HO HO HA HA HA...

laughing all the way....

I had my first experience with Laughter Yoga last week, and it won’t be the last. Of all the things one can do to feel good, and keep that youthful glow…Laughter Yoga, which combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing is certainly at the top of the list. The philosophy behind this simple, yet profund practice, is one of peace, joy, and connectivness with your inner child. I can relate, because those are some of the things this blog promotes. 

According to the Laughter Yoga Website: Laughter Yoga combines Unconditional Laughter with Yogic Breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can Laugh for No Reason, without relying on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group; with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits.”


Laughter Yoga is a revolutionary idea – simple and profound. An exercise routine, it is sweeping the world and is a complete wellbeing workout.

The brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, a Physician from Mumbai, India, launched the first Laughter Club at a Park on March 13, 1995, with merely a handful of persons. Today, it has become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 6000 Social Laughter Clubs in about 60 countries.

I urge everyone to try it. The environment is a safe one, and you might be surprised. It’s pure fun! What adult can't use some uplifting these days? One of the perks is, you will find yourself laughing for no apparent reason, more and more, long after the class is through. 


One group/class I can recommend in the Boston area is http://www.letslaughtoday.com/

You can also check the website for Laughter Yoga http://www.laughteryoga.org/

PUT ON A HAPPY FACE

NEW YORK NIGHTLIFE (a reservation at RdV)

Like John Legend before me!

After my last blog post about my taste for the good life, I accepted an invitation to a party in New York. I may not travel a lot these days, but, a party in New York City makes up for all those walks along the Seine, and any al fresco dining in Tuscany, I am missing out on. Well, not really, but, you know what I mean.

A friend of mine was throwing a party for one of his big number birthdays. He rented out the New York hot spot RdV. According to the news, John Legend was definitely living it up at his 32nd birthday bash Wednesday at New York City hotspot RdV, where he celebrated with celeb pals, including Ne-Yo, Estelle, and even 'Jersey Shore' star Pauly D. And I can see why. The place is super cool. I loved it from the moment I waltzed in.

Sure, my white coat had a few dirt spots, and my diamonds were fake, but, the feeling of exhilaration I had being part of Big Apple nightlife (my old stomping ground) was Real. It was terrific.

Just imagine, standing in the middle of the dance floor, surrounded by all the pretty people, sipping champagne, and dancing to outrageously good songs like Slipping into Darkness, by War, and Gil Scott-Heron’s, In the Bottle. When Tower of Power’s, Down to the Nightclub came on, I got everyone on the floor and we lived out the song!

All I had hinted at in a few previous posts was that I would love a fun night on the town, and next thing I know, I am in New York City’s Meat Packing District partying like it was 1999! Stay on this blog, and let’s keep living the good life as best we can.

One of the party guests, who had not seen me in ten years, declared… “Renee, you have not aged one bit since I last saw you!” I don’t know about you, but, I am staying with this blog. It works.

If you can’t get to New York, and you don’t want to go out in the cold, turn on any of the songs mentioned here. You’ll warm right up, get the urge to dance, and rid yourself of any winter blues.



DOES THIS HAPPEN TO YOU?

Last night Aunty and I were shopping. I spotted this stunning handbag, and immediately thought this is exactly what I am looking for. I fell in love with the size, the soft, colored leather, and the design. The bag had a muted image of what looked like Italy, with a purple and pale blue background. Since I had been looking for a new satchel for some time, I decided I would buy it. In light of my recent blog post about travel, I figured this might be as close to Italy as I can get. Then I looked at the price. I should have known. The pocketbook was seven hundred dollars! I couldn’t believe it. Every other handbag was under fifty dollars. But, I should have. I seem to have radar for everything first-class and spectacular…A taste for Cristal on a Boone's Farm budget.

We traipsed over to another department store where they were having a huge winter sale. From a distance I saw the most dazzling pocketbook. It was metallic blue, and even had a long shoulder strap, which was perfect for me. I was so excited. I figured it couldn’t cost too much money, most girls don’t like the long strap, and with the fifty percent off, I might get lucky. Drum roll please….Up close, the swanky item cost twenty five-hundred dollars! That was the sale price. I was stunned. All I could think of was why does this always happen to me? Yet, I know I am not alone. Those of us with this condition should get together. I can see us now. We’ll book the Four Seasons but crash at the Red Roof. We’ll want dinner at the Ritz, seven is fine, but end up at Olive Garden with a glass of red wine.

To make myself feel better, I bought a split of French champagne, spritzed myself with Tom Ford’s private label perfume, and headed home. I tucked my one piece, Mickey Mouse, K-Mart pajamas (that say, let it snow) into my new Uggs, and watched some old footage of yacht racing while skimming a Sotheby’s Catalog. Aunty rolled quarters (so we could do laundry). Forget buying a handbag; what I really need is a washing machine. And, I have my heart set on nothing but a remote vision, Jetson’s-like, Miele. Of course, it’s the best washing appliance made. Some things never change.

