Awaiting a squall of sound,
tremor of words, these distant
fingers begin typing, aware of
the Times New Roman time-keeper
hastening my thoughts--and my worry.
"...after 25 minutes of inactivity."
Famous last prompt for soon to be written
infamous first lines--of poetry.
And so this begins.
Copyright 2011 Tammy Melody Gomez
Friday, April 01, 2011
Tuesday, February 08, 2011
Let's make this project happen!
SHE: BIKE/SPOKE/LOVE by FW bicyclist and writer Tammy Gomez is going to AUSTIN for performances along the hike/bike trail in the Spring of 2012.
And Tammy is doing the dollar holla – raising funds now. And YOU CAN HELP!
CLICK HERE for more info and to MAKE A PLEDGE. It's easy!
If you make a pledge of $5, 20, $50, $100, $400, you’ll not only be part of an amazing project, but you’ll get some cool perks for pledges $20 and up. Like getting your name/company listed on the bikespokelove.com website as a funder or “Big Wheel.”
“'Extreme' production fascinates with variety”
-Mark Lowry (FW Star-Telegram theater critic)
“It's extreme in that it involves bicycles, of various sizes and shapes, with the actors riding them around a small stage, close to the audience. But it's also extreme in how it fascinates with a variety of performance styles. It's modeled after hip-hop theater, using spoken word (the 'If I Hit It' passage was the best verbal moment), showboating (there's a bicycle stunt dude) and a turntablist (DJ SOL*LOS). There's also multimedia, live music and agitprop (the line about how we're 'choking on auto exhaust and government deceit' sums it up best). One thing's for sure, you'll probably never see anything else like it.”
(Photo credit: Shannon Atkinson)
For pledge forms (so you can donate by check), email Tammy: sound_culture(at)hotmail.com or reach her at 817.924.9188. THANKS!!!!
And Tammy is doing the dollar holla – raising funds now. And YOU CAN HELP!
CLICK HERE for more info and to MAKE A PLEDGE. It's easy!
If you make a pledge of $5, 20, $50, $100, $400, you’ll not only be part of an amazing project, but you’ll get some cool perks for pledges $20 and up. Like getting your name/company listed on the bikespokelove.com website as a funder or “Big Wheel.”
“'Extreme' production fascinates with variety”
-Mark Lowry (FW Star-Telegram theater critic)
“It's extreme in that it involves bicycles, of various sizes and shapes, with the actors riding them around a small stage, close to the audience. But it's also extreme in how it fascinates with a variety of performance styles. It's modeled after hip-hop theater, using spoken word (the 'If I Hit It' passage was the best verbal moment), showboating (there's a bicycle stunt dude) and a turntablist (DJ SOL*LOS). There's also multimedia, live music and agitprop (the line about how we're 'choking on auto exhaust and government deceit' sums it up best). One thing's for sure, you'll probably never see anything else like it.”
(Photo credit: Shannon Atkinson)For pledge forms (so you can donate by check), email Tammy: sound_culture(at)hotmail.com or reach her at 817.924.9188. THANKS!!!!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Listen to my story on NPR's "The Story" tonight, Jan. 31st, 2011
JUST found out that my interview for "The Story" radio program is going to be broadcast on National Public Radio TONIGHT!!!
(In the DFW metroplex, that means you can hear it on KERA 90.1 FM - 9pm)! ~
WOW, that's fast. We just recorded last Tuesday! ~ Check it out!
And if you won't be near a radio tonight, you can listen to the show online at 9pm,
streaming live via the KERA 90.1 website at:
http://www.kera.org/audio/
Also--You can listen to the archived podcast of my segment w/ host Dick Gordon:
http://thestory.org/
Let me know what you think - Gracias for listening!
(In the DFW metroplex, that means you can hear it on KERA 90.1 FM - 9pm)! ~
WOW, that's fast. We just recorded last Tuesday! ~ Check it out!
And if you won't be near a radio tonight, you can listen to the show online at 9pm,
streaming live via the KERA 90.1 website at:
http://www.kera.org/audio/
Also--You can listen to the archived podcast of my segment w/ host Dick Gordon:
http://thestory.org/
Let me know what you think - Gracias for listening!
Saturday, January 01, 2011
Hanging out with Green Tara for New Year's Eve
I spent the evening last night with the Green Tara.
What I mean is that my friend Shara and I participated in an all-night New Year's Eve meditation retreat at the Kadampa Meditation Center in Arlington, Texas. It was both the first time for us to visit this Buddhist center and the first time for us to try doing a spiritual retreat to ring in the new year.
