Ava

I've always been a fan of this sultry beauty but had never seen "The Barefoot Contessa" with Humphrey Bogart and beautiful Italian scenery and gorgeous gowns. It's the story of a movie star told from the viewpoints of three men who knew her best - including her director and husband.

One of the rare gifts of Miss Gardner is that not only is she a divine glamourpuss but that underlying vulnerability. I advise you to check out this flick sometime if you can. A wonderful escape. She has no equivalent today. Also for a double dose of steaminess - watch her in "The Killers" - a great film noir that also has the wonderful Burt Lancaster - double eye candy.

Did you know that when she was filming "Showboat" the studio stupidly decided to dub her wonderful husky voice? Check it out.

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxHYLJVnsrs&feature=share&list=PLLjNW9qjiVMZF5tbSb8y1eSX13H7thdGs

Nostalgia Jukebox

I was in my favourite neighbourhood coffee shop yesterday and what came on the radio but this Beatles classic. In no time I was singing along sotto voce and tapping my foot. What is it about this tune that makes one so happy? Is it the comforting feeling of a neighbourhood its' people and routine? Say what you want about Paul McCartney - he does write a fine pop tune.

By the way - we did seek out this spot while in Liverpool.

I'm not one of the negative nellies who feel he doesn't have the depth of John Lennon. So what? What is so wrong about being happy and feeling good? I'll answer that..nothing! Shortly thereafter another blast from the past came over the stereo system - Elton John's "Bennie and the Jets" and I was transported back to my teenage self singing into a hairbrush in front of the mirror listening to Casey Kasem's "American Top 40"...yes I certainly am dating myself!

I guess that's why I love music so much - it can lift you up, comfort you, inspire you and transport you.

Later on today as a respite from the chilly weather I'm headed to an aromatherapy class to be transported by another sense  - the nose.

A Glimpse of Spring

As I write this the temperatures are in the minus territory and there is a light dusting of snow on the ground here in Toronto. So you might forgive me for a little fantasy as I received a hint of warmer days to come this morning in my inbox - an email from Yves St. Laurent Beauty featuring the gorgeous spring colours...I am posting them down below so you can start salivating too.

I realize perhaps this company is not politically correct - not sure where their stance is on animal testing so 40 lashes with a wet noodle for me - thank you Dear Abby. However,what cannot be denied is the innate style sense of the French - their cosmetic companies also produce such gorgeous palettes and to die for packaging. These days who doesn't want a bit of affordable luxury, to purchase a little je ne sais quoi? I particularly love the nail polish colour and GREEN mascara! Green is apparently the new "it" colour, particularly in emerald shades for spring. I have found the Faux Cils mascara quite frankly to be the best mascara I've used and I've tried many, many mascaras high and low end. There are lovely shades of peach and rose in lipsticks and blushes as well.

Enjoy. Dreaming is free as Blondie said.
 

I am currently on the Joyous 10 Day detox - created by the lovely Joy McCarthy - check out her website www.joyoushealth.ca to join and get delicious recipes, hints, coaching and much valuable nutrition information courtesy of this sparkly nutritionist - she really is a great advertisement for her services and comes from a place of dealing with her own digestive issues. I have taken a couple of workshops of hers as well at 889 Yoga.  You can catch her on the Global Morning Show on occasion too.

And now I will slip back into World War II era Britain while reading "Princess Elizabeth's Spy" - the second in a mystery series featuring the intrepid Maggie Hope of "Mr. Churchill's Secretary" - I can't tell you how exciting it was to visit the Churchill War Rooms that Susan Elia Macneal was writing about in London itself.

Evolve and Resolve

Ah yes, the New Year's "To Do" list or is that to be or not to be, the time to exercise every day, eat healthy, put bad relationships behind you, stop smoking, drinking, complaining etc etc.

I confess I am guilty of making my own list of "intentions"...but as my pilates instructor said last night - it's all well and good to make resolutions you have to follow them up with ACTIONS. So true, and there in lies the rub...

For myself one of my endeavours is to write every day and hopefully that means this blog. The eating healthy and exercising are also in there of course as well as meditation, singing, de-cluttering and more daunting - think of learning to drive and to get some meaningful employment - well, if not meaningful initially at least somewhat lucrative - so I can pay for things like singing lessons, driving lessons and whatever else strikes my fancy. With the time left over - read inspiring books and do some more volunteer work.

One of the major tasks ahead is not to be too hard on myself - or for you to be too hard on yourself. I understand some 50 per cent or so of people who start out with great guns in January...fall off the wagon by February...thus why this month is so lucrative for gyms and organizations like Weight Watchers.

I will keep you up to date on my progress of course - tonight I'm off to a Law of Attraction evening which hopefully will newly inspire me as I certainly seem to need that of late...could be SAD or just being 50ish. I'm looking for something hopeful on the horizon. Happy New Year everyone.