Capturing the Spirit Through Art

Recently I was very fortunate to meet two fabulous ladies, who are quickly becoming friends of ours. Pamela Hodnefield is a Master Remodeler, and Mary Veronica Sweeney is a Master American Artist. I love to meet people that think creatively and have the ability to see beauty in the smallest of details. [...]
Recently I was very fortunate to meet two fabulous ladies, who are quickly becoming friends of ours. Pamela Hodnefield is a Master Remodeler, and Mary Veronica Sweeney is a Master American Artist. I love to meet people that think creatively and have the ability to see beauty in the smallest of details. Outside of that, they are just easy to be around and pure fun.

Last week I was asked by Mary (MV for short), if I would sit for a portrait. I had no idea that just being asked was such a gift, until I learned more about her as an artist and as a person. In the short time I have known MV she doesn't seem to be someone that sings her own praises, but after getting to know her a bit I feel that I need to share her talent with the world. She is passionate about her work, and yet you wouldn't know by talking to her that her commissions have included images for PBS in Washington DC, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. She is a good example of someone that lives her life with grace and doesn't need to talk about her talent because her work speaks for itself. She sees it as her challenge to bring the beauty out in everyone, and she sees that beauty in the slightest of details. From the way she sees a hand to the emotion she senses in her subjects eyes, it is the spirit that she strives to portray through her art.

Outside of her portraits she paints beautiful landscapes, some of which appear to be as clear as a photograph.



If you want to purchase a piece of her artwork her work will be showing at Muse Coffee Co. for the entire month of August.

This photograph was taken during my first sitting. After only an hour and a half there was a definite sense that this portrait captures who I am. It's amazing to watch. I will write another post once the piece is complete.
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People You Meet Along the Way - Marc Summers

Throughout the past nine years, from growing my event business to building my lifestyle brand, I have had the good fortune to meet some very talented people along the way. From Lisa Youngblood Hall, the first producer I worked with at KING - who gave me my first on camera opportunity,  to the General Manager [...]
Throughout the past nine years, from growing my event business to building my lifestyle brand, I have had the good fortune to meet some very talented people along the way. From Lisa Youngblood Hall, the first producer I worked with at KING - who gave me my first on camera opportunity,  to the General Manager (that shall remain nameless) who always takes the time to listen and provide input when I need it, to my agent's assistant who followed me after leaving the agency and stayed in touch continuing to believe in my talent, I have been blessed with people who support me in building my career and following this big dream of mine. I have found that it never hurts to meet someone new, and you must send a note or something small to follow up and let people know that you appreciate and value their time and input.

Well, one of those people happens to be Marc Summers. Marc has many years of experience on both sides of the camera, some know him as the host of the popular show Double Dare and over the years he has built a strong presence on the Food Network as the host of Unwrapped and Ultimate Recipe Showdown, as well as Executive Producer of the hit show Dinner Impossible.

Marc and I met at a McDonalds in LA through a friend in Seattle, who also had faith in my ability. She introduced us on the phone and when I was in LA for meetings, after a long wait in traffic we decided to pull in to a McDonalds and hold our meeting there. Two years later I would not have imagined that he would be a friend and mentor, and now my Manager. After that cup of coffee Marc made an effort to stay in touch, and when possible reach out to me with an opportunity to meet someone he felt might be able to help further my career. He gave me the opportunity to work on Dinner Impossible, and has always believed in my ability to do what I do on a larger scale. Most importantly, he helps me gain perspective when I need it, along with reminding me to keep my eye on the big picture and on the heart of my brand. I am looking forward to working with him and continuing to learn more about this crazy wonderful industry.
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Chat with Women

If you haven’t heard Rochelle Alhadeff and Pam Gray’s radio show Chat with Women you should tune it, they are a hoot!  These women are witty and aren’t afraid to ask the questions that you are thinking during an interview.  They have a great mix of guests on the air, yes including me, and share the belief [...]
If you haven't heard Rochelle Alhadeff and Pam Gray's radio show Chat with Women you should tune it, they are a hoot!  These women are witty and aren't afraid to ask the questions that you are thinking during an interview.  They have a great mix of guests on the air, yes including me, and share the belief that if you have passion for life anything can happen.  They bring a seasoned perspective and their motto is that they are young enough to remember and old enough to know.  I have had fun getting to know them and enjoy being a part of their show.  Tune in to KKNW 1150 AM, Monday through Friday from 8 am - 9 am to listen to some interesting peeps including local foodie Ernie Pinot and relationship expert Pepper Schwartz.  If you tune in the third Thursday (that's this Thursday) of each month you'll catch me sharing entertaining tips and a laugh with the ladies. 
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Scooting Along