And what does this all have to do with being Ageless? Well, it's okay to dream BIG...as long as you are happy wherever you are. Especially, happy at heart!

YELLOW-BRICK UGGS

One pair is mine

Right before Christmas, a dear friend asked me what I wanted for a gift. Off the top of my head, all I could think of was a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble or Whole Foods. She didn’t like that idea, and said she wanted to buy me an actual present. She asked what I really wanted. Since she is pretty generous, I told her a pair of Ugg slippers was high on my wish list, and that I had wanted a pair for a long time.

Being so busy, the next day, when a box arrived in the mail, I did not make the connection to my friend. I had no idea who the package was from or what was inside. I let it sit in my hallway for a few days. When I did open it, there was a pair of those super fine Santa Ugg Boots that I had just blogged about. They were utterly fabulous.

When I called to thank my pal she told me, “I figured you really wanted those boots and not the slippers.” That was not necessarily true. But, once I stepped into those boots I just flipped for them. I love the fun style and all that fluffy fur. The boots turned out to be a perfect gift. They are so comfortable, I hardly take them off. They also made me realize the power of my blog! No one would have ever known I desired that particular fashion item unless they were looking at my blog. People are reading it. That’s the best gift of all!

Maybe if I click my heels together three times, I will end up smack dab in the middle of a lucrative book deal. Especially if I do the clicking in these boots, on this blog… where magic continues to flow…..

Has there been any magic in your life lately? Keep reading and there will be. Or get yourself a pair of Uggs. These things are so cozy you will find yourself slipping into a fantastical state of bliss. I think every pair of Uggs comes with their own little (imaginary)Yellow-Brick Road. To prove this might be true...these boots now come in sparkling sequin. http://www.uggaustrailia.com/

By the way, my sister wants you to know…she had the Dior-looking Uggs first.

MY WINTER VACATION...

You're Looking at it

My niece just called me from Maui (keep in mind she's sixteen). My cousin is packing for Florida, only to return for a cross country trek on his Harley. My neighbor is on her way around the world AGAIN, while I get texts from Texas. And my sister keeps sending me pictures of herself floating around the Mediterranean. I would show you one of those images if I could locate the file.

As I mentioned in the last post, a vacation is just not in my budget, so, I open my door, and walk around the neighborhood. I often sit on this bench to do my daily meditation, and then fantasize about Italy and Paris. But, obviously, not lately (the sitting that is)...

I know at some point I will travel, like everyone I know, including my twelve year old niece who spends her summers on Martha's Vineyard because her best friend's family owns a home there.

But, for now, I can see a big, beautiful world right in my own backyard!

HAPPY TRAILS...

LET IT SNOW...

Day after recent snow storm

In my world, it gets prettier each day after the snowfall. As I was saying in my last post...I can't get enough snow. Something deep inside me simply connects with this gift of nature.

 I have to ask myself how lucky am I, that this is the view from my office window. Today, this is what I see when I write. A scene like this can't help but inspire. No wonder I love the snow...I could have a bestseller brewing if this weather continues.

A friend chimed in that God was good. "You may not have traveled much in the last five years Renee, with so much responsibility of taking care of your Aunty, on such a limited budget. But, this is one little way of expanding your horizon." She's right. Surroundings like this do make me feel unlimited. Somehow, I am able to make it more of a sleigh ride through difficult circumstances every day, rather than a hike through challenging terrain.

No matter where you live, what you are going through, or what's outside your window...I wanted to share my view with you.

Thanks for tuning in.....

SNOW DAY...

Here in New England today, some areas got a walloping 24 inches of powder!

Some ways to make the most of this, and other snow days to come….

Build a snowman. It’s more fun than you think. Frolicking in the snowfall is one way to satisfy your inner child. It's one of my favorite anti-aging tricks. The more snow, the younger I feel.


Watch every episode of I Love Lucy (which Aunty is doing while I write). I hear my great Aunty laughing hysterically. I am afraid she is laughing so hard, she might burst! As for me, I Love Lucy has to be my favorite TV show of all time! It’s so hilarious it’s taking me four hours to write this one post, because Aunty keeps calling me to say… “You have to see this.”

Read blogs… Hopefully mine will help put a spring in your step, as one of my readers exclaimed. It really is all for YOU! My friend Kittie Howard’s blog, The Block, is also recommended. Miss Howard is a terrific writer.

If you feel like getting nostalgic, put down your blackberry and grab hold of some bound pages, aka a book. I happen to know the great Roland Merullo. His books, including Breakfast with Buddha, are worth sitting down to. http://www.rolandmerullo.com/

When the view outside your window looks like a Currier and Ives card…Meditate and Reflect…the snow has power…it’s magical. My late Uncle D used to say, “Snow cleanses the air.” Ever since I was a child, and Aunty would make hot buttered (Italian bread) toast and hot chocolate when my cousins and I would come in from sledding, I have loved winter. Things have changed a bit over the years. After this blog post, I will be buttering Aunty’s whole wheat toast with marmalade made of violet-flowers from France.

