Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

ESCAPESEEKER’S PREMIERE EPISODE is just a few days away from completion!

Monday, December 22nd, 2008

Stay tuned Escapeseeker Fans…We are beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel! (And hopefully the light is not from an oncoming train!!)

I will be back to bring you the latest…hopefully, complete with the program’s promo tease! Tried to upload it a couple of times, with no success. I will keep trying. Perseverance is becoming my middle name! 🙂

I hope you all have a cozy Christmas, or a warm Hannukah, or any other tremendous way you elect to celebrate our blessed lives during these special seasons.

Love to all,
Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

"What is once well done is done forever"… An update on the progress of ESCAPESEEKER’S "LA DOLCE VITA" episode

Sunday, December 14th, 2008
An aerial view of VENICE as seen in Episode One of ESCAPESEEKER’s
La Dolce Vita

Dear ESCAPESEEKER Fans…

It has been a very long time since I’ve checked in with everyone. As many of you know, I have been totally engaged in the post production phase of our premiere episode featuring the land of La Dolce Vita–ITALY.

With the tremendous support I received to create this program comes tremendous responsibility–to get it right, and create a program of lasting value. Once it rolls out onto the air waves, we can’t take it back. So with the help of talented colleagues, we are hard at work trying to abide with what Henry David Thoreau once expressed, “What is once well done is done forever.”

To family, friends, and colleagues, I apologize for being so incommunicado during these times that call for my full engagement and dedication to this endeavor. I keep seeing the writings of Michelangelo, wherein he states, “The true work of art is but a shadow of the divine perfection.” I feel so very blessed to have this opportunity to give birth to the ESCAPESEEKER idea, and appreciate all the generous support I’ve received from all of you. If I can offer but a glimpse of the magnificence of the world around us via our program, and inspire others to venture out and experience it too, I will be so very happy.

May LOVE, JOY and PEACE surround you and your family during this CHRISTMAS season…

Here’s to blissful ESCAPES, and a year of tremendous fulfillment for 2009!

As always,

Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

SATURDAY’S INSPIRATION: PLAYING FOR CHANGE…

Saturday, November 8th, 2008

Hello Fellow Escapeseekers
Greetings from Newport Beach, California. It is an absolutely gorgeous day in the O.C. It’s all I can do to stay indoors with this sunshine beaming through my office skylight. For a little change of pace from my current editing assignment, I occasionally visit my Facebook page to see what my friends are up to–since there are a few who are religious at providing minute by minute updates. It is always nice to see the amazing eclectic collection of activities that my friends are actively engaged in…and today, my friend, Cindy Hoots from Seattle (who works on the philanthropic arm of Starbucks) brought this to my attention. Thank you Cindy!

There’s another kind of revolution sweeping the world…thanks to the inspiring motivation of one man, Mark Johnson. It is a music revolution…weaving people from every corner of the world…from every walk of life…together with music. Let me say no more. Just click to the video links at right, PLAYING FOR CHANGE, and take a look…pay particular attention to the last video link–the PBS BILL MOYERS interview with this truly exceptional individual, Mark Johnson. It will fill you with so much hope for the future of our world, and that maybe, just maybe PEACE can be attainable. No weapons…just MUSIC:

Have a PEACEful, LOVEfilled Saturday.

Smile, Sing, and Spread the LOVE…do what you can to help make the world a more HARMONIOUS place.

Escapeseeker

Our November ESCAPESEEKER POETRY CLUB selection came to us via American Airlines Executive Platinum Agent, Angie Craigo

Friday, November 7th, 2008

OUR ESCAPESEEKER POETRY CLUB MISSION:
to expand our minds by memorizing as many inspiring poems as possible during our journeys…especially those spent on long international flights, thus enlarging our intellect while enhancing our experience as we pursue our never ending passion for travel.


