That is ashame. I oughtta be out-lawed for saying I keep up a blog and then neglecting it like a chinese food container sitting in the back of my fridge...
This picture is of me filming on the back of a pick up truck with Chris Chandler at the wheel as we traversed the back roads of west Texas getting some beautiful Hill Country footage for Chandler's up coming one-man show. I've been lucky enough to hear a bit of it and I'm loving it! (chrischandler.org)
Well, In the last month I went to the Burning Man regional event, Flipside, had a birthday, started a new relationship (gasp!) and just a few days ago I signed a lease!--not sure what this whole 'slaker' thing is about here in Austin--but when that sign went up for lease on Ford St., which Ed found, I turned into the competitive, tenacious NY'er I have in me--knowing what a plumb neighborhood (Zilker) and rent it is. Zip code 78704 is comparable to 3rd Street in Park Slope (11215)--the creme de la creme. I was the first one to call and see the space--and remained on the situtation like a chiuaua nipping on this woman's ankle not letting go for second knowing her phone was ringing off the hook with other intersted folk. Phew. It's mine! I get the keys this Summer Solstice weekend.
Now entering my first Summer, having been here for a few months now, here are some observations of life in Texas vs. life in NY.
Texas New York
"I'm gonna go visit with her" vs. "We're gonna hang out"
Howdy vs. Yo
Take your time vs. Hurry up and wait
Armadillo road kill :( (sad) vs. Skunk " " :( (sad)
Migas for breakfast or Bagel w/ a schmear
...I'll continue this list
More soon, promise
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Yes, try this at home!
I have gotten to the place where Austin FEELS like home in my bones (and my boots), I love the sunshine on my face and the friendly welcoming people everyplace I go. Shall I go on? Don't stop me--I'm taking in and adapting to the laid-back culture, the alternative, progressive conscious-living vibe. I think I really made a great choice for myself. There's a big NY-Austin and more specifically Brooklyn-Austin synergy lots of people coming and going to and 'fro.
I got a car which means I'm driving everyday and paying the outrageous gas prices--which is all I've known as a car owner. I just started a new position in the Marketing dept. with a wonderful organization--the Jewish Community Association of Austin (JCAA). Shalomaustin.org.
I'm looking at an apartments--seems like the pieces are coming together. The most remarkable thing is that it has been seamless--Remember, I didn't choose Austin--Austin chose me. Austin is an energy vortex, and yes I drank the kool-aid, --I'm here for awhile--but that's all I'm drinking--I've been doing a cleanse (including no alcohol) which feels great. Part of my daily regimen (or at least 5x/wk) is Bikram Yoga at Yogagroove--I simply could not live without it. It is the most purifying thing to be addicted to.
The Tibetan Monks (tibetanmonkstour.org) are in town now. They've made and dispersed a sand mandala in front of City Hall, they've blessed Barton Springs and I had an opportunity to dine with them at a lovely Indian restaurant, The Clay Pit. Such lovely people, it's great that Austin has opened their doors for this group (surprise, surprise)
I'm going to Flipside, the regional Burning Man event--camping with Burning Glam (burninglam.com) which promises to be epic (why bother with Black Rock City) and then to Kerrville with to link up with Chandler.
I'll be working on a film project with Chris Chandler (chrischandler.org) at the end of the month--I'll be shooting from the back of a pick up truck for a one man show with projections/storytelling speaking to a non-existant hitch-hiker in the passenger seat. I love this concept.
Then back in the saddle to ground into my new job. Life is incredibly different from 1 year ago. I'm also reflecting that it was 10 years ago that I was at the Cannes Film Festival--it was the year Frank Sinatra died. Then living in Avignon working on the Avignon/New York FF-what an exceptional Summer that was.
I'm bracing myself for another special Summer--although I've been told that Summer is basically the only season--well here's the four seasons: Almost Summer, Summer, Still Summer and Deer Season.
