Mr. Misunderstood Live: All Hail Chief Church

The "Chief" backed by a choir. (c) PipPepPop

     Most artists do not play a double set on their tour. Eric Church is not like most artists and Holdin' My Own is not like most tours. Church is a tough guy and a gracious performer. He invites the audience in for a party, even taking a camera under the stage to pour shots of Jack Daniels for the crew when singing an ode to the famous whiskey. My only complaint about the show up front is that time is "just a suggestion" as my mom once remarked about a late-starting event. Church was once thrown off the Rascal Flatts tour for playing a too-long opening set. They gave the spot to Taylor Swift and the rest is history. The show was scheduled to start at 8 P.M. at The Barclays Center in Brooklyn, the world's most inconvenient arena.  At about 8:30 P.M., Church came to the stage. He still beat some of my friends to the show. (They appeared a few songs in, apparently held up on a long beer line.) The show ended after 11:30 P.M., and for those who know the NYC subway late night schedule, it took me a long time to get to the train station and catch the last train home of the night.

(c) PipPepPop

As a performer, Eric Church is not much of a talker. He hides behind a pair of defining aviator sunglasses,his expression always looking tough. When he does talk, he makes it count. He spoke of travelling and life on the road like he was talking to a friend. I felt like we were in an intimate venue a she casually walked the stage, singing into a microphone with a guitar dangling down his back. He played hits from his 2015 album Mr. Misunderstood with it's blusey radio hits Kill a Word and Record Year, and the title track, a rocking  tune about making dreams and finding his place in the world.

 When you think about me, do you think about seventeen?

Do you think about my old jeep, and about the stars in the sky?

It's funny how a memory sounds like a melody;

Like a soundtrack to a July Saturday night... 

Springsteen. 

     My favorite part of the concert was when Church began his 2012 stadium anthem, Springsteen.  This song is a tribute to the great king of Jersey rock and songs about dreamers. Church goes into the traditional Bruce Springsteen-like "Oh" chanting during the song. In this live version, he also went into a verse of Born to Run, forever enmeshing the two songs in my brain. It's a nostalgia tune for an old flame, and it has the heart of the Boss. As the stadium swelled, I cheered, I sang, and near-wept at the perfection of the performance. 

Former Mouseketeers Turn Up at Golden Globes

Image of Timberlake and Gosling from Giphy

    A little show titled The New Mickey Mouse Club was a serious deal on the Disney Channel in the early 1990's. I'll admit, I was a bit more invested in Nickelodeon's edgier Canadian show Round House, but that show produced no stars. I would have to go into another entirely separate post to discuss Nick's comedy show All That, and I will do that very soon.  The MMC launched the careers of some of the most well known pop stars in the last 20 years: 2/5 of N*Sync, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears. Does anyone talk about the rich acting history that began on this musical sketch show? Not often.  I'm here to remind you that these kids are award nomination-worthy. This year the golden globes honored several former mouseketeers for their projects.

     In a post-MMC bubble world, we had no idea if these kids would have the chops to be adult performers. One woman constantly defying those odds is Keri Russell. After winning a Golden Globe in 1999 for her portrayal of  "fickle pickle" college student Felicity, Russell came back to television (with her hotly contested straight hair) as a sleeper spy mom in FX's The Americans. Russell was nominated for Best Actress in a TV Drama this year. The show picks up on March 5th for its 5th season. We last left  Elizabeth and her husband Phillip (Matthew Rhys- also nominated for a Golden Globe) delicately dealing with their teenage daughter discovering they are Russian spies in 1980's Washington, D.C. This show is phenomenal and I can't believe it's only getting award buzz for its fourth season. Russell was also nominated for a Primetime Emmy in 2016 for the same role and won a Teen Choice Award in 1999.

