Why I haven’t been posting…

Hi.

I haven’t posted in a while and it’s because I haven’t been feeling well. I am diagnosed with hypertension.  I am now on medication and waiting for test results to hopefully pinpoint a cause to my illness since the traditional sources do not apply (too much salt, overweight, lack of exercise, poor eating habits, etc.)

I will have a writeup soon on a couple of events I attended several weeks ago. Until I have an answer, my posts will be minimal.

Thank you for understanding!

Adrienne

Related articles

• High blood pressure: Symptoms, causes (abc15.com)

Jazz Groupies?

Tanya Flanagan and Temako Roque

Two weeks ago was the Las Vegas Jazz Festival at the JW Marriott Resort & Spa. My mother had talked about going for weeks and since I consider myself a fan of jazz (all types of jazz) I decided I would go too and meet up with our sorority sister Tanya and her niece Temako. Plus, I was curious about the venue and how it would pull off a concert with limited space. It was tiny. It had a few vendor booths where I purchased a really cool huge butterfly necklace and tried on some big round black glasses which got a resounding “No!” from my 17-year-old niece Jassie when I text her asking if she liked them on me.

It was a three-day festival, but we decided to go on the last day and thank goodness we did because I don’t think I would have lasted for more than one day in that heat.  It started at 12:30 p.m. and ended at 8:30 p.m. We arrived around 2:30 p.m. and spent the day listening to Sax Pack, The Rippingtons, Eric Darius and Larry Braggs and finally Will Downing to close out the day. I have to say, I was completely caught off guard by the jazz groupies. It has been many years since I cared if I was in the front row at a concert because I had a crush on the artist, plus this is jazz and there are no back up dancers or elaborate stage sets to look at to keep you entertained; and the women didn’t care. They were in full effect in miniskirts, stilettos, biker shorts, and skin-tight jeans ready to pounce… and I couldn’t get enough people watching.

At one point, a musician, a saxophonist, went into the crowd and was mobbed as if he was Prince. It was hilarious. I was waiting for a security detail to start pushing people back. Needless to say it was a good grown up time.

Next up for Vegas:

• Flautist and urban jazz saxophonist Najee inside The Railhead at Boulder Station Hotel & Casino on Friday, October 5 at 8 p.m.
• Pianist Vernell Brown Jr.  at The Village Lake Las Vegas on Saturday, October 6 at 7 p.m.
• Smooth jazz singer/songwriter Michael Franks inside the Access Showroom at Aliante Station Casino + Hotel on Friday, October 19 at 8 p.m.
• Jazz fusion Hiroshima inside the Chrome Showroom at Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino on Saturday, October 27 at 8 p.m.
• Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour 2012 (David Benoit, winner of NBC’s The Voice Javier Colon, Sheila E., and Margo Rey) at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts on Tuesday, December 18 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available now.

 

Thank you for reading.

Adrienne xo

Giving a Little Provides A Lot

Sunday, the Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc. Starlight Chapter (Las Vegas) held their Third Annual “Paint the Town Red” Luncheon Tea Dance, a fundraising effort at the South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa. The societal group’s mission is to “Enhance and enrich the lives of youth and adults through national and community based programs and projects. We measure our success by the improved quality of life experienced by the people we serve.”

Carri, Me and Mom

I attended with my sister to support of our mother Patti who is a member of the organization. The afternoon consisted of a southern style buffet lunch, solo musical performances, “dancing to the oldies” with a mix of today’s popular line dancing hits, and a raffle and door prize giveaway (none of which we won.) I didn’t really care, although the 32 inch HDTV flat screen would have been nice, because my small $20 raffle tickets donation was for a great cause – in support of the following programs:

Top Teens of America: Provides opportunities for wholesome development of youth through activities that will enhance educational, social, moral, spiritual, cultural and economic development.

Senior Citizens: Supplies information and assistance in the promotion of wholesome and meaningful lives for senior citizens, and leadership to assist local senior citizens with empowerment techniques leading to increased advocacy of issues that impact their lives.

Guests Sylvia Milliner, Diane Mayfield, Lorita Printice

Status of Women: Enhances the status of women by helping to identify ways of utilizing the time, talents, skills and total resources of women.

Community Beautification: Creates and implements projects which enhance the quality of life and help preserve the physical beauty of our environment by providing a series of activities designed to emphasize the importance of a clean, green environment.

