Debbie King

Jere Ring – If the shoe fits

Some shoes are hard to fill…

Jere Ring plays the piano and sings…but in a nutshell, he’s an all-around entertainer, comedian and storyteller whose talent has introduced him to an extraordinary life.

Last season in Palm Springs, I met Ring at the opening of the old-Hollywood-style boutique hotel, The Velvet Rope. The gorgeous oasis pays homage to Palm Springs’ Hollywood roots with 9 rooms decked out to embody the vibe of a bygone era. When movie stars were movie stars and mystery prevailed. One of the rooms was dedicated to talented over-the-top entertainer, Liberace. Sidenote: I took my mom to see Liberace perform in Montreal when none of my other friends even knew who he was. Women loved Liberace. Did they know he loved them too?….but loved men more? Didn’t it seem obvious with all that glitter and bling? Throughout his life, he never made his gayness public knowledge. Must say, he was extremely charming.

Anyway, my friend Candy noticed Jere sitting at an outside table in conversation with some people. She’d seen him at social gatherings before, although she never spoke with him. She said his claim to fame was something to do with Liberace and thought that he might be the person who Matt Damon portrayed (Scott Thornson) in the movie “Behind the Candelabra” to Michael Douglas’s Liberace. She suggested we go meet him. So we did.

Turns out that he is not the no longer living Scott Thorson, Liberace’s complicated out-of-control lover who wrote about the relationship and later ended up in prison.

These pics below I took from a recent visit to Jere + Johnny’s home:

Jere quickly explained to us that his connection with Liberace (or Lee, as Liberace was called to those close to him) was strictly professional, not personal. In other words, they were not lovers and never were. Liberace discovered Ring and turned him into his protégé. Jere is an entertainer who plays piano, tells stories and is naturally charismatic and funny. He became lifelong friends with Liberace, travelling around and accompanying him onstage for many shows over many years. And needless to say, he has countless stories about his experiences with the fabulously famous and infamous people he’s met along the way. He wrote a book that’s become a ‘cult-favorite’ called “IF THE SHOE FITS, BUY TWO.”

To be honest, I had the book for almost a year before actually reading it. But once I did, I couldn’t put it down. The hilarious stories and juicy gossip, vaguely reminiscent of Truman Capote’s scandalous unfinished novel “unfinished prayers.” However, Jere’s is more about his personal life and experiences with high-profile (~~and some low-profile but colorful~~) people instead of betrayal by exposing secrets and therefore enduring social exile. Many of the people he writes about are no longer around, but Jere’s still here, and people love him.

We met up with Ring again recently for lunch at his office; namely Spencer’s restaurant – his home away from home.

Recently at **Spencer’s** Restaurant. One of our favorite places.

Those of you familiar with Liberace will know that he always ended his show with his signature sentimental theme song “I’LL BE SEEING YOU“…

Jere’s First Review:

Written by Forrest Duke for the Las Vegas Review Journal:

“Liberace, noted for his many discoveries, including Barbra Streisand (he gave the talented actress/singer a significant career boost by inviting her to perform as part of his act in Las Vegas in 1963) has booked his newest discovery, Jere Ring, for an engagement at Liberace’s Tivoli Gardens restaurant. Jere will open his Las Vegas debut on Sunday, July 17, in the piano lounge. Ray Arnett, who stages Liberace’s spectaculars, heard about Ring, a popular performer, and his accomplishments as a piano singer. Ray passed the word on to Liberace who had Jere jet to Las Vegas for an audition. That did it! A new Las Vegas star was born.”

Then Life with Lee….and so many other fabulous friends. From encounters with Oprah, Jackie Onassis and the Gabor sisters to dinner at Lucille Ball’s home, escorting Ginger Rogers to an opera and entertaining on countless cruise ships…his story telling is never boring! As Liza Minnelli would say (he’s met her twice and has a funny story) – “never hang around dull people.”

As you may have guessed; Jere Ring is anything but dull.

Videos: d. king

FUN

Disco & Diamonds

If life was a party….

We’d be dripping in diamonds and dancing to disco music at the Ritz!

The Rancho Mirage Woman’s Club sure know how to throw a great FUNraiser.