The focus for the retreat was the Green Tara, the Buddhist symbol of universal compassion and empathic practice. So, Shara and I arrived at the Center just in time for the potluck celebration meal, which had followed the first chanting/meditation session. Not to worry, there were many more such sessions to come, scheduled at 3-4 hour intervals. We had been (according to an email invite I'd received) encouraged to bring sleeping bags so that we might nap in between the sessions. And we did just that.
After eating, we washed our dishes in the communal kitchen and chatted with a few acquaintances that happened to be there for the first time as well. We removed our shoes (a Center requirement) before entering the sanctuary, which was a spacious bright room with plush white carpet and comfy cushioned chairs. I took advantage of the ample space in the back area to stretch my aching neck and shoulders, and soon noticed a guy over to my right doing some yoga work too. It was very quiet and peaceful, though the sound of laughter would break out regularly, as folks of the community chatted in the dining area and outside vestibule.
It soon came to be obvious when the 11pm chant/meditation session was to begin. Shara and I had been apprised as to the procedure of the sessions by a friendly practitioner named Tom. While others chanted and sang the prayers from memory,
the apparent newbies such as myself read directly from the booklet provided for use. I found my mouth getting drier and drier, as the lines we sang were rapid and wordy, in English peppered with Sanskrit and Tibetan words. Staring at the beautiful array of deity statues and ornamentations, and the offering table covered with lit candles, I felt content to bring in the new year in a humble, introspective fashion rather than in the loud, smoky din of a bar or music venue. (Last year, I spent the entire new year's eve night alone, sicker than ever, watching almost the entire BBC mini-series adapted from a Charles Dickens novel.)
By 1am, the chanting was done and the Geshe (teacher) called out "Happy New Year," which prompted everyone to stand and share New Year's hugs and greetings. My friends Be and D'Zyne stepped over to chat and embrace; it was wonderful to see them here--also as first-timers to this Center.
Folks began laying their blankets and sleeping bags along the back wall and also near the front of the sanctuary, and the lights were soon dimmed for this sleep break. Shara and I went out to the car to retrieve our sleeping things and soon joined the others, bedded down for a few hours until the next chanting session, which was to start at 3am.
A gentle whispered wake-up call was issued near my head. "We start in 10 minutes," spoke one of the community members. I roused myself, feeling my mouth all chalky inside, wishing that I'd remembered to bring a toothbrush. In a beautiful wordless choreography, all the once-sleeping people were now up, lighting candles, turning up the sanctuary lights, and finding theirs seats on the floor or on the ample-seated chairs. Shara kindly brought over two blankets, so we could each cover our shivering legs.
Once the session at 3am began, my mind stopped drifting and became attuned to the communal intention, as well as my specific and personal goals. To be clear-minded (not merely sober, but also keenly aware) and thoughtful, with a dedication to rouse what needs to be roused, but to tame, regulate, and simmer the sorrows, doubts, and worries that distract. It was a tough session, staying awake to repeat prayers in a melodic chant, and my thirst seemed a huge obstacle to getting through this experience. But I've been thirsty before, and obstacles are usually temporary, so I plowed through, sometimes merely whispering occasional words rather than forcing myself to keep up forcefully strong. For inspiration, I let my eyes wander over the visage of the Tara statue. Her outstretched right leg, the mudra (spiritual gesture) formed by her fingers, and the shiny headdress on her slightly-bowed head.
Such practice brings out hope in me--a hope to somehow emulate and radiate the characteristics and internal features of spiritual strength and engaged Buddhistic persona. My striving is gentle, as I realize I am not perfect and that I don't have to be "done" or transcendent today.
I am just grateful that I have successfully turned the corner to a new year and will work intentionally to use every day of the next 365 that I might be blessed to live to accomplish good works for the benefit of all and for the betterment of my internal self.
Before the 6am session started, Shara and I rolled up our sleeping bags and blankets, put on our shoes, and headed out into the dawn and into 2011. Searching for pancakes and coffee, having found a most beautiful serenity at the Kadampa Center, lit on the inside.
What I mean is that my friend Shara and I participated in an all-night New Year's Eve meditation retreat at the Kadampa Meditation Center in Arlington, Texas. It was both the first time for us to visit this Buddhist center and the first time for us to try doing a spiritual retreat to ring in the new year.
The focus for the retreat was the Green Tara, the Buddhist symbol of universal compassion and empathic practice. So, Shara and I arrived at the Center just in time for the potluck celebration meal, which had followed the first chanting/meditation session. Not to worry, there were many more such sessions to come, scheduled at 3-4 hour intervals. We had been (according to an email invite I'd received) encouraged to bring sleeping bags so that we might nap in between the sessions. And we did just that.
