So much to dooooo

Yesterday it snowed - ok, so a few flakes which melted as they landed, but it was amazing. "It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas" was running through my head the entire time. Of course, frost that was nipping at more than a few places than my nose, didn't make me a happy camper.

I realized I'd not posted anything here since Thanksgiving, so here is the long/short update.

My parents went to Spain and Morocco - in two words - LOVED IT! It's really funny to hear my dad go on, on and on about places in Spain/Morocco as if I've never been there. He usually catches himself and then just chuckles. Frankly I'm thrilled that they spent 3 weeks traveling, exploring and truly enjoying themselves. Of course the best was being at the airport in Newark to surprise them as they made their way to their connecting flight. I missed the almost daily talks with mom mom...and of course miss talking and joking with dad. Can't wait to see their pictures, especially of dad on a camel. He said that one of the camels kept trying to bite him...hmmm

Recently, I've been hanging with the band again. They are so like an extended family and it's always wonderful to see them during rehearsals. The added highlight for me this time was Sting (yep - Mr. Police himself) was also doing studio time. I am one of the biggest Sting fans and to see him in person, ok, so I became a silly-groupie. He is very, very nice and once he saw me with 'my artist', realized that I was harmless. The artist I've been hanging with is on her way to a gig in Russia. Now, there have been 2 bombings in the last week - so I'm a bit nervous for the entire team, but I believe that God/Universe will protect them. Can't wait to hear how Moscow goes.

Tonight, I'm doing something that I really love, a Christmas window pub-crawl. What's a Christmas Window Pub-Crawl - well just what it says. We'll go visit some of the best stores in NYC, look at their windows (along with every other tourist-ARGH!) and then grab a cocktail or several along the way. The merry group are hysterical to be with, it will be really cold, but no rain tonight and I can't wait to see them. Christmas (and my birthday) is my favorite holiday and I fondly remember Christmas in London, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Singapore and Fla. I think Singapore and Fla., freaked me out the most. There is something abnormal about Santa in surfer shorts....

Ok, so I've got to get ready to deck the halls (or some way-ward tourist), and bow the holly and get my fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la groove on.

OH Canada....(hint-hint, next blog entry)

Talent comes in Two to Britian's Got Talent.

I have been gone so long from you that I feel terrible and will try to be better. The column I'm writing has taken on a life of it's own, with me working harder than I'e ever...but I love it! While this is a short blog, I want you to check out two people from Britain's Got Talent. Shaheen Jafargholi - this kid is AMAZING!!! I also Love Susan Boyle and have not seen the others that are on this show; I would love to see them both win. Watch it - Simon does stop him in the first 20 seconds, but wait to see what happens. Simon really does have an ear - who knew?? I may be a bit cynical (no comments please), but I really think that this show (the British version) showcases new and undiscovered REAL talent. The American Idol version just seems so 'canned'. What do I know...my singing makes dogs howl...

I wish I knew how to embed video - if I did....I would post it - PLEASE go to the link

Shaheen Jafargholi Auditions For Britians Got Talent With Amy Winehouse's Version Of Valerie But Then Simon Cowell Asks Him To Sing His Other Song Which Is a Michael Jackson Song And The Judges Love Him And Also The Audience Give Him A Standing Ovation

Of course here is our girl Susan Boyle...I don't know if you know the words to the actual song from Les Miserables - so here they are as well. If you want to hear the cast version - here is is...close your eyes and you will hear Susan soooo close. I just wish I had talent like this. Anywho...enjoy them both.

Here are the lyrics...I can relate to the character Fantine...can't we all at some level or another. We all have dreams, and some die and then some others are born in another form.
[Fantine is left alone, unemployed and destitute. She sings...]

There was a time when men were kind
When their voices were soft
And their words inviting
There was a time when love was blind
And the world was a song
And the song was exciting
There was a time
Then it all went wrong

I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted

But the tigers come at night
With their voices soft as thunder
As they tear your hope apart
And they turn your dream to shame

He slept a summer by my side
He filled my days with endless wonder
He took my childhood in his stride
But he was gone when autumn came

And still I dream he'll come to me
That we will live the years together
But there are dreams that cannot be
And there are storms we cannot weather

I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seemed
Now life has killed the dream I dreamed.

