Ready? Ok!

Recently read a book on the history of cheerleading. Some fascinating facts.
Did you know that cheerleading was invented by a man? and that the first cheerleading group was comprised of men?
Who knew?

Franco Rubartelli

Born in Florence in 1937, Franco Rubartelli sprung into international prominence as a fashion photographer beginning with his 1965 editorials for Linea Italiana, and French, English, and Italian Vogue, the most famous of which featured the German model Vera Gottliebe von Lehndorff, aka Veruschka, with whom he began working in 1963, first in Italy, then New York, then back to Italy in 1967, where they lived together in a penthouse in Rome, and produced numerous features for Vogue and the other Condé Nast magazines.

Whitney, the world is quiet without you.

I don't remember too many things from my childhood. I am not a person blessed with a memory of a large capacity. I do, however,remember as a child locking myself up in my room day after day practicing my vocals to the Bodyguard soundtrack. I would spend hours perfecting every run trying so hard to replicate her voice. As years have gone by no other artist has inspired me in such a way. Though some have come pretty close, I can safely say Whitney Houston had the greatest voice in the history of female artists. Some of you may or may not know Whitney came from a very soulful and musical background, her mother Cissy Houston was an amazing gospel singer who provided backing vocals for some of my father's greatest songs! And we cannot forget her Aunt Dionne Warwick. My prayers are with her family.

Whitney,The world is quiet without you.

Up up and Away!

MaMa we miss you.

Last week my family lost a jewel. A jewel more precious than any miner could ever mine. At 81 my grandmother aka MaMa was welcomed through the gates of heaven. It is interesting how when you are little you take for granted your elders, passing them off as something old, therefore eternal. It isn't until they leave this world that you realize just how much they have impacted your life and instilled very important life skills. Teaching us things as simple as chewing your food slowly and acting like a lady, to more complex skills such as how to pinch a penny. Something only someone born during the depression truly excels.

My MaMa held a certain poise that only women of her generation possesses, a certain level of class, now extinct. In all my years I never saw my MaMa look bad, even when she felt her worst she was dressed her best. When she smiled she lit up the room and when she giggled the whole room roared in laughter, for her giggle was unique and unduplicated :) I hope that in my life I can share as much love, devotion, and kindness my MaMa showed everyone she encountered.

We miss you so much MaMa