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? 

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. 

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. 

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.  

Woah...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!

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

Happy 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.

Hi 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!

Hey 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!

Hi 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.

Hi 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.

I 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

Hi 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

Great 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

Hello, 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