Now I feel officially broken in as an Austinite. I've experienced SXSW back in March and ACL in Zilker Park walking distance (w/a hill) from home.
I bought a legitimate bracelet after a scalper tried to pull a scam on me by selling me one that had been worn the night before. Even Austin has the seedy element. So, I wore this used bracelet and security checked it and the little plastic holder slid right off--which it shouldn't. No, I didn't pay this guy any $--and I knew something was fishy when he said "After today you give the bracelet back to me"--and so it goes.
Three adjectives to describe ACL: hot, dusty and loud--not in a bad way, just one that reminds me that I'm older than I once was and my tolerance for crowds has diminished. The dust was less than recent years I'm told, but a fashion statement was the bandana-bandit look. I get it--I had dirt in my nostrils by the end of each night.
Rebecca shared the logical rule of 3's as advised from Brain Beck on KGSR. See three songs and move on. It was the only way to solve the choices dilemma like Robert Plant/Alison Karuss vs. Beck for example--positioned on opposite side of the park. I caught the beginning of Plant/Krauss and cut out at when T-Bone Burnett (who paired up Krauss and Plant) came out as a guest and caught the last part of Beck. Beck is a revolutionary I love him--the album Sea Change is one of my all time favorites.
Then there's technology--finding friends though the power of text! There were lots of flags and balloons up everywhere int he crowd as landmarks. I found Tony by the helium hamburger balloon.
Here in the picture is a band I hadn't heard of called Okkervil River which had a sentimental 80's sound like The Cure meets the Replacements. Good Times. On some level ACL is like New Year's since 5769 begins tonight. L'shanah Tovah.I'm running to catch up from a month of non-stop go go go as we ramped up for our Fall Fusion event at work and now settling into the beginning of the holidays. Tonight marks the Jewish New Year (5769). I video taped an adorable 3 yr. old blowing the shofar last week (on YouTube) who then says "Shanah Tovah". Who knew a year ago I'd be living in Austin when the next New Year rolled in? (hint: not me).
Monday, September 29, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
8-8-8 The most auspicious day ever!
As an attempt to have more substantive and more frequent blog entries, in order to catch up, I will start with 8 Highlights of the last month. Obviously today is brought to you by the #8.
1. Rainbow's B-Rushless Karma Wash
bought to you by His Phoolishness the Jolly Llama and the rest of us Phools including freshscence, undercourage-ckr & flufee. My name? Wiper-clean. We brought our mobile karma wash unit to the The Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport, CT. Lots of muddy hippy kids to clean. Mobile karma wash units available: www.thekarmawash.com
7. A quick trip to NY blip in time to see my Niece Ari in with friends from the U.K., my parents, and Cosmic Casbah Karma Wash tribe. Also, to bring back Ms. Lulu, my cat, who seems to feel quite at home in her new Austin digs.
6. Royers Round Top Cafe (www.rouyersroundtopcafe.com). In yup, Round Top, TX.: Population 77 (no shit!). We befriended Bud "the pie man". Their restaurant is a mecca for friendship, stories and community. I love this family & the food! I will be back there to film...This is 1.5 hrs. east of Austin where Ed and I ended up after seeing
5. a production of Antony and Cleopatra at the Shakespeare at Winedale. I won tickets on KUT, the NPR affiliate. Oh we loved the local Llamas too.
4. KGSR summer music at the lake --hearing while wading in an infinity pool & there was a hot tub too all over-looking Lake Travis--what a setting. Austin just rocks. Period.
5. The inter-galactic pixie found her Mother ship! The spaceship is resting at the quintiscential Oasis, a great sunset restaurant bar. A must see experience. Don't worry I'll take you once you get here!The gorgeous setting reminded me of Bali!
4. I was interviewed on a radio internet channel talkshoe.com about my documentary "Praise HA!" and the healing power of humor. We spoke about audience participation and the humor, phoolish troupe The
Phurst Church of Phun of which the Karma Wash is a relative of, the East Coast tribe is the Be Team.
3. The Bats exodus every dusk at the Congress Street Bridge--"Keep Austin Batty!"
2. Save Our Springs (S.O.S) Yoga at Barton Springs every Saturday morning.
BYOM (bring your our mat!) August is Yogagroove month at the Springs--just a short bike ride away.
