<![CDATA[Collette Simmons

<![CDATA[Collette Simmons - Blog]]>Sat, 15 Apr 2023 18:28:00 -0700Weebly<![CDATA[A year in Little Rock]]>Tue, 05 Nov 2019 23:43:29 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/a-year-in-little-rock

We've been in Little Rock a year and the time has flown by with three little vivacious boys on the chase. They are so much fun, but unfortunately not impressed with my years of theatrical, dance and singing training. Ugh! Anyway, nothing new to report except why on earth haven't I had a daily yoga practice before now?

]]><![CDATA[Full Circle Home]]>Thu, 04 Oct 2018 07:00:00 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/full-circle-home

I have literally circled the entire globe to find myself back where I started. After having three children in Austin, TX and watching the city grow at an exponential rate over 6 years, we've decided to move to Little Rock, Arkansas where I was raised to be able to live closer to our loved ones and raise our family of little men in a community that we know offers a lovely quality of life with many opportunities for them and ourselves. Although it has been 20 years since Little Rock was my home, I am excited about growing some roots for this next chapter in our lives.

]]><![CDATA[2017-18 Update: 3 Baby Boys]]>Sat, 21 Jul 2018 20:00:02 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/3-baby-boys

I always knew I would be a mom to three boys. How? I don't know. I've just sort of known it since I was a kid. Anyway, this is little Archer being smothered in love by his two older brothers, Foster and Nolen. They are 2 years apart and all share the same birth month of February. Needless to say, my last several years have been busy growing our family. I feel deeply blessed to have these little men in my life. They are keeping me young and on my toes. Now that our family is complete, I can't wait for our next great adventure with these kiddos as constant entertainment along the way.

]]><![CDATA[2016-17 Update: 2 boy babies]]>Mon, 03 Apr 2017 21:57:39 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/2016-17-update-2-boy-babies

]]><![CDATA[Collette PILATES website makeover]]>Wed, 04 Mar 2015 18:37:08 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/collette-pilates-website-makeover

I've given my Pilates business website a makeover!
Check out www.CollettePILATES.com and let me know what you think.
Now that Foster is ONE, I'm ready to jump back into teaching more often and love my beautiful in-home studio in Austin, Texas. I truly love the benefits of doing Pilates and the fulfillment of teaching others how to move effectively too.

]]><![CDATA[Foster's First Year]]>Sun, 01 Mar 2015 22:35:06 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/fosters-first-yearWoah...I wasn't ready for this. My life is now all about raising our fabulous son, Foster. Here's a recap from the last year!

]]><![CDATA[New Family Addition]]>Fri, 28 Mar 2014 21:06:29 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/new-family-additionPlease allow me to introduce my son Foster Ellison Cook. He was born February 3, 2014 on his namesake's birthday and he weighed 7 pounds 13 ounces and 21 inches tall. He has already enriched my life beyond belief and is truly a blessing that I will be forever thankful for. He is simply precious and I am so happy to be a new mommy.

]]><![CDATA[Major Life Changes...]]>Tue, 13 Aug 2013 21:07:50 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/major-life-changesHappy Anniversary to our 1st year in Austin, TX! After a very long year of getting somewhat settled in our new hometown in Austin and teaching Pilates around the city, we've decided to set some roots down in the South and expand our family too.

We're simply thrilled to announce that we will be expecting the arrival of our little baby in January/February of 2014. We look forward to becoming parents and to many sleepless nights, dirty diapers and baby stuff strewn around the house in our near future. We hear that parenthood is the greatest journey imaginable and I'm sure up for the fun once the morning sickness wears off completely.

Among other things, we've upgraded our lifestyle too and closing on our first "real grownup" home in South Austin at the end of this month. It's a perfect starter abode for our little growing family. I will continue to teach Pilates from our child-friendly home, so feel free to bring your kids with you when you book your next Pilates session. As before, www.CollettePilates.com is where you can find more in-home studio information.

Well, we have much unpacking, decorating and nesting to do. Many blessings and happiness to you as well and enjoy the rest of your summer!

Best, Collette

]]><![CDATA["White Christmas" at Zach Theatre]]>Wed, 26 Sep 2012 21:08:33 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/white-christmas-at-zach-theatreHappy Holidays! And no...it's not too early to say this too.

