Jamie Babbit's Short Films

This morning I watched an interview with director Jamie Babbit on Afterellen.com. Not sure if you've heard of her? I bet you have! She's the director of "But I'm A Cheerleader," "Itty Bitty Titty Committee," and episodes of "Gilmore Girls," "Nip/Tuck," "The L Word," and a dozen other TV series. She even directed a few episodes of "Swingtown," one of my favorites!

Last year, my gf and I discovered "Popular," a series that Jamie directed about 10 years ago. I remember when it was on and really wanting to watch it, but I was in the middle of college dorm life and watching TV wasn't much of a priority, or even a viable option in that concrete tower.

"Popular" is a totally fun and completely ridiculous show about high school, focusing on two girls from rival groups (the popular kids and the weirdos) who are basically at war with each other. The characters are unforgettable (ahem, Mary Cherry), the writing was alternately brilliant and cheesy. Sometimes it felt like a bad after-school special and sometimes it brought my gf and I to tears. Seriously. Among all the wackiness, it touched on issues of race, eating disorders, discrimination, and family relations. The show addressed gay and transgender issues in a respectful and serious tone. And the magnificent Alley Mills played a lesbian! What more could you ask for?! Oh, and Tammy Lynn Michaels, wife of Melissa Etheridge, was one of the main characters. Back then, I remember wanting to watch the show because she was in it... ;) Ryan Murphy was one of the two creators of the show, and he has gone on to be one of the creators of "GLEE."

A very great show, all in all. Rent it if you haven't seen it!

So anyway! In the interview I watched, Jamie mentioned a couple of her short films, "Sleeping Beauties" and "Stuck." It was easy to find them online, amazingly!
"Sleeping Beauties" is something she did shortly before "But I'm A Cheerleader," and you can sure tell that she's trying out the same visual style in this short! Lots of vivid and symbolic colors, sort of a dreamy feel to some parts. And LOTS of famous faces that you'll recognize! Clea DuVall, Leisha Hailey, Radha Mitchell, Rose McGowan, Nicole Eggert... Very cute!

I can't embed the first part of the video, but here is the 2nd part and you can easily find the 1st from there.



"Stuck," she said, was based in part on her great-aunt, who had a difficult relationship with a long-time partner. She didn't say whether or not they broke up in their 80's, as is the case with the characters in this film.




Okay, now for something lighter! Let's end with a little Bobbi Glass, Cherry Cherry, and the incomparable Mary Cherry.

"Making Do" Sometimes Leads to Creative Moments

Making the switch between jobs seems to always put you in money-limbo for a while... During the time you're training on the new job, you're probably not making the full wages you will be making eventually. And meanwhile, you're also not working at your old job much or even at all, so that paycheck is also not going to provide enough.

That's the situation I'm in currently. Got my first paycheck from my new job, but it's smaller than the future ones will be and not enough to cover much more than the essential bills.

Combined with the fact that I'm moving from working most of my days in a serving uniform, to a job where I need to be dressed in business-casual attire everyday, means I'm quickly running through all of my clothes and accessories and would really like to shop!! I'm finding myself wearing old clothes left over from old jobs just because I need something to wear, but I'd really prefer to wear things that actually suit my taste now!

Looking at catalogs during this time has been a kind of torture, but while drooling and folding corners of pages, I actually found some inspiration for things that I could make out of clothes and even jewelry that I have already. One project is an embellished shirt that I plan to make out of a shirt whose bell-shape and puffy sleeves are no longer appealing to me. But that's a bigger project.

The other night, I took on something smaller. A necklace pieced together from some broken vintage pieces.
I have a box full of broken vintage jewelry, which I got while at an auction a couple years ago. Lots of chains, rhinestone pins, clip-on earring, pieces of bracelets... This necklace is made up of 2 pieces of some unidentifiable jewelry item. I used individual gold chain links to connect the 2 pieces together. I replaced a few missing rhinestones and then attached a chain and clasp.

It turned out cute, if I do say so myself! I wore it to work the next day and a customer complimented me on it. Not a huge step to a fantastic work wardrobe, but at least I have something cute to wear with all these bland old sweaters!

Hannah Free

On Wednesday, my gf and I attended the Minneapolis opening of a new film, "Hannah Free."

AfterEllen had posted an interview last week with Sharon Gless, of "Cagney & Lacey" fame. Sharon was very complementary and appreciative of her lesbian fans and expressed that it was an honor to play this role. After reading the interview, I did a search for the movie and found that it was playing in Minneapolis on Nov. 4th, the only viewing here so far. I made plans right away to attend. :)
http://www.afterellen.com/blog/thelinster/sharon-gless-loves-being-free

"Hannah Free" is an independent film, financed by individuals and the film-makers themselves, as well as many people who put in their time and effort free of charge.

