Green Velvet

[H0LL0WBELLY]

Beautifully shot.

As a small boy I remember thinking maturity was a clearly defined line you crossed on, say, your 20th birthday.Suddenly you'd wake up and know everything.

I didn't realise the 'grown ups' were just faking it! lol.

[LeSaMilano]

@H0LL0WBELLY

thanks :)

I have plenty of well- defined lines now! dammit! LOL.

[kokohawk]

I have watched enough of your videos now to realize that I need to subscribe to you. You inspire me to one day do more than just vlog :)

[LeSaMilano]

wow! thank you for the sub and that lovely compliment - you know, some people make artsy farsty films and others vlog. I am not a great vlogger - mind goes blank! So I lean towrds artsy fartsy! :)

[fridamorelia]

This is a beautiful video ! ! !

[LeSaMilano]

thank you- I noticed you subscribed too- thanks for that :)

[PaintedRavensong]

What a lovely video. I can relate...it wasn't until I was 40 that I accepted me!

[LeSaMilano]

thank you! haha - I'm a late bloomer!

[VidiVlog]

i followed this from a link syd made on tree's channel on VH. i enjoyed you telling your story.

nice to meet you!

cathryn

[LeSaMilano]

thank you! Off to watch your video respose- Nice to meet you too

Lesley

:)

[myrnaukelele]

Be here now~

[SydTheSkeptic]

Holy bejeezus....

This is where video is going. You're on the forefront, Lesley.

Tree calles it AutoVideoBiography. I'm gonna show this to her.

You're amazing. I'm in love with your story.

[LeSaMilano]

thanks Syd. I think I took my cue for this video from vloggers like you and Margaret and williefogle. Probably the hardest type of video to do is one that reaches inside!

[LizBizToo]

lovely vid, lovely message, and lovely you :)

a few ideas gleaned here.. tell em I'm 75 yrs.. make 'frankly, I don't give a damn' the new mantra...:D

btw, there's a lovely old green velvet robe in my attic...can I loan it to you? ;)

[LeSaMilano]

Fiddle dee dee! There was indeed a turning point where I frankly did not give a damn what people thought. What freedom!

ooh, I'd love to rifle through your attic! LOL

[Elaina43]

My mom had a gold, knee-length (on her) dress.

Its skirt had layers and layers of sheer fabric flowing over it - over time those layers became my veils and scarves and flying ribbons. I will never forget her generosity with her formerly-favorite dancing dress...

Ah, moms - ain't they wonderful?!?!?!

[LeSaMilano]

I think my mom must have sold that dress at a garage sale- I'm sure it ended up as cushions in someone's living room! LOL

[Elaina43]

What a beautiful video!!!!!

[LeSaMilano]

thank you :)

[FantasticBabblings]

This is such a sweet video, Lesley. And you are still beautiful.

[TheraminTrees]

Beautiful, moving piece Lesley. Have you heard anything about 'mindfulness'? I relate SO much to what you say about wanting, as a child, to just be older. Only to discover that 'grown up' often simply translated to 'more adept at hiding neurosis'!! ;8)

[LeSaMilano]

Thank you ...

i used to hide my neuroses quite well - but I'm afraid another phase of life and aging is when you begin having less restraint and don't have the energy to keep up a good front! hehe

[OpiumKoolaid]

Ever since day one, I knew I was going to become a cartoonist. It happened, and I'm glad, but I always felt too old for my years. I've been struggling my whole life to once again become that naive 3 year old who tried all day to put his pants on over his head, and who ate cookies in front of a mirror so it felt like I had 10 cookies instead of 5.

[LeSaMilano]

Nothing wrong with being an old soul. You get to enjoy being yourself longer!

I need to try that mirror trick!

[VictorTheGr8]

Wow...that is so weird...because I used to rush to my mom's closet and put her clothes on too...in fact I did just yesterday! Hmmm...I think I am aging OK...but sometimes I still want to go see the varmint :)

[LeSaMilano]

I have heard about you raiding the thrift stores for womens underwear, I never had you down for a cross dresser! A horse molester, yes, cross dresser no. LOL

[clubsoda921]

I likes this a lot I wanted to be an Artist

[LeSaMilano]

well if you're a good boy, you'll get to be an artist when you grow up. ;)

[phekwig]

A sure sign of maturity is no longer trying or wanting to be anything other than what one is...

I'm convinced that we can be child like and mature at the same time...

[clayLavl]

:-)

[suuzzee5]

How on earth would I ever get through the day without videos like this one here? Love your take on things, always, Lesley.

Just, simply, beautifully, done!!