My Gosling Meme - With Timberlake lyrics

     Ryan Gosling walked out of the 2017 Golden Globes with the Best Actor in a Movie trophy. This was his 4th nomination in recent years. Gosling came on the scene as an adult in 2004 in the movie that makes me bawl and turn the TV channel, The Notebook.  This movie earned Gosling the "Best Kiss"  trophy with Rachel McAdams at the 2005 MTV movie awards, as well as several Teen Choice Awards that same year. His critical acclaim has come more in recent years, where he is referred to colloquially as one of "the Ryans." To my knowledge, there are only two, Gosling and Ryan Reynolds. Gosling shas just been nominated for an Oscar for this year's sweeping movie musical LaLaLand, which had cleaned up at the globes. This is Gosling's 2nd Oscar nomination. That begin said, not all of movies are winners. I thought Drive was one of the worst movies in recent years. In my old teen magazines, Gosling was always mentioned with Tony Lucca. I'm pretty sure Tony Lucca doesn't have any awards aside from the MMC cast's  Young Artists Award nomination. Tony Lucca is also not the star of multiple "Hey Girl..." Internet memes (mic drop).

     The third MMC member at the Golden Globes was jack of all trades, Justin Timberlake. He was in MMC, he was in N*Sync, and he bounced back into America's heart after the Janet Jackson 2004 "Big Game" incident. Timberlake was at the show as a nominee for the Best Original Song in a Movie category, with the Summer 2016 anthem Can't Stop the Feeling. This may seem like a technicality to qualify for this piece, but Timberlake voiced a character in the Trolls movie that launched this song. Timberlake has won multiple awards for his music and this song is an Oscar contender in a few weeks.

A Cinematic First Lady

     We're on the even of one of  America's most contested inaugurations and I can't help but think of the Kennedys. I went to see the film Jackie when it was in limited release last month, and truly got a feel for what it must be like to plan these events. In the movie, Oscar Winner Natalie Portman plays the beloved first lady interviewed for TIME magazine, struggling in the days, weeks and months after her husband's assassination.  She plans a funeral and procession through the Capitol district while comforting her young children in the public eye. Jackie picked out a grave site in  Arlington National Cemetery, battling her in-laws that insisted the president needed to be laid to rest in the family plot in Massachusetts. She seemed strong toward the outside world, meanwhile she crumbled in private, reliving her best outfits and listening to the soundtrack for the musical Camelot (a favorite of the late president).

     Portman's performance got inside the fragile first lady's suits. When she is asked to change into a fresh outfit in Dallas directly after John  is assassinated, she refuses. She insists she will keep her iconic bloodstained pink suit to show people what has been done to her husband. TIME interviewer Theodore H.White (Billy Crudup) gets guarded answers out of Mrs. Kennedy throughout their December 1963 interview, which can be found here. While Jackie relives the day of her husband's death, she herself becomes icon, one of America's most photographed first ladies, before and after her time in office. As White finished the interview, Jackie reminded him that Jack  was America's father. As a sobbed into the credits, White reminded Jackie that she was America's mother. Oscar Gold!

Golden Globes 2017- Fashion or Foe

     I have reviewed countless photos of outfits from last Sunday's Golden Globe Awards. I'm ready to review my picks for my favorite and least favorite outfits. We'll also review some trends for the 2017 season. To make our lives easier, please refer to the Refinery29 Golden Globes Photo Galley.

The Best:

Image from Giphy

5. Brie Larson in Rodarte
Last year's gold-carpet queen (and Golden Globe winner) shined in a fitted chiffony strapless gown. Even better, it was a sweetheart neckline, which I adore. It was a deep crimson, reminding me of last year's raved-about color of red. The most amazing part is the crisscross panels of sequins in the front of the dress. If this was a bridesmaid dress, or even remotely affordable, I would wear it in a heartbeat.

Image from Giphy

4. Millie Bobby Brown in Jenny Packham
I wish I had dressed like this for my junior prom! This 123-year-old star of Stranger Things was all-class in a Silver A-line cocktail dress. It had attachments that were very sparkly and she had a clean bob. Did you see her shoes? I love those silver Sophia Webster sandals and would wear them to a wedding. In fact, I own wedding sandals that look just like that...

Image from Giphy

3. Kristen Bell, also in Jenny Packham
Wow, Ms. Bell brings it in this tuxedo-like black dress. It is all sequins from the long sleeves to the hems with that gorgeous silky collar. She brought the girls out in this deep "U" dress. She balances the open top with a simple hairstyle and beautiful earrings. This look is a far cry from her ordinary look on The Good Place.

