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Film

Unveiling Audrey Hepburn’s Extraordinary Story: Most Interesting Life Tidbits, Dreams, and Impact

January 22, 2024 Olya Aman 4 Comments

Introduction

In the grand theatre of life, certain stars emerge not just as luminaries on the silver screen but as celestial forces that illuminate the very essence of humanity. Audrey Hepburn, an enchanting muse of the golden age of cinema, is one such celestial being—a name that resonates with elegance, courage, and an unwavering passion for making the world a better place.

As we embark on a journey through the captivating chapters of Audrey’s life, we find ourselves immersed in a tale that transcends the boundaries of Hollywood glamour. From the clandestine world of the Dutch Resistance to the enchanting ballet dreams that pirouetted into a different destiny, Audrey’s narrative is a tapestry woven with threads of resilience, dreams, and an ever-present touch of grace.

Join me as I unravel the story behind the little black dress that became a global fashion icon, tracing its lineage from Givenchy’s atelier to the streets of New York where Audrey, as Holly Golightly, forever defined sophistication. This iconic garment, like Audrey herself, is more than fabric and stitches—it’s a symbol of timeless elegance etched into the annals of film history.

Audrey’s journey doesn’t stop at the glitzy awards ceremonies or the shimmering lights of Hollywood. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, she transformed her celebrity into a force for good, dedicating her later years to championing the cause of children in need. The humanitarian legacy she left behind is as enduring as her cinematic one, reminding us that true beauty lies in the depth of one’s compassion.

And then, of course, there’s the rare and illustrious EGOT distinction—Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards—an accolade earned by only a handful of artists. Audrey Hepburn stands as a beacon among them, her talent resonating not just in the realms of film but also in television, music, and theater.

So, dear reader, fasten your seatbelt for a journey through Audrey’s world—a world where dreams pirouette, little black dresses become symbols of timeless chic, and compassion transcends the glitter of stardom. Audrey Hepburn: a symphony of elegance, courage, and compassion that continues to serenade hearts around the globe. Welcome to the enchanting tale of an icon who graced our screens and souls with an enduring legacy.

Audrey Hepburn’s Courageous Stint in the Dutch Resistance

In the enchanting tale of Audrey Hepburn’s life, one chapter stands out like a hidden gem waiting to be unearthed – her daring involvement in the Dutch Resistance during the tumultuous years of World War II. As we delve into this riveting episode, we find the graceful actress not on the silver screen but in the real-life drama of espionage, courage, and resilience.

Picture a young Audrey, not yet the iconic star of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” but a spirited soul determined to make a difference. During the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, she joined the ranks of the Dutch Resistance, donning a cloak of bravery that would later become an indelible part of her legacy.

In those clandestine days, Audrey took on the role of a courier, navigating the treacherous landscapes of war-torn Europe to deliver crucial messages for the anti-Nazi cause. The mere thought of this elegant actress darting through the shadows, outsmarting enemy forces, and embodying the very essence of defiance adds a layer of awe to her cinematic charm.

But Audrey’s contributions extended beyond the covert world of espionage. With a heart as vast as her talent, she engaged in a noble pursuit – raising funds for the resistance. Imagine her, not in glamorous gowns but in the humble streets, passionately convincing people to open their hearts and wallets for a cause that transcended borders.

One can’t help but marvel at the paradox – the same Audrey Hepburn who would later grace the red carpet and Hollywood’s elite events, adorned in timeless elegance, was once a force to be reckoned with in the fight against oppression.

This chapter of Audrey’s life, often overshadowed by her Hollywood glamour, deserves to be celebrated with the same enthusiasm as her Oscar-winning performances. It unveils a side of her characterized by courage, determination, and a deep sense of humanity.

So, the next time you find yourself entranced by Audrey’s on-screen magic, take a moment to remember the audacious young woman who risked it all, not for fame, but for freedom. In the annals of World War II, Audrey Hepburn emerges not just as a silver screen goddess but as a real-life heroine, with a spirit that sparkled as brightly as her star-studded career.

