March-ing into Spring!

Hello friends!

I hope you’ve been well. Firstly, I would like to thank everyone for the lovely messages, emails, photos, flowers, cards, phone calls, gifts, thoughts and good vibes received for my birthday! You’ve touched my heart immensely. During these unprecedented times, we may sometimes take for granted the importance of being part of a loving and supportive community, and it felt great to be reminded of how precious that is.

I’m writing today as I’m getting ready to board a plane to visit my mother in Switzerland, which is something I have been patiently waiting for a looong time for. I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am, and also a little nervous at the prospect of taking a transatlantic flight after nearly 2 years of travel anxiety. The timing also feels strange, as the world is exploding and some people are losing literally everything. However, I’m ecstatic to have the opportunity to spend some quality time with my mother at last, and what better way than doing it in a health retreat?! Let me tell you I’m thankful and will enjoy every bit of this health & wellness retreat with my mother in the Swiss alps. What a way to come out of this pandemic with a bang!

Although the world is truly upside down these days, I consider myself lucky to witness things enfolding quite positively here in NYC, and I am getting increasingly more hopeful for the months ahead. The city that never sleeps, although still very carefully, is opening its arms to what looks like will be a beaming Spring & Summer; filling my heart with joy and anticipation. The last few months have been incredibly intense and I sure am looking forward to continuing on with the momentum! I’m excited to say that I am finishing up 3 translation contracts, working on some new promotional materials for my musical projects and I am booking my gypsy Jazz band Nuage Rhythm for parties, weddings and private events. I wouldn’t want to jinx anything by saying things are looking up but as I’m constantly reminded by the words of wisdom of the Great Freddy Cole: “if you can get through January and February, you can march on through”, I can’t help but feeling this vibe; this certainly mirrors my sentiment on this year exactly.

Before ending, I wanted to mention a list of great organizations that can help people in need. If you feel inclined to make a donation, this could potentially be a good place to start:

-UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR): The international organization aims to provide emergency assistance to families in Ukraine — providing aid such as cash assistance and opportunities for resettlement in the U.S.

-Médecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders: MSF runs a range of activities in Ukraine working with local volunteers, organizations, health care professionals and authorities to help people travel to health care facilities and access prescribed medications.

-Save the Children: Save the Children, based in London, helps to deliver lifesaving aid to vulnerable children in Ukraine and around the world. According to its website, the organization says it is on the ground in the U.S. and other parts of the world "delivering essential humanitarian aid."

In conclusion, how have these last couple months been treating you? Are you feeling hopeful for 2022? Some say it will be the Roaring 20’s all over again… Perhaps we’ll get to celebrate together again sometime soon?! Until then, I hope you’re taking good care of yourself, and your loved ones. BisouXx,

Myriam:)