Kick-Ass Wit - Molly Ivins Remembered

 First time visit to  Stage West   theater in Fort Worth, and it won't be my last. This small venue off Vickery Boulevard is large in heart and quality. Pleasant staff, decent dinner at their Ol'Vic Cafe, local artists featured on the walls, and of course a show. Red Hot Patriot: The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins was funny, well done, and a tour de force for actress Georgia Clinton. Kudos to the authors - Allison Engel and Margaret Engel.

The show opened with Ms.Ivins sitting with her feet up on her desk, chewing on her glasses, staring at the ceiling, and declaring, "This is writing. I'm writing." Indeed, as a writer, there are plenty of times when the feet are on the desk and words are churning in the head but not on the paper.

The show picked up steam and we were on a whirlwind tour of Molly Ivins' career, her sharp-tongue, her skewing of the political establishment, and her life wisdom. The woman lived hard, drank hard, and found her way in a man's world. Sadly, she died too soon from breast cancer. She wrote what she believed and followed up with facts - hard nosed reporting, fashioned columns of word magic, and kept us laughing.

Red Hot Patriot:The Kick-Ass Wit of Molly Ivins. She is sorely missed, but nicely honored in this show.

Caravaggio Fills the Kimbell

Caravaggio and His Followers in Rome is an electrifying exhibit presented only in Fort Worth at the Kimbell Art Museum and in Ottawa Canada. The Musician (pictured) is one example of the talent displayed. Rich colors and details abound, and Caravaggio (1571-1610) captured life as he saw it. Famous for The Cardsharps, his eye for the seamier side was new to the art world.

There are ten Caravaggios as well as forty or more great masters of Baroque Art included. The exhibit allows you to compare and contrast similar topics and treatments of subjects, especially those of saints. I liked Caravaggio's Saint John in the Wilderness versus others' versions.

As always, a visit to the Kimbell is a treat. Two large Christmas trees add to the festivities, and their lunch buffet offers a delicious respite.

Indulge the eyes and travel to 16th century Rome, a la Ft.Worth, for some culture. Ciao.

Christmas in the Stockyards: TWW 2011

Trinity Writers' elves - Lacey, Lauren, and Sharon were ready to greet children, and help with Letters to Santa, an annual event. They were joined by Ann and Jim.

Christmas in the Stockyards 2011. Even the cowboys are decked out for the occasion.

TWW member, Jim Mitchell, is delighted to read the Trinity Writers' Workshop 2011 Christmas collection of stories and poems. All family friendly and free - this giveaway, along with Letters to Santa has proven to be a successful tradition.

Jan Nourse, TWW member, along with her Sonshine Singers entertained stockyard visitors with joyous carols.

They rounded up a few bellringers from the audience. Rainy weather did not dampen spirits and we all enjoyed the smiles from parents and kids alike. 'Tis the season, indeed.

Salvator Rosa at the Kimbell

My Valentine's treat on Sunday was a visit to the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. Ray was willing to stroll through this exhibit and discover the talent of this 17th century artist. Rosa was dark and brooding and explored the subjects of witchcraft, bandits, and behind it all was Italian scenery. Evocative and satirical, Salvator Rosa was an artist to be reckoned with and the Kimbell exhbit, as always, offers a wide range of his works.

His portraits are haunting and his landscapes are gorgeous. Craggy ravines and superb lighting enhance his work. Thirty six paintings cover a wide range of spirit from very, very dark to intense. I enjoyed this exhibit and also strolled through the Kimbell's regular collection - always a treat to see pieces from their vast warehouse. The Fort Worth Cultural District is a gem - Go explore it!

Arts in Fort Worth, Tony's on TV

Confession - haven't been writing much or editing either. No good excuses. Flat out - been swimming/water aerobics and exercise is beneficial and healthy. Been reading a lot - sometimes it goes in spurts and, currently, I have a pile of extraordinary material ( The Passage, Pretty in Plaid). Busy at work which involves me sitting at a computer screen for seven and a half hours straight. (okay, yes, I take thirty minutes for a bag lunch and peruse the Wall Street Journal).

Sunday - I chose to view other artists, and treated myself to a Fort Worth day. Strolled through the Kimbell and enjoyed their Asian art on display. Then lunch (!) - tasty turkey on walnut bread plus assorted salads. Yes, I chose their "small" platter and no dessert. Onward to the Amon Carter for a true treat. Ansel Adams:Eloquent Light featured sixty photographs from a master. Black and white vision, patience, and beauty.

Walked briskly back to The Magnolia Theatre at The Modern to see the film Please Give. Artsy angst. It did seem long, but it had some great lines and I love the actress, Catherine Keener. I'd say it was a mixed reaction from fellow film-goers. One man said to his wife, "Now can we go see the A-Team?" Yikes.

Finally, Sunday night, my husband relinquished control of the big screen and I watched the Tony Awards. Love them - great productions, excellent presenters, the winners gave eloquent speeches, and I'm ready to head to New York to see everything. Chatted with my father and we agreed - Come Fly Away - Twyla Tharp choreography to Frank Sinatra music - wow!

So, I might not be creating art at this juncture, but I'm sure appreciating others' talents.

Jolly Mystery at the Jubilee

Talent overflows in the Fort Worth area. You just have to poke your head around corners, put a name on the waiting list on a Saturday evening, and celebrate with jubilation when the name is called. Preview night at the Jubilee Theatre (www.jubileetheatre.org) proved to be a hoot. Sam Shade: A Detective Musical had us chasing the Maltese Chicken, and no we aren't talking Chinese food.

