Craftsmanship Is Still Kicking

I read a cool story in The Wall Street Journal that resonated with me, reminding us all that even in 2012 where on-demand rules and easier is better, that the humble values of tradition and craft are still kicking.

Literally!

Click here to read how artisan Lee Miller forgoes the gear and gadgets of today to craft bespoke cowboy boots by hand -- at 40+ hours of labor per pair and with trusty old tools, some from the early 1900s.

There's a four-year waitlist to snag a pair of these bucket-list boots, which are fashioned after the following takes place: Foot measurements and molds, ink impressions of soles, consultations on color, patterns and leather preference, plus custom stitching and embroidery.

Waitlist? Sign me up!

A Red and White Stunner

Last night's Golden Globes delivered some big laughs and gasps, from the raunchy humor of host Ricky Gervais that deflated celebrity egos to Madonna explaining she hadn't kissed a girl in some years, on TV that is.

But for me, one thing cut through the clutter: Angelina Jolie was breathtaking. Stunning! The best dressed by far, in an elegant gown that evoked an era bygone where real glamour trumped flash and trash.

Angelina's red carpet look inspires me to look and feel my best. And with that, I'm most absolutely heading out for a run today...

Midwest Kind Of Mind

I wish I was in the Midwest right now...

To hang with my parents, and my brother and his family who will arrive any minute from Nashville -- and especially to meet my nephew, Toren, who is a teeny-weeny thing just born in December, and to play with my almost two-year-old niece Lena. She is a doll!

That sounds so cozy -- perfect! -- right about now. But since I'm here and not there, I'm thinking of you all, from L.A.

Little Red Corvette

I just heard an incredible version of Prince's iconic '80s song, Little Red Corvette, during my first YogaHop class on Friday.

Since then, I've become a tad obsessed!

You see, the original Little Red Corvette was always one of my favorite Prince tunes, reminding me of rocking out in the safari-style Jeep I had in high school or getting ready to hit the town on a Friday night in college.

Mike Zito's new version transforms this high-octane pop hit into a tender ballad with lots of soul -- he owns it just like Prince did.

Click here to listen to the re-imagined Li-ttle Red Cor-veeeette.

Happy New Year

On New Year's Eve, you get in that mood to think about how you can do it better, be even more, live a life fulfilled next year that teems with infinite possibilities.

It's the universal day to reflect on what has been, and go a mile a minute toward what may be.

A day where anything in the coming year, and I mean anything, is attainable.

With that, Happy, Happy, Happy New Year!

We Bought a Zoo

Last night I had a special date. With my parents.

We started out at Rudy's Tacos for, well, tacos and root beer, cream soda for me, and then dashed into the windy night to catch a 7:20 PM showing of the Cameron Crowe movie, "We Bought a Zoo."

Grams and gramps, you were right -- the movie was great! Matt Damon is spot-on as a widowed father who moves with his two kids to a country house to bring to life a dilapidated zoo. If you want a flick with some magic, inspiration, big laughs and tears, this is for you.

I'm still pondering this cool quip from Damon's character, Benjamin Mee:

"You know, sometimes all you need is twenty seconds of insane courage. Just literally twenty seconds of just embarrassing bravery. And I promise you, something great will come of it."

This way of thinking is on my radar for 2012...

* The movie is based on this memoir by the real-life Benjamin Mee