After eating, we washed our dishes in the communal kitchen and chatted with a few acquaintances that happened to be there for the first time as well. We removed our shoes (a Center requirement) before entering the sanctuary, which was a spacious bright room with plush white carpet and comfy cushioned chairs. I took advantage of the ample space in the back area to stretch my aching neck and shoulders, and soon noticed a guy over to my right doing some yoga work too. It was very quiet and peaceful, though the sound of laughter would break out regularly, as folks of the community chatted in the dining area and outside vestibule.
It soon came to be obvious when the 11pm chant/meditation session was to begin. Shara and I had been apprised as to the procedure of the sessions by a friendly practitioner named Tom. While others chanted and sang the prayers from memory,
the apparent newbies such as myself read directly from the booklet provided for use. I found my mouth getting drier and drier, as the lines we sang were rapid and wordy, in English peppered with Sanskrit and Tibetan words. Staring at the beautiful array of deity statues and ornamentations, and the offering table covered with lit candles, I felt content to bring in the new year in a humble, introspective fashion rather than in the loud, smoky din of a bar or music venue. (Last year, I spent the entire new year's eve night alone, sicker than ever, watching almost the entire BBC mini-series adapted from a Charles Dickens novel.)
By 1am, the chanting was done and the Geshe (teacher) called out "Happy New Year," which prompted everyone to stand and share New Year's hugs and greetings. My friends Be and D'Zyne stepped over to chat and embrace; it was wonderful to see them here--also as first-timers to this Center.
Folks began laying their blankets and sleeping bags along the back wall and also near the front of the sanctuary, and the lights were soon dimmed for this sleep break. Shara and I went out to the car to retrieve our sleeping things and soon joined the others, bedded down for a few hours until the next chanting session, which was to start at 3am.
A gentle whispered wake-up call was issued near my head. "We start in 10 minutes," spoke one of the community members. I roused myself, feeling my mouth all chalky inside, wishing that I'd remembered to bring a toothbrush. In a beautiful wordless choreography, all the once-sleeping people were now up, lighting candles, turning up the sanctuary lights, and finding theirs seats on the floor or on the ample-seated chairs. Shara kindly brought over two blankets, so we could each cover our shivering legs.
Once the session at 3am began, my mind stopped drifting and became attuned to the communal intention, as well as my specific and personal goals. To be clear-minded (not merely sober, but also keenly aware) and thoughtful, with a dedication to rouse what needs to be roused, but to tame, regulate, and simmer the sorrows, doubts, and worries that distract. It was a tough session, staying awake to repeat prayers in a melodic chant, and my thirst seemed a huge obstacle to getting through this experience. But I've been thirsty before, and obstacles are usually temporary, so I plowed through, sometimes merely whispering occasional words rather than forcing myself to keep up forcefully strong. For inspiration, I let my eyes wander over the visage of the Tara statue. Her outstretched right leg, the mudra (spiritual gesture) formed by her fingers, and the shiny headdress on her slightly-bowed head.
Such practice brings out hope in me--a hope to somehow emulate and radiate the characteristics and internal features of spiritual strength and engaged Buddhistic persona. My striving is gentle, as I realize I am not perfect and that I don't have to be "done" or transcendent today.
I am just grateful that I have successfully turned the corner to a new year and will work intentionally to use every day of the next 365 that I might be blessed to live to accomplish good works for the benefit of all and for the betterment of my internal self.
Before the 6am session started, Shara and I rolled up our sleeping bags and blankets, put on our shoes, and headed out into the dawn and into 2011. Searching for pancakes and coffee, having found a most beautiful serenity at the Kadampa Center, lit on the inside.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Tammy Gomez, Fort Worth artist, needs you.
Time to give an artist the support she needs to launch a new project. Check out my proposal video, and pledge what you can today.
$20, 40, how 'bout $200? I'm offering perks for every donor pledge level. Get in on this, amigos y amigas!
It's amazing how the thread of connections can take an artist from point A to point B, and then, fortuitously, to point P(ossibility).
I was nominated for one of those now coveted $50,000 USA Artists Grants in 2008: close but no cigar. Somehow, however, I've stayed in the USA memory bank, because I just got invited in early November 2010 by USA to be an inaugural artist on their USA Projects website. This website intends to facilitate the creation of a national online community of U.S. artists, where funders and followers can both financially support and stay abreast of the work by national award-winning artists from all artistic disciplines.
I'm honored to have been selected for this opportunity and now need the help of folks who have known of my work, have ever been in my audiences, and/or have collaborated with me on any of my projects. What I need is for folks to visit my online Project Profile, click on the "SUPPORT Or Learn More" button and make your financial pledge.