I believe giving is important whether it’s time, talent or money in my life personally and professionally (Get Involved Beyond the “Work” and Reap the Rewards) and it’s fun!

Thank you reading

Adrienne xo

FNO 2012 – Caught Up for a Good Cause

 

Tanya Flanagan and Ronald Smith

Last night I attended Fashion Night Out at Crystals at City Center  to support my friend’s and their charities – Jenn is the PR Director for the Nevada Ballet Theatre and Tanya serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Las Vegas After–School All–Stars. Initially, I was there for moral support but once I arrived I was immediately caught up for a good cause. It’s been a while since I paid retail for anything, then I thought of a conversation I had the last week with my hair wizard Richie. He and I agreed that if you attend a charity event and freely imbibe and eat their food, it is morally appropriate to financially support their efforts … the free-flowing champagne helped me release my purse strings.

Melinda Sheckells

First stop was Bottega Veneta for Tanya to show face and take a look at some handbags. One of the things I love about events like this is running into my friends I haven’t seen in a long time like the super talented Melinda Sheckells, editor-in-chief of Vegas/Rated magazine. She and I used to work together at Greenspun Media Group. I was her publicist and she was editor of Las Vegas Home + Design. We chatted for a bit and vowed to have lunch soon. I hope we actually keep our word.

Jenn Kratochwill 3/15/12 Photo Credit: Denise Truscello

Next stop was upstairs to Stella McCartney to say hello to Jenn who looked fabulous in a purple sheer dress with a slim gold belt. As I walked around the boutique I fell in love with a pair of off white wide-legged embossed pants and then quickly fell out of love with the $1500 price tag. So I keep looking until I spotted the tiny kids section and the most adorable pink tulle skirt. I almost chose it until I turned around and saw a set of Stella McCartney Peonie girl organic cotton ‘days of the week’ panties.

Stella McCartney Peoni Panty Set

They screamed buy me for Brielle, my almost three-year old great-niece – sadly, I recently found out I am unable to have children – so I vowed to spoil her as if she were my own and the panties brought back memories of when I was a child and the days of the week sets my mother used to buy for me and my sister. As ridiculous as the price is I bought them anyway. It’s for a good cause I kept telling myself. I had another glass of champagne after that one.

Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille Eau De Parfum

On to Tom Ford to say hello to Suzanne a friend of a friend, meet up with the extremely well dress Ronald Smith, and unknowingly purchase the second item which was a bottle of Tobacco Vanille Eau De Parfum for me. I have been without this scent for nearly a year and the moment I smelled it again I knew I had to have it. It exudes sensuality. I feel super sexy every time I wear it. It was also cause for another glass of champagne before buying it.

Tiffany Bow ring

The final stop was at Tiffany to try to find me a gift suggestion for my August 17 one year anniversary with my boyfriend James. Our special day was put on the back burner because he was in the process of moving to Texas to work for Chevron in their North American Exploration Division so I think I deserve something extra special. For our first Christmas he got me a Tiffany Elsa Peretti Letter “A” pendant in sterling silver with three little diamonds so I was hoping it came in a ring or earrings so I would have a set. Unfortunately it doesn’t, but I wasn’t deterred. It is Tiffany. I kept looking. I fell in love with their diamond platinum bow ring and sent a picture to him via text. I hope he understands I want him to buy it and not just look at it. I’ll keep you posted.

Adrienne xo

 

Blue Eyes, a Dimple Chin and a Rewards Program

My lovely friend Lisa and her husband William recently added Evelyn Grace (a perfect tiny bundle with big blue eyes and a dimple chin) to their family to join big brother Liam on his adventures in toddler hood. Of course I had to get this precious little bundle a gift, and I love buying baby clothes. I get a kick out of the miniature versions of adult clothing and shoes. Seriously, who can resist mini ruffles? I can’t.

So I headed to Saks Fifth Avenue’s Off Fifth because they have the most adorable baby section and their items are always really girly. And to my delight, the retailer also has a new and free rewards program called MORE! offering weekly deals. Just for signing up I received an additional 30 percent off my final purchase (in the spirit of “back to school” through August 14 they are offering 30% off kids’ collections.) How cute is this Juicy Couture Kids – Girls’ Ikat Floral Print Romper (Infant)? Too much! I also got the matching Ikat floral print sandals.