More on this topic: Exploring the Genius of Sir Anthony Hopkins: Navigating the Depths of Acting, Music, and Art

Audrey Hepburn’s Unforgotten Pirouettes: A Ballet Dream Deferred

In the kaleidoscope of Audrey Hepburn’s dreams, one radiant hue stands out – her aspiration to pirouette across grand stages as a prima ballerina. Before the world knew her as the enchanting star of “Roman Holiday” and “Sabrina,” Audrey twirled through life with ballet shoes as her wings, ready to take flight into the world of dance.

Imagine a young Audrey, not yet gracing the silver screen but adorning herself in tutus and dreaming of a life under the spotlight of the ballet stage. The world could have witnessed Hepburn’s pirouettes instead of her iconic walk down the staircase in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.” Oh, what a balletic delight that would have been!

Alas, fate had a whimsical sense of humor. World War II cast its dark shadow across Audrey’s dreams, and malnutrition, a formidable foe, intervened with her grand jeté ambitions. The war, a stern director in this real-life drama, played its part in stunting Audrey’s growth, thwarting her balletic destiny.

Now, let’s not dwell on the somber notes of this symphony. Instead, let’s celebrate Audrey’s resilience and her ability to pirouette through life with unmatched elegance, even if the grand stage of the ballet eluded her. Picture her, not as a disheartened dancer, but as a spirited soul who traded tutus for trench coats and gracefully leaped into a different spotlight.

Audrey’s journey from ballet hopeful to Hollywood luminary is a testament to the twists and turns that life takes. With a twinkle in her eye and a dash of humor, she embraced a new script, becoming a cinematic icon loved the world over.

So, the next time you watch Audrey on the screen, envision her not only as a silver screen goddess but as a ballerina at heart, pirouetting through the tapestry of life with the same grace and poise that defined her illustrious career. After all, in the dance of life, Audrey Hepburn remains the eternal prima ballerina, twirling through our hearts with unmatched charm and timeless elegance.

Audrey Hepburn’s Little Black Dress: A Cinematic Fashion Marvel

In the pantheon of iconic fashion moments, Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal of Holly Golightly in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” takes center stage, and at the heart of it all is the legendary little black dress. Picture Audrey, with an air of sophistication and a hint of mischief, immortalized in that captivating Givenchy creation – a dress that would become synonymous with timeless elegance and cinematic allure.

Harper’s Bazaar once aptly described it as not just a dress but a fashion marvel that etched its place in film history. Audrey’s iconic black Givenchy dress is more than fabric and stitches; it’s a symbol of style that transcends the silver screen.

Givenchy, the mastermind behind this sartorial masterpiece, wove a spellbinding narrative through fabric and form. The dress, with its sleek silhouette, boat neckline, and accessorized with strands of pearls, was not just an outfit but a declaration of Audrey’s character – a modern, enigmatic woman with a penchant for the finer things in life.

What makes this fashion moment truly extraordinary is its lasting impact. Decades after Holly Golightly’s dawn rendezvous outside Tiffany’s, the little black dress remains a symbol of sophistication, simplicity, and the epitome of chic. It’s not just a garment; it’s an institution, inspiring fashion designers, enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the artistry of cinematic couture.

Imagine the audacious elegance as Audrey sauntered down Fifth Avenue, coffee in hand, with the New York City dawn as her backdrop. The dress, an extension of her persona, effortlessly became a fashion icon that transcended the confines of the movie set.

So, the next time you slip into your own little black dress, tip your imaginary hat to Audrey Hepburn and Givenchy, for they have given us more than a fashion statement; they’ve gifted us a timeless piece of cinematic style, forever imprinted on the silver screen and eternally celebrated in the pages of fashion history.

More on this topic: Transformative Tips for Writers: A Writer’s Guide to Dynamic Spaces, Rituals, Connections, and Genre Exploration

Audrey Hepburn’s Heartfelt Legacy: A UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador’s Touch

In the latter chapters of Audrey Hepburn’s illustrious life, a new role awaited her—one that transcended the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, embracing a purpose far more profound. As her cinematic curtain descended, Audrey gracefully stepped into the realm of humanitarian work, leaving an indelible mark as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.

UNICEF, the global advocate for children’s rights, found an unwavering ally in Audrey. The transition from silver screen icon to compassionate advocate was seamless, and the world witnessed Audrey’s heart shining through in her dedication to the welfare of children in need.