1. I'm starting to Carpool with Rebecca Jordan (Yogagroove Manager and pal) from South Austin to North Austin Yogagroove and JCAA respectively--we are just blocks from each other. I love saving gas $, and traveling to work with a friend. What a great & environmentally conscious way to start the day.
As long as I'm in this life appreciation mode--here's the latest from Chris Chandler--who really knows how to love up the #8:
Today is 8-8-8!
Sorry to bother you but as I have every year since January second of 2002, I must write to you this year on 8-8-8 to celebrate the number 8.
As a kid I knew that I would live through these dates. I thought about it back on July 4, 1976- that I would live through dates like 8-8-88 and even 01-02-03. So I HAVE TO acknowledge this mile stone. The passing of 08-08-08 is particularly important because as a kid I knew why 6 was afraid of 7. Well because seven ate nine.
SOOOOO. This year's missive is brought to you by the number 8.
There are 8 planets after all (sorry Pluto I had nothing to do with it)
When we count -- we count in base 10 because we have ten fingers. (The Myans, they counted in base 2 because they didnt wear any shoes.)
As for me, I learned to count from Sesame Street only it was confusing because the count in Sesame street only had four fingers. I thought he should be counting in base 8.
Most cartoon characters have 8 fingers.
This has left me confused I learned to count in base 11 because I had my hands in my pockets.
In the end there are ten types of people in this world.
Those that know Binary and those that don't.
By the way, in binary 8 is 1000. A grand number indeed.
It is two cubed how bout that? It is the atomic number of Oxygen.
Ooops, I could have had a V-8. hows that for an advertising slogan?
I have an idea lets make a health drink and name it after a muscle car engine. "That thing got a hemi?"
The real reason we need to celebrate the number 8 is that after 8 years we are finally getting rid of the little "W"easel.
As I look into my majik 8 ball and see that he finishes without impeachment he will be only the 12th full 8 (in a row) year presidents.
Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Jackson, Grant, Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Ike, Reagan, and Clinton. (Grover Cleveland served 8 years but not in a row)
The number 8 sideways is the symbol if infinity. Perhaps because the number 8 represents what is beyond time for there are 7 days in a week.
I always thought that was funny when I played 8-ball. Depending on how the ball is sitting you say "infinity in the corner pocket."
In Christianity, Jesus speaks in The Sermon on the Mount of the eight Beatitudes.
The poor shall have lodging in the kingdom of heaven.
The Mourners shall laugh.
The hungry fed.
Those persecuted for seeking righteousness shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.
The meek shall inherit the earth (perhaps because they won't complain about what everyone else did to it.)
The merciful will themselves obtain mercy.
The pure of heart will see God
The peacemakers will be known as the children of God.
In Buddhism The Dharma Wheel has 8 spokes. The Buddha's principal teaching -- the Four Noble Truths expands to The Noble Eightfold Path. The branches of the Eightfold Path are embodied by the Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Manjushri, Vajrapani, Avalokiteshvara, Maitreya, Kshitigarbha, Nivaranavishkambhi, Akashagarbha, and Samantabhadra)
The Jewish religious rite of brit milah is held on a baby boy's eighth day of life
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that starts on the 25th day of Kislev.
In Hinduism, The Goddess Lakshmi has eightfold forms for it is the number of abundance and the eight seats of wealth.
In Daoist mythology there are eight immortals that can assign a tool to give life or destroy evil. The tools are known as "Covert Eight Immortals."
Perhaps this is why the Olympics are starting in Bejing on 8-8-8. Only thats the date on OUR calendar so much for that theory. So maybe it has to do with the fact that they had a bloody civil war in around 300 AD known as the War of Eight Princes.
In Islam, there are eight Angels carrying The Holy Throne of Allah.
There are 88 keys on a piano. There are 8 strings on a mandolin. And a Bazooki, and A Quatro, and ummmm. A twelve string guitar with four broken strings.
On the musical scale two notes that are 8 whole notes apart -- or an octave - are known as the same note.
I first learned this while listening to "Eight Days a Week" on 8 -Track.
There are "eight maids a milkin."
A stop sign has 8 sides well 10 if you count the front and back.