I got a car which means I'm driving everyday and paying the outrageous gas prices--which is all I've known as a car owner. I just started a new position in the Marketing dept. with a wonderful organization--the Jewish Community Association of Austin (JCAA). Shalomaustin.org.
I'm looking at an apartments--seems like the pieces are coming together. The most remarkable thing is that it has been seamless--Remember, I didn't choose Austin--Austin chose me. Austin is an energy vortex, and yes I drank the kool-aid, --I'm here for awhile--but that's all I'm drinking--I've been doing a cleanse (including no alcohol) which feels great. Part of my daily regimen (or at least 5x/wk) is Bikram Yoga at Yogagroove--I simply could not live without it. It is the most purifying thing to be addicted to.
The Tibetan Monks (tibetanmonkstour.org) are in town now. They've made and dispersed a sand mandala in front of City Hall, they've blessed Barton Springs and I had an opportunity to dine with them at a lovely Indian restaurant, The Clay Pit. Such lovely people, it's great that Austin has opened their doors for this group (surprise, surprise)
I'm going to Flipside, the regional Burning Man event--camping with Burning Glam (burninglam.com) which promises to be epic (why bother with Black Rock City) and then to Kerrville with to link up with Chandler.
I'll be working on a film project with Chris Chandler (chrischandler.org) at the end of the month--I'll be shooting from the back of a pick up truck for a one man show with projections/storytelling speaking to a non-existant hitch-hiker in the passenger seat. I love this concept.
Then back in the saddle to ground into my new job. Life is incredibly different from 1 year ago. I'm also reflecting that it was 10 years ago that I was at the Cannes Film Festival--it was the year Frank Sinatra died. Then living in Avignon working on the Avignon/New York FF-what an exceptional Summer that was.
I'm bracing myself for another special Summer--although I've been told that Summer is basically the only season--well here's the four seasons: Almost Summer, Summer, Still Summer and Deer Season.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
Fuse Box Austin 2008
FUSE BOX, created by Ron Berry, is a multi-disciplinary arts festival, celebrating performance art, installations, music, film, dance in an synergy conducive to getting artists to collaborate with each other--in a fringe fest multi venue Edinburgh feeling. Do visit http://www.refractionarts.org.
London's Rotozaza (www. rotozaza.co.uk)launched the fest. Founding directors: Ant Hampton and Silvia Mercuriali who performed opening night with their performance "Five in The Morning". I had the pleasure (along with Rebecca) of driving (yes, with that new car-my first passengers) these guys around to Bikram Yoga, Barton Springs, the Salvage Vanguard theater venue, Homestead Hotel & late night at Magnolia's.
There are more highlights of course like meeting all the wonderful artists participating from all over in this festival. Some are from NYC (Reggie Watts, Witness Relocation, The Debate Society) There are a lot of similarities in the respective art scenes. I'm already looking forward next year's installment which will be the landmark the 5th year...
Most of all what I take away from the Fuse Box festival is that I feel like I've found my 'tribe' of creatives--who work hard, play hard, and have a vision. Lucky me! I look forward to participating on a creative level--as well as programming and marketing.
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Her name is Nellie. As in Whoa Nellie!
6 months ago today was Cheryl Smith’s birthday and it marks the ½ year anniversary of me stepping foot in Austin, TX. The idea of moving to Austin wasn’t even in my purview. Two days ago (4/21) I bought my first car. It was one of the most thrilling days of my life—I thought she’d be a Toyota or Honda—but here she is-- a white, 2006 Chevy Cobalt—sporty two door car with 53.7 K miles. I drove right from Jarnagin’s Car Dealership (Hillcountryautosales.com) to Yogagroove and forgot to turn off my lights—so I came out of class sweaty with a dead battery. Some of my Yoga pals (Lydia, Rosie and Wayne) were on hand to loan the jumper cable, use their car and guide the grounding of the black jumper connection—never a dull moment. Lydia gave both Rosie and I a car blessing—the three of us, standing by each car, eyes closed, envisioning safety for all who are in the vehicles and affirming protection from our spirit guides since we both have new vehicles—no license plates yet. I have to go to the Texas DMV and get a new driver’s license—which means I’ll have to relinquish my New York I.D. –the only thing I’m holding onto is my mobile # as NY it is a part of me.