Image from Giphy

2. Emma Stone in Valentino
This tan dress with silver embellished stars remind me of my high school senior prom dress. I loved that dress and I love Valentino so I am all in. Sometimes, I'm afraid to wear something too close to my fair skin tone, but Ms. Stone pulls off the looks flawlessly. She also compliments with a beautiful teardrop choker. It's the very essence of LalaLand.

Image from Giphy

1. Felicity Huffman in Georges Chakra
The legendary actress wowed in American Crime Story this season as a tough school headmistress. I was shocked when I saw Ms. Huffman looking beyond glamorous in a jumpsuit that looked like a dress. The dress could have fit in at any disco or fancy party with the Gold/Silver V-necked top and flowy, white bottom. With a chic blowout, I'm granting Huffman the fashion award of the night.

Honorable Mentions go out to:

• Viola Davis in Michael Kohrs
• Drew Barrymore in Monique Lhullier
• Amy Adams in Tom Ford (designer and director)

The Worst:

Image from Giphy

Tracee Ellis Ross in Zuhair Murad
     Ms. Ross left the show with a deserved best actress in a TV comedy trophy for Black-ish, but I kept thinking her dress looked like a birdcage. I love the top of the dress with the strapless neckline intricate beading. Also I'll give props, the dress was in this year's it color of White/Silver. But it's drawbacks included too sheer of a netting on the bottom of the dress. It was distracting. If the bottom flared out more, I could be on board.

Image from ReBloggy

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton
     I like lace just as the next gal, but not when it's done like this. The top of the dress had a lace corset AND off-the-shoulder pieces to give a "cold shoulder" look. The simple piece of ribbon tied around Williams' neck seems like it's missing a pendant. The lace has a black under layer that makes it look more like a coat than a dress. If it flared out and ended at a tea-length to cocktail-length, I might like it better, but I'm calling a miss.






Trends for 2016:

• White/Silver colors : An Ode to Winter 
• Bringing "the girls" out
• "V" There:  Jennifer Lopez once wore a dress that had a V of cleavage down to her bellybutton. Nothing was quite as deep, but actresses such as Jessica Biel and Gina Rodriquez brought their A-game to a deep V top. 
• Visible Legs in a long dress:  I have often heard, a woman can show cleavage or a little leg, but not both. Many actresses such as Kristen Wiig had cutouts or sheer columns in their dresses that showed a bit of leg in a classy way. 

I'm Not Falling for that (Nashville) Trap Again

 Many months ago, I realized how badly I wanted Nashville to stick around. ABC cancelled the show and it was picked up by CMT, with episodes to air the following day on by beloved Hulu. We have really been through the wringer with this last season. I really questioned myself why did I want this show to come back? I had given up watching live, restricting it to the DVR. These are some of the highlights:

The Ryman, the "Mother Church" of country
(C) PipPepPop

• An out-of-control, depressed starlet (Hayden Panettiere) drives away her husband (Jonathan Jackson), fails to take care of her newborn and causes her manager to fall off a roof.
• A teen pop star (Lennon Stella) rebels against her famous parents that finally are getting married after 15+ years. They are also hemhoraging money from their record label. 
• An out country star (Chris Carmack) continues to struggle with acceptance
• Exes on tour that still have feelings for each other (Clare Bowen & Sam Palladio)
• The woe that is singing TV show winner Layla Grant (Aubrey Peeples). 
• We can't forget the singer who shot her ex-husband in cold blood 
• The blip of a story about a talented homeless singer who goes missing...

     It's January and Nashville is finally back. The first episode of the two hour premiere was available in December and premiered on CMT's sister station TV Land. Last season, there too much high-scale drama. I felt overwhelmed. To put it lightly, I had to remember why I had fallen in love with the soapy show in season 1. It began as a rivalry between two famous songstresses.  Juliet Barnes, a young entitled diva had to perform and share a record label with  her should-be mentor Rayna James, a Reba-esque "old guard" country darling. Rayna desperately wanted to prevent Juliet from making the same mistakes she had, but Juliet was often too proud to accept that advice. There were artists struggling to make it, and a helluva lot of  government corruption and family drama. At some point, we lost sight of the simple drama of the show and  it went off the rails. There were too many story lines, too many characters, and there was too much at stake. I was emotionally numb at some points.