Chase takes it from the street

This past week I had a great opportunity. I was heading to my favorite addiction (Border bookstore) on my way to look for a book
when I happened upon an artist beginning to paint a very large mural. The air was thick with the smell of paint, not regular paint - spray paint. As I rounded the corner from the escalator I looked at the outline of this…design just at the beginning stages. Ok, so you have to understand…this was happening on Columbus Circle in NYC…not exactly the street capital of the world.

The ‘street’ artist Chase was just beginning to outline a project for “Western Union” on the second level of the shopping center. If you’re not familiar with Chase, let me tell you a bit about him.

Chase, a Belgium transplant now lives in Los Angeles and paints free murals around the world depicting young children with the text next to them saying: “Remember Who You Are”. Actually, he has many different ‘sayings’ that can be seen through out his various works. While he did formally study art, it seems he was ‘kicked out of art school’ and only then found his true voice.

He says” Painting seems to be a source of happiness for me, when a few days go by without having painted; I feel the need to re-connect with myself through painting. I get psyched on the smallest variations in my work, and the meditative aspect of it is not unimportant either. Once a work is finished, I can’t wait to start another because I want to apply the new things I just thought of, no matter how small they may be…it gets addictive!”

I simply say his work is really cool and it’s really a pleasure to meet an artist whose work I have known and enjoyed around the world.

So why was he here – As I said Western Union was doing a presentation here in NYC and they wanted to get people interested in their product and what a better way then through art. The final piece will be moved to their corporate headquarters in Denver.

Some days it’s really pretty cool to walk around the city and see things. Sometimes the city…frankly is just the city. Other days it’s art where you least expect it.

Do You Facebook??

Ok so I admit I am a tech-geek. A cute geek, but a geek non the less. I will also admit that I've gotten hooked on Facebook. Yes it's a great way to quickly send notes to your friends and family, but it is also addictive. So much so that I (and I'm embarrassed to admit) have it on my crack, I mean blackberry.

Sometimes it's pretty cool to see what's going on, get 'poked', have a hug or fancy drink sent to you. I do admit I would prefer to be hugged for real, I've been 'poked' enough thank you very much, and my martini tastes better in a cold glass, not lickin' a warm computer screen.

Truthfully, I'm still not sure how this is different from MySpace. You have 'access' to your friends on both and you can grow your friends, group and association lists without trying too hard. What surprises me is looking at my friends-friends list. I think you can tell a lot about people buy the company they keep (hey, I think that's something that my mom said...). And does ANYONE (well other than my friend Kathleen who knows EVERYONE) really know 400+ people, I don't think so. I know that after sending a number of friend requests some people I would have sworn on a stack of bibles would have jumped at the chance to 'add' me, but they took their time. Did that mean I wasn't worth being their FB friend for all the world to see? Did that mean that as long as we met in the booth, in the back, in the corner, in the dark on alternate third Thursdays bi-monthly it was fine, but in such a public forum where let's face it you are judged, you had to think twice. Nah...it just means that people have a life and they aren't as hooked to it as I am (and you know you are too...come on, I know you're nodding in agreement with me).

Sometimes Facebook can be a curse. Unlike some of the other social networking sites choosing to have a photo or not and what photo, can be a daunting process. You don't want it to be you drunk as a skunk with bloodshot eyes, nor do you want it to be you in your Sunday best. I choose a picture that is probably one of the only pictures of me. Wearing a favorite orange sweater, hair and make-up were perfect. The look was casual yet confident. Of course I then got a comment from a male friend which was really a compliment, but made me really self-conscious, and I changed it to flowers. Hey, as a photographer I find myself changing the photo's often..see I told you I was addicted.

There are so many applications and games to learn. As a friend adds something I think, "hey that's a pretty cool group - I should join" or my favorite during the holiday the largest virtual snowball fight in the world. That was fun!! Look, I'm just scratching the surface of Facebook. I'm still learning how to keep weeds out of my virtual garden, and how to find out what's in the gift box you sent me and mostly how to actually 'search' the application feature. I'm sure with a bit more practice I'll have the hang of it. Then again maybe not. After all it's not life and death right?