And "No, don't do it Sam, don't sing." Sure enough, the leading man never got a number, but he kept everyone else around him singing a fine tune. Comedy, drama, and a heartfelt love song by the lascivious secretary, Lucy Lipschlitz (amazing voice of Sheran G. Keyton) kept the audience alternately laughing and applauding. Two standouts for me were Major A. Attaway and Aaron D. Petite (they played versions of the Sidney Greenstreet and Peter Lorre Falcon characters).

All in all, kudos to playwright/composer Joe Rogers for imagination and creativity. Bravos to the fine singers, dancers, and actors of the Jubilee organization. It was an entertaining Saturday night and thanks to the city of Fort Worth/Sundance Square for FREE parking.

Support local theater: Sam Shade runs 7/31/09 thru 8/23/09 at the Jubilee Theatre

You know, "life is a mystery".

Joanne

support the arts, convoluted tales part 2

Upcoming free author talks, sponsored by the Star-Telegram and other local underwriting trusts, need to be attended. Support the arts - events at the Bass, Jubilee Theater, Circle Theater, etc will broaden your views, offer new perspectives, and generally give you a laugh. Here's new dates for authors - 10/7/09 Garrison Keillor at Bass Hall. 11/23/09 - Clive Kussler at Bass Hall. Send a SASE to Star-Telegram, Author events PO Box 1870 Fort Worth TX 76101 and be sure to list the author you are interested in seeing. These are FREE!

I'm still thinking about Jeffery Deaver's chat at Casa Manana. Engaging and forthcoming, he encouraged new writers to analyze books in their genre. If you intend to write a thriller, then take Deaver's latest Roadside Crosses and outline it. Think about his pacing, his characters, his clues, the logic, and the organization of his book. He might take eight months to outline and create the book, before he even writes the thing. Perspiration and preparation. He says he writes for us - the readers and that gives him enjoyment (and plenty of success and money). In this crazy publishing business he is one of about two hundred authors who are ongoing "sure things". That's not many - all the more reason to edit, edit, and rewrite the edit.

I promised a convoluted tale, so I'm switching gears here and introducing you to Colorado (picture above courtesy of Crystal Hines). Again, check out Crystal's work - this talented photographer on her blog - http://www.peekthrumylenz.blogspot.com and pass the word if you know anyone interested in having their portrait done.

It'll be a fun experience. Colorado, above, had a good time. Now, what will encourage her to read and grow? I hope she's read aloud to now or at least chews on some picture books. Then Dr.Seuss, Richard Scarry, and onward to Amelia Bedelia, The Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew, and more. How do you keep kids interested and wanting to read?

I've got very mixed emotions about summer suggested reading lists. I believe this begins in junior high and on into high school. Yes, I want kids to read. But, if they are made to read, then it is forced and I've seen it suck the joy. It becomes a chore and a job. I'm generalizing about those kids who aren't avid readers. They are on the fence and can be swayed to hate to read. Sigh - that's so sad. I can't imagine saying, "I don't like to read." Wow - miss out on adventures, characters, and escape.

I'll be curious to know what folks think about this and/or what they've witnessed with their kids. I plan on continuing the discussion too - more convoluted tales to come.

Now, it's time for me to pluck a book from my huge pile and read and roam.........

Joanne

the secret gardens

Shhh! I'm hiding out on one of the many tiered patios on one of the properties in Ridglea Hills. This picture is not from there. All top secret, no cameras, but there were flowers like the above. Plus daylilies, water features (yes, friend Cecil - you need water tumbling over rocks and a cute little bridge arching over it), yard art (start welding), and comfy patio chairs nestled into cute little nooks and crannies.

The Hidden Gardens Fort Worth Tour offered six fabulous private gardens. Truly breathtaking vistas and plenty of seating around the properties. I'm thinking I can hide out with a book, dip into pools, and no one would find me for quite awhile.

Lots of hard work goes into these Texas Master gardens - sweat, dirt under the nails, and an eye for color. These folks probably don't have time to read or sit down. Now that's a shame, so I've decided to enjoy their hard work and ramble from tier to tier. It's been hot, but the one home with a private lakeview offered a breeze.

By the way, I did my part for beautification. I actually plucked some stray nut grass from a lovely section of rock garden at one home. I must say I was a tad shocked at such shoddiness - a teensy crack in perfection.

Hmm. Getting hungry. Do you think a pizza delivery would blow my cover?

Fun times in Fort Worth and I do thank these folks for allowing this tourist malingerer to trample their turf.

Joanne

Van Cliburn Part 1

Angel trumpets call. Steinways glisten. Bass Hall, Fort Worth TEXAS beckons - attend the 2009 Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and you won't be disappointed. Fabulisimo - is that a word?? If not, it is now. Wow!

I know nothing about classical music, but left my writing computer to support the arts. Enter a whole new world, a realm of language with movements, artistry, and some damn fierce tinkling of the ivories. I attended the first semi-final performance this afternoon and was amazed at the skills. I didn't know when to clap - oops, not at the movements, but rather at the full blazing crescendo of sound. Don't cough, don't shuffle your feet, just embrace the sound and swoon - whether it's Beethoven, Brahms, or Liszt.

I'll be honest. I grew up with Billy Joel or Elton John banging the ivories, and I bet these kids could throw out some boogie-woogie. However, I'll discuss in Part 2 - sonatas in a minor key, suites for piano, or a nocturne I really liked. (yea - we're talking left-hand, baby.

I thought about this event and writing. There's a lot of similarities - pacing, drama, and arcs. I'll save that for part II

For anyone reading this in the vicinity of Fort Worth - get out there. Support a superb event and eat a burger at Billy Miners. Yum.

Joanne