     What was my first impression of season 5? I cried like a baby watching the episode (which is quite unusual for me). It was clean and beautiful. I had the feels from these characters in a way I haven't felt for them in a long time. Rayna got her happy ending last season, marrying her longtime love and collaborator Deacon. He's finally sober, and their girls are fighting about songwriting, somewhat like normal teens. But Rayna is a singer with nothing to sing about. Her record label is not making any money. She first created the Highway 65 label to be in charge of her career but she sacrificed singing. She's lost on many levels at this point. She needs to find her voice again and remember her passion before all the crazy drama and stepping into the role of businesswoman. She begins a drive across the USA to clear her head and do some thinking, even singing with a blind man at a gas station while her husband anxiously awaits her return. Deacon's niece Scarlett has reconciled with her band mate/ex Gunnar. They got thrown off their tour because Gunnar ended things with the headliner, but they're one big happy family for now.

     Juliet is also going on a journey. I think she's long-overdue for a priority re-adjustment. Juliet was the only person to survive the season-ending plane crash as she was rushing home to reconcile with her husband, Avery. She is confined to a wheelchair and her survivor's guilt is eating at her. She was such a terrible mother, wife, and friend before the accident, but by some miracle, she was spared. She is focusing on a woman that comforted her after the crash, singing to her until the ambulance arrived. Perhaps this mystery woman is the key to Juliet once and for all getting over herself.

     The first hour was beautiful. The second hour was downright boring. It was conflict for the sake of conflict. Rayna comes home from her cross country trip (scared to fly after Juliet's accident) and proposes she and her hubby record a "concept" album together. He picks a fight about always having to agree with Rayna, even if he is against the idea. He's had a lot of pain, and he doesn't want to sing about it. Juliet is even more committed to forcing her husband to track down the woman that saved her. She still doesn't seem to be interested in her child, giving up after the baby won't eat from the spoon she is holding. It was great to see Juliet's long-suffering assistant/babysitter/paid friend Emily again. I hope that character is paid well because Juliet is one of the worst humans to work for, and time and again, Emily sticks by her. Gunnar and Scarlett begin fighting after their headliner Autumn invites only Gunnar to rejoin the tour. She continues to come unhinged when their next single appears to be a song Gunnar wrote about another woman. Lastly, Will gets hit on by a fashion designer? who offers to "dress him", right in front of his boyfriend. Will recently got back together with Kevin after a lot of  "gays don't belong in county" hate. With this poor guy, it either rains hate and beatings or it's come-ons by famous men. There is no in-between. Better luck for tonight's episode 3 on Hulu.

Ryan Tedder Writes for Friends

     Musical genius Ryan Tedder (and Stevie Wonder) may have lost a Golden Globe Award on Sunday night for their original song from the movie Sing, but he gained new friends. Tedder and his buddies from OneRepublic will be opening for U2 for several stops on their Joshua Tree tour this year. Stevie and Bono are hardly Tedder's most famous collaborators. American Idol contestants David Cook, Jordin Sparks, and Adam Lambert have all sang Tedder penned songs. Brits Leona Lewis, Adele, James Blunt and Ellie Goulding have also made big hits from Tedder's words. A few months ago, I wrote about his lyrical and rhythmic prowess for his own songs. Now it's time to review Tedder's most famous collaborations as a songwriter for American artists.

5. Colbie Callait Collaborations: 2011

(c) PipPepPop

Both of Callait's collaborations with Tedder are beachy, reggae-style songs from the All of You album. Brighter Than the Sun peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 song chart. The music video plays like a tropical vacation sequence. The background beat is filled with clapping and repetitive guitar melodies, perfect for an afternoon of margaritas. Similarly, Favorite Song is Callait's song with rapper/actor Common. It was also co-written by Ryan Tedder. I would say this is one of Tedder's most different songs when compared to the others.