It is the story of 2 women, Hannah and Rachel, who grew up together, and from the time they were children they shared a closeness and attraction that led to a secret life-- which eventually came out into the open. Hannah is the "out" character, she is open about her love for Rachel, but is also an adventurous woman who spends long periods travelling the world and living on her own. Rachel stays in their hometown in Michigan, has children and becomes a young widow.

The past is told through flashbacks, while in the present both Hannah and Rachel are in a local nursing home. Hannah is there because she can't physically get around enough to take care of herself, and Rachel because she has suffered a stroke and is on life-support. The heartbreaking part is that although they have been in the same facility for many months, Hannah has not been allowed to see Rachel because she is not "family." This film illustrates how same-sex couples are unequal under the current laws in the U.S., and also touches on treatment of the elderly -- who may not be able-bodied, but are still very able-minded!

It is a beautiful film. Well-written, strong acting, funny, poignant, up-lifting, and always touching. You would never have any idea it was a "small-budget" film. It was the perfect boost to my mood that evening, when I had spent much of my day reading about Maine's voting results, feeling hurt and angry.

Being that this is an independently-made film, the filmmakers are still working very hard to get exposure for the film and to make enough money to pay back all their investors. Lesbian films generally don't make a lot of money, which is why so few are made. If they were money-makers, they would be made all the time! And certainly the quality of the film and the actors they would attract would improve, too! Please support "Hannah Free" in any way you can.

Become a fan on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Hannah-Free/76436188517?ref=ts

"Save" the movie in your Netflix queue! The more people that do this will let Netflix know that this is a film their customers are interested in renting-- and that will encourage them to buy more copies of the DVD.

And also, please BUY the DVD! Filmmakers make squat from the box-office and television showings. Most money is made through sales of DVDs-- to rental businesses and to individual customers. In order to keep getting beautiful movies like this made, it's really important to pay back those investors and encourage them to invest in lesbian films in the future!!

That Hotel Was A Goner

Thinking today about the hotel I worked at during the summer after I graduated high school, a resort place in Sister Bay, WI. My family had vacationed up there so much when I was younger, I was just about sick of it. But by the end of high school, the place seemed like freedom. A friend my age had worked there for a summer and I'd gotten to visit her. I couldn't believe the parties, the new people, the drinking and drugs, the beaches and music. My 18-year-old mind didn't notice the slummy living conditions or the low wages. ;)

My parents shocked me by helping me get set up for the summer of 1998 at a lovely place they had gone to on vacations a few times. It was made up of 6 buildings of various sizes, containing different styles of rooms. I lived in one of them along with 5 other girls, while we had jobs as housekeepers, waiters, and at the front desk. My high school crush also became my roommate there, after I told her all about the opportunity to be away from parents and home for a summer. At the end of 3+ months, we had had enough experiences, conversations, adventures, and romances to provide material for a slew of comedic movies, rom coms, indie films, and at least one soap opera. The photo albums contain many incriminating photos-- some didn't even make it into the albums.

Well, the point is that the place is now gone. A few years back, they razed "our" resort to make rooms for townhouses. Starting with the building we lived in, the one with the smallest rooms for rent. Then moving on to the 3 buildings of cabins, the waterfront building, the main building which contained the restaurant, the crumbling old boat house, the cobalt-tiled swimming pool, and much more of the woods behind.

When I drive up there now, I can hardly tell where it used to be. Just a long stretch of tall townhouses, each just like the one next to it.

Today I listened to "Falling Down," my favorite song from Scarlett Johansson's album Anywhere I Lay My Head. There's a section in the song that is the reason I'm thinking of this today:

"Go on down and see that wrecking ball
Come swinging on along
Everyone knew that hotel was a goner
They broke all the windows
They took all the door knobs
And they hauled it away in a couple of days"

Breaks my heart a bit, thinking of that place, our home for a bit, being destroyed and carted off to landfills. I know this kind of thing happens all the time, but it doesn't mean I have to like it. ;)
The most important things that came out of that time are the friends I made there who will be my friends forever, because of the things we shared that summer.

Thrifting Weekend With My Ma

Took a trip to Wisconsin this past weekend to spend some time with my mother. It seems we never get to hang out anymore-- every time I'm there it's because I have things to go to, and I'm busy the entire weekend. Well Mom and I were definitely busy, but this time with fun together stuff! Rummage sales, thrift shops, lots of photography, and cooking together.

