I'M HEADED OUT OF TOWN, FOR SURGERY.
I'll be leaving early tomorrow(Monday) for the famed Cleveland Clinic, where I will undergo major surgery (on Wednesday, Dec. 10th) to repair my intestinal tract. I have suffered with acute Diverticulitis for over 5 years, and this surgery is long-over-due.
If you pray, please do pray for me. If you don't, I would respectfully ask that you give a minute of your day to me, where you focus on my healing, and/or visualize a healthy, vibrant Lisa. Thank you so very much!
I WILL BE ABSENT FROM THE ENTIRE BLOGOSPHERE, AND INDEED, THE INTERNET, FOR A FEW WEEKS! I'LL MISS YOU KIDS! BE SAFE, AND HAVE FUN WHILE I'M AWAY!
And now....some of those photos I've been promising the past few months!
The following picture was taken on November 3rd, one day before President-Elect Barack Obama's historic win!
Pictured are 91-year-old Winnie Wilds, and on her left, daughter CiCi, and on her right, daughter Dimawi. I was so impressed by this family--all volunteers at the Democratic Party Headquarters in Roswell. I loved working alongside these ladies, and several others!
Scroll on down, and you'll see me, in my wedding gown. The date was Feburary 10th, 2007. A few folks have asked to see the gown, which I had Nadine Jean-Marie(a dress designer from Alpharetta, originally from French Haiti)do for me. I showed up, explained I wanted a "late 1920's/early 1930's feel--silk charmeuse, flow-y, something I can wear at night, with a reflective feel, as I want lots of candlelight for a soft look..." I told her EXACTLY the design, but my Mom--Demetra suggested the off-shoulder look(which helped broaden my tiny frame, I think), and I suggested "gauntlet" gloves to pair with the dress. Nadine added simple beading to the neckline, and made a criss-cross tie for the bare back. She created, completely on her own, the beaded veil. (I found the material for everything at a Cheshire Bridge fabric store(near the Colonnade Restaurant)and when I returned to Nadine, I explained I wanted it to fit very snug, almost mermaid-ish, but flow-ier, Jean Harlow-like....)So, there you are.
I'll have a few more photos in two weeks(I have to get proper equipment to put the pic of Kate Evans & I(from the AQLF, held here a couple of months ago) .I'll also have pics from the Gay Pride weekend, and Wordsmiths' Books (July 4th), which show Collin Kelley, Theresa Davis, and others!
In the meantime, catch up with other blogs--check out my list of faves to the right of my blog!
Peace, kids.
Showing posts with label Kate Evans. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kate Evans. Show all posts
Sunday, December 07, 2008
FOR THE MAY QUEEN
I was thrilled to get to meet San Jose State University professor and author Kate Evans at the 2nd-annual Atlanta Queer Literature Festival;I found her delightful. Digging into her "For The May Queen" was delicious!
Norma is a teenager bound for college, and the only boundaries she has, are the ones she consistently crosses!This romp through the early 1980's made me feel young again, except this time around, there were no uh-oh moments.
Ms. Evans has created a tapestry of bright colors and swirling images--the trip she takes you on is akin to at least one trip that plays out in the book.
What I loved was that I felt like I was peering into protaganist Norma's journal, reviewing her hottest nights(and there are aLOT of them!)and seeing the world through an unintiated teenager's eyes.There is the quick pace of the story, a twist that's inevitable, but not predictable, and a finish--like a great bottle of Beaujolais, that leaves you ruddy in the cheeks--and tasting the sweetness of life.
Read "For The May Queen", and instantly reverse the aging process. No surgery or pain required. Pure joy!
I was thrilled to get to meet San Jose State University professor and author Kate Evans at the 2nd-annual Atlanta Queer Literature Festival;I found her delightful. Digging into her "For The May Queen" was delicious!
Norma is a teenager bound for college, and the only boundaries she has, are the ones she consistently crosses!This romp through the early 1980's made me feel young again, except this time around, there were no uh-oh moments.
Ms. Evans has created a tapestry of bright colors and swirling images--the trip she takes you on is akin to at least one trip that plays out in the book.
What I loved was that I felt like I was peering into protaganist Norma's journal, reviewing her hottest nights(and there are aLOT of them!)and seeing the world through an unintiated teenager's eyes.There is the quick pace of the story, a twist that's inevitable, but not predictable, and a finish--like a great bottle of Beaujolais, that leaves you ruddy in the cheeks--and tasting the sweetness of life.
Read "For The May Queen", and instantly reverse the aging process. No surgery or pain required. Pure joy!
Sunday, October 19, 2008
SATURDAY AT AQLF!!!!!!!
What a richly rewarding, healing, FUN day/night!