4. Kelly Clarkson Collaborations: 2009
     Clarkson and Tedder collaborated on most of her album All I Ever Wanted. Her biggest song
Already Gone is a beautiful, sweeping anthem about forgiveness. Like many of Clarkson's songs, it will bring on the tears by the last chorus. Here are the opening lyrics:

Remember all the things we wanted

Now all our , they're haunted

We were always meant to say goodbye

Even without fists held high, yeah

Never would have worked out right, yeah

We were never meant for do or die

    Clarkson's upbeat If I Can't Have You departed from Clarkson's other upbeat pop-rock songs. It's use of synthesized music  met with some critical reception, but it's typical of some of Tedder's other songs. Another ballad, Save You, is known as Tedder's nod to Mozart due to it's intricate piano melodies. Again it's another Clarkson tearjerker.

3. Gavin DeGraw Collaborations: 2011

(c) PipPepPop

     Sweeter is the name of the album and the sexy single about DeGraw meeting a beautiful girl and stealing her away from her guy. A rocking piano captures the traditional Tedder "driving beat," as both writers are masters of the ivories. The the music video has the couple goofing around in Brooklyn. My favorite lyrics are from the bridge of the song:

You're like an angel, got me feeling like a devil 

And I wanna give you something-

 if you promise that you won't tell.

I just wanna take someone else's holiday,  

Sometimes the grass is greener,

And someone else's sugar's sweeter. 

     Their other collaboration is the hit that took DeGraw from the guy that sings the One Tree Hill theme to the guy that opens for Billy Joel and Shania Twain.  From the many live performances I've attended, I have heard that Not Over You is not about DeGraw's ex-girlfriend. The song follows a brokenhearted man that seems okay, but knows he is not over the relationship. The first performance of the song before the album was released is here. I fell in love with this song over and over again in 2011 and it becomes more endearing with every listen.

2. Taylor Swift Collaborations: 2014
     Tedder was one of the many collaborators working with T-Swiz on her first pop foray, 1989. He produced and co-wrote her synth pop hit Welcome to New York. Swift performed this love song to youth on Good Morning America when her album was released. Check out the video here to embrace the vibrancy of the city along with the pulsing background beat. Tedder also co-wrote with Swift on the haunting I Know Places, which Swift began as a voice memo. This information can be found on the bonus Target version of the album, where Swift gives commentary on several songs.

1. Maroon 5 Collaborations: 2012-2014
     Two of Maroon 5's albums included songs co-written and produced by Ryan Tedder. The first was Lucky Strike from the Overexposed album, a classic Tedder beat with a pounding percussion and bass. View a live performance here. The song has more lyrics than a Stephen Sondheim piece, but its incredibly tight with lyrics. The opening sequence of lyrics is as follows:

(c) PipPepPop

You're such a motivator, I gotta get you here,

So sick of saying yes sir, yes sir.

You're such an instigator, wanna play the game

Take it or leave it, that's her, that's her.

  And I can't wait another minute,

I can't take the look she's giving.

You're body rocking, keep me up all night,

One in a million, my lucky strike.

     The band's biggest Tedder hit is 2013's Love Somebody. It's a simple concept, finding somebody to love a la Queen. It's a mid-tempo synth dance beat, similar to a Lady Gaga's early hits. The music video is oddly beautiful and full of half complete members of the band, emphasizing the song's desire. New Love is a lesser-known Tedder-penned song from the 2014 album V.  It is coincidentally also about forgiveness, a common theme here. The final song is V's Maps. The second the song premiered on the radio, I yelled out "Tedder's done it again," before I heard the production notes. The song has the driving beat and a haunting repetitive vocalization of the word following, following following..." Like some other M5 videos the scene plays out like a movie, jumping into flashbacks as front-man Adam Levine searches for his lady. She misinterprets a situation and he follows "the map that leads to you. " When he finds her in the hospital, and in a cruel twist of Tedder fate, it's too late to Apologize.

BONUS: Beyonce: 2009
     Even Queen B has made Tedder's songs super hits. Similar sounding to Clarkson's Already Gone, Beyonce's little song Halo is also a Tedder hit. As I Am... Sasha Fierce produced at least 5 major hits (like Single Ladies), Beyonce went on to sing another Tedder hit, XO in 2013. The song was covered in 2015 by John Mayer as a stripped-down acoustic version.

For the ever expanding list of Ryan Tedder songs, visit their Wikipedia page.