Saturday was a dreary day. Very chilly for August, and the morning drizzle increased to rain by afternoon. But we were determined to go to lots of sales and find lots of cool vintage stuff!! I got a handful of records that I'm going to make into notebooks; a stack of vintage Life, Collier's, and McCall's sewing magazines-- they're heavy and they take up space, but I love them! A crazy orange plastic bathroom set that must have come out of the Brady girls' bathroom. Oh wait, the Brady girls shared with their brothers, so they probably didn't have final say over the decor... Laurie Partridge, then, maybe? Anyway, it's so gaudy it's adorable. Orange plastic in a pattern like cut crystal. It's hard to explain, I'll have to post pictures. Also, a worn deep-red hardcover book from1939 entitled "Tale Of The Witch Doll," some Fire King Azurite saucers and a creamer for my collection, some other miscellaneous fifties-looking saucers, and an aluminum cake-carrier for my best friend.

Also on Saturday, while driving all over town for rummage sales, I happened to spot an adorable old sign, through the rain. I really, really hoped to come back and photograph it. It's all alone in an area that has all either been redeveloped, or is just about to. I don't quite understand how this sign is still standing alone in the middle of all that, but I doubt it will be much longer. Well, on Sunday, the weather was just gorgeous-- blue sky, fluffy clouds, sun galore. My mom, sister and I were out doing various errands and they humored me by taking the drive back to the sign so I could take pictures of it. I think they were also curious to see what the hell the fuss was about! They agreed that it was a really cool find.



How cute is that?! It says Weddin on one side of the sign. Must have lost it's G sometime after the plexiglass got broken. Frickin' adorable. We were thinking there must have been a print shop there at some point... Maybe?

Newest Playlist - August 2009

This most recent playlist was a long time in the making! I was well on my way in the beginning of July, when my computer crashed. I left it in Wisconsin with a trusted fix-it guy, and he lent me a laptop to use in the meantime. But I was reluctant to put too many new programs onto the laptop, which left my girlfriend's computer as the only way I could get my new playlist done. But... *whining* her computer's kind of slow and it's all the way down the hall! ;) What a baby I am. Anyway, tonight I finally got it done.

1) Empire Of The Sun - Walking On A Dream
2) Metric - Gimme Sympathy
3) Dragonette - Take It Like A Man
4) Handsome Furs - Dead + Rural
5) The Noisettes - Never Forget You
6) Ladyhawke - Back Of The Van
7) Imogen Heap - Tidal
8) The Temper Trap - Sweet Disposition
9) Dragonette - Get Lucky
10) Mika - Love Today
11) Phoenix - 1901
12) The Cliks - Dirty King
13) Ladyhawke - Dusk Til Dawn
14) MGMT - Time To Pretend
15) Camera Obscura - Honey In The Sun
16) Olivia Broadfield - Don't Cry
17) Imogen Heap - Wait It Out
18) Adele - Right As Rain
19) Regina Spektor - Eet
20) Amazing Baby - Headdress
21) Handsome Furs - All We Want, Baby, Is Everything

The theme for this playlist was going to be sun/summer. But that was at the beginning of the summer when I just wanted to get something put together quickly. Once more time had passed, there were too many new songs I wanted to hear to just stick to the gimmick.

Sometimes Facebook Is Awesome.

I spend way too much time on my computer. That's very obvious to me. And to my girlfriend, who had to get used to how much time I spend in front of this thing. When my computer broke last month, I jumped at the chance to borrow a loaner from the guy who was fixing it, so I didn't have to change my routine at all. So, yes, I spend way to much time on Facebook, checking my email, updating my etsy, browsing etsy, reading blogs, etc.

But one week ago, a few minutes of my time on Facebook really paid off. Earlier in the evening, an old friend of mine popped into my head. We had been extremely close when I was in college, worked together, had a ton of classes together... but had eventually lost touch, sadly. I missed her greatly in the years that followed, but life goes on...

Believing I may have just been presented with a synchronistic opportunity, I did a search for her on Facebook as soon as I was able, when I got home that night. I found it hard to believe I had never done that before... She popped right up, my girl Genna. I could see from her hyphenated last name that she was now married. I sent her a "friend request" ASAP, and was able to browse her pictures and a few things because she didn't have them privacy-protected.

