The upside of down is all the beautiful things that have emerged during this financial crisis. All the lovely, creative, heart warming moments that still occurred even when there was talk of doom and gloom.
When we were all ready to hide under the covers hoping that, like Rip Van Winkle, when we awoke all this madness would be over, some of us kicked the year off and the negativity by celebrating my lovely friend Melissa’s birthday. A gathering at her loft with interesting people, good champagne and divine cheeses. A celebration....for Melissa. The night before, we rang in her birthday weekend with a home viewing of “The Wrestler” accompanied by champagne. Lovely in a brutal way.
And as the new year unfolded, some people defied logic and opened new stores and businesses. Others took more design risks when conventional wisdom would say stay in the safety zone. And there were still wonderful feasts and the annual Oscar outing with friends. And my beautiful, intimate birthday gathering with friends and family at my favorite wine bar -- City Sip in Echo Park. Another evening that bolstered my spirits and reminded me that all is not lost . That we WILL recover.
The annual Oscar gathering at the Bowery Bar in Hollywood may have been the first time in a long time we went out and spent money, but we cherished our tradition and enjoyed it even more because it was a special treat.
And then there was the gathering (at my client’s new amazing studio space -- ok, plug....High Profile Productions in Culver City) that was simply and elegantly appointed with their amazing array of iconic modern furniture props and their PR/Marketing team’s tableware (ok.....another plug...that would be my line and Kathleen Walsh’s line Walteria Living). Nothing extravagant. Just a collaboration of each person’s talents to welcome the clients. One of the business parters made a fabulous salad and everyone contributed their personal touch to make a lunch experience for clients that was from the heart and spoke volumes about their business. A brand experience that was communicated through sincerity and ingenuity.
There’s the fashion designer for Morgane Le Fay that took more risks for Fall 2009 than ever before, introducing an edgier vibe to her line. Adding sheer organza dresses with a twisted, modern interpretation of old fashioned hoop skirts paired with her new equestrian styled riding boots.
And there were the moments that were just about enjoying the day, focusing on what we have, not what we don’t have......having gelato with my family in Downtown LA Japan Town (ok, that’s the great and fun thing...Italian meets Japanese cuisine.... it’s all good... green tea gelato) and ending the day at the Griffith Observatory as the sun set and the city of LA lit up.
Oh, and for $1.99 there are the fun camera apps for the I Phone. Now there’s a great bargain for hours of creativity. I’ve become a big fan of the QuadCamera app. Shoots a quartet of photos in a faded 1960’s color kind of way.
Maybe it’s a scaled back lifestyle right now. But it shouldn’t be a life sans beautiful moments, and celebrations of creativity, bravery and the people in your life who keep you sane.