The Rancheras held a fundraising luncheon last week at the gorgeous Ritz Carlton hotel. They raise money for various non-profits around the Coachella Valley. This one was dedicated to the advancement and education of youth in the community.

It started off with a champagne reception, amazing silent auction items and photo booth from “party life.”

Followed by a lovely 3-course lunch and dancing to disco music (provided by DJ Mod Girl), and Entertainment by Curtis & Beverly of Palm Springs Ballroom.

In this room we were all the life of the party.

Videos + some Photos: d. king

Food + Drink

No-Bake Chocolate, Peanut Butter, Coconut Balls

Sound yummy? They are!

When you crave something sweet but don’t care to ingest crappy ingredients, these energy balls are packed with sweet goodness with their satisfying combo of cacao, peanut butter and coconut.

This simple, guilt-free recipe could be called a triple-crown delight ~~just made that up~~ because of being 1) easy to assemble 2) delicious and, best of all 3) they’re healthy! The only down side is that it can get messy…but in a finger lickin good way.

I bought a package recently at a health food store when I was feeling low energy and craving something sweet. You wouldn’t believe how many things I wanted to have but ended up putting back before I bought these. Because when you start reading labels in the dessert isle, you’ll probably end up being turned off of eating that piece of cake or pie you just put into your food basket. I tell you, reading about the ingredients spoils all the fun. But choosing wisely will end up making you feel better, literally. When I got home and looked at the ingredients on the packaging again, I thought “I can make these.” So I looked up recipes and used *cacao instead of chocolate chips (although you can decide to use those if you prefer).

The recipe I followed with a few tweaks:

https://cleanplatemama.com/chocolate-coconut-peanut-butter-balls/

My tweaks:

Instead of using only rolled oats, I used a combo of organic, old-fashioned whole grain rolled oats & Trader Joe’s organic rolled oats with ancient grains (amaranth flakes, quinoa flakes, chia seeds, and ground flax seeds) for a chewier consistency.

Instead of using only peanut butter, I mixed organic creamy peanut butter with “Artisana Organics” Cashew Cacao Spread (has organic coconut MCT oil). Even this alone on a piece of toast is scrumptious.

kept the packaging from what I bought and put some of mine inside

*The difference between “Cacao” and “Cocoa“

“Cacao” refers to the raw, unprocessed beans from the cacao tree, while “cocoa” is the result of processing those beans, typically involving roasting and grinding them into a powder, meaning cocoa is a more processed form of cacao; essentially, cacao is the starting material and cocoa is the finished product after processing.

Photos (including header): d. king

Enjoy and send feedback if you make them.

Food + Drink

Cauliflower Steak

Cauliflower; the Cruciferous Chameleon

In between going out to certain functions or get-togethers where we tend to not always eat the healthiest, at home I do my best healthwise by choosing organic as much as possible, phasing out red meat and keeping it simple, but always tasty. Rarely do I follow a recipe unless it’s to do with baking.

Here’s something I never thought I’d make – Cauliflower Steak! Are you kidding me? I heard about it, but only experienced eating it recently at a health food store for lunch, and it was surprisingly delicious, so I decided to try making it at home. I never even used to like cauliflower.

Of all the vegetables out there, cauliflower has probably been my least favourite. When assembled as part of a veggie/dip tray, I usually bypass it. I find the taste on its own very bland, but I know it’s good for me. It’s packed with antioxidants like sulforaphane (which help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals) and essential nutrients, including vitamins C, K, and B6, as well as folate, potassium, and magnesium. Who knew it was such a powerhouse? Certainly not me. It’s not even green coloured!

So off to Clarks Nutrition (I love this family-owned store) I go, and pick up a nice organic head of Cauliflower. Then located a site called healthyrecipesblogs.com (link to recipe below) and found out that there is not exactly a recipe per se, but more of variations on a theme, which I love. I followed the directions for cutting the cauliflower as such:

Wash the cauliflower heads, remove the outer leaves, and trim the very bottom of the core, keeping it intact. Slice each cauliflower head into ¾-inch-thick slices. It’s normal for some florets will fall off.

