Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Boston...how do we comprehend the incomprehensible?

It's been a week and a day since the horror perpetrated upon the Boston Marathoners, their loved ones and the city of Boston itself happened. I know that I am not at all alone, but I simply can not wrap my brain around this tragedy...especially so soon after Sandy Hook and the devastation of that community. While not an excuse of any kind it does seem like the evidence points to the fact that Adam Lanza was severely mentally ill...but what is the explanation for these two young men...immigrants granted refuge in this country as boys, welcomed here to begin new lives full of hope and promise? What could possibly prompt them to think that killing and maiming innocent people in the very city that embraced them was a justifiable act, a reasonable act, a purposeful act? How could their young minds have become so hostile, so convoluted, so evil? I am afraid that we will never know the answer to that question because their actions and state of mind defy understanding, defy logic, defy basic human decency.

So, we are all left to feel bereft once again at the vast ocean of sadness and anger engulfing us every time something senseless like this happens. Where can we put our grief, our sorrow, our fear and our sense of hopelessness? Honestly, I have no answer other than to combat it all with kindness and love. I simply don't know what else to do other than double up my efforts to make a difference in the world...even if it's just my little corner of the world, even if it's just with one little comment or gesture of compassion or humor to someone in need, even if it's just a smile to a stranger while out taking a walk.

I am re-committing myself to raising my son to become a decent, loving, compassionate man with a kind heart and a profound sense of responsibility to his fellow citizens. I am re-committing myself to look in the mirror everyday and find ways to be my best self...and then to actually BE that best self out in the world. I am re-committing myself to look at my neighbor be they next door, cross town or cross country with new eyes and a more open heart. I am re-committing myself to being as authentic and honest as I can possibly be with myself and others. And finally, I am re-committing to holding myself to the highest standard of being a human being and all that that entails.

In doing so I hope that my light will shine brightly enough to block out and eradicate some of the darkness that lives in the world.I am also hoping that even if I am only able to give someone just "one minute of happiness" it will have immeasurable value. Maybe if we all re-committed ourselves to these principles we will be able to make the world a safer place to live...a place filled with more grace, a place filled with noble intent, a place filled with unconditional love...that is my dream...please join me and make it yours too.

xoxo Nanci

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

Everything's Coming Up...the play, the house, the bake sale!!!

Here's the latest update of my world since my last blog post...

My play is under major reconstruction and things are going beautifully. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE working with Mark Travis...we are absolutely mining my heart and soul to create this solo show...so very exciting! We even have a new title, which I think is going to make you laugh, smile and be enthusiastic to be an audience member one day..."SUGAR & STILETTOS - a tale of panties and pastries"...now who wouldn't want to be see THAT show?!

Next, my house is still going through some dramatic changes...each one is actually quite small but the accumulation of all of them together
(and we are not even close to being finished!) is quite spectacular. The most important thing I see/feel is the opening up of space which is literally creating a sense of freedom, openness and light everywhere you turn. This new energy is infusing me and the house with a reinvigorated purpose...it is affecting my mind set, my body and the way I now am able to get through the day...simply stunning...every new curtain, appliance, piece of furniture, fabric, plant breathes with a vibrancy that was lacking before...it is all so lovely...embracing all this change can be challenging, especially for someone like me, but I am truly enjoying it and recommend that you do the same in your life...my next goal is to clean out all my clothes closets...create some space for a new look...a new "au courant" me!

Lastly, there is the planning for The Third Annual SUGAR & STILETTOS Bake Sale Extravaganza for Charity on May 18, 2013/11am-3pm...things are coming along in such a magical way...new restaurants, bakeries and stores are joining in, our PR push has begun, we are close to naming
Mr. S & S 2013 and so much more...check out all the details (our raffle items are insane!) on our website...and make sure you sign up for our email list there so you don't miss out on any of our news! www.sugarandstilettos.com

That's it for now...I hope everyone has had a wonderful beginning of spring...here's to the joy of living in the moment, the joy of being your best self!

xoxo Nanci

Monday, February 4, 2013

Change is in the Air!

I am hellbent on making some changes in my life this year. I don't know where any of them will lead and I don't really care at this point. I just know that the way things have been in recent months is not making me happy or allowing me to feel fulfilled...I know, I know I mentioned this in the last blog...well, this is the follow-up so bear with me.

I am well aware that change only comes from action and that each one of us is responsible for taking the initiative to bring about change in our lives...NO ONE ELSE can do it for us...NO ONE ELSE will do it for us...so that's the first really big piece of information to digest. Alright, so it's up to you...in this case ME to begin creating some action that will take me out of the doldrums and propel me forward.