So go ahead poke, send a beer, wish someone a happy birthday or send them a hug. Either way, it's just nice to be thought of by someone you call a friend. OH...if someone sends you a hug it's rude not to send them one back or at LEAST acknowledge it. Maybe there should be Facebook etiquette...hmmmm....

Thank you Ms. Patti...

"And the day came when the risk it took to remain tight inside the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom." ~ Anais Nin

Are you familiar with Patti LaBelle’s “New Attitude”? Well this is my theme for 2009.

Actually after three years of dealing with a medical issue (yes, it was the 'size of a grapefruit' but it wasn't the kind of tumor that will kill you), at the end of November I got the news I’ve been waiting for. It came from a sweet Santa Clause faced doctor in Boston. He said, “There’s nothing else that can be done that is guaranteed so the ileostomy is permanent. Permanent – as in: not going away, it's forever, it’s here, it’s weird, get used to it.

95% of you don’t know much about me. This blog was originally an experiment I wanted to try, to get me writing the next great novel. Today, I’ll let you in on a little secret. I never wanted or rather during the last 3 years, and 4 surgeries later, never wanted to get to know this thing called an ileostomy. I didn’t want to be its friend. I wanted it to go back where it was originally, I wanted to have my body back. I wanted to look the same way I did, slim and a great 4-pac from years Pilates. It seems that God had a very different plan. Frankly, and honestly (believe me he knows so this is no secret) I’m really pissed off!!

There I was 41, in great shape, and finally with a good guy. These are supposed to be the happiest times in my life right? WRONG! The surgery, a radical hysterectomy which removed this tumor, left me 37 lbs lighter (looking emaciated – great diet, wouldn’t recommend it), but more than the weight loss during this time, I lost me. I felt out of shape after now months of not being able to exercise, never clean enough no matter how often I showered, and just not of my own body. The once vibrant woman became frustrated, angry, depressed and for the first time the person who ‘fixed every one else’s problems, kissed their boo-boos and made them better’, I couldn’t fix my own. Neither could anyone else.

It seemed every 6 months there was a new procedure; trying a new way. Another overnight round of poking/probing and more good drugs to help with the pain. I’ve had this procedure so often I knew my anesthesiologists by name. Another woman whose name happens to be ‘Lisa’ and yes given our ‘relationship’, we’ve become friends. She is the one who made sure I felt no pain and had a wonderful sleep. She was also the one who ever so gently made sure I woke up. I am forever grateful to her warm hands in a cold operating room, and being the last smiling face I saw, assuring me that it would be over soon.

I have gone through the ‘waiting and hoping and wishing and praying’ only to wait 3 months, re-do the very painful exam and tests and be told that it didn’t work…this time. Of course it is expected that I would keep it together, keep a brave face, continue to be ‘strong’, keep moving on with life because after all…it’s not ‘really cancer’…as if the loss of a body part (and one I grew pretty fond of) and what it signifies, is any less a loss.

The pain, numbed for the surgery would come back 100fold every time I heard the words ‘it didn’t work’. It was a roller-coaster ride that wouldn't stop. The highs were so high and I was so hopeful. The lows so low, that I survived as it were, on 3 hrs of sleep a night. I wish I could adequately put into words what this, no I allowed this to do, to my life. A lot of areas in my life suffered. I missed out on or in all honesty half-stepped on a joyous time for a friend. Not just any friend, my BF. In all my frustration for surgery #4, I couldn’t fully embrace her pregnancy but I tried. While happy for her and shopping for this new baby, I found myself in Babies R Us and when the sales girl asked me when I was due, the bottom of my heart dropped. You see with all the weight I’d lost immediately after the surgery, I gained it all back and then some. The stoma sticks out and causes the ‘illusion’ of a small baby bump. As this poor girl apologized when I told her I wasn’t pregnant I realized something. The woman I shared everything with, my sista-girl, the person whose secrets I know and who knows mine, the one I shared every hope and dream with, I couldn’t share this with her. I would never feel a baby kick inside me. I would never know the 'joy' that so many women including my own mother shared…and it hit me like a ton of bricks.