A figure skater skates in a figure 8.
Steve Young wore #8 for the San Francisco 49ers (4 being of 8 and 9 being one more than 8 hmmm coincidence? I think not.)
My hero, Archie Manning wore number 8 for my beloved New Orleans Saints. His two sons both won super bowls because of it. Archie however, never gave the Saints a winning season. Neither did anyone else though, for a long time.
Cal Ripken, Jr., Joe Morgan, Willie Stargell, Carl Yastrzemski, and Yogi Berra all wore number 8. Dale Earnhardt JR drives car # 8.
My personal favorite is in a festive production when the follow-spot "Ballyhoos" through the audience it follows a figure 8 pattern. Therefore 8 is the number of "Fabulous."
There are 8 ounces in a cup, 8 pints in a gallon and 8 furlongs in a mile.
"Section 8" refers to crazy and I have always loved the game crazy 8s.
8 legs on a spider, 8 arms on an Octopus. I wonder if they are related.
"Oct" ober is the 10th month which never made any since to me but I think it had to do with the vanity of some Roman Cesar or another I bet it wasn't "OCT" avia.
Oh by the way, I am writing this while staying in a super 8 motel right now in Eureka, CA.
Thank you Chris Chandler! www.chrischandler.org
Also, of recent inspiration, I'm sharing something my sweet friend, Nancy Hitzig sent my way from a woman she met at a fire walking (amongst other things) Fall retreat in Western MA., She is writer, Courtney Walsh:
Dear Universe:
Help me to see the 'yes' in everything
Help me to open my eyes, mind and heart to all life's colors Help me to move forward moment by moment
Keep me in the vibration of peace
Keep me connected to the earth
Keep me enfolded in the warmth of your light
Give me the chance to walk my truth gracefully Give me the strength to speak my heart compassionately Give me the words to help others be their best selves
Teach me to remember that it does not need take a birth, an illness or a death to pause to celebrate, acknowledge or fully feel the beauty of life.
Teach me to trust the messages I receive, to pass on the hope for true change and to ignite or rekindle the dream in all I encounter.
Teach me that all that I am is more than enough.
Thank you. Amen. Alleluia. Namaste. Gracias. Merci. Danke. Grazie.
~CAW 8.7.08
Courtney A. Walsh
http://www.scribechickie.blogspot.com
1. Rainbow's B-Rushless Karma Wash
bought to you by His Phoolishness the Jolly Llama and the rest of us Phools including freshscence, undercourage-ckr & flufee. My name? Wiper-clean. We brought our mobile karma wash unit to the The Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport, CT. Lots of muddy hippy kids to clean. Mobile karma wash units available: www.thekarmawash.com
7. A quick trip to NY blip in time to see my Niece Ari in with friends from the U.K., my parents, and Cosmic Casbah Karma Wash tribe. Also, to bring back Ms. Lulu, my cat, who seems to feel quite at home in her new Austin digs.
6. Royers Round Top Cafe (www.rouyersroundtopcafe.com). In yup, Round Top, TX.: Population 77 (no shit!). We befriended Bud "the pie man". Their restaurant is a mecca for friendship, stories and community. I love this family & the food! I will be back there to film...This is 1.5 hrs. east of Austin where Ed and I ended up after seeing
5. a production of Antony and Cleopatra at the Shakespeare at Winedale. I won tickets on KUT, the NPR affiliate. Oh we loved the local Llamas too.
4. KGSR summer music at the lake --hearing while wading in an infinity pool & there was a hot tub too all over-looking Lake Travis--what a setting. Austin just rocks. Period.
5. The inter-galactic pixie found her Mother ship! The spaceship is resting at the quintiscential Oasis, a great sunset restaurant bar. A must see experience. Don't worry I'll take you once you get here!The gorgeous setting reminded me of Bali!
4. I was interviewed on a radio internet channel talkshoe.com about my documentary "Praise HA!" and the healing power of humor. We spoke about audience participation and the humor, phoolish troupe The
Phurst Church of Phun of which the Karma Wash is a relative of, the East Coast tribe is the Be Team.
3. The Bats exodus every dusk at the Congress Street Bridge--"Keep Austin Batty!"
2. Save Our Springs (S.O.S) Yoga at Barton Springs every Saturday morning.
BYOM (bring your our mat!) August is Yogagroove month at the Springs--just a short bike ride away.
