Kelsey G. meets Melli D...

Twitter:ohmymelli

       It's Christmas Eve, and the fifth night of Hannukah...almost.     The "holiday season".    Today, the "Magic" wasn't about the holidays though.  

      "Oh hey, he's here again".  Sitting outside a local cafe, I looked up.  The "he" being referred to was Kelsey Grammer.   Somebody I will always remember as Dr. Frasier Crane.  

      With it’s spot on timing, quick wit, and Ivy League vocabulary, Frasier will remain forever, fantastic.  The uncanny ability to cause laughter from a simple raising of one’s eyebrow, is nothing less than…well…magic.  ;)  Though the characters themselves had OCD beyond many of our wildest dreams, it was somehow endearing, and wildly addictive.  The charm in the series was, and remains, one of a kind.  FYI: I happen to be exceedingly picky in what I would refer to as “funny”. 

        Two weeks ago, out of the tiniest corner of my eye, I noticed a side view of him.   When your out about town, and you see “somebody” even if you don’t know exactly who he or she is, there’s that sparkle, the energy that surrounds him or her?  Something, right?  For me, it’s a tingle in my tummy.  After hearing various rumors about his possible personality, I’m ashamed to say the idea of seeing him was preposterous, he probably hired people to do everything right?  Wrong!   Twice more that same day, we had Kelsey sightings.  Holy smokestacks…REALLY???

        So then, today, after hearing the hushed “Oh hey”, I decided what the hell.  I set my coffee down, and went into the shop he’d gone into.  Shaking.  As luck would have it, he’d put his head down, glasses on, and was obviously looking to NOT be interrupted.  Hi though, remember?  This is me here!  

        In my very small voice, in a language I can only hope was English, I went right up and said “Pardon me, Mr.Grammer”?  For a split second I felt disheveled and completely blank as to who I was, where I was, and whose feet I might have been standing on…  He looked down, oh yes, he is THAT tall, and when he saw me, ( cartwheels, cartwheels, cartwheels) he smiled!  I died.  He said something polite, “Yes, hello…”  Oh my heavens, somehow, a light must have shone down on me because suddenly, I had balls.  I put my hand straight out to shake his, and introduced myself, calmly, rationally, yet still soft spoken.  And he was SOOOO nice!   After telling him I’d always adored watching Frasier, in just a couple of sentences, he actually thanked me for taking the time to stop him and say hi! 

         Ok, yes, he has a new show out, he wants to look good, he has to protect his image…oh bologna.  Sometimes you just know right?   This man was sincerely being nice to me.  Kind even, and not in a creepy I want your body way.  Genuinely smiling, and I was out of my mind stoked!

     Walking briskly so as not to actually be bouncing until I was out of sight, I got to the door…almost.  I grabbed a business card, and ran back over…this time, a bit out of breath, and told him I make custom jewelry, and after “gifting” so many piece’s to who knows where, I’d be more than happy to make something for him, as of course, he played one of my most favorite characters, and turned out to be a really delightful man. 

       TO DO LIST:

       GET NEW BUSINESS CARDS.

       PUT WARDROBE ON THEM.

       ADD MENS CUSTOM PHOTO’S TO WEBSITE.

       BREATHE.

       LEARN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE…AGAIN.

     There is an enchantment about Hollywood.   Being made to feel stupid, or intrusive or un-welcome upon meeting a celebrity whom you adore, is embarrassing, annoying, and humiliating I’d imagine.  Having the opposite experience, especially with somebody whose reputation your uncertain of…  Now THAT is the real “Magic of Hollywood”.  A tip to anybody reading this…be nice, it doesn’t always hurt.  And to Mr.Grammer, if ever you do cross this posting, I thank you quite kindly for being such a gentleman.

       Merry Merry Christmas Cherry, and Happy Fifth Night of Lights...(although now it's far past midnight, and so closing in on the sixth)

               Quite Kindly, Mell

      

Sour Patch Kids, Two Secrets, and an Apple a Day. ;)

melli@melliinc.com

 "SourPatch Kids" mark the spot.   The sweet and the sour that together, make up life.
       Sweet Secret:  It's always fascinated and elated me, to open the pages of a high end fashion magazine, and see the ad's, designs, colors, even the people, that a year prior, I knew would be there.
       I cannot see dead people...but if you needed me to pull together a collection, say for a new TV show...and have it ready tomorrow, and have it air a year from now... I't'd be nothing less than a straight on bulls eye.
       Sour Secret:  I'm really and truly kick-ass fantastic at getting it done right.  Ten minutes, ten actors, ten ill-fitting ball~gowns?  Bring it.  It's sour because it's not something "I want", rather it's something I'm good at, passionate about, and quite frankly, "I need".
       There you have it, apparently, I'm a Sour Patch Kid.
       A very well respected member of the community who, interestingly enough, is not on the way into, or out of jail, said something today that provoked me into sharing the above secrets, and below photo's.       After speaking with a very "big deal dude" at CBS, she gave me the advice he'd passed along.  "Get as much work as you can and buff up a resume".     Wow...such insight...this guy certainly eats his apple a day.
        I do apologize.  I adore, and respect greatly this woman, but am beginning to understand why this man has gotten the reputation of being an idiotic jack-ass.
       