The basic overall emotion that I've been feeling is that my life feels stagnate, a bit old and tired....like it's gotten away from my essence, from what's important to me. I feel it in my home, I feel it in my body, I feel it in my thinking...so I decided to look deeply into what I could do to shake up that perspective.

First, I started with my work...specifically my next play, "SUGAR & STILETTOS - an obsessive baking odyssey" which has been put on the back burner for a long time as other things took precedence or as I allowed other things to take precedence. I wanted to get back to my creative/artistic self...I have been craving that big time so I began doing some re-writes towards the end of last year. Then I asked a few friends (writers and directors) for feedback. Their responses were more than I could have hoped for. Clearly, the play is not done...in fact, has a long way to go until it would be ready for a full production (the development process is pretty long...1-2 years)...but the feedback indicated that I was on the right track and that perhaps a lot farther along in the process than I believed. This delighted me to no end and was really encouraging.

Next, I began to look in to people who could develop the project with me and eventually direct it. After, just one conversation with someone that was recommended to me I knew what I had to do. I had to call Mark Travis and see if we couldn't work together again. It became crystal clear to me that I couldn't waste my time on someone else's learning curve. I needed someone who really knows this solo show world, someone who I already respected and trusted, someone who would know how to pull the rest of the story out of me and guide me through the process...I knew that person was Mark Travis...the person who got me to start writing over 15 years ago...the person who believed that I had a voice and stories that were worth telling...the person who got me back on the ice where I did another ten years of training and competing... the person who is smart, funny, warm and caring...so Mark and I talked for a long time on the phone yesterday and today I sent him a copy of the most recent draft of the play.

I'm not sure where this will lead. It's going to cost me money that I don't have...but I MUST do it. After my conversation with Mark I felt a calm come over me. I instinctively knew that having Mark back in my life and on this project (and at this particular time) was EXACTLY the right thing to do and EXACTLY what I needed to re-connect with my artist self. It feels like I am taking care of the most sacred part of myself. That alone makes me giddy imagining all the possibilities and challenges that lie ahead...every bit of it so perfect in its own way.

Second, I looked at my home environment. Now, although I have an adorable, cozy little house filled with emotional treasures, it has been feeling worn out and dated...like I've out grown it by a dress size or two. So, I made the leap...again money I don't have...and called Kathy Delgado of Vintageweave Interiors. I've known Kathy for several years...she is a doll, a fellow Francophile who designs and decorates in the French farmhouse style (often for big celebs). I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this rustic and refined look!

I have never hired anyone to help me with my house, which I've owned for almost fifteen years but I just KNEW deep in my heart and soul that Kathy was the answer, was the home angel that I needed. Well, she came sweeping in and in our first two hour meeting had me purging books, knick knacks and picture frames as if I were in a frenzy. She immediately started re-purposing items and envisioning new looks for the house...especially the living room, kitchen and my bedroom. I was entranced...the spaces (literally and figuratively) that she opened up that day felt intoxicating in their openness, in their vibrancy, in their simplicity...OOH LA LA...I was so happy! Kathy came back for another visit last week...three hours this time...when she left I was even happier than before! On Saturday my new bed arrived and VOILA a whole new era has begun. The rest of the changes Kathy has in mind will unfold over time but all is in motion and no longer standing still...a wonder to behold...

Lastly, I am working at cleaning out the cobwebs in my mind and body. This, of course, is a bit trickier than the other stuff, so all I've really accomplished thus far is to be aware of my thought process and pay more attention to taking care of my body...be kinder to it and get it moving/exercising on a more regular basis. I feel the shifting of attitudes going on already...giving me a calmer, gentler perspective. I'll keep you posted as to how this process reveals itself to me over time...

So, my lovelies, what are you going to change this year in your life to make yourself more joyful, more fulfilled? I can't wait to hear all the details of your awakening...

xoxo Nanci, Your Adoring Sugar Queen

Saturday, January 19, 2013

HAPPY, HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013!!!

Well, I'm embarrassed to say that's it's taken me almost three weeks to come out from underneath the holiday madness fog I was in. Even though Joshua and I did not go crazy over his winter break we still did our fair share of making the party rounds, celebrating, going to the movies and theatre, out to dinner etc, etc...

So, here I am trying to figure out what 2013 is going to be like for me...what life I want to CREATE for myself...what life I want to LIVE...what life will bring me the most JOY and sense of PURPOSE (aside from being Joshua's mom!)...these are HUGE questions to ask oneself...and they are questions I have only just begun to delve into.

