Wednesday, October 20, 2010

My Friend Nadine‏

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take but, by
the moments that take our breath away.

The year two thousand and eight was a tremendous time of
journeys, new discoveries and friendships, culminating with the
pleasure, nay, the privilege of meeting this peerless vision.

Nadine Hennelly is what one would call a jetsetter, one of
the beautiful people, the glitterati, a member of Café Society
with a heart of gold. Born in Montreal but at the tender age
of 17 was plucked and jettisoned to Paris, where she embarked
on a glamorous career as a Top Model. She graced the covers of
numerous high-gloss, fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle,
Harpers Bazaar, Mademoiselle, Glamour and Cosmopolitan. Worked
with some of the world's most famous photographers including
Richard Avedon, Mario Testino, Steven Meisel and Herb Ritts,
just to name but a few. Who, in turn, helped cultivate her eye
for great photography.

Then, as anybody seeking to further their careers in the arts,
be it modeling, acting, singing, sculpting and photography, she
headed to New York City, the center of the universe. There she
honed her photographic skills while working nightly on the
'Late Show with David Letterman' for an unforgettable, glorious
eight years. All the while studied Fine Arts at the Arts Student
League, the Sculpture Center and at NYU.

'Those who create are rare; those who cannot are numerous.' ~ Coco Chanel

After 18 distinct years of globetrotting, as well as the aftermath
of 9/11, she relocated in Montreal, where she decided it was a better
environment for her young son, and set up 'Studio H - Nadine Hennelly
Studio' on St. Antoine St. W.

'The dignity of the artist lies in his duty of keeping awake the
sense of wonder in the world. In this long vigil he often has to
vary his methods of stimulation; but in this long vigil he is also
himself striving against a continual tendency to sleep.' ~ Marc Chagall

Her recent vernissage at Victoria Hall in Westmount showcased
a new series of spectacular stills and some of her sculptured pieces.
Personally speaking, I believe she has more than a wonderful eye
along with the rest of this spectacular Amazonian Goddess. But I digress!

Nadine's pictures are bold, strong and sensual. If you wish to have
a portrait created by such a photographer, with an eye for the beautiful,
high fashion layouts contact my friend, either through her site, via
Facebook or through yours truly.

* Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you
have captured is preserved forever... it remembers little things, long
after you have forgotten everything. Because it takes an instant out of
time, altering life by holding it still. A photograph is often a secret
about a secret. The more it tells you the less you know.

In essence Photography, alone of the arts, seems perfected to serve
the desire humans have for a moment - this very moment - to stay and
to be cherished.

'A work of art does not appeal to the intellect. It does not appeal
to the moral sense. Its aim is not to instruct, not to edify, but to
awaken our emotion.' ~ Eli Cedrone


* Studio H - Nadine Hennelly Studio
www.nadinehennelly.com

TEACHERS! A Profound Answer‏

The dinner guests were sitting around the table discussing life.
One man, a CEO decided to explain the problem with education. He
argued, "What's a kid going to learn from someone who decided his
best option in life was to become a teacher?" To stress his point
he said to another guest, "You're a teacher, Bonnie. Be honest.
What do you make?" Bonnie, who had a reputation for honesty and
frankness replied, "You want to know what I make?

(She paused for a second, then began...)

"Well, I make kids work harder than they ever thought they could.
I make a C+ feel like the Order of Canada. I make kids sit through
40 minutes of class time when their parents can't make them sit
for 5 without an I-Pod, Game Cube or movie rental. You want to
know what I make?

(She paused again and looked at each and every person at the table.)

I make kids wonder. I make them question. I make them apologize
and mean it. I make them have respect and take responsibility for
their actions. I teach them to write and then I make them write.
Keyboarding isn't everything. I make them read, read, read. I make
them show all their work in math. They use their God-given brain,
not the man-made calculator. I make my classroom a place where
all my students feel safe. Finally I make them understand that
if they use the gifts they were given, work hard, and follow their
hearts, they can succeed in life.

(Bonnie paused one last time and then continued.)

Then, when people try to judge me by what I make, with me
knowing money isn't everything, I can hold my head up high and
pay no attention because they are ignorant. You want to know
what I make?

I MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

What do you make Mr. CEO? His jaw dropped, he went silent.

Teaching is...the profession that makes all other professions possible!

~ by Professor Leanne Sanders - Sept. 30, 2010
(My professor is a very astute academician.)

Sunday, October 3, 2010

'Oktoberfest' Dinner Party Observations by Q1‏

Unimaginable but true, our Host wasn't his usual self
this evening so I took the liberty of mental-noting my
own observations. If they meet with his approval, however
pale in comparison they may be to his, I would like to
share a synopsis, just for him.

It was an intimate soirée that hovered around the decadent,
delightful and delicious food fare. I classify Cavalli
as the 'Food Porn Palace'. Yes, Food Porn - insatiable,
tantalizing and orgasmic dishes that never disappoint.
The consistency of taste leaves you panting and breathless
for more. The Host would say that I digress, oh well,
too bad.

Let us evoke La Regina gallivanting in a chic hounds
tooth frock and a velvety JC tote. Our Host, the debonair
and charismatic gent, was enraptured, too, for lots of
'stems' abounded in the Palace; much to his delight.
New members of the entourage: Ms Meryl looked just like
(only with dark locks) and had amazingly similar dispositions
to Hollywood's own Meryl, only ours is more lovable and has
these little hands, like a doll! Madame Sotheby's and her
beau were oh so lovely and quaint. Our dearest AnnaBella,
Lorilicious and Vincerocious were fabulously enchanting.
Great souls, lots of amore all around. Oh and our one-and-
only Santo, always the man for smiles and good times.
Santo should be hired for parties - I swear, he's a killer !

Table chit-chat simmered from work
to kids
to business
to weather
to the Attorney's big, expressive eyes (according to Meryl)
to Brazilian waxes for women (nod your heads) & for men, too (yikes!)
to La Regina's disclosure about her love for *porn*
to Meryl's thigh-high costume malfunction
to the Host sneaking off for a (cough) (wink).

Surprisingly, the Host didn't cause any scandals this evening,
well, not that any of us noticed. And, the evening ended rather
civilly save for the shocking appearance of the Man-gina. As
for Gianni, he always makes things right and makes everyone
feel special. After all, he is the Food Porn Palace's King !

I had a wonderful time. After a «insert your fave cuss word»
of a week, it felt good to unwind in the 'Food Porn Palace'
surrounded by loving souls and embraced by Oktober's chilly
starry night.

Bubbles was missed, as were the Banker and the Photographer,
although regulars at the Palace, always so very extraordinary.

A la prossima,

Nikita


* Observed October 1st by The Quiet One