The morning began with no folks lined up for the acting class I had planned to give, but that's okay, because it freed me up to take a breath, and attend a couple of wonderful workshops! The first, a Prose Workshop given by Judy Doenges, had us discussing character, and the way setting can influence, and inform that character.
Collin Kelley, when asked about his "Conquering Venus", detailed how viewing Wim Wenders' "Until The End Of The World" and especially, lovely actress Jeanne Moreau, literally created one of the characters in his novel."She became what I imagine Jeanne Moreau--the person--to be."
Ms. Doenges and Kate("For The May Queen") Evans were surprised by this revelation(as was I), and this fueled more discussion.
Ms. Doenges gave us a hand-out which featured a short story by Peter Cameron, a favorite of hers.
The second workshop was with Kate Bornstein. Her views on gender/race/class identity are legendary, but it's still amazing to see and hear her, in-person.
She detailed a heirarchy that rivals the one created by Eric Maslow(Maslow's Heirarchy of Human Needs)--the one all us college kids became familiar with. The difference being, this heirarchy is one that defines methodologies that attempt to control, and/or repress us.
Despite her claims of being a completely depressed, pessimistic person most of the time, her bright light shone through. I daresay if she didn't carry some hope in her heart, she would not bother to teach the rest of us. "Hello Cruel World" is her fantastic book. Get it, read it, follow the survival tips. Her main rule? "Don't Be Mean."
It was nearly 2:00 P.M., so Robin Kemp and I headed to Landmark Diner, just down from the Forsyth Street Library, for a quick bite that turned into a rather leisurely lunch(Her--Dolmades; me--Moussakka, Greek salad, french fries, mozzarella sticks). We tried to get caught up with one another--I seldom get to see Robin(the woman works continually!), and we discussed current events.The political acumen and tremendous care she exhibits for this country was humbling. I think Robin ought to run for office!
After this, I headed back to the Library, and was treated to bookmarks, "book-thongs", and candy.
I took the train to Brookhaven, where Hansoo fetched me, and we headed off to browse at Phipps Plaza(even in this upscale mall--with boutiques like Versace, and Jimmy Choo, I saw NO ONE with purchases. Everyone, even old-money-wealthy, was simply browsing). We trundled down to Candler Park by car, to hear some pre-show poetry from Yolo, and Lakara Foster.
Lakara wowed me with her takes on relationships, women-love, bad men, and body-image(by day, she's a counselor for young women). You go, woman!
Yolo is a favorite of mine--his "We Are Not The Boys We Want" is an anthem to a sometimes-hyocritical gay mens' community."Fags Are Not Responsible", a searing indictment of the bigotry and homophobia all LGBT are familiar with.
"Skin Deep", the play that won the Larry Corse Prize for Playwrighting, a $1,000.00 award, and received its' premiere as part of AQLF was fun...lots of broad comedy, and a drag queen diva, to boot!
Sunday: 3:00 P.M.--Reginald T. Jackson will direct a show he wrote, "69", just after I give "The Woman Who Called Herself Vincent" a debut. Both are "staged readings", which means they are not-quite-polished.
I'm planning to ask for feedback, as it will help me to "shape" my telling of Vincent's life.
Then Sunday night, at Eyedrum Gallery, a big night of music and craziness, to cap off the fun five days/nights we've all had!
Peace, kids.
What a richly rewarding, healing, FUN day/night!
The morning began with no folks lined up for the acting class I had planned to give, but that's okay, because it freed me up to take a breath, and attend a couple of wonderful workshops! The first, a Prose Workshop given by Judy Doenges, had us discussing character, and the way setting can influence, and inform that character.
Collin Kelley, when asked about his "Conquering Venus", detailed how viewing Wim Wenders' "Until The End Of The World" and especially, lovely actress Jeanne Moreau, literally created one of the characters in his novel."She became what I imagine Jeanne Moreau--the person--to be."
Ms. Doenges and Kate("For The May Queen") Evans were surprised by this revelation(as was I), and this fueled more discussion.
Ms. Doenges gave us a hand-out which featured a short story by Peter Cameron, a favorite of hers.
The second workshop was with Kate Bornstein. Her views on gender/race/class identity are legendary, but it's still amazing to see and hear her, in-person.
She detailed a heirarchy that rivals the one created by Eric Maslow(Maslow's Heirarchy of Human Needs)--the one all us college kids became familiar with. The difference being, this heirarchy is one that defines methodologies that attempt to control, and/or repress us.
Despite her claims of being a completely depressed, pessimistic person most of the time, her bright light shone through. I daresay if she didn't carry some hope in her heart, she would not bother to teach the rest of us. "Hello Cruel World" is her fantastic book. Get it, read it, follow the survival tips. Her main rule? "Don't Be Mean."
