All I want for my 50th is Botox

Photo: Flickr Scott Rogers
Photo: Flickr Scott Rogers

In case you’re wondering, I don’t have it all together on the inside or, most definitely, the out. And as I am approaching the Big 5-0, it got me wondering if this is how I really expected my life to turn out.

In approximately the amount of time it takes to swallow a mouthful of Whispering Angel at the Wine Palace, the answer is NO.

I didn’t really plan my life, it just happened. And on top of that, treating my body as a temple never really crossed my mind because I think, like most people, we don’t understand ageing before it hits us. Then it’s a bit too late, or is it?

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Last Sunday, in a desperate attempt to reverse my biological clock, I decided to walk along the sentier littoral from Roquebrune Cap Martin to Menton. It seemed I wasn’t the only one with this idea.

Anyway, as I kicked up the pace a little I could hear a broken record spinning inside my head: “I hate running, I hate running.” Is it just me or does anyone really like to run? Is it even healthy?

Sure, we are subjected to photos of overly-toned bodies at the gym on Instagram and Facebook, with sexy women wearing their best flesh-baring workout outfits, flaunting beautiful hair and full make up, all looking much younger than me. Jealous? You know, maybe a tiny bit.

When we are in our 30s we say we’re 29, and when we hit 40 we claim we’re 39. And now, as I am approaching 50, I am going in the opposite direction: I’ll tell anyone who wants to listen that I’m at least ten years older to solicit a compliment to feed my ego.

Yes, yes, we need to stay healthy in order to live a longer and happier life, but why can we not look our age? The answer is because no other woman looks her age.

I refuse to be the only one in Monaco looking like a raisin with a sagging bottom and loose skin everywhere, so brace yourself: in addition to forcing myself to run, do yoga, stick to pilates, try juicing, and follow a vegan diet, I’m heading for the dermatologist in Beausoleil for some botox and fillers. See you on the other side of 50.

Renate Mjelde has spent the last 20 years between Monaco, the South of France, NY and London, living through her love of literature, art, philosophy and brand building – and, of , course, her 4 kids and cocker spaniel. Article first published May 2, 2018.

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Mike Colquhoun’s ‘Jennifer’ on stage this weekend

Jennifer cast: Suzanne Kendall, Catherine O'Reilly and Nicolas Carré. Photo: Facebook Mike Colquhoun
Catherine O’Reilly, Suzanne Kendall and Nicolas Carré. Photo: Facebook Mike Colquhoun. Photo: Pierre Gentier

Writing has always been a passion for local figure Mike Colquhoun. And from the day he happened upon a bookshop in St Paul, Minnesota, and discovered Kafka at the age of 13, he has enjoyed labyrinthian surreal worlds.

“Born in England, I was transplanted as a child to a military academy in the US to lead a transient life,” Mike says.

Mike’s early life led him to follow an unpredictable path. In his late teens, he became a mural artist in Switzerland before returning to England where he qualified as an accountant and then became a hybrid in IT and design. Throughout, he continued painting, doing stand up comedy, improvisation and cartoons and so when an opportunity arose to pursue his genuine interests, he didn’t hesitate.

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Mike recently published a book of poetry from his work over the past five years. “Words, often poems, are integral to my painting,” the former stand-up comic explains. He also published his first novel, Continuum, as well as a “remastered” book of cartoons and adds “another book or two are waiting in the wings”. He has won awards for two animated movies and another screenplay, Disdain.

Last year, Mike wrote the play Jennifer about a young woman seeking a life change and is thrilled to have an interview with the mega rich Charles, to be his personal assistant. The story begins there. After we meet the investigative journalist Camilla.

“I am not a hobbyist so I never do anything unless I can see an outlet, and am fortunate to have many connections in the world of entertainment, call it synchronicity.”

Suzanne Kendall and Catherine O'Reilly in Jennifer. Photo: Facebook Mike Colquhoun
Suzanne Kendall and Catherine O’Reilly in Jennifer. Photo: Facebook Mike Colquhoun

For Jennifer, which opened last weekend at la Passerelle in Nice, Mike called on people he met in the past. He’s known Suzanne Kendall, the lead – “and a very talented and versatile actress” – thanks to the Angel Awards Monaco International Film Festival.

“Suzanne narrated my script on the Heart, which has won three awards so far and is in the June Concrete Dream Festival in LA.”

Catherine O’Reilly, an accomplished actress and a barrister, plays Camilla and French performer Nicolas Carré’s role as Charles is the first the singer/actor has ever undertaken completely in English.

“As an artist you are forever vulnerable,” Mike admits. “It’s rather like having a wound and letting people poke it – it can be painful. But I like live entertainment and if I’m given a choice between a movie and watching something on stage the stage will win.

“As I say, I am not a hobbyist so producing things for my own satisfaction is not something that works for me and so I produce with an audience or an outlet in mind.”

