Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION.

CASEY and DIANA

The Arts Club Theatre Company’s opening night of CASEY and DIANA was last night – May 30th, 2025. The playwright, the director and many media types were among the audience members. I attended with my friend Megan.

Lindsey Angell as Diana Damien Atkins as Thomas **Photo**: courtesy of Arts Club Theatre Company.

There was a bit of confusion as to what this play was all about. Especially if you didn’t read up about it beforehand. From the name alone you can imagine it being about a married couple or a comedic team or anything else. All I knew was that it was about the aids pandemic (yes; that’s what they’re referring to it as now) and a visit from Princess Diana to Casey House; a specialty hospital based in Toronto that cares for people living with and at risk of HIV.

The play is based on true events. In a hospice where men are certain to die of this terrible disease sooner than later, the only uplifting thing they have to hang on to is hope; that quiet but persistent belief that things can get better, even when the present feels uncertain or difficult. And right now they hope to meet a visiting princess where, if only for a few minutes, will make them feel seen and uplift their spirits. They want to hang on for that moment – only seven days away. Which feels like forever in their situation.

**Alen Dominguez** as Andre & **Nora McLellan** as Marjorie. **Photo**: Courtesy of Arts Club Theatre Company.

The actors do a magnificent job of creating a quiet desperation of uncertainty while trying to maintain some dignity.

Princess Diana’s visit to Casey House in Toronto, on October 25, 1991, was groundbreaking and deeply impactful in reducing stigma around HIV/AIDS. She spent time with all 13 residents, staff, and caregivers, staying longer than planned and making a powerful statement by physically touching patients.

Her visit provided hope and dignity to those affected by the disease, and her compassion resonated worldwide. The moment was so significant that it has been immortalized in plays like this one, which explores the lasting effect of her kindness. But it also explores what it’s like living with the disease.

Until May 25, 2025 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage (2750 Granville Street).

For TICKETS: https://artsclub.com/shows/2024-2025/casey-and-diana

Cast

Lindsey Angell Diana
Damien Atkins Thomas
Ivy Charles Vera
Alen Dominguez Andre
Nora McLellan Marjorie
Emma Slipp Pauline

For more information about CASEY HOUSE:

https://caseyhouse.ca/

Art & Culture

MADAMA BUTTERFLY

Puccini’s Madama Butterfly opened up last Thursday night to a sold-out crowd in Vancouver, at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.I went with Rosa, my regular opera date, as she’s an opera-enthusiast and knows all, or at least most, of the arias. It’s always a pleasure to attend with her and we always do a toast before the show.

This opera was my first ever opera that my late husband took me to years back. The title then was only one vowel difference; Madame (instead of Madama) Butterfly. The difference between the names is primarily the title and adaptation of the story. Madame Butterfly refers to the original short story by John Luther Long, which inspired Puccini’s opera, but Madama Butterfly is the correct Italian title.

Okay; I’m glad we got that straight!

Karen Chia-ling Ho as Cio-Cio-San in Vancouver Opera’s 2025 production of Madama Butterfly. Photo by Emily Cooper Photography.

Another gut-wrenching story; Madama Butterfly is widely considered one of the greatest works in operatic history. Puccini’s deeply emotional story and music is moving and steers us through all the operatic elements of love, heartbreak, hope, and tragedy.

The opera tells the tragic story of Cio-Cio-San, a young Japanese geisha, who falls in love with Lieutenant Pinkerton, an American naval officer stationed in Nagasaki. They marry, but for Pinkerton, it’s only a marriage of convenience, a touristic fantasy abroad before he finds himself a “real” (American) bride. Cio-Cio-San remains devoted to him, only to be abandoned, leading to a heartbreaking conclusion. You might want to bring kleenex.

Karen Chia-ling Ho as Cio-Cio-San and Adam Luther as Pinkerton in Vancouver Opera’s 2025 production of Madama Butterfly. Photo by Emily Cooper Photography.

Vancouver Opera’s 2025 production of Madama Butterfly. Photo by Emily Cooper Photography.