To the Dear Members of our
Escapeseeker Poetry Club,

Here is our November assignment:

As you can imagine, I spend a great deal of time on the phone with airline agents–especially the American Airlines Executive Platinum desk whose agents are especially trained to handle the complicated frequent flier travel itineraries of globetrotters like myself. And, because they’re such seasoned multitaskers, we usually end up talking about all sorts of global topics while in the process.


I happen to say to EP agent, Angie Craigo today that my favorite aspect of travel is the wonderful people I meet all along the way…and I shared with Angie my recent Fiji experiences of meeting the “smilies people on earth”…and how much I believe everyone can have the same experiences if they would just get over being “fear-driven”and, instead, embrace our multi cultural, beautiful world.

Well, Angie reminded me of a beautiful poem that she loves that expresses these sentiments and much more, entitled, Desiderata. I remembered it instantly too, as it was extremely popular during my teen years. I immediately looked it up, and after reading, I am once again, just as I was in my teens, inspired to be a better individual.

I truly believe this is one worthy of memorizing. Thank you Angie for resurrecting it in our hearts, and after November, it should stay in our minds, always.

Have a TREMENDOUS NOVEMBER everyone.
Savor our beautiful world.


Strive To Be Happy!

With Love…

ESCAPESEEKER


Desiderata

by Max Ehrmann

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love, for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly to the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

LOOKING FOR AN ENRICHING VACATION EXPERIENCE? VATULELE ISLAND SIX SENSES RESORT DELIVERS AND THEN SOME!

Wednesday, November 5th, 2008

Our Unforgettable Five Glorious Fijian Nights…Prepare yourself to meet the friendliest people on earth…and learn how to say with great enthusiasm, accompanied with the biggest smile you can render, the Fijian greeting for “hello” BULA!!!
Known as “The Point”–this beautiful white “Bure” is the only visible structure seen for miles when on approach via seaplane, the island transportation of choice by many of the guests seeking the ultimate hideaway retreat, VATULELE…

Escapeseeker Fans,
I’m back in California–just made it back in time to exercise my privilege as an American to vote in this historic election. But I cannot wait to share our latest ESCAPESEEKER experience with all of you. So once again, I am typing away in the early morning hours.
Calling it “enriching” is an understatement. VATULELE ISLAND RESORT is truly a hideaway retreat…it is the kind of island haven that takes a little getting used to, especially for Roy and I who keep a maddening pace.

But once we embraced the “island rhythm”, we were able to adjust so well that it became very difficult when it came time to leave…not only Vatulele, but our new found Fijian friends, as well as a sprinkling of fellow vacationers from down under, some very friendly fun-loving Aussies! I will report in greater detail tomorrow when I’ve acclimated back to the West coast time zone…but meanwhile, enjoy these still images, plus unedited footage of our new found island paradise: VATULELE!

Pictured left, is our own personal butler, Lemba, who spoiled us like we’ve never experienced before. She anticipated in advance what we might enjoy, or need, whether it is our own private dinner, beach side beneath a starry, starry night (I witnessed my first shooting star)– or arranging our own special cruise around her native Island of Vatulele (by the way, it was her first time circumnavigating the island and seeing it in its entirety)–or requesting our special grilled lobster dinner to share with our new Aussie friends, Matt and Marlene, (who were honeymooning on Vatulele) served in our stunning extremely private, (most remote of the Bures), better known as Vale Vigi (pronounced varlay vingy) or Pink House, the Grand Honeymoon Bure…and so private that it is easy to see that it is truly designed for honeymooners…It’s great to come in from the pearly white sandy beach just steps from our Bure and soak in our brisk private plunge pool–the temperature just perfect to soothe your skin after playing beneath the Fijian sunshine!

But what I will also cherish from our Fijian experience, is the opportunities we were given in Vatulele to go beyond the resort and visit the villages where many of the staff of Vatulele Island Resort live. It is interesting how vacations can be enriching, but in unexpected ways.