         FYI: She did not tell me her friend's name, it's just my own gut feeling that  it was this particular man.
           I'd barely rang the bell this afternoon when she asked if I'd seen...and I cut her off.  "The Prada ad in Harpers?  Yeah I know.  The roses right?  Did you see the other ones, with the pearls? "  I'm not sure it's "allowed" to put up other designers' ads.  Therefor, YOU HAVE HOMEWORK.  ;)  Look at Chanel's Winter 2011/2012 collection online, Dior, Lanvin (try the Bergdorf's site)  and the November or December issue of Harpers Bazaar.  Oh!  And the January (I think) issue of Nylon Magazine too.  Pretty please, and thank you quite kindly ;)   Then take a look at these:

Quite Kindly,
Mell


66/50

A letter to the class.

melli@melliinc.com

"When Life Gives You Lemons... Use Them Wisely"  ;)

Dear First Grade Families, 

Remember in high school, those awful dreams where we'd accidentally come to school in our undies?  Yeah that's about how I feel right now.  :)  Because of your incredible kindness, I've decided to write this letter.    Just hang in here with me for a minute.  Pretty please, and thank you quite kindly.  

As parents,we want to watch our children smile, be healthy, happy and successful in all that they do.  For my Josh and his very young reputation, I'm telling you my story.  

Please accept my sincerest apologies for all the birthday parties, school events, family days and even just day to day "things" that we've missed... And that I myself have.   Most of you know, a year ago (September) I was in a monstrous car accident.  After being air-lifted to UCLA Trauma, it was discovered that I'd suffered massive brain trauma, but nobody could say how exactly that would impact me, or my family.   Often people ask how the recovery is, how am I feeling, how are the memory issues etc.  I've tried to politely reply to every body that I'm getting better, things are good and so on.  To be honest, it was just about six weeks ago, my Dr. FINALLY said it seemed my feet were finding their way back down to earth.  

I slur my words still if I'm tired, I fall down stairs regularly,  I've lost enormous chunks of my memory, and my vocabulary  (or lack there of)  is a constant battle and embarrassment.  They are all things I'm valiantly working on.  

Sitting and typing this, I'm reminded of so many people I owe calls too, piece's too, donations for school things...Gosh I am so very sorry to you and your families.  My heart is in the right place and my head is getting back to it...for real.  

IF there are any out-standing events I've been MIA for, please PLEASE call me, ask me, or leave me a note.  I want so much to be here, and to help wherever I can, and anybody that needs it.   And I value all of you so much.  It's a fantastic group of  people that make up our current class, and it's an honor to be apart of it.  So please pardon my seemingly obnoxious behavior, and know that going into the New Year, each of you is in my prayers for all good things.  

Thank you for your time, and everything else you've all offered.  While I may not remember it right away, I can assure you, the sweetness of first grade will never be forgotten.    

PS~ As I'm still me for the moment, if I've missed any e-mails, would you be so generous as to pass this along?  :)

Quite Kindly,

Mell

A Poem by Yours Truly

melli@melliinc.com

The wind begins blowing

As dusk rolls in

For many an ending is near

My energy takes over

At about this time

For no longer do I hold fear

As darkness come strong

Night chills come along

Many people will soon take cover

When the light is no more

Shut goes the door

For me though now magic does hover

Sassy, Classy, & Sweetly Crassy...

melli@melliinc.com

Sassy, Classy, & Sweetly Crassy...The Magic of Melli...Oh My.


                                "Where there is PASSION, anything is possible.  
The world seems to be catching on not only to my talents, but to my passion.  I can make jewelry for any person, any style any time in any price range.  I can pull a photo shoot out from where the sun don't shine in no seconds flat.  I can figure out the make-up easily.  I don't panic on set.  I can take direction and I can give direction properly.   I can figure it out, whatever it is, whenever it needs to be figured out...silently even.  I'm good.  I've got "it" and I'm good.  The world is beginning to understand that about me.  Where there is Melli, there is intensely sweet, classy, sassy, quiet and sometimes crassy, passion".    

XOXO Murphy, Tilton & The Men's Varsity Basketball Team. ;)

melli@melliinc.com
twitter:melliohmy


Can I just say, Melli's got some major moxie...

Mr.Murphy and Mr.Tilton .  Two gigantic contributor’s to me being ME.  In some really ridiculous, muscle building, and fantabulous ways.   

