Claudia O'Byrne-Hill's Beverly Hills Dinner Party
Last night I had the honor of being at Claudia O'Byrne-Hill's charming dinner party. Attended by about fifty other lovely and extraordinary guests, the evening was enchanting, at minimum. The weather was perfect, the view spectacular, and the guests delightful. Claudia has a gift for, it seems, just about everything, but obvious this night was her ability to host a most beautiful party. Claudia has that flair for finding the perfect balance between elegance and relaxed, warm hospitality. It's hard to remember when I last engaged in so many interesting conversations in one night.
Claudia's long time, and close friend, Pilar Wayne, widow of actor John Wayne, told me stories of their adventures from over the years. I'm not sure if I was more impressed by Pilar's stories or how sweet, and well behaved, her little dog was.
Interior Designer Marcela De La Torre (see below), like Claudia, has homes in both Lima Peru and California. Marcela's eyes shined when she spoke of Claudia and her passion for life. Assured that Claudia's books, the first of which will most likely release next year, will be enthusiastically received by the reading public.
I whole heartedly agree with Marcela. Claudia's writings have a way of pulling you in and whisking you away to long ago and far-off lands. That feeling, that we long for in a book, that just does not want to let you put it down!
Another special guest, who's writings touches us in a different way, the French-born Pro Motocross rider and sweet spirit, Kamy Bruder. Kamy can be seen (below) engaged in conversations with fellow guests during dinner. He and renown, and gifted, literary editor "Chad Edwards (known as "The Book Doctor") are also seen here, with me (below).
Here (below) video camera man Pete Arias, nephew to late Beatle, George Harrison, and I are pictured reviewing, just shot, footage. Pete is a lovely, gentle and sensitive being whom captured part of the evening on video.
The photographs where taken by Ryu Kodama whom, as you can see in this entry, has a gift for capturing the essence and spirit of a moment like few photographers I've seen.
That being said, you know the guests were wonderful, and also know the food was delicious, the tables set just so, and there was an energy of welcoming hospitality.
Thank you Claudia for a delightful evening.