I was searching for the hubby, wanted to see who she had found, since I remembered that Genna had always had such bad luck with boyfriends. Searching... searching... Boy, that blonde woman sure is in her pictures a lot. Must be a new friend or maybe related to her hubby. Then, in a miscellaneous picture album, I find Genna's wedding pictures. The blonde woman is who she married!!! I'm shocked, truly (and happily!) shocked. Genna and I talked about everything back in the day, and she knew my preference for women, and surely she would have mentioned something if she had leaned that way at all!

I was shocked, elated, and hopeful. I might get my friend back, and now we had more in common than ever. I believe I ran downstairs, chattering to my girlfriend about all this, obviously conveying how excited I was!

Well, she answered my friend request pretty quickly, within the hour, and what followed for the next hour or so was a flurry of Wall posts, messages, and picture comments between Genna, her wife, and me. Total excitement coming from all sides. She had been updating on her page about her next participation in the Breast Cancer 3-Day walk, coming up the next Thursday. I asked her right away how I could donate, and we also made plans for gf and I to come to the ending ceremony in St. Paul, to reunite with her and to meet each other's partners.

And so, the day of the end of the 3-Day was today. Gf and I were running a little late, per usual, but we raced down to the capital grounds, me texting with Genna's wife to try and pinpoint their location within the massive sea of pink. I had a vague idea of where to look, and that was enough. Genna and I are both tall girls, so I found her right away. Hugs, crying all around, more hugs, and happy introductions, followed by dinner and a lot of catching up. So many stories to tell, most importantly, how we came to be in our current happy situations!! As in most times when getting to know a fellow GLBT, we had to tell the "when did you know" and "how was coming out for you" stories. And of course, just catching up on where our lives have taken us. Funny that after years of not being in contact, we have more in common than ever before. We are both thankful to have the other in our lives again.

Yes, all this social technology is a time-suck for sure. But it can also be a blessing when it helps you find a truly wonderful friend.

Etsy Store Progress and Pauses...

So, I've been trying to work very hard on my etsy store lately. Last week I went out with a friend and photographed her in all those tiny vintage clothes that I've been hanging on to for years, with the hopes of someday selling them. The pictures turned out fabulous, if I do say so myself!!

I got just about enough pictures to showcase the clothes themselves, but I do admit I got a little wrapped up in the arty aspects, as I tend to do, and got a few more artistic shots that I really love. Nothin' wrong with that, I suppose!

I've also been working on figuring out how to market my etsy store better. It's tricky!! There are thousands and thousands of fabulous stores on etsy, and that's a lot to compete with. Like, I just recently discovered the "Treasury" application, which is how those beautiful galleries end up on the front page of etsy. People take a lot of time and compile these gorgeous collections with the hopes that they'll be seen and promoted. But they're promoting other people's work, is the key! It's very collaborative.

Well, I've seen some of these Treasury collections that I feel my items/products could very well be a part of. Lists of cool "back to school" items -- my notebooks would be perfect in there. Lists of vintage items of particular colors -- I've got something that color! But how do I get my things seen?? I'm reading up on the forums more and more, and have also been renewing my items in my store in order to get them further in the front of search result lists.

Also, promoting on facebook, myspace, twitter... I keep hoping something will catch on! And I'll need to keep working on making more and better items, taking better pictures, maybe changing up my store banner and avatar... We'll see. Keep plugging away!!

Fun Flashback with Samantha Fox!

Anyone remember this song?

Samantha Fox - I Wanna Have Some Fun
Uploaded by alexandru2006. - Watch more music videos, in HD!

This song totally reminds me of being at the roller rink when I was growing up!

The outfits crack me up-- especially the chains on her jeans at the beginning, and ruffly top near the end.

But I DO love the suit!! Guess that could've been an early indication that Ms. Samantha plays for our team. :)

On a happier note....

My two friends, Brooke and Cathy, got hitched on Saturday. They and their hired photographer allowed me to tag along and be a secondary photog for them (and for me!) They had a gorgeous ceremony and I had tears streaming almost the entire time. The ladies had a ceremony based on Quaker tradition, in which the partners sit in the middle of a circle made of their friends and family. There is no officiant, but rather the partners are joined by God and the community that they have gathered. What a wonderful idea! I was more touched by their ceremony than any other that I've been to. There was so much meaning and love conveyed in the readings and song from the family.

My girlfriend joined me for the dinner and reception, and we had a wonderful night. Both families were friendly and fun, and everyone was having the time of their lives!