You can pledge as little as $20 and as much as $400, and there are thank-you perks that I'll be sharing with you if you do. For a $20 donation pledge, I'll have your name (unless you want to remain anonymous) added to the official She: Bike/Spoke/Love website as a funder or "Big Wheel." The perks get bigger the more you pledge, and please don't delay. My deadline to reach the $8,200 funding goal is March 1, 2011.
For more information, comment below or simply email me at sound_culture(at)hotmail.com.
Thanks for your support!
$20, 40, how 'bout $200? I'm offering perks for every donor pledge level. Get in on this, amigos y amigas!
It's amazing how the thread of connections can take an artist from point A to point B, and then, fortuitously, to point P(ossibility).
I was nominated for one of those now coveted $50,000 USA Artists Grants in 2008: close but no cigar. Somehow, however, I've stayed in the USA memory bank, because I just got invited in early November 2010 by USA to be an inaugural artist on their USA Projects website. This website intends to facilitate the creation of a national online community of U.S. artists, where funders and followers can both financially support and stay abreast of the work by national award-winning artists from all artistic disciplines.
I'm honored to have been selected for this opportunity and now need the help of folks who have known of my work, have ever been in my audiences, and/or have collaborated with me on any of my projects. What I need is for folks to visit my online Project Profile, click on the "SUPPORT Or Learn More" button and make your financial pledge.
You can pledge as little as $20 and as much as $400, and there are thank-you perks that I'll be sharing with you if you do. For a $20 donation pledge, I'll have your name (unless you want to remain anonymous) added to the official She: Bike/Spoke/Love website as a funder or "Big Wheel." The perks get bigger the more you pledge, and please don't delay. My deadline to reach the $8,200 funding goal is March 1, 2011.
For more information, comment below or simply email me at sound_culture(at)hotmail.com.
Thanks for your support!
Friday, December 03, 2010
My new show: PALABRA: The Written Word, Spoken --- opens tonight, Dec. 3, 2010!
19 poems, prose pieces, excerpt from a prison memoir, and scene from a play--each interpreted and dramatized for the stage by 8 talented performers who themselves are unique writers and musicians, dancers and actors. Two shows only: Friday and Saturday, December 3rd and December 4th, at the Rose Marine Theater, 1440 N. Main, Fort Worth, Texas. For more info, call the box office/theater at 817.624.8333.
(Or visit director Tammy Gomez' Facebook page: Tammy Melody Gomez.)
PALABRA: The Written Word, Spoken (La palabra escrita, hablada)
Viernes 3 y sábado 4 de diciembre @ 7:30 pm
Una noche de poesía latina nos presenta la palabra escrita de poetas hispanos.
Acompáñanos en esta producción especial en la que participan actores, bailarines y músicos interpretando piezas escritas por poetas de España, Latinoamérica y Estados Unidos.
Dirigido por Tammy Gomez. Evento Bilingüe.
Admisión General $15. Estudiantes y Adultos Mayores $10.
Para boletos o mas informacion llame al Teatro Rose Marine al 817-624-8333.
Tambien pueden comprar su boletos en linea www.rosemarinetheater.com.
(Or visit director Tammy Gomez' Facebook page: Tammy Melody Gomez.)
PALABRA: The Written Word, Spoken (La palabra escrita, hablada)
Viernes 3 y sábado 4 de diciembre @ 7:30 pm
Una noche de poesía latina nos presenta la palabra escrita de poetas hispanos.
Acompáñanos en esta producción especial en la que participan actores, bailarines y músicos interpretando piezas escritas por poetas de España, Latinoamérica y Estados Unidos.
Dirigido por Tammy Gomez. Evento Bilingüe.
Admisión General $15. Estudiantes y Adultos Mayores $10.
Para boletos o mas informacion llame al Teatro Rose Marine al 817-624-8333.
Tambien pueden comprar su boletos en linea www.rosemarinetheater.com.
Monday, July 05, 2010
Encore presentation of my one-woman show "Saliendo Abierta" on Sunday, July 11th at 7pm - FW, TX
[Please click on this flyer/poster image to see it in a bigger format.]
By special request, I am going to--once again--be sharing my story about being trapped in my bedroom closet for two and a half days. It's a dramatic stage work, with digital projected images and a live musical score (performed by Ramsey Sprague). I hope you'll want to come witness this encore performance.
Several women who are members of the Westside Unitarian Universalist Church--in my neighborhood--attended a performance of SALIENDO ABIERTA in May and immediately invited me to present this work to their congregation-at-large.
I'm very honored to see that my work touches people in ways that inspire and uplift. Also, it is very important that my performances reach people who may not be conventional theater-goers.
There's additional background info on the evolution of this work in this FW Weekly profile article by Jimmy Fowler that was published back in May.
You can also check out this video excerpt from SALIENDO ABIERTA, via YouTube:
If you can attend on Sunday--great! If you have previous plans or can't attend for other reasons, please help spread the word anyway!