It wasn’t unusual to find me digging through the props room.  I was the “stage manager”.  In  high school, this meant I was also the make-up artist, the costumer, the props darling etc etc etc.   And that was all fine by me!!!  A best friend (to this day) is  Benjamin.  He and I regularly stayed in that theatre painting sets far past our required dorm check-in time, and even past the official lights out time.  We had a blast.  I loved that theatre.  I love theatre as a general statement.  It’s magic of course, as so many sets are.  The following story occurred one chilly weekend afternoon, when the school was quite possibly empty.   And likely, so was the town.  At boarding school in the middle of the most beautiful part of New England, when it was quiet, it was dead silent.    So I’m digging alone, through the boxes…I knew the picture frame was there, as I’m the one that had put it back the previous morning.  When all of a sudden…

MURPHY:  Stomping up onto the stage, “Where in the hell is Mell???!!!   Dammit this was supposed to be done yesterday!  No, actually this was supposed to be done last week!   Christ.  Melissa??!!!!!"

ME: Scrambling myself up the steps, I replied sweetly as always.  “Morning Murphy…what can I do for you?”

MURPHY: Pivoting swiftly but with great balance, “ Why is THAT piano not on THIS stage?  I asked you to get it done two weeks ago!”  Despite him and I being in that very theatre, everyday for the last month, and him insisting he’d get some help and do it himself…I replied with  a steady voice to counter his furious one.

ME:” I’ll go find some help right now.  I’ll be honest though, there aren’t many people around…can you check for sta…”

MURPHY:” JUST DO IT!!!”   Well then.  

ME: “Ok Murph, I’ll see who I can wrangle up”…   Shit.  There really wasn’t anybody on campus…I debated even knocking on doors…but I didn’t have time for that.  So off I went…running through the theatres entrance, and then through the student lounge, and the cafeteria.   I was on a mission…maybe not from God, but from Murphy…and anybody with half a brain, knew that he was capable of being much worse…and still he’s the BEST!!!   Ok so anyway, I’m running…fast…just as I’m losing my own temper, I saw a couple guys walking up the back path…” Hey you!!!   I need your help in the theatre!!!   Please seriously, Murphy’s going to kill me …and I’ll do your laundry all week!!!”   They grumbled something, and seeing as they were nice though not large, they made their way into the theatre.  While I popped my head into yet another empty room upstairs…I heard Morgan yelling.

MURPHY:”Is she kidding me?   I don’t know you tell me, can the two of you lift that piano up onto the stage?  Because I’ve gotta tell ya at this point, I’m thinking of pre-recording the damn music” 

ME:”Fuck”…   Just as I bounced toward the next room I heard another sound.  It was a booming voice…but with a different strength.  “Oh you’ve got to be mother fucking kidding me NO WAY!”  This all from me, I didn’t swear, I did skip class but only because it was insanely difficult.  Never did drugs, never smoked, was a pretty good little thing in comparison.   So Murph is still shouting blah blah blah…   whatever whatever whatever…amd boom.  My saving grace.  TILTON!!!!!!!   Mr.T!!!   Seriously, my savior…and history teacher.  I ran up to him beyond breathless…

TILTON:  “ Miss Melissa…what brings you up here today…don’t tell me one of these guys is yours?  Athletes are trouble you know…”  He smirked and gosh what a guy!

ME:  “Hi, haha no, not any of your boys don’t worry.  I need a HUGE favor…and one day I’ll re-pay you…no idea how, but I might not live to figure it out if you don’t help me.”   A minute later, he blew his whistle.  LOUD!

TILTON: “BOYS!  Listen up!  Miss Melissa has a favor and your ALL going to help her! “  He looked at me and nodded to “the boys”.  Mind you at 61 inches with my head held up straight, these “boys” were all at least a foot taller than me…more like two.  The Men’s Varsity Basketball Team. 

ME:” Ok guys, I need help…let’s move!”  He blew the whistle again and yelled “GO” and it took every cell in my being to not jump higher than the gym ceiling and crack my skull…but I didn’t…I kept my cool.  How?  No friggin idea.  The two minutes it took us to walk ( single file) from the gym to the theatre had my heart thundering in my chest harder than any New England storm.  Really.  The pride I felt when I opened the theatre door, and saw the look on the three other people’s faces?  Now THAT was unbelievable.   “Hey Morgan.  Got some help…these guys should be able to do it.”  Don’t forget single file.   Because of the shading of the glass doors, it wasn’t until I moved aside that he could see them start filing in…dunking their heads as they walked through the door way.    TRIUMPH!!!!!   HA!!!

MURPHY:” Wow…Meliss…Wow.  This is unreal.  Your amazing.  You got Tilton to let these guys go?  Melissa how did you do that?  I’m…” he continued to stare back and forth at them and me in total shock.  Not awe, but shock.  Oh yes, Melli’s got MOXIE times ten!   So the team proceeded to move the piano from the pit, to the stage.  It took them all of thirty seconds, and not a scratch.  One day, I really should find those guys and thank them with something awesome…a pendent or something.  And one day, when I’m hugely successful, I FULLY intend too.

