Never has this quote meant so much to me then after reading Angelina Jolie’s op ed piece in the Times yesterday. Her decision to undergo preventive surgery in order to change the odds on her life is incredibly brave and to me, defines the word courage. Yes, it is terribly controversial as she did not actually have cancer but after learning that she carries the faulty BRCA1 gene, she took control of her life’s course and changed her odds of developing breast cancer from 85 percent to just under 5 percent.

This is a woman that has her priorities straight. In this day when image reigns so supreme, it is so encouraging to hear someone so flooded in that limelight expressing her priorities in life- to be here and spend time with her children and family. I’m so grateful that she decided to open up and tell her story so that others might benefit as well. Let’s be honest, she is known for her body and quite specifically, for her breasts. She could have easily kept everything private and not messed with her public image, but her bravery to come out and make this admission is really a game changer. I think that most women are terrified that a double mastectomy, while potentially a lifesaver, will strip us of our sex appeal. In actuality, the surgery has come a long way but if the sexiest couple in the world endures this with love and grace, then all bets are off. The stress that Jolie places on the importance of that support from one’s partner is what warms my heart- our golden couple laughing and loving their way through such a grueling process- if these two aren’t the definition of modern day idols, I don’t know who is. They understand they have a responsibility to set an example as lauded public figures, and they really do the right thing. Even choosing to express her feelings and reveal her experience via an op ed piece as opposed to appearing on The Today Show, is a refreshing and enlightened choice.

She does point out that preventive testing is expensive and that all may not be able to afford it, but hopefully her statement will help to influence the medical industry to make this testing a reality for those that fall under great risk. It makes me proud that Jolie is an American actress and activist. She just turned her badass button way up. Look out Lara Croft, Angelina Jolie kicks ass!

{Image: Olin Scarf/Getty Images}

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Happy Weekend and Happy Mother’s Day, dear readers. I love this kooky mother daughter photo of Shirley MacLaine and her daughter, Sachi Parker circa 1959. It’s my first official Mother’s Day and my own momma is here to celebrate. We had a great run in the rain today- the bebes’ first experience with a full on downpour. We were attempting a walk and a trip to the park when the rain intervened. It ended up being so much fun- running and pushing their stroller at top speed in the rain. They loved it and so did we. We ran for blocks absolutely drenched and laughing all the way. The sun promptly appeared after the rain decided it was done and that heavenly after rain smell filled the air. I just read that it has a name, that heavenly smell- it’s called Petrichor. I wish you could bottle it, but then again- no. It’s kind of nice having to wait for it and that wonderful moment when it reveals itself. What a fun and beautiful evening, thanks mom.

I’m off to St. Louis today join my hubby for the premiere of his new ballet at St. Louis Ballet, Volatizing the Esters. Yes- he named his ballet the name of this very blog. What can I say, it’s a good title. It’s a contemporary ballet and he experimented by using a few different props, one of which is a giant carpet that the dancers dance on and with, throughout the piece. I’ve just seen little bits and pieces via video so I’m really looking forward to it. Here’s a few sneak preview videos of C working with the dancers. I’m so proud of him- merde, honey.

What are you all up to this weekend? We’re going to journey up to Bryan Voltaggio’s Volt on Sunday afternoon to celebrate the day of the Moms and otherwise lay low.

A little link love:

Foolproof dinner recipes including a Jean-Georges Vongerichten molten chocolate cake to make your momma for Sunday, courtesy of Mark Bittman.

Have you discovered Gizoogle yet? My brother Ben sent me the link a few days ago and it is worth blowing a few minutes of your day to Gizoogle one of your favorite sites. Here’s what happened when I gizoogled my blog.

The James Beard 2013 Award Winners. I have GOT to get to Little Serow here in DC, now it’s really going to be impossible.

This iconic graffiti mecca in Long Island City will be demolished to make way for more boring and insanely expensive condos. How sad. So long 5Pointz.

I am digging these silver t-straps. Just bought myself a pair- $49, I mean come on.

A last minute Mother’s Day gift that will make you both feel good. #honoryourmom

This apartment is pretty wowzers.

How to make a smokin’ cocktail- quite literally- with real smoke.

David Sedaris spends his spare time picking up trash on the side of the road. Get into his fantastic head here.

NYC’s top 20 most anticipated restaurant openings.

Mario Batali’s Crab Salad with Mint Oil recipe- this looks delicious!

Have a beautiful weekend and Happy Mother’s Day!

Cin Cin!

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How do you document your kiddos’ growth or just your favorite life moments? Do you do anything special? Do you make photo books, print out prints the old fashioned way?

I have been taking a photo of the bebes each month on their rug in the nursery. It is proving to be more and more challenging as they absolutely will not lay flat anymore, one of them is always crawling away. I think I will have to give it up and choose a sitting position when they turn 1- which is in 22 days!!!!  I can’t believe it.

I saw this super cute monthly method on Justina Blakeney’s blog and thought I should share. This is the kind of thing I kick myself for not doing from day one but it’s never too late to start. Such a cute way to put all the milestones and life events into one image. She’s used photoshop after the fact to add in the details of the list, but you could easily write it out on paper. Really cute.