And, one of my new favorite snowstorm splurges is… ordering cozy items while shopping online. May I suggest Farmaesthetics? I just ordered their Nourishing Lavender Milk moisturizer. It’s a product Aunty and I share, and we can’t seem to get enough of it. After you come in from the cold, it’s the perfect balm to rub into your red cheeks and soothe your senses. They blend the perfect amount of lavender in every batch. The scent is heavenly. This spa-like product is a great complement to a snowy day and a wintery night. I know you’ll be pleased. http://www.farmaesthethetics.com/
Ahh…..

Why not try a new recipe for homemade cookies today. I have one that’s outstanding. …organic rose sugar cookies. They fare well with a cup of healthy green tea. You can get the recipe, along with the world’s finest tea, from Rishi tea. http://www.rishitea.com/

Stay tuned to this blog…Ageless Aunty and I will help keep your snow globe glowing wherever you are….

   



PENNIES FROM HEAVEN....

Louis Prima Jr.

If you are looking for something fabulous to do this cold Monday night, if you live in the Boston area, look no further than House of Blues. The son of music legend, Louis Prima, Louis Prima Jr., will be causing a sensation. You know most of his late father’s songs already....And, they belong on this blog because they are absolutely Ageless...

The catchy tune being played at the beginning of the movie ELF, as Will Ferrell makes his way down the streets of New York, is none other than Louis Prima's Pennies From Heaven. Louis Prima's songs have been featured EVERYWHERE, from Disney's, Jungle Book (that was Louis singing the Monkey Song, I Wanna Be Like You), to Gap Commercials, Woody Allen Films, countless other films and television shows, including The Soprano's. He is the original “King of Swing!”

You couldn’t/can't sit down when Louis Prima (father or son) is up on stage. I can not think of anything more fun than dancing to some of the greatest music ever, like Jump Jive An’ Wail, while being this close to a music legend. And, it's all for a good cause.

For more info about the show go to www.hob.com/boston

All you hep cats, it’s going to be a Big Night (and, Mr. Prima’s songs are played in that 1996 film too).

What a tribute….it’s just fantastic that Louis Jr. is keeping his dad’s OUTSTANDING musical legacy vibrantly alive. Check http://www.louisprimajr.com/ for a show in your area.

FIRST DAY GIRLS

My first three pictures of the New Year were: my sister Juliann, graciously hosting a New Year’s gathering, a dear little family friend holding her beloved pet Pudding Pie, in a basket, and me with a Madi Gras mask.

The images made me realize how we all have our way of making others feel good. I have always been entertaining everyone and making people laugh. So, wearing a feathery,glittery mask while sitting down to dinner with the family, as if this were my normal attire, amused my clan, and any friends who stopped by.

My sister enjoys opening her home and preparing wonderful foods and exotic treats. It’s always Christmas at her house, and she makes everything look easy. Here she is with a party horn, after three hours in the kitchen.

And, my precious Jasmine loves to share her bunny-rabbit with everyone who comes through the door. This kind child knows she is making people happy by letting them cuddle and pet such a soft, adorable animal.

The more I looked at the pictures, and knew where each person’s heart was, the more I smiled.

What's in your heart basket…

A GOOD PLACE TO BE...

with world famous author David Sedaris who just happens to be my writing idol

I am in a pretty good place for an unpublished writer. Agents all over the country are interested in my work! I have a manuscript and book proposals out there at agent’s request. Yippee! However, this did not happen over night…

I have been paying my dues as a writer for some time now. I have written several screenplays (not produced yet), and have been killed with enthusiasm from Hollywood. One producer told me “Your work is so refreshing and funny, but we are not doing any more animal movies.” This was long before Beverly Hills Chihuahua and the twenty other films like it. I have handled my share of rejection from the best of them, including Disney and Warner Bros. I am part of a dedicated and sometimes grueling writing group. It’s not always easy to write the same chapter over and over again twenty times. I now have a polished manuscript, a blog, and the start of a second book, with outlines for a third and fourth. It’s a passion that could easily keep me busy if I did nothing but write. And, I have not made any money from writing yet. I do it all for love. However, anything is possible with hard work and drive. I have given that pound of flesh they say all writers must give, and the “ten years” of paying your dues and building your craft that Dennis Lehane talks about. In my case, it’s been even longer. I am poised for my big break. I visualize getting discovered and signing with an agent soon.

Thank you to all of you, please keep reading. I don’t just write for myself. What is a writer without readers? I value your time, interest, and commitment. Thanks for hitching your wagon to the Renee-A-Palooza Pony Express. We do have a lot of fun don’t we? And, as a bonus, we stay Ageless along the way. Aunty agrees. She is in the living room puffing on her fake cigarette, not looking anywhere close to 90!

Your comments are welcome ….please don’t be shy… Is there something you are working hard at too? Are you getting closer to your goal? Do you smoke a fake cigarette?

For more on how I met David Sedaris click here