1. I'm starting to Carpool with Rebecca Jordan (Yogagroove Manager and pal) from South Austin to North Austin Yogagroove and JCAA respectively--we are just blocks from each other. I love saving gas $, and traveling to work with a friend. What a great & environmentally conscious way to start the day.
As long as I'm in this life appreciation mode--here's the latest from Chris Chandler--who really knows how to love up the #8:
Today is 8-8-8!
Sorry to bother you but as I have every year since January second of 2002, I must write to you this year on 8-8-8 to celebrate the number 8.
As a kid I knew that I would live through these dates. I thought about it back on July 4, 1976- that I would live through dates like 8-8-88 and even 01-02-03. So I HAVE TO acknowledge this mile stone. The passing of 08-08-08 is particularly important because as a kid I knew why 6 was afraid of 7. Well because seven ate nine.
SOOOOO. This year's missive is brought to you by the number 8.
There are 8 planets after all (sorry Pluto I had nothing to do with it)
When we count -- we count in base 10 because we have ten fingers. (The Myans, they counted in base 2 because they didnt wear any shoes.)
As for me, I learned to count from Sesame Street only it was confusing because the count in Sesame street only had four fingers. I thought he should be counting in base 8.
Most cartoon characters have 8 fingers.
This has left me confused I learned to count in base 11 because I had my hands in my pockets.
In the end there are ten types of people in this world.
Those that know Binary and those that don't.
By the way, in binary 8 is 1000. A grand number indeed.
It is two cubed how bout that? It is the atomic number of Oxygen.
Ooops, I could have had a V-8. hows that for an advertising slogan?
I have an idea lets make a health drink and name it after a muscle car engine. "That thing got a hemi?"
The real reason we need to celebrate the number 8 is that after 8 years we are finally getting rid of the little "W"easel.
As I look into my majik 8 ball and see that he finishes without impeachment he will be only the 12th full 8 (in a row) year presidents.
Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Monroe, Jackson, Grant, Wilson, Franklin Roosevelt, Ike, Reagan, and Clinton. (Grover Cleveland served 8 years but not in a row)
The number 8 sideways is the symbol if infinity. Perhaps because the number 8 represents what is beyond time for there are 7 days in a week.
I always thought that was funny when I played 8-ball. Depending on how the ball is sitting you say "infinity in the corner pocket."
In Christianity, Jesus speaks in The Sermon on the Mount of the eight Beatitudes.
The poor shall have lodging in the kingdom of heaven.
The Mourners shall laugh.
The hungry fed.
Those persecuted for seeking righteousness shall inherit the kingdom of heaven.
The meek shall inherit the earth (perhaps because they won't complain about what everyone else did to it.)
The merciful will themselves obtain mercy.
The pure of heart will see God
The peacemakers will be known as the children of God.
In Buddhism The Dharma Wheel has 8 spokes. The Buddha's principal teaching -- the Four Noble Truths expands to The Noble Eightfold Path. The branches of the Eightfold Path are embodied by the Eight Great Bodhisattvas (Manjushri, Vajrapani, Avalokiteshvara, Maitreya, Kshitigarbha, Nivaranavishkambhi, Akashagarbha, and Samantabhadra)
The Jewish religious rite of brit milah is held on a baby boy's eighth day of life
Hanukkah is an eight-day Jewish holiday that starts on the 25th day of Kislev.
In Hinduism, The Goddess Lakshmi has eightfold forms for it is the number of abundance and the eight seats of wealth.
In Daoist mythology there are eight immortals that can assign a tool to give life or destroy evil. The tools are known as "Covert Eight Immortals."
Perhaps this is why the Olympics are starting in Bejing on 8-8-8. Only thats the date on OUR calendar so much for that theory. So maybe it has to do with the fact that they had a bloody civil war in around 300 AD known as the War of Eight Princes.
In Islam, there are eight Angels carrying The Holy Throne of Allah.
There are 88 keys on a piano. There are 8 strings on a mandolin. And a Bazooki, and A Quatro, and ummmm. A twelve string guitar with four broken strings.
