T: Is for the theatrical 40's

Continuing the week celebration of life over 40, it is the “Great White Way” that embraces this philosophy. Oh sure there are shows like “Rent” and “Spring Awakening” but the hottest tickets are “Grey Gardens”, “King Lear” and “The Year of Magical Thinking” all of whom star people over 40. This years Tony for best actress in a musical is expected to go to “Grey Gardens” star Christine Ebersole who at 59 has already received an impressive list of awards for her dual roles of Edith and Edie Beale. The production which she lends her soul to has been acclaimed on over 25 "Best of 2006" lists. Time Magazine recognized Grey Gardens and Christine as the #1 show and performance of 2006. Ms Ebersole’s co-conspirator veteran actress Mary Louse Wilson 83 add solid imagination and craft. At Lincoln Center The Public Theater’s production of Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear, continues the trend. Directed by Award-winning James Lapine 57 featuring Tony Winner Kevin Kline 60 and 3 time nominee Michael Cerveris 47 Lear boosts of Men at the top of their craft and still bringing it. To add to an already impressive list the legendary Stephen Sondheim 77, and Michael Starobin have created the music. On March 29th, Vanessa Redgrave 70 will star in the Broadway adaptation of Joan Didion's 83 acclaimed novel “The Year of Magical Thinking”. Winning the National Book Award in November 2005, director David Hare 70 will bring to life this one Women show. Highly anticipated and in a strictly limited, twenty-four-week engagement, this is a chance to see one of the world's greatest living actresses, who has been honored by Academy and Tony Awards and will be sculpted by an acclaimed force in this industry as both a director and a playwright. The magic doesn’t stop Raúl Esparza 40 is awing audiences in “Company”, The new show “Talk Radio” based on the film contains an array of actors all over 40 and strutting their stuff. Christopher Plummer and Brian Dennehy start previews March 12 in “Inherit the Wind” with an impressive supporting cast all over 40. To quote Marianne Williamson 55

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not darkness that most frightens us.
We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world.
There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.
As we are liberated from our own fear; Our presence automatically liberates others".

I add this quote because if a society makes it seem that life is for the young just because it's said doesn't make it so. May this column inspire you, that whether you are 20 or above you make it a F.A.C.T. to live life to the fullest.

C: Is for the creativeness of Nicole Farhi

I had written most of the columns for this week except today's because I was stumped as who to write about. I had already committed myself to Women over 40 making a difference and after Nan Kempler who influenced a fashion industry but was a failure to herself.
I wanted someone like Tiffany who excelled as both a person and an artist. I had been sent an invitation to Vanity Fair & Nicole Farhi: A Celebration of Style at 202, 75 Ninth Ave. I did some research on Nicole and prayed this was the answer. It was. Since the early eighties Nicole has been a major name in England. She has influenced men’s and women’s clothing and her home furnishing lines have gained popularity here in the US. Uptown’s Nicole’s and downtown’s 202 are her two retail stores and restaurants. The food is delightful, try melt in your mouth lamb. Combining the old with the new, the comfortable with the tailored, Farhi has created a line that is excessable to all ages while retaining a beauty in her choices of color. I love when you mix pumpkin, damask rose and teal with a stark white, peach and sea foam green to create a spectrum that is universal. Her home goods mirror her clothing’s raw fabrics, natural hues and unstructured shapes. The antiques accumulated from her world travels are blended in. When visiting 202 I thought of all my friends who are refurbishing farm houses and wanted to immediately send them here to shop. Farhi is 60 and states she has no plans to slow down.“I don’t think I will ever retire,” she says. “My life is very full. Sixty is not an old age as long as the brain cells are working and the imagination flows.” Reminiscent of the old French Connection label I was not surprised but elated to learn the designs I adored and missed were Farhi’s. Attracting an enviably star-studded roster of customers David Beckham, Bill Nighy, Julianne Moore and Nicole Kidman are just a few of her admirers. Nicole's passion is also sculpting and is represented in the art scene as well. While waiting to talk to her a distinguished man introduced himself and in a instant I learned she is married to Sir David Hare, one of the most political playwrights of our time. Currently he is represented on B'way in "The Vertical Hour" and he is directing the soon to open "The Year Of Magical Thinking" with Vanessa Redgrave. I am a huge fan of Mr Hare having performed in "Plenty". He also wrote the screenplay for my friend Michael Cunningham's "The Hours". Nicole met David at the opening night of his play Murmuring Judges in 1991. "I helped the designer to dress the leading lady.” Nicole is down to earth, talented and the reason F.A.C.T. choose to admire and honor women who have things to contribute over 40 despite all he hype.

