Columbus seems encircled by celebration these days. Weddings, graduations, major events of all sorts call for an acknowledgement and a toast before moving on to the next chapter, the next goal.
It”s always fun to help friends honor a joyful moment. Too often we meet at funerals or in times of tragedy.
Chris and I accept as many invitations as we can. We love to rub shoulders with chic people in their party clothes.
Last week we attended a surprise party honoring Sid Caradine. Hosted by his whirlwind of a wife, Brenda, it was a fête combining his donation of Civil War era family artifacts to The Columbus Lowndes Public Library, and the unveiling of a portrait of Sid.
The tour de force oil painting was done by recent W grad, Martin Arnold. (Remember that name. I expect we will hear much about this very talented man.) It shows Sid (aka Major Amzi Love) in his Pilgrimage costume, perched on a period fauteuil. His flowered vest is a stunning masterpiece of a thousand tiny flowers, each petal a portrait unto itself.
I had to laugh when I saw an edge of a 21st century watch peeking from beneath a ruffled sleeve, circa mid-1800s. Oh well, even in Columbus we must make a few concessions to modernity.
The party was so packed guests spilled from a private room into the hallway and bar. The media was well represented, as was the library and local politicos. Emilie and Jack White were most elegant, but you expected that. We chatted with movers and shakers like Marleen Hansen and Eulalie and John Davis. Educators, poets, and perhaps a rogue or two, mingled at J. Broussard”s, our very sophisticated eatery. The list of those in attendance is colorful and almost endless.
I do not know where Brenda and Sid will hang the wonderful painting. But, if you missed the reveal, you might call them for a private showing. It is worth a special trip for viewing.
A gathering of an entirely different sort was a barbecue and skeet shoot at the Magowah Gun and Country Club. Chris and I were the guests of Jo Shumake on a lovely, cool May evening.
We feasted on tons of grilled pork and beef, deviled eggs, cornbread, vegetables of all sorts and about 30 different desserts. Lots of charming folks there, too. Unfortunately, the skeet did not fare well.
At sunset, the sky flashed with a fiery display of heat lightening. On our ride home, the horizon was punctuated with billowing clouds, back-lit by a heavenly light show.
Do not despair, dear neighbors, there is much more culture and fun to be had.
Don”t forget Sounds of Summer. Those great, free outdoor concerts begin again Thursday at the Riverwalk. Keith and Margie initiate the new season with their signature harmonies from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and leave your worries behind. It is the place to be, and I will look for you there.
(I send a special happy birthday wish to all my Geminis — Beverly, John, Skip and, most especially, Victoria Elliott Brase in Portland, Ore. I love you all!)
Adele Elliott, a New Orleans native, moved to Columbus after Hurricane Katrina. E-mail reaches her at [email protected].
Adele Elliott, a New Orleans native, moved to Columbus after Hurricane Katrina.
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