Thanks so much for your love and support.
Friday, May 07, 2010
My latest show - "Saliendo Abierta" - opens next week, May 14-15, in Fort Worth
This is my most personal performance work yet, and now I will finally get to present it in my current hometown--Fort Worth. At the beautiful Rose Marine Theater.
I've been invited to present "Saliendo Abierta" (Emerging Open) as part of the Artes de la Rosa 2010 Film and Theater Festival, and I get to perform this work FOUR TIMES on two consecutive weekends in May (Fridays and Saturdays, May 14-15, 21-22).
I'm really hoping that all my close friends and family, longtime colleagues and collaborators come out to see this work. It's quite a quiet piece, and really shows some inner dimensions that you might have never seen me reveal about myself.
Oh--important to note: this is not a big and flashy "Lion King" or anything remotely like that. Best to keep small children and infants at home during this one.
[Please click on the flyer below to see a larger version in a new window.]
We will be hosting a CLOSING NIGHT reception/pachanga IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING the final performance on Saturday, May 22nd.
Please help spread the word! Gracias.
I've been invited to present "Saliendo Abierta" (Emerging Open) as part of the Artes de la Rosa 2010 Film and Theater Festival, and I get to perform this work FOUR TIMES on two consecutive weekends in May (Fridays and Saturdays, May 14-15, 21-22).
I'm really hoping that all my close friends and family, longtime colleagues and collaborators come out to see this work. It's quite a quiet piece, and really shows some inner dimensions that you might have never seen me reveal about myself.
Oh--important to note: this is not a big and flashy "Lion King" or anything remotely like that. Best to keep small children and infants at home during this one.
[Please click on the flyer below to see a larger version in a new window.]
We will be hosting a CLOSING NIGHT reception/pachanga IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING the final performance on Saturday, May 22nd.
Please help spread the word! Gracias.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Other Arts presents "Other Texas Music Festival" at the FW Community Arts Center this wk-end
I rarely perform spoken word/music sets here in the 817, so this is a great opportunity to check out the project I've got going with my comrade and artistic colleague, Ramsey Sprague (aka The Shortest Distance). We're on the bill for tonight at this, the inaugural outing of Herb Levy's "Other Texas Music" Festival. That's TONIGHT, FRIDAY, APRIL 30th, at 8:30pm. 10 bucks cover. Get there early, for better parking options.
Ramsey will be playing guitar and his looping station, which should make for some cool layering effects to accompany my vocal production work (fancy term for spoken word/singing). Because I just got back to Tejas from DC/Maryland on Wednesday, we haven't had a chance to rehearse, which means our set will be raw, experimental, and astoundingly fresh. Ha. See you there, my friends.
Oh---I cannot forgot to unequivocally state that I am familiar with, and (in some cases) have performed alongside many of the musicians who are in this Festival and they are bonafide badasses. Paul Unger, stellar bass player. Max Oepen, great drum chops, particularly in the jazz style. (I used to be in a project with Paul and Max, around 2005. We played the Bath House Cultural Center, and a few other places.) Tamitha and Chris Curiel--of SWIRV--are great friends and longtime collaborators in theater and music events. I've jammed with the Hentai Improvisational Orchestra (HIO, for short) boys, and had alot of fun mouthing off to their sound wildness. And David Bithell--UNT music prof--he's really out there (for north Texas); I got to see/hear his set at the Out of the Loop Festival in Addison last month.
It's a measly 15 bucks for both nights' worth of music, mayhem, aural madness. That's a steal of a deal. (Herb Levy puts on a very good show, as producer of Other Arts.) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Ramsey will be playing guitar and his looping station, which should make for some cool layering effects to accompany my vocal production work (fancy term for spoken word/singing). Because I just got back to Tejas from DC/Maryland on Wednesday, we haven't had a chance to rehearse, which means our set will be raw, experimental, and astoundingly fresh. Ha. See you there, my friends.
Oh---I cannot forgot to unequivocally state that I am familiar with, and (in some cases) have performed alongside many of the musicians who are in this Festival and they are bonafide badasses. Paul Unger, stellar bass player. Max Oepen, great drum chops, particularly in the jazz style. (I used to be in a project with Paul and Max, around 2005. We played the Bath House Cultural Center, and a few other places.) Tamitha and Chris Curiel--of SWIRV--are great friends and longtime collaborators in theater and music events. I've jammed with the Hentai Improvisational Orchestra (HIO, for short) boys, and had alot of fun mouthing off to their sound wildness. And David Bithell--UNT music prof--he's really out there (for north Texas); I got to see/hear his set at the Out of the Loop Festival in Addison last month.
