Monday, August 30, 2010

third annual willow manor ball


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!

130 comments:

  1. You are wonderful! That is all I have to say...Much love and thank you...

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  2. My pleasure. This event is always so much fun. I look forward to it all year!

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  3. You 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

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  4. oh count me in...was just thinking about this as i was putting together your spotlight for tomorrow..

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  5. Always fun to see this--the big event of the season!

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  6. Oh, hooray! Autumn is my favorite season too. I'm going date & dress shopping today.

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  7. Sam, 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!

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  8. I 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...........

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  9. This is be my first Willow Ball - but I am going to start shopping for a dress now...bkm

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  10. I'm on the search for a fantastic outfit & a surprise escort.

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  11. Oh, 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!!

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  12. YAY! I have been taking ball room dance lessons, I have bobbed my hair...I am getting excited ....

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  13. Really 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!!

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  14. Dear 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?

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  15. I can't wait, and I already know who (or should I say "with whom") I will be going --

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  16. I remember missing this last year and cannot believe that 11 months have passed since you came to see my (missing) post.

    I 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.

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  17. I have bought the sequins and I shall sew each one onto my ballgown by hand. See you at the door!

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  18. Only one month's notice to do up my hair??!!!

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  19. Hi Willow! I missed this last year - I do hope to be able to attend this year!

    Loved the pics of your 17 year old self on a trip to Japan.. still catching up on some older posts, too!

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  20. Checking my diary, right now.

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  21. I'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.]

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  22. It's that time already? Oh dear, I must start shopping for the perfect dress!

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  23. I 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

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  24. Sounds like fun! And I just sent that yellow feathered jacket to Japan, oh well, I'll find something else?

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  25. French 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!

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  26. Oh, I can't wait to see who your date(s?) will be this year and what you'll be wearing!

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  27. Sadly, 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.
    Hope it is as splendid as it usually is.

    All the best!

    Kat

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  28. Oh Yay!!! I was just thinking about the ball the other day, wondering ... knowing it was coming sometime soon.

    It's never too early to start shopping for my gown, and to start considering options for dates. Hmmm ....

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  29. 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.

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  30. I shall be there. I am already eyeing up prospective partners and wondering how much I dare spend on a dress.

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  31. I am so looking forward to this wonderful cyberspace event! Thanks so much Willow.... it will be grand! xo

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  32. Willow, 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...

    I can't wait to read about the "Willow Ball"....who wore what, who came, who "overdid"....etc.

    Hugs,

    ♥ Robin ♥

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  33. Oh, wow! I am a newbie and can't wait!

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  34. Willow -- 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

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  35. Oh goody! SO delightful. Thank you Willow.

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  36. Please include me on the guest list. I'll have a hard time choosing a partner though; so many wonderful men to choose from!
    Blessings, Star

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  37. Only a month to arrange a new outfit?! And I shall be changing my date for sure this year!

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  38. Looking forward to all of the voyeurist activities! -J

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  39. I am very flattered to be asked to attend the ball!
    So thrilling
    and so good of you to give a little notice so I can prepare.
    Quite THE event in Blogland.

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  40. You are a real temptress,
    making it all sound irresistible! :-)

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  41. You are a real temptress,
    making it all sound irresistible! :-)

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  42. i think i might crash. me and the Tobster.

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  43. I 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!

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  44. A cyber Ball at Willow Manor,
    what 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.

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  45. 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.

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  46. Tom, yes, please do bring sweet Tobster! Dress him in a little bow tie!

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  47. Derrick, I think a different date this year might not be such a bad idea! ;^)

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  48. You made my day...it feels like just yesterday that I tottered home from your last ball! Can't wait...

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  49. oh what to wear? whom to take? i'm already riled up and it's still a month away, damn.......

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  50. I've put it on the calendar! It was so much fun last year; I can hardly wait.

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  51. Don't hold me to this, and
    my 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.

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  52. SOUNDS LIKE A REAL SHINDIG..

    I'LL GET MY TOP HAT AND HIGH
    HEELS OUT.

    YVONNE

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  53. 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.

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  54. Um, I wanna come, but not quite sure how to do that at a cyber ball.... Guess you'll have instructions for us neophytes?

    Rick

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  55. 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!
    Millie ^_^

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  56. 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.

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  57. Hi! Willow...
    Thanks, 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

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  58. 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 :)

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  59. I 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?

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  60. I 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!

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  61. Sounds 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?

