Thursday, April 16, 2009
SXSW 09
Well it’s been a month since SXSW, and I’ve just now can say I’m finally decompressed. I have spotty internet connection at home (because I steal it and don’t pay my neighbors), so it’s been slow going uploading all my images on flickr.
My status updates on Facebook (my drug of choice) last month was:” South by Southwest is like a tsunami that comes in takes over Austin”. The entire city capitalizes on it—there’s an influx of people, which gives a shot in the arm to the local economy. These folks are by enlarge early adapters of technology, and (no exaggeration) 90% i-phone/Mac users, and the Austin Convention Center had to add another cell phone tower/power to accommodate this i-population. There were all here. The guy sitting next to me at a gaming panel I had to shoot didn’t just have an i-phone—he works for Apple and creates applications for it.
Much of my personal experience was based upon what my assignments were—be it film premieres, after parties or bands. One night I was planted at a little bar on 6th Street called The Dirty Dog shooting the ASCAP showcase. This was a great just getting a taste of what some new bands were. The headliner (at 1 AM) was an energized young band was out of Seattle called Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head.
One day, I saw four films in one day (I Bring What I love, Garbage Dreams, female hip-hop film Say My Name & RIP: A Remix Manifesto)
A distinction in comparison to last year was that I now live in Austin and have a full time job. If was more strategic (hindsight 20/20) I would have taken vacation days so I could have been entirely immersed in SXSW. Instead, I led a double life-with late night assignments and then being at work the next day. I felt like a wind up doll by the end of it all.
Another highlight was the presence of Wavy Gravy in town all week walking his fish with filmmaker, Michelle Esrick (rippleeffectfilms.com) promoting Saint Misbehavin’ a documentary about Wavy Gravy. I was a great feeling looking up into the crowd at Stubbs to see Wavy wearing a tye-died “Keep Austin Weird” shirt during the Gomez/Andrew Bird/Ben Harper show. (Adrew Bird is this picture)
Being a photographer for SXSW, I was taken a back to have someone request to photograph me. Me? I said. She said yes, “You have a great look”—so I guess I do these days with flaming red through out my brown hair.
The last day of the SXSW weekend I went to the pure South Austin hippy music event--Leeann’s monthly Full Moon Bar Yard Dance—and since SXSW was over, and I was off-duty, I wasn’t armed with my camera. I felt naked, suffice to say, I’ll never do that again. I missed shooting this adorable burlesque all-girl Norwegian band each playing multi instruments called Katzenjammer. That is always one of the issues of straddle to experience an event be purely just being or having the more active experience of documenting behind the lens of a camera. I love the experience of of capturing that great moment. It’s a rush!
Monday, March 2, 2009
Dancin' Dancin' Dancin'
Mystical Musings has been on Blog hiatus of sorts.
Here's me blowing the proverbial dust off. One thing I'll share is that when the going gets tough, Wendy gets quiet.
There have been some challenges in my life of late that has me well, internal. This should be the first place I turn--to write & process...ah but I'm here now. I've been recently inspired by a friend who has been in her own personal challenges and has sought to scribe. The power of the word (which sometimes can backfire). She has written several blog posts a day. OK-I'm rolling up my sleeves--because mystical musings do happen often. Those little A-HA! moments.
The amount of synchronicity & coincidence I experience on a daily basis amuses me. I'm reminded that I am tapped into the flow of the universal faucet. It's the power of positive thinking, the power of attraction.
Dancin' Dancin Dancin'--I remember when this show was on Broadway--and I remember the re-brith of Swing as a new trend sometime in the early/mids 90's I didn't latch on then, but I have now.
So far I've taken Swing and Lindy Hop 1, tomorrow begins Lindy 2 and perhaps a refresher of Lindy 1. All at Four on the Floor. (fouronthefloor.com). Dance classes are in the most beautiful, grand Georgian building, called The Fed on 24th and San Gabriel. It's a throw back in time. It feels majestic just to walk in. The high ceilings, the expansive of the wood dance floor, the 30's & 40's, 50's period music to dance to. It's all about floor time. The best feeling is being in the zone while dancing--moving, feeling it, connecting with another person--and when the song is over and my heart is beating and I'm filled with bliss. It's a fantastic high.
Here's me blowing the proverbial dust off. One thing I'll share is that when the going gets tough, Wendy gets quiet.
There have been some challenges in my life of late that has me well, internal. This should be the first place I turn--to write & process...ah but I'm here now. I've been recently inspired by a friend who has been in her own personal challenges and has sought to scribe. The power of the word (which sometimes can backfire). She has written several blog posts a day. OK-I'm rolling up my sleeves--because mystical musings do happen often. Those little A-HA! moments.
The amount of synchronicity & coincidence I experience on a daily basis amuses me. I'm reminded that I am tapped into the flow of the universal faucet. It's the power of positive thinking, the power of attraction.
Dancin' Dancin Dancin'--I remember when this show was on Broadway--and I remember the re-brith of Swing as a new trend sometime in the early/mids 90's I didn't latch on then, but I have now.