It's a measly 15 bucks for both nights' worth of music, mayhem, aural madness. That's a steal of a deal. (Herb Levy puts on a very good show, as producer of Other Arts.) HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Una Oracion Por Juarez - FW, TX - Sunday, March 28th, 3-5pm
Hope y'all can make it. Spread the word, por favor. For more info: 817.924.9188.
We commemorate the women of Juarez (the disappeared, raped, and murdered) and their surviving friends and family members who continue to demand justice in the face of apathy and corruption.
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Join us on Sunday, Feb. 14th - benefit party!
This event will help support our annual PALABRAZOS Spoken Word Festival, the only one of its kind in North Texas. It promises to be alot of fun, and people like Natasha Carrizosa, Shannon Atkinson, Angelique, Cesar Hernandez, and Cristina Snoke are going to be unveiling some surprises for us there. Hope to see you!! And please spread the word...
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
I'm a guest performer for the MAD SWIRL spoken word event at Absinthe Lounge in Dallas
That's tomorrow, Wednesday, December 2nd. Kicks off at 8pm.
SWIRVE--Tamitha on voice, Chris on trumpet and effects pedals, Gerard on drums--have invited me to be a guest poet performer with them tomorrow. I haven't sat in with these folks in about a year, and they are so much fun to play with. I'm hoping for a big crowd, despite the cold weather, as it's pretty rare that I get to spend an evening in Dallas doing spoken word.
Absinthe Lounge --- fun performance-friendly spot at Southside on Lamar in Dallas
MAD SWIRL --- a monthly open mic and performance melee in the best possible sensessss..
FREE and FREEING!!!! Join us, y'all.
Saturday, November 28, 2009
GROUND WAVES art/djs/comunidad today in Diamond Hill 11/28/09 'til 8pm
Today! FREE! All Ages!
No bad moods, big sells, proprietary attitude.
It's ALL good vibes cuz it's a PAIN FREE production. Big ups to Mike and Mercedes for coordinating this event.
Hope to see y'all there: 3509 Oscar Street -- Mapsco 48-V -- in the field behind the Dixie Heights Baptist Church
Monday, November 23, 2009
I was selected to perform at the Out of the Loop Fringe Fest next year
Forgot to mention that my application and proposal to present my one-woman show "Saliendo Abierta" was selected for the Out of the Loop Fringe (Performing Arts) Festival in Addison, Texas. The Festival takes place in March 2010, and my performance will be presented on the mainstage on the evening of Sunday, March 14, 2010. Save the Date!
Looking over the Out of the Loop website, I see that some wonderful performers and shows will also be featured during the 2-week span of the Festival. Check it out.
I'm hoping to tour "Saliendo Abierta" to other venues and festivals, possibly even on the Eastern seaboard, in the coming year. (My undergrad alma mater, Goucher College, in Towson, Maryland, has invited me to speak on a panel about literature and poetry next April for the 125th anniversary its founding.) Also, my friend and colega, Claudia Acosta, has tentatively invited me to take my show to New York City for a monthly performance series she is spearheading called "Culture Shock: a melting pot of raw arts." So many possibilities. I hope the planets configure to make good on the promise and the plan.
Looking over the Out of the Loop website, I see that some wonderful performers and shows will also be featured during the 2-week span of the Festival. Check it out.
I'm hoping to tour "Saliendo Abierta" to other venues and festivals, possibly even on the Eastern seaboard, in the coming year. (My undergrad alma mater, Goucher College, in Towson, Maryland, has invited me to speak on a panel about literature and poetry next April for the 125th anniversary its founding.) Also, my friend and colega, Claudia Acosta, has tentatively invited me to take my show to New York City for a monthly performance series she is spearheading called "Culture Shock: a melting pot of raw arts." So many possibilities. I hope the planets configure to make good on the promise and the plan.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The glass ornament i painted for the State Capitol holiday tree
I finally finished the holiday ornament that Lon Burnam's office gave me to decorate for the Lone Star Celebration Tree, which will be displayed in the State Capitol through the beginning of January 2010.
Photo credit: Four Hearts Photography
Thanks to the O'Briens (Danny and Kathy) for giving of their time to photograph the ornament before I delivered it to Lon Burnam.
To achieve the smoky color effect on the ornament, I poured silver, black, and white acrylic paints into the small opening at the top and swirled the colors around to mix them together for a marbleizing finish. I also used a pipe cleaner to spread the color evenly. Afterwards, I used a permanent paint marker to write the following poem on the exterior of the ornament:
sleeping panther rise
remove the smokescreen from our eyes
no more gas drill lies
I think this ornament will aptly represent what's on some of our minds lately here in the District 90 sector of the Metroplex.