With the world as her stage and compassion as her script, Audrey embarked on a mission that went beyond the dazzling lights of Hollywood. UNICEF, known for its commitment to children’s well-being, had found a champion whose elegance wasn’t just skin-deep but radiated from a soul that cared deeply for the vulnerable.

In her travels to some of the world’s most impoverished regions, Audrey became the face of hope. UNICEF’s message, amplified by her presence, reached corners of the globe where the plight of children often went unheard. Whether she was cradling a child in her arms or advocating for life-saving interventions, Audrey’s commitment was unwavering.

UNICEF, acknowledging Audrey’s immense contributions, appointed her as a Goodwill Ambassador, a title that reflected not just her celebrity status but the genuine goodwill she extended to those in need. Her efforts weren’t bound by borders; they transcended geopolitical divides, resonating with people from all walks of life.

Audrey’s legacy as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador serves as a poignant reminder that compassion knows no retirement. In her later years, she became an ambassador of love, proving that the silver screen’s enchantment paled in comparison to the real magic of changing lives.

So, as we remember Audrey Hepburn, let’s not only celebrate the cinematic luminary but also cherish the humanitarian spirit that defined her later years. In the tapestry of Audrey’s life, the UNICEF chapter stands as a testament to the enduring impact one person, driven by love and compassion, can have on the world.

Audrey Hepburn: A Shimmering EGOT Star

In the illustrious realm of entertainment awards, there exists a pinnacle achieved by only a select few—the EGOT. Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards, a quartet of prestigious accolades that signifies the zenith of artistic accomplishment. Among the luminaries who have ascended this summit, Audrey Hepburn stands as a shining star, casting her brilliance across the realms of film, television, music, and theater.

Audrey’s journey to EGOT glory is a testament not only to her acting prowess but to the versatility that defined her extraordinary career. Let’s unfold the pages of her awards history, a narrative scripted with talent, dedication, and an enduring passion for the arts.

Oscar, the Golden Crown: At the heart of Audrey’s EGOT conquest is the coveted Oscar, the golden symbol of excellence in the film industry. Her triumph came in the form of a Best Actress Oscar for her role in “Roman Holiday” (1953). Audrey’s radiant portrayal of Princess Ann not only captivated audiences but also secured her place among the cinematic elite.

Emmy, the Small Screen Sonata: Transitioning seamlessly from the silver screen to television, Audrey earned her Emmy Award for the television movie “Love Among Thieves” (1987). In this captivating performance, she showcased that her talent transcended the boundaries of the cinema, leaving an indelible mark on the small screen.

Grammy, the Musical Overture: Beyond acting, Audrey ventured into the world of music, adding a Grammy Award to her collection for her spoken word album “Audrey Hepburn’s Enchanted Tales” (1993). Her melodic voice and enchanting storytelling became a melody that resonated with audiences worldwide.

Tony, the Theatrical Triumph: Completing the quartet, Audrey’s Tony Award for Best Actress in a Play was earned through her role in “Ondine” (1954). Her foray into theater showcased not only her versatility but also her ability to command the stage with the same grace that defined her film performances.

As we marvel at Audrey Hepburn’s EGOT triumph, we are reminded that her legacy extends beyond the glitz of Hollywood. She remains an artistic maestro, a virtuoso who conquered diverse realms of entertainment, leaving an everlasting imprint on the cultural tapestry of our world. Audrey’s EGOT journey is not just a collection of awards; it’s a symphony of talent, passion, and the enduring magic of a star who graced every stage with unparalleled grace and elegance.

More on this topic: The Significance of a Professional Headshot for Aspiring Actors: Unveiling the Industry’s Accepted Standards

Conclusion

As we bid adieu to this journey through the captivating tapestry of Audrey Hepburn’s life, one thing becomes abundantly clear – she wasn’t merely a star; she was a constellation that continues to glitter across the vast expanse of time. In the realm of Hollywood glamour, her name resonates with an elegance that transcends generations, and her legacy extends far beyond the silver screen.

Audrey’s life was a symphony, each note composed of courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to make the world a better place. From the clandestine alleys of the Dutch Resistance to the glitzy lights of Hollywood’s red carpets, she gracefully pirouetted through dreams, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who had the privilege to witness her magic.