So far I've taken Swing and Lindy Hop 1, tomorrow begins Lindy 2 and perhaps a refresher of Lindy 1. All at Four on the Floor. (fouronthefloor.com). Dance classes are in the most beautiful, grand Georgian building, called The Fed on 24th and San Gabriel. It's a throw back in time. It feels majestic just to walk in. The high ceilings, the expansive of the wood dance floor, the 30's & 40's, 50's period music to dance to. It's all about floor time. The best feeling is being in the zone while dancing--moving, feeling it, connecting with another person--and when the song is over and my heart is beating and I'm filled with bliss. It's a fantastic high.
Monday, January 12, 2009
New York Wrinkle
Well that’s what one of my beloved yoga teachers at Yogagroove calls it when I have some intense expression of my face no doubt during DANDAYAMANA JANUSHIRASANA (standing head to knee pose). Lisa, whom I affectionately refer to as “Sarge” will yell out: “Wendy, get rid of that New York wrinkle” which lives right on my third eye. I really have to make it a point to relax my face, enjoy & have fun in class.
I share this anecdote because I think I was challenged with an emotional New York Wrinkle while on holiday the last couple weeks. Since this was my first extended visit since making the big move—it was all too much, this wrinkle in time-- too many people to visit with, too crammed, too cold, too much schlepping, too many holiday parties with small talk—and then not enough quality time with dear friends and family.
Despite what the Grateful Dead have been telling me for years—“Too much of everything is just enough”--When my Niece Ari and Nephew Adam (not to mention brother Ken and Sister-in-law Maria) come through—it’s really full-on for that time and then it’s over for a year or two. There’s no ease of the everyday-ness—it’s all or nothing.
It’s almost a year since I’ve returned from Bali, so what started as a Blog about that sojourn has turned into my own musings and now I’m wanting to up the anti on the mystical musing wit.
I love Jodi Bart’s Blog: foodtouring.blogspot.com-she has the main focus of food, and yet her musings and life are tracked through that. Over the weekend, I joined her and new friends on the “South Austin Airstream Tour” we started with crepes at Flip Happy Crepes—it was cold outside but worth the wait for the caramelized onions, gruyere, mushroom spinach crepe…moved onto La-Dee-Dah the first business operating out of an Airsteam trailer in Austin—and then the crew went onto Hey Cupcake –a South Austin favorite. I look forward to more food touring in warmer weather.
If anything, perhaps I can muse a bit on current and classic films. Last night I saw Doubt, with Philip Seymour Hoffman and & Meryl Strep at my favorite movie house in Austin—the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar where I ordered my two favorite guilty pleasures: Fried pickles and exceptional jalapeño mac-n-cheese; last week saw Slumdog Millionaire –the outstanding new offering from Danny Boyle (Trainspotting)--and Brandi, Ed & I saw Benjamin Button with Mr. Brad Pitt on 12th street in the East Village as soon as we landed in NY (well Brad wasn’t with us, per se just on the silver screen).
I guess now it’s time for the shameless plug of “Praise HA!” being recently featured on Zoe Miracles Radio Show: The Naked Truth and will be screened in the Austin Jewish Film Festival (amazing this 6-year-old film is still having a festival life) on January 29 in North Austin at the Arbor Theatre at 7 PM. Visit: http://www.the-nakedtruth.com/
Here’s a New Year’s resolution (aside from working on no typos) I’ll be re-visiting Praise HA! Video footage shot over 1999-2003 and focusing a new film on The Phurst Church of Phun. Stay Turned on. Tuned in. (and not entirely) Drop(ped) Out.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Bike Urban, Eat Local: The Austin Urban Bike Tour
When Jodie Smith put out feelers for who wanted to join her on the Austin Urban Bike Tour “10 miles, $25, 25 kisses” how can I say no? I find that every time I say “yes” I’m blissfully rewarded. This was one of those memorable days where I felt alive-- like I had really savored the nectar of life—start to finish.
Waking to a ccccold Austin morning (yes, it’s true) wasn’t quite the incentive I was looking for—Austin’s bark is bigger than it’s bite in terms of the cold—sure it was freezing at 8 AM, still quite cold at 10 AM, then suddenly around 11 AM the layers start peeling off, and the crispy morning weather surrenders to the southern sun—with a high of 70. Yum! December in Austin feels like October in NY—and that’s winter. Temperatures don’t go much below 32—even on a cold night.
Eat Local Week is a fundraiser for Urban Roots, a youth development program that uses sustainable agriculture as a means to transform the lives of young people and to increase the access of healthy food in Austin.
Jodie has a convenient double bike rack-so, after a migas breakfast at chez moi, the bikes were on and off we went to the Farmer Market downtown. The only bike I have is my Flipside “playa” bike—which was a $30 Goodwill purchase decorated with plastic flowers. I like it always makes people smile when they see it. The bike did just fine—although my butt and thighs are achy today! The first stop was Boggy Creek Farm in East Austin, followed by a back yard Tea Party hosted by Zhi Tea and culminating for us at Rain Lily Farm.
