Since it was cloudy and overcast yesterday afternoon, I grabbed the opportunity to take a walk with Don on our local rail trail. (I’m supposed to stay out of the direct sun while on my antibiotic.) It was late in the day, rather spur of the moment, and it felt so good to hike, even for a relatively short distance. I love my cottage, but the walls were closing in on me!
The butterfly bush always blooms in late July/August. I love the graceful, slightly droopy look of the blooms.
So pretty. I’m thinking of extending this garden bed next spring.
The great Lauren Bacall died yesterday. I have a Lauren Bacall story for you (slightly revised from the version I posted on Facebook as I remember the details more clearly.)
Several years ago, Don was part of a concert version of Finian’s Rainbow that was staged for one night only to benefit the Irish Repertory Theater in Manhattan. He played the bigoted (and funny) Senator Billboard Rawkins. Afterward, we attended a gala celebrating the benefit and somehow I ended up standing near a table where Lauren Bacall and Phyllis Newman were seated. Don was to my left, conversing with someone, and I was momentarily looking in the direction of Ms. Bacall. I could tell that she and Phyllis Newman recognized Don from the show. She smiled at me and said hello, asked my name and nodded toward Don approvingly. I said, “That’s my husband.” She lit up and said in that wonderfully deep and husky voice, “Well, your husband is tahRIFic!” She landed that last word in her inimitable Bacall style. (If you were here, I’d do my version of it for you.) Anyway, I beamed from ear to ear and thanked her. She was so warm and generous and friendly and down-to-earth. I was greatly impressed by her and more than a bit star-struck. I’m so lucky to have had that moment with her.
Rest in Peace, Lauren Bacall.
There’s a new post up on Just Let Me Finish This Page, asking the question: What works of fiction had a profound effect on you? I’d love to hear your choices.
Happy Wednesday.
Great story Claudia!! Lucky you (and Don). So glad you were able to escape the walls and get out a bit yesterday. Hoping you are feeling better.
Yes, we were very lucky, indeed.
Lauren Bacall was so glamorous. I always loved her hair. It was elegant, yet simple. Please do stay out of the sun while on your meds. While living in Florida 30+ years ago, I was put on meds for my kidneys. No warnings were given to me. See disaster coming? Short story, I turned purple and was told if I hadn’t come in to the ER when I had, my skin would have peeled off! From then on I have investigated each and every medicine given to my whole family. Rather scary time for me.
Have a wonderful day!
Deb
Oh my goodness, Debbie! That must have been horrifying. I’ve been very good. I only go out in the sun for a few minutes at a time, I keep my sun hat on and I cover up. Don seems to think there should be no ill effects, but I have more sensitive skin than he does – so I’m going to be very cautious.
What a neat Lauren Bacall story! Yes, be careful, I too got too much sun in my 20’s from an antibiotic. After the fact the doctor told me that could happen.
On a side note I’m sitting here eating scrambled eggs with a fresh tomato for my breakfast. The eggs are prepared your way and are delicious!
At least they tell us that up front nowadays.
So glad you’re enjoying your scrambled eggs, Claudia! Fluffy, aren’t they?
Yes, they are very fluffy!
xo
Great Lauren Bacall story! Hope you are feeling better each day.
I am, Debbie. Thank you.
What a wonderful moment, and to know that she recognized Don’s talent!
It was truly amazing and lovely in every way.
So glad you were able to get out and walk the trail… I’m sure you needed it, the exercise and the fresh air. :)
What a wonderful story about your encounter with Lauren Bacall.
You’ve led such an interesting life!
Pat
That’s for sure, Pat!
Claudia, I Love your Butterfly Bush it is so Charming.
Lauren Bacall, I always feel,quite sad when a”Legend”such as she was,passes on. It just makes me feel like another era is gone. Does that make any sense? -Judy A-
Absolutely makes sense. Don and I feel the same way, Judy.
Your garden photos are just luscious today! And what a nice story you share about your encounter with Lauren Bacall. I could just hear her voice in your narrative. What a tremendous contibution she made to a wonderful film era.
She also had quite a career on the stage, and won at least one Tony award.
Great story…great memory for you! I love Lauren Bacall’s voice…another Great One who will be missed! So glad you got to go out and get some fresh air…if even for a short time! ;)
Her voice was incredible, Donnamae!
What a wonderful story and such an amazing moment with a true legend. I’m also glad you got outside a bit! I’m home and now trying to recover from my ‘vacation’ and jet lag! I have Tiger this morning but think a nap will happen a bit later today!
hugs,
Linda
I feel like taking a nap, too! I seem to tire easily – I think it’s the antibiotics.
I was sad to hear about Miss Bacall too..and so soon after the sad news on Monday..What a great memory you have of her..to not only meet her but to have her praise Don in that wonderful style and voice that was all her own..Like Pat said..you have led an interesting life..but then I admire you and Don for your every day lives too..
We’ve both met and worked with a lot of famous actors. But our lives are pretty normal for the most part.
I learned this morning of Ms. Bacall’s death – she was one of a kind and I always recognized her husky voice. How nice that she was so sweet about Don’t performance – know you were so proud of him.
Hope you’ll be feeling better soon…….I need to get out and walk later today also!
Mary –
I think the antibiotics are harder on me than anything, Mary! We went out for a while today and visited some local antique shops.
Such a compliment from Lauren Bacall is certainly a ringing endorsement for Don’s talent. You must have been bursting with pride for him.
I hope you’re healthy once again very soon, Claudia. (I like your bounty of coneflowers, by the way.)
-Karen
What a wonderful story!! She will always be a legend, that is for sure.
Isn’t it funny how the walls can start being felt in the summer as well as in the winter? It does seem more easily remedied in the summer,,,,, for me, at least it is.
I think you should expand that garden, too. So very pretty!! Hope you are having a good day!
We had 3 inches of rain here in central NY yesterday…a bit flooded now.
I was saddened to hear of Lauren Bacall’s passing yesterday. I have always loved her on screen, and your story is fabulous. I can just hear her saying “tahRIFic”…how lucky to have this encounter with her.
I heard about Lauren Bacall late last night. She was one of my Mom’s favorites. Mom always regretted not getting to New York for a weekend to see her on Broadway when she was in “Applause” – was it? She read her first autobiography too and enjoyed it very much. A sad loss of a very talented lady. And clearly, from your story, a genuinely warm person too.
Claudia, What an honor for Don, to be thought of as terrific by Lauren Bacall. And for you to have gotten to speak with that beautiful lady. I have always loved her. I can’t blame you one bit being star struck. I know the name of the other lady but for the life of me, I can not place her. So happy you did get out a bit. Wishing you well. xoxo,Susie
I keep changing my email on your blog and it goes back to the other one. Lauren Bacall was an icon for sure. Have a great day.
What a wonderful treat for both you and your hubby! I think I would have glowed with a comment from her about my sweetheart. In fact, I DO when someone compliments me on him. He’s not very important in this huge world but it definitely his in OUR world.
xoxo,
Connie