and vast blogosphere together and I congratulate you for finding a way to do that. I look forward to Willow Manor Ball!
ReplyDeletei will clear my calendar ....
ReplyDeletenow, what do i wear?
xxx
Well, it looks like lots of people are coming to your ball. I'm generally shy, but am trying to get over that, so I'll attend. My calendar is marked and I will follow your blog.
ReplyDeleteStrange fun, but nice.
If it is appropriate, I would like to come in our horse carriage, with a groom. Are there accomodations for them? Some oats and fresh straw? And how many of my petits fours should I bring? How many guests do you expect? From all the enthusiasm I read, it will be more than a thousand. Maybe this year you need to put up tents. Truly looking forward!
ReplyDeletesister V and I will definitely be there!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome! Sounds like an event not to be missed.
ReplyDeleteWillow, I have yet to ever be available for the Willow Ball, and this year may be no exception.
ReplyDeleteI likely will be sailing to France, (or maybe it's Dallas, not sure),,,but just in case, I have selected a wonderful gown and shoes for this momentous occasion. My date has replied, and stands waiting to escort me,,if my trip is cancelled.
Thanks so much for the invite,,,,
been on the phone all week chatting to potential escorts for the big event---dresses and shoes are being sent from fashion week for my approval--so much to do and so little time--looking forward to the big day and my first Willow Ball! c
ReplyDeleteDear Willow: Would not miss it for the world! Hoping my date will show up this time! Zorro (played by Guy Williams) is always busy scribbling "Z's". If I find a date for hub that is...not sure of his romantic inclination to 40's (does it have to be 40's? moviestars). I think Zorro's 2 year stint in the late 50's may not be too late? Better late than never I suppose, unless Fred Astair (name dropper) is not busy. But he's sort of short unless he really where's the platform inserts and I dont want to see him break an ankle. I need a tall guy...Jimmy Stewart? Ahhh ok! Len will have to do with Glinda! (yes, the Good witch of the north!)Thank-you dear!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to it. By the way, I love your blog.
ReplyDeleteDear Willow,
ReplyDelete30th September is Ikesha's birthday. Luckily, I don't have to go to the hairdresser or take hours to get ready. Plus I am quite a few hours ahead of you so I will be able to take the Cyberbole and still reach you in time for the Willow Ball!
So Birthday Party on the lawn followed by a grand ball in the evening!
Yes!
Sheesh haven't had time to go shopping yet and my 'toy boy' is playing up! But that's okay because I don't like the term 'cougar'!
ReplyDeleteOh, how exciting. I was just coming here to see if you had advertised it yet as it's getting to be that time of year! I'm excited, and will add it to my sidebar. Now, I need a date!
ReplyDeleteWillow, you now what else? You should add links to the previous two balls to give people (newbies) some idea for what to expect. It is so much fun. fun too reading how others also were wondering about it. OK, must buy polish for my black shoes too...oh wait a minute@ that;s right I barely danced in them last time around. they are prolly still as good as new! Oh, and Tux already in order! :)
ReplyDeleteDo you think Gary Oldman is too young for me? I need a decision before I ask him.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a grand time. I would love to attend. So much to do with so little time. Must search for a dress and ... a date!
ReplyDeleteAt last! I have a ball to attend! ...I love gowns...whatever will I wear, and where will I find a date on such short notice!? (this is the life)
ReplyDeleteI have never been to a Willow Ball, but I will definitely be there this year, decked out and ready to dance. I look forward to meeting you and trust that you will save me a dance.
ReplyDeleteThis is a scintillating idea, Willow! I will puttin' on the ritz!
ReplyDeleteI've never before been to the Willow Manor Ball (came over her from syncro-niz-ing) Uh I have a question I just sig in using the Mr Linky closer to the date and post picture son my blog of me in my ballroom finery? Sorry I'm being a tad dense and as this will be my first virtual blog ball I want to get this just right :)
ReplyDeleteEveryone is so excited! I can't wait! The manor is bustling with all the last minute touches on the Manor Ball. Thanks, everyone, for all your marvelous support!
ReplyDeleteGeorge, I've already penciled you in on my dance card!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind invitation I've got on the blog Synchronizing by Ruth Mowry.
ReplyDeleteI'll try to join your cyber ball next Thursday.
I know the partner I'll invite, her name is Melusine, I'll show some of her pics on my blog. I've to decide how I could be dressed.
If Melusine is not free, I'll date Marianne (may be you know her, she was "Marianne de ma jeunesse" when I was ten years old.
I've always wanted to dance like Ginger, so this is my chance at last! I accept your kind invitation, etc., etc. Off to pick out a dress now . . .