The iconic little black dress, synonymous with Audrey’s name, isn’t just a garment; it’s a symbol of timeless chic, a testament to the enduring impact of her style on the annals of fashion history. Holly Golightly may have roamed the streets of New York, but Audrey’s influence walks the runways of our collective memory.

As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Audrey’s humanitarian spirit echoes through the corridors of compassion. Her legacy isn’t confined to the accolades of Hollywood, but rather, it resides in the lives touched by her advocacy for the well-being of children in need. In her later years, Audrey didn’t retire; she redirected her spotlight to illuminate the path of hope for those less fortunate.

And then, there’s the EGOT – an accolade so rare and illustrious that it stands as a testament to Audrey’s multifaceted brilliance. Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony – each a jewel in her crown, a recognition of her unparalleled talent that transcended the boundaries of entertainment mediums.

As we close the curtain on this blog, let Audrey’s legacy be a beacon of inspiration. May her elegance remind us to dream audaciously, her courage embolden us to face life’s challenges, and her compassion motivate us to make a positive impact, no matter how small.

In the grand tapestry of life, Audrey Hepburn’s name remains eternally embroidered – a muse, a legend, and a forever legacy. Here’s to the timeless magic of Audrey, whose influence continues to serenade our hearts with an everlasting melody of grace and allure.

Personal Growth

4 Things to Know About Makeup

January 23, 2020 Olya Aman 43 Comments

To be the butt of everyone’s ridicule could be a symbol of all that is truly beautiful and stylish… – Olya Aman

Introduction

A. had the territory of curves, the acres of curls, the meadows of fresh grassy aroma all about her, and the domain of a bit sarcastic but still kind attitude towards life. There was no way I could forget that tremendous display of the whitest teeth on Earth and a lovely cascade of laughter. Of all the fine people on board of Eleanora, the cruise ship going to South Africa, A. swaggers in my memory as the finest.

On the board of that liner we shared the adjoining compartments and for some strange coincidence, the door between them was not bolted. The very first day of our voyage I tried it and slipped right into her room just at the time A. was getting ready to go out to have dinner. She laughed approvingly, saying that she was just thinking to try that door herself. We had dinner together that evening and all the consequent ones that followed.

The definition of beauty breaks under the test of each individual. Out of this word one forms numberless associations and correspondences. The countless varied impressions, experiences, concepts are formed by society. Out of these materials, every woman strives to take the best to be considered beautiful by society standards.

1) Pursuing Status and Popularity Throughout History

We invented a game to amuse ourselves during our meals and strolls, solving imagined mysteries and inventing detective stories with crimes and murders. A. had a peculiar mind, reading people and situations promptly and to the point, never being in the wrong. And I was the Hastings to my Poirot friend, always naïve and always in the foggiest to what was truly going on.

It amazed me how A. turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to all those demonstrations of society accepted beauty standards. A. always wanted to partake of the forbidden pleasure of being remarkably loud in her self-expression. She was inhaling the judgmental fragrance coming from other people, and I doubted if ever she was quite through with it. A. enjoyed it, not able to toss the desire to shock out of her heart. It is my opinion that people judged her boisterous manner because they envied her bravery.

The history of makeup is charged with a constant change in society. Exquisite soft colors of the 1940s and post-war 1950s are rippling in our memory. Sweet ladies, such as Debbie Reunolds and Doris Day, recall in a flash years of longing for simple, natural, clean and conservative beauty.

Later in the 1960s and 70s, the splash of idealism and feminine protest required to see instantaneous, fleeting, and slightly boyish faces. Twiggy and Peggy Moffitt pretty nearly summed up the philosophy of that time. The views of masculine touch in a woman’s appearance grew habitual to everyone.

Falling early into the 1980s and 90s, and into loud and louder everything about the face. All that little sense of propriety in makeup was laughed out of that time by a hardened, bright, colorful specter. Doubting how to distinguish men and women one needed to accept eyeliner, big hair, and lipstick on both sexes.