At the resort’s invitation, we opted to go to the village’s church service– A Methodist service–the sermon was in Fijian and we were advised in advance that it would last 2 hours! And, one last note, we were also advised to dress modestly. It would have been so easy to pass up this opportunity…after all, we are on vacation. Who packs “Sunday go to meetin’ clothes” (as Mark Twain used to call it) on their vacations right? Well, thanks to Roy’s insistence, we were ready to board a little boat by 10 a.m. for the village Sunday Service. Only one other couple, Kai and Kyle from Santa Barbara, California also opted to go. I think they’re even more dedicated, considering they were on their honeymoon!

Well, let me just say, if you ever get the same opportunity–don’t think twice. Go for it. I promise it will be a Sabbath Day you will always remember, as you see the youngest of children sitting on the front row benches, wearing their Sunday best–girls in sometimes slightly tattered, but clean Sunday dresses (most likely handed down from several older siblings), and little boys in collared shirts with ‘sarong style’ wraps, and many in bare feet. They sing, just like their parents and older siblings, acapella and full of gusto…singing praises to God in an angelic chorus that vibrated throughout the island as the harmonious sound seeped out of the open air humble house of worship, equipped with benches so uncomfortable it would test even the most devoted church goer. I believe God is pleased on this particular Sabbath Day to see the people of this tiny village break from their usual labors to worship Him.

We had walked past their homes to get to the church–homes more humble than I even imagined, which makes their grateful hearts expressed through music, even more precious. We came away knowing we have so much to learn from these South Pacific Islanders, and felt so privileged to take away this special memory from this tiny Fijian island of Vatulele, where in a simple village church, we felt God’s presence. It made me forget about my recent mosquito bites, and the large coconut eating crabs that often took me by surprised as it crossed my bure’s pathway! After all, I am reminded that special day that God created all things…and in Vatulele this message is as crystal clear as the turquoise waters that caresses its shores!

I shall never forget these two smiling faces…who smiled at me almost through the entire meeting as they sat on those front row benches for two long hours!

Don’t take my word for it, Catch a glimpse of Vatulele by taking a peak at these raw footage we shot during a typical arrival (typical for Vatulele–but definitely atypical for all of us city dwellers);

In the second footage, while we were waiting for our seaplane to arrive, I taught my dear Fijian friends how we say farewell in Hawaii–they learned so quickly that when it came to say goodbye, I could reciprocate with my own version.

Lastly, in raw footage #3, I shot this from our seaplane as we waved goodbye to this tropical paradise…it won’t be the last as we certainly will return…I wanted to shoot just enough footage to inspire our team of seasoned high-def cinematographers, and give them a glimpse of what’s in store when they join me for the ESCAPESEEKER FIJI episode shoot.

One little added tidbit–when we return next time, we will be just a bit better prepared to protect ourselves from the unexpected, unusual number of mosquitoes who also decided to give us a big welcome. 🙁
It is honestly, the only part of our experience I won’t miss. It’s a small price to pay, however, for an authentic Fijian experience. 🙂 The discomfort quickly fades, but the magical memories will last a lifetime!

Footage #1: A VATULELE WELCOME…Yes, everyone on the island can sing!

Footage #2: Reciprocating with my own version of a Hawaiian Farewell…

And, one last look as we wave goodbye…It is easy to see why VATULELE is a favorite destination for those seeking an island hideaway, but also for those who wish to experience the best scuba diving in the world.

Thank you SIX SENSES RESORTS for awakening all of our SENSES and showing us that a vacation can truly be enriching.

CALLING ALL SPONSORS: ESCAPESEEKER SLATED TO AIR ON KOCE-TV in 2009:

Thursday, October 2nd, 2008




KOCE-TV
in association with
GABRIELLE PRODUCTIONS
and ASSERTION FILMS
is pleased to announce its brand new
TRAVEL SERIES,
entitled,
ESCAPESEEKER: Discovering the Greatest Escapes,
One Luxury Destination at a Time!