[OhCurt]

I got no comment.

But I got goosebumps.

I hope that counts.

5/5 & fav'd

[ILOVEFOOKING]

yer wanted to be...a hooker.

[sprichbeeke]

Very universal sentiments...I sure relate to your words! Brilliantly done!

I think you should look though for a glamorous green gown...and matching shoes even if they are not your mothers :-)

[smileykai77]

You are so awesome. Inspirational creativity.

Great video.

Namaste.

[ArdieVerde]

This is a wonderful video, so artistic, like a painting of a life.

[anniehiggy]

Your talent weaves a film fabric more glorious than Joseph's Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Lesley.

Amazing, as always.

xo

[TheaterOfMemory]

Whatever is lost....puppies give it all back to you. My mom's dress was a stretchy polyester....I never had a slim waist :-) This is great!

[Ranblv]

Insightful and masterful camera work and editing!

Loved it.

[LeSaMilano]

Thanks Ran. Tandy is easy on the camera lens!

[blueclouds4me]

I don't think you need the green dress in it's physical form, you have "it" in your mind and heart and aren't we the lucky recipients to have the good fortune to enjoy your talents thru your vids;)

Major hugs

Marylou

xoxox

[LeSaMilano]

I've gone off green velvet anyway- itchy fabric! LOL

major hugs all around Birthday girl!!

L xx

[BradThunder]

It's that cuddly little grizzled muzzle! Oh and the hat.

;)

[LeSaMilano]

I've always wanted a 6 foot tall puppy in a hat!

[cynlynj]

Ah yes I remember the green dress well.

My Mother had beautiful evening gowns and dressy clothes with every matching accessory. I couldn't wait....

Where is your little poodle? Great video!

[LeSaMilano]

Hiya Cindy - Mattie is fine and well for a doggie who is nearing her 18th birthday. Nowadays she doesn't get out too much but is content holding down the fort and pottering around the house. Right now she is in her bed next to me snoring!!

[TamHickey67]

I think all of us who make videos on YT are still really kids at heart, but you articulate it so well with videos like this Lesley.

[LeSaMilano]

thanks Tam. I think many of us are of a kindred spirit indeed. :)

[DawndeeDALLAS]

That was beautiful...You go find you someone to make you that dress for you...

[LeSaMilano]

Thanks dear. I am over the dress by now and thankfully over the need to be older!

[ashleyandlee]

Love this video.

And I love your love for your puppy. :)

[LeSaMilano]

thank you!

Tandy is growing up so fast - I hate it when I have to leave her for the day - I swear she grows while I leave the house!

[fifipunkle]

beautiful!

[LeSaMilano]

thank you very much! :)

[Skaramine]

Dewy skin - still there.

Slender waist - still there.

Mental agility - still there.

You look much younger than what can be inferred from your monologue. I always put you in your thirties.

[LeSaMilano]

You are too kind! Flattery will get you everywhere. LOL

note to self- the Sony Vegas 'glow' effect works wonders! haha

[Skaramine]

That ain't a CGI glow, Leese. That's 100% you.

[dl737]

Someone once said: "Don't waste your youth growing up." I'm a firm believer in that. But it irritates the crap out of my wife :)

[LeSaMilano]

'If you live to be a hundred, I want to live to be a hundred minus one day, so I never have to live without you.'- Winnie the Pooh

wherever she gets irritated with your inner child, tell her that ;)

[sunsetlover]

Fantastic....

[LeSaMilano]

thanks Ang! There was a wonderful sunset that day on the beach.

:)

[robertpina99]

The kid in me says hi to the kid in you. I guess that's what we're always doing here. Thanks for coming out to play. Peace and love. Rp.

[LeSaMilano]

*Lulu waves back*

The puppy waves, too- funny I don't want her to ever grow up - only the house training part!

[Williepe]

Was tempted to post a video response. Watching the last section w/ you & puppy I was reminded of that Vanessa Redgrave-y quality, Katharine Hepburn in "Lion in Winter." Wish I could say I liked myself at this age, but I don't. I did a great 42. Virginia Woolfd peaked at 42. Thank God for Carrie Fisher. GREAT VIDEO Lesley (goes w/o saying).

[LeSaMilano]

I don't think you'll get this reply because you changed your channel since the time you made this comment.

I think you're great at whatever age...but this one in particular because it's the only age I known you at ...so far.

XO

[GramsandPapi]

Absloutely lovely Lesley!! Blessings, Ang

[LeSaMilano]

Thanks Ang. Are you recovered from ST3 yet?