Photo credit: Four Hearts PhotographyThanks to the O'Briens (Danny and Kathy) for giving of their time to photograph the ornament before I delivered it to Lon Burnam.
To achieve the smoky color effect on the ornament, I poured silver, black, and white acrylic paints into the small opening at the top and swirled the colors around to mix them together for a marbleizing finish. I also used a pipe cleaner to spread the color evenly. Afterwards, I used a permanent paint marker to write the following poem on the exterior of the ornament:
sleeping panther rise
remove the smokescreen from our eyes
no more gas drill lies
I think this ornament will aptly represent what's on some of our minds lately here in the District 90 sector of the Metroplex.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Chi Kung is making me move some energy - creative impulse is surging now
I am in a burst of creativity now, and feel boosted by the Chi Kung (!) and Tai Chi class i am taking on Thursdays at the Acupuncture Wellness Center located right in my 'hood--Fairmount of Fort Worth, which even has its own website.
The instructor, Martha Fiddes, is so great to focus on the Chi Kung, which has been my favorite internal martial art so far in life. (I took a coupla classes in the 1990s in Austin, and somehow felt i couldn't afford to stick with it. Now I know I cannot
afford to NOT stick with it.)
We are breathing into our internal organs and practicing the Sun form of Tai Chi which is so elegant and beautiful to me.
It's considered the most "flowing" form.
More relaxed in my body and ready to focus on some new writing, I've started on a collection of poems about the border (Texas-Mexico border as well as the borders within) and hope to have them finished by next week. For a competition deadline.
I am not now as socially-available as before, but am choosing to enjoy my new focuses (foci) at home. Have been marbleizing glass holiday ornaments, a new experiment and expression for me. I was brought to this because of a request by the folks at the offices of State Rep. Lon Burnam. They gave me the task of decorating a large transparent glass orb which, when I've finished with it, will be mailed to Austin and hung on a holiday tree in the State Capitol. How's that for a poet who doesn't do much visual art?
Will show the results when I'm finished working on it.
The instructor, Martha Fiddes, is so great to focus on the Chi Kung, which has been my favorite internal martial art so far in life. (I took a coupla classes in the 1990s in Austin, and somehow felt i couldn't afford to stick with it. Now I know I cannot
afford to NOT stick with it.)
We are breathing into our internal organs and practicing the Sun form of Tai Chi which is so elegant and beautiful to me.
It's considered the most "flowing" form.
More relaxed in my body and ready to focus on some new writing, I've started on a collection of poems about the border (Texas-Mexico border as well as the borders within) and hope to have them finished by next week. For a competition deadline.
I am not now as socially-available as before, but am choosing to enjoy my new focuses (foci) at home. Have been marbleizing glass holiday ornaments, a new experiment and expression for me. I was brought to this because of a request by the folks at the offices of State Rep. Lon Burnam. They gave me the task of decorating a large transparent glass orb which, when I've finished with it, will be mailed to Austin and hung on a holiday tree in the State Capitol. How's that for a poet who doesn't do much visual art?
Will show the results when I'm finished working on it.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Sometimes family just has to come first...
...which is why i spent a coupla weeks putting together this new photo blog for my nephew, who just turned one year old today. Channel 4 News' daily morning show has a feature wherein photos of children (5 years and younger) can be emailed in for brief broadcast on the kid's birthday. I emailed in a jpg of Lucas and it was shown on the telly twice this a.m.! While the photos were being displayed, there was a technical problem that happened right when Lucas' picture was on the screen, and so it was "stuck" for all to see for at least 30 seconds. Pretty funny.
Happy First Birthday, baby Lucas!
Happy First Birthday, baby Lucas!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Dia de los muertos - commemorated around the U.S.
All you have to do to get an idea of how prevalent and culturally-relevant that celebrations of Day of the Dead have become on this side of the border is visit the NALAC website. Click on October's special Dia de los Muertos newsletter/calendar and check out the multitude of events, gallery shows, and performances scheduled for this special commemoration of the dead.
Here in FW on Friday evening, the Dia de Los Muertos event at the Rose Marine Theater/Gallery/plaza drew an estimated 400 attendees and participants. That's awesome. Today (Sunday, Nov. 1st), the Arts Fifth Avenue homegrown community arts space in the historic Fairmount neighborhood of Fort Worth will host its annual Day of the Dead shindig (featuring tamale-making, papel picado workshop, live adolescent mariachis from JP Elder Middle School), and more).
