I traveled to Hollywood this weekend to interview the stars of the new movie ‘A-Team.’ As media, I even got to stand in front of the trademark van from the 80’s tv show. Talking to Liam Neeson, Bradley Cooper, Rampage and Sharlton Copley, all very hot men, so I had to get all dressed up.

I went behind the scenes at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards, interviewing Chef John Delucie, who prepared all the nibbles for the stars attending. He says his New York style cheesecake is the most popular among the celebrities. Delucie is a New Yorker who owns The Lion, on 9th Street.

 Well it’s the same day as above, the day before the MTV Movie Awards, as you can see the crew is still getting set up. But at least the red carpet was already rolled out. I had a great time in just 2 short days out in Los Angeles, thanks to Lord & Taylor for my fabulous dresses!

I’m writing you, dear Readers, from gay Pari. By the time you read this, I will be nestled back at Rosebrook Gardens with my beloved Violet. Although I’ve been to Paris several times before, this was the first combination business and pleasure trip. My French is minimal at best. However, the people of France with whom I engaged, were extremely generous to me when I began the conversation in French and politely asked, “parlez-vous anglais”? They were appreciative of my effort to initiate the conversation in French and were then only too happy to continue in English.

I love the French people. Their style is incomparable, their cuisine to die for. Paris, itself, is a grand dame. We have nothing here that comes close. But, I am American and I am proud of that. That said, I’ll never be caught dead wearing sneakers abroad. As my good friend Geri says, “Do you know where Italians were tennis shoes? On the tennis courts!”

The business part of the trip would be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life to date as I visited Versailles as a field correspondent. Lights, camera, Versailles! What a historic wonder. The private apartments of Napoleon III took my breath away. And in some small way, shape or form, don’t be surprised if a few of the magical details show up at Rosebrook Gardens. Of course on a more modest scale and much smaller budget. I will entitle this new article MARsailles and the focus will be on using French design principles in a new and exciting way, inspired by the castle and gardens of Versailles.
I was giddy with excitement when I saw the molding, the cherubs, the doorknobs, the window scale, the symmetry and consistency in repeating a design concept, all of which are imprinted and cataloged in my mind.

I took an afternoon to visit the Musee d’Orsay and walked out looking like a true Frenchman. The weather was perfectly sunny in the high 70’s. A hat was in order and a baseball cap would just not do. I purchased a straw “boater” for 16 euros in the gift shop. What a bargain! I arrived at Versailles in style and was encouraged by the crew to wear the hat during filming at the Marie-Antoinette estate.

With it being light out until 10:00 pm, we worked rather late into the evening. I now need a vacation from my vacation. Perhaps I’ll try a “staycation” this summer. So, dear Readers, no matter where I go and what I see, there’s nothing better than coming home to thee.

Last weekend I had the pleasure to be a guest speaker for the Theatre of New Canaan’s Spring Awakening benefit at Le Beau Chateau, in New Canaan, Connecticut. The room was full of fabulous table-top designs by notable interior designers. The designs were inspired by popular Broadway shows such as “A Secret Garden,” “Jekyll & Hyde,” “Peter Pan,” “Phantom of the Opera” and “A Little Night Music.” These unusual tabletops offered a unique and inspirational environment for my lecture. I was also excited to work so close to home so I gave my assistant the day off and invited good friend Barbara, who was in town for the weekend.

My seersucker suit and spectator shoes were no match for Barbara’s heavenly white ensemble complete with a hint of magical sparkle and six-inch Michael Kors platform sandals. We made a good looking couple so we grabbed Miss Violet and off we went on a family road trip to New Canaan for the afternoon.

It’s been nearly 60 years since the chateau opened its doors to the public. So, I was very excited to arrive early and take a walk through and experience a touch of France. Situated on 52 acres and bought by Huguette Clark in 1952, it has sat unfurnished and unoccupied since then. Built in 1937 in French manor style, it is complete with a grand staircase, tall ceilings and multiple fireplaces. And now with my passport renewed, what better way to kick-start my European holiday tomorrow.

We arrived early to see the vignettes and decided to have some lunch on the patio where there is a delightful bistro menu. As we sat down, a woman next to us asked, “Are you Mar Jennings? Yes,” I replied. Then she proceeded to tell me how much she loved my book and how it helped her during a difficult time in her life. “Your book saved my life– the photos and your writing got me through it all. Your passion and love for gardening has changed my life.” I got up and gave her a big kiss and told her how touched I was.

Truth be told, Life On Mar’s, A Four Season Garden was dedicated to Edward R. Smith, my mentor and devoted friend, whose encouragement and wisdom, helped secure my life’s foundation. So if I can, in any way, help others find that same love and passion along the way, well then, my “guardian angel” has made another dream of mine come true.
We ended the event with lots of press photos and a book signing but my mind continued to wander back to that amazing woman on the patio. It wasn’t long ago, when I too, was touched profoundly by someone. Now, years later, if I can do the same–well then I have truly been “touched by an angel”.