[GramsandPapi]

Mostly recovered thankyou....Felt like I needed detox there for a couple of days! LOL!! That 9.5 hour drive home nearly did me in!! Blessings, Ang

[longhairred]

Shoot! You made me cry! Thank you.

Ah, the old days of having your shoes dyed to match your dress... *sigh*

[LeSaMilano]

aging is a bittersweet process. You get to a comfortable spot ...and then look in the mirror! LOL

[debstef]

Welcome to the present. Now clean up the dog shit.

[LeSaMilano]

who...ME? LOL

[ItalianStallionette]

Wonderful video. I love the message you share. You're truly brilliant!

[LeSaMilano]

Thank you Gina. been thinking of you and Shari. XO

[cooksterz]

And i wish for you a closet full of green velvet! Its a rich and beautiful texture, went perfect with your thoughts on embracing what we are! Great vid as always Les!

[LeSaMilano]

Thanks cookie -

the first day of my course at school we had to write down three things we liked about ourselves. It was a bit of a struggle - one of the things I said (being brave in front of a bunch of teenagers) was '50 and fabulous'. I was surprised that it didn't feel so weird to say that.

[andymooseman]

Excellent video Lesley, once again.

It's good to know that you've found what you were "looking" for & i bet you could still fit into that green velvet dress too.

Maybe you were destined to become an Englishwoman? :)

[LeSaMilano]

My mother was in her twenties when she had that dress. I could have fit into it when I was in my twenties. And now that I have given up high heels, the dress probably would look a bit awkward with hiking boots!

Not to worry though- I saw a green velvet hoody in Matalan the other day! LOL

thanks Andy:)

[Tessietots]

Absolutely Amazing! YOU are amazing!

[LeSaMilano]

Thank you Tess. sending you a hug XO

[MrRandomWritings]

Lucky you have a sensible older guy around who doesn't draw attention to himself by wearing silly hats on the beach. Or maybe it's the puppy that puts them off the scent! xx

[LeSaMilano]

good thing you brought the hat to shelter you from all that sun! Let's get down there more often. (Tandy keeps asking) XO

[ajdpadbury]

That was all I wanted to be too (a grown up, not to wear a green velvet dress!)

[LeSaMilano]

You should go for the green velvet Anthony! . Good luck finding the high heels in your size though. LOL

[lazmalt]

Questo è uno dei migliori video che ha fatto!

Bellissimo :)

[LeSaMilano]

tante grazie Laz. Ultimamente no ho tanto tempo di starmi davanti il computer per il lavoro di 'editing' e mi trovo sempre piu indietro!

[spokenlife]

This is a beautiful video. And I can certainly relate. It's bittersweet, growing up. We want it so much and then when we get it, where did our youth go? This is gorgeous. (And great doggy!)

[LeSaMilano]

Thank you Robin. Our grandparents always said 'don't forget to stop and smell the roses'...now I finally get it and realize fully what that meant.

[Doodsjager]

what a cute poopy!

i also fib about my age, but i never get away with it. i never do look like i'm 42.

[LeSaMilano]

hahaha

you might be pushing it with 42. Stick with 24 for now.

[kismet0717]

Oh Lesley...that was just lovely!

Yes... I so love where my head is... in my 50's!

HugZ sweetness! JoJo

[LeSaMilano]

thank you JoJo. It's a fact - once you go fifty you never go back LOL

[alphaba2]

It's easier to be anchored in the present when we're happier with who we are. But the thing is if we stayed anchored in the present, we'd always be happy with who we are. I'm a kid at heart, too.

[LeSaMilano]

I finally worked out that strength comes from within. I always had a lot of it but the impetus to use it came from outside pressure to be someone else's ideal. :)

[LisaAsterisk]

It's so wonderful to see your happiness and the peace you've found in your life. The puppy is gorgeous! ((HUGS))

[LeSaMilano]

hi Lisa -

I think we reach a point in life where we stop worrying too much about what others think - we buy comfortable shoes and to hell with fashion! LOL

Tandy makes everyone go all gooey!

[GreatGig1]

Beautifully done, Mistress of all things! :-) I think it's the You that you've always wanted to be...and I bet you'll be able to find that green velvet dress in a thrift shop near by and live a day in your memory...:-)

I remember the rush to grow up!! It took forever! Now that I'm grown up, the time just whips by!! Maybe I should have spent more time in my present then! :-) xoxoxoxo

[LeSaMilano]

You made me think of that bit that Carol Burnett did years ago on her show - a parody of Gone with the Wind where Rhett Butler is coming and Scarlett is desperate to have a new gown and they are destitute from the war - so Mammy makes a dress from the green velvet curtain fabric, complete with tassles and curtain rod. When Rhett comments on her dress, Scarlett (Carol) says ' Oh - just a little something I saw in the window'. ROFL

[LeSaMilano]

I think at our age we deserve the right to say 'frankly I don't give a damn' whenever it suits! XO

must have a chat soon!

