it's a matazical life

Last week, Sara asked what book, movie or song changed our lives. I feel like my brain is a movie reel of every film I’ve ever seen, and at any given moment, the frames change to accommodate whatever situation I’m in. For instance, today I quoted this scene from The Sweetest Thing (my all time favorite, but definitely not life-changing.) “Hello! Is Jane there?!”

Afterwards, my colleagues told me Cameron Diaz and Christina Applegate’s characters were mocking Moviefone – who knew?!

Okay, let’s get down to business…

Ani DiFranco (from adamperrywrites.wordpress.com)

Ani DiFranco changed my life. I was a late bloomer as far as Ani goes, but her records dribbled in. I bought a cassette tape of hers the summer after my senior year in high school and a CD my freshman year of college. “Untouchable Face” was the second song I downloaded when I got my first computer (also my freshman year). But it wasn’t until my junior year of college when a then-girlfriend opened my eyes. M copied several of Ani’s albums for me and I embraced them all. I loved “Shy” and anything on To The Teeth. Right around that time, I scooped Ani’s second live album, So Much Shouting, So Much Laughter, and to this day I remember riding around campus at nite listening to the poem “Self Evident” – it changed my life forever. Ani encouraged the activist in me, which explains where I am today (facing up and singing!) And she spoke the language of my heart when I couldn’t. I feel quite indebted to the lady, and am grateful for the experience of her music.

Listen to it here.

Read it here.

Frameline34, San Francisco’s International LGBT Film Festival, wrapped up a few weeks ago. Luckily, I had the great privilege of seeing a handful of fabulous films paired with a few great parties. Here are some brief reviews of my faves:

The Festival opened with ‘The Secret Diaries of Miss Anne Lister,’ a Regency-period picture about its namesake. Miss Lister was a well-off woman of the period – also a lesbian. She wasn’t out, but wasn’t necessarily closeted either. And she kept diaries of her trysts and relationships – but the entries were written in a code that took 150 years to break! They have also since discovered that Anne Lister drew a cross in the margin of the pages every time she had intercourse. Fascinating! Check out the BBC trailer here:

Next, I saw ‘A Marine Story,’ which follows a highly-ranked (would-be lifer) Marine after she’s discharged from the military as a result of the dinosaur don’t-ask-don’t-tell policy. Dreya Weber‘s performance as the lead was excellent (she also, with her husband Ned Farr, produced the film). I had a chance to chat with Troy Ruptash who plays Dreya’s character’s husband in the film, as well as his partner Craig Richey who produced the score – they were two of the nicest, most genuine folks I encountered during the Fest! Bias aside, I’m convinced this flick would do well as a mainstream release and wish the cast the best of luck getting it picked up.

My personal favorite going into the Festival was ‘Four-Faced Liar,’ and its debut at Frameline didn’t let me down! I love the synopsis on the comedy’s Facebook Fan Page: “A girl and a guy walk into a bar. They meet a girl and a guy. The guys talk about the girls. The girl falls for the girl. The guys don’t know…until they do.” That sums it up better than I ever could, particularly because I have an obnoxious school-girl crush on the movie…not to mention the fact that I’m totally impressed with the twentysomethings who wrote and rewrote the screenplay – they’re geniuses! Or just dedicated to their craft. Either is fine by me. But really, Marja-Lewis Ryan (who also plays a lead role in the film) originally wrote this for the stage. The production had a short run, during which someone pointed out that it would make for an excellent screenplay. So, Marja adapted it as such, and the group workshopped it for months prior to finally filming. The cinemetography is so fantastic – it actually reminds me of a film that my very favorite distributer, Focus Features, would release. I’ll toast to the kids who brought this story to life for quite some time, I’m sure.

Greg asked what our favorite season is…just in the nick of time (we’ve had more heat lately than I’ve ever experiences in San Francisco!) Mine’s summer, hands down. Sunshine. Street Festivals. Blue skies. Warm skin. Icy drinks clad in condensation. Flipflops. Lounge chairs. Bags (aka, ‘corn hole’). Barbecues. Tank tops. Bike rides. Block parties. Movies in the park. Cotton skirts. Ravinia. Beaches. Hummingbirds and butterflies. Don Kings. Nighttime games outside. The smell of freshly cut grass. Humidity and/or dry heat. Softball. Motorcycle trips. Wrigley Field. My mum’s garden. Lightning storms. Summer camps at Stagg. Reading books outside…

I haven’t lived in a lot of places, but I’ve experience a few of the Nation’s varying climates. Chicago and Atlanta summers were colorful, full of life and had humidity levels that soared through the roof. Phoenix was notoriously dry – it was hot, but you didn’t always realize the extent of it once you became accustomed to the heat, so it was imperative to remain hydrated and avoid heat stroke. And San Francisco has no seasons. The weather is consistently volatile – one second it’s warm and the next is blustery, foggy and raining. Dislike!