AND if one more person tells me “Well you can always adopt.” I’m going to SCREAM…LOUDLY!! Even though, maybe one day I will.

Wanting to rejoice, I instead withdrew. Wanting to know what it felt like, I found it hard to look at her growing belly. Wanting to be with her, to fuss for her, we both kept our distance not wanting to cause the other pain. There was self-pity, self-doubt, in other words…not a happy time. I needed to get a grip on so many things that happened but most of all, why I couldn’t be fixed. Why people couldn’t understand what this was doing to me (mentally, emotionally, physically), how to feel ‘whole again’. Why life was moving backwards, and yes I went into “Why Me” mode. The answer was simple…Why Not Me?!

A cold-grey day after my relocation to Boston (a temporary thing), yet another new doctor, 4-double scotches (yes, single malt), feeling desperately alone and more tears than I can count, I came to grips with what will be my new life. You see, I found out sitting in the public gardens of Boston, that I had a choice. I could continue to feel sorry for myself, or I could embrace (no matter how sucky it is) the changes I’ve gone through and would continue to go through. I could ask for forgiveness not only of my family and friends, but from myself. It seems my expectations are too high.

Don’t get me wrong I HATE it and surgery #5 is early next year. I still feel like a whale; would give anything for 1 full night sleep and dare I say give up sleep, just to feel sexy again. Hopefully that too will come...soon.

During this time I had two other friends: one who also gave birth to a beautiful little girl and another who was finally successful in conceiving. My joy for them was and comes from a different place. They are friends yes, but our connections are different - does that make any sense? Most recently I met a woman at Memorial Sloan-Kettering while waiting to see my doctor who I struck up a conversation with. Somehow the topic of children came up I explained to her my situation. She, a much older woman also had also had hysterectomy in her early 40's. She shared with me that all the sisters, cousins in her life had children and she rejoiced in their pregnancies, but when her BF became pregnant, there was something that happened that caused them to go through a similar rough time. When I asked her what happened in the end, she said that they went through their time feeling their way and slowly worked their way back. She is now the god-mother to this womans second child, and their friendship has lasted 30+ years.

So what happened to my BF? Well, she had a healthy baby boy, came through fine and now it would seem, she is happy (or maybe delirious from her own lack of sleep). In the end I hope that she will share with me this new life as she shared with me hours before his delivery. That conversation was an amazing gift. Yes we were texting each other the next morning in between her pushing, and me driving to visit my family in another state – modern technology. I'm hoping that our friend/sister-ship will find it's way back - even though she may say it never truly left. That it was on a crazy vacation, and now it's on the way back home. Maybe this child was the breath I was holding for the last nine-months and his safe birth allowed me to exhale. I do know as I saw the text that he arrived and they were both safe, I felt a sense of peace I’d not felt in a very, very long time.

So 2009 is going to be a 're-do' year. While I would love to take back the last 3 yrs I can’t…but this year was my leap-birthday year so yea, I can do that. I was having a conversation with someone that has helped a lot. She said that things usually happen in 3s’…and after that it all gets better. So you know what… Jan 18th it will be 3 yrs and then…it should get better. Actually, it’s getting better already. Even though surgery #5 is a few days after that, I’m hopeful yet my expectations, zero, zilch, nadda, none. See Change isn't just for Obama :-)

I want to know in my heart that after this next procedure I’ve done everything I could. That I’ve tried every option made available to me. Then and only then, can I shut this heavy door. That I can allow my heart to be open to what ever possibility that comes next. To be able to love and laugh freely and with a light spirit. I have learned and grown in a way I didn’t think possible. I want to thank Ms. Patti for being so divine and gracious and saying that it will all be ok. I really want to thank Annie Leibovitz for giving me the best photography advice ever. I am forever honored that she took a photo of us together with my camera. I carry around that picture with me as a reminder of what is possible. I guess anything is possible when you reach out to people and say, "This load is too heavy, can you please help me." The key is to accept what ever level of help they can provide, without expectation but with gratitude. Maybe even moreso when you say honestly "I'm sorry", they will forgive you.