..."Like Magic, A Lid Appears"...

melli@melliinc.com
  Dear World,
               Many of you know that a little over a year ago, I was in a car accident.  I suffered a severe head injury.  It's caused me more than several ( times a day) slips down the stairs, ridiculous word replacements.  I.E. "Honey can you grab the washer so I can make the kids' toast".  Rather than microwave, for waffles.  Simple things, natural day to day things.   "Guys hush the vacuum so I can spell the baker"!  Rather than the TV, so I can hear the phone.  
              I found a photo that I pleaded to have taken.  "After the Clean-Up, Before the Shave".  I made it black and white, (less gore).   It was after being air lifted to the trauma center at UCLA and being literally cleaned up, before they shaved part of my head to stitch me back together.  I just wanted to see...somebody said I looked like Harry Potter.  My sister actually...whom I love more than the world.  My Ray of sunshine.   Tonight, I was talking to a friend, and sent her a very un-gory photo.  She said " The Boy Who Lived".    She then said  "You are not going to die...But FINALLY LIVE".  She and I went on chatting...she mentioned Nat King Cole...and I remembered something.  I remembered the dress Natalie Cole was wearing when I was twelve or thirteen and accidentally bumped into her at an awards show.  Then, I remembered what she was wearing when I again had the pleasure of seeing her at a department store right before the accident.
             I still slur my words, some people think I'm all over the place...  Like Aerosmith and my Grandmother have both said in the past "my get up and go, got up and went"... BUT IT'S COMING BACK!  
            It's not over, this part of the battle has just actually begun...but I'm going to win it.   I'm getting stronger, smarter, tougher...and I learn a little every single day.   I'm not so foolish as to say "I love you all", and gush~gush~gush...the truth is, I do remember a lot...good and bad, happy and sad.  A lot of things incredibly bittersweet.  Everything in balance, in good time, the right time...and just when you feel things are about to explode...almost like magic, a lid appears.  
            So, just so everybody is ready ~ I wanted to let you ALL know, I'm still at the airport, not quite boarding the plane...but my tickets are out, my bags are packed, and I'm on my way home.
            Peace, Luv, Rock n' Roll...
            Quite Kindly Yours,
                      Miss Melli Oh My.

Melli D went VIP ;)

melli@melliinc.com

          I LOVE Halloween.   I find the ghost stories captivating.  I like the legends, the intrigue, and the probability (rather than the otherwise typical "possibility") that something magic could happen.    I make a wish at midnight on the thirtieth, and then the following midnight I do the same.
         This Halloween, we began with what's become, our tradition.  My sister and brother-in-law took my boys to the pumpkin patch.  A few days after they come back and we carve pumpkins...99% of the time it's my sister and I...which we love because it gives us "us" time.  So then, this year was a little different.  I had no idea how much so, until Later Friday night.  My friend was going to a place in Hollywood with a small group of people.  I offered to lend her and another girl (that's become a friend now too) some jewelry for fun.  I also offered to do their make-up.   That's something fun for me.  I've always loved getting people ready...even just to go to the market!  Putting a smile on their face, making them feel good inside about how they look outside is very cool.  It happens that neither of these girls needs any help in the department of beauty... it also happens that both are my friends and were going to humor me by letting me help.
          So, Friday night, I get a text ~ not un-common.  BUT...what she said to me was one of those totally superficial, completely and shamelessly, ridiculously exciting things that makes people want to do a cartwheel.  Difference being, I actually will in fact do them.   So I'm silently bouncing in my cartwheels down the hallway so that I don't wake the boys, or my husband, or the neighboring town for that matter.   I was completely stoked out of my mind.  She texted me to see if I'd go with her on Saturday night.  So ok, I got invited to go out in Hollywood with one of my most favorite people...I'm almost a hundred percent certain that she's secretly an angel.  Not only that, but it's in a limo, and how cool is this?  Pauley P from NCIS is the hostess!   Well holy shit.
         I was so excited...until Angela said "costume required"...I died...then I revived myself, and decided ok...I got this.  The ONLY hat that I can wear that isn't a beanie, is a witch hat.  Boom.  I'll grab a capey thingy somewhere, a hat from the grocery store, and I'm done.  Ok so this is me, I'm a girl...I got three dresses, two capes and two head pieces...got home, pulled three more dresses, and two more completely different options out...and transformed myself into this kind of "Gypsy/Witch/Funky?Hollywood?Fortune-Teller.   It worked.   It was so fun to dress up.  Squeezing in the limo was interesting... like being in high school again...
         The ONLY stupid issue was the norm for me, I got dizzy.  Still struggling with the car accident...getting better though.   So most of the night...into the early morning the room, or my head, were spinning.
         It's wild to meet one of your favorite celebrities.  Even seeing them across a room is cool.   Being their guest, VIP guest, at a party with people that are actually your friends?  Wow.  AND when the famous person suddenly becomes a real person it's spectacular.   Ok, she's tall, and thin and beautiful, and she has that "Magic of Hollywood" Sparkle...but she is truly a sweetheart.  She's respectful and courteous of others, and it was a little surreal.   There's actually security guards, and a velvet rope and I was on the side that I secretly have always wanted to be on.   It didn't feel wrong, or strange...it was just fun to be there...and to see my friends having fun.
         Around three AM I think, it seemed time to go home.  So I hugged my friends, and I sorta waved a cool "Thank You Bye" to Pauley.  But she insisted on taking me literally, by the hand, and walking me with a security guard, back to the limo, and made sure he knew where he was taking me.  It was amazing.
         A VIP, with a real VIP, my friends, and in a very cool place in Hollywood...how many times have I said Hollywood?   Yes, always it's in my dreams.   Anyway, I don't drink...I'll go all out on Shirley Temples, but that's it.   So assuming my memory doesn't mess up, I have the capacity to remember everything.  And I remember my friends and I having fun.    I met a bunch of people...all so nice...and one of them, Ginger Coyote who began what is now PunkGlobe.com   She was very awesome, and took a liking I think to my jewelry.  Angela was wearing a bunch, I was wearing a bunch, and somebody told her that Pauley had worn a piece on the show.   So I'm making her something, and she's doing a little write up on me...which will hopefully grab people's attention.
        It's been stated so many times, but in truth, I want to be successful so that I can be happy inside...and make the world smile.  First of course, come my guys...and then every charity that catches even the corner of my eye.   ;)
Picture time loves...

