Michelle Kwan's Pocohontas

Always one of my faves!

Happy Birthday Dick Button!

Today is Dick Button's 88th birthday. Skating fans haven't seen much of him in awhile, but I sure hope he's well. I thank Dick Button for teaching me almost everything that I know about figure skating. Not only did I listen to his skating commentary on television since I was 10, he was also the host of the Magic Memories on Ice tape that I re-watched over and over on countless Saturday afternoons and as little girl. Dick Button's voice and his unique perspective on the world of figure skating, in his intellectual, enthusiastic, and witty, bumbling ways are forever etched in my memory.

At the 2014 Nationals in Boston, I was lucky enough to meet Dick Button and have him sign my copy of his book Push Dick's Button. He was older then than how I picture him forever frozen in time in my memory, but that didn't matter to me. Meeting him was a thrill and honor of a lifetime.

Happiest of birthdays, Dick Button. You have shared so much skating knowledge, appreciation, and joy. Thank you.

Michelle Kwan's "Red Violin"

When Michelle Kwan won the 2000 World Championships, she did silenced the many naysayers who said she peaked in 1998. On the contrary, some of Michelle's most memorable and stunning performances happened in the second half of her career. I remember watching this performance during my sophomore year of high school. I missed the live coverage because I was out celebrating a friend's 16th birthday party. When I got home, I rewound the VHS tape in the VCR and watched Michelle lay down the gauntlet to win her third world title. I love the way Michelle competed this program: with such speed, energy, and attack. I miss performances like this from skater's today. Michelle was the gold standard.

Monday Inspirations: The Always Beautiful Yuka Sato

Elegance on ice.