So here’s to a new year, a new life, and a new attitude. There are no promises that I won’t ‘lose my mind’ at sometime in the future, but I hope that with complete understanding and love, I will continue to move forward and life will be as it's meant to be. For a very lucky woman living in a city I love, with family and friends and finding the strength to control the only thing I can...Me.

New Attitude: Ms. Patti LaBelle

Runnin’ hot,
Runnin’ cold,
I was runnin’ into overload,
That was extreme.

It took it so high, so low, so low there
was nowhere to go like a bad dream.

(Chorus)
Somehow that wires uncrossed,
The tables were turned,
Never knew I had such a lesson to learn.

I'm feeling good from my head to my shoes,
Know where I am going and I know what to do,
I've tidied up my point of view,
I've got a new attitude.

I'm in control,
My worries are few,
'Cause I got love like I never knew,
ooo, ooo, ooo, ooo...
I've got a new attitude,

I am wearing a new dress, a new hair,
Brand new ideas, as a matter of fact,
I've changed for good.

It must have been the cold nights, new moon,
New slight change
More that to figure, but I feel like I should, yes

Chorus…

Challenges build character or is that your press agent?

Ok, so I said that this was a week of change…it’s also been a week of challenge.
Let’s start with the change…can we talk about David Blaine? Don’t worry; I’ll make it quick and painless.

Living in NY you often see some strange things, and seeing David Blaine doesn’t normally rank among them, but he gets the most press. This week was no exception. I was actually going to see my friend Ethelyn (you remember her from Regis and Kelly’s High-Heel marathon - see July's blog for more details) only to find out that they changed the day of the ‘Relly Award’ presentation. She was nominated “Favorite Real Person: Female”, of course she is NO regular gal (and the best legs in NY). Sadly, she lost to Sister Paulene…guess you can’t fool around with one of the chosen ones – literally! So while in the area, I decided to see David in Central Park.

This week he decided that he was going to ‘hang out’ for 60 hours upside-down. Why…because he can. What they didn’t say is that it wouldn’t be for 60 consecutive hours (sign of a good publicist; I can respect that!). When I arrived, I stood around and waited a good 15 min for him to flip over again while he took a bathroom and tea break.

While no additional banks actually failed during his stunt, President Bush did think it would be ‘ok to address the nation on the current financial crisis.’ After all for the next 40 days he is still the president. David however, couldn’t complete his stunt as he wanted to because of this unplanned interruption. He blames the failure of his ‘dive of death’ on President Bush. Had the president not spoken to the nation – which I personally think is important, given I only have two nickels to rub together – there wouldn’t have been a delay in his show, the wind wouldn’t have picked up and he could have disappeared with the balloons in the night sky as he wanted to. Hey David, why not blame God for the wind? Better yet, why not blame yourself for not thinking of a plan B.

There is a hum of continued nervousness about the state of the economy. There were hundreds of both diplomats and protesters at the United Nations, as various heads of state were once again in town – blocking traffic and racing around the city with their motorcades like their hair was on fire. There were Sarah Palin impersonators (I guess the best form of flattery) and the lady herself, in the city meeting foreign dignitaries who proved that they are…just men after all. I didn’t get to see her while she was here, but did spot her husband at the park in Central park with their children. They seemed like every other normal family on the car Carousel…of course the big burly men with dark glasses, and earpieces stuck out sore thumbs. I appreciate the fact that the carousel in Central park is probably the only place that doesn’t close down when someone ‘important’ wants a ride. Pay your fair, and ride with the rest of us normal folks.

Shea Stadium will see it’s last regularly played Met’s game Sunday. Ok, so technically that happens next week, but Mets fans are just as sad as I was about Yankee stadium. What is my city coming to??

The weather is definitely taking a change. You can feel the beginnings of fall in the air. I love it. This is truly one of my favorite seasons, big sweaters, warm brandy and crisp breezes. Then again I also like spring for the same reasons. Of course this year, I will be experiencing it not in NY, but in a very, very, very different city. You’ll read about it soon. Maybe here; maybe on a different blog.