Jodie pointed out how exciting it feels to experience a ride like we did collectively in a large group—seeing and meeting new friends along the way.
Later that night I went to a couple “Progressive Potluck” parties with Jenny, continuing the eco-conscious theme of the day.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Planetary convergences
“Skywatchers across the world are in for a celestial treat as two of the brightest naked-eye planets, Venus and Jupiter, slowly converge in the evening skies for a celestial summit on November 30.” While I did get a glimspe and I was aware of the planetary happening (like any good inter-galactic pixie), but simultaneously a not so harmonious summit was happening in my stomach. In fact just 24 hrs ago. Perhaps that’s why they call it the 24 hour flu. It was enough to have knock me out and have me stay home today. Here’s what I see outside my front door, the only time I’ve gone outside today. It’s pretty magical, like Austin.
What it’s December? Already? Wasn’t it just that my parents came in for their Austin tour on Halloween? Since then I suppose November had it’s own highlights—Sorry a blog entry hasn’t one of them ☹ With the advent of Facebook I feel like I’m updating and updated all the time with people. Facebook is better than Google-ing to find someone, and to think just a year ago, I poo poo’d Facebook saying it was just for college kids, and now it’s spread like wild fire—like the trend of people bringing their own bags to the super market-- I’m not sure when it tipped, but I’m glad it did. I have my friends, relatives and even my High School classmates now are re-connecting using Facebook.
I first learned of Twitter a year ago, but I haven’t warmed up to it as much as I get invitations to Twit and Tweet, my every thought and move-- I see that can change to in time.
I’ve been pretty sentimental lately—having just celebrated my first Thanksgiving in Austin, with people I consider dear friends, whom I didn’t even know a year ago--and now, just a few days away from when I left with Cheryl for Bali which started the beginning of ‘the year of infinite possibilities’…
Ed and I are going to New York for the holi-daze, we’re excited for the adventure (NYC, Upstate, New England) but not the cold. I’ve become a real pussy with cold weather. How did I ever live in New York anyway?
What it’s December? Already? Wasn’t it just that my parents came in for their Austin tour on Halloween? Since then I suppose November had it’s own highlights—Sorry a blog entry hasn’t one of them ☹ With the advent of Facebook I feel like I’m updating and updated all the time with people. Facebook is better than Google-ing to find someone, and to think just a year ago, I poo poo’d Facebook saying it was just for college kids, and now it’s spread like wild fire—like the trend of people bringing their own bags to the super market-- I’m not sure when it tipped, but I’m glad it did. I have my friends, relatives and even my High School classmates now are re-connecting using Facebook.
I first learned of Twitter a year ago, but I haven’t warmed up to it as much as I get invitations to Twit and Tweet, my every thought and move-- I see that can change to in time.
I’ve been pretty sentimental lately—having just celebrated my first Thanksgiving in Austin, with people I consider dear friends, whom I didn’t even know a year ago--and now, just a few days away from when I left with Cheryl for Bali which started the beginning of ‘the year of infinite possibilities’…
Ed and I are going to New York for the holi-daze, we’re excited for the adventure (NYC, Upstate, New England) but not the cold. I’ve become a real pussy with cold weather. How did I ever live in New York anyway?
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Check it in
Something about keeping up a blog—is that one must make time for it—like anything—friendships, reading or practicing yoga it is after all, a tool for checking in. I remember Dana Flynn (Laughing Lotus), one of my all time favorite Yoginis always said ”Don’t check it out, check it in” motioning with her hands pointing to herself.
So I’m sitting outside my front door of my little South Austin bungalow in the sun, drinking my black coffee and listening to Krishna Das as I check it in. There’s been a lot of re-evaluation since October has been the unofficial “Jew month” –holidays, New Year, life & relationship assessment etc.
It’s been exactly a year since I first visited Austin for Cheryl’s birthday and from that the Bali journey was hatched which in retrospect I know was the cosmic appetizer for moving to Austin. It’s Fall, my first not living in or being in New York—I miss the colors and smell of Autumn—that said it has cool in the morning (low 50’s) and at night—it does get nice and toasty during the day though. There are leaves changing and falling so I have the sense that yes, we have this season—not as marked as the Northeast. I found a pumpkin patch through with some flock of flamingos thrown in to “Keep it Weird” and whimsical.
I realize that I live in a bubble, one that I’ve blown surrounded by yoginis, filmmakers, artists and now Jews! I had a similar bubble in New York. I think we all choose our “bubbles” that comfortable place to bask and be protected in. The older I get the more aware of time I am and how I want to spend it and with whom—it’s good to be discriminating.
On the other side of the bubble is the real world –you know the news, the plunging stock market, the national (and personal) Debt, The general optimism for the Obama campaign here in the blue oasis of Austin and hopes for an election with no electronic data corruption.
I hear about it all on NPR. I’m addicted to public radio in order to expand out of the bubble. I just joined KUT, the NPR affiliate here, and it feels satisfying to have made my humble contribution. I received a button: “Carl Kassel is my Press Secretary”.
Monday, September 29, 2008
ACL: Austin City Limits or is it limitless
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).
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).
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