Retail Tanks in 2017- The End of An Era

     America is in facing a huge emergency. It's a "Darth Vader is coming" type of fashion emergency. In the last week, I have learned that 2 major retail chains are closing stores (again), and one manjor women's retailer is going out of business. One store is on it's way back in the coming weeks, but the damage may already be done.

The Limited- Shock and Awe
     A week ago, I walked past my local The Limited store. It was Gone Girl. It wasn't just closed, it was dark and stripped of all signage. It was completely empty. In fact, I didn't even know that spot was The Limited until I reviewed the stores on each side. Here's the kicker. I didn't have any idea the store was closing. And it seems other people are in the same boat. According to an article I read today, the stores began filing notices after thanksgiving that large-scale layoffs were coming. What they didn't say was that their plan meant that everyone was getting laid off. All of the stores are closing as of tomorrow evening, but news sources report the online business will remain open. Right now, everything is 50% off on TheLimited.com and there is no information about the future of the company.

     It's basically like The Limited is pulling an Irish exit, disappearing from a party out the back door. My mom had been by out local store two days before me, and it was fully operational. There was no "everything must go" signage. Now everything is 90% off in store. It's almost like the stores begun closing in secret. I read several articles that had been posted by local newspapers around the country last week, all stores in Florida are closing, all stores in Ohio are closing.... but nobody mentioned it was across the country. Now I'll have to look for a new place to buy my favorite dress pants...

Macy's and Sears- More Disappointments
     Major retailers are struggling. We can get so many things online today, but we can't try on a sweater through our computer. We can't get lost in counters of perfume and makeup on the computer. How can so many large department stores be closing? Macy's plans to close almost 65 stores early this year, resulting in 4,000 to 6,000 employees (depending on which source you consult) that will lose their jobs or be re-assigned to other stores. One of my local stores added a "Macy's Backstage" department, which carries a lot of assorted items and clothes for the "fashion-forward bargain hunter." When I walked through the area, the associate explained that this was to compete with the trifecta of bargain hunting,  TJ Maxx, HomeGoods and Marshalls.  I have no ill will against these store,s but I've never gone to Macy's looking for the same things I look for HomeGoods. And I know for sure, that when shopping for a wedding registry, one goes to Macy's as opposed to Marshalls. I'm really shocked that a store that has a very classy reputation is going so (for lack of a better word) mainstream.

     On the other hand, I've always seen Sears as more of an every woman type of store. The sell electronics and tools as opposed to makeup and luggage. I also cannot remember the last time I've shopped in a Sears. TBH, once the Kardashian Kollection moved in (about 2010), I couldn't step foot into the store unless I was cutting through to get somewhere else. I take it back, as I did go there to pick up a pair of discount boots at the beginning of spring. I also had to return to the store because the box was sold to me with two right boots. Reports indicate Sears is in serious trouble. They are closing 150 stores (a mix of Sears and KMart stores). They are also selling off their legendary Craftsman Tools brand to pay off debts. It's pretty unfortunate.

Aeropostale- a New Hope?
     Trouble started with the closing of similiar brand American Eagle's lingerie/apparel store Aerie in 2014. They went online only and are still here online in 2017. Nothing for me if worse than ordering some underwear and bathing suits on a computer when you have no idea how they will fit.

     Throughout 2016, Aeropostale stores began closing (with signage). The filed for bankruptcy in May. In September, it was announced that the company may be restructured to keep stores open. My local store closed. This marks a new level of restructuring, where the chain of stores would be sold off to property management group, Simon Malls.  Simon is now the first property group to take over a chain of stores. We are eagerly curious about the new iteration of Aero coming to our local mall, which is not owned by the Simon group. Will more stores be bought out by mall owners in the future? I'm hoping this type of business model might keep any future stores from closing.

New Year's Resolution: More Yoga in 2017

     The act of practicing yoga is often regarded by some people as transformation experience. I'm no expert, but I try it as best I can. Unlike most other types of fitness classes, a yoga class is more about the journey than the end result. Tonight I had my first class in a few weeks and I got back on the mat.