So where is the challenge you ask? I had two this week, but I don’t think I want to talk about it just yet. You know what I think I’ll approach this a different way. I think I’ll blog words or phrases to make my point. This way I can’t be accused of anything beyond, what I’m going to be accused for anyway. I know pretty lame, but you know what, I just don’t want to go down a road that makes me sad today. I have too much to do, and frankly would like to spend one day this week not feeling sad, so my challenge today, is to remember the words to the song ‘Don’t worry…be happy’.

What’s your challenge? Is it family, work, friends, children, or your partner? How do you address the issue without always being seen as ‘needy’ or ‘over the top’? Do people tell you to ‘get over it’ or ‘it’s not that bad’ or ‘it could be worse’? How does that make you feel and do you tell them? I’m open to any suggestions, stories and/or comments.

After all we are all just trying to make it in this world, one day at a time. Life, even with its challenges is still the best option, right? ☺

The Yankees Have Left The Building...

Change…sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s just change. This week, there will be a LOT of changing going on. Let me start with something that made me cry (yea we know I do that at the drop of a hat, because I’m a Pisces – not because I’m a girl thank you very much!) I went to Yankee Stadium yesterday for the final game.

OH MY GOD! The House That Ruth Built closed the doors for the final time last night. Over 54,000 fans watched our beloved Yankees beat the Orioles, 7-3. YEA!

Something that will never change about fans of the New York Yankees: pride, tradition and most of all, we are the greatest fans in the world.


The day started with fans having the ability to walk the grounds, which is unheard of. You actually had the opportunity to touch the walls, feel the dirt (just don’t take any), and look up into the stands and for a moment, imagine yourself as a player looking at all your fans. If you ever wanted to see a grown man cry, it was yesterday. The feeling of good-will was overwhelming.
The pre-game started with so many former players on hand, Bernie Williams (who received the loudest and longest ovation), Whitey Ford, Willie Randolph, Yogi Berra, Reggie Jackson and Goose Gossage just to name a few.

So many memories that are within these walls:
Babe Ruth’s 60th Homerun in 1927; Joe Louis knocked out Max Schmeling in 1938, Lou Gehrig’s memorialized speech in 1933; Sandy Amoros’s winning catch, and Jackie Robinson’s stealing home base in 1955; Pele played with the Cosomos in 1977; Reggie Jackson’s three homers in the 1977 World Series; David Wells perfect game 1998; A-Rod’s 500th in 2007. It's the place where Joe Louis and Muhammad Ali, John Philip Sousa and Pink Floyd, Knute Rockne and Vince Lombardi, Billy Graham, 3 Popes, Nelson Mandela, John F. Kennedy and a ton of others have stood in this park and made their mark in history.

Yankee Stadium isn't just a ballpark; it’s MY ballpark. Of course I had to share the last game with the number one man in my life. My dad ROCKS!! I often say I was his son, until they had one. Along with teaching me to be strong and independent, he also taught me to change the oil in my car, hit a baseball, shoot a basketball, he tired to teach me to fish however, I draw the line with worms real or plastic YUCK!! We also share a passion for all sports (even though he is a Mets Fan). We call each other during commercials; during the play-offs, the Superbowl, Dancing with the Stars, and sometimes it’s so often, my mom just says “Hi”, and then passes the phone to him. Yup…a daddy’s girl!! Of course as I was at the ballpark, I called to share this with him. Yes your final game T-Shirt is in the mail. ☺

The new stadium is right across the street and it’s ‘pretty’, but it has no real character yet. I know New Yorkers…we are a pretty tough bunch. We tend to run the spectrum of emotions, yet we are loyal to the end. No matter how much we balk, we are die-heard fans. However, I would suspect that it will take something pretty amazing to have us fall in love immediately with this new ‘house’, say a championship in 2009 – hint, hint.


As I said, this week will be a week of changes and where one door closes, I hope and pray a new one, a good one opens. I will miss the old Yankee Stadium and regret not going to enough games. I do look forward to a new chapter in their book; I’m sure it will add to the new chapter in mine.

GO YANKEES!!!

Pappa’s got nothing left in the bag…James Brown’s Legacy reduced to 4 hrs 18 min and a bit over $856,000

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Soul Brother Number One, Mr. Dynamite, The Hardest Working Man in Show Business, Minister of The New Super Heavy-Heavy Funk, Mr. Please, Please, Please himself, James Brown.

