HAYYYYYYYY!!  My first official movie night with the Hackberrys and Company was a great success!  The ladies brought appetizers, utensils and desserts, while Mr. Roscoe and I provided the pizza and drinks.

To kick off what I hope will be a growing trend of movie nights at Wood-De-Haven, I chose one of my top 5 favorite films of all time.  The one that reeks of camp, smut, glamour, incredible gowns, bad lyp synching, terrible dialogue and fantastic hair .. in other words, everything that is Call Him Miss Ross .. VALLEY OF THE DOLLS!  I love, love and one more time, love this film.  And even though I have the seen this monstrosity more times than allowed by the law [and know the dialogue], it was a great thrill exposing it the Hackberrys, since only one or two actually saw the film years ago.

Thank you ladies for a laughter filled night!  And remember, "Lawrenceville will be there forever!" 

Call Him Miss Ross! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. It was a fun filled Saturday night for the Diva and the incredible Hackberrys!.  We started the night at The Red Rabbit Pub [www.redrabbitpub.com], since our usual hangout, Vics, had to close last week.  However, the Rabbit decided to take a chance on Vic's regulars and started their own Saturday night trivia with host Ron.  And for the first time since the Hacks and I started attending trivia in March, WE CAME IN FIRST PLACE!!  Thanks to some "know when to hold 'em, and know when to fold 'em" advice from Lady Diana, the ladies and I actually came in first place and won a $30.00 gift certificate.

After a quick ice cream stop at Brusters, and empowered by our trivia win, the singles ladies and gentleman of Duluth decided to venture into the town fair / amusement park / carnival that had sprung up at the local strip mall parking lot.  Now dear readers, this is not the idyllic county fair that one might imagine the Walton's attending every year.  No, this is the one with the crickety rides, operated by an individual standing next to a box that reads "ride parts."  We are not talking about Disneyland here.

While Mama Peggy, Mama Anne, Queen Cindy [Who thinks that I don't like her to play trivia with us.  This is not the case.  I just don't think we need to share our answers with the rest of the class.  Love me some Queen Cindy!], Countess Gina and myself walked around enjoying the lights and sounds, as well as discussing which ride would cause us to lose our dinner the fastest, Lady Di was on a mission.  She was going to win some stuffed animals and she was going to ride the ferris wheel.  The same ferris wheel which I swore had been missing a few buckets earlier in the week.

Successful in her attempts to win two stuffed animals, Diana headed off to buy her ticket to the ferris wheel.  Halfway there, she turns and says, "who is going to join me?"  Now was the time for the brave, the fearless and the strong to step up and join our friend is her quest.  Turns out, only Gina would win that medal, because Anne, Peggy, Cindy and I stood looking straight ahead, with an expression that said, "now I know she ain't talking to me."  Hats off to Diana and Gina [pictured above as the ride was about to start].  Of course Cindy did not help calm anyone's nerves by yelling for operator to "make it go faster!"  A great night with the dynamic Hackberrys!

Ok, it is only 4 days until Miss Ross graces the stage at the Chastain Park Ampitheatre.  The reviews for her "More Today Than Yesterday" tour have been wonderful, with performances of the big hits ["Upside Down," "Stop!"] as well as her classic interpretations ["Don't Explain"].  Fortunately, the best OR nurse in Atlanta, Lady Diana has agreed to be my date for the big night.

Now readers, I need all the prayers, well wishes, payments to weather men, whatever, that there is no rain during the concert.  Atlanta experienced heavy rain this past Friday, and the news is predicting on again / off again showers throughout the week.  Chastain is an open ampitheatre, and while heaven knows I will stand in the rain for THE LADY, but she may not perform in a downpour.  So any and all thoughts for good weather will be appreciated!

"Success is nothing without someone to share it with" – Billy Dee Williams in MAHOGANY 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. been a busy, busy Saturday!  Today was the 2010 Walk for Lupus, held at Piedmont Park in Atlanta.  Pictured above is yours diva truly, along with my friend Jennifer [aka "Jenifay"].  We were both walking for TEAM JT!  Last month, Jennifer and I held a bake sale, with all the proceeds going to the walk.  

