Cello Suite

Me improvising.

Me and Tim Hughes, Cello 1st Chair of the London Symphony Orchestra.

I've been playing the most beautiful string instrument since I was 7.  Love, mad men and work have intercepted my continuum of moving the bow up and down and becoming the master cellist I dreamed of being. I've always wanted to play at Carnegie Hall. That was a seed planted by my father.

But, things don't always go as planned and here I am, staring at my cello, encased in a pretty starch white plexiglass form and begging to make it a principle win my life again. I'm working on that. It's a deep part of my life that represents my highest creative self and expressive soul.

I most recently played in string quartet in Atlanta, covering everything from Dvorak to Bohemian Rhapsody. But, our creative differences riffed us apart. I wanted to perform; they just wanted to get enjoy a weekly playing session. I moved on and now just play at home, here and there. But it's calling me. Loudly.

A one-on-one interview with personal chit chat with Master and Principal cellist Tim Hugh of the London Symphony Orchestra resulted in an invite to study with him in the U.K. And I didn't didn't take him up on it. Not even after three days of jaw-dropping LSO performances I had the honor of attending a few years back convinced me to drop all I was doing. It should have.

I then listen to pieces like Bach's Cello Suite No. 1  one of my all-time favorite string compositions and I'm moved to do something radical. It's genius and tells a lovely and breath-taking romantic story. Listen to it.

While I work on becoming that master cellist -- if even in my head or in the intimacy of my home or recording studio -- I love perusing images of cello's, cellists and sexy images that depict a most somber and warm tone. Even one of me a few years back in my front yard!

*all images via Pinterest and Google with the exception of the last two, which are mine! :)  


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Dreamy Dressing Room Designs

Restoration Hardware staging

I love my dressing room. I really do. I first started one in 2004 and since then has taken me all this time to really make it look like it's my most perfect place for transforming into the day or night princess. It's been pretty perfect for the last 4 or so. With the 3 moves I've had in the last 7, it's hard to really keep the same aesthetic, but most things are timeless and have a permanent place in the room. It all started because I need a place to house all of my hats. And then my shoes. And then my handbags. And the jewelry and so forth and so on.

It's a dreamy place for me. All of my girlfriends love it and even the guys stare in amazement that a single gal could own so many things -- all of which I wear.

I'm getting ready to make another move! I've been scouring pages, blogs, magazines and even Pinterest in search of new inspiration for a new look and makeover my dressing room will go through. I'm so excited. Some of these closets (though I have an entire 12x12 bedroom) are flawless, delicious and every girls dream!

These are some of my favorites which embody an element that represents my to the T! I've shown you a bit of my dressing room before, but I'll have to do an all out photo shoot showcasing all the fancy details here and there. Soon.

Check out my Dressing Room Pin board to see more of the lovely rooms I'm obsessed with!

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It's a Green, Green Life

   

Monday's come with a sense of laziness. I don't attribute it to being the end of the weekend and the beginning of a new week. I look at it as a day that mentally bookmarks all of the work I have to do. From cooking, to writing, editing, and virtually styling a few clients that live in another state. That's the most fun. On Monday's where my laziness is super heightened, I muster energy to work in my office and find inspiration to get a thorough list written up and started on--only because my walls are green! It's the color that brings complete joy to my world. Perhaps because as I child I loved rolling around in our front yard and being amazed at the ensuing itch. I never understood why grass did that, but I simply loved the soft patches I'd find during my acre roll. 

On this particular Monday, I'm not working from my office,  rather on my couch, vegging out and admiring all things green-- even my office since I have a clear shot view from where I sit! I've even created a green board on Pinterest. Monday's won't ever be so blue again! 

What color inspires your life to be fabulous?!

Philip Lim blazer;  G ladies watch;  Art House woodwork statement via Fab.com; Silk dress via here; PUR cashmere fringe scarf; Reese Hudson clutch from Fall 10; Suede platforms via here; Anthroplogie pop agate necklace; Victoria Secret bra; Victorin Swiss Army pocket knife from Nordstrom; Drop earrings via HauteLook.

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