A: Is for the Museums that house great art

In route down 5th Ave I realized there were so many exhibits down Museum mile that I wanted to catch. We are so blessed to live in a city that boasts of a cultural haven and yet we rarely participate. Passing The Metropolitan Museum of Art on 82nd I noticed that an exhibit of Nan Kempner was getting ready to close, since I had decided to dedicate my column to Women over 40 who have influenced us Tuesdays during March I am dedicating the A: To Museums that calm, incite and allow history to stay intact by the artists who influence their culture.
I was introduced to the Met by the children's book "THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER". On my first visit to New York I couldn't wait to see if the book had described this remarkable structure accurately. Many a dream was spent getting lost in this world. I was not disappointed. Since coming to the Met my favorite section has always been the Egyptian wing and my visit is never complete without it. Displaying over 36,000 objects spanning from 5th millennium AD to 400 BC. It is daunting, awing and miraculous. The tomb of Pernab 2381 BC during the rein of King David awaits. The collection of jewelry of Hatshepsut a female pharaoh and the piece d' Residence the Temple of Dendur 15 BC are must sees. I brought my friend Deven who had never experienced this and she was enrapt, but lets not forget the reason I was here...Nan Kempler
born July 24, 1930 and dieing last year at 74 she was a socialite, famous for dominating society events, shopping, charity work and fashion. Owning 362 sweaters, 354 jackets; and a collection of some of the greatest designers in the world including Yves Saint Laurent, Valentino, and Gaultier to name a few. She acquired some 3,000 garments. This obsession began when she bought her first couture gown - a white satin sheath dress with a white satin mink-trimmed coat - in 1958, from the first collection of Laurent, who was designing for Dior. When exploring the costume institutes exhibit I was struck by the fact that she had to be Bulimic or Anorexic so when I got home I did some research and I discovered she inspired the novelist Tom Wolfe to coin the term "social X-ray" when describing, the skeletal ladies-who-lunch on the Upper East Side in Bonfire of the Vanities. Sadly to say I was not wrong. We are shaped by our parental voices and her father told her: "You'll never make it on your face, so you'd better be interesting." At 12 she was sent to a diet specialist after she was deemed to have put on too much weight and ordered to eat "sandwiches" where the bread was replaced by iceberg lettuce. Consoling herself by poring over recipe books containing forbidden rich food she shared her knowledge in books. Fashion was her God and she had to undergo several operations after she broke her hip, having tripped in her bedroom while wearing a pair of 8-inch John Galliano heels. Married in 1952 her relationship thrived on the understanding that she travel to all the fashion shows and bought extravagantly, while turning a blind eye to his infidelities. Claiming not to mind, in an interview by Vanity Fair, "as long as they're attractive". She caused a furore in print stating she loathed fat people. Where I went to discover a Women who shaped the pages of fashion I discovered a Women tormented and obsessed with never being good enough. Her final statement "I tell people all the time I want to be buried naked," "I know there will be a store where I'm going." This collection only holds relevance because of its mark on a industry that forces people to live up to an unrealistic measurement. I must admit I was lusting after a Gaultier coat but definitely I would rather be me than her and that is always a good thing to discover. Having experienced Nan and it being the last day of this exhibit I entered to the American wing to discover Louis Comfort Tiffany and what a joy! Born February 18, 1848 – January 17, 1933 he was an American artist and designer who is best known for his work in stained glass. Most often associated with the Art Nouveau and Aesthetic movements he designed windows, lamps, mosaics, ceramics, jewelry, enamels and metalwork. I was surprised to learn he was also a painter. Using all his skills he designed his own 84 room house, Laurelton Hall, in Oyster Bay, Long Island. A major exhibit of Laurelton Hall opened at the Met in November 2006 and it runs until May 20th. If you have never discovered or had the chance to see this great artists work I suggest you run to the Met and indulge yourself in the exquisite artistry of this individual. Pictures, books and replica's do not do this work justice. He was truly a one of a kind light that comes around rarely. We have the chance make it a F.A.C.T. to witness for ourselves this mastery.

