The Incredible Natalie Cole

Natalie Cole's performance at Roy & Lea Black's Charity Gala last night at the Fontainebleau was "Unforgettable."

Rainbow over South Beach

Last night I attended the Roy & Lea Black Gala at the Fontainbleau Hotel. The event was spectacular with great performers like Paulina Rubio and Natalie Cole. Just as I was leaving for the gala it started to rain. The rain stopped just in time for me to make it to the Gala on time (I biked there) and there was a beautiful rainbow over South Beach. I took lots of photos of celebrities at the Gala but none as memorable as the rainbow shot.

Fashion, Theatre, and Food & Wine Fest

The events are coming at me and I see no sign of a lighter schedule. Last night I attended the opening party for Miami International Fashion Week at Gary Nader Fine Arts Gallery even though the actual Fashion Week doesn't begin until the middle of March. Large Botero sculptures in the courtyard of the gallery seemed to welcome us as we entered but the party was inside where the two-level gallery was filled with fashionistas and media types. The art was exquisite, the fashions worn by wandering models was lovely and the food available at several food stations was very tasty (delicious tuna, guacamole and cake on a stick). There was even Ed Hardy vodka being served. I didn't drink the vodka (I had beer) but I did snatch a couple of the tattoo artist designed vodka bottles. Tonight I attended the opening night of the play The Golden Gays, a drag spoof on the Golden Girls, at the Colony Theatre. The theatre was packed however there were a few walk-outs at intermission. The cast should have been miked as I couldn't hear a lot of the dialogue and I was in the fifth row. It was an interesting concept for a play but much of it didn't work. Tomorrow night I'll be attending the Roy & Lea Black Charity Gala at the Eden Roc Hotel. I'll be photographing the event for the charity and I'm really looking forward to seeing Natalie Cole perform. On Sunday afternoon, I'll be eating my way through the big tents on the beach for the Grand Tasting of the South Beach Food & Wine Festival. On Sunday night I'll writing about all that I've done as well as compiling the next issue of MiamiArtZine. More words and more photos. Photo: Beth Sobol (Director/founder of the Miami Fashion Week) and designer Julian Chang.

Today Was A Beautiful Day

My computer turmoil is over and I'm back writing about another event as if it never happened. I've finally installed all the programs that I needed to start over and work on my computer as if it never crashed. I'm now writing about the opening of Miami International Fashion Week and writing captions for the photos. I'm trying not to think about all the data that I lost and all the photos that I may never see again. I have to keep working and not look back. I can write more words and take more photos. Luckily my book was saved and I did have a couple thousand photos saved but so much was lost. But I'm back working and must continue as if it never happened. I take each day as if it is a gift and enjoy it. I look for the good and give thanks. Today was a beautiful day and I'm glad I'm able to write these words.

More computer problems but life goes on.

Just when I thought all was wonderful-being reunited with my computer and all-my monitor died. Computers really do run our lives. Nothing could be done until a new monitor was purchased. I attended a meeting but all I could think about was getting a monitor. Now the monitor is connected and I've downloaded new programs, my book, some photos that I had saved so I feel almost whohle again. I've rebonded with my computer and I'm ready to start afresh. This whole debaucle has made me realize that I'm holding on to too many things and I'm cleaning house (actually my filing cabinets and closets). Out with the old, in with the fresh and new. Happy Day!

My Life Has Been Restored...Sort Of

I've got my computer back but it was like having a stranger come take the place of an old friend. My computer now is blank, like it was when I first bought it. Everything is gone. My old hard drive was handed to me and the computer guy said that he couldn't retrieve any of the old data (2 books, data bases, over 10,000 photos, etc. etc.). Picture me in shock (when it happened). Now I've accepted it (I don't know how) and I am currently reloading my computer with programs and data. I'm retraining my computer to be my friend. More later after we've bonded.

Connected to the World Again

I connected to the internet again and working on a borrowed laptop until my computer is fixed. Yesterday the first issue of Miamiartzine with me as the editor went live. Check it out. http://www.miamiartzine.com/. Now I'm going to take a nap before going to the gym for abs class. Life is good considering all that has happened in the couple of weeks. And I'm smiling.

Last night I saw the new play that opened at the Arsht Center called Platanos & Collard Greens. It was a wonderful evening of theatre and it had me on the floor laughing. Check out my review on http://www.miamiartzine.com/.