Tyra Banks (2000 – 2017)
Alessandra Ambrosio (2003 – 2017)
Doutzen Kroes (2005 – 2017)
Daria Werrbowy (2004 – 2015)

In the 2000s, women started to feel the wide world. Technology and the internet started to make them dream of the heights they never thought possible for themselves before. Ladies escaped the clutches of seriousness and added a female touch to their business look. Who could be timid in the presence of glossy, glamorous and sexy in a smart way businesswoman? Healthy, organic air prevailed in the makeup industry.

Gliding neatly and softly into today, a beautiful woman is striving for a healthy look and a healthy life. The trend was started in 2000 and was culminating in now. The exterior is natural. It resumes the contours of normality. The interior is enhanced by workouts and good food. We do still see the hurls of the 2000s somewhat heavy looks, but more and more additional genuine light is brought into the lives and on faces.

Today we strive to believe that any troubling feeling is flitting. Sadness, fear, frustration like a storm, cannot last forever. As our experiences broaden and deepen we tend to see the beauty in absolutely everything and everyone. This inward knowledge creates freedom of expression. A woman looks within herself and in time finds the measure and the meaning of the inward and outward beauty.

2) Chasing After Favored Status in Different Countries

There were many men and women on board our vessel. All dressed up and, so to say, made up. The company was diverse: European women were stunningly attractive, high hills on dainty long legs, red lips on oval faces, big lashes on colored sparkling eyes; Asian ladies had unusually white complexions, Western beauties were tanned and blushing with rouge on their cheeks.

A. was an accomplished woman with enough means to be able to buy all the makeup possible, and yet, she never bothered to wear any at all. She looked quite all right without it, as far as I could judge, with all those unruly locks, thick black eyebrows, and long shadowy eyelashes.

Being successful at investing her own money and advising others on how to deal with theirs, A. possessed the brains of a wise man. She could not care less for the opinion of others and loved to be in a company of strangers, people who didn’t know who she was, and thus, looking at her very often disapprovingly. She loved to trace the signs of transformation. It solaced her mind to see how people, almost against their will, were eventually attracted to her, admiring her truthful nature.

There might be some allowance for error in depicting the looks in different countries. To avoid it I will only try to point the way for the beauty qualities that are considered attractive in some distinguished places.

For the lovely ladies of the US suntanned skin, fuller lips and the longest eyelashes ever seen are a splendid example of attractiveness.

The bulk of Brazilian woman strives for a natural, effortless look with the most significant accent on a bold matte lip that commanded over light and harmony of naturally colored skin and eyes.

Chasing After Favored Status in Different Countries

The colors that count in Canada are beige nudes and deep reds. Here the secret of attraction is in brows. Bold or barely there, they present a perfect addition to the color choice for the lip.

In the UK and France women are willing to be natural, more real. The forces of makeup are now equally with contouring and highlighting that looks less artificial and more enhanced.

Anyone can trace here that the secret inner wish of every woman from every country is to display the treasures of their personalities. Smoky in India, dramatic in the Middle East, intense in Mexico – eyes tell a volume about female vitality. Red and beige, loud and dense, expressive and accentuated lips feel and tell, whisper and shout about a sensuous force of every woman’s nature.

What a glamorous masquerade is this makeup business. It entices women to sail forever in the abundance of color with sense and feeling and mind to be her selves and yet different, to imitate and be unique, to be seen and most important – remembered. The secret inner will that controls this industry is a fateful desire to make the time still and our nature silent, to preserve the beauty and to fool the life.

3) Makeup as a Tool for Gaining Lofty Titles and Increasing Self-Importance

A. sensibly tasted the sweets of living without deceitful colors on her cheeks and looked somehow visibly more honest than others. She considered makeup an instrument of woman’s destruction. I was not of the same opinion; we argued with zeal and friendly passion. I spent quite a number of years selling makeup and I loved to play with colors, although I got tired of it long ago and at the time wore nothing but for a bit of mascara and a liquid liner on my eyes and a trace of lipstick on my lips.

A. had sense, and energy, and spirits, and character – she needed not any additional color to the abundance her personality presented already. A.’s universal good-will and contented temper attracted people not from the first glance, that was for sure, but from the first conversation. With her, every day flew away at a very unusual rate. Forming all those playful schemes in a perfect Agatha Christie’s fashion we made a lot of friends in-betweens.