Pauley Perrette & I

 

 Angela & Maggie

Yours Truly 

Angela & I 

Ginger Coyote (& Pauley in the background). 

Maggie & Angela 

Yours truly. 

Pauley P  

The graceful bust of Angela 

Yes...my head-piece. 

And the (gag...) base metal ridiculousness I put together to go with my Pearls.  ;)

QUITE KINDLY YOURS, Mell

Tonight...I told him to shove it.

melli@melliinc.com
    
        Lashing out doesn't make life different.  Being in control, or having the outside "look" of it, makes things appear different.  No person is ever truly in control.  One would hope that people are able to respect one another so that we as a group, can feel good.   Sometimes, enough is just enough.
       The first step in being respected by another...even an insect...is respecting yourself.  That fly buzzing around in the corner?  Not coming anywhere near me...   I respect myself.
     Am I the slimmest, strongest, smartest?  Honestly?  I just might be.  There is a scene at the end of the first Harry Potter movie.  Neville is granted points to  Gryffindor.   He has stood up on behalf of, not only himself, but on behalf of his "House".    He did what he needed to keep the integrity of the house strong.  Despite being terrified, despite feeling insecure about himself, he got up, and held his "wand at the ready".  He happened to come out at the end of the series a true hero.  And it all began on one seemingly calm evening, when he stood up to his fellow house-mates.   His family.
    Tonight, I stood up for my family.  My battle is just beginning.  My healing is only just starting.  However this turns out, whatever the ramifications are, I am confident that my paternal grandmother, and my Ducky, are looking down on me...While they may not be smiling with pure joy... they are absolutely glowing with pride.  Tonight, I respect myself, my children, my husband, and anybody that comes after us.
    Tonight, I sent a letter to the family lawyer  ...  and told my father to shove it.   

Title? Do I have too?

melli@melliinc.com
      I swear when last I wrote, I had no idea it was literally going to be a "scorcher".  Really, though I'd very much like to know what is going to happen, and to whom, and when, usually, I don't.  That was plain and simple luck I suppose.   So, in trying to keep my sanity, I've downloaded a Martha Stewart "App" onto my iPhone...I'm very excited and yesterday, I even made dinner with a recipe I found there.  My chicken doesn't look nearly as good as my Pearl bracelets though, so I think I'll just stick to the creative side of things.   I can bake a mean cake, as long as the shape is circular...go figure, I've no idea why I cannot bake in a square, but I just absolutely cannot seem to get that one down.   It makes clean and perfect sense though, that out of everything in the world, of course, my passion is for Pearls...  The round ones.  :)  Just a little hello world I'm still here.  Despite the flu earlier this week, and my older son impaling his eye on the tip of a flagpole, I have survived the ridiculous California-ness...   I'll be back later with something interesting to say...Well, I'd hope.  I did see a once was rocker dude at the market yesterday...but being me and my puny self, I'm not sure who it was.   Had I known, I would have probably fallen over in awe.   Anyways, I'm here, working my butt off to make it into the fashion world, the Hollywood world, and/or any that I love that will have me.   Hoping you are all well...   Quite Kindly Yours, Melli D.

"Do be careful..."

melli@melliinc.com

"Do you know how helpless you feel if you have a full cup of coffee in your hand and you start to sneeze?"
Jean Kerr 

       It's inevitable, you will sneeze.  The (likely) hot coffee will spill...and from there, a number of ramifications will take place.   What do you do?   Furthermore, what do you do  when the person handing you the coffee is also the person that teases your nose with pepper?   Another name is a "no win situation". A "no win" life, would be somebody who has lost all hope completely.  I am not that person.

    "Hope may be lost temporarily, but it won't ever be truly gone".