It was nearly 2:00 P.M., so Robin Kemp and I headed to Landmark Diner, just down from the Forsyth Street Library, for a quick bite that turned into a rather leisurely lunch(Her--Dolmades; me--Moussakka, Greek salad, french fries, mozzarella sticks). We tried to get caught up with one another--I seldom get to see Robin(the woman works continually!), and we discussed current events.The political acumen and tremendous care she exhibits for this country was humbling. I think Robin ought to run for office!
After this, I headed back to the Library, and was treated to bookmarks, "book-thongs", and candy.
I took the train to Brookhaven, where Hansoo fetched me, and we headed off to browse at Phipps Plaza(even in this upscale mall--with boutiques like Versace, and Jimmy Choo, I saw NO ONE with purchases. Everyone, even old-money-wealthy, was simply browsing). We trundled down to Candler Park by car, to hear some pre-show poetry from Yolo, and Lakara Foster.
Lakara wowed me with her takes on relationships, women-love, bad men, and body-image(by day, she's a counselor for young women). You go, woman!
Yolo is a favorite of mine--his "We Are Not The Boys We Want" is an anthem to a sometimes-hyocritical gay mens' community."Fags Are Not Responsible", a searing indictment of the bigotry and homophobia all LGBT are familiar with.
"Skin Deep", the play that won the Larry Corse Prize for Playwrighting, a $1,000.00 award, and received its' premiere as part of AQLF was fun...lots of broad comedy, and a drag queen diva, to boot!
Sunday: 3:00 P.M.--Reginald T. Jackson will direct a show he wrote, "69", just after I give "The Woman Who Called Herself Vincent" a debut. Both are "staged readings", which means they are not-quite-polished.
I'm planning to ask for feedback, as it will help me to "shape" my telling of Vincent's life.
Then Sunday night, at Eyedrum Gallery, a big night of music and craziness, to cap off the fun five days/nights we've all had!
Peace, kids.
Friday, October 10, 2008
DETAILS ON THE UPCOMING ATLANTA QUEER LITERATURE FESTIVAL:
http://atlqueerlitfest.blogspot.com/
I'm truly excited to be included in this excellent, diverse array of artists, teachers, writers, thinkers, musicians, actors.....Come OUT and support the poets and novelists you often read about on this blog! I personally will be reading at Charis Books next Friday evening, and I'll be holding an Acting Workshop on Saturday morning at the downtown library. Sunday afternoon, also at that downtown library, I am thrilled to premiere a new theatre piece, my one-woman show entitled "The Woman Who Called Herself Vincent", which is my take on the life of Edna St. Vincent Millay. I am particularly honored to be featured on the same bill with the marvelously talented playwright and actor, Reginald T. Jackson, who will perform his own new show as well!
All days/times are detailed at the above link to Atlanta Queer Lit Fest.
The talents who are HEADLINING this Festival are too numerous to list, but include: Mark Doty, Kate Bornstein, Kate Evans!
Big hugs and THANK YOU's to the incredibly dedicated Committee members who are making this happen, most especially :
Megan Volpert--exemplary teacher, she's a newlywed(Congrats, Megan!), and a brilliant, witty poet; Collin Kelley- -playwright, poet,novelist,and great human being;Franklin Abbott-- activist, poet, community organizer, saint; the well-known playwright and teacher--Larry Corse(he generously awarded $1,000.00 to this years' playwrighting winner. That play, "Skin Deep" runs several nights during the fest!), Kerri she's-so-gorgeous-I-always-get-distracted-and-forget-her-last-name--- she's talented, kind, and dedicated to LGBT concerns; C. Cleo Creech--warm,but edg-y poet with an eye for art--(and artists!),Cleo is a designer of words, and images.Yolo the Poet, the cutest gay young man you'll meet at the Fest--he has a huge following, and always makes me laugh--and think--at the same time.
Big Thanks to Cal Gough from Ponce Library too!
There are many, many others who derserve mention--these are simply the ones who leapt to mind as the folks I heard from on a regular basis during their long planning of this fab event!
Peace, kids!
http://atlqueerlitfest.blogspot.com/
I'm truly excited to be included in this excellent, diverse array of artists, teachers, writers, thinkers, musicians, actors.....Come OUT and support the poets and novelists you often read about on this blog! I personally will be reading at Charis Books next Friday evening, and I'll be holding an Acting Workshop on Saturday morning at the downtown library. Sunday afternoon, also at that downtown library, I am thrilled to premiere a new theatre piece, my one-woman show entitled "The Woman Who Called Herself Vincent", which is my take on the life of Edna St. Vincent Millay. I am particularly honored to be featured on the same bill with the marvelously talented playwright and actor, Reginald T. Jackson, who will perform his own new show as well!