Also today in Dallas, the LCC (Latino Cultural Center) will host their Dia de Los Muertos pachanga with visual art, ofrendas (tribute altars for the dead), and two performances by the wonderful Teatro Flor Candela of the stage adaptation of the classic Mexican story "Guajolote hasta la muerte" - based on the movie "Macario". I saw the Flor Candela show at TCU this past Wednesday, and though there were some technical snags, I thought the work (less than one hour in length) was delightfully visual and engaging. The costumes, choreography, and acting were a big attraction for me, specifically. Great casting choices, Patricia (Urbina--the artistic director of Teatro Flor Candela). Oh, I also love love loved the tiny shiny calaca string puppet--with red hair! The two performances at the LCC are at 5pm and 7pm. The LCC is located at 2600 Live Oak in Dallas - just a little east of downtown.
Whatever you do, don't forget to enjoy LIFE as you never deny the eventuality of change, transition, and the ultimate step towards death.
Hope to see you out & about today and tomorrow (All Saints' Day and All Souls" Day) for DDLM 2009 festivities!
Here in FW on Friday evening, the Dia de Los Muertos event at the Rose Marine Theater/Gallery/plaza drew an estimated 400 attendees and participants. That's awesome. Today (Sunday, Nov. 1st), the Arts Fifth Avenue homegrown community arts space in the historic Fairmount neighborhood of Fort Worth will host its annual Day of the Dead shindig (featuring tamale-making, papel picado workshop, live adolescent mariachis from JP Elder Middle School), and more).
Also today in Dallas, the LCC (Latino Cultural Center) will host their Dia de Los Muertos pachanga with visual art, ofrendas (tribute altars for the dead), and two performances by the wonderful Teatro Flor Candela of the stage adaptation of the classic Mexican story "Guajolote hasta la muerte" - based on the movie "Macario". I saw the Flor Candela show at TCU this past Wednesday, and though there were some technical snags, I thought the work (less than one hour in length) was delightfully visual and engaging. The costumes, choreography, and acting were a big attraction for me, specifically. Great casting choices, Patricia (Urbina--the artistic director of Teatro Flor Candela). Oh, I also love love loved the tiny shiny calaca string puppet--with red hair! The two performances at the LCC are at 5pm and 7pm. The LCC is located at 2600 Live Oak in Dallas - just a little east of downtown.
Whatever you do, don't forget to enjoy LIFE as you never deny the eventuality of change, transition, and the ultimate step towards death.
Hope to see you out & about today and tomorrow (All Saints' Day and All Souls" Day) for DDLM 2009 festivities!
Saturday, October 03, 2009
San Antonio oral history project: Stories of the Uninsured
Writers In Communities, a program of GEMINI INK seeks Stories of the Uninsured
from the latest Gemini Ink e-newsletter:
"According to the American Medical Association, 46 million Americans are uninsured due to the high costs of insurance, or have limited access to health plans and benefits for various reasons including being self-employed, between jobs, or having a pre-existing medical condition. It’s essential that we document our stories for history’s sake, for future generations, for ourselves."
The Writers In Communities program of Gemini Ink wants you to share your story about how not having health insurance has affected your life and well-being. Send a brief narrative of your experience to:
wic@geminiink.org
or
mail it to their offices at
513 S. Presa, San Antonio, TX 78205 (ATTN: WIC).
Twenty stories will be recorded and transcribed in this oral history project between Gemini Ink and Methodist Healthcare Ministries.
(No deadline was mentioned in any materials I came across about this, but figure that interested folks should submit their narratives sooner than later.)
ADDENDUM: As per the comment below, Gemini Ink plans to interview people throughout the month of November 2009. Again, please contact the Writers in Communities program at wic@geminiink.org if you are interested in participating. Thank you.
from the latest Gemini Ink e-newsletter:
"According to the American Medical Association, 46 million Americans are uninsured due to the high costs of insurance, or have limited access to health plans and benefits for various reasons including being self-employed, between jobs, or having a pre-existing medical condition. It’s essential that we document our stories for history’s sake, for future generations, for ourselves."
The Writers In Communities program of Gemini Ink wants you to share your story about how not having health insurance has affected your life and well-being. Send a brief narrative of your experience to:
wic@geminiink.org
or
mail it to their offices at
513 S. Presa, San Antonio, TX 78205 (ATTN: WIC).
Twenty stories will be recorded and transcribed in this oral history project between Gemini Ink and Methodist Healthcare Ministries.
(No deadline was mentioned in any materials I came across about this, but figure that interested folks should submit their narratives sooner than later.)
ADDENDUM: As per the comment below, Gemini Ink plans to interview people throughout the month of November 2009. Again, please contact the Writers in Communities program at wic@geminiink.org if you are interested in participating. Thank you.
Friday, October 02, 2009
Today is the deadline for proposals for 2010 Out of the Loop Fringe Fest - Dallas
This almost bypassed my attention; download the app via the Water Tower Theatre website asap -- postmark deadline is today!
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