Not only do I typically extend holidays to cover celebrations from Halloween to Valentine's Day, but this year is an extra extended holiday season for me with an announcement of being cast in White Christmas at the Zach Theatre in Austin, TX. I will performing with the ensemble and acting as dance captain for this production of Irving Berlin's musical. I look forward to celebrating the beginning of Zach Theatre's 2012-2013 season and its opening doors of the new Topher Theatre. I'm also excited about meeting people working in the theatre here in Austin and thrilled for the opportunity to work with Director and Choreographer, Nick Demos, on this production. The show runs from December 5th - December 30th. Tickets are available for purchase now.

Although I think a snowy white Christmas is lovely and I'm glad to have experienced many, I am very excited spending Christmas this year in a warmer environment and will be simply in heaven just singing and dancing about snow. I might even revel in the holiday magic of fake snow falling lightly from the theatre rafters too. :-D

Anyway, that's my good news. I'm also teaching Pilates at a few different studios too. So...please come drop in for a class, enjoy a wonderful holiday show and a taste the scrumptious food trucks this winter in Austin with me. We're sure to have a merry good time.

]]><![CDATA[Home Sweet Home]]>Thu, 20 Sep 2012 21:13:45 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/home-sweet-homeHi Friends!

After some crazy moving stories, I'm now settled in Austin, Texas and trying to get my pilates career rocking and rolling. As of now, I'm working at a few different studios around town and busy studying for the Pilates Method Alliance exam, Booty Barre certification, taking dance/pilates/yoga classes around town, running on the treadmill a bit and doing a little auditioning too.

I'm in love with Austin. I knew I would be. And I think I'll be happy here for a long time too. The people are extremely nice, even if kind of "weird," so I fit in...sans the tattoos and multiple piercings. :-P Plus, the variety of food trucks, music, radio programs and performing arts are fantastic. And, people actually know what Gluten-Free means without asking if it's a "fad." This city is super!

Anyway, that's my update for now. I'm just wanting to wish you reading this happiness, health and love. Keep in touch and come visit Austin!

]]><![CDATA[Gonna Help Keep Austin Weird]]>Sat, 04 Aug 2012 21:09:43 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/gonna-help-keep-austin-weirdHey Y'all,

Yup, it looks like I'm gonna remain a Texan and moving to Austin in a couple weeks. Yay! More news to come about Pilates, Travel, Theatre, Urban Living, Music, food and more soon...

Much love!

]]><![CDATA[Elephants]]>Fri, 09 Mar 2012 22:11:14 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/elephantsHi friends,

Here is the latest video post from GlobeDrifters. Check out how wonderful and talented these amazing elephants are! And learn more about Chiang Mai, Thailand's Maesa Elephant Camp and their dedication to protecting the dwindling population of Asian elephants in the world.

]]><![CDATA[This is what's up...]]>Mon, 13 Feb 2012 22:14:57 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/this-is-whats-upHi friends,

I've been getting settled in San Antonio and keeping myself pretty busy with decorating and exploring downtown. I'm shooting a demo for a travel show this month and excited about the prospects of it taking off. Keep your fingers crossed because it would be a dream come true!

In the meantime, I'm working towards a few New Years goals. I'm getting certified as a Power Pilates Teacher, Group Exercise Instructor and maybe obtaining my CPT too. Right now, I really wish I paid closer attention in Anatomy class in college. Oye.

Oh, one last great piece of news is that I bought a car! Eeeeeee! It's the new Nissan JUKE SL in the color Electric Blue. I'm so excited about driving this little crossbreed hatchback and zipping around town in mad style. It's not as cheap as mass public transportation, but I'm thrilled for wheels and think it's a perfect mix of fun, practical, feisty, sporty, a little flashy, bold, and eco-friendly! It's the tiniest SUV around...so LOOK OUT! I'm on the road again!

Happy Valentine's day tomorrow, btw! I hope you have a day full of love and many blessings. Big KISS. little hug. Big HUG. little kiss.