On the musical scale two notes that are 8 whole notes apart -- or an octave - are known as the same note.
I first learned this while listening to "Eight Days a Week" on 8 -Track.
There are "eight maids a milkin."
A stop sign has 8 sides well 10 if you count the front and back.
A figure skater skates in a figure 8.
Steve Young wore #8 for the San Francisco 49ers (4 being of 8 and 9 being one more than 8 hmmm coincidence? I think not.)
My hero, Archie Manning wore number 8 for my beloved New Orleans Saints. His two sons both won super bowls because of it. Archie however, never gave the Saints a winning season. Neither did anyone else though, for a long time.
Cal Ripken, Jr., Joe Morgan, Willie Stargell, Carl Yastrzemski, and Yogi Berra all wore number 8. Dale Earnhardt JR drives car # 8.
My personal favorite is in a festive production when the follow-spot "Ballyhoos" through the audience it follows a figure 8 pattern. Therefore 8 is the number of "Fabulous."
There are 8 ounces in a cup, 8 pints in a gallon and 8 furlongs in a mile.
"Section 8" refers to crazy and I have always loved the game crazy 8s.
8 legs on a spider, 8 arms on an Octopus. I wonder if they are related.
"Oct" ober is the 10th month which never made any since to me but I think it had to do with the vanity of some Roman Cesar or another I bet it wasn't "OCT" avia.
Oh by the way, I am writing this while staying in a super 8 motel right now in Eureka, CA.
Thank you Chris Chandler! www.chrischandler.org
Also, of recent inspiration, I'm sharing something my sweet friend, Nancy Hitzig sent my way from a woman she met at a fire walking (amongst other things) Fall retreat in Western MA., She is writer, Courtney Walsh:
Dear Universe:
Help me to see the 'yes' in everything
Help me to open my eyes, mind and heart to all life's colors Help me to move forward moment by moment
Keep me in the vibration of peace
Keep me connected to the earth
Keep me enfolded in the warmth of your light
Give me the chance to walk my truth gracefully Give me the strength to speak my heart compassionately Give me the words to help others be their best selves
Teach me to remember that it does not need take a birth, an illness or a death to pause to celebrate, acknowledge or fully feel the beauty of life.
Teach me to trust the messages I receive, to pass on the hope for true change and to ignite or rekindle the dream in all I encounter.
Teach me that all that I am is more than enough.
Thank you. Amen. Alleluia. Namaste. Gracias. Merci. Danke. Grazie.
~CAW 8.7.08
Courtney A. Walsh
http://www.scribechickie.blogspot.com
Saturday, July 5, 2008
May the Fourth Be With You...
100_8432
Originally uploaded by gr8wendini
The fireworks showcase was lovely. Everything is easy and accessible here, even the sea of humanity post-fireworks is way more manageable than say, er, say downtown Manhattan. The Austin Symphony Orchestra performed Tchaikovsky's 1812 Overture amongst other patriotic offerings. I've never seen fireworks choreographed before. If I had to choose just one word to encapsulate Independence Day here in Austin, it's...wholesome. Granted, we did follow the mainstream path.
I finally saw the bats (from afar), thousands of them flying off as they do every night at dusk from the Congress Ave. Bridge. I haven't had the full up-close 'bat experience' yet. (stay tuned for the next video upload). I love that there are still so many firsts for me. Radical life change is a great thing. I highly recommend it!
In my next mystical musing entry you'll see pictures of my new digs--oh yes, life is just humming right along. Car, job, man and I now have a sweet place. I've been here for a week thanks to Ed and Hugh helping to move me! Once that "For Rent" sign went up, I dug my heels in and made my stake. It was the first time I'd seen a space here in Austin and said, "Yes, this is where I want to live". It's a competitive scene here--desirable neighborhood, decent rent--but hey I'm from NY.
For this year, the holiday weekend is about unpacking, unearthing memories and things like my favorite orange coffee mug, a rubber chicken, and a Tiffany knock-off stained glass lamp. I'm re-introducing myself to my belongings and finding space for them all in this humble abode. My first New Yorker arrived to this new address--the double July issue. Hee haw--and for the record 'ya'll' is now in my permanent vernacular...
Thursday, June 19, 2008
What? A month since last entry?
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
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
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…
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