Chicago summers are my favorite, but not enough to ever again want to endure those winters. Luckily, Wine Country in the North Bay is the perfect marriage of my favorite seasons. The winter is very Chicago-fall-esque, and summers are akin to Chicago’s, sans overwhelming humidity. In other words, it’s my dream local!

Today Sara Jane and I took an introductory course to voice-over acting. It’s something we’ve been talking about for eons, so we’re thrilled that we finally took the leap to enroll ourselves in a well-esteemed curriculum to prepare us for commercial spots. We are taking the classes at Voice One, an instructional program for aspiring voice actors that was founded by Elaine Clark – a delightfully, engaging woman with 30 years of experience acting, producing, directing, casting and copywriting. Elaine led our class today and only fueled the fire – clearly, she is good at what she does!

This week, Shara asked what our favorite inanimate object is. My abundant life has gifted me at least three. And with the exception of one, two are the umbrella for handfuls…let me explain.

2007 Cannondale Synapse Feminine 4 at bikepedia.com

1. My bike. A Cannondale Synapse from the days when they were still made in the U.S.A. It’s not a racing bike, but it’s a decent road bike. I’ve logged about a thousand miles on it with some of my most favorite people (namely Bill and Beth), and together we’ve seen some of the most beautiful landscapes. It makes for great memories that are accompanied by anticipation for the next ride. I also love the solace that a bike beckons you to. Yes, relationships grow between packs and pairs on two wheels; but you can always drop back or sprint ahead and lose yourself in the monastery of each rhythmic crank.
2. Letters and cards from family and friends. I cherish the words of my loved ones – the way their handwriting changes over time and the stories they tell, deliberately or not. I keep most everything you have ever sent and always will…little legacies stored in a shoebox under my bed.
3. Photographs. See number two.

Glee's Sue Sylvester, played by Jane Lynch

Call me a product of pop culture, but my first thought on this one was someone working on the Fox sitcom, Glee. I’ll take anyone – an actor, producer, stagehand – you name it. As long as I get to partake in every ounce of fun and hard work that must go into the show’s weekly tapings. Being able to sing and dance would be a dream, but to do it every day in high school…with pyrotechnics!?! And the wit of Jane Lynch’s Sue Sylvester – yes, please!

On a more serious note, if a month provided enough time to make resounding decisions that would envoke positive social and environmental change, I would trade places with the world’s CEOs, policy makers, lobbyists and politicos to bring justice to our planet’s ecosystems and people.

Human greed dug the hole…but if we all made a conscientious decision to choose the planet over profits, we would be on the road to recovery.

This is the first post in a weekly blogging endeavor Sara appropriately named, “The Great Blog Project” (GBP). Each week a member of the group selects a topic for everyone to write about; said topic will henceforth become the title of its respective week’s post.

I’m two weeks behind my GBP comrades, but here goes…

So, who or what in my life am I most grateful for? I’m most grateful for open hearts – my own and those of others. Open hearts have shown me kindness and love, opened doors for me and fulfilled many of my basic human needs. And on the flip side, I like to think my own open heart has enabled me to do the same.

I posed the same question to Nana. Without hesitation, she said, “I’m grateful for you, (my sister) Kelly, (my mum) Joann and (my aunt) Julie.” She followed up with her gratitude for the fact that I have a good job and a good partner (and I couldn’t agree more!) She told me she was grateful for all of the people she loves, and reminded me to never “turn down people that are family because they’ll be there in the end.”

I then said, “So, you’re grateful for the people in your life.” And she absolutely agreed.

She also expounded upon my gratitude for open hearts and asked me to never carry grudges, which I do think I’m succeeding at thanks to that open heart.

A humorous, but relevant, closer regarding grudges: Nana said, “I don’t hate anyone – I may get angry and tell someone I hate them, but I don’t mean it.”

It made me laugh, and I’m grateful to be able to do that, too.

This was originally posted by Sierra Black at her blog ChildWild, where (according to GetRichSlowly author J.D. Roth) she “writes about frugality, sustainable living, and getting her kids to eat kale.” I think Black’s spirit this holiday season reflects that of many folks; and while my outlook isn’t as grim in 2009 (I get to go back to Chicago with my partner to see  Mum, Nana and friends!), I appreciate her reference to the holidays as a “joyful opportunity to reconnect,” as well as her fantastic gift wish list.

I’m feeling pretty bah humbug this year. I’m tired, broke and grouchier about the weather than usual. The holiday season feels less like a joyful opportunity to reconnect and more like a train wreck of social, family and financial obligations.

But tis the season, so I’m bucking up and doing my frugal best to be festive. I’ve written quite a few gift guide articles for other people this year, not to mention letters to Santa.