{Photo: Justina Blakeney}

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I’m currently attempting a pseudo detox/cleanse. I’m drinking green smoothies in the morning and evening. My version is pretty low maintenance. It’s basically just Greek yogurt, a few frozen berries, 1/2 of a banana, a spoonful of almond butter, some water, a splash of apple cider vinegar -because Dr. Oz said I should- sometimes an apple, a few Puffins and this green powder. This is probably a better and more delicious recipe but I can’t be bothered to mince. So far so good, except for the fact that I’m constantly hungry. I’m hoping to clean my system out a bit and maybe lose some water weight, we’ll see. I’m allowing myself a regular low carb lunch so I feel like a normal person for most of the day. No dark chocolate though at night- ay yi yi- that is tough. The kicker though is that I’m still having my glass of wine every night, I mean come on- I can’t give it all up. Nothing like a glass of bright, dry and slightly bitter in the best way Vernaccia with my detox smoothie. Hmmm, something’s not quite right there, but I like it.

What are you up to this weekend? We’re watching the Derby and then going bowling with some friends on Sunday. I’m so looking forward to bowling- it’s been a long time, too long. Bowling is one of those happy places for me. A beer and a bowl with good pals- now that’s good stuff. I love those bowling shoes too, I really do.

A little link love:

This is the coolest! A GREAT idea for a Mother’s Day gift- are you reading this, honey? I love the chalkboard box, perfect for writing down the delicious herbs growing in your window. I love how it doubles as a menu/centerpiece for dinner parties as well. Seriously inspired and perfect for city dwellers who long to garden and for the gift of a green thumb. This is black thumb proof. L.O.V.E.! You actually order through their kickstarter website here as they are using crowd funding to finance the product. If you back the company, Modern Sprout, you will receive 30% off retail. Pretty cool.

San Pellegrino lists the top 50 restaurants in the world. This is a drool worthy list.

Check out this great new shelter-centric site.

Wow- a moment in true friendship. This conversation with Marc Maron and Louis CK on Maron’s WTF podcast via Fresh Air. Uncomfortable and kind of awesome. Start listening at 16:27.

A fresh take on the Mint Julep for this weekend’s Derby.

If you’re headed to the Derby this weekend, check out this art lover’s Louisville hotel.

A beautiful passage from Anne Lamott’s Operating Instructions on parenting.

Paris’ perfect picnic spots.

Jimmy Fallon’s Chicken Band- how did I miss this! Hilarious.

Cin Cin and Enjoy your Weekend!

{Image: Honest Fare}

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Have you heard of this guy? Chances are, if you’ve paid attention to the news in the last couple of weeks, you have. This is Egypt’s Jon Stewart. A heart surgeon turned comedian/political satirist… in Egypt. He was recently jailed for remarks he made about Egypt’s President Mohamed Morsi on his fake news show, The Program and is now out on bail. This guy’s show is hilarious. He does send ups of world leaders donned in bowler hats complete with jazz hands and isn’t afraid of a good joke even when it gets him sent to the pokey. His show has become Friday night must see tv for the Egyptian nation and much of the Eastern world. The guy’s got balls. At the height of the Arab Spring, his studio shut down but he broadcasted his show from his private home. The show must go on- this guy gets it. Jon Stewart put it best, Youssef is doing more important work with his show than he was as a surgeon, and that’s saying something.

Watch Mo Rocca’s report here.

{Image: Hisham Osama}

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After a fantastic weekend at the ranch with my family and friends (post is in the works), my travel weary mind is a mixed bag of thoughts for this springy April Monday.

Mad Men. Oh Joan, I’m so happy to see you. Season 6 started out with Don appropriately tight lipped for the first 5 minutes. Something (as always) is a-brewing in that head of his. For starters, he’s reading Dante’s Inferno on Waikiki Beach… it can’t be good. I thought it was a great episode that did not disappoint. Happy to see that Megan is still in the mix, Betty is still tortured (and newly brunette) and I loved Don’s provocative pitch. Yay- they’re back.

R.I.P. Roger Ebert. Without him, we wouldn’t have Errol Morris and without him, we wouldn’t have The Fog of War,- possibly one of the best and most revealing documentaries on the Vietnam War ever- if you have not seen this documentary, please do yourself a favor and login to your Netflix account immediately. Ebert put Morris on the map with his first documentary, Gates of Heaven, in 1978. Big fan of Morris and a big fan of Ebert, I always loved the thumbs up routine. He will be missed.

Two words: GO BLUE. My Wolverines are in the NCAA finals tonight. This is the stuff of dreams, folks. I will be rooting hard for the Maize and Blue- beer in hand, just like the good old days. My good friend Molly got so tired at yelling at the tv during the games, she booked herself a flight to Atlanta so she could yell for her team in person. I wish I could join her!

I’m loving these vintage illustrations by Margaret Bloy Graham from the 1956 book, Really Spring. How appropriate as today is the first day I feel like it is really spring. This is one for the bebes.

And finally, the Iron Lady sleeps. Love her or hate her, you have to admire her tenacity. My favorite Margaret Thatcher quote, “Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.”

{Images: AMC, Getty, David J. Phillip, The Telegraph}

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