Austin Film Society/WHITE MATERIAL

Tonight we return to AFS Essential Cinema Series DIRECTORS WITHOUT BORDERS.  The series began with Claire Denis' WHITE MATERIAL, a film (2009) that takes place in an unnamed African country and in the midst of a civil war.  Isabel Huppert  is beautiful and brilliant in the role of a coffee plantation owner unwilling and unable to face the loss of her home, the plantation and her identity.  Her refusal to experience the ever present  danger and threat to her and her family keeps the viewer riveted throughout.  The children soldiers, the reality of the hardship of laborers and the perpetual threat of violence creates a non-stop tension.  At the same time the cinematography is beautiful and throughout  I was very aware the filmmaker was a woman. I loved this film and recommend it.

Miguel and Our Tree Well

On Saturday I went with Miguel to pick up  Mexican adobe bricks so that he could build a well around our tree and then the stoneyard to pick up additional river rocks for our front yard.  What fun being in a world of bricks and stones, working men, forklifts, courtesy, helpfulness. And then Miguel magically produced a round well surrounding our tree.  And then the dominoes effect took over ....more landscaping, more planting, numerous trips to Home Depot, The Great Outdoors and Plantescape on S. lst.  And through it all Abe raked, cleaned, dug holes, lifted debris and dirt and gave his feedback on where shrubs and plants should go.    God I love this man!        
Here's Miguel and the tree well.
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WHAT I WORE/SOMETHING FOR EVERY ROLE

On April 24th I broke my promise to not write critical nasty posts and spoke disgustedly about a Park Slope Mom who spoke about her clothing as though each piece was a candidate for an award.  You know...THE BEST DRESSED MOM IN PARK SLOPE award even though I have an important job, an incredible marriage, on and on.

And today in the same column is a 79yo costume designer, Ann Roth who discusses what she's wearing with intelligence, personal history and creativity.  We don't hear labels we hear about her travels, her interests and how the clothing represents who she is and how she feels about things.  She reminds me of a quintessential Austinite.  Finally the NYT got it right!

TREE OF LIFE

This is a beautiful film.  The cinematography is perfect and visually beautiful.  Reed, Abe and I saw it and agreed that the story of the family is so well detailed and acted.  The eldest son is impeccable. Jessica Chestain is perfect as the mother/wife.  Terrence Mallick has a story to tell and he told it so well.

A lovely day with Abe and Reed and drinks at Manuel's.  Life is sweet!

B Scene at the Blanton

Every other month on a Friday night the Blanton has a shindig with drinks, hors doeuvres, music, dance and guided tours.  Great people watching too.  Tonight we met Ria and her friends and had an evening at a beautiful museum, watching a dance performance, and sitting outdoors on the plaza.


Today was serious gardening with Abe.  Good Austin sweaty hard work! 

Austin Loves It's Trees

And now so do we.  We are surrounded by oak trees which bring us plenty of shade, glorious birds, cute squirrels  and lots of work!!!  We have AUSTIN TREE EXPERTS maintaining, trimming, fixing and now root flaring our huge post oak in front of the house.  What a mess power steaming all of the dirt, earth and mulch away from  our front yard tree.  And we were left to cart it all away.  Thank goodness the woods is at the end of our block (city girl talk).

Tonight was an acting class where the other students were aged 15-27 the most.  They all looked gorgeous on film!  And are able to memorize lines in 2 minutes.  And then there's me.  I'll keep truckin' because it's good for me. 

Vespaio

Tonight we finally ate at this up-scale Italian restaurant on S.Congress.  The food was delicious and the portions huge.  We were taken by Reed who provides great Austin history, Texas Midland background, and sincere friendship.  I am so glad he bicycled by our house two years ago.  He has been an Austin treasure.