Monthly Archives: December 2008

(Community Matters)
I smile everytime I’m handed one of the overseas flight amenities bags. After a flight from Hong Kong, I gave one to Nico. He was in kindergarten. Took it to school for show & tell and described how there were Chinese people on the back of the plane making the kits. (Pardon the non-pc, he was 5 & simply mixed up the stories of where I’d been, what I’d seen and the kit).

I’m on a Northwest flight. First time have flown them international. Think I’m going to like it. Regrettably, off to a not-best start. (I return thru Detroit). Was chatting with the attendant and I commisurated their economic challenge. Mentioned I’d been in Grand Rapids campaigning and liked the people and countryside. Turns out she’s not an Obama supporter. Went cold for a bit but warmed up with a favorable acknowledgement McCain and acknowledgement of recent GOP Senate win.

Wow, only 4 days on the ground here, feels wonderfully much longer. Sorta sad departing from ST this am; we really are soulmates & all experiences better together. We’re off to Marfa when he returns.

A few friends joining us for New Years. Will be a relaxing time and we’ll get some good work done. Hmmm, just occured to me to email Julie, Tim and Quality to let them know of our arrival. Hoping they’ll be there some of the time too.

(Community Matters) Even more fun when Steven isn’t working!

We had such a great day, tooling around the city, climbing inside and to the top of the Arc de Triomphe, exploring Montmarte, shopping and reacquainting ourselves with this gorgeous city.

Reservations for Premiers Pas again tonight but it was raining and cold, so we decided on a quiet dinner near by, then in early to read, hang out. ST leaves for Heidelberg tomorrow.

Thought we’d transfer over to one of my favorite hotels yesterday, the Four Seasons’ George V. Even dialed up friends at Austin FS for an introduction. However, we’ve become quite comfortable in the Mac Mahon, a formerly upscale hotel just off the Arc de Triomphe, now a mature 3-star – not to mention saved tons of money instead.

Steven’s client has asked him back. So, we’re definitely returning, possibly a couple of times next year. Was trying to figure out what makes Paris so unique, so romantic. Definitely the history, historical character of the city, the food, the wine, the people and the fact that nearly all midrises in the city proper. It’s a huge city, more dense than London – yet there are views everywhere. Yum

flickr

(Community Matters) Bad market research?

(Community Matters) A wee bit of shopping today. Only real splurge from e. Dehillerin. Plus a couple of other household items. In for a nap, then out for dinner and show.

(Community Matters) Hah, she left a couple really great ones off her list. And, you can bet we’ve been having chocolates from many of them 🙂

photo NYT

Her mention of the Velib bike system is furtuitious. I took pictures of these and planned to email board members Brandi Clark & Brian Donovan about the system when I return to Austin. Seems like a natural project for Car Share.

(Community Matters) 7.5oz 19in

w/ daddy Stephen Walls

w/ daddy Denny Biggs

(Community Matters) Can’t seem to get away from this ad. It’s in all the sub stations.

(Community Matters) Interesting supposed insider posting on failure of bailout at 3BlueDudes. I’m not sure I get the nuance of 3/31 versus agreements to renegotiate wages under direction of auto czar. Appears to signal a lack of goodwill in negotiations by Senate GOP. While painful and risky, I still believe bankruptcy required for full restructuring and ultimate preservation of the most number of direct and indirect jobs.

(Community Matters) Steven and I met at The Cartoucherie (a posting of its own) this evening for Theatre du Soleil’s Proces Ivre. The place is an old armory converted into several theaters, even a riding stable. It’s a jaunt – take the Metro to the end of the line, east of the city, then a cab or shuttle just a few miles further out. And worth it.

btw, I forgot to bring my cable to download pictures from my camera. So, those I’m posting are from my blackberry.

First things first . . . the entire setting and the way community builds here had us both in overdrive thinking about Ron Berry’s Fuse Box Festival. Steven’s helped Ron launch an independent 501 (c) (3) and Amy Rudy, Amy Bryant and Brent Hasty have joined the board – they created. To have a central place where artists, patrons and audience come together – while continuing to perform all over town – would be extraordinary. I know they are already working on this; mine & Steven’s attention and commitment doubled this evening. Food artists need to get in on the gig.

Mama Fanta – makes an awesome drink called Gingembre

Before Steven arrived I had a glass of wine and a very simple but tremendously satisfying sandwich (bread, butter, salami and pickle) in the La Tempete building. Watched Mama Fanta set up – she walked carrying a full punch bowl and several serving pieces on top of her head. Her ginger/fruit drink is to die for. She’d never met a Mexican before and asked me to take a picture with her (again, much better pics in my camera, but can’t download yet).

Then over to the Theate du Soleil building – what a scene. The young theatre troop had made a pumpkin/ginger soup as well as several pastries including one of the best macaroons I’ve ever eaten (yep, Kip, even better than Rebecca Rathers from Fredericksburg). We were early but the crowd swelled quickly.

The show was well performed, although I couldn’t understand a word – all in French. Fortunately, I know the story since it’s an avant garde rendition of Dostoeysky’s Crime & Punishment. In their version, Rodion is a very sexy Frenchman with a wardrobe that shows it off. His best friend, sister, mother, whore, the detective and others all delightfully cast and the director did a great job staging within a huge space.

We especially loved the French hospital surplus blankets nearly all the audience used to bundle up – more out of romanticism since the building was modestly warmed. by the way, it’s very cold in Paris today.

We had tickets for a second show but we’d both had long days and seeing another play in a language I couldn’t understand, just a bit much. We’ll be back tomorrow for the festival’s wrap up.

(Community Matters)
Stephen Walls and Denny Biggs at the hospital now awaiting the birth of their little girl, Zella Mae Walls-Biggs. Good thing I found the cutest little baby gift today in the Marais bio market. Posted from my blackberry

(Community Matters)

WASHINGTON – Today, in keeping with its commitment to hold inaugural events that celebrate our common values and reflects the diversity and history of our great nation, President-elect Barack Obama and Vice President-elect Joe Biden’s Inaugural Committee officially extended an offer to the Lesbian and Gay Band Association to march in the 56th Inaugural Parade.  Members of that group will join representatives from across the country and our Armed Forces in the historic parade down Pennsylvania Avenue following President-elect Obama’s swearing-in ceremony on the steps of the Capitol.

This marks the first time that an openly LGBT group has been invited to participate in an Inaugural Parade.

“I am honored to invite these talented groups and individuals to participate in the Inaugural Parade,” said President-elect Obama.  “These organizations embody the best of our nation’s history, diversity and commitment to service.  Vice President-elect Biden and I are proud to have them join us in the parade.”(Other very cool news re transition. Though, I’m embargoed – rats) Posted from my blackberry

(Community Matters) This guy just makes it up, either unaware of the real facts or self-deceptive. Nevertheless, while that style of leadership has been rejected nationally, it still plays well enough among rural Texans and enough urban Texans to get him reelected. Phillip Martin at Burnt Orange dissects the Gov’s recent fundraising letter