Andrea Hamilton's Web Log

What (Airstream loving) Women Want

This sterling silver trailer makes my heart go pitter patter!   

Made by the amazing Kristiana Spalding, who uses her vintage Airstream trailer as a design studio, the Lucky Little Trailer in Love necklace is the latest in her shiny line of jewelry that's perfect for anyone with a soft spot for trailers and uber cool design.  

Nothing could be more perfect for Valentine's Day!  To order click here.   Be sure to take a trip over to Kristiana's Silver Trailer News blog , too!

Walking on Air with a Silver Cloud

For the past five years, I've had the privilege of serving on the board of directors of the oldest, and arguably the best, historical society and museum in Minnesota.  For as many years I have wanted to produce and chair a black tie event for the museum and, as this year marks the Society's 140th anniversary, the idea's time had come.  "The Age of Style Gala" was attended last night by 320 fantasically costumed patrons of the Society and we raised over $40,000 to keep history alive in Goodhue County.  It was a magical night, the culmination of months of hard work by a committee of remarkable philanthropists, and I feel as though I'm walking on air in the afterglow! 

I wanted a spectacular centerpiece for the ballroom, and the amazing Rolls Royce Silver Cloud, pictured above, was certainly that.  (Yes, I thought of my Airstream, but Stella wasn't born until 1964 and our theme was glitz and glamour from 1920s, 30s and 40s!)  The magnificent Silver Cloud, lent by a collector, was purchased by Mike Todd for Elizabeth Taylor as a wedding gift.  This photo was taken as they rolled it into the ballroom, where a photographer posed guests standing next to it during the event.  

These are my dear friends, Pat and Lisa, who looked absolutely dazzling next to the car and everywhere else they stood, too.  Silver lame gloves and a silver vintage flapper dress.   Talk about shining.  She. So. Did.

Our special friends Kris and Cory got into the spirit, too, with Kris wearing Cory's grandmother's 1929 wedding dress!  Arthur and I are with them here:

We had some very special "cigarette girls" helping us fundraise, too:

Wish you were there!

Shiny Silver Star

photo credit

Even though Kristen Chenoweth's show, "Pushing Daisies", set in an Airstream trailer, has been cancelled, she still takes a shine to gleaming things.  Dresses and awards, at least.  And who wouldn't at that rate.

You can read about the show's trailer here.  

The future looks shiny and bright

I am so proud of my country today!

The Silver Screen's Marie Dressler (and me)

Movie Star Marie Dressler TV Shot
Originally uploaded by Walker Dukes

I'm not sure how I feel about being asked to portray 1930's film star Marie Dressler at our historic district's 'Living History' celebration tomorrow. The organizer said I'd be 'perfect' for the role. I have to admit I hope it's not because I look so much like her. 

Maybe they chose me because of my impressive acting resume that spans some thirty years.  In high school, (1978), I made my debut as the Fiddler in 'Fiddler on the Roof'.  It was in mime, so I had no lines and sat on a roof, (actually a ladder behind a cardboard rendition of a Russian shack), 'playing' an invisible fiddle while a girl who could actually play the fiddle, er, violin, sawed away in the orchestra pit.  It was harder than it looked.  Think about it.  I played a metaphor, for heaven's sake.  In satin bloomers and white face tettering ten feet above the stage without a net.  It was not easy.  Meryl Streep would understand.

Then in my next brilliant role, twenty years later, in an attempt to bolster my ego since I was a full-time mom, I played Nellie in a community theater production of 'Ye Old Cookie Shoppe', also known as 'Nellie Was a Baker 'Cause She Kneaded the Dough".  What?  You don't remember it?  It was a melodrama.  Fine genre.  Underappreciated.  Sophisticated.  Refined.  Come to think of it, why don't they have a melodrama category at the Tony's?  Anyway, we put on quite a show.  We had the audience alternately boo-ing the villain, Snidley Something-Or-Other and cheering the hero, Handsome Harry, as he untied me from the railroad tracks. Popcorn was flying. Oh, it was high art, alright.  Or it would've been art if you were high.  Maybe.  

So, now my public (Old Frontenac, pop. 302), awaits my performance as Marie Dressler, star of "Dinner at Eight", famous for being, what was it?  Oh, yes, unattractive and overweight, but possessing a good sense of humor.  

I am ready for my close up.

Shiny happy people

Everyone around-
Love them, love them.
Put it in your hands.
Take it, take it.
There's no time to cry.
Happy, happy-
Put it in your heart.
Where tomorrow shines,
Gold and silver shine.

~R.E.M., excerpted "Shiny, Happy People" lyrics 

Credit

Sheryl Crow, Shiny Silver Someone No. 3

Édith Piaf: Shiny Silver Someone No. 2

Édith Piaf knitting 2
Originally uploaded by Judikins

This photo is a treasure. Edith Piaf, La Vie en Rose, knitting. Love, love, love. And isn't it good to see her happy?