The Good News: It was a wonderful fun afternoon....The Bad News: Neither Betty or Annie could come. Betty was very under-the-weather, and though normally that would not stop her....It did, yesterday. (She is much much better today, I'm happy to say....having been to her doctors yesterday and today...)
Annie's 'table reading took much longer than expected, etc....so, she never got here....Okay. Now for the good stuff: That is the table above as it looked, all set and pretty much ready for my guests....
The first to arrive---the always right-on-time, Kim Hamilton....She looked beautiful as ever and we had a few minutes to chat, just the two of us.....Then, the very dear talented Jacquie Scott arrived.....You may remember her from "The Fugitive".... she played David Jannsons sister...And probably did 100 other televisions shows, too....
Jacquie is a wonderful spirit and a brilliant actress, as is Kim, too, by the way....They had not seen each other in a very very long time, in fact, not since Kim lost her husband and not since Jacquie lost her son....so they had a few minutes to catch up before the other guests began arriving....
It was a little bitter-sweet for both of them...they go back a long long way....Then, the lovely Lee Meriwether arrived and she had not seen Kim for a very long time either, so they got a chance to catch up a bit....
I'm not big on posed pictures, but this one had such a genuine feel to it....I just had to show it to you....Both these ladies are wonderful wonderful people, and all of our 'connection' to one another is Theatre West. Kim was a dues paying member for years and years and years, and finally gave up her membership because she and Werner lived more in New York, than here...But those Theatre West ties of friendship are truly strong....we all worked together so very many times and the Monday Night Workshop was the "work" place and the meeting place and you just didn't miss it, if you were here in Los Angeles and not working on a show in television, or films....
By this time Bridget Hanley had arrived and so had Seemah Wilder. Seemah is talking to Will Grover, the wonderful man who "did lunch"....It was iffy about Seemah coming, too, because her husband had fallen and broken his hip not quite two weeks ago---had to be operated on and had some complications...But, I'm happy to say, he was well enough for her to join us!
And then, the last of our little group arrived, dear Dianne Travis...Again, the Theatre West connection. In fact, Betty and Seemah and Dianne are all in the current production there, and Lee is understudying both Seemah and Betty....and there was some talk about Lee possibly going on tonight...but, as of this afternoon, Betty will play the show.
So, we were just about to sit down to the beautiful luncheon that Will had prepared...You can see those beautiful croissants there on the table...And they were huge and scrumptius!
And here was our lovely lunch....We had three salads....My favorite and as close to 'the original' as you actually ate at The Brown Derby, where it was invented...The Cobb Salad. The real real Cobb Salad. And it was a taste treat that I cannot even give words to....the memories that eating this salad evoked....Oh My Dears....Then, we had a green salad with a little bit of fruit in it and some feta cheese and some more avacado---one can never have too much avacado, by my standards, and then a fruit salad with lovely pineapple and berries and other yummy things, like two kinds of melon.....This is Part One.....More as soon as I can do it....
There is definitely
More To Come....
- had this to say:
Oh, to have been a fly on the wall... What a nice crowd.
That Kim Hamilton is truly a beautiful woman -- a natural beauty, I'm guessing. The kind of natural beauty featured in print ads for Dove and Ivory. (tell her that!)
Looking forward to part 2.- Friday, June 29, 2007 at 4:47:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Hello, Michele sent me. :)
I'm so glad you had a wonderful luncheon. It's always lovely to visit with very dear friends.
I enjoyed your "birthday" post. The old photos and memories were fun to browse through. And incidentally, very pretty lady, tht you are! :D- Friday, June 29, 2007 at 4:49:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, I have to admit it, I felt some tears - in luck. How you present your beloved friends. It's nothing else but classie. You know, I,m well into writing - even comedies (yes) but my english is still to childish in the sense of using the right variations of words. Thats a greta hindrance - you bet.
And what a wonderful meal, just Anna's and my style.
btw- The CD is sent - on last Monday - wonder how long it would take to reach you...
And we are coming over the pond next summer - that would be great then to see you.- Friday, June 29, 2007 at 4:52:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Wow Naomi. A celebrity luncheon, and I got to be there via your blog. :) I used to watch The Fugitive all the time. And wasn't Lee Meriwether Cat Woman once? How exciting. And that lunch looked sooooooooo delicious that now I am hungry! Thanks for sharing your fun day.
- Friday, June 29, 2007 at 5:48:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Hey, Lady! That's a really cool post. Really lovely. And I agree with Torontopearl...Ms. Hamilton is such a natural beauty. I can see her with Dove or something that has to do with beauty. So graceful!