The makeup industry is equally charged with the odors of camouflage and deception. It pulsates with buoyancy and desire. It is an art so wonderful and with such power of creating rather than enhancing, that to recognize an infinite nature that is hidden under it is almost impossible – a person becomes a new made-up incarnation of herself.

After the makeup is washed off, women feel insecure, as if an essential part of their character is missing. This sensation is close to the feeling of loneliness. It creeps over dear ladies with false statements that exquisite beauties cannot be discovered when makeup is not present.

Even such sensations as business success and accentuated beauty became undividable nowadays. Piling foundation on concealers perceived as professional and may very much likely to help a person to be more successful.

4) Media Troubling Representation and the Need for Importance

A. took delight in putting me wise on how things were and why she despised wearing makeup. You see, in her early days she had quite a taste of misery when working in an investment firm her vanity was not once pushed, or rather dashed down by her male senior manager in front of other female colleagues due to her ‘lack of femininity’. For some reason, he thought it would make A. more successful with clients if she had furnished her bag with necessaries of some beauty enhancing tools.

Eventually, A. called a council in her thoughts whether she needed to take the advice or toss it overboard – and did the latter, leaving the office and opening her own business. It was vain to sit still and wish to be yourself in the surrounding where you were pressed to be someone else. She encouraged herself to go beyond what she would have been able to have done upon staying in her firm.

A. was contented with the discovery that women loved to confide in her with their thoughts, and… with their money. The husbands, they thought, were in the safe, dealing with a woman with no makeup. It just happens so that men will not be nice to you if you are not good looking, and women will not be nice – if you are.

We lose imagination when an instinctive desire to follow the creed promoted by media is overpowering the other senses and emotions. It compels women to look for the pictures of accepted standards and try their best to be counted as “similar” and “like” the person on the cover.

If for some reason a lady cannot find her resemblance vividly displayed she feels left out, forgotten, not accepted, not beautiful. Seeking the favor of others, women strive to obtain the same shades for the eyes and lips. But the reality is that whatever approval is supposed to come her way will move her farther from her unique nature.

Pursuing the status of prettiness and loveliness, the natural flow of beautiful energy of independent mind and soul is often stopped. This chasing is alarming, regardless of the outcome. If you gain approval, you will become a slave to outside messages of praise. Do not let someone else’s opinion direct your life. Only when you adjust the obtruded belief to a heart-felt individual one, your understanding of attractiveness changes.

Conclusion

A. always had something to talk about that no one else had monopolized. She created a sense of power and incongruity. Being kind of shut out from the region of the beautiful, A. had a freer mind. She had not a smooth story to tell about herself, and who did? She played a game of life into her own hands with the help of her brains, not her looks. Her road to success might have been easier the other way around, but she would have been a different person then.

Makeup, as a tiny fragment of our life, is not as significant anymore. It still has a thousand hues that are blended in various substances. And women play with it, experiment, hide and sick themselves in the process.

Beauty takes shape of joys and sorrows. It has the poignancy of heart-satisfying inner emotions. A strive to achieve a way of life that guarantees integrity, joy, peace, and balance is depicted on modern faces.

Stay tuned…

Mental Health

She Got Her Back Broken to Realize She Was Happy

August 22, 2019 Olya Aman 53 Comments

The power of giving others the heart to live

To linger here or to feel that you belong… – Olya Aman

My sister Tanya is a lean, long-backed, large-headed girl, with surly tones of her voice and coarse features of her face. We scour the country together now and then: I — on my feet and her — on her wheels. Her wheelchair is a speedy little beast, accelerated by her mighty hands and skillfully maneuvered by her flexible torso. You would never believe, looking at her expressive and full of exhilarating energy face, that death had been hovering over her just four years ago.

A rushing torrent of grateful feelings.

The dark night in my sister’s life started from an unfortunate fall from a high staircase. Her brain stopped triggering signals responsible for the muscle movement and she didn’t feel her legs anymore.

When starting to sit down to her meals, still dispirited and sad, she used to say to me, but truly to herself, “Nothing happens without reason. There should be a higher intelligent plan and purpose in it.” The fairest consolation came in disguise of a prayer. It was holding her tight, not letting her slip into that despair completely.

