Dear Melissa,

Oscar Winners! Well, I know it was back in March, but this picture just got splashed out in Atlanta's Luxury Lifestyle magazine, Jezebel! Kind of cool to be amongst celebrities and the beautiful people. They also did a great piece “ Artistic Habitation” and featured one of my favorite client interiors and quoted me liberally on art and collecting!

April 2007 Jezebel Magazine Link

Hula Hawaii! Recently I enjoyed my first real vacation in ages. (Yes, I gave my readers a vacation too!) I do love to travel, but it is usually for business and if not, I take business with me! I finally have a computer guru on board that has mastered the simple art of an out of office message. So knowing that emails coming in were notified of my absence and my phone lines did the same, enabled me to finally take a true and real deep breath. I visited family I hadn't seen in over 25 years (not a typo!) that live in Hawaii. For the gift of family check out today's article!

Dolphin Kisses! Yes, it was on my list and no not in the wild. The reason you don't want to do it in the wild is that the dolphins, so it was explained, have other responsibilities like foraging for food, taking care of their young, mating and such. If you dive on in, it distracts them and can also cause harm to you or the dolphin even unwittingly. So, I did it in the lagoon at the Kahala Resort, what a kick!

Live well and beautifully,

MG

Radio Sandy Springs Announces The Art Full Life
Hosted by Melissa Galt

Yes, it's true! In May, I have agreed to launch a radio show based on my former Evening at Emory class, Gallery Hopping. The Art Full Life brings that and more to listeners every week. With insightful and intriguing interviews with artists, gallery owners, and collectors, in Georgia, the Southeast and beyond, I will illustrate how art connects one to life, influences our paths, and celebrates the artist.

My favorite way to begin any design project is with art from the heart, a piece or collectiong that holds unique meaning for each client. You'll enjoy tips on collecting, dos and don'ts on display, and even get the essential ins and outs of framing your pieces. Celebrate your creative spirit and get inspired every Friday at 2pm starting in May, with The Art Full Life !

Looking for SPONSORS! Please take a look at advertising rates www.radiosandysprings.com . OUTRAGEOUS VALUE! $15 per spot. Whether you want to sponsor my show or another, the station has an exciting line up and getting great response. They feature, interior decorating, entrepreneurship, community affairs, relationships, home buying and fixing up, and much more.

Living By Design: Ties That Bind

On the recent trip I made, I had not seen my Aunt, Uncle or cousins in over 25 years. I truly hadn't realized it had been that long and certainly didn't intend it to happen. They are on my Father's side of the clan and since he doesn't stay in touch with me or them particularly the tie was weakened.

Seeing them was like old home week! It was amazing to be able to pick up where we had left off so long ago as if no time at all had passed. They were able to share valued memories of my Mother (gone now over 20 years) and even a few tales of my Father. Best of all was a sense that these are the folks that I come from. I am not sure I had ever needed that feeling before. But enjoying my relatives effusiveness, and ability to talk nonstop, I realized this is where I got those qualities and suddenly it all made much more sense.

I made sense! It is almost like looking in a mirror of sorts and realizing who I am and what I mean.

It is invaluable to have that feeling and that knowing, that it doesn't matter how much time passes, what successes or lessons learned take place, where I travel to, and who I meet, this part of my family will always be there. They are wonderfully grounded, real, practical, and an integral part of who I am. While parts closer, like my Father, may not be nearly so available or open, these individuals provide a connective warmth and tie that will bind in the best way forever.

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Want to Use This Article in Your E-zine or Website?
Simply include the text here, with a link to www.melissagalt.com . Online entrepreneur Melissa Galt, "The Lifestyle Diva," publishes “Design Destinations” a monthly ezine with 1500+ subscribers. If you're ready to jump-start your life, create comfortable and personal home interiors, define your personal image and style, plan exciting travel and adventure, develop the career of your dreams, and pursue your past times and passionate pursuits, learn how now at www.melissagalt.com

"When you judge another, you do not define them,
you define yourself."
~ Wayne Dyer
Psychotherapist, Author and Speaker

"If you don't like something, change it.
If you can't change it, change your attitude."
~ Maya Angelou
Author and Poet

“I find it fascinating that most people plan their vacations with better care than they plan their lives. Perhaps that is because escape is easier than change.”
~ Jim Rohn
Author and Speaker

Despite an awkward location, Agave has thrived in the last decade. With a refreshing mix of Southwest taste temptations and rock your world margaritas, Agave draws a steady crowd of satisfied regulars and new to the scene. While offering some standards such as homemade (but not tableside here) guacamole with chips, their calamari is the tenderest ever dressed up in blue corn meal and served with a spicy chipotle sauce and a bit of corn, the shrimp and crab egg rolls are a creative bite, tenderloin and lamb are included in a surprisingly taco free menu.

Loved it! Grant and Barrymore are a delightful duet, and both know their best vehicle well, a light romantic comedy. Grant has always been good at playing has beens and this is no exception. It was frighteningly funny to realize that this was inspired by the true story of the Brit hit music group from the 80's POP. I didn't remember them at all, but evidently quite a few do and more now, no doubt. I got a real kick out of the rock star Cara as she appeared to be a definite Madonna take off with her East Indian mysticism take on the bump and grind. There is nothing as absurd as reality. Barrymore is perfect as the slightly dizzy plant gal substitute that works for her sister's weight loss clinic (her sister being a generously portioned lady and a big fan of POP.) Beyond the veneer of dizzy is a young woman of depth and character just waiting for her partner to catch up. She is supportive and encouraging when Grant's character needs it most and he learns the value of being real and baring it all. Very fun, a bit campy, and with an ahhhhh ending.