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  62. I was only thinking about this last week.
    '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!!

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  63. I must go back and check out last year's Ball ... dreaming now of what I want to wear. OH how fun!

    I'm hoping someone special will want to bring me .... hoping. OR, I may just invite him.

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  64. The Willow Manor Ball is ALWAYS marvelous! Bach and I are so looking forward to it! Now to decide what to wear...

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  65. Feeling frumpish and lacking any sort of time to exercise my quill of late, the ball is just what the doctor ordered!

    Thrilled 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....

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  66. 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!

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  67. wonderfully clever miss Tess... ;)

    ...rob

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  68. what a pleasure...i am so looking forward to the Ball....

    what fun...and a great way to welcome october !!!!

    can i bring anything?

    kary
    xxx

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  69. Helen, Jude Law!!? I'm penciling him in on my dance card, if that's okay with you!!

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  70. Sounds divine. What to wear, what to wear...

    :)

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  71. Ooo, i love dancing! Fave thing to do in the world. . . besides writing! I think I'm in love with you, you rock!

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  72. Daja 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
    QMM

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  73. I think I'm feeling ball-ish this year.

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  74. I 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 :)

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  75. I am actually considering taking an actual day off in pursuit of total fun & fantasy....I had soooo much fun last year!

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  76. Oh 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.

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  77. Um, ah, is this just for people, or can Bears come too?

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  78. As Lord Cleggie Winterbottom so pithily said "there's nowt queerer than folk." You barmpots are testimony to that.

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  79. This 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.

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  80. This 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!

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  81. i will clear my calendar ....
    now, what do i wear?
    xxx

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  82. 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.

    Strange fun, but nice.

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  83. 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!

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  84. sister V and I will definitely be there!

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  85. That's awesome! Sounds like an event not to be missed.

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  86. Willow, I have yet to ever be available for the Willow Ball, and this year may be no exception.
    I 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,,,,

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  87. 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

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  88. Dear 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!

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  89. I'm looking forward to it. By the way, I love your blog.

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  90. Dear Willow,
    30th 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!

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  91. 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'!

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  92. Oh, 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!

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  93. Willow, 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! :)

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  94. Do you think Gary Oldman is too young for me? I need a decision before I ask him.

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  95. Sounds 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!

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  96. At 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)

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  97. I 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.

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  98. This is a scintillating idea, Willow! I will puttin' on the ritz!

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  99. I'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 :)

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  100. Everyone 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!

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  101. George, I've already penciled you in on my dance card!

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  102. Thanks for your kind invitation I've got on the blog Synchronizing by Ruth Mowry.
    I'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.

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  103. 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 . . .

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  104. This is my first time too. Here's my preparation for the Willow Ball:

    http://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!

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  105. Sounds lovely Willow, i have never been to any kind of a ball, much less a cyper one! :-)

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  106. Are 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
    oh my darling Clementine' on it.
    I do hope I can come because I love an autumn ball.Jan Morrison

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  107. Absolutely wouldn't miss it..last year's was a blast..why not this one too!!

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  108. Yes!! Please come!! EVERYONE is welcome~!!

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  109. Willow, as you know, I am definitely promoting the ball at TKR...I have even included a dreamy reference on my headmast!
    I 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!

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  110. Looks like I would have to bring both Leonard Whiting (1968 R&J) and Joseph Fiennes (1998 SIL)because I can't decide.

    Please 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...

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  111. Alan Rickman can't leave without reading either some poetry or Shakespeare. I must be seated when he does, or I might swoon.

    Will Joseph's dreamy older brother be tagging along?

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  112. Willow, I am bringing Barbara Stanwyck
    who 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

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  114. I'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*

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  115. At 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.
    I 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!

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  116. 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 ....

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  117. I am so sorry but I doubt that I am going to be able to make it after all. I just cannot believe it.

    I 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.

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  118. 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???

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  119. Looking 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!

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  120. I am so excited. My dress is ready and I have an exciting escort! Can barely contain my excitement!

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  121. What fun. I've never heard of this and will look forward to my first ball.I hope I can find a date by then.

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  122. I am ready and Mr. Niven will be picking up ...he had the car polished .....bkm

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  123. Excitement. Can't wait for the ball to start. I'm sure it will be wonderful.

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  124. Oh, 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...

    Lynette Killam

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  125. 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.

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  126. For those for whom this is a first, be prepared for the most wonderful evening.

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