My sister didn’t feel her legs anymore, but strains of overly agitated nerves of her arms and spine substituted that missing sensation. She strengthened her torso every instant she felt the need to hue-and-cry to the missing control of her limbs. She got herself out of the bed and on her wheels with surprising speed.

Elbowing hard upon goals.

Before the accident, my sister used rambled at her pleasure, mostly spending time in the gym listening to her favorite music. Being 32 years old, she still had trouble finding her place in the grownup world.

It seemed a matter of impossibility to center her life around fitness and body healing strategies now when she lost control over almost half of it. But she couldn’t get rid of this idea. Tanya became transfixed with the desire to achieve the heights she didn’t even think possible for her fully functional, healthy past-self.

Tanya set her heart firmly on a goal to become a physical therapist working in amputee rehabilitation. She learned with passion about specific strengthening exercises that flex and tone the muscles. Her own experience gave her a psychological advantage to motivate people.

Issuing forth with a mentor beside.

She adopted this impressive stateliness from her mentor. The simplicity of her mentor’s life stirred her profoundly. Tanya used to preach to me, “This person is happy, chasing his dreams and loving his family. With neither legs no arms he is shining with heart strength and will-power.” Every trace of my sister’s essence strove to bring purpose and happiness into her life.

Power of giving others the heart to live.

My sister still has a sense of weakness and captivity sometimes. But she is recovering her life-balance by an effort of willpower and a desire to set an example for others.

Tanya always says to her patients that whatever happened to her was not a run of ill-luck but a fortunate wakeful blessing. She teaches them to accept the condition and devotedly love their past and present selves. People in her clinic see a humble person just like themselves, never repenting on her helplessness, but being powerful enough to uplift her spirit and inspire others to do the same.

Stay tuned…

Personal Growth

6 Powerful Tips to Attract Success and Happiness

August 17, 2019 Olya Aman 30 Comments

“Unique personal style, dear friend, depends on what lies between the core of your heart and the inner essence of your soul,” said G. gleefully.

When it costs a heart and a dime…

G. at her 47 seemed to have something of a girl whose life was a sponge that was thirstily absorbing every drop of friendly sentiment. She gazed about herself with a saddened eye but swelled with smiles at the first bead of love.

Her face had that unmoved serenity of Nefertiti by Thutmose when in reverie, and that was the state I most often found her in. Regular comely features, glistening chestnut eyes, strict rather big mouth, and graceful cheekbones – her face whispered about flexible elegance and luxuriant beauty. Tall, robust, well-built, but rather disproportionally big in comparison to the head, G’s body would have been regarded as fine-looking by one and quite overweight by the other.

She was one of the most conspicuous women in Paris or even in France itself, and that country supplied so many excellent ladies. One would feel almost giddy with cheerful sensations seeing the splendor of color and exquisiteness of accessories. G. was a merry person and her joy would overflow, not in facial expressions, but in fashionable ejaculations.

Her handmade garments were supplied with an invoice for a bond of friendship to the ones she loved. I was flattered to be given the most beautiful garbs by her hand. Wearing those I strolled around with a bit exaggerated swagger because I knew that I was irresistible.

1) The Timing Scent in the Air

G. always rushed to the attack of a difficulty, and when the top 7 fashionable schools said ‘No’ to her inquiry to be the chosen one to master the craft of couture dress, she didn’t repent. After studying the Design Route very closely, she saw that there was but one alternative for her – to start her own business at new luxury couture in knitted women’s wear.

She was deeply versed in learning the fashion world since she remembered herself. Her dream was fearfully big – to become a world known fashion designer, the one that might proudly take place beside Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Jean-Paul Gaultier. That passion of hers condemned her to be the butt of all boorish jokes of her classmates, but she didn’t repent, growing astir, more from the opposition than from good encouragements.

G. hunted for related material in every French magazine, she went through all available case studies from leading fashion companies with the top-notch education. G.’s goal was to sharpen her senses, to overcharge them with delicious fashion flavor, and develop a plan of a step by step image building technique.

To thrive and prosper under this sun one needs a united care of a great idea and a suitable time for its realization. The balmy days for a particular dream make the fulfillment of it speedier. All things and people should be glad to meet this newness that one has to offer and flourish with its gradual achievement.