      Throughout every trial and triumph no matter where my life is or was, my forever goals, dreams and wishes haven't wavered.    As my memory unscrambles itself, and re-organizes all the experiences that make up "Melli", I'm stunned, and proud of myself.  As part of my "healing" process, I've been forced to look back and process my past.  Being abused, hurt, and literally kicked when I'm down, really has just made me a stronger person.  I'm proud to carry "Little...But Oh My" not because it's cute or endearing, but because it's true.  No I don't go around kicking people's asses... though I could.  The force captured in those four words has almost nothing to do with my physical make up.  It's the power and the passion,  I hold inside the depths of my soul.   "Melli Oh My" is the new and improved version.   My strength is in my character.  So starting right now, at 8:45 PM on 10/9/11, anybody that feels the need to give me that coffee is invited to do so...   Nobody ever said it would be ME, having to deal with the consequences of it spilling.  ;)

Quite Kindly,
     Melli Oh My...
PS~  Do be careful, (Darn weather is so startling sometimes!!) tomorrow could be a scorcher.

             

Put one foot in front of the other ~ AND GO.

melli@melliinc.com

Dear World -

A zebra is an exact balance of black and of white, yin and yang, of plus and minus, fire water etc.  Perfection.  If I am good at something, I'm the best at it.  And if I'm not, I'm the worst.  I don't pretend to do things, though I've said "fake it till you make it".   If said "it" is something completely foreign, then that "it" for me isn't an option.  I don't fake the know-how...maybe just the experience or rather the confidence I have in the doing of a task.    If I agree/accept a gig,job,offer, it's because on some level, I know I can kick it's ass...in the very best and most gracious of ways.

Fake It Till You Make It-

“Meticulous manipulation of the mind,

 in order to properly complete a task, that

 one already has the inherent ability to master”.

Melli Clarification 

Right now,  I'm so grateful the ever so gifted for Kevyn Aucoin.  Despite the classes I've taken in design, color, costume, make-up, theatrical effects etc etc etc... His book "Making Faces"has taught me more than any of them.   It's also helped me elaborate my own thoughts and methodology in refining the gifts that I've naturally been given.   So, I'm not panicking.   Well, ok maybe a little.
I'm doing the make-up for a video shoot tomorrow.   A "Sizzle~Reel".    Until yesterday I was the "assistant" to the "professional" artist, who has since, backed out.  While my heart is now beating out of my chest...if indeed it still is beating, the only way to move forward is to actually put one foot in front of the other ~ AND GO.  So I'm going.  I'm going to Los Alamos, I'm going to do the make-up for the film.  I'm going to rock it.  And of course I'll be doing it in Pearls.  
 I'm absolutely bringing my books from  Mr. Aucoin.  To be a legend is wonderfully bittersweet.  He was taken from the world at such a young age...and yet even in death, is teaching so very much.  Not just that, but he is also guiding me  through,  reminding me of all the things I did learn,  do know, can do ... and giving me ~ again ~  the confidence to move ahead in doing them.    How inspiring he is to me alone, without even being here.  Now THAT is magic if I've ever seen.  
So yes, I'm nervous, but that's not a bad thing really.  It's energy building...and energy can be positive.  It can bring smiles to peoples faces, and it can turn a hum~drum day into the best you've ever had.  Terrified?  Ok, a little...but I'm human.  If I couldn't do this I wouldn't try.  But I can... so I will.
Anyway, my forever motto is worded a little different every time I say it,  however...

"On the inside, have passion enough 

to rival the wildest of any storm.  

On the outside though ~ forever do your best,

to instead resemble (ALWAYS) 

the calm just before."

Quite Kindly,

 Melli D.

Bummer? Maybe Not…I Do Feel Like a Fire Work Though.

melli@melliinc.com

Bummer?  Maybe Not…I Do Feel Like a Fire Work Though.

        “We only need you for three days and only to do a guys face…supposed to look like he’s been beat up…bar type fight etc…requires detail but nothing permanent sorry if I’d gotten your hopes up kid”.

         Hearing this reminded me immediately of an interview I’d seen with Margaret Hamilton.  (FYI to those of you that were in fact born yesterday, she might also be known as “The Wicked Witch of the West”).  The interviewer asked about capturing one of the most prestigious roles in history…in a movie of equally epic caliber.  Miss Hamilton went on to describe the buzz, the gossip, and the hype that surrounded the making of 1939’s “Wizard of Oz”.   

         Her response was something like this..."we'd all heard about the making of the film… MGM was looking to make it one of the biggest productions ever. … and it was everywhere...word was out that the role of Dorothy had been filled...and there was talk that Billie Burke was in negotiations to play Glinda... so naturally when my agent called me, I was a little confused and a little excited ... I wondered to myself did somebody back out?  What could they want me for?  My agent said then, “well...The Wicked Witch” ...to add insult to injury he then added...”what else”?!".  

You really never know…that role made her famous and unforgettable, a legend.  She’d been an actress for seven years I think before it, but it was “the break” that so many of us are looking/hoping/even praying for.  Not just in the movie industry…in the plumbing industry…a big break would be some water pipes bursting in the Mall of America  or something…   We ALL have dreams and aspirations.  And it’s difficult when even for just one split second we feel like we’re sooooo close…then oops…the Mr.Malfoy reaches his hand out with all his magical might…and still, the prophecy drops and shatters into a million katrillion little tiny piece’s.  

I feel like a firework. 