Okay, I’m warning you, if you see me scooting along the street or in to a meeting DON’T LAUGH. This is my new best friend for the next six weeks. I have big plans to accessorize, of course, and in the design plan a pair of my Jimmy Choo’s hanging off of the [...]
Okay, I'm warning you, if you see me scooting along the street or in to a meeting DON'T LAUGH. This is my new best friend for the next six weeks. I have big plans to accessorize, of course, and in the design plan a pair of my Jimmy Choo's hanging off of the basket is under consideration. It even has a place for my coffee or SIGG bottle. I have always acknowledged the challenges of those struggling with disabilities, but it wasn't until I had to ride this cart everywhere that I could understand the overall impact it has on your life. If all goes well, I will be back to normal in late July/early August and then I can go back to my regular lifestyle. Unfortunately, so many other are much worse off and have had to find a way to live with their disability forever. The frustration that you feel in the beginning trying to do your normal daily routine is tough, and thanks to the support of my significant other I have had it much easier than if I were alone (thanks Brent). I can say that I have a new found respect for people with disabilities, especially those excelling in their professional life. I have several meetings in LA and New York and had hoped to be off the scooter and at least in my walking boot. I initially struggled to decide whether I should just take the next 10 weeks to recover completely before presenting my brand to others (which happens to be me), and decided that this scooter is not going to get in the way of moving forward to achieve my dream. I am still the same Kelley, just with a fancy scooter. I may have trouble flagging down a cab in NYC with a scooter in tow, or maybe one of the New York cabbies will have sympathy and take the time for me to collapse this bad boy and jump in the back. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. Do you think a horn on the handlebars is too much? ;)
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OFF TOPIC - Project Runway

Images courtesy of If It’s Hip It’s Here Galas and events are held so frequently in any major city it seems like there is always an event to attend.  I must say, however, Seattle needs to do an event like the New York’s annual “Tulips and Pansies: The Headdress Affair.” In its seventh year, it is [...]
Images courtesy of If It's Hip It's Here

Galas and events are held so frequently in any major city it seems like there is always an event to attend.  I must say, however, Seattle needs to do an event like the New York's annual "Tulips and Pansies: The Headdress Affair." In its seventh year, it is not your average benefit fashion show - pair New York's top florists with the city's most creative fashion designers, and according to one of my favorite bloggers the Floral headdresses are akin to "wearable rooftop gardens, that are so outrageous and over-the-top they could be their own float in the annual Rose Parade."

With the popularity of Project Runway (the new season begins on July 16th by the by), I am inspired to put something together in my spare time pairing all of the talented florists that I know, along with the talented designers and stylists that I know and create something here in Seattle. I am a huge fan of Joan Kelly and Fashion First, maybe I'll put a bug in her ear and we can do it together. But, seriously aren't these fantastic?




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Greece Bound

Okay, maybe not today but someday.  I promised my good friends that by my 40th birthday my brand would be national and I would be able to treat them all to a private cruise through the greek islands with a chef to prepare delicious meals whenever we wanted to eat.  The clock is ticking, and [...]
Okay, maybe not today but someday.  I promised my good friends that by my 40th birthday my brand would be national and I would be able to treat them all to a private cruise through the greek islands with a chef to prepare delicious meals whenever we wanted to eat.  The clock is ticking, and I am praying that we won't be at a greek restaurant eating pita bread for dinner! ;)  Well, until then I can dream.  This is a beautiful spot in Santorini.  The Bellonias are private apartments and studios that have a wellness gym with massage and spa treatments on the grounds, along with private beach and gym.  I'll keep dreaming!    
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I Realize Slow and Steady Wins the Race, But Come On!