The weather and the atmosphere at the park were GREAT!  We arrived around 2:00 pm, had lunch, walked around the booths and then headed off on the walk at 5:00 pm.  Up until this month, Atlanta's walk was the largest in the country.  But apparently, New York and DC haved edged ahead of us …….. but not for long!  Way to go TEAM JT!!

After the walk, I went home, took a quick shower, and then headed off with Queen Cindy and Countess Gina to celebrate Lady Di of Darby's birthday!  I told Di to work a pose for me ["Covergirl! Put the Base In Your Walk"] and look at the incredible result above.  To one of the great medical professionals, Happy #25 Di!  And remember, you have Good Hair!

OK, call me a cheap pop culture diva who likes pure trash .. and I will answer!  YES, I actually bought and have been constantly listening to New York Housewife, Countess LuAnn's song, "Money Can't Buy You Class!"  PEOPLE!  This song is just plain bad, but I still love it!  While it does not have the catchy chorus of Kim Zolciak's "Tardy For The Party," [and Kim is still riding the gravy train on that song], the lyrics are done in a sing songy rap that makes it an instant drag classic!  

The reviews on i-tunes were all horrible, but you want to say PEOPLE! what did you expect?  This is just a drag bitch track over a so-so beat.  I am so loving this hot mess of a song!  Bring It To The Runway LuAnn!

Finally, and I know that I will stand alone in my opinion but, I was not that impressed with Betty White's big appearance on SNL.  I don't think Betty was the problem.  Just the water logged writing.

It's Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I hope that everyone had a good, or at least peaceful St Peppermint Patties Day!  As for myself and the Hackberrys, we hit Wednesday night trivia at our favorite pizzeria, Vics!  Vics is located in Duluth, GA, off of Pleasant Hill Road.  If you want great pizza [or calzones, or salads, you get the point] check out Vics and say hello to Vic, Bobby and the crew.  Anyway, back to trivia ……..

For the past few weekends, "The Hacks" and the Diva have found themselves playing some fun trivia, laughing, and eating.  Tonight was no different, except that Miss Gina had to bow out, claiming that her ceramic projects were past due.  I recommended that she throw the objects de art in a 350 degree oven and meet up with us, but no such luck.  Therefore, only Queen Cindy, Mama Anne, Mama Peggy, Lady Di and myself were able to celebrate the Irish by eating Italian.

I wish I could say that the Hackberry table took first place, but you know I wouldn't lie on my own blog.  At first we were doing good, but many of tonights questions were Irish / St Patty related.  My knowledge of the Irish is limited to U2, Sinead O'Connor [boy you never hear from her again] and the musical, OLIVER TWIST.  I was even bored by LORD OF – SPIRIT OF THE – BEST FRIEND OF THE DANCE WE'RE DOING BY THE RIVER spectacle.  And what is the deal with those Celtic Women who want to sing like Sarah Brightman, but move like Nit Wit Brit?

Anyway, despite our poor showing, we had a great time .. AND  .. I got wear my Hot Mess St Patties' Day Hat!  The picture above is your Diva with her royal majesty, Queen Cindy!  Just go ahead and say it, …….. we are the new American Gothic!

Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I know what you are thinking dear readers!  Has the Diva outdone himself yet again with another hat?  Well, YES!!  However, unlike California Senator Roy Ashburn, I have to be honest and give credit to whom it's due.  This hot mess of a hat was discovered by Mama Anne of the Hackberry's.  Miss Gina, Mama Anne and I were terrorizing our local Target on Friday night, when Anne spotted this creation fit for a Diva.  To quote Jonny, Linda and Erika from my favorite podcast, Gay Pimpin With Jonny McGovern, "the look goes as follows: green felt cowboy hat, glued on tiara, and trimmed with a green and silver boa!"  All that hot mess at Target for only $5.50!!

In addition to our love for outrageous millinery, Mama Anne and I also share a devotion to Bravo's Real Housewives shows.  Of course, the other Hackberrys just roll their eyes when Anne and I start talking about the hardships these women have to endure.  I understand that Queen Cindy, Mama Peggy, Miss Diana, and Miss Gina [who honestly believes the temperature in Atlanta can reach negative 50 degrees] may not want to watch gritty, real drama like THE HOUSEWIVES, and instead prefer escapist fluff like THE MENTALIST.  HAYYYYY only few individuals like Anne, Madonna and myself are born with the compassion of a saint in our hearts, which gives us the fortitude to watch each tear jerking episode filled with eviction, botox, and shopping at Kroger!