For inveterate globetrotter Mel Gee Henderson, travel is like air. She thrives on serendipitous encounters, embraces the unexpected adventure, and charms locals everywhere. Mel’s background as a journalist, Washington Congressional staffer, and high-profile fundraiser introduced her to the jet-set lifestyle, and took her everywhere, from parties on the French Riviera to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Along the way, Mel’s winning personality opened doors and created lasting friendships with people we would all love to hang out with – from scholars to international royalty to celebrated chefs, to maverick fashionistas, to musical artists, and even some of Hollywood’s A-list stars. It’s the desire to share these amazing experiences in hopes of showing and inspiring others that they too, can explore our beautiful world and embrace other cultures that has motivated Mel to create the breathtaking new television series ESCAPESEEKER. ESCAPESEEKER introduces viewers to the most luxurious adventures money can buy and to the people who live these adventures. It’s Conde Nast –beautiful exotic locations filmed in high-def–-meets Iconoclasts–-intimate conversation with the culture makers of our time. In each episode, Mel will introduce us to people and destinations so unique, we’ll learn that travel isn’t about where to take your next vacation–it’s about how to envision your new lifestyle! And just to give you advance warning: Mel’s joyful exuberance, enthusiasm, and passion for living, or as the Italians would say, La Dolce Vita, is extremely contagious. After all, ask anyone of Mel’s friends, and they’ll immediately tell you, “Mel is the ULTIMATE ESCAPESEEKER!

OCTOBER UPDATE – Mel and the entire ESCAPESEEKER team completed the month long filming of the first episode of ESCAPESEEKER featuring ITALY~land of La Dolce Vita on September 22, 2008. It is now in post production and scheduled to air on February, 2009.

THE LATEST EPISODE LIST INCLUDE:

1. LA DOLCE VITA (ITALY) (Filming completed 8.26.08/9.22.08)

2. THE HEART OF MELANESIA MAGIC (FIJI) (Advance Research visit scheduled 10.30.08/11.04.08)

3. THE DRAGON KINGDOM (BHUTAN)

4. LUXURIOUS ECOLOGY (BRAZIL)

5. ROMANCING INDIA

6. SIMPLY ‘OUT OF AFRICA’

7. THE GARDEN ISLE–A Sportsman’s Sanctuary (IRELAND) (Advance Research completed 7.31.08/8.04.08; Filming scheduled for June 09)

8. TAHITI TEMPTATIONS

9. OUTBACK ENCOUNTER (AUSTRALIA, “Land of Oz”)

10. THE LONDON ‘RUSH’ (Advance Research completed; Filming scheduled for June 09)

11. LIVE LIKE A CZAR (RUSSIA) (Advance Research visit scheduled)

12. SHANGHAI’S NEW PEAK (Advance Research completed)

13. PARADISE FOUND (MALDIVES) (Advance Research visit scheduled)

The Second Season will premiere with Escapeseeker’s own version of ‘Tour de France’ – – A Road Adventure to Uncover France’s Best Kept Secrets… (Advance research visit completed 05/08- Filming Scheduled for May 2009)

OUTSTANDING SPONSORSHIP
and
PRODUCT PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY:


KOCE-TV and ESCAPESEEKER offer unparalleled visibility opportunities for corporate sponsors and donors to be known to upscale consumers, business leaders and community decision makers.

* Non-commercial television offers unique opportunities for businesses to feature products and services in a dignified, uncluttered environment where messages can make maximum impact.

* Corporate Partners benefit from the “halo effect” of associating with the highly trusted PBS and KOCE brands.

* Corporate Messages, while not hard sell commercials, may include positive depictions of a product in use, descriptions of corporate values and stories of corporate community service.

* Public TV viewers are affluent, educated, opinion leaders who own their own homes, and travel domestically and abroad

Each month, an estimated 5.8 million viewers in the Los Angeles/Orange County region tune their television sets to KOCE, their public television station. These viewers are affluent, influential, highly educated, well-traveled, intellectually curious people who have their choice of more than 100 channels. Yet, this valuable demographic group remains intensely loyal to PBS, and KOCE as the 6th most watched PBS station nationally.

