Farewell Commonwealth Games

Commonwealth Games Day 7 Recap

Well it’s been a few days since my Commonwealth Gold Medal performance in New Delhi, India. There is so much that has run through my head since that time, but probably the most profound thought, is that of gratitude. It was only 4 years ago, that I had an unexplainable performance at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, Australia and I found myself crying so hard, underneath the stadium after the competition…. I was ranked to win and came last. My parents had flown to Australia to watch and I had felt I had let them down, my team, as well as my country…. And I couldn’t wait to come back in 4 years time to compete and win… only this time I wasn’t ranked to win.

Sunday, I entered the competition with only one goal in mind – to win! As I stood on the top of the podium and proudly sung the Canadian anthem, I soaked in every second of it… knowing that this would be the last time I would ever compete at the Commonwealth Games. Since 2008, I have said that unless the high jump ceases to be fun, after London 2012 I will retire. So, after 4 Commonwealth Games it was truly wonderful to leave with a gold medal in hand and to hear the stadium blaring with the Canadian anthem.

I am excited and look forward to the next 2 years of my career. There is so much still to accomplish in such a short window. But, if I’ve learned anything over the years, I can say with most certainty, anything is possible and really the sky is the limit. Moreover, for some reason I seem to like to save the best for last...

I can’t help thinking of how I watched the 1994 Commonwealth Games with such admiration and inspiration, never dreaming a day would come I would compete at the Commonwealth Games or the Olympic Games. And here I am an Olympian and Commonwealth Gold medalist. All I can say is ‘Wow!!!!’ I hope to continue to demonstrate the power of persistence, and the realization of dreams coming to life. 2011 and 2012 should offer some exciting moments! But, for right now, I’m going to continue to enjoy Sunday’s victory! Oh CANADA!!!!

One last note, I am overwhelmed by the support and congratulations I’ve been showered with. And as I’ve said too many times to count, “if I’ve achieved greatness, it’s because I’ve stood on the shoulders of giants.” So, to the many giants in my life, I’m so profoundly grateful for your involvement in my life.

Life is good and truly there for the taking. Live with no regrets!

Thank you and Oh, CANADA!

Much love,
Nicole

Kate Spade Boutique hosts Rue Magazine Launch Party

Refreshments at the RUE Launch Party

Yesterday afternoon, I dashed home after a wonderful morning at the Grand Opening of the Crocker Art Museum (more on that tomorrow!) to throw on some party duds. I hopped in the car with my friend Jori and headed to Marin, (Corte Madera to be exact). Destination? The Launch party for new online lifestyle magazine, RUE being hosted by the gracious guys and gals at the Kate Spade boutique.

After the trip, it was so nice to be greeted with a line-up of refreshments and....ahem...the fresh color and fun of the Kate Spade shop.

Kate Spade Boutique in Corte Madera, CA

Rue's main gals were on hand to say hello and let us in on the latest. Co-Founders Anne Sage ( Executive Editor) and Crystal Gentilello (Editor in Chief) were there with Managing Editor Alaina Kaczmarski. Bloggers, all, these ladies have put together a pretty impressive Premier issue with articles featuring some of our favorite designer slash bloggers, like Grant Gibson, Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic, Vicente Wolf and Victoria Smith of sfgirlbybay, and that is just a start. You can look forward to more RUE on a bi-monthly basis.

Anne Sage, Crystal Gentilello, and Alaina Kaczmarski of RUE

Anne Sage and Bri Emery, Art Director at RUE

And did I mention refreshments? There is nothing that'll get a girl's attention like fashion and cupcakes. (These were supplied by delicious SusieCakes.)

SusieCakes

There were lots of people helping to celebrate the launch....



Kate Spade Boutique



Kate Spade Fashions



There were lots of oooo's and ahhh's, and trying on of coats.

My Friend Jori and Kate Spade Coat

And trying out of handbags...and why not?...I'll take three!

And saying "hi" to friends, old and new!....

That's me in the middle with Scot Meacham Wood of Tartanscot (old friend, right) and his partner Drew (new friend, left)

It was great to have the chance to meet the Rue gang! And Kate Spade never disappoints. It was a good time had by all.

One last thing...a big THANK YOU to the folks at Kate Spade for providing such a fun spot for a party! Especially Charles, the boutique manager...I'll be back!

 

Highlights

In photography from one of my favorite blogs, Le Zèbre bleu.

Jenny Saville & Glen Luchford: Self-portraiture. Makes perfect sense that the artists use such thick frames for more than 2D canvases/photographs. Take that, Egon Schiele.