     I came to yoga with some reservations, but tried to keep an open mind. I wasn't sure if would fit in, or if I could be as flexible as another person in the class. After over a year of back pain that turned out to be really coming from a weak hip, I was up for anything. I had been working with a chiropractor, received hip injections because of a tear in a muscle, and done two separate rounds of physical therapy. I jumped in 4 years ago with some new leggings and a new mat, remembering that at the end of the class there would be a rest period, called Shavasana. I have fallen asleep a few times during this time, and it is glorious.

     I struggled with my first class, dropping from downward dog to plank much slower than other people. It took a few weeks to get the poses down. Over time, I got used to doing a flow. I've been in classes, in the dark, in a bar, outside, and in a sweaty heated room.  Each time, I'm trying to do my best, trying to plank a little straighter or for a few extra minutes. Some days I've got a chance of balancing in some poses, and some days I'm swaying like a palm tree in a hurricane. Yoga, like us as humans, is imperfect. It's always going to give you something back if you give your energy to it.

     Two years ago, I lost my practice after having foot surgery. After living with a burning hot sensation in the ball of my foot for 6 months, I would have done anything to make it stop. My yoga practice was occasionally strained by the pain, as I could not point or flex that foot. I went to yoga classes until a few days before the surgery, promising my two classes I would be back by February. I went to my first few classes still in my boot. It was terrible. I had trouble standing and I could not balance. At all. I kept at it. A few more months taught me how I needed to modify poses with my slightly desensitized foot (blocks are a lifesaver)  and I got back to my old form after several months. It was during that time that the instructor's notes on breathing began to click. I would forget to breathe when I moved from pose to pose and I was losing energy trying not to focus on my pain. It was really that pain that pushed me farther. The more I began to breathe through the challenging poses, the more I appreciated them. In time, I could start to balance. For the record, I am still struggling with breathing through my poses.

     This summer, I again had to pull the ripcord on yoga. Terrible  unprovoked neck pain began, and I paused practicing. After a month of doctor visits and tests, it was decided that I had a slightly herniated disc in my neck. It's only herniated in certain positions, making it all the more difficult to control. My arm became weaker on one side and I couldn't hold poses.  I then began months of physical therapy and could not keep up with yoga. About a month ago, I began taking classes again. I may stay a little longer in my spinal stretches, but I have gotten back to a rhythm.  It is imperfect, but it's my rhythm and I'll stick with it. In some ways, I think yoga has helped me keep going through the tough times. It may be as simple as sitting in a twist and trying alternate nostril breathing, but I try to squeeze something in a little each day.

     After the Shavasana, we wake our bodies up slowly and rise up to a seated position. The instructor thanks everyone for coming and repeats a phrase that means "the light within me respects the light within you." We all acknowledge each other (even in a class of 3) and thank ourselves for devoting the class and the time to ourselves. It's a very peaceful moment and can turn even the toughest class into time well spent. In conclusion, take time to respect yourself in 2017. Follow your bliss, learn a new skill, and devote some time to yourself. Namaste,

Mariah Carey's NYE Performance was "Amazing" and Other Live Fails

     I'll be honest, I was occupied and missed Mariah Carey's now legendary train wreck of a performance on Dick Clark's Rockin' New Years Eve. I watched so many videos and news clips yesterday, I feel like I saw it live. Mariah has long been known for "Diva-ing" out during live events. First there was her 2001 appearance on TRL, stripping out of an oversize T-shirt. She lamented how this was her "therapy session." I also reminisced about a 2002 episode of MTV Cribs, where Mariah was just bizarre. Some of her antics are highlighted in this MTV article. I also remember vividly her wearing heels while working out a on a machine in her home gym. To put it lightly, she had a few breakdown a while back. She took some time off recover, married Nick Cannon, and had kids. Then she took over as a judge on American Idol. She continued to be a Diva there, often fighting on camera with fellow judge Nicki Minaj.

     Back to the present, Mariah's poor performance on the NYE countdown was the result of a complete lack of professionalism.  First of all, she was not dressed appropriately for a woman of her age. She is over 45 and does not need to wear a dude see-through bodysuit (same goes for you, Ms. Britney). It was obvious that there was a track for some of the songs. I understand that, fair enough. Mariah could have chosen to lip sync along to every song (since the venue was cold, dark and outdoors). But instead she picked and chose what she wanted to sing. When she couldn't keep up with the music, she just closed her mouth and tried to make conversation with the crowd. "(Emotions) went to #1...." It was also obvious that she was such a diva that she  didn't show up for rehearsal or sound check. The stage choreography was also pretty bad, as evidenced by the lazy dove-feather fans fans spinning around and the dancers wincing while trying to lasciviously hold her leg while she leaned back. Maybe this was a blessing in disguise, 2016 went out on a low point, which a lot  of people sympathized with via social media.