2) Industry Intelligence

G. had greedy teeth behind her fashion obsession. She saw her success in every direction, her imagination had a free play and she started her research full of delightful excitement. She was a whippersnapper in terms of color, having no idea about the existence of four color seasons that coincide individually with a particular facial hue, and each subdivided into four subtypes. G. found the colors that did justice to her cool complexion, emphasizing her beauty rather than concealing it by pupping up instead.

G. strove to change simple color presumptions that she had into certainties, so she could call up before her mind’s eye the right combination for any person. In a perfect frenzy of passionate interest, she tended every piece of relevant information, filling in her notebook and her memory.

When the predictions about some problem that majority of people is facing and looking for the solution is but too well verified and you have the answer, make sure that nothing is omitted, and little is undone in terms of research in the very industry you want to step into. You should not feel the task too difficult of performance, devote enough time to it so that nothing is forgotten, and not a thing is regretted.

3) Great Listening Impulses

G. got into every conversation that could take a convivial and improving turn. This way she learned about the magic of proportionately enhancing looks by knowing body expression. To craft a better-looking silhouette, she went into every free seminar that ready-to-wear groups generously provided. One of the students of Louis Vuitton luxury fashion house agreed to share her class notes for the benefit of ordering some accentual work for her collection, G. gladly exchanged her time and made a beautiful handmade lace for her friend’s dresses and got treasured information in return.

She didn’t think long and hard to determine her body outline. Five types left not much to be confused about and pretty clearly told their story. She was a piquant apple and was in love with that shape. After all, that was the easiest topic to master in fashion design. Now she had the tools to tweak an outfit to emphasize her personal style and to help others to get the understanding of their body structure.

4) Unique and Expected Over Head and Toes

Since five years old G. found herself over head and ears in a pack of yarn whenever her mom’s watchful eye was distracted. She loved that sensation of different textures on her tiny hands. The heart of a girl, whose life was circling around the lovely scenes of her mother always at work knitting all kinds of garments for local people of her little town, was forever given to this crafty art.

G. could live frugally but happy on the proceeds of her skillful hands. Her dream, though, was big and she sometimes feared the heights she wanted to reach. But her belief was strong and sturdy, and the energy with which it was expressed was impatient of delay and suspense.

Competition is healthy only to a particular extent. If the problem that people are facing is solved in too many similar ways, the chance of success is proportionally diminished. Your solution should to all appearances stand out and be unique, better in many ways than whatever others have to offer. Ease the people’s minds by your discovery, give them the most poignant bliss with the answer you provide.

5) Hunting for Branding and Presentation

The horizon was beginning to crimson when French magazine L’Etudiant featured G.’s first collection. She worked hard to turn her passion into profitable business. It was not easy to find her niche but she managed to make a successful living by doing what she loved. She found her own signature style and the patterns she designed were original and caught attention. G. was able to access key forces to assist her in achieving her dream and every succeeding collection she presented was better than the previous one.

6) Fruitful Partnership

G. collaborated with many talented fashion designers and learned a lot during their mutual eclectic teamwork. She tenderly cherished each encounter and became close friends with many interesting people in the beauty industry: photographers, makeup artists, models, and of course brilliant designers from outstanding schools.

One will well advance in life if cooperates with the right people on his way. The very intelligence, that a few brains united together under one mutual concept, can deliver will for sure shine bright enough to light up the sky. In faith, I believe one great person can substitute an excessive monetary capital. So engaging yourself busily in finding worthy business partners is a path for exultation.

Conclusion

G.’s work considered by many as the great art in haute couture designs. And being on the top of her career she continued to revert her thoughts to her old friends. I’m a proud possessor of a few signature garments that G. gifted me with. And ‘haute couture’ or not… I feel the love of her generous soul and that is the most precious and priceless.

Let your dream grasp you with an iron hand. The path to it should be remembered even in old age. A life of persistent and not fleeting pleasure is dearly paid for by tenacious movement to the desired. And fear often is a companion to the assurance on this way – fear that the dream is too big and assurance that it is for sure reachable. Your cleverness and your soul capital are on the service of it. Make it sensational so people will have a daily renewed appetite for what you have to offer.

Stay tuned…