This week I had some time on my hands and living in NYC that’s a rare thing during the middle of the week. I was meeting someone for lunch and as I passed Christies auction house, I realized that this was the same day James Brown’s things were going up for auction. Seeing that fate had everything to do with me being in this space, on this day and time I went inside. Family squabbles and bad accounting have taken – literally the coat off his back, shoes off his feet and sold it to the highest bidder.

If you’ve never been to Christies it can be a bit daunting. After all, next to Sotheby’s (NO, I don’t have the money to spend there either) auction house, Christies is famous for auctioning off some of the worlds most prized possessions. Some of the ‘elite’ sell while others shop here for ‘bargains’…if you call priceless paintings and gems big enough to choke a cow with price tags to match a bargain. Guess that means they won’t take my priceless stuffed animal collection – oh well, their loss.

It was really interesting to see who was in the crowd also searching for a bargain. Nikki Hilton (yes of Paris/Nikki fame) was there I don’t know if she purchased anything. I do know Paul Shaffer who is the band leader for “Late Show with David Letterman” purchased the medical bracelet that James wore right before his death in 2006 for $32,000. This was the surprise sale of the day because it went for more than 100 times its presale estimate. A bit morbid I think, but hey it was for sale. Nelson George who has written several books on the music industry and a former college mate of mine was there, as well as Sanford Rubenstein who is the lawyer for Rev. Al Sharpton (and is often seen standing right behind Sharpton at press conferences). Maybe he was there to represent the interest of the Brown family (or bid on something for Al), I don’t know and I didn’t ask.

In the end, the remains of James Brown's estate raised more than $856,688 for his creditors. NONE of the sales received (of course sans the fee Christies charges) will go to the family. A denim outfit he wore for the 1974 "Rumble in the Jungle" concert in Zaire sold for $25,000 and a blue satin cape embroidered with "Thy Name Is Godfather of Soul" was sold for $35,000 (happened to bid on this one, but knew I wouldn’t get it, but it was fun just to have the experience). Here is just a sample of some of the other things that were on the block and what they sold for:

His custom made Chrysler Limousine Imperiale ($72,334); a signed letter from former President Ronald Regan ($1,000); a favorite of everyone in the room the GFOS Jumpsuit which went for $25,000. Oh….in case you’re wondering what GFOS means, “God Father Of Soul” which Mr. Brown definitely was. An autographed photo from Snoop Dog to James ($875); ‘Sex Machine’ leather belt ($4750); 1996 USA Olympic Jacket ($625); Academy of Music Awards ($1625); Dome Hair Dryer (10,625); Rock and Roll Hall of fame award ($3,750) and the two that broke my heart The 2003 Kennedy Center Honor Award ($12,500) and Hair Supplies (80 hair rollers, picks, combs, etc., 11 cans and bottles of hair products used by James Brown, and a Polaroid of Brown wearing similar rollers) ($6,000). Furs, James Brown Dolls, City Proclamations, Childhood photos, love notes, Jumpsuits and shoes in every color of the rainbow and capes to match were for sale. What is sad is that the man that truly helped shape the music and dance of several generations only raised $857,000 which was short of the $1 million - $2 million they forecast.


There will be no Graceland to contain the clothes and furs and costumes and gold records and awards and record collection and personal photos and handwritten love notes and jail records dispersed at the sale. As lover of music, it was really sad to see that someone that was so great, such an innovator in music and dance style was reduced to this. Before there was Michael Jackson, Usher, Mario, Ne-Yo, there was the original James Brown. His ability to move across the stage has literally set the stage for musicians/dancers of today. Click here to see a James Brown Dance lesson.

The man that took an aspirin with breakfast and 50mg of Viagra before every show (“He thought it gave him extra energy.”) died Christmas Day 2006 at the young age of 73. Like the deaths of so many great musicians it was a sad day.