OK; so you cut it to resemble the look of a steak as close as possible, considering it’s nothing like an actual steak. Image from “healthyrecipesblog”

But wow; can it morph into so many different flavours when cooked. I didn’t want to try making it just one way; so I tried three variations and they were all delicious. You can season them any way you like so it’s fun experimenting. I did one with only olive oil + balsamic vinegar. The balsamic ends up caramelizing which is great. Another way was with fresh lemon juice + tahini. Another had smoked paprika as a main spice. I enjoyed all three ways.

Goes like this:

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large, rimmed baking sheet with nonstick foil or high-heat-resistant parchment paper and spray it with olive oil. I prefer parchment paper.

Arrange the steaks in a single layer on the baking sheet. Scatter the florets (that have fallen off from cutting) around them. Drizzle some olive oil and sprinkle them with half the seasonings.

Bake the cauliflower slices for 15 minutes. Remove them from the oven, carefully flip them using two wide spatulas, add more oil, and sprinkle them with the remaining spices.

Return the cauliflower to the oven and bake it until browned and fork-tender, 10-15 more minutes. Serve immediately.

A nice side salad and dinner is served!

Have you tried it? Have a recipe you’d like to share?

https://healthyrecipesblogs.com/cauliflower-steaks/

STYLE

Vintage Vibes & Fashion Finds

A very vintage weekend it was. Part of Modernism Week, The Curated Vintage Event on Saturday, is a twice-yearly pop-up show highlighting exceptional vintage fashion, jewelry, textiles and accessories. On Sunday, there was the once-a-year Mod Yard Sale which moved from outside h3k home design, to Market Market (which has repurposed & one of a kind goods.)

If you’re looking for a quick fashion fix, fast fashion can be found in many stores and on countless websites. You might find what you’re looking for, but will it stand the test of time?

At the monthly **Palm Springs Vintage Market** with Dylan, Kathy + Trudy (with her dog).

Many women are mixing it up with their wardrobes by buying vintage garments that are 20 to 30 years old and in good condition. These pieces have timeless appeal and are typically characterized by their quality craftsmanship, unique styles, and designer labels which have stood the test of time. These vintage finds often evoke a sense of nostalgia and reflect the fashion trends and cultural influences of their time. Some never go out of style. Plus, each piece often has its own story and history, adding a special charm to one’s wardrobe. So, when you wear vintage, it’s like stepping into a little piece of history!

Jen from **Muse** the Shop holding up a lovely Pucci silk dress I had my eyes on.

Last year I bought this silk Pucci dress from Jen. I love the neckline.

Lady at the vintage market wearing what appears to be a nightie as a slip dress under a leopard-print jacket.

**Lingerie inspired slip-dress or maybe it’s a nightie** from Rachel @ **Macalistaire Vintage** – a favorite vendor.

Another good thing is that vintage fashion supports a more sustainable approach to dressing. It encourages consumers to buy fewer, higher-quality pieces that last longer, reducing the overall environmental impact of fast fashion.

If you’re fairly new to vintage shopping but have a good eye, look for basic outstanding classics such as tailored blazers, linen shirts, cashmere sweaters, little black dresses, leather handbags (Chanel 2.55 is a perfect example), worn-in denim, sunglasses (Iconic styles like aviators and cat-eye sunglasses add a touch of retro flair to any look) and trench coats (Burberry for instance has a timeless appeal. The reliable craftsmanship ensures that each coat is built to last). These are investment pieces.

And above all, have fun perusing through the racks and pick out something special. Be careful of knockoffs though (unless you know and don’t mind). Some of those can be fun too, but make sure it’s not passed off as the real thing. It should come with a card or something that shows authentication. I love some of the costume jewelery too.

Enjoy the search and even though you own what you wear; wear it your own way. Enjoy the thrill of the find.

PS: On my last visit to the monthly vintage market I picked up a promo card advertising the next curated vintage event during Modernism Week (I’ve since been). Got home and the card fell on the floor. When I picked it up, imagine my surprise when I noticed that on the other there was my photo with style icon Tziporah Salamon “THE ART OF DRESSING.” I’m wearing A Pucci blouse I bought from Mitchells Palm Springs (Mitchell organizes the yearly curated event at Temple Isaiah). His shop has tons of Pucci.