The themes of love, betrayal, and cultural clashes have made Madama Butterfly one of the most frequently performed operas worldwide.

The cast was unbelievably talented. The live VSO orchestra is also a treat to behold and we’re lucky to have them.

On until May 4^th, 2025. Get your Tickets here:

https://www.vancouveropera.ca/whats-on/Butterfly/

RUNNING TIME Approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including one 25-minute intermission.

Art & Culture

ART Vancouver 2025

Last Thursday night I attended the eclectic opening night of ART VANCOUVER with my friend Rosa – a contemporary art fair now approaching its 9^th edition. It’s happening all weekend long at the Vancouver Convention Centre – link below.

Since Art, for the most part, is open for individual interpretation, I guess you can say that there’s something to appeal to everyone’s taste here – or almost everyone.

Eagle by **Stefan Rogenmoser** – http://www.simplyartist.com

Sculpture by **Jai Sallay-Carrington** http://www.jscreatures.com

There was a lot to take in while walking around the large space. I especially enjoyed the unique and interesting sculptures represented. I respect the artistry, even though most were not something I would be interested in purchasing for myself. You’ve got to admire the workmanship that goes into these astounding pieces. Plus, there’s always a story behind them.

One of my favourite exhibits turned out to be the Bryan Adams & Ape Art from “Save the Chimps Sanctuary” – a 150 acre sanctuary in Florida which offers life-long care for hundreds of chimpanzees rescued from labs, the pet trade, and the entertainment industry. I thought it was both brilliant and philanthropic. Plus, they’re pretty good artists ~~and better than some others I’ve seen~~.

ART VANCOUVER stands as a testament to the beauty and wonder of contemporary art. Beyond thought-provoking exhibitions and stimulating conversations, the fair fosters an inclusive environment where cultural exchange thrives, strengthening Vancouver’s place as a global hub for contemporary art.

Art photos/video: d. king

See any that grab you?

The Convention Centre is located at Canada Place. Some pics from the outside:

We live in a beautiful city.

Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram: @artvancouver, Facebook: @artvancouverofficial, and X: @Art_Vancouver

Art & Culture

Arts Club: Burning Mom

I saw this excellent one-woman show last night about taking risks and enjoying the small moments in life and the ride along the way. It’s about the journey in general and our strong striving for some form of connection.

It resonated with me in the sense that it made me think about the difference between attachment and connection. The main character’s name is Dorothy (played by Susinn McFarlen). Dorothy’s story is based on the playwright’s mother’s life. After losing her husband, she decides to take their RV on the road trip of his retirement dreams: she’s going to Burning Man. After all, it’s only a 21-hour drive to a weeklong culture festival and party with no plumbing in the middle of a desert—how hard can it be? Burning Mom is a stirring odyssey of self-discovery and tale of how art, everlasting roads, and human connection propel her along the way. McFarlen did a wonderful job of entertaining us with stories for over two hours, with one set/costume change after a short intermission.

With Lisa (my sister) celebrating her birthday at **SANDBAR** before the show. FYI – ***Sandbar offers 15% off the bill if you’re going to the Arts Club.*** *THAT* was a nice surprise! Tisha (our amazing server) took this photo.

My question is – is everyone always trying to find themselves? Are we trying to carve a path that will make us feel whole or make sense out of living? At times, I believe so.

I, myself, have never had a burning (pun intended) desire to go to this festival. It’s not that I’m not curious about Burning Man, and probably once there I’d enjoy it for what it is…but it’s not on my bucket list. Luckily, I’ve crossed a lot of stuff off my personal bucket list. And it’s not a great idea to live someone else’s dream. Although I did live my late mother’s dream trip of going on safari. With my sister no less. What a bittersweet experience that was.

Getting back to the play; the only connection I have to this play is that my late husband had a Eurovan Camper that he loved and that we used a lot. I didn’t love it as much but I ended up enjoying his enjoyment of it. There were many special places we ended up discovering with that little camper. However, after he passed, I tried to keep it and learn how to drive stick shift which didn’t work out so well in the end. I had some similar parking experiences as the performer in this play. Some funny; some not. I ended up selling it. So in essence I was hanging on to it because of his (not my) love of camping. Hanging on to someone else’s love of something is a form of attachment.