Perhaps buying a car happens everyday for most people—but coming from NY and getting in the driver’s seat as daily habit is indeed a novelty—and I’ve been driving quite a lot as I’m helping drive Brits around for the Fuse Box Festival. More on that later…
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Damn Yankee!
Everyone has their own particular story of how they landed in Austin—it’s usually they visited, got seduced (like I did) and moved a couple weeks or months later. Austin has that effect on people. I feel like I didn’t even chose it—actually, Austin chose me.
At the Austin Arts Fair last weekend, I filled out this chalk board “I AM _________”. I love this concept and have done this before in NY, so seeing this installation traveling art message resonated anew since I had some thing fresh to fill in the blank with.
I started this blog 5 months ago on a full moon and here I am, on a full moon, post Bali and now post NY embarking on this new beginning-although I wasn’t running from anyone or anything per se—I think it’s that I’m running from the running, or I choose not to run anymore—the hamster in a habi-trail NY-lifestyle is fine for awhile—but it’s nice to slow down and embrace a whole new way of being. One is not better than the other—I realize changing mid-life course is what has me feel fulfilled, alive and brimming with possibility.
Tonight I was invited to a Passover Sedar at the home of Mark Salmanson. It was a lovely evening considering I wasn’t with my parents and Harry Hahn et. al. I’ve learned that I’m a Damn Yankee-while Yankees can come and visit, a Damn Yankee is one that comes here and stays. Driving a UHaul in the deep south to a life yet still unknown, I learned so much going through the literal and emotional attics of my life in the ultimate uprooting. It's fascinating how one act leads to another and creates a new destiny—if I had never gone to Cheryl’s birthday hootinanny back in October, then the Bali trip wouldn’t have been hatched, which I now know was the cosmic appetizer for this radical move.
At the Austin Arts Fair last weekend, I filled out this chalk board “I AM _________”. I love this concept and have done this before in NY, so seeing this installation traveling art message resonated anew since I had some thing fresh to fill in the blank with.
I started this blog 5 months ago on a full moon and here I am, on a full moon, post Bali and now post NY embarking on this new beginning-although I wasn’t running from anyone or anything per se—I think it’s that I’m running from the running, or I choose not to run anymore—the hamster in a habi-trail NY-lifestyle is fine for awhile—but it’s nice to slow down and embrace a whole new way of being. One is not better than the other—I realize changing mid-life course is what has me feel fulfilled, alive and brimming with possibility.
Tonight I was invited to a Passover Sedar at the home of Mark Salmanson. It was a lovely evening considering I wasn’t with my parents and Harry Hahn et. al. I’ve learned that I’m a Damn Yankee-while Yankees can come and visit, a Damn Yankee is one that comes here and stays. Driving a UHaul in the deep south to a life yet still unknown, I learned so much going through the literal and emotional attics of my life in the ultimate uprooting. It's fascinating how one act leads to another and creates a new destiny—if I had never gone to Cheryl’s birthday hootinanny back in October, then the Bali trip wouldn’t have been hatched, which I now know was the cosmic appetizer for this radical move.
Monday, April 7, 2008
My entire life fits in a 14" Ft. U-Haul
Moving
Memories in the dust bunnies under my dresser and bed.
This is the end of an era. An emotional NY Whirlwind. In the interim I can be found in a small room in Cheryl Smith's home-whom I have known for 15+ years though another troupe called The Phurst Church of Phun.
I'm strapping in for my inter-state (if not inter-galactic) travels spreading pixie dust from NY to Austin by way of Maryland/Atlanta/Mississippi, visiting friends en-route.
Memories in the dust bunnies under my dresser and bed.
This is the end of an era. An emotional NY Whirlwind. In the interim I can be found in a small room in Cheryl Smith's home-whom I have known for 15+ years though another troupe called The Phurst Church of Phun.