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time too. Here's my preparation for the Willow Ball:
ReplyDeletehttp://poemsbyninotaziz.blogspot.com/2010/09/cyber-event-of-year-for-poets.html
Check out my dates! Hhhmmmm...this is going to be one lovely evening!
Sounds lovely Willow, i have never been to any kind of a ball, much less a cyper one! :-)
ReplyDeleteAre strangers such as myself welcome? I would adore to come - my sweet patootie will be busy making the chicken coop comfy for winter but Tom Waits said he'd chum along. I got a fabulous long taffeta skirt at a theatre costume sale on Saturday. It cost a loonie and has a few tears here and there but I think it is charming. I got it for playing the accordion in - perhaps you'd like me to bring my button accordion along. I can play
ReplyDeleteoh my darling Clementine' on it.
I do hope I can come because I love an autumn ball.Jan Morrison
Absolutely wouldn't miss it..last year's was a blast..why not this one too!!
ReplyDeleteYes!! Please come!! EVERYONE is welcome~!!
ReplyDeleteWillow, as you know, I am definitely promoting the ball at TKR...I have even included a dreamy reference on my headmast!
ReplyDeleteI am so looking forward to the dance...though having read Coop's IMDB bio...I may be on my own for the evening...seems that he has a reputation as a major Lady Killer! Hummm...I am going to round up one of these elegant dance cards (featured on your 9/27 post)...I have already been promised a dance by Lorenzo...I feel a tango coming on!! My, oh, my... it will be a night to remember!
Looks like I would have to bring both Leonard Whiting (1968 R&J) and Joseph Fiennes (1998 SIL)because I can't decide.
ReplyDeletePlease tell the orchestra to have the music for the period too Willow!
Stand in line ladies...Leonard and Joseph have agreed to dance all night long and recite beautiful poetry in between.
Is anyone coming with Alan Rickman?
Please make him read...
Alan Rickman can't leave without reading either some poetry or Shakespeare. I must be seated when he does, or I might swoon.
ReplyDeleteWill Joseph's dreamy older brother be tagging along?
Willow, I am bringing Barbara Stanwyck
ReplyDeletewho thinks this will be a lovely experience.She knows some of the invited guests and will be a great experience. She chose to wear the tux.
Look forward to this special day.
Joan T
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI'll look forward to that! I can't wait to bring my 'date'. If I can drag him away from his wife that is....*ahem*
ReplyDeleteAt the last minute I have decided to come to the ball as Helen's partner only to save her from a boring evening with Jude Law who asked her first, you understand.
ReplyDeleteI am a bit miffed too that she chose the red dress becaue it render my canary yellow suit with blue comberbund obsolete! And the expense... I hope there is free booze!
I now know the true meaning of the word verklempt!!!! Canary yellow? My favorite color! "Hey Jude ... you know that it's a fool who plays it cool" .... consider yourself replaced. Sienna ... he's all yours! Let the champagne flow ....
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry but I doubt that I am going to be able to make it after all. I just cannot believe it.
ReplyDeleteI know you'll all have a wonderful time - Willow throws such fabulous balls and for those of you for whom it's a first, you'll be talking about it for months to come.
I'll be thinking of you.
Ah, this will be MY first Willow Ball too. I am so excited. I heard about this late, but never mind that...it is exciting to look forward to. Now, what oh what shall I wear???
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to a most magnificent ball! At first I didn't think I would be able to attend - very busy with kids and all. But once my girls heard of the event, they got busy and helped me with my wardrobe. Of course, once I received word that my youthful fantasy of dancing with Patrick Swazey on the dance floor was about to come true as he accepted my invitation (he has had enough of sadness and sorrow and will return to this realm just for your ball), how could I not join in the revelry? My husband must work, but he has informed me he will be waiting up for my return. So, ladies, get ready to be dipped and whirled by Patrick, as I know I will need a few breathers!
ReplyDeleteI am so excited. My dress is ready and I have an exciting escort! Can barely contain my excitement!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun. I've never heard of this and will look forward to my first ball.I hope I can find a date by then.
ReplyDeleteI am ready and Mr. Niven will be picking up ...he had the car polished .....bkm
ReplyDeleteExcitement. Can't wait for the ball to start. I'm sure it will be wonderful.
ReplyDeleteOh, I can't believe I've already missed two of these, when they're clearly the premier event of the Fall season! I will most definitely be there to join in the festivities...what a pleasure this is going to be...I'm off to grab your button for my page...
ReplyDeleteLynette Killam
Try and keep me away Tess - it is always the high spot of my cyber year. There is this young lass who works as a teacher in a school just across the valley from here who I am thinking of inviting this year, I will let you know a bit more about her if she says yes.
ReplyDeleteFor those for whom this is a first, be prepared for the most wonderful evening.
ReplyDelete