Monday, December 7, 2009

Gift of Friendship

When you move to a new country and leave your friends and family behind, it is hard to start a new life at the new place without them. So, it took me a good 5 years to find my new circle of friends. My friends are something that I treasure with great appreciation. I found them when I was very mature. It is more challenging to connect when we grow older. They came into my life with their own stories, sad and happy. Some of their life experiences and trials, make me feel very proud of them. I admire their talents. I admire the way my friends raise their children and treat their parents. Sometimes, I am surprised by my friends' crazy personalities. And yes, they can be very funny, as well.

With my relatives being very far away, my friends, I consider you my American family. So, be here, stay well and healthy. Today, I want to thank you for your gift of friendship.


Wednesday, July 22, 2009

From Russia to America

So, I finally created my website http://www.fromrussiatoamerica.com/ which introduces our musical ensemble "From Russia to America". This site will be updated in the near future.

Saturday, May 9, 2009

My Favourite Rider



I would like to share with you about a masterpiece that I loved since my early childhood. I am sure you will find it very beautiful, as well. This is "Ryder" which was painted in 1832 by a very famous Russian neoclassic artist Karl Brullov.
I was about 5 years old when I first saw a reproduction of this painting in one of the Russian magazines. I remember so well how fascinated I was by the picture that I couldn't move my eyes away. I just loved looking at the rider and it was how I imagine a princess would look like. By the way, I saw myself in that little girl in the pink dress who was amazed by the lady on the horse. So, I tore a page from the magazine and kept it near my bed. Every night, before I went to bed, I looked at it.
Several years later, when my future husband and I met in Moscow for the first time, I took him to the Tret'yakov Gallery. I wanted to show him my favourite painting. By the time we found the room were the painting was hanging, we were told that the gallery was closing. I went to an orderly lady, a museum attendant, and asked her to take us to that room. She said "Net". I really-really wanted to see that piece and told the lady: "Look at this American gentleman. He came all away from the USA to see this painting and you cannot allow us two minutes to view it?" She responded: "Oh, I didn't know that he came specially for this artwork from so far away. Of course, I want him to see it. It is such a beautiful piece. Follow me, I will take you to this room." We went running to see my favourite painting. We viewed it in a happy silence. Since then, it became one of my husband's favourite arts, too. Thanks to that lady, he was able to see the art which I treasured since I was a child. Yes, he came from an opposite side of the world to see this timeless and gorgeous Russian art.

Friday, April 24, 2009

10 Years Together

My husband and I celebrated the 10th anniversary of our marriage. The time flew by so fast that it felt like I just closed and opened my eyes and 10 years past by. Of course, the most difficult time was in the beginning when every day you learn something new about each other. It is more difficult if newly weds are from different countries and have their own cultural views and habits. Furthermore, they want their mates to conform their traditions. For example, I couldn't understand, how you can eat a hot dog in a bun? We, Russians, eat a hot dog that is served on a plate with mushed potatoes or rice. My husband loved his way of eating a hot dog and I wanted him to eat it my way. I knew that the way we prepared this food, was the best. Right?
On the day of our anniversary, I decided to make a surprise for my husband by ordering a meal from our favourite restaurant. I went to the restaurant without telling my husband where I was going to. When I arrived there, I realized that I forgot my credit card. So, I had to call my husband and ask him to provide his card. That was my surprise.
I know he loves me for who I am, for my craziness and imperfections. In return, I appreciate who he is and what he has done for me. It is fair to say that if we are together for 10 years, we are right for each other.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Waisted Time


I just cannot hold myself from sharing my impression of the movie I recently watched. I WASTED MY PRECIOUS TIME! If you want to be confused, watch "Vicky, Cristina, Barcelona" by Woodie Allen. The movie is about a trip of two American girlfriends to Barcelona, about their love connections, affairs and an artists' inspiration.

My first shock: A main character, a sexy artist, wanted to spend a night with two women at the same time. He just liked them both. So, what... Long story short, the blond girl ends up moving in with the guy. Then, his ex-wife shows up and she joins the two. My second shock: Now, they are happy, I mean, the three of them living together. Finally, the blond decides that it is not for her and leaves them. After she leaves, the exes find that they cannot exist together anymore and the ex-wife leaves again. If you anxious to know the end, please read the movie review. My third shock: I was fascinated when I learned that for the role in this movie, Penelope Cruz was nominated and won the Oscar in 2009. (!!!)
Even though, I enjoyed the Spanish guitar scene and pictures of Barcelona, these were crossed out by my disappointment of the film. I, probably, couldn't get the hidden message that Woodie Allen invoked in his film, as well as, how the tagline "Life is the ultimate work of art" relates to this story. I always believed that any movie should have a purpose beneath, somethings you carry on for some time after the movie ends. For me, the movie was a work of art that had no life meaning. So, I WASTED MY TIME.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Make it Shine

One day, I turned on a Smooth Jazz station on TV just for background. After a few compositions, one song made me drop everything that I was doing. I looked at the screen and read the subtitles: Anders Holst, Make it Shine. I went on-line to check his profile right away and learned that he was originally from Europe. As soon as you enter his website, you can hear the song. This is what I read on his site: "Based in New York City, this critically acclaimed singer and songwriter is what Adult Contemporary music has been waiting for... Rooted in Jazz, Soul, and European Pop music, Anders distinguished sound will captivate and move you." I am really fascinated by his voice, music and believe that his style is the reflection of a wise and mature man. He definitely found his musical niche. So, I gladly added Anders Holst in my list of favorites.