Lisa didn’t know I had a present in tow the day I met Evelyn, plus she’s the type of person who doesn’t expect gifts.  Even before she was pregnant I pleaded with her to have a baby shower and she just laughed at me and said, “Okay we will have one. You will be the only guest.”  She’s a smart ass!

The point of this story is her kind gesture of mailing me a thank you card. I believe in the ‘The Art of the Hand Written Note’ because it shows someone took the time to express their feelings and it means so much more than a quick email or a card you can buy at the store with a prewritten message a million other people received. So to my friend, I say Thank You for our friendship. It means the world to me too!

Adrienne xo

Thank You @GeneralElectric!

Who doesn’t love a little unexpected recognition? This is exactly what I received last week after posting I was at 24 Hour Fitness on Foursquare. To my surprise, General Electric sent me a tweet and our conversation went a little like this:

GE: Enjoy your workout, Adrienne! What does your work out consist of?
AH: Lots of cardio. I love it!
GE: We like your dedication to fitness, Adrienne! Would you mind following @GeneralElectric so we can send you a DM? 

At that point I followed GE and waited for my message which was asking for my mailing address. Today I received a note of encouragement and a lovely basket of healthy nuts, dehydrated fruit, granola and crackers to encourage healthy eating habits.

It’s the little things in life-like being recognized by a company ranked number six on the Fortune 500 list to make working out worth it a bit more.

Thanks again!

Adrienne xo

Remembering a Life Well Lived

This post has been very difficult to write. I had no idea it would take me this long to share my grandmother’s life. On Sunday, March 11, 2012 my grandmother Marguerite Washington (our family’s rock, my best friend, hero and role model) went home to Jesus after sharing herself for nearly 94 years.  On Saturday, March 17, my family grieved and celebrated as we laid her to rest next to my grandfather Lud “Dee Dee” Washington of whom she was married to for 49 years. Born August 4_,1918 in Walsenburg, Colorado, she had one brother (my Great Uncle George, a standup bass player and an original member of the group the Ink Spots) and one sister (my Great Aunt Audrey) who both preceded my Grammy in death.

The month of March was the hardest I’ve had to live. If it hadn’t been for my boyfriend James’ support I don’t think I would have been able to accept it. James is about facts and easily accepted the years of her full life. I’m emotional. I cry at movies, during commercials, listening to songs, looking at babies; I simply drive him nuts with my passion for things.

At her life celebration I wasn’t much of a support system for my mother either. When it came time to walk past the casket, which was the same model as Whitney Houston’s minus being set in platinum and 20+ thousand dollars, I was shaking uncontrollably and almost hyperventilated as my legs started to give out. At that point, my mother resorted to guilt to help me get it together. She glared at me and said, “Your Grammy would not be pleased with you right now. She expects more.” Really?! Mothers have a way about them that make you listen regardless of age. Let’s just say I did not try to climb into the casket like I did when my Dee Dee passed away … but I digress.

On Tuesday, March 20 my lovely mother asked me to join her at The Smith Center for the Performing Arts for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. We see the troupe every time they come to Vegas, and I have to admit, it was good being out in public with my her. I love seeing family traditions passed down (my family at Lion King during Christmas 2011) especially when it involves children and there were many in attendance at Alvin Ailey.

Once REVELATIONS, classic Alvin Ailey portraying the history of black life, all bets were off that I would hold it together. My Grammy was the keeper our family’s legacy with stories of ancestors being house slaves, and as a child how she grew up with oil street lamps, horse and carriages, and how the Lord always directed her path. 

⁵Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
⁶In all your ways acknowledge him,
And he will direct your paths.
(Proverbs 3:5-6)

I hold on to her lessons of faith to continue to guide me through life more so than ever since I am no longer able to pick up the phone and call her. I will forever miss her reciting a verse from the bible during our calls. Nearly 94 years is a long time. I understand clearly now why her favorite Bible verse was:

¹ Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
   will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
² I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
   my God, in whom I trust.”

(Psalm 91)

 I find peace and comfort knowing my grandmother is where she always wanted to be at the end of her life… with the Lord.

Happy Birthday and I miss you so much.

