I teamed up with some fabulous filmmaker friends of mine and made a short piece of video art—it’s me reciting “The Raven.” I memorized the poem in college and always wanted to recite it on stage. In the age of YouTube, we can create our own stage. The video is in its final phases of editing. I’ll share once it’s ready. For now, here are some photos from the shoot.
Speaking of writing letters to celebrities and receiving responses, read this heartwarming letter from Fiona Apple to a fan. And look what I got. . .
Today is the 12th (and final) day of Christmas also known as Twelfth Night. The 12 days mark the days between Christmas and Epiphany–when the wise men visit baby Jesus. Today is also the last day I will virtually toast the New Year on this blog. I can, admittedly, go overboard. I just love saying Happy New Year. It feels like I’m saying Happy Fresh Start!
Reader Masa sent me this wonderfully festive New Year’s postcard from Tokyo where he was visiting. Thank you Masa and a Happy Fresh Start to everyone.
My cousin and housemate, Kate, brought this home. It’s a gift from her mother. What a cute, clever way to invite autumn in. Everything you see is authentic. No plastic!
Here are pics of the Apple store in Philly–honoring Steve Jobs with post-it notes. It’s a simple, colorful tribute. And with that, I bid you good weekend.
I walked into a convenience store last night and noticed a woman I’ve seen a few times before. She’s tiny and in a wheelchair. Her arms are about half the length of mine, but she has hands. Every time I see her I smile and try my hardest not to stare. It’s unfortunate that staring is the inherent behavior we have to fight against. Also last night, I happened upon this trailer for a documentary called On Beauty. They speak the truth: if we were exposed to people—all types of people—in media images everyday then the instinct to stare would go away. We wouldn’t look twice because these unique and wonderful people wouldn’t be different anymore, they would be what they are: fellow human beings.
I have wanted to do this blog post since I moved and haven’t had a chance to until now. Just a little photo tour of my new neighborhood.
This is the deli on my corner. The first timeI went in, I didn’t have enough cash and was about to hit the ATM. The lady at the counter said, “You can give it to us next time.” Next time? Who says that? Kate says they’re very nice and trusting at this deli. Obviously!
A close-up of the deli’s mosaic tile exterior. There’s an artist in Philly who does this type of work. Most buildings like this are in the South Street area, but Fairmount boasts a few.
The Flying Saucer Café on the other corner.
This looks better in person—the pink flowers against the white house are stunning.
This is a nearby Pub called McKenna’s. I have yet to go, but when I do I’ll get the story behind the old-school Ladies Entrance sign. It’s cool that they kept it.
One of Fairmount’s most well-known bars is called The Bishop’s Collar. The food always catches me off guard with how good it is. This is my chicken quesadilla from the other day. Please note the fruit—yummy!
A local restaurant—very cozy in the winter with fireplaces and lots of beer. I love the way they spell Brigids.
Another exterior done in the tile mosaic way.
Best of all! Jesus lives here, too!
That’s all for me this week. Have a wonderful, safe, celebratory 4th of July weekend!