If I could only make it better I would
If I could only make it stronger I would
If I could only leave behind those spoken words of mine and make it all shine!
........................................................................................
And see it the way you saw it
It might’ve bought us some time and made it all shine!
If I could only be that man.

Promenade

Finally, this day arrived. The day when our family can go for a promenade. You may ask why we couldn't do it before? It is simple, because my baby couldn't handle it. Or, probably, I couldn't. So, last night we visited the Plaza and our little son was walking on the street holding his Papa and Mama's hands. Some of you may think, so what? For me, it was a long awaited moment when I can dress up and walk with my son holding on to his little soft hand. I was fascinated so much that I stopped every 3 minutes looking at my baby and hugging him. He was a part of the crowd of different people on the street! He was so amazed by the surroundings, that his head was turning in every direction. When he saw several cars parked next to each other, he started saying "buma, buma, buma, buma" and on, and on... (In his lexicon, "buma" means a car or a truck.) Can you believe, so many cars at once??? Next, we visited a Victoria's Secret store where I saw several cute things. I couldn't decide between two items. All of a sudden, my not yet 2 year-old son said: "This!". I said "OK" and the decision was made.


Be Polite

Sometimes, we are too straight forward with people. We express our opinion without thinking how our words affect other people. Once, I sent out a marketing e-mail. Some people responded to me saying that they would contact me if necessary and others asked me not to bother them anymore. One woman wrote me that I should correct my English before sending a marketing e-mail. This was the error I made: "....If yes, please contact us." She corrected me: "...If so, please contact us". I responded thanking her for pointing out my mistake and letting her know that English was not my first language. No doubt, her correction was very helpful and I will never make the same mistake again. But... I found her choice of words being too hard. It is OK to point out someones mistake but be careful when expressing it. Actually, after I received her e-mail, I thought that I didn't want to contact her if a need for her services arose. What did I learned from this experience? OK, before e-mailing your marketing letter, make sure there are no errors. I also learned that when criticising someone, don't be negative, and do not underestimate that person. It may hurt you or your business in the future. It is fascinating that being polite will never go out of fashion.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Spring Tulips



Flowers are fascinating! Especially in the spring, after the winter with the absence of color, all of a sudden, they appear in different shapes and shades. Oh, the first spring flowers!
We took this picture tonight and I couldn't resist sharing it with you. Isn't it gorgeous? Humble yellow and sunburst orange make this duet as perfect as it can only be created by nature. Enjoy!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Prejudgment

Last night, as soon as my husband came home from work, he quickly went to my laptop to search for something. I asked him what he was looking for. He wanted me to wait a minute. He knows, I am inpatient. Finally, he showed me this clip. I got chills when I watched it!!! It touched me to my core. I was reminded about three important things:
1. A real talent is like a precious diamond, often hidden.
2. If you have a dream, just follow your heart and do not pay attention to those who may prejudge you.
3. Before judging, give someone a chance to express themselves. We all know this golden rule but, honestly, how often we do NOT follow it?
So, watch this fascinating video now, get your chills and believe in yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9z0h1NNk1Ik

No Time


This is not how I look everyday. I have a small child who is my everything. He makes my day sunny and bright. He makes me feel happy and tired. He also makes me very busy. I mean BU-U-U-SY. So, I really do not have time to fix myself up. Since our baby has arrived, a comfortable sporty outfit and pony tale are my daily "high fashion" now. This picture was taken when I had an occasion to put makeup and "dressup". I just do not find enough time for myself anymore. Where can I find it??? I knew that my life would change when my baby arrived, but I couldn't imagine that it would change so drastically and I love it. Amazing!!!
To share my view with you and learn about yours, this is why I created this blog I am Fascinated By http://iamfascinatedby.blogspot.com/. Here you and I can talk about what we are fascinated by, a good thing or otherwise.

My Niche-2

Who, I think, I am... I consider myself creative and imperfect. It takes time to become the person you want to be and feel comfortable with yourself. I am getting there and it is very sincere. Perceiving life in a positive way and believing in myself is what I am accomplishing on a daily basis. I am sensitive and friendly. Also, I am a loving Mom, spoiled wife, confidant and friend. Oh, please let me not forget that I like to give advice to my husband, my Mom and sister even if they don't want it. I like to make sure that my teenage nephew knows my opinion about his choices. I want to be there for those who I love and know they will always be there for me.

My Niche

Who, I know, I am... I am in my early 40-s and originally from Russia. I am a wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin and friend. Did I name them all??? As you can imagine, with every role comes a great responsibility. Am I a busy girl? You bet. I would say that, sometimes, I make myself more busy by getting into different projects which are very interesting to me. Sometimes I think: why did I get myself into it? I guess, the answer is because I cannot exist otherwise. I have to be involved in something. This is me. This is my nature and niche. Isn't it fascinating that for every person, there is a niche? What is yours?