What a beautiful couple, aren't they? :)

HRC Survey Regarding DOMA

Take 2 minutes to fill out a super-easy survey that the Human Rights Committee has posted on their website:

The survey asks about your feelings regarding DOMA and just a couple categorical questions about yourself and your current relationship. They'll be sending the results to lawmakers and the Obama administration. Why not add your voice and help make an impact!

http://www.hrcactioncenter.org/site/Survey?ACTION_REQUIRED=URI_ACTION_USER_REQUESTS&SURVEY_ID=2521&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=share_email&utm_campaign=2721_DOMA_Survey


Question 3 and my answer: If DOMA has impacted your life or those near to you, please tell your story here and we'll share it with your lawmakers.

"I feel left out of a basic human right, the right to marry legally. Leaving religion out of the equation, completely... I feel bitter that I pay the same taxes as everyone else, contribute actively to the well-being of my state and my country, and yet there are so many advantages of legal marriage that I will not be able to have if the laws continue to discriminate as they are. I am not asking for special rights or accommodations. I am asking for the same rights that everyone else has."

70s Swingtown Fantasies

The other day I began to rewatch "Swingtown" on netflix. There was only one season of this wonderful show, and while I missed most of it when it was on TV, I caught up on the season in all of about 3 days once I found it on netflix.

Was definitely craving it again-- The clothes, the music, the fantastic attention to detail in the scenery, sweet Susan, and best of all, Trina. She's just one of the most adorable characters I think I've ever seen. Always the party host, fun, thoughtful, caring, seemingly confident, but a bit fragile. And pretty damn hot. She easily carries off some crazy 70s swimsuits, and of course, looks amazing in her disco dresses.

So, there are these moments in these early episodes of the season so far where you (or is it just me?) gets the feeling that something could develop between the two leading ladies, Susan and Trina. Like, I was watching Episode 2 yesterday and there's a scene where Trina is holding Susan's earring which had been left behind at the night of the 2 couples' encounter, and looking at it longingly with this smirky little half-smile. Then cut to Susan who is holding the other earring and looking at it with pretty much the same expression. And I found myself thinking, Damn, this show would be 100 times more enjoyable if Susan and Trina were to have a thing. A hot, passionate, intense thing that they would never regret in the morning. They wouldn't have to leave their husbands or anything, I'm sure those guys would be into it! So I'm not talking huge lifestyle changes for these gorgeous ladies of the 70s, just some sexy exploration that I, as a viewer, could watch!

Now, granted, this show was on network television, not cable, so it wouldn't have a ton of nudity or anything, but I just don't care! To see these two fantastic women enjoying each other would just be ... I don't know the words-- just perfect, pretty much! Maybe if that had happened, there would have been a 2nd season of the show. ;) Just sayin'!

Weddings Galore

It's the time of the season...

Wedding season is in full swing, and I'll be there with my camera! Coming up very soon here are two lesbian weddings that I've been invited to photograph at. VERY exciting!! And then in September, two of my best gay boys will be saying their I Do's to each other and I'll be there to capture the moment.

Growing up, I don't remember every fantasizing about my wedding, I don't remember caring or thinking that was something I wanted to do. Not that I was against it-- it was just void... But now, of course, with politics and laws being made to allow and forbid same-sex couples from marrying, it's on my mind a lot. I cried when I saw couples walking in our Pride parade a week ago, carrying signs that said "Married in Iowa, May 2009."

They love each other and they got married.

How simple.

I've been reading a lot about the statement that came out of President Obama's cabinet regarding DOMA, and what a load of crap that statement was. Things it said didn't make any sense!

Joe Solmonese, the President of the HRC, wrote an excellent letter to President Obama and it was printed in our local GLBTQ magazine, "Lavender." You can read his letter here: http://www.hrcbackstory.org/2009/06/a-letter-to-the-president-from-joe-solmonese/

In that same issue of "Lavender," there was a column stating the next airing of "Athiests Talk"-- a radio show on AM 950. This short article points out that the program is entirely supportive of GLBTQ issues, because the arguement against queer equality is almost entirely based in religion.
http://epagepub.com/lavender368.html

Host Mike Haubrich thinks "religious institutions that suppress the rights of GLBT folks are using their beliefs as justification for an underlying homophobia. By using the Bible as an absolute moral guide in legislating issues related to marriage and other societal benefits that should be recognized as being granted by such a basic document as the Declaration of Independence, they are demonstrating precisely the effects of church-state entanglements that James Madison was warning against. The state should not be used as a sledgehammer to enforce a particular religious code, and an individual's sexuality should not be subject to the whims of religious interpretation."