Catch up with Mar–read more at www.marjennings.com

It’s a little bit of work and a little bit of fun, but regardless, I’m officially off to Paris this Thursday for what will be a wonderful experience, of Paris in the spring time. That said, my assistant pulled my passport only to notice it was expired. Yikes, what to do? Before I delve into that process, I have a question. Why don’t we get renewal notices? What is up with that? I know when my Driver’s License, car insurance, registration and even Violet’s License expires I get a notice. So why can’t we get a simple note or better yet, save a tree and send me an e-mail. Truth be told, I’ve learned a couple of things about renewing a Passport when you need it in less than 14 days.

Planning ahead and printing your passport renewal forms from the online website will save you from having to fill out the forms by hand. One important point to remember, if you are planning to visit an Application Agency, DO NOT sign these forms at home. And don’t even think you can try to smile for your new photos as this is no longer acceptable. It will be rejected should you try to show off your pearly whites. I was politely reminded, “No teeth, sir.”

With my new Passport photos looking as if I’m constipated and knowing that this is the photo I will be using for the next ten years, it offers no comfort that I’m stuck with it. Next weeks’ appointment is the final piece of the puzzle as I hoping to pick it up then. Wish me luck.

As a correspondent for the Associated Press, I’ll be covering a guided tour of Versailles including the private gardens “à la française”, Marie Antoinette’s hamlet, the Petit Trianon and the Grand Trianon.

Then inside the Royal Castle in Versailles, the most visited French monument because of its architecture, its gardens and also because of its history. It receives several million visitors a year and I’ll be there with a crew of professionals. Traipsing through the residence built for Louis XIV, the Sun King, the magnificent apartments of the King, the Hall of Mirrors and the Queen’s apartments, is an exclusive and exciting opportunity. Can this be called work? I may never leave.
I’ll make an attempt to speak a little French and wander the Champs-Elysees in style no doubt. But going back to the Louvre will be a wonderful and special experience.

But, unless my Passport is renewed on Tuesday, each passing day is passing right threw me with nerves. Wish me luck, America!

Catch up with Mar–read more at www.marjennings.com

My first trip to the Napa Valley area will forever be one to cherish. My dear friend Jason was celebrating his 50th birthday and what better way for a wine aficionado to celebrate than to visit the wineries. That said, along the way I met some wonderful, knowledgeable people that help made this a memorable experience of a lifetime.

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The holidays are a wonderful time to enjoy friends and family and to celebrate the good cheer, good times and good will. This past week I ventured into the city to meet up with a group of friends for the yearly tradition of the annual Christmas walk and dinner. My friend Don is the one who religiously plans this yearly festival—he’s truly the spirit of Christmas. In fact, he’s the most into-Christmas person I know, so much so that he refers to himself as “Elf” during the holidays. So this year I wanted to step up the festivities so I brought one of my elves to help celebrate the season and it got everyone’s attention. I called him “Elfie” and he was a big hit.
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Recently my dear friend and former Westport neighbor Barbara asked if I was available to join her on a wonderful mini vacation to Vermont. As a superb destination for country drives, mountain trails and walks both Violet and I were delighted to check our schedule(yes she too has a schedule) and regrettably I was booked for some appearances and unable to say yes. Before I was even done whispering my regrets “no” the question came—the one that any proud Daddy would fear: “Well, what about Violet?” Although I was busy Violet should not be punished and should go without me. And wow, she would be staying at the prestigious Equinox hotel, so of course I said yes. (I tried to train her to take a towel or two as a souvenir for me, but I don’t think she caught on.) Read more

Well actually, I went to her.

To my surprise yesterday my CFO, Paul Michel coordinated two 2nd row center seats to the Carrie Fisher Broadway show Wishful Drinking in New York City at Studio 54. I was more than delighted to head back to the city for a night out as I’ve always enjoyed her work and was looking forward to seeing her. But wait, this gets even better.

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It was time for me to take a well deserved vacation so I decided to head off like so many other New Yorkers to Fire Island for an extended long weekend.

With its pristine sand dune beaches and magical scenery, Fire Island takes my breath away each and every time I visit. The perfect place to read, relax and visit some friends, and with no cars on the island one never has to worry about other people drinking and driving. Everyone greets you and people are polite. It’s a great mixture of families, groups of friends, and those in search of a get-away—like me!

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It’s Friday and tomorrow is the 4th of July. Where has the year gone? With only five more months till December I feel 2009 has been zooming by. This 4th of July weekend I will fill my home with friends and spend some much needed time at the beach reading and taking in the New England shoreline beauty. That said, Thursday was my one-day to prepare the house and get all my shopping done. Read more