A toast to the Ladies who Lunch. After the Curated Event we went to Trio’s restaurant.

Loved what **Kiki** was wearing against the restaurant art piece.

When was the last time you went vintage shopping? It’s a bit different from consignment (which can encompass everything from all types of gently used clothing styles to high quality fairly new styles including some vintage, depending on the store).

STYLE

Caftans for a Cause…

….or just because. The Trend that began in the 60’s has transcended time.

With Maja at an Exhibition Dedication and Reception at **Melissa Morgan Fine Art Sculpture Garden** for Karen + Tony Barone’s new “**Gilded Godiva**” Sculpture on El Paseo Our silk caftans are from **California Caftan**s. Website below.

I still need an excuse to wear a caftan out in public. Before coming to Palm Springs I viewed them only as chic bathing suit cover-ups. And some of them are. But they’re so much more… not exactly a dress, or a shirt, or a nightgown…just a longer piece of fabric more resembling a tunic or robe that I always thought looked elegant – on the right person. Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren looked so regal wearing one…especially while lounging on a yacht on the Italian Riviera with a cocktail in hand. They’re perfect for poolside in Palm Springs while sipping champagne.

History:
The caftan (or Kaftan) originated in ancient Mesopotamia, an area that encompasses parts of modern day Iraq, Syria, Iran and Turkey. For many centuries, caftans were the traditional mode of dress in Turkey, where men and women (kings and beggars alike) considered it an appropriate clothing choice. I bought one in Cairo. Fabrics range from lightweight textiles for the summer months to richer velvets and brocades. Traditionally made with silk or cotton, caftans are frequently adorned with colorful patterns, and many individuals wear them with a coordinating belt or sash.

During Modernism Week I attended an event to benefit Animals in need at The Caliente Tropics hotel. We were asked to show up wearing a caftan and to donate an unopened bag of dog food for “Animal Samaritans.” Caftan/Jewelry/Accessory vendors were set up in the lobby of the hotel. I brought Layla & Adele.

Some of the “Mrs. Ropers” ~~it’s a thing~~ showed up wearing wigs and caftans. Most people ended up congregating to “Sancho’s” Mexican restaurant in the hotel with two DJ’s playing loud music, but we ended up at the much quieter little “Reef” Tiki Bar with a view of the beautiful pool area. I ordered the Palm Springs Punch which was deliciously refreshing and as pretty as any caftan.

A bit about Caftans…

Caftans were never my thing. That’s probably because I grew up in cold-wintered Montreal and later moved to Vancouver where no one (I repeat; no one) wears one. Even in Palm Springs where they’re the norm for many, I resisted wearing one for years. But I could resist no longer after a friend opened up her home for a caftan sale and I could finally see what the fuss was all about. They’re comfortable, silky luxurious and the perfect cover-up for the pool, the spa or to meet a friend for lunch. Plus they’re not all floor length which tend to swallow up those of us who are not very tall. They come in various lengths. I prefer the knee-length variety but I also like the long flowy silk tops – to be worn with straight leg pants or a skirt. They’re so easy to throw on after a shower!

More about Caftans:

Legend has it that Diana Vreeland once pegged the caftan as “fashionable for the beautiful people.” Bazaar magazine wrote that the voluminous shape and heavily printed nature might render it unappealing, but it’s often plunging neckline and side slit detail lend just the right wink.

Done right, a loose-fitting cotton tunic can look enviously chic.

No one loves a caftan more than celebrity stylist/designer/editor Rachel Zoe. This silhouette is one of her all-time favorite things to wear as soon as the temperature goes above 60 degrees. She said “To me, caftans are one of the most versatile pieces of clothing, meaning you can wear it from the beach to a barbeque to a cocktail party to a black tie event. Caftans are timeless and I never leave home without a few when I’m traveling because you never know where you’re going to end up and need a caftan!”

How do you accessorize?

**California Caftans**; https://sherijohnson.com

Jewelry should not compete with any other embellishment on your outfit especially if you’ve got tassels or beading going on. Keep it simple. And if you’re at the beach, your swimsuit should be accessory enough. No belt required.

Shoes? If it’s long or floor-length you can wear an open-toe heel and shorter styles can go with flats or sandals. I suggest going barefoot for either.