Some of my favorite clips (THANK YOU YOUTUBE) are of James with another great Pavarotti singing “This is a Man’s World”, James singing “Get up offa that thing”, and the classic “Sex Machine” and "I Feel Good". (click on the song titles and you will go directly to the videos – sorry I’ve not learned how to embed them yet)

It’s almost a year and a half later and the Godfather Of Soul still can't rest. Several mistresses, eight mothers of 14 children, 16 grandchildren, 30 lawyers, his valet and an ageing dancer still want a piece of him. Now his bones have been picked over, can you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE let the Godfather rest in peace?

'Heel' Thyself - Heel-A-Thon with Regis and Kelly

Who ever said, “Age isn’t anything but a number” must have met Ethelyn. This week my Sassy-Sister in Stilettos Sprinted, in the Live with Regis and Kelly "High Heel-a-thon" in Central Park.

Let me give you a bit of background. The Regis and Kelly show partnered with Dr. Scholls to provide the winner of the race $25,000 grand prize. The best part of this is the fact that they both partnered and donated money to the March of Dimes whose known for their tireless dedication to providing healthy pregnancies and babies to women everywhere. A GREAT organization. The rules for the race were pretty strict and believe me this race wasn’t for the faint of heart; the heels had to be at least 3″ high, no more than 3″ in circumference, and no wedges at all. I will say that as an observer I did see some women who definitely cheated. You know shoes that have a little extra rubber in the heels and soles? Yes even for a good cause there were cheaters in the bunch!

Let’s take a second and talk about the shoes – sparkly, strappy, gold, platform, and stiletto gladiator sandals and of course the classic, pointy-toed pumps. I dare to say that there was a wide assortment for your running and viewing pleasure. With more than 500 participants (including 11 men – who had their own race…see not just women love a good heel) from over 40 states, these ladies were SERIOUS!!!

The day of the race Kelly was as nervous as Regis was handsome in pink. Mark Consuelos Kellys’ husband – WOW!!! Cameron Mathison of All My Children and Dancing With The Stars fame - YUMMY!!! Honestly these 3 have wonderful personalities, and are better looking in person. They all took time out to greet their fans, take pictures, no attitude - way cool. Maybe some other celebrities should take note (but I digress). I’ve never seen Kelly so nervous and yet so amazingly charming and warm to all of the participants. Her heels – a sky-high 4.5 inches. Their Host chat the next day was too funny!!!

So on to the real STAR….

Ethlyn is a very good friend, who will tell you the key to a long life is a cocktail every night. Let me also warn you she can play a mean game of poker, so don’t let the sweet face fool ya. She was a dancer in her younger years and still has the killer legs to prove it. With thanks to a friend of hers, she has more pairs of Manolo Balhniks’ than Carrie has in her Sex and the City closet. The thing is she wears them or at least a pair of heels everyday. I don’t think I have ever seen her in flats – ever. Oh did I mention she’s 84 years young???

She looked more like a woman about to go to the office in her white silk top and 3-inch pointy-toe black stilettos; not one about to run a race. I believe she said that these are her ‘dancing shoes, so she knew they would be comfortable. (Note: never wear your new shoes when you’re going to run a 150-yard dash). Just by being there looking completely chic she won the respect and admiration of every participant – most of them a 60 years her junior.


Ethlyn ran a very respectable 1:15, 150-yard race and showed the spirit of sportsmanship and pure class. Kelly mentions her in the commentary they had the next day, which was hysterical. Of course Ethlyn was contacted by all of the major newspapers in NYC and was on several of the nightly news programs. I don’t know if she now has a ‘shoe contract’, but if the right designer calls, I’m sure she will fit you in her busy schedule.

What I learned from her is you can be active at any age, and look like a lady doing it. You should have fun, because it’s not necessarily about winning. Finally if all else fails run your race, with a smile on your face and step lively to the nearest hotel bar for a martini-3 olives.

Congratulations Ethlyn. You’re a winner in my book!

Happy Birthday America

I just wanted to take a moment and acknowledge that no matter what is going on this is still a pretty amazing country. It is my hope that it will soon return to it's greatness.

There has been a lot of buzz about who has performed the Star Spangled Banner the best...Jimmy Hendrix, The Dixie Chicks, Beyonce... Well my favorite is still be Ms. Whitney Houston.

While I'm still trying to figure out how to post the video of her performance on my blog, just click on her name to hear her performance.