This is what I do know so far. I am not completely happy with where I am at, personally or professionally. I, at times, give away too much of myself leaving nothing (or little) left to nurture myself and my own dreams/aspirations. My creative/artist soul is in desperate need of a voice again.

I also know that I want to focus more on my new play, "SUGAR & STILETTOS - an obsessive baking odyssey" getting it ready for a table read, workshop production, possible submissions to various festivals and development programs with the ultimate goal of a full production, etc. I want to start working on the SUGAR & STILETTOS Baking book, and a proposal for a SUGAR & STILETTOS television baking show...both major elements in growing the S & S brand...I'd like the Third Annual S & S Bake Sale Extravaganza to be a PHENOMENAL success, really grow this year in amazing ways, financially and awareness wise, getting lots and lots of PRESS...and, oh yeah, I'd like to fall in love again...at least one more time before I leave this planet.

And lastly (for right now) I know that I am incredibly blessed and privileged...that I am completely capable of re-inventing myself...of beginning a new chapter of my life by deciding to create it and then doing just that.

OK, so that's what I know...what I don't know could fill volumes and volumes for sure, but I'm not going to focus on that...I am going to focus on figuring out what I do want and how to create that...knowing that as I work on myself I will become happier and more productive...which is not only better for me it's better for everyone around me...finding a way to be my best self is what the universe is begging me to do...begging you too, by the way...

So, mes belles et mes beaux...WHAT IS YOUR GOAL for 2013? Look inside and discover/re-kindle your dreams and best self...set the world on fire with your passion...and when you have a minute bake a little something...like Zoe Nathan's Whole Wheat Apple Butter Cake...it's a beauty and everyone you share it with will love you even more than they already do!


xoxo Nanci, Your S & S Baking Queen

Monday, November 12, 2012

The S & S Executive Committee is back in action!

Just a quick little blog to let you know that the Sugar & Stilettos Executive Committee had it's first meeting of the new season yesterday...OOH LA LA...watch out 2013...we are on our way!!!

We were so happy to see each other again and start planning the 2013 S & S Bake Sale Extravaganza for Charity already slated for Saturday May 18, 2013...MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

So many good ideas were being bantered about to create an even more spectacular event. We all agreed that the MOST important improvement we can make is to get a lot of PR...meaning television coverage, print stories, radio interviews and internet posts...to do that we may have to pay BIG TIME for some professional help...hopefully if we do have to pay maybe some kind hearted PR maven will at least discount their fees (but not their passion for our mission!). If any of you have any ideas or know anyone that could help us in this area please, please let us know...it is key to growing the event and thus raising more money for the Westside Food Bank and St. Joseph Center's Food Pantry program.

Remember that EVERY dollar counts...the Westside Food Bank can turn a dollar in to four (4) meals and St. Joseph Center can fill a bag of groceries for less than $5.00 (retail value $40.00)...everyone can truly make a difference in a child/family's daily life.

Our beautiful meeting table
Besides all our planning we ate, drank, laughed and were quite merry. I even made my sinfully buttery NYC Style Crumb Cake to go along with all the other goodies and champagne. We also welcomed another Nancy (this one with a "y" not "i" like me) to our group. She is a long time friend of Jacklynn and Casey's and brings to the table a wealth of non-profit experience not to mention a passion for baking. Welcome Nancy to our crazy and sweet Sugar & Stilettos world!

As always I'll keep you updated with the latest S & S news...happy baking!

xoxo Nanci

Friday, November 9, 2012

Joshua and Louis ROCK THE HOUSE at the Operation Mend Presentation!!!

Me, Joshua, Louis and my Parents
Well, I know I just wrote a blog about Joshua's Bar Mitzvah...and I know, well, at least I think I know that I mentioned that Joshua would be donating a good portion of his Bar Mitzvah money to Operation Mend at UCLA and that that amount, $6,500.00, would be matched by my parents' friend, Christa Burke, through her foundation bringing the total to $13,000.00...not to mention a handful of donations that have been made directly to OM.

Joshua and Louis with Operation Mend founder, Ron Katz and his daughter-in-law, Dana
However, I also know that I didn't say anything at all about the television interviews or the article by AP that has gone viral nationally including making it on to The Huffington Post or all the radio coverage the story got this morning including NPR...well, because I couldn't, because it hadn't happened yet...and because it was all so unexpected and last minute. Oh, there was a plan for the presentation of the check with Joshua and Louis at the Operation Mend offices but all the press stuff began to happen just 24 hours before that event which was yesterday at 4pm...OOH LA LA and then some!