I cannot agree more!! This argument against gay marriage is truly religion-based!! America was founded on the principle of the separation of church and state, and there is no reason to change that now.

We deserve the right to marry legally. To take advantage of all the legal benefits of marriage. We pay taxes. We contribute to Social Security. We deserve the right to have equal legal stake and responsibility in our homes, our children, our health, and our livelihoods.

If you don't want us to marry, that's fine. We won't marry in your churches, and you can go on believing whatever you believe. But we have as much right as anyone. Regardless of who we love.

See? We're just like everyone else!

In a Bronx high school, two girls have been named the school's "Best Couple." :D They won by a landslide!!
http://www.newsday.com/news/local/newyork/ny-nysame0707,0,849771.story

It's those little steps... Every part of us is normal-- there's just that one thing that a lot of people don't understand. When people see that you are just like them, it makes it harder for them to discriminate against you. We are the high school golden couple, too!

On the up and up...

It's a full Monday and I'm trying to help myself out of the funky mood I was in all weekend. It's a gorgeous May day, almost 80 degrees. I'm working double-shifts at the restaurant, but I came home during my break, enabling me to spend more time outside and getting things done. So far it has made my day feel longer and more mine.

Took a walk to the record store to get concert tickets for a few of the upcoming First Ave shows I will be seeing. Forked over 82 bucks, but I got 2 tickets to each of 3 shows, so that's really not bad!! Browsed through some shelves of 50-cent records and took home an armful that had fun pictures to make into record-sleeve notebooks.

And oh, the lilacs are out. That's what makes me want to be outside all the time, the smell of lilacs. Growing up, my family had lilac bushes surrounding our entire backyard. All you had to do in May was to open a window to have the smell of lilacs throughout the house. The funny thing is that I think I may now be slightly allergic to them, as well as to other flowers. During the past couple springs and summers, I get stuffy just about every day and I think it's worse when I'm around some flowers. Today I put a couple bunches in vases in the living room and bedroom. I'll probably be all stuffy when I sleep tonight, but it's worth it. And happily, I have a big pack of those wonderful little generic claritin pills. Those always seem to help.

Almost time to bid adieu to my afternoon and head off for the dinner shift...

April Playlist

Just under the wire! I've perfected my April playlist. Trimmed from 4 hours, down to a perfect 1.3.
Here it is!:

1) Lily Allen - Mr. Blue Sky
2) Missy Higgins - Peachy
3) Ohm - Spoon Me
4) Girl in a Coma - Road To Home
5) Ladyhawke - My Delirium
6) Santogold - You'll Find a Way
7) Client - Drive
8) The Sounds - No One Sleeps When I'm Awake
9) Big Star - September Gurls
10) The Organ - Memorize the City
11) Ida Marie - I Like You So Much Better When You're Naked
12) Margaret Berger - Get Physical
13) Stereolab - Valley Hi!
14) Girl in a Coma - Their Cell
15) Metric - Help, I'm Alive
16) The Asteroids Galaxy - Around the Bend
17) The Pipettes - Pull Shapes
18) Santogold - I'm A Lady
19) Nazz - Open My Eyes
20) Longwave - Sirens In the Deep Sea
21) Rachael Yamagata - What If I Leave
22) The Killers - Human

So! Starts out with a Lily Allen cover of ELO. I'm really picky about the covers I like, especially when the original band is one I really like, such as ELO, but this cover is so super-happy and sunny that I can't resist it. Next, while I generally find Missy Higgins to be too acoustic-y, folksy for me, there are a number of her songs that I do really like. Then, not sure where I picked up "Spoon Me," but it sure is cute. Reminds me of my friend, Chantal. :)

And ahhh, yes. Girl in a Coma. If I could sing like anyone, let alone sing at all, I would want to sing like Nina Diaz. Her voice just tingles deep down in my belly-- I don't know how else to explain it!! Doesn't hurt one bit that the band was picked up by Joan Jett herself to be on her Blackhearts label. Lucky lucky girls!! I'll be seeing them in concert in June and I can't wait.
Next is more Ladyhawke and Santogold, just like my last playlist. LOVE these girls. Will hopefully be seeing Santogold in concert in May, too. Client... Not sure where I picked up this band. Maybe from The L Word. I like the singer's voice, and the peppy techno feel. And not too surprisingly, "Drive" is a great song to listen to on the road.

