the Sewing Machine

If Caruso and I are the arms and legs of this operation, then Christine "Louise" Wallace is certainly the backbone. Louise has made every single costume in our show by hand since the beginning. This adds up to hundreds of one-of-a-kind creations that rival Ziegfeld and Mackie. At '70-something' years young, she's unstoppable - which I attribute to an admirable work ethic that sadly has skipped this generation.

Each year she visits us in Miami turning our sewing room into what she calls the 'salt mine' (more like 'sweat shop.') Her "normal" sixteen hour work days are measured out in short bathroom and Cafe Con Leche breaks. And Tea. She loves tea.

The past few weeks Louise has been here creating some very unusual costumes. For lack of better words, Green Showgirls from Space sort of describes the end product. Green because I needed them to match the new laser project I've been working on. Plus, I love green.

When Louise leaves on Friday, a familiar emptiness will once again fill the guest room. I'll miss her as always, but like the seasons I know she'll return soon.

Here are two of her creations from the last visit, headpieces courtesy of Mr. Caruso.



The 3 of us in Nassau last week on our way to the Carnival Triumph.