BLESSINGS

A friend of mine works for a hospice company. She loves the work, although it is quite difficult dealing with the end of life so often. She reminds her facebook friends daily to know we are blessed and to take advantage of each day we are given. Her message really touched me today. I want to share it with you:

"My prayers are with the two deaths I accompanied this weekend--one a baby and one an elderly man. Reach out to those around you who are suffering and let them know you care! Never let a day go by that you do not make relationships right. Time passes too quickly and you don't want to live with regret."--Dianne

I so appreciate her messages. She reminds me daily to embrace my blessings and make the most of every day (which she does). We all need a reminder every now and then.

Hugs--
*duchess*

NEW YEAR, NEW DREAMS

I have been encouraged to put together a "vision board" this year. I've never done one before, but I think it will help me focus my thoughts. As a "creative" type, my mind is always going with new ideas but sometimes they never happen. :( That makes me sad. I'm assured that if I put thoughts on 'the board' it will help me make them happen.

I have been cutting away getting ideas on the board. I'm really, really excited to make it happen!

I've been horrible at blogging lately. I think that needs to go on my board--blog more often or something like that....

*duchess*

LOVE THIS!

Saw this on the "Pickles" website:

http://www.pickles.no/cute-gift-bags/

I want to do this first thing this year!! I just picked up some fabric/old sweaters from the thrift shop. I think I'll use those first. :)

*duchess*

FIRST GIFT

Here's a message from a fellow blogger at Whatever:

yes....i am talking about water again.
today is the day where bloggers everywhere are joining together in a campaign to
buy water for christmas.

4500 mothers bury their children EVERY DAY due to contaminated water.
the lack of access to clean water is the leading cause of death in underdeveloped nations.
and it doesn't have to be.

as we get ready to rush through department stores and browse through catalogs searching
for the perfect presents....lets pause for a moment.
let's PAUSE.
today...November 13...lets buy clean water.
clean life saving water.
$10 will provide one person in africa clean water for 10 years.
your money can change and possibly save someone's life.
a real life.

$10
that is 2 starbucks coffees
it's on CD on itunes
it's a pizza
one movie ticket
less than one container of detergent!
$10 can change someone's life.

click the link below to be directed to the secure donation site of the highly recognized, non-profit
charity: water.
click on the yellow donate button.
All donations are tax deductible.
100% of the profit goes directly to clean water solutions in west africa.

http://http//www.charitywater.org/pages/water4christmas/

share this on your blog.
link it...copy it...tell everyone."

water4christmas

I follow a terrific blog every day. One that makes me smile and feel happy whenever I read it. The blogger loves rainbow colors and I can't help but smile everytime I see one of her 'rainbow' photos. I'm not sure she even realizes her photos run in rainbow colors. I have a friend just like her actually. Everything in my friend's house is organized following the rainbow color wheel. My son does this too! I think these are happy people! :) All of her photos are amazing.

Meg, the author of the blog 'Whatever', and a few of her friends spent a whole childless weekend making crafts for this special non-profit: Water4Christmas. I thought it was spectacular! If I lived anywhere near them, I would have definitely joined in the fun. I love volunteering for great causes.

Here's the link to Whatever. Read a bit and buy a few items from the Etsy store they put together specifically for the water cause.

*duchess*

REEL REVIEW: VALENTINO

"I make dresses for women who actually wear them." –Valentino

If you haven't already seen "Valentino: The Last Emperor" documentary, you need to! I loved it. What a great peek into the life and design process of this incredible fashion icon. I wish it would have been longer than the 1-1/2 hours.

The show follows Valentino and his long time partner Giancarlo through the final year of the Valentino spring collection, Paris runway show, celebration of his 45 year career as a fashion designer (a 3 day celebration), and the finale runway show collection in Rome. In addition to all this fabulousness (is that a word?), the peek into his personal life is irresistible.

As for the Haute Collections, the real magic happens in the backroom where the devoted seamstresses work tirelessly to help Valentino complete his designs. Not one sewing machine in the whole place!! Everything is done by hand. Unbelievable. The method is simple: The head seamstress is handed a sketch by Valentino himself, he gives her a brief review of what he wants, she then returns to the workroom where they make the design come to life. At one point in the film you see 6 ladies working on one dress finishing the details just before Valentino's review. Truly shows you must be born into Haute Couture to know and respect this method. You slowly realize perhaps this complete design method and hand sewn art will die without the likes of Valentino.

His personal life is truly "LaDolce Vita." Private jets, Royalty, super models, famous film stars, 6 villas, 200 house staff, and one fabulous house manager who makes everything work seamlessly treating Valentino like royalty (one could argue he is). All this giving Valentino time to design and sketch his like-no-other creations. His homes are perfect, impeccable, sculptured, and indescribably gorgeous. His perfection is carried throughout EVERY aspect of his life. His impeccable business suits. Everything he touches. He and Giancarlo have spent their 45 years together 365/24/7 as described by them. A beautiful relationship you get to see firsthand. Inspiring!

A definite MUST SEE. One of my favorite films!

*duchess*

Drew Barrymore released her first directorial debut this weekend. I didn't see it this weekend due to the never ending flu feeling here at my house. I woke up today to not so good reviews on her behalf which was disappointing. I, for one, will always support Drew no matter what the critics say. I love her enthusiasm and love of life. It's contagious.

We are coming into the 'Oscar' season, meaning the Oscar worthy films will be out soon. This summer was slow to say the least. Are there any companies out there making good films? We can't even depend on the well knowns anymore. I look forward to the coming months. Surely something will be worth watching. Until then, I'll remember the Emmys red carpet with a smile on my face.