]]><![CDATA[Downtown San Antonio]]>Thu, 19 Jan 2012 22:03:31 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/downtown-san-antonioHello downtown San Antonio, Texas! The seventh largest city in the United States is now called "home." The beginning of 2012 brings me this new city and hot loft apartment a block away from the famous River Walk. I'm thrilled wearing a t-shirt in the middle of winter right now. I also have great hopes for getting involved in all the cultural arts events downtown and discovering all the ways that make San Antonio such a unique city in Texas. From Fiesta, Luminaria, tubbing on the Guadaloupe River to First Friday nights at the Blue Star Arts Complex, I'm excited about this move and step in another direction. "Wish me luck, ya'll! Yee-haw!" :-P]]><![CDATA[Holiday Travels]]>Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:02:35 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/holiday-travelsI love to travel...seriously love it. I start getting the travel itch merely days after stopping somewhere - so, fortunately for me, I will be doing plenty of it this holiday season. Here's a look at my next month: Little Rock -> Dallas -> Austin -> San Antonio -> Lexington -> Paris, Fr -> Louisville -> Memphis -> Little Rock -> who knows where else! It's definitely going to be a merry holiday season for me. I hope the same for you wherever you are for the holidays too.

Happy holidays and safe travels!

Collette

]]><![CDATA[Observing "A Christmas Carol"]]>Thu, 03 Nov 2011 21:01:49 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/observing-a-christmas-carolHi Friends,

I'm still in the South enjoying the holiday season. This will be the first time in over a decade that I will be home for Christmas! I know!!! Anyway, rock-n-roll Cinderella in 3D has opened. I had such a wonderful time choreographing this fun new musical. Yay!

Now, I'm heading over to the Arkansas Rep to observe "A Christmas Carol" directed by Alan Souza and choreographed by Marcos Santana...a couple of NYC guys. It's going to be fun watching them put this thing together in two weeks. My hope is to observe their process and possibly learn a bit from them along the way too.

More news soon... Stay warm, Collette

]]><![CDATA[Choreographer of Cinderella: a new Rock-n-Roll Musical!]]>Thu, 25 Aug 2011 21:00:32 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/choreographer-of-cinderella-a-new-rock-n-roll-musicalGreat news! I'm choreographing a new rock-n-roll musical version of Cinderella at The Arkansas Arts Center this Fall. Rehearsals start in September and the show opens Oct 21st. Written by Keith Smith. Directed by Bradley Anderson. Music by Lori Loree. Choreographed by none other than little-ole-me! Woo-hoo!

This version of Cinderella is not just some silly prince and princess story. This one has depth, meaning, lessons relevant to modern times. It pushes the way we think about social and theatrical conventions. Think...Perrault's classic telling twisted with a touch of Grimm Brothers and add a large dash of edgy rock-n-roll, baby! It's gonna be good times on the stage and in the audience in this updated interpretation. It's a limited engagement, so run out and buy your tickets now! :-D

]]><![CDATA[New Video ... The Rafalesia]]>Thu, 28 Jul 2011 20:58:50 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/new-video-the-rafalesiaHello, I hope everyone is keeping cool this summer. I do love the heat after such a chilly winter though. Anyway, just letting you know that I've added a new video! I'm leading a trek through Malaysia's Cameron Highlands in search of the largest flower on earth: the Rafflesia... commonly referred to as the "corpse flower." Oh My!

Check it out on the "video" page to learn all about this magnificent flower. It was so fun shooting gorilla-style and I really enjoyed jumping into the waterfall in just my skivvies too. :-D

Lots of love, Collette

]]><![CDATA[Back in the USA after 5 Months of Traveling]]>Sat, 23 Jul 2011 20:57:30 GMThttps://www.collettesimmons.com/blog/back-in-the-usa-after-5-months-of-travelingHello! I have just gotten back to the states after a 5 month adventure in Southeast Asia with a hop over to Italy and Greece. In Greece, I attended a fabulous Big Fat Greek Wedding that ended my travels on a really high note. It was coming full circle for me from the stage of Mamma Mia! on Broadway to the real deal on the island of Zakynthos, Greece. Anyway, I have enough travel stories to last a lifetime for most, but this adventure has only made me crave more. Right now though, I'm House Caring in North Carolina checking out the gorgeous triangle area for a couple of months. I'll update you on my next venture whenever I know what it is. Till then... Peace and love, Collette]]>