Whenever I’m down, stressed or just needing a spirit-lift, I put on my super sleek, sexy-yet-classic red dress. I immediately turn — or at least I feel like I turn — into a Hepburn meets Bellucci of sorts. Then I listen to some Madeleine Peyroux’s tunes, cook a French inspired dinner accompanied with some good St. Émilion wine, and dance the night away with my fiancé. It’s an idyllic, hard to decipher experience that brings me back to life. That is my fool-proof ritual, putting me at ease and driving me to forget the worst of tribulations.

 

 

 

 

Now, of course not everyone relishes jazz, wine, or French cuisine. You may fancy something completely different. What I’m trying to point out is the importance of finding the “melody to your own song,” what tickles your heart. Discovering that special something that creates an ambiance where you feel like anything is possible can be quite remarkable. For me, a fine dress (you know, THE dress, the one that always looks and feels incredible), splendid music, a great meal and someone I love is more than plenty. What about you? What’s your melody? 

 

I’ll leave you with the lyrics from one of my favorite Peyroux’s songs and several images that flicker my imagination. Cheers! 

 

 

 All I need is a little bit

by Madeleine Peyroux 

 

You got a lot of tenderness

And so much love, you can get no rest

If you’re willing to waste a little time

 

I don’t wanna all of it

All I need is a little bit

 

You got a lot of money saved

No use taking it all to your grave

Ain’t worth nothing

If you ain’t feeling fine

 

I don’t wanna all of it

All I need is a little bit

 

You know daddy gave you everything on a silver platter

But the one thing he never gave you

Was the one thing that really matters

 

So if you feel unsatisfied

Something missing deep down inside

You had so many lovers

But you never really tried

 

I don’t wanna all of it

All I need is a little bit

 

I’m telling you now, it’s getting dark

It’s getting late

Now that we all need someone

To sit down and set us free

 

You got gold to give and time to pray

You think living right is living your way

But there’s heaven down here, baby

We can find it if we try

 

I don’t wanna all of it

All I need is a little bit

I don’t wanna all of it

All I need is a little bit