F: Is for the fabulous of More

If most people were given one wish if you are over 39 your wish would be to go backwards in time. Instead of celebrating the trials and tribulations of your life, the lines and the wrinkles of time, we find ways to hide. If we are honest in this world we are judged by age and for a Women that means you are down hill at 39. I always thought God got it wrong. If we were born old and got younger by the year, Men would not look for trophy wives and or that younger girlfriend to make them complete. Women would not become insecure each year as to what would befall them, look for the newest plastic surgery to compete or fret that their job was going to over throw them for a newer cheaper employee. I for one am thrilled that a magazine like More exists. This magazine celebrates life and Women over 40. Life doesn't end it begins again and we are who we are by the things we have experienced. To kick off this philosophy for the 7th year More and it's editor and chief Peggy Northrop threw Wilhelmina's 40 plus model search. 42nd streets Ciprani hosted the event that was an electric blend of confident women and the Men who clearly appreciate them. Hors d'oeuvres of veal ravioli, carpaccio, and a host of mouth watering treats awaited as Bellini's were passed out to all of us who were there to honor these incredible Women. Ranging in age from 41 to 56 and selected from more than 16,000 entries in a nationwide search they strutted the fashions of Carmen Marc Valvo down a catwalk with an audience cheering them on. Awaiting three lucky winners a Wilhelmina modeling contract and a prize package worth more than $85,000. All 10 finalists were winners according to the comments of all those around me. Everyone had their own favorites but in the end it was Paula O'Connor, 41 an Oncologist from San Francisco, Steffi Jo Chapin, 42 Doctor of Optometry from Terra Ceia, Florida and Patricia Neville, 50 a sales manager for a clothing company and director of development for a women's shelter from Miami, Florida. And the winner is... Patricia who will be featured in June's issue. These 10 women all had one thing in common a lifelong dream of becoming a model. Dreams do not die because we get older they just get buried and for these Women unearthed. To quote Peggy Northrop "Women are catching up to men. Now we have all of this economic independence. There's a kind of confidence that comes when you're in your 40s and 50s, and men find that incredibly attractive.” To quote me "Beauty is ageless and it is in the confidence that radiates from knowing that". This contest just proves me right. March's cover model Angela Bassett was on hand to host this event and to share her confidence. Radiating that inner beauty. Supporting her, husband Courtney Vance. Their new book "Friends: A Love Story" has made headlines due to their celibacy before marriage. Vance recalls, "We knew this relationship was special so we decided to abstain from sex until after we were married." But Bassett reveals, "It wasn't easy. Actually, one night, I did beg Courtney to give in." At 48 Bassett is making waves, standing up for what she believes and "Gettin her Groove on". Sponsoring this event Garnier, Talbots, Baume & Mercier and ROC. I mention this because in the gift bag was a product from ROC that I have grown to love. Daily microdermabrasion cleansing disks. I have never used soap on my face it leaves me feeling like I grew a second skin and I never understood that. Water was always just fine, but my skin has changed. The dirt in the air has changed and water is no longer pure. These little pads get rid of all that while wiping away all the dried cells that just hang on and then replenish and moisturize. Along with the lotion from Townhouse my skin has a new lease on life. My column this week is dedicated to those who show us how to rise from the embers of what society deems is over the hill and to make it a F.A.C.T. that life doesn't end at 40 but begins.