All days/times are detailed at the above link to Atlanta Queer Lit Fest.
The talents who are HEADLINING this Festival are too numerous to list, but include: Mark Doty, Kate Bornstein, Kate Evans!
Big hugs and THANK YOU's to the incredibly dedicated Committee members who are making this happen, most especially :
Megan Volpert--exemplary teacher, she's a newlywed(Congrats, Megan!), and a brilliant, witty poet; Collin Kelley- -playwright, poet,novelist,and great human being;Franklin Abbott-- activist, poet, community organizer, saint; the well-known playwright and teacher--Larry Corse(he generously awarded $1,000.00 to this years' playwrighting winner. That play, "Skin Deep" runs several nights during the fest!), Kerri she's-so-gorgeous-I-always-get-distracted-and-forget-her-last-name--- she's talented, kind, and dedicated to LGBT concerns; C. Cleo Creech--warm,but edg-y poet with an eye for art--(and artists!),Cleo is a designer of words, and images.Yolo the Poet, the cutest gay young man you'll meet at the Fest--he has a huge following, and always makes me laugh--and think--at the same time.
Big Thanks to Cal Gough from Ponce Library too!
There are many, many others who derserve mention--these are simply the ones who leapt to mind as the folks I heard from on a regular basis during their long planning of this fab event!
Peace, kids!
Sunday, June 08, 2008
A MEME FOR EVERYONE WHO HAS A BLOG, WHO READS MY BLOG.
Okay, here's the deal:
I came up with a few questions that I want answers to. Here they are:
1) If you HAD to be someone other than you, WHO (anyone who has lived, or is living) would you choose to be, and why?
It's a toss-up here.I think Sr. Maureen Michael, my teacher in 7th grade and Math instructor in 8th grade, because she was amazingly smart, supportive, and kind. And very, very beautiful. Her eyebrows were the color of sand, and she had pale blue eyes, and delicate features, and was slender, with long legs and a very ample bosom. I also think it would've been cool to be St. Theresa of Liseux--a tender-hearted child, who was the model of purity and piety.
2) If you could improve one skill/talent, what would you want to improve?
I want to become a better writer, of course. And I'd like better math-skills, too.
3) If you had to give up one of the following, forever, which would it be:
*sweets(cakes, cookies, pies, candy)
*salty food
*spicy food
*soft drinks
*fried foods
I don't do sodas much, so this one is easy. I could not live without the other four!
4) What is the most important quality you expect to have in your friends?
Reliability. All my best pals are highly creative, generous, and political. Most are pretty spiritual, too. But reliability has to be there, or I can't be your friend!
5) What are you most proud of, in terms of accomplishments, in your life(so far)?
My ability to maintain my friendships, and strengthen my family relationships. It gives me great, great joy to connect with others.I love acting, and writing, but I could not do either of those, were it not for "communion" with those I love...
6) What is the one place that sometime in your lifetime, you MUST visit?
Greece. Australia and New Zealand. And Egypt. Oh, and The Seychelle Islands(off the coast of Africa).
I'm giving you a click in the a*&...so go on, and respond in your own blog, to my meme!
Okay, here's the deal:
I came up with a few questions that I want answers to. Here they are:
1) If you HAD to be someone other than you, WHO (anyone who has lived, or is living) would you choose to be, and why?
It's a toss-up here.I think Sr. Maureen Michael, my teacher in 7th grade and Math instructor in 8th grade, because she was amazingly smart, supportive, and kind. And very, very beautiful. Her eyebrows were the color of sand, and she had pale blue eyes, and delicate features, and was slender, with long legs and a very ample bosom. I also think it would've been cool to be St. Theresa of Liseux--a tender-hearted child, who was the model of purity and piety.
2) If you could improve one skill/talent, what would you want to improve?
I want to become a better writer, of course. And I'd like better math-skills, too.
3) If you had to give up one of the following, forever, which would it be:
*sweets(cakes, cookies, pies, candy)
*salty food
*spicy food
*soft drinks
*fried foods
I don't do sodas much, so this one is easy. I could not live without the other four!
4) What is the most important quality you expect to have in your friends?
Reliability. All my best pals are highly creative, generous, and political. Most are pretty spiritual, too. But reliability has to be there, or I can't be your friend!
5) What are you most proud of, in terms of accomplishments, in your life(so far)?
My ability to maintain my friendships, and strengthen my family relationships. It gives me great, great joy to connect with others.I love acting, and writing, but I could not do either of those, were it not for "communion" with those I love...
6) What is the one place that sometime in your lifetime, you MUST visit?
Greece. Australia and New Zealand. And Egypt. Oh, and The Seychelle Islands(off the coast of Africa).
I'm giving you a click in the a*&...so go on, and respond in your own blog, to my meme!
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