Over the course of my life, I’ve taken every ounce that makes up me, and stuffed it away into hiding.  I know very well, as does anybody that truly knows me…that one day soon I’ll be set off…like a firework.  Boom Melli!!!   And just like on The Forth of July, you’ll hear the whistle of the concoction and then…BOOM it’ll blast the ass outta you in a beautiful array of striking white and silver lights…sparkles in the sky…like the most beautiful and vivid dream you’ve ever had.  Boom, explodes Melli and each of the small but bright sparks will be a different aspect of me.  The make~up artist, the fashion designer, the stylist, the sketch~pad darling, the soft spoken but vibrant voice, the meticulous eye for color, the passion for all things jewelry…specifically pearls…the desire to make the world smile AND the ability to change the world for the better…This one firework among so many others…the one flower growing in a field of weeds…Boom.  Melli.  “Little…But Oh My”.   The difference in my lights and the others?  I’m not going to fade out.   Ever.  I feel like a firework…and it’s very very very cool.  Peace, Love Rock,Pearls, & Roll. 

Quite Kindly, Yours Truly, Angels Angels, and All Good Things... etc etc etc...

Mell

     

Margaret Hamilton (December 9, 1902 – May 16, 1985) 

Fake~Up. I rocked~ I rolled~ and I did it in Pearls.

melli@melliinc.com

        So, after a kick~ass photo~shoot where I nailed the wardrobe, nailed the make-up and nailed the accessories ...(heck even the hair ~ but did not nail anybody involved)  I've been asked to do the make~up on a web~series...hopefully one in which I'll be noticed for my skills in make~up, as well as being seen for my real expertise, styling/wardrobe/etc etc etc and all things glamour not to forget hello, my own jewelry collection, and design ability.   My very first thought when asked?  "Melli baby, "fake it till ya make it"."   I am not actually a make~up artist...although slathering shadows, puffing bronzers dusting colors, or lining finely somebodies eyes seems easy enough, there is a science to this form of art...as any true artist can tell you.  The good part, is that as a designer, as a creator, and as a free~spirit when it comes to anything profoundly stylish, I like many, should be able to fake it up.  Just at the very same time I'm making it up.  Much like being a dancer, if you know ballet, you have the rhythm down, you understand the basic comprehension of how your body moves, it's not too terribly far off from bouncing it up a bit quicker, jingling your brains a little harder, and pouncing a tad stronger in going toward tap...and once you've got those two, well there's nothing you can't do...except maybe gymnastics.  
          Anyways, I should tell you this part because it's part of the charm of the very beginnings of me...of Melli...  There's one for sure, possibly two bodies...one face absolutely, not sure what colors, what era nothing...the photographers were very un-certain.  That's not my issue...my job as the in charge of everything else, was to in fact have everything else ready to go for the old west, or fifty years from now. Seeing how fashion does run in circles, you just never know.   Anyway, I'm pretty sure I brought with me every single item that CVS sells...a handful they don't...minus some of the Hallmark greeting cards...Scotch tape, ( lots of closing thingy's so as not to ruin any clothing I did have...however seeing as this wasn't an haute couture catwalk, having to use a seam ripper ( had that) or needle and thread myself(had every color) or even using actual duct tape (yup) wasn't out of the question.  The cute part was my set-up.  Though I did get lucky in not having to buy or bring a clothing rack, the person that was going to bring it didn't.  So this is what my set-up looked like.  My Black and Violet Jeep Wrangler, with the back open all the way, gave me just enough space to stack two sets of drawers containing (again) everything), a small place for one tush at a time, AND the kicker?  It also acted NOT ONLY as a hanging rack for the clothes once I'd aid a sheet over it, but also as a make-shift changing room, as the models were almost all totally new to this...even though they were all completely perfectly adorable.  Anyways, so I've got then on the from passenger seat two open books ( hanging accessories cases) propped up so that I could bounce around to the front and snag the proper accessories, and on the drivers side seat, I had the set of drawers with the hair supply.  I was completely efficiently organized, I even had a trash bag...and when things are moving so quickly, I suppose it's when the term "suck it up" or even 'grin and bear it" or possibly even "oh for fucks sake just rip the damn tag off" would be thrown in.  So off came the tags, out went the receipts (along with most all of my bank account) and any prayer of returning any un-used items...etc...however one phrase then that really does come into mind and play, "Ahhh The Price of Beauty".  ;)   I rocked, I rolled, and I did it in Pearls, with of course...the eighties music blaring right along side the sun...in this ever so desolate, haunted and rambunctiously scary setting...deep in the heart of Ventura County, where even the Ravens may have been afraid to go.
          Happy note though, today I saw two huge, blacker than night, and devastatingly (almost drop ~dead" dare I say?) gorgeous ravens in front of my car this morning...  I came home from an early morning trek to pre-school...and saw that I had "The Rachel Zoe Project" recorded on tv...I donated my monthly to the animal charity, clicked on the give for free Children's Hunger Site, Save the Rainforest's etc...and had my green tea... Now what could possibly make the day any better?  