Oh, Michele sent me! But I'll come back if you don't mind!- Friday, June 29, 2007 at 5:50:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh Naomi, how special for you. Good friends are the best! Please, let me come and photograph all of you having such a good time. I would love to photograph you and your friends. No charge either! I just want to be in your company as well as every one elses, too. What an experience it would be! I can't wait for the rest! Post soon....
- Friday, June 29, 2007 at 7:43:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
A belated Happy Birthday to you, Naomi.
Torontopearl wishes she had been a fly on the wall at this luncheon. I would settle for being a quiet little mouse hiding behind a big piece of furniture taking it all in.
Your luncheon guests are all lovely women. Every one of them. I am especially fond of Lee Meriwether and Kim Hamilton both beautiful women.
Naomi, I envy your talent with the camera. I am just now starting to appreciate the art involved in taking pictures.
On the Cobb salad, which looks delicious in the photo, is it true that it originated from odds and ends the chef had to work with that fateful day it made its debut?- Friday, June 29, 2007 at 7:57:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
A lovely group, Naomi, and I am sorry that Betty and Annie couldn't come (as I am sure they are too).
Kim likes those overalls....LOL. I know she wore them before to your house. The food looks wonderful!- Friday, June 29, 2007 at 8:16:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
That was a lovely lunch. You have such beautiful and talented friends. I envy you.
More, more...- Friday, June 29, 2007 at 9:15:00 PM PDT
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had this to say:
What a wonderful lunch with such truly dear friends.
I absolutely adore your writing style! As I read your words, the scene just come alive for me. I feel like I'm sat right there in the room!
Just wonderful!- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 1:01:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Ahhh, I have been waiting for this post :)
How lovely of you to share your pics, I am only sorry about the ladies who couldn't make it...
Everything seems perfect: the guests, the atmosphere, the decoration, the food, how wonderful!! Love your china, too. Can't wait to see more !- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 1:32:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
What a great session! Great the way you describe meeting everyone and I love the references to the Brown Derby and the Cobb Salad.
The nearest I've had to the authentic Cobb was at the MGM Orlando Studios which have a replica of the Brown Derby just across from their replica of Graumann's Chinese.
Lovely description of your event and friends.
And here today via Michele's!
rashbre- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 3:56:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Ohhhhhhh looks like it was another DELIGHTFUL ladies luncheon -- and aren't you ladies TOO kind to allow the gentleman to attend!
Do you know what I love Naomi? I LOVE that you share these stories... and that because they are "simply" stories of your life - NOT "name dropping" or propaganda or "paparazzi" photos - that NOW if I ever happened to come across one of these ladies in MY life, I would meet them and say "oh! I know you - you're on Naomi's BLOG!" ... not - oh, I know who you are - you played such and such! ROFL! (they would probably not appreciate this at all, huh?)- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 4:53:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
Lovely. And tempting.
Im drooling over your pretty salad. Ill make one tonight, I envy you now for tasting that paradise food.
It fun seeing Jacquie Scott again after The Fugitive.
Have a lovely day.- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 5:54:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Hi oolady! Great pics of friends. What a smashing time you all had...nice food. My mouth's watering...!
- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 6:15:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
I envy you. It seems like you had a whale of a time. What great table setting.
Nothing like a get together wth friends.
I am here from Michele's..;)- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 9:25:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Your lunches are like a Theatre West reunion! :) How wonderful that you all have such long history together. It must make for a very warm atmosphere at your get togethers and an instant rapor no matter how long it has been since you last saw each other. Wonderful :)
Looking forward to hearing more and seeing more of your wonderful photos!- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 9:32:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Mmmmm the lunch looks fabulous Naomi!
Gosh, I've never seen Lee with white hair before! I've met her at autograph shows a few times but she always had it colored.. I may be weird, but her hair looks great white!
It looks like you had yet another great "lunch"!! Looking forward to seeing the next installment- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 9:50:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Hi Naomi, I am so glad you had a lovely time with your dear friends! The lunch looks delicious, really yummy! Love all photos and I am looking forward to seeing the next pictures! Have a wonderful weekend my dear!
- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 10:12:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Oh Naomi,Everyone looks so beautiful and genuinely happy. I still marvel at the connections made that have lasted oh these many years. It seems as though you are the cornerstone of the group - the hub the spokes center to. Yet where are YOU in these lovely photos, I do hope we see you in Part 2. You have such a spectacular outlook on life and although health issues confine you close to home, your true spirit shines through. I am so happy I followed to your blog because it will be a regular part of my day now. My mom was like you...social and fun and people gravitated to her.
The food looks absolutely yummy, nothing like tasty salads on a summers day!
Can't wait for the second part!!