NEW track from The Sounds next!! The album will be released in June, but I'll be seeing them in concert May 8th. Next is the first throw-back song, from Big Star. I think I caught this song on the radio and on TV recently and got to sort of re-discover it. Fabulous song.
Then, The Organ... Another melodic tune from those ladies. This song makes me think of roaming Minneapolis with my camera on a sunny day. Mmmm... can't wait to do that again!
And then, a more upbeat song that makes me crack up every time I hear it! The Current, a local radio station, has been playing the crap out of this song, but I'm not sick of it yet. Although, it totally gets stuck in my head... It's so frickin' funny! Her singing reminds me of Joan Jett when she growls and goes "Yeah!" "Alright!" And it's just true! Some people you just like a lot better when they're naked. ;)

Next is Margaret Berger, and I think I found her because of The L Word. The beeping in this song annoys my girlfriend, but I like the song a lot anyway. Her voice reminds me of Robyn, sort of. ....And also Olivia Newton-John, when she says "physical." Ha ha!! "Let's Get Physical" anyone?

Then an adorable French ditty from Stereolab. And Metric... They're pretty new to me, although I plan to see them when they play here in June. This song is so catchy and easy to sing to. Another great song to listen to while driving! Same for "Around the Bend," just a swingy, bouncy, moving song. And then The Pipettes! I DARE you to not get this song stuck in your head. Once you know the words, it's just about impossible. Then, more Santogold. And in this song, again, she reminds me SO much of Dale Bozzio from Missing Persons. :)
And then the other throw-back, this one much older-- Nazz released this song in 1968. Psychadelic yumminess!

Next is one from Longwave, who I found on Veronica Mars. The melody reminds me a bit of Muse, and I love the lyrics. Plus, I think I'm a sucker for any song about or with a title containing "Sirens". Then a sweet sweet sad song from Rachael Yamagata, who I just saw again last month. The title alone is just a great line. Very thought-provoking, for any situation.
And lastly, I decided to not end the playlist on such a gloomy note, so I added The Killers. A bouncy, dancy song that reminds me Erasure and Scissor Sisters, which poses the all-important question: "Are we human, or are we dancers?"
xoxo

"New Face of Family" Project

Thanks to Arlan of Your Daily Lesbian Moment for this news!
http://yourdailylesbianmoment.blogspot.com/2009/04/giving-good-face.html

A photographer named Katie Hawkins has started a wonderful art/political project to give faces to the thousands of GLBT families, taking traditional family portraits and displaying them along with the families' stories. Using art installations, a book format, and a documentary, Katie is working to put faces in the minds of people who are against same-sex marriage and legal rights.

Visit Katie's site: http://www.newfaceoffamily.org/#3763

I love this idea, and I know it will have an impact! It's easier to deny things to people you don't know, can't picture. I've found this to be true in my own personal experience.

Rinat Greenberg's statement in the project contained a great line: "I dare you to look at my gorgeous family and tell me I'm single." Yes!!!!

Also, I spent a few minutes looking at Rinat's wife, and she looked SO familiar to me... Just like an actress that I remember watching...

Familiar Face....

So, wow! It's Tori from Saved By the Bell. Not that I remember that character in particular, but I've always remembered her face. Actually, her name is Leanna Creel and she's been an actress, a producer, and a photographer. I've recognized her in every commercial I've seen her in since, like the Progressive insurance ones that are currently airing. And I always recognized her voice, the way her "R's" sound. Weird, I know, but my ears catch these things.

And I remember her and her sisters (she's a triplet) being in "Parent Trap" sequels. :)

She's currently a photographer in California, and she has been a producer on a few films that I know--"Desert Blue," "But I'm a Cheerleader," "The Cell."

Is it silly of me to be really happy that she plays for our team? *Yay!*
And really, I'm just so happy to see that she has a beautiful family and is doing well.

Record-Sleeve Notebook featured in a blog!

One of the record-sleeve notebooks that I have for sale on etsy.com was recently featured on a fellow Blogger blog! http://www.artsyrubbish.com/

Diamonds in the Rough featured this notebook in their ECO Spring Break article.
The blog features items that are recycled and stylish-- items for the selective and conscientious shopper! I'm thrilled to have been selected for inclusion in this article. Tess, the blogger, was friendly and welcoming in all her correspondence.

She also runs an etsy store: yellowdogvintage

Check it out! And of course, please check out my store: LafemmeDIY
Or: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=80726

Vintage Kitchen Cabinet

So today my girlfriend brought home a very cool metal kitchen cabinet from a house that her company recently renovated. They were just going to toss it in the trash, and I was like "No, let's keep it!!" It needs some refinishing-- sanding and then painting, but it's so adorable and just had to be saved. I'm such a vintage junkie sometimes... this being one of those times.