I have always understood the story about the tortise and the hare, but still really never bonded with the tortise.  Now that I am slowed down by a cast, I feel like the the little turtle.  Everything is moving slower than I would like, including getting out of bed.  This injury has made me realize [...]
I have always understood the story about the tortise and the hare, but still really never bonded with the tortise.  Now that I am slowed down by a cast, I feel like the the little turtle.  Everything is moving slower than I would like, including getting out of bed.  This injury has made me realize that I don't like moving slow, or taking breaks.  I like being busy, and having a million things going on.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  That's just me.  I embrace it.  If one more person says,"maybe this is supposed to get you to slow down!"  I get their point, but don't understand it, and hope that I never do.  The tortise may have won the race, but did he really have as much fun along the way?  
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Two Days Off

I am having surgery on my Achilles on Thursday morning so I am taking the rest of the week off from updating the site to recover. I hope that you will come back on Monday for new posts, ideas, and favorite things. Have a great remainder of the week, and a fabulous weekend!   
I am having surgery on my Achilles on Thursday morning so I am taking the rest of the week off from updating the site to recover. I hope that you will come back on Monday for new posts, ideas, and favorite things. Have a great remainder of the week, and a fabulous weekend!   
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My Achilles Heel

I have always wondered what my Achilles heel would be in life.  Would it be my love for shoes, my fierce focus on my career, or my intense passion and playfulness . Today it became clear.  Yes, the love of shoes did contribute, but all of this time it was my actual achilles. This morning [...]
I have always wondered what my Achilles heel would be in life.  Would it be my love for shoes, my fierce focus on my career, or my intense passion and playfulness . Today it became clear.  Yes, the love of shoes did contribute, but all of this time it was my actual achilles. This morning at the gym I was working out and ruptured my achilles tendon.  One step, and one "pop" later I was in the ER waiting for my fate.  Surgery on Thursday and in a cast for eight to ten weeks.
 
The other day I blogged about stepping back when you need to, and using your passion to pick up where you left off.  Well, let me share another lesson that I am learning today.  Talent has very little to do with your outward appearance, but instead stems from that passion that burns inside for what you do and that in turn evolves in to a developed talent that can be contagious.  Well, my first reaction today when I found out I would be in a cast, and couldn't wear many of the stylish outfits that I planned to on my upcoming travels to LA and New York,  was to worry.   Should I postpone the meetings?  What will people think if I come strolling in with my knee on a cart and my ankle in a cast?  First impressions are everything right?  When you are full of passion and drive for what you do, and you are confident in your skill set the cast becomes secondary.  That is my belief anyway, and moving forward, cast and all, is far more productive than standing still.  Another thought, if you had a job interview would you cancel because you were injured.  No, you would go and rock it! That is what I am going to do...five days after surgery.  I am going to go and share my passion, what becomes of that experience is just icing on the cake.  
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OFF TOPIC - Girl Power

First of all, don’t judge me on my 80’s hair and AC/DC t-shirt! This is me with my girlfriend Chelsea a few years ago at her 30th birthday bash. She is a huge fan of the 80’s so in true Lifestyle Expert form I threw her an 80’s soiree. Everyone came decked [...]
First of all, don't judge me on my 80's hair and AC/DC t-shirt! This is me with my girlfriend Chelsea a few years ago at her 30th birthday bash. She is a huge fan of the 80's so in true Lifestyle Expert form I threw her an 80's soiree. Everyone came decked out in their 80's best. I was shocked to fit in to my red snakeskin pants, of course until I split my pants doing my signature dance move! But that isn't the point of this post.

I went with a group of my girlfriends to Sex and the City this weekend, and it reminded me how powerful the bond between women can be. Women of all types came out en mass, decked out in their sassy dresses and saucy high heels. Everywhere you looked there were groups and groups of women. The theatre we were in pre-sold 5,000 tickets alone! I laughed when I heard a group of women sitting behind us raving about the goody bags their girlfriend had made, complete with pink flasks and pre-made cosmos, nail polish, and a mini book with scenes from Sex and the City. I looked at my girlfriends and said,"I'm supposed to be the Lifestyle Expert! I can't believe I didn't do anything for you." They all laughed and let me know in their own way that they love me anyway. That's the thing, no matter how busy life gets, how badly you screw up, or how far apart you are, girlfriends accept you flaws and all. As you will see in the movie (I won't give it away for those of you who haven't seen it) although it isn't always easy, it is always worth it.

I have read many reviews of the movie, and although some people say it is too long I loved it. As we sat through the movie together, we could relate to all of the characters in a variety of ways. We laughed and cried, and remembered just how valuable our friendships are. I give Sex in the City two thumbs up, and when it comes out on DVD I will be adding it to my collection.
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