Here’s my ABC guide to what I would like to get this Christmas:

Art: It’s my poorly advertised ambition to fill my house with beautiful artwork. In the past year, I’ve received gorgeous pieces from Molly Tomlinson, Nica Davidov and Rachel Silber. You who are artists, or inclined to shop for art: keep me in mind. I’m easy to please and a very appreciative audience.

Babysitting: Last year, Martin arranged a year’s worth of monthly dates for us with friends offering babysitting credits. This was THE BEST THING EVER. I would cheerfully take it again. And again. This is a great gift for me, and probably ever [sic] other parent.

Charity: I have a guest post up on Get Rich Slowly today about the value and importance of charitable giving. If you’re interested in giving on my behalf, or anyone else’s, check out Rowan’s terrific guide to charitable gift programs.

Note: if you’re inclined to go the non-consumer route and give a charitable tribute gift like Black mentions above, give a Piece of the Action from Rainforest Action Network! I know, I know! It’s shameless self-promotion, but it’s also oh-so-neat, and helps save the planet.

I have a hard time with the requisite gift-giving that comes with Christmas – not sure which it has more to do with: a hesitance to conform to social constructions or my innate tendency to resist pressure. Either way, gifting’s looking up this year; for once, I’m actually excited to post parcels to loved ones in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for package contents (can’t ruin the surprise!) Let’s just say they’ll come from SF with love.

We started a new Thanksgiving tradition this year, whereby everyone in attendance at turkey-day dinner writes a note about what they’re thankful for in a book dedicated to the subject.

We had a lovely gathering at Auntie Carolyn’s and Dan’s in Woburn, Mass with a beautifully brined bird and a gaggle of scrumptious and classic sides ranging from my gramma’s mashed potatoes, butternut squash and stuffing to a fresh mixed greens salad.

Here’s what people wrote about their gratitude in 2009:

This year I am thankful for so many many things. As always but hopefully not taken for granted – my amazing family, who are my amazing friends. I am so blessed for my nieces and nephews – and we are thrilled to welcome Kyle this year – my godson – and Sara’s wife Meg!! With grateful love, 2009 was a great year. P.S. and of course – I am thankful for my godsend – Mary. It is amazing how family is my rock.
- Kathleen

Thanks for a wonderful day, enjoying catching up with everone and laughing and sharing great memories! Always a treat!
-Libby

As always, we are thankful for each other: This year we are also thankful for Sara Jane and Meg getting married. We are thankful for our new addition, Madison (a puppy not a kid). We are thankful for two wonderful families, our house, our health and the opportunity to spend this day with many of them.
- Julie & Sarah

How grateful and thankful am I for all of you. We will keep these traditions going forever with you.
-Carolyn

So much to be thankful for – a loving, supportive husband, three healthy and mostly happy children and a great family who loves and helps us in many ways. We are so grateful for all these things and many, many more!
-Amy

Immensely grateful for my terrific wife, my three healthy kids, and the extended Callahan/Stanton gathering. Love coming to 40 Beacon Road each November.
-Bill

Thankful for life! Without it, what else would there be? Love! Our wonderful family: Keskulas, Stantons, Raleys, and Weimers – we are lucky for them alone. Our jobs – that we’re delighted to go to each day. Lovely colleagues. Good health. California! Friends. Yummy food. A bicycle – and legs that can crank it. A comfy nest. And a beautiful wife that’s an even more beautiful family and person. Gratitude to the Universe for these things and the future.
-Meghan

Things I am thankful for: friends and family, good and improving health and good people everywhere.
-Dan

Sara & Meg – Thanks for starting this wonderful tradtion! I am honestly thankful for everything in my life; but to get specific for this year…my cousin and friend Kathleen who keeps me smiling, my education and a job I love and all my family’s health and happiness.
-Mary

I am grateful for my family and extended family and many years of memories and times together. I am grateful to see the new additions and enjoy being able to see them grow. I am grateful for the experiences I have had in my full life.
-Judy

I am thankful for my wonderful family and friends and good health and the many blessings throughout this year.
-Paula

Thankful for family both new and old. Thankful for my new house and everyone’s good health.
-Eric

So thankful for such a loving and thoughtful family – Dan and Carolyn have been such loving/supportive friends during this year of scarcity – but they’ve made it feel bountiful! Thanks to all with love.
-Lizzie

I am thankful for friends, family and a well-brined turkey.
-Dan

I am grateful for my new daughter Meg and for my wonderful family which is growing happier and more blessed always! Our family is the best! Here’s to good health and hapiness in 2010.
-Susan

Billy [who refused to write in the book] is thankful to not yet be across the street [in the cemetery]!

I have the most abundant life! An amazingly beautiful wife, (yay meg!) The cutest, sweetest puppy/monkey. A comfortable home and the coziest nest possible. I am thankful for my job – something that I believe in and find fun. (yay Sweet!) Wonderful friends and the best family. Many years of bliss to come. Matazicals for life.
-Sara Jane