The plan is to put it in our house, once we get one. Maybe in the kitchen, but if it's not practical there, because it has one sink, not a double-sink, then maybe something goofy like the guest bath. Who knows! If we decide it's just not a good fit in that future home, at least we can sell it and make sure it goes to a home where someone will appreciate it, and not to a landfill! Hey, we're recycling. ;)

The brand name of the cabinet is Signature, but I wasn't able to find any info on that brand. In my last apartment, I had a similar metal cabinet that was Tracy brand!! I'd love to own that one, it was just adorable.

Update: I found a fantastic website later, http://retrorenovation.com/, and they have a forum devoted to metal kitchen cabinets. I posted on the forum regarding this cabinet, and the moderator, Pam, told me that the info on this particular brand is really scarce! Bizarre!

Maria Maggenti

So, yesterday I got the new issue of Domino magazine, and there is an article showing Maria Maggenti's house. A bunch of beautiful pictures, along with very minimal text. But the article says that Ms. Maggenti wrote and directed both "The Incredible Adventure of 2 Girls In Love" and "Puccini For Beginners." So I figure, Hmmm, this woman probably plays for our team, especially since the article did not mention a partner of any sex.

Tonight I did a little online research on her and found that yes, she is a bisexual woman who is very active in the film community as far as getting financing for independent films, securing benefits for film artists, and promoting women in film-making. She also has a history in AIDS activism, back when the disease was newly discovered.

All that, combined with the gorgeous handmade painting she made of Gloria Steinem, and I am very impressed. How did I not know of her before? Well, regardless, I will certainly be keeping an eye out for anything new from this lady.

Here she is giving Domino a tour of her pretty California house:
http://www.dominomag.com/howtos/advice/video/2009/02/maria_maggenti

Check her out on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2oX27y8dTI&feature=related


And be sure to rent or buy "Puccini For Beginners"! It's really cute!

Movie: The Women

Last weekend, my gf, my friend and I watched "The Women." I had Netflixed it based on the recommendation of my boss. What little I had heard about the movie when it came out, as far as I could recall, hadn't been very positive. Actually, I was just reading right now that The Women Film Critics Circle named the movie in their Top 10 Hall of Shame for 2008. Oops.

Oh, well! I liked it! For a few reasons: it was based on a play that was written by a woman in the 1930's. It was re-written by a woman, Diane English, who also directed it along with a mostly female cast. Annette Benning was fantastic. Cloris Leachman was adorable. Jada Pinkett Smith made a very good lez. Bette Midler had a cameo and was both cute and kind of freaky.

Yes, the central story was about a husband's infidelity and that was boring to me. Debra Messing's make-up looked really awful most of the time. And something is seriously wrong with Meg Ryan's face. She looks like a Muppet. My gf admitted that Meg was one of her first crushes, and she was definitely turned off by how she looks now. Bummer!

But whatever. Don't put too much importance on it, it's just a movie! In an entertainment environment that loves Ben Stiller and Judd Apatow, at least for a couple hours we can watch a film that was made by women, starring only women, and see some pretty sweet moments about love between women.

New Year, New Soundtrack!

Happy New Year!

I've made my first new playlist of 2009. It was about time! I don't think I'd made one since September, and that's much too long. ;) Here it is!

1) Rocky Took A Lover - Bell X1
2) Lights Out - Santogold
3) Magic - Ladyhawke
4) Jump In The Pool - Friendly Fires
5) Lay Your Head Down - Keren Ann
6) Being Here - The Stills
7) Ghosts - Ladytron
8) Spaceman - The Killers
9) LES Artistes - Santogold
10) Electric Feel - MGMT
11) Cheap and Cheerful - The Kills
12) Anything, Anything - Dramarama
13) Don't Cry - Asia
14) Pressure Suit - Aqualung
15) She's Not Around - The Chevelles
16) Wish I - Jem
17) Red Sea - Asobi Seksu
18) Sweet Jane - Mott the Hoople

Of course, I've got my new favorite Santogold songs on there, as well as a handful of other songs I've been hearing lately on 89.3 the Current. A couple throw-back songs, per usual-- Asia, and Dramarama, who I only know a bit about. But they have Edie Sedgwick on a couple of their album covers and in their song "What Are We Gonna Do" they sing about April 21st (which is my birthday), so that's a good start! Then a few more songs I've liked for a year or two but never had on a playlist. And lastly another throw-back by Mott the Hoople, a great cover of the Velvet Underground.