KELLY WEARS A CAFTAN:

Check out this PROMO of PALM SPRINGS with Kelly Ripa from the ABC morning talk show Live! with Kelly and Mark. They were filming in Rancho Mirage and opened the show with this clip about the place I now call my winter home.

Remember; if you receive this post via e-mail to click on the title (at the very top) which will bring you to the full page website which will better display the photos + links.

Photos: d. king

Art + Design

Modernism Home Show

This is THE BEST MODERNIST DESIGN EVENT during Modernism Week!

Modernism Week’s signature Home Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center took place February 14 – 17, 2025, highlighting art, furniture, interior design, jewelry and vintage culture. It always starts off with a cocktail party on opening night which ensures lots of people watching. If you missed it, there’s always next year. The preview party ticket includes a hosted open bar and tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, live music, show catalog, valet parking, and return entry all weekend. Plus you get first dibs on everything! Here are some pics from last weekend. Starting with the outside of the Convention Center because of its beauty:

**Crouching Tiger** (*no hidden dragon*) in Bronze by **Steve Tyree** – American Born – 1943. Funding provided by Palm Springs Public Arts Cummission, 1996.

On Sunday there was also a CLASSIC CAR SHOW from noon-3:00 pm. A few pics:

All weekend long there was also several new displays outside the Convention Center of the latest innovation of Airstream Models.

Photos: d king

More about the show:

https://www.palmspringsmodernism.com/

Art & Culture

Modern Legend – Lawrence Schiller

THIS IS ONE COOL DUDE. You may not know him, but his photos are legendary.

During the transformative 1960s, Lawrence Schiller captured the nation’s political and cultural front lines: whenever a headline-making event occurred, he was there.

At The Modernism Home Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center this past weekend we saw a lot of eye candy every which way we looked. Including an original art piece of …. candy. However wonderful all the latest furniture, knick knacks, art and jewelry were (photos to follow), my highlight was meeting a man whose work I’ve admired throughout the years. None other than renowned photographer, Lawrence Schiller. And what a pleasure it was.

Meeting him brought up a memory of when I was a teenager living at home and my brother at the time was very Marilyn Monroe obsessed. I forgot that I had gifted Brad Schiller’s book “Marilyn & Me” and there before my eyes was the very book, along with his new book entitled “Lawrence Schiller Photographs.” Such a déjà vu. Can you imagine the stories this man has?

“I knew Marilyn over a two-year period. I met her first on a movie called ‘Let’s Make Love.’ I photographed her at that time on and off through the time of her death. I was 22 years old and she was 34 or 35.” Schiller is 88 years old now.

“You’re already famous, now you’re going to make me famous,” photographer Lawrence Schiller said to Marilyn Monroe as they discussed the photos he was about to shoot of her. “Don’t be so cocky,” Marilyn replied, “photographers can be easily replaced.” She was wrong!

From Marilyn Monroe in the nude to Muhammad Ali in the boxing ring, Schiller’s work features legendary moments, including Paul Newman and Robert Redford playing ping-pong, and a haunting image of Lee Harvey Oswald after the assassination of John F. Kennedy. He documents the powerful advocacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, alongside the private world of LSD experimentation.

Tippi Hendren + Alfred Hitchcodk by Lawrence Schiller.

“MARILYN & ME” is– an intimate story of a legend before her fall and a young photographer on his way up.

The year was 1962, and Schiller, 25, was on assignment for Paris Match magazine. He already knew Marilyn—they had met on the set of Let’s Make Love—but nothing could have prepared him for the day she appeared nude in the motion picture Something’s Got to Give. Schiller’s extraordinary photographs and vibrant storytelling take us back to that time with tact, humor, and compassion. With more than 100 images, including rare outtakes from the set of Marilyn’s last film, the result is a real and unexpected portrait that captures the star in the midst of her final months.

Photos: d. king (of Schiller’s photos; obviously).

https://lawrenceschiller.com/

Modernism Week is on until February 23rd. For tickets to events please visit:

https://modernismweek.com/

Art & Culture

Modernism Week: The West House

Palm Springs is the center of the World-Renowned Celebration of Midcentury Architecture, Design and Culture. Happy 20th Anniversary!