Anyway, I was recently discussing the difference between attachment and connection with a friend. The difference lies in their nature and depth. Although I must say that I feel both an attachment and a connection to my dogs.

Attachment often stems from a need or dependency. It can involve clinging to someone or something for comfort, security, or emotional support. While attachment can feel strong, it may be rooted in fear—fear of loss, change, or being alone. It can sometimes create unhealthy dynamics if it becomes possessive or overly dependent.

Connection, on the other hand, is more about mutual understanding, resonance, and genuine presence. It doesn’t rely on need or fear but instead arises from shared experiences, values, and emotional attunement. A connection feels freeing, nurturing, and balanced—it’s about being with someone, not needing to hold on tightly.

Interesting, no? How many things are you attached to and how many are you connected to?

MORE SHOWS ADDED—NOW PLAYING TO APRIL 24

Granville Island Stage

https://artsclub.com/shows/2024-2025/burning-mom

Cast: Susinn McFarlen – Dorothy

Creative

Mieko Ouchi Director
Patrick Rizzotti Set Designer
Kirsten McGhie Costume Designer
John Webber Lighting Designer
Kim Clegg Projection Designer
Ashley Au Sound Designer
Ana Camacho Assistant Set Designer9.
Rebecca Mulvihill Stage Manager 9.
Harlow Nguyen Apprentice Stage Manager

FUN

Palm Springs re-cap

“The past few weeks have been an incredible whirlwind of adventures, unforgettable moments, and unexpected surprises.

I met a fellow Capricorn at **Kaleidoscope** **Desert** just outside Joshua Tree.

As I look back, it feels like a vivid tapestry of experiences worth revisiting—and what better way to share them than through this post?”

Big Bird following me:

I visited Kaleidoscope Desert, a one-of-a-kind 5-acre animal and art sanctuary in Yucca Valley, just outside of Joshua Tree. This place is a magical desert artscape where you can meet and mingle with free-roaming animals including a Zebra, Emus, Mini Cows, Mini Horses, Peacocks, a 50-year-old Tortoise, lots of Dogs, Cats, Turkeys, Pigs, Chickens, Guinea Fowl, Guinea Pigs, and more! Everything on the property is donated or repurposed, but all the animals have a purpose.

With my longtime *fellow-ex-Montrealer* friend Natalia. She lives in L.A. now but came to visit me in Palm Springs. We’re at **Azucar** restaurant at **La Serena Villas**.

Natalia with the Hummingbirds:

Of course we can’t leave Palm Springs wthout the annual “**Wally’s Desert Turtle” Friday Fashion Luncheon** Here with Kathy, Tammy, Mini, Erika, me +Candy.

And I love that the models + musicians walk around the tables.

**Sheila Hamilton** (five-time Emmy Award–winning journalist and author) signing my “**PALM SPRINGS**” by Assouline hardcover book at “**Just Fabulous**.” The book is absolutely stunning, as one would only expect from this luxury lifestyle company that produces exceptionally crafted books.

Speaking of Books:

I thoroughly enjoyed joining the “Poolside Pages” book club. Especially with a fabulous group of women (and one man) in Kiki’s lovely home.

“**THE SNOWBIRDS”** was our last book. So appropriate. Written by an actual Palm Springs Snowbird. Photo: David Wallace Crotty.

Then there were several gatherings in various places for the “Canadians in Bars Getting Cocktails.” We allowed some Americans to join us too.

This was at **Canopy Wine Lounge** for their “**Jungle-theme Party**” It was a blast. With Kathy, Tammy, Mini + Ramona. Of course we get silly all the time sometimes.

Friends visiting from Vancouver. My late friend Colleen’s sister with her husband + daughter. By the way, we do eat too. *But the cocktails are so good.*

Went back to **Bar Cecil** with Kathy. She had never been. It’s very hard to get a reservation.

