It's a girl for Aishwarya!

Longines Prix de Diane Chantilly, France 2011

Congratulations to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan on the arrival of their first baby girl!  First news came from Abhishek's dad, Amitabh, when he tweeted that "It's a girl!" earlier today!  He is so proud.  He wrote all about his adulation of his third grandchild in such poetic prose on his ever so popular blog.

Abu Sandeep Celebration Nov. 2011

I am especially happy for the famous Bollywood couple.  This has been long awaited ever since their marriage in April 2007.  All Bollywood fans and us US fans are all excited to find out what the name of the new princess of Aishwarya will be. 

Vogue Photoshoot July 2010

Happy parenting Aishwarya and Abhishek!

 Shel

Photo source: www.aishwarya-spice.com

(my favorite website for everything Aishwarya!)

91 and still entertaining!

Mr. Mickey Rooney that is.  He's still going strong at age 91.  A veteren actor of the golden age in Hollywood, Mickey has got it all in the bag.  Starring with many popular stars such as Judy Garland, Audrey Hepburn, and even Ben Stiller to name a few.  Married eight times, but now 33 years still going strong with his eighth wife (he says that too bad he didn't find her first), Jan Chamberlin.  She is a singer and dancer and has travelled with him performing across America.  He has been in hundreds of movies, starred on TV and off broadway.  Best friends with the late Judy Garland, he says, "we were just like brother and sister".  He grieved very hard when she passed in 1969 and had lost a true friend.  I became acquainted with his work when I first saw him star with Judy in Babes and Arms.  Since then, I have tried to keep track of his work.  I even wrote him a letter when he was playing at "The Americana" in Branson, Missouri.  I don't know if he ever got it, but that's okay he's still an awesome and talented guy that's still kickin'.

Meet Leila Lopes

Photo source

The 2011 Miss Universe was crowned on the 12th of September in Sao Paolo, Brazil.  As some of you might know I am a pageant lover and have even participated in some myself, so this is always a special treat to watch on TV. Miss Leila Lopes is from Benguela, Angola.  She is only the 4th African woman to win the prestigious title and at 25 she is an advocate for the fight against HIV.  She is the first Angolan woman to win Miss Universe and oh, how proud her country must be. 

She is an inspiration and I hope to follow here on her most amazing journey!  Congratulations Leila Lopes, Miss Universe 2011!

The Help

Have you read the book?  Have you seen the movie?  Or have you just heard someone talking about it?  Well, you've gotta take some time and read the book.  It made me laugh, cry, and wanna get up and shout (I actually did when I saw the movie.  It deserved lots of applause.).  I just had to find out who wrote the book and come to find out it wasn't written by a black woman, but a white lady raised by black maids in the south.  Her name is Kathryn Stockett.  Telling the story of how black maids really feel about their jobs is not something I had even really thought about.  Told by Minnie, Abilene, and Skeeter this story warmed my heart.  The movie was just as well acted as the words were on the page.  When the DVD comes out be sure to rent it, buy it, stream it or etc.

Love, Shel