By the way, I am so glad the OC wives are off the air.  BORING!!  Bring on New York's Betheny and Countess!

Showtime Synergy! 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I want to send a HUGE shout out to the Divine Miss Anne, who Miss Gina, Miss Peggy and myself took out for a birthday dinner tonight.  Food, drink, dessert, great conversation and laughs were had by all.  Of course we can't go ANYWHERE with Miss Gina without some sort of DRAMA.  Apparently Gina wanted a dish that Longhorn [our restaurant of choice tonight] was advertising on tv, but could not be ordered.  Our waitress quickly dissolved into tears, the company headquarters was contacted, and we ultimately interrupted the president of Longhorns while he was having dinner at Outback. 

Guess who is having a guest for the weekend??  Roscoe's friend and my second favorite pug, Mr. Peabody!!

Peabody is actually one of my boss's dogs who I watched a few times before Mr. R arrived.  

When I brought Peabody home today, Roscoe starts doing his little dance, "Peabody, Peabody, friends forever remember?"  Peabody walks past him, as if to say, "Yeah, yeah let's not get all up in my face."  Roscoe just continued to spazz. 

Carrie, Carrie, Carrie .. you are seriously in need of a QUEEN PLEASE reality check.  Earlier this week, I watched Carrie go on Sean Hannity and The Today Show to state with a "straight" [pun intended] face that she only made the solo sex recording one time, and sent it to her boyfriend when she was 17.  And of course this was the biggest mistake, she never said she was perfect, and she threw down some attitude on THE VIEW!

Fast forward to Friday, and now there is news that Miss Former California not only made more than one recording, but sent them to several people when she was in her 20's!!

And still, no one is talking about our current Miss USA, Kristen Dalton from North Carolina!  You know Miss Thang is not too happy!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice …….. 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I have to send a HUGE shout out to the Legendary LADY DI for her fantastic Halloween Par-Tay on Saturday night!  What our little Martha Stewart mixed with Monte Hall [and a sprinkle of Donald Trump] can do with her carport is AMAZING!  There were tables, chairs, spooky music, and spiderwebs everywhere!  Not to mention some really good eats.

Now you know the Divas of Hackberry were bringing it to the runway for this par-tay!  We had the Divine Red Hatter [Miss Peggy], Miss Halloween Festivities 2009 [Miss Anne], a former go-go dancer from READY, SET, GO [the goddess Cindy - as I have been instructed to call her], and pure, not refined, white trash [Miss Gina]!  Speaking of Miss G, I would like to show some pics from the party, but guess who has not sent them to Call Him Miss Ross?  As for the THE DIVA, the look went as follows: Converse sneakers, Craftsman overalls, dark blue thermal shirt, and THE HAT:

Now dear readers, due to my "voice of an angel," and the fact that I worked for several years with the USO in Serbia and lower Antarctica, the diva is often asked to perform at dinner parties, social gatherings, and even Target openings.  Well, last nights par-tay was no exception.  During a short lived lull in the conversation, I was dragged to the mainstage and performed my version of Kim Zolciak's classic, "Tardy For The Party."  Although my time on stage was short [uh hello Lady DI?!?!], the applause was deafening!

Once again, LADY DI, thanks for a great time!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice …….. 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. Had to run by Target tonight after work.  You could almost feel those "bullseye" employees sweeping all the Halloween merchandise out the back door.  Two weeks ago, the store had devoted 5 or more cramped aisles to costumes, candy and "stuff."  Today, you were lucky to have three rows, all with minimal merchandise.  Target slow down!  You'll have your chance in two days!  Be patient!  Besides, I find it a little odd to be looking at Halloween candy while hearing Sinatra's Christmas album blasting from the kiosk behind me.  And news flash from the planet of DUH, Thanksgiving deserves more than half an aisle in the stationary section. 

Anyway, while I was meandering around the store, my eye caught sight of the above photographed "Barbie Glamour Camper."  Closer inspection of the box, revealed that Barbie was claiming this camper was the updated version of her classic 1970's "Country Camper."  Uh Barbie, don't make me get all ghetto on your plastic butt!  But that ain't like your "Country Camper," just a cheap imitation!