William Eugene Smith

Francesco Giusti: Portraiture. From Marie-Hélène Sirois: "The Société des Ambianceurs et des Personnes Élégantes (Society of Entertainers and Elegant People, SAPE), in Congo-Brazzaville, dates back to the 1920s and 1930s when privileged Congolese returned stylishly dressed from visits to Paris. Members of the SAPE, known as Sapeurs, see themselves as artists and often have nicknames and distinguishing gestures or poses. Some have celebrity status."

World Class - The New Crocker Art Museum

Crocker Art Museum and the New Expansion

 The Crocker Art Museum has been a Sacramento treasure since the original building, once the home of the Crocker family, was given to the City of Sacramento and the California Museum Association in 1885. The historic buildings heve been married to an expansion project that has tripled the Museum's size. This new expansion designed by the World Class architecture firm, Gwathmey Siegal and Associates Architects, opens this Sunday to great fanfare. It is where I will be spending my Sunday! (And I will be taking pictures!)

The Original Crocker

The Grand Opening Celebration runs from 10AM to 10PM and will include performance by the Sacramento Youth Symphony, Choir and Jazz Band, Salsa, Indian, Mexican, African and Irish Dance and music, Art Car Fest 2010 (the largest gathering of art cars on the West Coast) and at 9:30 a Laser Light Show.

For all of the details, click on over HERE.

Neo Crocker 2010

Next Saturday, October 16th, The Crocker will be hosting Neo Crocker 2010, a Modern Culture Party featuring the talents of Rjd2 with fashion show, fire dancing, films and more. It looks like another fabulous night at the new Crocker!

For more information about the illustrious history of the Crocker and how far it has come, please take a look HERE.

Also, great articles all about the young Crocker Curator in Inside the City, page 18, and the Contractor for the new expansion on page 36 HERE!

I hope to see you there!

Taking a stroll down memory lane and a look forward to Londond 2012

In the spirit of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and my road to London 2012, here is a look back at some of my high jump performances at major championships... It is very easy to get caught up in constantly striving for improvements, sometimes forgetting to take a moment of gratitude to recognize our achievements. Making this video was truly fun, and nostalgic in some ways..... Looking forward to the next 2 years with my love, the high jump!

Eccola, Expanding in LA...Deserving of a Shopping Spree

My virtual shopping spree turned up these beauties: A Rare, Signed Fornasetti Screen, 1953, a Pair of 1960's Jo Hammerborg Tulip Pendants, a "Traccia" Silver leaf Bird Leg Table by Meret Oppenheim, a "Tre pezzi PL19" Armchair by Franco Albini and Franca Helg, 1957, an for a dash of color, an Italian 40's Ceramic Horse Head.

I was just reading an article in the New York Times about the recent expansion of Eccola, an LA store specializing in Italian Mid-century furniture. For the complete story, click on over to the NY Times article HERE. 

Eccola carries pieces by such notables as Gio Ponti (!), Franco Albini, and Osvaldo Borsani. I am besotted with the Italian Modernists, so I hopped over to take a look at Eccola's lovely inventory HERE. As you can see, my virtual shopping spree was most productive.

If nothing else, check out the intro on Eccola's website. It'll rev up your day.

The Kid Rocks

Kid Rock's Living Room

For those of you who do not get C Magazine, I thought you deserved to see the latest rock star crib that is way beyond what you might expect to see on MTV's Cribs. (If you you do get C Magazine, don't forget to look in the Men's Section this month!!) 

 And thank goodness Kid Rock had the savvy to engage the ultra talented Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. Just to be clear, however, Pamela Anderson originally hired her long time friend, and the Kid had the good sense to continue on with Martyn after his much publicized break-up with Pam.



Main Entrance



Lawrence-Bullard has an affinity for Indonesian inspired design, and this home reflects this passion. Many of the items are Lawrence-Bullard's own design and available through Lawrence-Bullard Home.

Dining Room

Located in Malibu, the home is the perfect California beach hideaway. It is a personal Shangri-La with beautiful exotic woodwork and South Pacific furnishings and Moroccan textiles. One can just feel the Pacific breezes blowing through the white muslin bed curtains. 

Kitchen

I hope you have a chance to pick up the October issue of C Magazine. It includes the extra publication of "C For Men". Actor Ewan McGregor graces the cover, a very busy man these days. And the Main issue features Lauren Hutton, and has a Decor article about another favorite designer, Mary McDonald.

Guest Room

Master Bedroom

Master Bath

Entrance Hall

Backyard

This article was happily unexpected. I almost bypassed it altogether. Just goes to show you that every part of C Magazine is a great read!

Rock on.
All Photos by Tim Street-Porter