In the minds of our viewers, KOCE and PBS are recognized for and strongly associated with excellence, integrity, innovation and diversity. It’s not surprising then that our viewers associate these same qualities with our sponsors. This explains why 61% of respondents would choose to buy a product from a company that supports PBS, all other things being equal.*

What makes PBS and KOCE distinctive? Obviously, the quality of extraordinary non-commercial television programs is a major factor. Furthermore, KOCE’s viewers demonstrate excellent judgment in their television viewing habits because they are:

INFORMED. DIVERSE. CURIOUS. INFLUENTIAL.

*Source: Total Research Corp. PBS Image Tracking Study

WHY SPONSOR ESCAPESEEKER ON KOCE-TV?
Perception is everything.
Your sponsorship of PBS communicates feelings and messages that build positive brand associations and enhance your corporate image. You benefit from the glow, or “halo effect,” of being associated with one of America’s most esteemed media brands, as well as its mission to make a meaningful contribution to the community.

Low Clutter/High Impact.
In broadcast terminology, clutter refers to the increasingly shortened time and increased number of commercials now shown on broadcast and cable television. In the dignified, non-commercial and low-clutter environment found only on PBS, your sponsorship message stands out.

Bullseye Marketing.
KOCE and ESCAPESEEKER can give you a direct route to reach that specific target audience you seek. Our quality viewers represent a wide range of demographics – from children and families to hard-to-reach influential, educated viewers with tremendous purchase power. Our custom content packages deliver a captive audience when they are involved and engaged.

Quality Counts.
KOCE viewers are highly educated, influential, well-traveled, affluent and intellectually curious people who are intensely loyal to their local public television station. Their feelings about public broadcasting programming translate directly into feelings about our sponsors and their product or service.

Advertising Just Isn’t What it Used to Be.
Traditional product advertising through TVcommercials, mail-outs, print ads and radio spots risk being ignored. But sponsor messages in support of a public television program are welcomed by the PBS viewer. One recent study showed that 74% of PBS viewers feel that companies that sponsor PBS have a commitment to quality and excellence.

It’s Affordable, and It Works.
PBS sponsorship is highly affordable. For a fraction of the cost of commercial advertising, you can deliver a powerful message to a specific audience, while enhancing your image and position within the community at the same time. How’s that for value?

At a time when most broadcast television stations are seeing a decline in viewers and watching their audiences flee to cable channels, KOCE is enjoying unprecendented and stunning growth.When KOCE implemented a new scheduling strategy a few years ago, it resulted in prime-time audience growth into the hundreds of percent. Audience growth in all day parts has continued. With digital transmission now extending to the San Fernando Valley and KOCE now broadcasting from Mount Wilson, KOCE viewership is expected to grow even further still.

Percents ranking statements of PBS members
8 – 10 on a 10 – point scale of convincing reasons
for supporting public television

PTV is a valuable educational institution for people of all ages 90%
Programming is intelligent 88%
No commercial interruptions 84%
PTV is a valuable national resource 87%
PTV is a valuable community resource 85%
Offers performances I might not otherwise get to see 86%
Provides educational programs for children 79%

ACT NOW and TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO REACH YOUR TARGET AUDIENCE!

CALL +1 949.689.3297

BREAKING NEWS: Announcing ESCAPESEEKER: Up Close and Personal

Wednesday, October 1st, 2008

Newport Beach – – What started out as a vehicle for me to update friends and family on my world travels as a result of my assignments from ESCAPE MAGAZINE and ESCAPESEEKER–my brand new travel series– as well as the tool to keep the family informed about each other’s latest activities and fun tid bits–has turned into an ever-growing “blogspot station” that now necessitates the creation of a second ESCAPESEEKER blogspot. ESCAPESEEKER (the original blog) focused entirely on my ESCAPESEEKER TV TRAVEL SERIES and ESCAPE MAGAZINE travels; and the second–ESCAPESEEKER: UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL, centered around FAMILY and FRIENDS. I hope you will continue to view both blog sites, as I will make every effort to keep each current with the latest news.