I'm strapping in for my inter-state (if not inter-galactic) travels spreading pixie dust from NY to Austin by way of Maryland/Atlanta/Mississippi, visiting friends en-route.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
A Day in the life can be a triple feature
Updating a blog happens, “When the spirit moves me” says Agnes Varnum who has an excellent blog covering documentary film amongst other film related pop culture topics, Doc it Out! http://www.agnesvarnum.com. Now the spirit is moving me—this sunshine-y day helps. It’s 75 here—everyone warns me—oh you haven’t been here for Summer yet—it’s HOT. Well bring it on baby because I’m just thawing out
I’m running to catch up processing the whole SX experience. SXSW is like travel time where the amount that happens in one day is equal to a week—it’s been a swirl. It’s as if there were two different festivals (I’m lumping interactive and film into one here) and then there’s music. So what started as geeks waiting in line, texting and twittering, waiting for their badge, was soon replaced by Manic Panic® primary colored hair people wearing black, many with instruments.
One of my thrills of the week was doing event photography--so I was right in the thick of it. Pictured above is Ingrid Michaelson of "Take Me the Way I Am" fame. Let's hear it for the home-town girl. Also Sara Bareilles and many talented singer-song writers from L.A.
More magic, I reunited with an old friend Marianne Hayden and found other people in common of whom we did not know each other knew in that small world kind of synchronicity that happens at South By. 6th Street was transformed from the usual college kids in bars (Who were on Spring Break), to the South by participants performing in these venues. It was beyond Bourbin Street on a Saturday night. Local veterans of SX will tell you the only time they go to 6th Street is during SXSW, otherwise it belongs to the UT students for the most part.
One doesn’t need a badge per se for SXSW, three’s lots free music and parties and general excitement. In the end, I have a modest mound of business cards and had great connections over the week with music and film peeps. I have this idea of making a film –sorta a Supersize Me concept, where everyone that gives me a business card will have some role in a short mock doc –theme and script TBD.
I have frequented the Alamo—and I would say that The Alamo Drafthouse Movie chain is one of the bonuses of moving here. This week I went in for the triple feature seeing Bud Cort and his films (Brewster McCloud, Harold & Maude, and his directorial debut, “Love and Venus” on the big screen, with him there in person introducing them. What a kitschy night.
I’m running to catch up processing the whole SX experience. SXSW is like travel time where the amount that happens in one day is equal to a week—it’s been a swirl. It’s as if there were two different festivals (I’m lumping interactive and film into one here) and then there’s music. So what started as geeks waiting in line, texting and twittering, waiting for their badge, was soon replaced by Manic Panic® primary colored hair people wearing black, many with instruments.
One of my thrills of the week was doing event photography--so I was right in the thick of it. Pictured above is Ingrid Michaelson of "Take Me the Way I Am" fame. Let's hear it for the home-town girl. Also Sara Bareilles and many talented singer-song writers from L.A.
More magic, I reunited with an old friend Marianne Hayden and found other people in common of whom we did not know each other knew in that small world kind of synchronicity that happens at South By. 6th Street was transformed from the usual college kids in bars (Who were on Spring Break), to the South by participants performing in these venues. It was beyond Bourbin Street on a Saturday night. Local veterans of SX will tell you the only time they go to 6th Street is during SXSW, otherwise it belongs to the UT students for the most part.
One doesn’t need a badge per se for SXSW, three’s lots free music and parties and general excitement. In the end, I have a modest mound of business cards and had great connections over the week with music and film peeps. I have this idea of making a film –sorta a Supersize Me concept, where everyone that gives me a business card will have some role in a short mock doc –theme and script TBD.
I have frequented the Alamo—and I would say that The Alamo Drafthouse Movie chain is one of the bonuses of moving here. This week I went in for the triple feature seeing Bud Cort and his films (Brewster McCloud, Harold & Maude, and his directorial debut, “Love and Venus” on the big screen, with him there in person introducing them. What a kitschy night.
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