I’m still in Germany right now, but somewhere in the world it’s still May 4th and Audrey’s birthday. So I’m not really late. Went to the Timeless Audrey exhibit, of course, and thanks to dear Daniel Acksteiner got to see the award ceremony for the 2009 Audrey Hepburn Humanitarian Award. I’m using other people’s computers until I get back home and my cable to hookup the camera is in my hotel room, so I’m afraid there’s no pictures yet. When I get back to Paris, promise. In the meantime, wish Audrey a happy 80th birthday in your own special way, even if it’s just watching your favourite movie of hers, and have a great rest of the day.

More later . . .

Hello all, and many thanks for your enduring patience with me. To make a long life story short, I decided at the last minute to drive 500 miles south and spend the holiday with my family, since I hadn’t had a holiday with them in 3 years for one reason or another. My mum’s accident made me realize that our time with each other is limited, and I need to make the most of it. My baby nephew also turned one year old and his favourite aunt had to be onhand for that momentous occasion, of course. I also managed to write a novel for

Long story short, I’m back and we have a lot of catching up to do! Here’s a short list of things that have been going on in the world of Audrey Hepburn lately:

- Donald Spoto’s controversial biography of Audrey, which was a subject of much debate in the Audrey Hepburn Circle after its original release, is now available in paperback.

- It’s that time of year again! As pointed out by the lovely Lotta both this year and last December, UNICEF and Nokia are uniting to offer holiday e-cards that will benefit everyone. Whether you send cards or not at this time of year, you may want to consider sending at least a little “Thinking of you” note now, since these e-cards will help children around the world have a better life. For every card sent that is opened by its recipient, Nokia will donate an undisclosed sum to UNICEF. The numbers go up every year, so let’s see if we can’t set new records this year! Go here to start sending your cards.

- This Thursday a black-tie ball benefiting the Irish Sri Lankan Orphanage Fund will feature a dress worn by Audrey herself, along with other famous dresses worn by equally famous women. Unfortunately, the posh Irish event is already sold out, but maybe we can hope for some pictures to surface online? I’d like to know which Audrey dress will be on display.

- In San Francisco now through February 2008, photographer David “Chim” Seymour‘s photographs are on display at the de Young Museum. Included in this display are his portraits of iconic celebrities, and of course Audrey Hepburn is one of them! On a clear day I can see the top of the de Young from my place, just peeking over the trees in Golden Gate park, so it would be absolutely unacceptable if I didn’t get down there to see this for myself. The de Young is more lax about picture taking than the MOMA, so I may be able to get some shots for your enjoyment. If you’re anywhere in the neighborhood, though, I highly encourage you to see for yourself. The first Tuesday of every month is free museum day.

- UNICEF’s annual Snowflake Ball was another huge success, raising over $2 million for the charity. The Audrey Hepburn Humanitarian Award was also given to actress Téa Leoni at the ball, for her family’s ongoing work with UNICEF, starting with Leoni’s grandmother, who founded the U.S. chapter of the charity.

And there’s the news that’s fit to print. Thank you again for your understanding and patience throughout all of this.

Note: I tried to post this yesterday, but Blogger ate the post and I only found it again today. It’s always something, isn’t it?