Love your Adrienne

“The Week that Disco Died”

My friend Ralph Agretto said it best on Facebook today that this is “the week that disco died.” Robin Gibb was another childhood favorite as a member of The Bee Gees. I hate to say it, but I have always referred to him as the ‘buck toothed one’ and for obvious reasons. He was an amazing song writer with and without his brothers, and with that, below are a few favorites.

22 December 1949 – 20 May 2012

“If I Can’t Have You” performed by Yvonne Elliman live on Top of the Pops circa- 1978. I used to sing this song in the mirror with a hair brush and think of Marc Roseberry who was my first backward slow skate kiss at Crystal Palace on Boulder Highway.

 

“Emotion” by Samantha Sang. For years I thought it was the Bee Gees singing because the background tracks are just as prominent and they sounded like women. Anyway, this song had me falling in love every time I heard it on the radio.

 

 “Shadow Dancing” by Andy Gibb because he was simply sexy. Even in this video with his skin tight jeans, feathered hair, and deep golden tan with dance moves more like a disco queen than a teen idol. 

 

And from the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack: “More Than A Woman,” “Jive Talkin’,” “You Should Be Dancing,” “How Deep Is Your Love,” and “More Than A Woman” performed by Tavares. My list could go on for a while. I even have a Bee Gees station on Pandora to keep his memory “Stayin’ Alive.” (sorry, it was too easy.)

 

Thank you for the music and thank you for reading.

Adrienne xo

Related articles

• Robin Gibb: the hits you didn’t know were written by the Bee Gees (telegraph.co.uk)
• Robin Gibb, founding member of Bee Gees, dies of cancer at 62 (galesburg.com)
• High notes: Watch the greatest moments in Robin Gibb’s career – Mirror.co.uk (mirror.co.uk)

Thank You for the Dance Donna Summer

 

December 31, 1948 – May 17, 2012

I love disco. I grew up in the 70s when it was a staple at the roller rink (I was too young for the dance clubs. I was only in elementary school), but I made sure as I got older (fifth grade) I would represent the fashion by wearing my friend Lisa Garrison’s rainbow heeled platform tennis shoes (my mother was never going to buy me a pair no matter how much I begged), my skin-tight electric blue satin pants with matching jacket (think Olivia Newton John as ‘Sandy’ at the end of the movie “Grease”) and a lot of Vaseline on my lips to make them shiny (I was not allowed to wear lip gloss until sixth grade.)

I also  had my boom box set to KLAV AM, then Disco 1-2-3 KLAV, so I could boogie as I got ready for school or my big night out at Crystal Palace Skating Rink. All great memories from childhood with a soundtrack to flashback to innocent fun.  Here are my four favorite songs by Donna Summer.

Rest, peace, and comfort everlasting.

Dim All the Lights

Last Dance

On the Radio

Mac Arthur Park

 

Thank You for Reading.

Adrienne xo

Why I Appreciate Whitney Houston

Me & Serina circa early 90s in her birthday suite at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino

I remember being able to see Whitney Houston in concert as a gift from my best friend Serina (one of the many cool gifts she always bestowed upon me.) Whitney was headlining the Thomas & Mack Center at UNLV which seats nearly 19,000 and she had no opening act. We were so excited. No opening act to us meant she was going to sing for two hours straight! Her show sold out so quickly we almost ended up sitting at the top of the arena.

It was 1987, during her long, blond-half spiral-half crimped-half curly weave phase, clear in the video of her hit song “I Wanna Dance With Somebody (Who Loves Me)” (which was No.1 on the Billboard Music charts for two weeks. Read about all her hits: Whitney Houston’s Biggest Billboard Hits: A Look at Her Legendary Chart Career.) She didn’t dance very well, also obvious in the video, so there was no big dance numbers with a couple dozen backup dancers. Nor did she have a lot of costume changes, pyrotechnics or recorded music. We didn’t get tickets to watch her dance, change clothes and lip-sync.

What she has, a concert experience in the round where she stood center wearing a tight-long metallic dress along a grand piano and she simply sang. At the time we were not very happy because we expected more, but tonight as I remember her music and acting legacy and how it affected me growing up, I appreciate the memory even more.

What is your most fond memory of Whitney Houston?

(August 9, 1963 – February 11, 2012)

I am sad.

Thank you for reading.

Adrienne xo