The second blog page can be found at:
www.escapeseekerupcloseandpersonal.blogspot.com

Thank you for your avid interest and continued support.

With love, always…
Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

PS: Kindly be patient as I separate and transfer the family news to the new blogspot site.

Good Morning World!

Monday, September 29th, 2008

My Early Morning Greeters…Texas style…Bambi and friends…

Greetings from the Lone Star State!

After a very long absence, I’m back watching the deer roam in my backyard–who by the way, also seem to enjoy basking along the Brazos River as much as any other native Texan! Their life seems so simple…especially living within the safety of the Pecan Plantation enclave…where they are protected by a 17 mile radius of the Brazos River and where all the inhabitants like us permit them to just roam freely, grazing on flowerbeds that I quickly discovered have a very short lifespan…the deer all think that my backyard is their salad buffet! Oh well, what a small price to pay for the opportunity to have the deer teach me about friendship. I love the way they travel in packs…they are never too far from each other…and as near as I can observe, they are always looking out for each other also…oh what life would be like if we all had watchful angels to watch over us.

This morning as the sun rose, I couldn’t help but reflect on the many earth angels in my life…especially these last few months as I began this very challenging endeavor of bringing ESCAPESEEKER–the TV Travel Series to life! I just want to THANK YOU ALL from the bottom of my heart. When I think the obstacles just get too overwhelming, you are there to lend a helping hand. Thank you for helping me fly…and with so many of you praying and believing, I can’t help but SOAR!

I have posted a video link below, and also on the right hand column, just in case the link below doesn’t take you directly to it. It captures my sentiments…take a look…and I hope it lifts your day just as you’ve always lifted mine. By the way, don’t forget to turn off the playlist on the right hand column of the blog page also, before you begin viewing the video, ok?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X7d7Ul6PmI


A reflective ESCAPESEEKER,
aka Mel

PS: Here’s a look back at some of the ESCAPESEEKER team who helped during our filming adventure…photos are compliments of our dear Maggie Garratt from the UK (or should I use her favorite word–“LOVELY” with a British accent)…Maggie accompanied us every step of the way… For a Brit, she probably knows Italy as well, or better than any Italian!

By the way, if you want to enlarge the photos for easier viewing, just click on them.

Howard, our soundman yells out,
“Mel, fix your audio…I can’t hear you!”


Gabes decides it is a lot more fun being the DP instead of
the talent! Howard cries out from the support boat, “Gabes
keep the camera out of the water!”

Proof that ESCAPESEEKER isn’t all GLAMOUR, and FUN…
Fortunately, no matter how tough the journey sometimes became,
rarely did anyone break the official ESCAPESEEKER
#1 rule of “NO WHINING!”

Gabrielle acquired an instant fan of ESCAPESEEKER during
our visit to one of the oldest glass factory in MURANO…and
she has lots of glass jewelry to prove it! 🙂 Product placement
opportunity? Maybe, but more likely, it is just that wonderful
Italian generosity and hospitality~

Truly, some of the best unforgettable memories we will take from
this experience, are the lasting friendships we have forged in the land of La Dolce Vita!


Ok, Maybe driving this BRIGHT RED FERRARI convertible through Tuscany is pretty unforgettable too! Thank you RED TRAVEL for making it possible; and Thank you Dale and Howard for capturing it all in living color. High Def cinematography at its best!

Yes, driving the Ferraris was definitely among the
highlights of our Tuscan adventures…


Another special experience was getting to spend the afternoon with the
Polito Family at their Estate in Bolgheri. I listened attentively as Luca briefed me on the unique characteristics of this Tuscan region. We walked through their family vineyard, and honestly, I’ve never tasted sweeter grapes. I couldn’t stop eating them!
Is this what they mean by La Dolce Vita?



Marty gets a final shot of me riding this vintage seaplane from Club AeroComo…before taking off from Lake Como and soaring high above this picturesque town…my pilot’s name is Ceasar…yes, named after the Roman emperor!

