Last night I was honored and delighted to be invited to particpate in a Pasadena History Museum members’ event. Tom Coston and Patricia Hurley of the Light Bringer Project were presenting a historical look at the Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade with appearances by Count Smokula, Roobie Breastnut and myself, the reigning Queen. Also in attendance was the third Doo Dah queen Suzy Wilson.

The event was held at a beautiful home in Pasadena. The house was transitional, meaning it is a mix of Victorian and Craftsman architecture. It had bold lines and lots of gorgeous wood- oak, cedar and redwood, and was decorated as it may have looked in the past.

We all gathered by the pergola outside, which was awash with a lush wisteria vine. Just steps away there was a rose garden, mostly in bloom, and made extra special because of the little plaques at each bush stating the name of the rose for visitors. The rose garden paths all converged on a fountain filled with lillies. It was all-serenity and a zen moment for me with the sun setting slowly as I wandered the grounds.

The hostess served up a scrumptious offering of appetizers, fruits, cheeses and more. And red and white wine, as well as soft drinks, poured freely.

As dusk settled into evening, we took our places for Tom’s lecture. Count Smokula opened the talk with some tunes on his accordion and played musical ditties to highlight the lecture. We looked at slides and listened to Tom’s comments, snippets of history and a few bad jokes.

During intermission the Count played again, this time Roobie joined him. She danced and handed out flowers to the crowd. Then it was my turn. I did a short dance to “Put a Spell on You,” using my veil and three swords. The audience seemed to enjoy it and had fun with me.

I also took to the podium to share my thoughts about how much being Doo Dah Queen means to me and how we all need to reach out and support the different causes we like, as this is one way to spread what the world needs most- love.

Please enjoy these photos of my evening by Terry Miller (aka Sir Terence of the Camera Obscura).

It’s true, Saturday night you can see me in your own living room!

On Saturday at 8 p.m. I’ll be co-hosting “Marty’s Corner,” one of the longest-running cable access television talk/variety shows around. And you can watch it live on your TV if you live in the Hacienda Heights area or on the Internet anywhere in the world.

Adelphia ch 3 KCAT

The Current Marty’s Corner plays
 EVERY Saturday at 8:00 pm (PST)
and every Friday, Saturday and Sunday at Midnight.

The Previous month’s Marty’s Corner also plays
Fridays at 5:00 pm and 9:00 pm (PST)

www.martyscornerlive.com

So let’s make a hot date for you to tune in or surf your way to “Marty’s Corner” …

 I won’t even mind if you’re in your pajamas!

You will also be able to read about my experiences doing the show in an upcoming Fun 101 column in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News and Whittier Daily News and online at www.sgvn.com

Oh you readers! Always wanting a moment to bask in the glory of my royalty. Well you can have your chance if you’re planning to go to the Fair tomorrow. Here’s the info:

Fair is open 10 a.m.-midnight

$17 adults, $14 seniors, $12 children 6-12 and free for children 5 and under

On July 29th I interviewed acclaimed actor Ernest Borgnine for a story to preview his Southland appearances promoting his new autobiography, “Ernie.”

 During our chat, the earthquake hit and I had told him,  “Ernie, we’re having an earthquake. I have to crawl under my desk.” And we continued talking until the quake reached him. I knew because Borgnine suddenly said, “Oh! Oh, oh!”  True to form, he regained his composure quickly and we finished our interview.

On Aug. 25 Borgnine came to the South Pasadena Public Library for an talk and book signing.  Today, I received this very nice letter from one of my readers: 

Hi, Michelle:

You may not remember me, but I certainly remember you. I sat next to Mrs. Parent (Zen Golf mom) at the Ernest Borgnine book signing event in South Pasadena, a week ago Monday.

Later, as I stood near the back of the line waiting to get his signature, I heard Mr. Borgnine let out a big laugh. I looked up and saw him talking to you, so i knew he was enjoying the memory of your momentous telephone conversation as the earthquake struck; that’s when I moved in and took this picture.

I hope you like it and that it also serves as an excuse for me to say “hello” to you occasionally. This is just my way of acknowledging the memorable impression that you made, and the pleasure of our brief conversation about your great career.

Milton Douglas

Milton with Borgnine

Thank you for sharing this with me, Milton. I will never forget my interview and meeting with Ernie. ~ Michelle