Grace Magazine

There is nothing in the world like hearing Beethoven performed live.

I went to see the Philharmonia Orchestra of London conducted by Christoph von Dohnányi perform Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

I have to share the experience with you. Here is a vintage clip of Beethoven’s Fifth that I found on youtube:

Beethoven himself has described the first four notes as “Fate knocking at the door.”

Buy some Ludwig Van today.

Sweet, dainty, subtle, exquiste craftsmanship. The art of cameo carving is still alive and well in Italy.

Cameo: a technique of engraving upon a gem or other stone in such a way that an underlying stone of one color is exposed as a background for a low-relief design of another color.

Here are some fine examples by Del Gatto of Naples:

Young Woman Agate Stone Cameo Pendant - $238

The Italian Del Gatto family has been working in the shell cameo and coral art for over five generations. This beautiful cameo in an 18K gold frame, is part of the Agata collection which uses particular Brasilian stones.

Loving Mother Agate 18k Gold Cameo Pendant - $215

This beautiful agate cameo by Del Gatto uses age old artisan techniques to sculp the marvelous image of mother and child. The intense blue background and exquisite detailing adeptly conveys the mother’s pure joy - a perfect gift for mothers of all ages.

Young Woman Cornelian Cameo Pendant / Pin - $215

The Italian Del Gatto family has been working in the shell cameo and coral art for over five generations, selecting every shell and crafting them with a unique carving technique. This beautiful cameo, in a wavy 18K gold frame, is part of the Corniola collection which uses particular South-East Africa sea shells. This creation shows a beautiful profile of a young woman with her hair pulled up with flowers.

Another beautiful idea for Mother’s Day or perhaps a gift to yourself.

Available at forzieri.com

Milk soap is fabulous for dry and sensitive skin. This Italian gift box of 3 soap bars has a clean, fresh scent and gentle, rich lather.

Santa Maria Novella: Rose Milky Soap Box - $48.00

Triple milled, each exquisite bar is hand-molded using 19th century equipment, aged for 60 days in ventilated cabinets, then hand-wrapped. The all-natural, milk-based formula is infused with the romantic scent of rose for a lather that is rich, gentle, and softly moisturizing.

100% whole milk base. Softens dry and sensitive skin. Lasts about three times longer than ordinary soap while maintaining its shape and scent. Limited, controlled production at the original Florence site. All herbs and flowers cultivated naturally without pesticides.

This would make a lovely Mother’s Day gift.

Available at eluxury.com

Moms are great. How can we ever repay them for all they’ve done for us, taught us, shown us.

Mother’s Day in the U.S. is Sunday May 11, 2008.

Here are some ideas for gifts so you can give back in a small way.

Numi Tea Assorted Teas and Tessans - $32.41

Includes Morning Rise, Aged Earl Grey, Berry Black, Golden Chai, Temple of Heaven, Monkey King, Water Sprite, Moonlight Spice, Sweet Meadows, Simply Mint, Fields of Gold, and Ruby Chai varieties. Certified organic, fair trade, and kosher.

Packaged in a mahagony wood chest, this set included 60 tea bags. My personal favorite is Monkey King (Jasmine Green).

Leading Ladies Collection, Vol. 2 - $44.99

DVD set includes:
A Big Hand For The Little Lady
I’ll Cry Tomorrow
Rich And Famous
Shoot The Moon
Up The Down Staircase

I particularly love Up the Down Staircase and I’ll Cry Tomorrow.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber Divas - $14.99

Tracks include:
1. Memory (From Cats) - Betty Buckley
2. Music Of The Night (From The Phantom Of The Opera) - Katherine Jenkins
3. Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina (from Evita) - Madonna
4. All I Ask Of You (From The Phantom Of The Opera) - Shirley Bassey
5. Surrender (From Sunset Boulevard) - Sarah Brightman
6. With One Look (from Sunset Boulevard) - Glenn Close
7. Learn To Be Lonely (From The Phantom Of The Opera) - Minnie Driver
8. The Perfect Year (From Sunset Boulevard) - Dina Carroll
9. I Don’t Know How To Love Him (From Jesus Christ Superstar) – Yvonne Elliman
10. Buenos Aires (From Evita) – Patti Lupone
11. As If We Never Said Goodbye (From Sunset Boulevard) – Barbra Streisand
12. Rainbow High (From Evita) - Elaine Paige
13. Tell Me On A Sunday (From Song And Dance) - Marti Webb
14. The Heart Is Slow To Learn - Kiri Te Kanawa
15. Another Suitcase Another Hall (From Evita) - Barbara Dickson

Stand-out numbers include Surrender By Sarah Brightman and The Heart Is Slow To Learn By Kiri Te Kanawa.

Andre Rieu - Tuscany - $14.00

Product Description:
1. The Godfather (Love Theme) 2. Strangers In Paradise 3. Romance Anonyme - Jeux Interdits 4. Once Upon A Time In The West 5. Chanson d’Amour 6. O Mio Babbino Caro 7. William Tell Overture 8. Opera Potpourri 9. Italian National Anthem 10. L’Italiano 11. Marina 12. Roses From Tyrol 13. Lagune Waltz 14. The Rose 15. Italiana 16. Barcarole 17. La Paloma 18. Light Cavalry 19. All Men Shall Be Brothers (Ode To Joy) 20. Radetzky March 21. Vino 22. La Montanara 23. I Love You

A joyous concert set in beautiful Tuscany. The players really look like they’re having fun and their spirit is infectious.

Divisadero (Vintage International Paperback) - $10.32

From the celebrated author of The English Patient, comes another breathtaking, unforgettable story, this time about a family torn apart by an act of violence. Divisadero is a rich and rewarding read, Ondaatje’s finest novel to date.

If you loved the English Patient, Ondaatje’s latest novel will captivate you.

All items available from Amazon.com.

“How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you were?”

–Ruth Gordon, Actress and Playwright

You can buy these thought-provoking words on a key ring at Victorian Trading Company. Perhaps for Mother’s Day?

I grew up in Pennsylvania and I’m proud that Hillary Clinton won my state.

That’s one small step for man, and one giant leap for women.

Grace Magazine endorses Hillary Clinton for President.

Emma Watson, who plays Hermione Granger, in the Harry Potter movies, has turned 18 years old and come into possession of her earnings, reported to be more than 16.5 million pounds.

Watson along with Tom Felton, who plays Draco Malfoy, took a three-day course on how to manage their multi-millions.

According to Hello! Magazine, the course included meetings with private bankers, lessons on spending and budgeting, presentations by charity organizations, and a talk by a prominent PR agency on the importance of protecting one’s reputation.

If only our former child stars handled their wealth with such maturity. Britney Spears and Lindsey Lohan may have happier lives at the moment, instead of a laundry list of wrecked automobiles.

Good for you, Emma and Tom.

Beverly Hills 90210 was THE show when I was younger. My girlfriends and I used to watch it over the phone with each other.

Now, a new version is coming back to television. Click here for more details on the new premise.

Rumor has it that Jennie Garth will be joining the cast of the 90210 spinoff. She was always my favorite character on the show. I hope it’s true.

What other cast members would you like to see make a return to the zip code?