Can you believe how far, or should I say, how HIGH we were willing to go to get the footage we need. Priceless memories I tell you!

And to think, this is just the first episode of ESCAPESEEKER–12 more to go! YAHOO!

Here’s to blissful ESCAPES!

If you want to learn how to create your own ESCAPESEEKER style adventure, stay tuned to KOCE-TV in 2009!



SLEEPLESS IN NEWPORT BEACH…Remembering our mesmerizing moments in Florence and Tuscany, and still CRAVING Italian food…

Tuesday, September 23rd, 2008

Newport Beach — It is 2:11 a.m. on the West Coast, but my mind and body still thinks we’re in Milan! Oh well, no time like the present to unpack, organize, and what else–WRITE! I love the release I get from writing…it is absolutely the best therapy, and the most effective utilization of sleepless hours. 🙂

I am also very happy to report the the back-up hard drives containing a great deal of the footage we shot made it home safely with me…actually I was instructed never to part with it, so wherever I went, it went also! I hope Howard’s set also made it home since he has the complete entire one-month long shoot on his set of hard drives!

You’ve got to check out my defined biceps after hauling around through three international airport terminals my extremely heavy computer bag, and my hard drive-filled Louis Vuitton bag too. Who needs a personal trainer when you’ve got these?

Well, as I was unpacking, I found the miniature flash drive containing a rough cut ‘sample vignette’ containing some of the beautiful images we captured of Florence with our 2nd back-up camera; also included is a segment of our visit with the STROZZI Princesses, Natalia and Irina, along with their beautiful Mama, at their historic 1014 year-old STROZZI ESTATE in Tuscany, where frequent illustrious guests included Gregory Peck whom the Princesses (at Mr. Peck’s request) referred to lovingly as their “second Daddy”.

Another very interesting footnote, Princess Natalia learned ballet from Rudolf Nureyev, who often gave her private lessons barefoot during their frequent holidays spent on the beach! Princess Natalia had an illustrious ballet career of her own, dancing for the Russian ballet, often performing at Teatro Marinskii Kirov. Oh, did I mention that the Princesses are proven direct descendants of THE Mona Lisa? Yes, of Da Vinci portrait fame! Can our adventure get any more interesting? Well it could, and it did! You just have to stay tune to watch the premiere episode when it airs in February.

I must mention that the footage below were NOT shot on our big RED HD cinematography camera–but it will still give you an idea of what an artistically inspiring place the Florentine/Tuscan region of Italy is to all fortunate enough to set their eyes upon this magical place. The classical guitarist featured is none other than Italian virtuoso, EDOARDO CATEMARIO.

It is no wonder the RENAISSANCE movement began in Florence. Take a peak…and you will know why I can’t wait to get to work on the REAL complete version of the premiere episode of ESCAPESEEKER.

Thanks Dale for putting this together on the eve of your departure from Venice–especially since you did it just from your own private make-shift editing bay–your hotel room!

Enjoy, and get a glimpse of the reasons why our entire ESCAPESEEKER team found Florence and Tuscany absolutely MESMERIZING!

Important note: Before viewing the video, you must scroll down on the right side of the ESCAPESEEKER blogpage, find the playlist bar, and click ‘stop’ so that the playlist music will not conflict with the video.

Love, Mel aka ESCAPESEEKER

BACK IN THE U.S.A.

Monday, September 22nd, 2008
JFK — Not quite home yet, but oh how sweet it is to be back in more familiar surroundings! Two more connections, and I will feel the more familiar salty scent of the grand Pacific. It has been quite the month-long adventure–composed of unforgettable memories, as well as challenges that at times left me sleepless in Italy–But all in all, I can’t wait to get started on post production–that is after I do some family bonding! I so miss being with my family! Thank you for all your love and support. See you very very soon.

Gotta run…my flight is departing.

I LOVE THE USA!

Escapeseeker