I will be the first to admit it; after all of that holiday merry making, I have lost a bit of steam. So many parties, so many treats, so many lights and presents and music and fireworks - I'M POOPED! In actual fact, it is a great state to find oneself; the pure exhaustion that comes from an abundance of good friends and happy times reminds me just how fortunate I am.
For the majority of my years on this planet, I have spent New Year's Eve snuggled deep under the covers of my bed, either watching a classic movie or, more likely, fast asleep. Counting sheep rather than counting down always seemed a satisfactory way to ring in the new year and invariably I awoke refreshed and ready to watch that spectacle of floral fantasy, The Rose Parade. The last few years have broken me of my hibernation habit; instead of sleeping, I have, like the rest of the world, actually participated in parties. As it turns out, I have so thoroughly enjoyed greeting the dawn of a new year with friends, that now I can't imagine doing it any other way.
Our most recent December 31 celebration found us at the charming home of our friends, Damien and Allison, for their annual New Year's Eve festivities. This year the merriment had an official theme, "King Neptune's Under the Sea Ball." Most people know better than to give me a theme because once I'm committed, I'm like a dog with a bone.
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| A lobster Jell-O mold. It was brought to my attention that it could be interpreted as something other than a lobster but I assure you, a lobster it most certainly is. As much as I LOVE Jell-O, I had never made an actual Jell-O mold; There is plenty of room for improvement, but I was thrilled that it actually worked! |
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| Release the Kraken! I also made a dip that incorporated an idea I had seen online - a bell pepper (capsicum for you non-Yankee types) octopus. |
The evening's entertainment included the musical stylings of that siren of song, and one of our most favorite people, the inimitable Janet Klein.
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| If you've never had the opportunity to hear Janet sing, do yourself a favor and look her up, tout suite! She was accompanied on piano by the amazing musician, and regular Parlor Boy, the uber-talented Randy Woltz. |
As if Janet wasn't enough, we even got to hear from another of our favorite songstresses, Amber Foxx! And just because we are the biggest hams who won't let an opportunity to sing go unsung, Mary and I joined the music making with a few tunes as well. There was a gift exchange where an original Little Orphan Annie decoder pin, a 1920's Niagara Falls scrapbook, and 1930's beauty products were among the coveted, and oft-stolen, items. There was even a best-dressed contest and while Mary won, I will happily take full credit for her ensemble.
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| The under-the-sea theme allowed Mary a second chance to wear the mermaid costume I made for her sideshow freak birthday party. After making many, many outfits that get but a single use, I have become satisfied when every item finds at least a second chance to make its way out of the abyss that is her closet. |
Music, gifts, and costumes may have been the highlights but, as per usual, pure hijinks filled the bulk of our party time.
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| Party in the powder room! |
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| Janell & Emily won the gold medal in the bathtub bobsled. |
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| Amber makes like Tippi Hedren in The Birds. |
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| Emily got in on the act too. I think this is Amber's homage to Hitchcock's cameo in every film??? |
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| Right before we broke out into Cole Porter's "Friendship." |
When graced with an invitation, I always do my best to live up to the part of worthy and worthwhile guest - if only to counterbalance my juvenile shenanigans. For the countdown, I came prepared with a celebratory arsenal (toys, silly string, party poppers, etc.) that included:
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| Glow-in-the-dark tridents ( I told you I always try to team with the theme) |
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| Horns as beautifully modeled by the devastatingly-deco Katherine. |
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| and noisemakers. Benny & Jenn demonstrating the sound of one hand clapping. |
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| HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! |
Thanks to our hosts, we learned firsthand that it is indeed quite lovely "bobbing along on the bottom of the beautiful, briny sea." We hope your New Year's Eve went just as swimmingly as ours!
"The Beautiful Briny Sea" from Disney's Bedknobs & Broomsticks
Cheers!
Mr. Tiny