You see, I wanted the "Country Camper" during the 70s!  I loved the yellow/brown/green colors that were such a part of the 70's color scheme.  I loved the pop-out tent, I loved the rear view window, I loved the sliding piece of plastic used to get into the camper, etc.  As the box below states, "A Home For Barbie Whenever She Explores The Great Outdoors – The Swinginest Camper On Wheels!"  I LOVE THAT .. The Swinginest Camper!

Barbie, what the doritos [cool ranch] is a "glamour camper?"  There ain't nothing glamourous about camping, even if you ARE Barbie.  And why do Ken, Skipper and yourself look like Japanese anime?  This cheap imitation smells like something "Cindy," your half wit competition sold exclusively at Sears during the 70's, might be seen driving around town. 

Barbie, I WANTED the 70's camper, but since all things Barbie were out of the question growing up, I had settle for "Big Jim's Sports Camper" [below].  It might not have been the swinginest mobile home, but for a diva with a great deal of imagination ……..

Moral of the story?  If the classic ain't broke, don't update for 2009!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ……..  

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I hope everybody is having a GREAT weekend!  Just wanted to share what the DIVA has been up to!  HA!!  Forget all that sentimental hot mess!  I really wanted to show off the "DIVALISCIOUS LATOYA INSPIRED" hat that I bought at Target last night!!  This is the hat I plan on wearing to Lady Di's Halloween Par-tay next Saturday!

How was I able to obtain such a hat .. last night, Miss Cindi, Miss Gina, Miss Anne, Lady Di [the Hackberry Diva's missing Miss Peggy - we missed you!] and Call Him Miss Ross all met up for dinner.  After a great meal, but a very slow time getting our check, we headed to Target.  Now the ladies have known that I have been searching for just the "right" witches hat to wear on Halloween.  Well, Lady Di found it!  THANK YOU!!  It is perfect and reminds me of Latoya's at Micheal's funeral.  Now dear reader, I am not going as a witch .. but we'll see.

I do want to add a note of thanks to the Divas for ending my week out on a great and funny note!  I had some disappointments this past week, and I am so grateful for your friendships!

And speaking of friends, today I spent the afternoon with the founder of the I-tunes Mafia, Product Reed!  We traded music, talked endlessly about divas and our devotion to all things MAC!  Thanks to fantastic Mr. Reed for the XSCAPE, MARY MARY, MARIAH and KELLY PRICE!  Gotta have my divas!

I like to call this "Crouching Pug, Hidden Roscoe!"

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice …….. 

HAYYYYY!!  OK …….. I know what you are asking yourself right now noble readers .. was THE DIVA really able to meet and take a picture of Tilda Swinton in costume as the White Witch from THE LION, THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE ??

NO!!  That is yours truly, A LA DIVA, under two blankets and a sweat suit, trying to keep warm and assist the fabulous Hackberry Girls, Miss Gina and Miss Anne, during our condo community garage sale on Saturday.  At least one carport on every street had a sale going!  Now, noble readers, grab your tissues, cause this is where you learn of the sacrifices your DIVA had to make: 1.  Had to be up and going at 7:40 am on a SATURDAY MORNING!!  2.  The temperature dropped from the 50's to the 40's.  3.  About two hours into the sale, the rain started.  I KNOW I should be immediately designated for saint hood .. I'm just waiting for my Fed Ex letter from the Vatican!

Anyway, although the rain cut down on the amount of potential buyers, Miss Gina was still able to make $50+.  

Sooooo, I want to send a HUGE shout out to Miss Gina, for letting us use her carport, her stickers, and keeping us awake; to Miss Anne for the company and hot chocolate [even though she did buy the Batman doll I had my eye on ]; to Deal or No Deal Miss Diana for the brunch goodies and Miss Peggy for the company and kerosene lamp!

After the nail biting high drama of the garage sale [ie .. Miss Diana stating, "When you're ready to work with me, I'll be back!], I decided to visit a calmer environment .. Target on a cold Saturday afternoon, two weeks before Halloween!

30 minutes later I escaped from the madness with some household items and a costume for Mr. Man.  Below is a sneak peek:

He looks beyond thrilled!  Bring that attitude to the runway, my little super model!

Meanwhile, back at the Hall of Justice ……..