When technology fails

In the last blog I wrote, I talked about how I was going to Tweet live from celebrity designers Cortney and Robert Novogratz's talk at the Mint Museum Uptown. Unfortunately, the technology gods had other plans.

As we were all packed into the museum's auditorium, I was trying to Tweet, and nothing would happen. In the meantime, Cortney and Robert were saying some really interesting things and I couldn't switch over to video because my Tweets were still trying to go through. (I learned later it was because I didn't have a wi-fi connection in the auditorium.)

I finally gave up and decided to switch solely to video and I caught some fascinating footage of the duo speaking about their love story and what it means to them to be from the South. But they weren't using microphones so  my video camera didn't pick up what they were saying.

Having no luck with all my modern means of reporting, I reached into my bottomless pit of a purse for my reporter's notebook and pen to take notes the old-fashioned way. I had especially picked out a stylish notebook for the event. I dug and dug and couldn't find it. That, and the curse word I let slip because I was so frustrated, were starting to annoy the stranger seated next to me, so I stopped.

Based on my memory, here are my impression of the couple and the event. First, let me get this out of the way even though I feel weird saying this, but it's true: they are a very sexy couple. Cortney has a dynamite figure. She's a natural beauty and was dressed NYC chic in a short black dress with leather sleeves, black tights and high heeled black booties. Robert has great style - a mix of preppy and edgy - with his rolled up jeans, collegiate jacket and tie. They definitely turn heads when they walk into a room. (Later this week, I'll have a slideshow of photos Daniel Coston took for my Scene & Heard column).

It's so funny their love story started at a party in Charlotte. One of the amusing tales Robert told was of the moment they met, which they say was love at first sight for both of them. At a party in the early 1990s in the Dilworth neighborhood, Robert walked over to Cortney and asked her what she was interested in. She said she wanted to be an actress or a model. Because she's not super tall, he told her to stick to acting. "If I was a model, I wouldn't be standing here talking to you," was her reply. Seeing that funny but fiery part of her personality is when he knew she was the one for him.

During their talk, these are the things they said that really stuck with me:

• Your eye doesn't lie, and always go with your gut: If you can't afford a designer or decorator, learn to trust yourself. If it looks and feels right to you, then it is. Your home should be a reflection of you, not someone else.
• To stay relevant, you have to keep up with what the younger generation is doing. Whenever you get the chance, ask a young person you know what is "hot" right now in music, books, movies or art. 
• Expose your children to as much culture as possible so they can learn what they like. Visiting museums is one thing they think is crucial.
• Art in schools is imperative. Do all you can to help schools offer arts programs to students.
• If you're doing something in your life and it doesn't seem to be working, don't be afraid to switch gears and try something different. Don't waste time going down a path that isn't right for you.