Alicia Sedgwick, Mike and with Annette Anderson
Alicia Sedgwick, Mike and with Annette Anderson

When Mike’s not writing or listening to live music at Le Borghese, Shapko Bar or Le Ketje, the Monaco Air League member can be found at coffee mornings every Sunday, which he originally organised as a Meetup. “Now it’s a kind of institution, attended every Sunday for the past five plus years in Nice by some 20 to 50 different people each week. It’s a way of putting folks together to make new friends and get the most out of where we live.”

Jennifer will be on stage at la Passerelle (2 rue Pacho) in Nice on May 4 and 5. Tickets: €15. More info on: 04 93 26 23 92.


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Prince to visit Canada, meet PM Trudeau

Photo: Flickr Steve Jurvetson
Photo: Flickr Steve Jurvetson

Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has announced that Prince Albert will visit Canada from May 7 to 8. During the visit, Prime Minister Trudeau and the Sovereign Prince Albert will discuss “our shared commitment to the Paris Agreement, and the actions our countries are taking to address climate change and protect the world’s oceans,” the Prime Minister’s office said on May 1.

They will also discuss the work of the Canadian chapter of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, which focuses particularly on the Canadian Arctic, including its communities, biodiversity, and oceans.

“Canada and Monaco are partners in the fight against climate change, and share a commitment to protect our world’s oceans,” Prime Minister Trudeau said.

“I look forward to meeting with Prince Albert to discuss how we can work together to promote further action and leave a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.”

This will be the first formal meeting between the Prime Minister and Prince Albert.


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Prince offers support to Taekwondo Foundation

Photo: Facebook Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation
Photo: Facebook Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation

International Olympic Committee member Prince Albert has expressed his support for the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) by signing a worldwide petition campaign.

The five-time Winter Olympian who leads the IOC’s Sustainability and Legacy Commission offered his backing during the Prince Albert II Cup taekwondo event held at the Stade Louis II in April that saw 40 young cadet taekwondo practitioners and officials from Spain, France, Italy and Vietnam take part.

Photo: Facebook Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation
Photo: Facebook Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation

He was also given an overview and explanation of THF activities, which has been billed by World Taekwondo as sending a “strong message to the global community that THF’s work is an initiative worth spreading”.

Prince Albert’s humanitarian work in sport also includes his patronage of the international Monaco-based organisation Peace and Sport.

Also present for the signing were Stéphane Mannino, President of Monaco Taekwondo Federation; Angelo Spataro, Director General of Monaco Taekwondo Federation; Denis Odjo, President of French Taekwondo Federation; Pascal Gentil, WT Council Member; and Myriam Baverel, THF Board Member.


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Monaco-Cuba: a mutual desire to strengthen inter-parliamentary relations

Guillaume Rose, President of the Committee for Negotiations with the European Union, and HE Elio Eduardo Rodriguez Perdomo, Ambassador of Cuba to Monaco, Photo: Facebook Conseil National de Monaco
Guillaume Rose, President of the Committee for Negotiations with the European Union, and HE Elio Eduardo Rodriguez Perdomo, Ambassador of Cuba to Monaco, Photo: Facebook Conseil National de Monaco

Guillaume Rose, President of the Committee for Negotiations with the European Union, on April 26 received HE Elio Eduardo Rodriguez Perdomo, Ambassador of Cuba to Monaco, on behalf of the National Council.

A report has also been compiled after the 10 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries, notably in the fields of education, health and sustainable development.

During the meeting, HE Perdomo expressed the wish to organise meetings between Cuban parliamentarians and Monegasque elected representatives to develop new links in sectors with high potential such as culture, economy, trade and sport.

Mr Rose, formerly head of Monaco’s office of Tourism and Conventions, said: “This meeting was very enriching and is part of a common desire to strengthen our relations.”


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Entries from 50 countries for Golden Nymph Awards

Helen Mirren winner of the 2017 Golden Nymph Special Prize Award. Photo: Facebook Festival de Télévision de Monte-Carlo
Helen Mirren winner of the 2017 Golden Nymph Special Prize Award. Photo: Facebook Festival de Télévision de Monte-Carlo

Entries have been received from more than 50 countries for the Golden Nymph Awards, which will be presented at the 58th Monte-Carlo Television Festival on June 19, 2018, the organisers say.

Laurent Puons, CEO of Monaco Mediax, organisers of the festival, commented: “I’m delighted that over the course of four years, the number of programmes registered for the Golden Nymphs competition has increased by 27 percent.”

This edition will see 18 countries represented by the 38 nominated programmes, including the US, Canada and Australia.

“In the News category, I also welcome the nomination of programmes from Iran, Malaysia and Qatar, added Puons. “This demonstrates once again that the Golden Nymphs are acknowledged as being one of the most prestigious awards in the world of international television productions.”

Originally created by Prince Rainier III, and now under the Honorary Presidency of Prince Albert, the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, which will take place from June 15 to 19, has, for more than half a century, presented the very best of television from around the world.


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