     Have no fear, Miss Mimi is not the first diva to flop on a live stage. She is not the first person to start making weird comments on New Year's Eve. That honor goes straight to co-host Jenny McCarthy, who seems drunk from the moment the broadcast goes on. This will certainly not be the last time.Here are 2 of my favorite worst live performances on live TV.

Meghan Trainor falls on The Tonight Show
     This summer, Ms. Trainor wiped out after finishing a choreography-challenging performance of her song, NO.  I was pretty worried during the song that she was attempting to dance in 5-inch heels. I almost thought my worry was for nothing.  She rolled her ankle when moving back to the microphone stand and dropped to the floor, spreading out like a snow angel. This overall wasn't too bad. MS. Trainor did make it through the song.

Ashlee Simpson lip syncs on SNL
     I was reminiscing with my friends a few weeks about about Ashlee's tragic debut on Saturday Night Live in 2004. It seems like just yesterday, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz-Ross had a famous sister, an MTV biopic show, Ryan Cabrera on her arm, and a lot of acid reflux. (I can relate to the girl, stomach acid can really mess you up.)So, a wise decision was made for Ms. Simpson to lip sync to her debut single Pieces of Me on the live show. What she didn't count on was the track malfunctioning the second it started. A back beat and her vocals began, and Ashlee immediately knew the show had to go on. What did she do? She began dancing a jig like a pirate. When the band finally caught up with the music, she waltzed offstage. That being said, my friends and I jumped into a circle and clapped our hands as Ashlee's LOVE rocked out at a wedding. Time can heal all wounds.

She's A Dominatrix Supermodel Beauty Queen

     Just over 16 years ago, boy band O-Town brought out one of their most remembered hits, Liquid Dreams. This song was a bouncing ditty about the "perfect woman," made up of the best physical characteristics (and Halle Berry's personality). At a teenager's listening, it's a catchy pop song. At an adult woman's listening the song is kinda offensive, reducing us down to our physical appearances. The song lyrics follow below. I assembled images from magazines to create this woman, and I am revealing it to the world now. I think all of these parts would make one very odd looking woman. Ideal maybe, but not real. Let's all take 2017 to appreciate our own unique beauty. Let me know what you think of her look...

Posters of (Jennifer) Love surrounding me, lost in the world of fantasy.
Every night she comes to me and gives me all the love I need.
Now this hot girl, she's not your average girl
She's a morpharotic dream from a magazine.
And she's so fine, designed to blow your mind.
She's a dominatrix supermodel beauty queen!

I dream about a girl who's a mix of Destiny's Child,
Just a little touch Madonna's wild style,
With Janet Jackson's smile. Throw in a body like Jennifer's,
You've got the star of my liquid dreams.

Angelina Jolie's lips to kiss in the dark,
Underneath Cindy C's beauty mark.
When it comes to the test, well Tyra's the best.
And Salma Hayek brings the rest.

Now this hot girl, she's not your average girl.
She's a morpharotic dream from a magazine.
And she's so fine, designed to blow your mind.
She's a dominatrix supermodel beauty queen!

I dream about a girl who's a mix of Destiny's Child,
Just a little touch Madonna's wild style,
With Janet Jackson's smile. Throw in a body like Jennifer's,
You've got the star of my liquid dreams.

Looks ain't everything, she's got the sweetest personality,
Like Halle B.
My mama thinks I'm lazy, my friend all think I'm crazy,
But in my mind, I leave the world behind... every night I dream.

Liquid Dreams, my Liquid Dreams
Waterfall and streams, these liquid dreams...

I dream about a girl who's a mix of Destiny's Child,
Just a little touch Madonna's wild style,
With Janet Jackson's smile. Throw in a body like Jennifer's,
You've got the star of my liquid dreams, my liquid dreams.