S: Is for the political backlash of speaking out

From the beginning of time artists have been the barometers for political viewpoints. If you couldn’t or more importantly wouldn’t speak out you could always count on a playwright, singer/songwriter or actor to do it for you. During Vietnam you had John Lennon. During the McCarthy area the number of voices that were silenced were deafening. In the era of Bush you have Natalie Maines and the Dixie Chicks. Phenomenal musicians and singers who had the world behind them until their world came crashing down in March of 2003 when Maines spoke her peace in London. On February 12th after releasing their album “Taking the Long Way” they won an unbelievable 5 for 5 awards including album, record and song of the year. Finishing off they also won best country album and best country performance by a duo or group. They’re day in court had arrived so to speak but to quote “Not ready to make nice” “Its too late to make it right. I’m not ready to back down. I’m mad as hell” And as well they should be. I actually bought this album in November but misplaced it and finally found and listened to it and the honesty and boldness that assaults you is invigorating. My favorite tracks are 1, 7 and 8. Track 8 is really the reason I bought the album. I heard "Silent House” which examines the emotions that come from watching someone struggle with Alzheimer's. “And I will try to connect. All the pieces you left. I will carry it on and let you forget.” Exploring themes both deeply private and resoundingly political they have truly pushed themselves to new heights both as writers and as performers. . "It's So Hard When It Doesn't Come Easy" addresses infertility, an issue that both Robison and Maguire have faced. "I think we feel a responsibility to break down some barriers," says Maguire. "It's much more of a common problem than people realize." Other performers jumped at the opportunity to speak on this including Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith, session hero Larry Knechtel, Heartbreakers Benmont Tench, Bonnie Rait and they are matched with blistering guitar solo’s by John Mayer. Maines states "It's much harder to put yourself out there, but believes they've grown as a result of the incident. "I learned I was ready to put my career on the line for something and that nothing is as important as standing up for what you believe in. In a world trying to silence its people in political corruption it is nice to know that artists have not lost thier edge nor their voice. As a public we need to be less ready to condemn and more eager to be willing participants. They will be appearing live at Madison Square Gardens Aug 1st and I can assure you it is a F.A.C.T. that I will be there lending my support and listening to truly great musicians whom I applaud.

T: Is for pampering at the Townhouse

My favorite way to pamper myself is a good manicure and pedicure When I need a pick me up or have had a bad day or just want to celebrate, this is my idea of nirvana. I have turned many a person into an addict. A spa to me should not be a luxury but a way of life. It is the most calming way to ease stress, pick yourself up and feel like a new person. I could never understand therapy when you can have someone luxuriating over your body and come out looking terrific. Call me superficial but nothing makes you feel better than looking your best and not trying. So you can imagine my delight when I was invited to an event that brought a tropical spa to Manhattan on a snowy winter night. I stepped up to 39 West 56th a 6,000 square foot 3 story townhouse located between 5th and 6th. Could this be the place? The doors were opened and a paradise awaited me. Owned by the famed Acqua Beauty Bar a place I already considered heaven for its use of Eastern philosophy of healing Townhouse Spa offers a more extensive and serene environment. On the first floor as you walk past the waiting area a bar of holistic food and aromatic drinks await. The green tea elixir is meant to detoxify while energizing your system. Once nourished a state of the art manicure pedicure room beckons. For the 1st time my manicure lasted longer than a week and when they had finished my hands felt softer than they ever had. Making my way to the second floor is a male haven in which women are invited to attend. Complete with a barber for hair and facial maintenance, scalp massages, shoe shines, manicures, pedicures and mini-facial. There's even a steam room with a waterfall. Keeping a Man's serenity in mind there are over sized leather couches an XBOX and plasma TV to keep an eye on the score. On the bottom floor is the Women’s area. The most interesting portion of this visit was a new state of the art “Spa Oceana” or “Peace in a Pod”: This space age all-in-one treatment includes a 53-gallon personal hydrobath with over 20 massage jets operating simultaneously with Vichy water. A charka digital LED lighting system will put your soul in alignment while offering a combination of radiant heat and steam finishing with a cooling mist, which can be infused with vitamins, natural essential oils and herbal aromas. This was the one thing I haven’t tried and I am so looking forward to cooconing myself. I did however have a facial with a product called aqua-collagen gel by Dr. CI: Labo. This product was in my gift bag and I can tell you now I will never be without it. This moisturizes your skin while leaving it looking younger, toned and glowing. Since using it I have gotten more complements on my skin then ever before. I have never been so blessed as to discover a product that does so much. I highly recommend it. To finish off my experience at Townhouse I visited the Phoenix Suite with a working fireplace, LCD TVs, desks equipped with phone and Internet access, massage beds, private shower and dining menu service. This is the perfect getaway or gathering place. In a world that rushing is a state of mind Townhouse makes it a F.A.C.T. that a little pampering makes for a blissful soul.

