An Unrealistic Life Realized and the Peacock Gala
A quiet triumph occurred last night at the International Friendship Club’s meeting space when my friend Elena Hiatt Houlihan presented her book, ”An Unrealistic Life.”
This project, 20 years in the making, and Elena’s entire life pushing against the mainstream, has become a fabulous testament of a woman saying ‘no’ to convention and ‘bring it!’ to art in so many ways.
I happily read this book as a beta reader for Elena a year ago and was absolutely thrilled with her reading aloud the beginnings of her heavy, lovely masterpiece – it is powerful.
A constantly expanding audience necessitated adding more and more chairs. People in Vallarta are relentlessly late. Those of us who were on time, however, drank chilled prosecco and nibbled on yummy chocolate brownies.
It was quite the production, with photographs and pages from her wonderfully designed book projected onto the wall as she spoke about pivotal moments in her life that led her literally halfway around the world before settling down (for now) in Puerto Vallarta.
Misael Lopez, an old friend and a fabulous painter and muralist whose work adorns the walls of La Catrina Cantina, was in the audience. It was super to see him again; he has moved to a quieter neighborhood and rarely comes into town. Hugging him was such a bonus; his unconventional life and work are a chapter in ”An Unrealistic Life.”
Brava, Elena! Congratulations at last! I will treasure my signed copy for the rest of my life, for I, too, am an addict.
The Peacock Gala was held six days ago, Saturday night at the Vallarta Botanical Garden. It was beautiful! My orchid is still as lovely today as it was the afternoon of the grand fundraiser. Deborah Cole and I drove out on a brilliantly sunny afternoon. After passing through a Sponsor’s (thank you, Tryst Hotels!) archway, we were met by waitstaff offering delicious, icy-cold cocktails.
Mingling with the crowd outside that filled the space between the Orchid House and the koi pond offered an array of costuming that delighted the eye. The peacocks took the night off; there was sufficient human-tail-feather-wagging!
Founder and Curator of the Garden, Bob Price, was there, of course, presiding over the gala and speaking to every single one of us. I saw Tom Bernes, Matt Karimi, Tristan Schukraft, who was there with his dad, Kimberley Bennett, who attended with her darling Cuban, Marsha Ryle, was spotted in the crowd, and painter Angie McIntosh, who was at our table. One of her donated paintings was auctioned off after the delicious four-course dinner.
Kim Kuzma hosted, and Brenda Gaviño wound through the diners, resplendent as always, singing pop songs and operatic arias. The excellent Monaco band, headed by Daniel Celis, played upstairs in the Hacienda de Oro Restaurant, where tables had been cleared, and dancers applied themselves to the beat.
An incredibly beautiful setting tucked inside one of Vallarta’s most exuberant attractions. It was visually stunning to see, the food was great, and the company was interesting and fun. I am hoping the Second Annual Peacock Gala is in the works for next year, From Here.
