Hello to 2008.

Major changes for me as I have said goodbye to a job and a "purpose" I have known for a very long time. Like the song in Wicked, the hit Broadway musical, I am "defying gravity", and taking a chance to leap into the unknown.

I have many projects that I am busy working on, and have begun to write a book. But most importantly, I am trying to take some time ("trying" is the operative word) to step back and consider what is best for me at this point in my life. If you have had a similar experience, I'd love to know. Feel free to drop me a line here.

Cheers!
Valerie

Getting ready for my favorite season!

I love the waning days of summer. I love the cool nights and the hint of the chilly times to come.
Time to break out the boots, put away the sandals, and find where you put the sweaters.
Sept and October signals busy months. For me, lots of charity work to bring attention to ovarian cancer awareness and cancer awareness in general. Please do what you can to support these important causes and to keep tabs on how you're feeling.
I recently was an emcee at the Komen Race for the Cure festivities in Central Park..
see those photos here

I'm very honored to report that I was asked to emcee the 30th Dinner of Champions to benefit the MS Society, NY Chapter on October 23rd at Cipriani Wall Street

Also in October, I have several Italian American events that I will be emceeing.

Photos and thoughts forthcoming....

After some stage time in Spelling Bee, as guest speller, and as guest performer in Spalding Gray: Stories Left to Tell, Valerie switched hats once again, to conduct interviews, write, and voice...

Here's what's up:

Valerie was working hard the night of the Tony's. She interviewed many of the stars on the Red Carpet, before the Awards Ceremony, then blogged for www.tonyawards.com, and finished the night at a special party for Grey Gardens at Tony's di Napoli Restaurant, where  freshly Tony awarded Christine Ebersole's portrait was unveiled.

Valerie was last seen as "celebrity waiter" for the ALS Foundation benefit at Sapa Restaurant, joining Rachel Dratch, Richard Kind, Bryant Gumbel, Rene Syler, Julianna Margulies and others, taking orders for dinner and offering bottles of wine!

She will be a presenter at the Gracie Awards, and walk the Red Carpet.

Valerie will be "The Voice of God" at the Trevor Project event honoring Nathan Lane at the Hudson Theater.

Down the road:
This Fall, Valerie will be appearing at a number of events, and honored as well..
Details upcoming...

You know that New Yorkers live with stress. Thrive on stress. Eat stress for lunch. But that little bugger really gets under your skin and can make you feel..well stressed! This is why I was so delighted to leave swampy New York behind, the week before July 4th and head to the sunny California coast..Ah, Malibu..the Pacific ocean air..The sky was even crystal clear and I could see the Hollywood sign in the hills. Life was good, sipping an awesome capuccino and eating the best fruit I have had in ages. Intense sun, blue skies, yummy treats...but wait..there is more.

A spa discovery that was pure heaven. And no, wait, there is even more then that!..The spa has the same name as the character I play in "Spit It Out", the theatrical piece that I co- wrote. Kara. That is the name of my character, and the name of the spa. You can't believe the amazing treatments I had there..And their brand new summer sorbet pedicure, by the pool was worth the 3,000 mile trip. Seriously. I was thrilled to be the first client to receive the treatment..Picture this: A blazing hot day, but I was chillin in an icy mango foot bath, resting on fluffy pillows in a little tent, by the hot tub, with a delicious mango smoothie to indulge in.

So my friend, if you are travelling west this summer, do yourself a great big favor and book an appointment at the Kara spa, http://parklosangeles.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/activities/spa/index.jsp. Ask for Kristin, the spa director, and tell her that Valerie, that stressed New Yorker sent you. Click here for more photos of this wonderful experience.

What a magical night it was on June 26,when Broadway took to Central Park, after days of a drenching rain. Thousands gathered on the Great Lawn to hear free Broadway music and a satute to the legendary Hal Prince.

Valerie was there to welcome the audience and open the show and then went backstage to be what is termed "The Voice of God" , otherwise known as the announcer in the show.

(Valerie prefers, Voice of Goddess, actually!)