C: Is for Cartagena or the little house that needs our help

We hear about the ir-responsible and
ir-reprehensible things countries, companies and people do in the name of God, yet why is it we never hear the good? President Bush is supposedly a Christian yet his policies belay that. Today’s column was meant to be frivolous and about how to improve oneself, however yesterday afternoon a story came to my attention that warrants pushing aside self for the greater good. I urge you to read this column because help is needed and we have the ability to make a difference. There are a lot of F.A.C.T.S. here and I even left some out in order to make it easier to read. There is a saying that says it takes a community to raise a child. I think that it takes people coming together in a unit to get things accomplished especially if you are going against a government. America has spent since 2002 an excess of over $2 Billion (and that is a low estimate) to Columbia to stop the drug wars.
There are as in most wars those lives that are caught in between. They became apart of the system and government that finds them indisposable. In Cartagena, Columbia there exists such a tragedy. The largest city is called Villa Hermosa. This city which in all respects is more of a squatter village exists because of the effects of the on going drug wars. These people flee for their lives and arrive with only the clothes on their backs in need of food, shelter, education and medical care. The things we take for granted such as a birthing center, emergency room and a clinic to get medical care are denied because these people are not considered important enough. It was not their country but ours who stepped in. In 1970 a group called Christians in Action (C in A), a Californian 501C3 non-profit agency saw a need and in 2004 raised and built a clinic and sent two containers with equipment for a clinic and a school. These containers arrived at The Department of Emergency Services under Juan J Yacaman Torres who took responsibility and released them. In fact Torres even had the military come and unload the containers for them. Well received and moving forward in 2006 C in A raised over $300,000 and the clinic was ready to become a hospital, with the encouragement of the Colombian Government. On December 10, 2006 C in A sent another container full of equipment for an emergency room, a birthing room and an ambulatory unit. This equipment was for the
most part donated or bought with money donated from those who care about others. Arriving in the port of Cartagena on January 14, 2007. The federal customs office of Colombia took possession of the container. After 5 weeks of trying to identify the problem, custom officials stated that that the container didn’t have the proper licensing and that it would take a minimum of 25 additional days to get the licensing. The fact is it could take much longer. Since it was deemed that there was no “emergency need” for the equipment, the container would not be released to the Department of Emergency Services. A C in A staff member confirmed someone opened the container, which causes concern about the safety of the contents. This concern is reinforced by the fact that C in A discovered that two other ministries have never been able to secure possession of their containers and no explanations have been given. To add insult to injury the contents of their containers were auctioned off by the government. This is a group of human beings who put other human beings 1st regardless of race, religion, color or origin. They don’t expect praise or commendations they do it out of unconditional love, but because they are a Christian organization they are being shaken down and put up against the wall and need our help to help others. Those who originally helped and the Colombian government state that it will cost an undisclosed amount to release the containers. Though they cannot come out and state this I can. This is a shake down by a government that feeds off the weakness and the kindness of others. Senator Hatch and Boxer have been informed of this injustice lets see if they will put their Republican and Democratic values where they belong. Where is the Ambassador to Columbia when his people need care? Where are all the major news channels when something as heinous as this occurs? And more importunately what will you do after you read this? Lets bond together, send others to read this article and maybe somebody who reads this will be able to correct this error and make a reality out of a F.A.C.T.