Louis in front of the camera
Once Amy Albin of UCLA's Media Office called me (she is a real cracker jack!) with the news of some of this press attention, life became a whirlwind of activity. There were television interviews with KCBS/KCAL, KABC and Fox News plus a phone interview with AP...the excitement for everyone was electric...and there was celebrating all around....lots of smiling, happy people.

Joshua and me happy as can be
Afterwards, Joshua and I went out to dinner with Louis, my parents and sister-in-law, Jacklynn Evans, who is simply the BEST aunt in the world, not to mention extraordinary cheerleader! We had such fun... and our hearts were lifted with the privilege of being able to be fully engaged, caring human beings...simply magical.

Needless to say...even though I am very tired today I am beyond proud of my son, my family, our beloved Louis and the entire crew at Operation Mend. Please feel free to make a donation if you are so inclined...

xoxo Nanci

Stella 
P.S. Here is a picture of Stella Dahlman (22 months), Louis and Laura's adorable daughter...another reason to smile.

P.S.S. If you have a minute or two here are two of the links to check out the television reports...






Friday, November 2, 2012

Joshua's Big Bar Mitzvah Day!

OMG...I cannot believe that it has been so long since I last wrote a blog...please forgive me! My only excuse is that I've been a little bit busy. I had barely recovered from the 2012 Sugar & Stilettos Bake Sale Extravaganza for Charity when I had to head full speed ahead with the final planning for Joshua's Bar Mitzvah...OY VEY and OOH LA LA is all I can say. I swear I am still in a stupor from this year of uber organizing!

Me, My Parents, Cantor Kent, Joshua, Rabbi Joel on the Bimah
Anyway, I am thrilled to report that the Bar Mitzvah was an absolutely incredible experience for one and all. Joshua did a brilliant job with his Torah portion, his Haftorah, his D'Var Torah...well, just all things Torah! I was so proud of him...plus seeing both of my parents so happy was an extra special bonus.

The night before my parents hosted a dinner for all the out-of-town guests plus a few in town folks. There was Josh wine (yes, there is a vineyard in northern California that produces Josh wines!), Josh photo cookies and a lot of eating, drinking, laughing and loving.

The Bar Mitzvah Boy/Man
The next morning began by getting to the temple a bit early to start the picture taking with our nearest and dearest. I hobbled around because, of course, I had to get a stress fracture on my right foot two weeks before this momentous event...however, I will tell you that there was nothing that was going to keep me from enjoying this day to the fullest. In fact, a few days in advance I told all the people that I had hired that I was no longer available...that they had "to talk amongst themselves" and solve any last minute problems because I was now in pure enjoyment mode. Gratefully, they all listened to me, and if there were any snafus, to this day I still don't know about them.

The Cousins
Our guests were streaming in the entire time. With a bunch of pictures already taken, everyone headed into the sanctuary where the service was to take place. Our wonderful Rabbi Joel and Cantor Kent lead the service with our Senior Rabbi Zoe making a special blessing at the end. Throughout, Joshua held his composure, a remarkable feat considering all the pressure and preparation leading up to this...it was me and my parents, not to mention many of our friends and family members, who lost it at various times. Particularly touching was the presentation of the Tallit (prayer shawl) by my parents, the aliyahs said by our closest family and friends and the passing of the Torah from one generation to another. So amazing to think that we were now a part of this four thousand year old tradition.

Confetti Blast during Traditional Chair Dance
Greatly relieved and ready to party everyone went out into the lobby to have a nosh and a drink before going in to the Social Hall for the party and luncheon. There was rock and rollin' dancing galore, great food, the candle lighting ceremony, the Joshua montage, my thank you/welcoming speech and Joshua's presentation of a Medal of Honor for our Operation Mend soldier, Louis Dahlman...a standing ovation for Louis spontaneously happened and I assure there was not a dry eye in the house, including Louis himself...a priceless, breathtaking moment.

Grandpa & JB with their matching rings
Joshua's Mitzvah project was to raise awareness for the Operation Mend program at UCLA whose mission it is to heal the wounds of war by helping to heal our wounded warriors. We have been a buddy family for Louis and his family for over three years...for us, they are now a part of our family forever...we adore them. It was a privilege to be able to include Louis, Laura and their toddler daughter, Stella, in this celebration...all of it Joshua's idea. Joshua also decided to donate $6,500.00 of his Bar Mitzvah money to Operation Mend which was matched by my parents' friend, Christa Burke, through her foundation bringing the total to $13,000.00 plus a few other donations that were made directly to the organization. I simply couldn't have prouder of my son than I was.

I could go on and on but I won't...I know you get the idea...suffice it to say, it was a glorious day filled with profound meaning and gravitas, but also humor and fun...and much, much love. A perfect day in every way...

xoxo Nanci