Here is what I wrote one year ago today when I launched NENASNOTES, as I begin my second year, my goals remain the same. I have tweaked the daily themes a bit but the concept hasn’t changed. I will be adding new features and ask that you watch for an upcoming announcement of how you can supoort me and what incentives you can expect. I hope you are enjoying my thoughts on the variety of lifestyle things that interest me…so I say, Happy Birthday NENASNOTES and I hope you, my followers, will continue to join me on a regular basis and invite your friends to have their morning coffee with us as well.
October 13, 2016
Well, here we go….I have been waiting to start my blog NENASNOTES for what seems like ages, actually, it has been ages!
I, therefore, feel it is necessary to give you my thoughts on what you can expect on what will become daily postings.
It began with the current trend of focusing on people reinventing themselves, through career and/or lifestyle changes. I realized that there are so many of my friends and acquaintances whose diverse lives now are totally different from how they started. First up were my many former models who were superstars in the myriad shows I produced during my lengthy career as Fashion and Special Director at Saks Fifth Avenue, Chicago. Most, if not all, have totally changed careers and become successful with their new life choices. You will learn their stories, reminiscences and photos from then and now.
MY MODEL CREW IN THE 1960’S
I thought why not carry this further to my other friends and people I know who had fascinating stories to tell and was I correct in that assumption! I began this process with a handful of people, which soon became many more, by doing an in person hour long taped conversational interview and Proust-like questionnaire. Again, I asked for photos and this time a favorite recipe. I hope you will enjoy these posts as much as I am enjoying gathering them. They are riveting.
These two groups of conversations will be my Monday posts, here is what I have planned for Tuesday through Friday:
Tuesday….Books, books, books. I’m afraid I have a book fetish, especially fashion books. It seems to be my goal in life to own every fashion book printed!!! So we will start there. I do read a lot, particularly historical fiction, I love fiction about “real” people, we will go that route as well. Nothing like a good English mystery but don’t mind a “Cozy” once in awhile and can never miss Louis Penny’s newest (who doesn’t love Armand!). So much to read so little time.
A SAMPLING OF THE CHANEL LIBRARY
Wednesday….Miscellany day could be a great recipe, restaurant, movie, play….whatever strikes my fancy that week.
CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM TIFFANY STAINED GLASS
Thursday….Homes and Gardens, again tapping my friends and their eclectic styles, mostly self-decorated homes and brilliant gardens. A glimpse at my tiny space as well.
A FRIEND’S EXQUISITE SOLARIUM
Friday….Fashion Flashback. I’ve worked with over 150 designers and fashion personalities through the years and want to share some of these experiences with you. I’m sure those of you who know me thought the blog would be all about the “glamorous” fashion shows I produced, yes, there is that but the nitty gritty as well and only one day a week.

Here we go….I hope you will join me on my on reinvention.
Congrats to the one and only Nena, your life continues to be rich and interesting and generous!! Thank you for sharing your fun stories and love of learning with your friends and fans, can’t wait to read all your notes XXOO
What can I say, Sally, you are ALWAYS there for me. I’m looking forward to having fun time with NENA’SNOTES. Glad you are joining the adventure.
Dear Ms. Ivon,
This sounds SO exciting! Thank you for sharing your extensive knowledge of fashion in general, and of our local fashion scene in particular. Looking forward to reading more!
Sincerely
Isa
Thank you so much. I hope you will follow NENA’SNOTES.
Thank you Nena for a great year of thoughtful creative blogs. I look forward to more interesting facts and stories on designers you have worked with over the years. We both have a love of collecting interesting things, however I have basically stopped since my off site is little full.
One of these days I want a tour of your treasure troves! Good luck in your second year of blogging.
As always Marcia, thank you SO much for your comments and more importantly for your support can’t tell you how much I appreciate it…here we go for another year!!!