[GreatGig1]

I agree!! We have EARNED the right for that one and I will use it often now...well...I will continue saying it know now I am deserving...hahaha!

YES!! We must chat soon!! :-) xoxoxoxo

[GreatGig1]

hahaha! That was my favorite Carol Burnett episode! I laughed until I cried when I saw her coming down the staircase! It was the curtain rod that did it for me! ROFL!!

[bugsinrug]

Your videos are always such a pleasure to watch that I make sure that the room is perfectly quiet before I push "play". If I am enjoying a cup of tea at the same time.... heaven! luv ya Lesley! hugs, Chris

[LeSaMilano]

oh how sweet you are Chris. I'd love to sit down and have a cuppa with you ....XO

[Perroquet51]

I can't top the first line in Pippilly's comment. I was in a rush to be 13, then a rush to be 16, then 20, and 21. It was all downhill after that.

[LeSaMilano]

well that must have been a mighty big hill Mister. You have a long way to go before you get to the bottom.

I know...I'll meet you at the river's edge, have a bottle of wine and sail into the sunset.

[mickmusing]

When I was a child and I wore my mother's pumps it meant something else entirely.

You continue to be a class act and I adore you.

[LeSaMilano]

You had style - and knew those thing would ruin your feet eventually.

XO

[3CoolKats]

There's nothing like being comfortable in one's own skin. Mostly I am too, although a nip or a tuck here and there probably wouldn't hurt, LOL.

[LeSaMilano]

maybe we can get a two-fer-one special at the drive- thru nipper! LOL

[Pippilly]

What a beautiful way to encapsulate your thoughts on growing up! While I was in a rush to be in my 20's and 30's I wasn't to keen on turning 40. So to make it exciting, I didn't get a dress to mark the occasion. I had to do something daring and exciting to bring in the new decade of "maturity" ahead of me. I took a flying lesson lol It was GREAT! Exhilarating! Exciting! Scary! and I will never do it again ROFL! I've been holding on to 39 ever since ; P

[LeSaMilano]

well you had to do it ONCE! (you don't fool me Missy Skydiver)

Whenever I have wanted a new exciting challenge I've packed up and moved continents. Hopefully I won't need any more challenges! LOL

[hallbe]

Very insightful

[LeSaMilano]

insight with hindsight!

[timido66]

I was just thinking to day, that I needed to see a LeSaMilano video and poof there you are. I feel I am more of the person I want to be now than ever as well. Aging isn't always a bitch.

[LeSaMilano]

It's magic! Or I just had too much puppy footage burning a hole in my hard drive's pocket!

They say that late bloomers live longer. I don't know who 'they' are - but I suspect it's most likely the late bloomers!

[billkilpatrick]

me too - all i wanted (aged 17) was just a few risque memories, heaps of wisdom and a lot of "goodbye to all of that."

a puppy on a beach in a far-away land with an abbastanza good bloke, ain't bad ...

[LeSaMilano]

now a puppy on the beach and bloke rate pretty highly - but risque moments are still on the list!

[IXGertXI]

It's so lovely that you've found your moment in time. So many are wishing for a past that will never return, or counting their life away towards no solid end. I tell everyone I'm fifty in hopes that they'll say "You hardly look 40" heh. It's looming. I suppose I'll have to bump it to 55 soon ;)

Peace

xx

[LeSaMilano]

I'm hoping my 'moment' sticks around for a while. I never thought about the angle of fishing for 'you look younger' compliments! LOL Shoot, I think I may have missed some opportunities for freebie ego strokes! LOL

[amanecs]

Time slips are there to confuse new loves :)

[LeSaMilano]

as if we need more confusion! ;)

[audionautix]

thank you for this. thank you for letting me be a part of your craft. Hugs. Nicely done as usual.

You have a way. Oh and bonus points because I actually got it!! I don't know if the bonus points are for me or you, but damn it, somebody should get them.

[LeSaMilano]

oh Jason - you have know idea how grateful I am to you.

I'm glad you got it - my videos can be a bit obscure sometimes! Bonus points and a pint are in order.

[benzone50]

oh so very good Lesley.

[LeSaMilano]

thanks Ben. I have to put the miles of puppy footage to good use!