May the Fourth Be With You...

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Originally uploaded by gr8wendini

OK now I think I've officially retired this phrase --it has been my on-going giggle with Chris Chandler for years--as we try and call each other on the 4th of every month. We saw Wall-E-the latest from Pixar at the Alamo Drafthouse. It was really quite sweet--a robotic love story with a sentimental send-up to older films (Hello Dolly), musical genres, pre-talkies, older technology, and I found myself quite sentimental about the junk we rid ourselves of--down to the Rubik's cube.

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...