After attempting for almost two years to get together with both Libby & Megan (they’re busy women), we finally managed to have lunch. Here at the **Avalon Hotel & Bungalows**. By the way, *Orange is the new Black.*

Here are the links to the places described here (except Kiki’s house + the Hummingbird location as it’s outside a private residence):

https://kaleidoscopeprojects.com/

https://www.azucarpalmsprings.com/

https://www.wallysdesertturtle.com/fashion-show-friday-menu

https://bjustfabulous.com/

https://www.canopywinelounge.com/

https://barcecil.com/

Chi Chi at Avalon Hotel

Art & Culture

ART VANCOUVER

ART LOVERS UNITE

Art Vancouver, Western Canada’s premier contemporary art fair, is returning for its 9th edition from April 24 -27, 2025, at the iconic Canada Place sails (Vancouver Convention Centre East – Hall B). After a successful 8th edition, the 2025 event is set to bring together art lovers, collectors, curators, and creators from around the world to celebrate contemporary art.

Offering a curated selection of art from the West Coast and around the globe, Art Vancouver 2025 will continue its tradition of featuring a diverse selection of art, showcasing the talents of local and international exhibitors. The fair offers attendees the unique opportunity to experience innovative works that capture the spirit of the West Coast and International art.

More than an art exhibition, Art Vancouver brings people together. The event provides a space for attendees to discover fresh ideas, engage with gallery owners and artists, and experience the latest trends in contemporary art. With each year gaining more attention and participation, the 2025 edition is set to feature expanded programming, ensuring something exciting for everyone, from art professionals to art lovers.

Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time – Thomas Merton

Dates: April 24 – 27, 2025

Visitor Information: http://www.artvancouver.net/visitors-information

Stay Connected: Follow us on Instagram: @artvancouver, Facebook: @artvancouverofficial, and X: @Art_Vancouver

STYLE

Pierre Cardin – fashion forward

FROM PARIS to PALM SPRINGS, fashion week welcomed the long awaited comeback of Pierre Cardin. The man famous for pioneering Space Age Designs.

BIENVENUE PIERRE CARDIN

Attending the opening night of Fashion Week on El Paseo was as usual, a blast. This one was literally a blast from the past.

The namesake Pierre Cardin passed away in 2020 at the age of 98. His great-nephew, Rodrigo Basilicati-Cardin, now runs the Pierre Cardin fashion house as its CEO and artistic director. He was in attendance and they brought him on stage at the very end.

Cardin style is iconic for its futuristic, avant-garde approach. The sculptured forms blur the line between fashion and art. I was curious to find out if the fashion week shows in Paris & Palm Springs were the same. As it turns out, the shows between here and there are not the same.

PARIS vs PALM SPRINGS:

While Paris highlighted futuristic innovative fashion, Palm Springs offered a tribute to Cardin’s history and a more intimate, celebratory experience. Both shows reflected the brand’s enduring influence but tailored their presentations to their respective audiences.

The prestigious Paris fashion week focused on the Fall-Winter 2025-2026 Ready-to-Wear collection.It embraced Pierre Cardin’s signature futuristic and space-age aesthetic, featuring geometric shapes, metallic finishes, and innovative materials like sea wool (crafted from recycled oyster shells and plastic bottles). The event was held at the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, with a backdrop of the mirrored Geode, reinforcing the space-age theme.

Fashion Week El Paseo, Palm Springs: In contrast, the Palm Springs show celebrated Cardin’s legacy with a mix of archival Héritage pieces and the Spring 2025 collection. The event had a more nostalgic and community-focused vibe, benefiting local non profits like Shay’s Warriors. It included a special collection, Caftanes Galore of Mérida, crafted from vintage Pierre Cardin scarves, blending retro and modern styles. The desert setting added a unique charm, with models showcasing vibrant, flowy designs under the white tent. Jewelry by Stephanie Lake. Benefiting Shay’s Warriors – Life After Cancer.

Trailer for “HOUSE OF CARDIN” documentary – made by the Ebersole Hughes company. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTEhKHPN-v8

For history about Pierre Cardin please visit:

https://fashionweekelpaseo.com/designer/pierre-cardin/

Videos: d. king

Art & Culture

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.