PS:  Any and all wording on this blog, does come only from my own un~drugged, un~drunken, and completely sober brain.  IF anybody reading it cares to share their thoughts/idea/etc in any forum, I would kindly ask you to ( rather than friend me on facebook two seconds after your husband  almost  kills  me in a car accident that he is now trying to hide from an lie about) leave a comment here as I promise that would suffice.  Thank you though for your immediate interest and thoughtfulness in requesting my friendship via facebook within 24 hours...before the insurance company actually (legally) even had any idea who I or you were.   Hmmm...

The Magical Styling Ability of Melli~Oh~My

            Dear World...  I am Melli...and I rock.  :)    


           I DID TOTALLY SUPREMELY AWESOME!  I wasn't even nervous!  Even after preparing for two models, (that was likely one) and three outfits each, plus two additional each just in case...AND HAVING SIX SHOW UP???!!!!!!   I DIDN'T PANIC IN THE LEAST!!! So totally, rad dude!!!   Still a little eighties rocked out.  Sunday, after so many years of wanting to do this sooooo much, I was IN CHARGE of the entire look of the shoot!   I've styled friends, family etc...Never done make-up, never even tried doing anybodies hair...except for the occasional slumber party, but even then I wasn't that interested in it.  But wow...OK, so the photographer is thinking early 1900's.  GREAT!!!  Then maybe the 20's or 30's...PERFECT!  Then he gets to the 40's for a second and moves on to the 50's...um...OK still COOL!  Then he skips completely the 60's & 70's and goes straight, head first, full speed,rock on bitches ...to THE 80'S!   NOOOOOO!!!!   Awesome music...but the clothes?  Neons, loud, gaudy, obnoxious and completely all that is NOT Melli?   HOWEVER IT IS FOR THAT VERY REASON THAT I AM SO FRIGGING PROUD OF MYSELF!   I really did kick ass.   Good news, the 80's are all you can find in the mall.  Bad news?   Well, I really don't shop all that much in the mall, but if you do?  I guess be happy with spandex and "Sassy Grass Green".  Good news, love the lace...  AND if it's already everywhere in the mall, that means the highest designers have been over it for at least a couple years, next down on the list, the high end boutique's are over it and have been about a year, the smaller but higher end boutiques got rid of all that crap six months ago, and the mall will be over it well... as quickly as trends go.   "Fashion fades ~ Only style remains the same"  Coco Chanel.
                  The BEST NEWS is that if I can do the one era I didn't want to do...AND DO IT BETTER THAN AWESOME ... I CAN DO ANYTHING!!!   It's like being at "camp".  ...Oh my goodness talk about the seventh circle of hell!   What those people did to me on a daily...no, not daily, HOURLY basis?   The staff was just as bad as the campers...Talk about abuse...holy smoke stacks!   BUT I GOT THROUGH IT AND CAME OUT ALIVE...   If I did that, I have to believe I can get through anything.    Having that really makes me see that whatever doesn't kill you can actually make you stronger...if you so choose it too.  It ALSO gives you EXPERIENCE!   So, I kicked butt on the eighties shoot.  ALL BY MYSELF with SIX models not two...or really one...  And I did  it calmly, and happily, and if anybody can deal with a challenge it's me...these girls all happen to have been sweet as pie...little tipsy but sugar coated all American sweet-hearts with good souls.  Anyway, I did it.  I LOVE styling people,  and I'm good at it.  I'm really really great at it.   Make-up, I faked it through...and it worked!   Hair?  Whoa, but hey, 80's?  Punk it up grab a bow and we were all good.   The wardrobe though...wow.  Not huge giant wowy zowy oh my goodness...just simply wow.   It's my passion...putting clothing together, pieces from here and there and everywhere, matching, combining this, that and every other thing, and finding the right colors, fits etc...then the jewelry?   Simply Wow.   I was on cloud 22!  Way above cloud 9.  I wasn't talking non-stop, I wasn't obnoxious I was just doing my thing getting it done and I was awesome...not nervous nothing that you (or even me) would have expected...Partly because I was in charge of it...but the photographers were in charge of me...it was costly because I wanted it to be awesome and so I bought every thing you could think of...from the clothes and accessories to the clothing tape, hair spray for static, and to get wrinkles out...every cosmetic ever offered, towels, puffs, potions, lotions, oils, removers, needles, thread, sharpies, safety pins, thimble,measuring tape etc etc etc etc etc...2300 dollars later, well I have a lot of stuff...from my least favorite clothing era...but hey, this is what I do.  I can make it work now for anything, and it was awesome.  I'm posting a handful of photo's, some that I took, and some the photographers took.  So have a peak and join me for a temporary blast from the past, and rock on to your favorite "hair bands"...Welcome to 1985 baby!

Some of these were taken with my iPhone (back to 2011), the photography credit goes to Mike Miller and Sarah Browne.  Some of the jewelry is part of my Melli collection, the rest of the clothing and accessories are from Hot Topic, Claires, Forever 21, Express, Toxic, and a combination of odds n ends from CVS & my closet.  ;)   Quite Kindly Yours, Melli D