Beautiful grounds surround this property.

I was lucky enough to be granted a tour of The West House which used to be the desert hideaway for the original Batman; Adam West. Having always been a batman fan, I was so looking forward to this. I used to love the series as a kid and later the movies and all the campy characters.

This dynamic residence, located in the cherished Old Las Palmas neighborhood, was built in 1954 and has since been reimagined by Michelle Boudreau Design. It was renovated by renowned architect Albert Frey, who incorporated numerous modernism design features.

New owners Bruce and Lynn Gibson requested a complete transformation of the exterior and interior, blending revitalized aesthetics with an innovative twist, while honoring Frey’s legacy and Batman’s iconic influence.

The design features slick curves reminiscent of the Bat Cave, accented by warm tones and signature black edges. Custom designed interiors create a distinct narrative in each room, while expansive glass sliders frame breathtaking views. Lush landscaping by La Riviera Studios, water features and a putting green enhance the seamless indoor/outdoor living. This house is the embodiment of the Palm Springs lifestyle.

I especially loved the bathrooms. Check these out:

Photos: d. king

For tickets to events until February 23rd please visit:

https://modernismweek.com/

inspiration

Arts Club – Primary Trust

PRIMARY TRUST is much more than a simple stage play set in a little town half an hour east of Rochester, New York. This play was the winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Best Drama – By Eboni Booth. From February 6th – March 2nd, 2025 at the Arts Club Theatre-Granville Island Stage. Go to bottom of page for ticket info.

Unfortunately, I was unable to attend the Canadian Premiere. This review was written by Paul LeMay; a professional writer, on my behalf. It’s difficult to condense a whole play into a few paragraphs for a multitude of reasons – from monologues that are rich in dialogue to complexity of plot, themes and messages. I think he did a great job in narrowing the story down so that you still get the message without knowing everything. I believe this story will resonate with many.

It’s more than the simple story of a young black man who suddenly loses his job in a family-owned bookstore after working there for over twenty years. It’s about a man forced to confront the mind-numbing self-comforting of his near daily routine of drinking many a Mai-Tai during Happy Hour at Wally’s Tiki-bar with his best friend Bert.

Though the play draws its name from the bank where Kenneth eventually finds a new job as a teller, Primary Trust is about what it means to leave one’s own protective inner shell to confront one’s own early life traumatic losses. But allowing others to help us navigate that very delicate terrain to discover the healthier person we are beyond the trauma is also part of this story. So despite the surface-level simplicity of this light comedic play’s story premise, it’s one that proves able to dial into the proverbial emotional vulnerability found at the centre of each of us, and in so doing, it is more than enough to hit home in a meaningful manner. Don’t be surprised if tears rise to the surface when an inner recognition of this fact comes about, proving once again why theatre can often be both cathartic and healing for so many in attendance.

The performances of all the cast members were outstanding. The principal character Kenneth played by Andrew Broderick was convincing in his ability to convey the measure of innocence needed for this role. Broadus Mattison asKenneth’s friend Bert exemplified a powerful steadying mentorship presence that his deep gravitas voice instantlycommunicated. Andrew Wheeler was comedic in his portrayal of two of his quirkier characters, while also soberly convincing in his portrayal as the book store owner. And Celia Aloma was a veritable chameleon in her ability to almost instantly morph into a half dozen different characters as the script demanded throughout the course of the play.

And the music was never overly intrusive, but usefully supportive. In short, each cast member was an amazing credit to the successful staging of this play. Bravo!

Primary Trust – winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Best Drama – By Eboni Booth

Canadian Première – Arts Club Theatre Company, Vancouver Granville Island Stage, Feb 6-Mar 2, 2025

Cast:

Celia Aloma (Corrina/Wally’s Tiki Bar Waitress /Bank Customers)

Andrew Broderick (Kenneth – main character)

Anton Lipovetsky (Musician)

Broadus Mattison (Bert, Kenneth’s best friend)

Andrew Wheeler (Clay the Bookstore owner /Sam/ Waiter @ Le Pousselet)

Directed by Ashlie Corcoran

https://artsclub.com/shows/2024-2025/primary-trust