Have a lovely day!
p.s. I am so glad Betty is ok!- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 12:18:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Michele sent me over today, Naomi. I'm glad you have such a nice lunch on Friday. It's unfortunate that Betty and Annie weren't able to make it. I'm sure everyone missed them.
I remember you mentioning the Cobb Salad before, Naomi. That must have really made an impression on you back when you were frequenting The Brown Derby. I can't recall any restaurant item that has that much impact on me.- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 12:41:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Definitely looks like a fun get together. You're very lucky to have such good friends!
- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 1:14:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Looks like you had another wonderful gathering of friends and a delicious lunch, Naomi !
I remeber the Brown Derby from years ago on little Santa Monica Blvd. in Beverly Hills, just a few blocks west of Wilshire, if I remember correctly...
My old favorite used to be 'Jimmy's'... And 'Scandia' on Sunset Blvd., before that... And the original 'Bistro' was so special, too...Not many like them anymore, especially now that L'Orangerie is gone !
Hope you are having a wonderful sunny weekend !- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 1:26:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi, Dear, I never thought that the "ladies who lunch" were such famous ladies! My goodness! I am oh so happy that you had a great lunch...and looking at the plate of delicious food - I certainly was hungry...good thing I am fixing dinner!
I do so enjoy reading your blog and am so glad I found you through Michele's blog!!!!
BTW, wasn't Lee on "Barnaby Jones?" She looks awesome with white hair!!!- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 1:37:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You should have a lottery sometime, the prize, an invite to one of these ladies lunches. You'd probably be overwhelmed by people wanting a ticket. It looked lovely and scrumptious! We're having a cookout tomorrow night with friends, fajitas and margaritas among other things.
- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 3:04:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Naomi...what a wonderful luncheon for your birthday with your friends. I am so happy you share these pictures with us. The food looks wonderful. I showed your blog to my sister and she recognized Kim right away. She is such a pretty lady. I'm looking forward to part 2 of your lunch!
- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 4:53:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
What gorgeous women you gathered together! I want to come join you guys now!!!
Michele sent me. She had to, since you visit me all the time!
Love from West of Mars--- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 6:54:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
You bring us into your home and your life more deeply than any blogger I've ever known. I feel like I was there, interacting with these amazing people, sharing in the warmth and richness of a memorable afternoon.
You're a wonderful soul for doing this, Naomi. And not just once: but constantly. I'm ever enthralled every time I drop in for a read. It's like coming home to a fantastic surprise. Again and again.- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 10:06:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Michele sent me to admire the photos and feel a little wistful that I don't know anyone around here to enjoy an afternoon like that. You're a lucky lady!
- Saturday, June 30, 2007 at 10:12:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I wish you had someone to videotape your lunches and post them on YouTube. It looks like you had a great time with great friends, although I'm sure you missed the ones that could not make it. I'm glad you had such a nice birthday. Whenever I take pictures of flowers in my garden I always think of you.
- Sunday, July 1, 2007 at 12:40:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
It's been a long time since I've been here last, but I remember the last post I read clearly, about a new cactus you had planted.
Now I'm back from my self-seclusion, and here from Michele's to wish you a belated birthday and to say how much I've missed reading your blog.
I saw the gorgeous new flower photos below...how amazing that your life is so full of beauty!! Thank you for sharing!- Sunday, July 1, 2007 at 1:18:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
Michele sent me over to join your wonderful birthday celebrations. I hope you have many many more
- Sunday, July 1, 2007 at 3:32:00 AM PDT
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had this to say:
I was SO sorry to hear that Betty wasn't able to make it. I sure hope she's now feeling better. Give her my best.
What a great luncheon this was to celebrate your special day! I have to say...there's something about each and every woman present that just makes me think, "strong, independant, woman." I believe it's in their eyes and their smiles. You have some very special friends. Now I'm off to Part II.- Sunday, July 1, 2007 at 6:09:00 AM PDT
- had this to say:
I'm with you on the "you can never have too much avacado" :)
- Sunday, July 1, 2007 at 9:06:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
So far so good...
Now, I'm off to read part two.
I received an email from my brother. He is currently in Germany and will be back home this Saturday.
We will make our definite plans after he gets home.
I'll let you know what's happening!! :-)- Monday, July 2, 2007 at 3:50:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
Looks delicious Naomi - what's in the Cobb Salad?
- Monday, July 2, 2007 at 10:07:00 PM PDT
- had this to say:
I love the colors in those photos.
Lee Meriwether must have extraordinary genes... she's lovely.
Glad Betty is feeling better.
`S- Tuesday, July 10, 2007 at 12:16:00 PM PDT
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