After a Fashion
What did the drag queen teach Stephen, and when and where will he get Wilde?
By Stephen MacMillan Moser, Fri., June 11, 2004
FAMILY MATTERS I have been off the social circuit lately, entertaining visiting family members, including my mother, older brother, two nephews, an aunt and uncle, and three cousins and their children. The occasion was my dear Sister Margaret's 50th birthday, celebrated with 150 of her closest friends at the Cactus Cafe. Entertainment was provided by Cluan – an amazing Irish band boasting a lead singer with the voice of an absolute angel. With the party out of the way, we were able to concentrate on such matters as "family entertainment." It was inevitable that I would accompany my brother and the young 'uns to the water park in New Braunfels to try and help. Imagine me at Schlitterbahn! I chose a one-piece affair with maximum coverage, sensible mules, large sunglasses, and a turban ... and a complete protective barrier of sunscreen. I twice made my way up the torturous, wet stairs to the top of the structure, only to plummet into the water after a series of purgatorial, stomach-turning twists and drops, leaving me so disoriented I thought I had gills. There were also trips to Barton Springs, Lake Travis, and Natural Bridge Caverns, among other sights. On a more serene note, I spent the day with my mother at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. They have done such an amazing job on their exhibits it's entrancing. The Story of Texas is a winding, educational trek for all the senses, traveling through centuries of Texas' past with breathtaking artifacts, documentaries, anecdotes (I especially liked Mirabeau B. Lamar, who rallied against joining the Union in favor of remaining an independent republic), and film footage. The current exhibition is on the flags of Texas – ancient, intricate work and gorgeous conservation. The museum is a must-see for visitors as well as residents. Of course, we loved showing off classic Texas cuisine Maudie's, Green Mesquite, Hoover's, and Gene's New Orleans Style Poboys. Seeing my family was really lovely; Austin made it easy, with so many treasures to share!
DAYTIME DRAMA I know I talk about daytime television like I watch it a lot – I am familiar with it, but the fact is that I hardly watch television at all (except for shows with high redeeming value like The Simple Life, The OC, or The Swan). But it is true ... every time I see daytime television, I am absolutely astounded at how little I have in common with these people. I have actually spent an entire afternoon watching television with Sister Margaret, and watching one show after another and commercial after commercial and saying, "You see? I have nothing in common with any of these people." Whether it's the once-deeply-in-love white trash couple fighting over who gets the furniture they bought on sale at Rent-A-Center on Divorce Court, or the general mentality of the audience at The Ricki Lake Show, I watch thousands of faces go by on television and shake my head. Their lives are a mystery to me and so far removed from my reality. Why keep watching, you ask? Because I must. It makes me feel like a superior being. I always know that, no matter how awful things might get in my life, I can always turn on daytime television and realize that I lead a charmed life filled with luxury, beauty, and love. Therein lies the magic of daytime TV: My life is anything but charmed and full of luxury, beauty, and love, but at least I can have the illusion of it ... if only for the afternoon.
TONIGHT! TONIGHT! Make a point of getting out to the Design Center of Austin – UrbanScapes' showroom at the Design Center invites you to a Pradura product launch party tonight, June 10, 5-8:30pm, in the beautiful UrbanScapes courtyard (3601 S. Congress at Penn Field, Bldg. C). I've previewed the collection and encourage you to see it. For further info, call Steve Hunt at 293-1264 or write to [email protected]... Alternatively, my good friend Bettie Naylor and I are hosting the Zach Scott's Wilde Party for their new production of Cabaret. Tonight, June 10, party at 6:30pm, show time at 8pm. Tickets are available at 476-0541 x1.
