LESBIAN NEWS VOL. 43 ∙ NO. 06 ∙ January 2018
A VIEW OF MONTPARNASSE BIENVENÜE An invigorating feature debut from French female director Léonor Serraille
+ NEW SERIES + PSIFF 2018 SHOWCASES FALLING FOR ANGELS INTERNATIONAL CINEMA LN Contributors
Anne Laure Pineau At 32, Anne Laure is a Parisian journalist working for national magazines (ELLE, Paris-Match, Liberation) on many subjects, from the far-right and conservative movements in France, to the Angola Prison Rodeo in Louisiana. She has the absolute conviction that her job is political and can enlighten the human complexity. As a feminist, as an anti-racist and as a lesbian, she is working daily to give a space to the untold stories. (Photo: Juliette Robert).
Beth Shipp is the first Executive Director of LPAC, the lesbian Super PAC that builds the political power of lesbian, queer, bisexual and transgender women by electing candidates who champion LGBTQ rights, women’s equality and social justice. She is a political strategist with more than 20 years of experience working for women’s reproductive rights, Democratic candidates and progressive causes. Prior to joining LPAC, Ms. Shipp was the political director for NARAL Pro- Choice and worked on a variety of federal and state campaigns throughout the nation.
Carl Matthes is the current president of UGLA, Uptown Gay and Lesbian Alliance, an organization providing a support system for gay men, lesbians and education for individuals and the community He is a columnist on the Lesbian News, owned and published by his sister, Ella and her wife, Gladi. He was editor of the GLAAD/newsletter, and a GLAAD/LA representative on the Board. ln July, 2008, Carl was legally married to Carl Johnson, his partner of 50 years, by Los Angeles City Councilmember Jose Huizar. It was a unique gay/lesbian double ceremony as Carl’s sister Ella and her partner Gladi were also married by Jose.
Carla Ferrer Russo, PhD is a Professor of Natural Medicine, a Registered Yoga Instructor, and a pioneering Behaviorist & Life Coach in the field of transformation and consciousness for healthy lifestyle living. For over twenty years, Dr. Carla’s work has focused on sharing both her personal and professional experience addressing the whole being, mind, body and spirit; empowering profound personal and professional break-throughs for individuals and organizations throughout the United States and United Kingdom (EU).
Christin and Ashley Kelly-Brown are owners and wife team of LunaBella Makeup and Hair in Santa Barbara, CA. Originally from Oakland, CA. they met there at 17 years of age and have been together for over 12 years. Legally married in California on October 3, 2008, their company has since taken off. They absolutely love not only what they do but also how uniquely they work together.
Dian Katz works a variety of arenas. With a background in Marriage Counseling and a history as a professional performer, she’s LN’s Entertainment Editor and Self Help columnist. Dian’s also authored a book entitled: Love Hurts· A Spiritual Journey to Wholeness. She sometimes works the motivational speaking circuit. Dian’s an award winning drummer with her own rock band. Out of all the many hats she wears, performing and writing are her biggest passions. Dina Evan, PhD is a noted speaker and veteran activist for LGBT Women’s and Human Rights. She is a professional counselor and spiritual coach working with individuals, couples and organizations from coast to coast. She has authored three books, Inspiration Cards, Calendars and Meditation CD’s. She provides tools for creating successful relationships which she believes are the path to consciousness. Dina feels the highest assignment today is simply waking up. (602) 997-1200 • www.drdinaevan.com
Gladi Adams, PhD is a native New Englander who was recruited in Boston by the Los Angeles Unified School District to teach English in L.A. She studied at Boston University, Cal State Northridge, California Western and UCLA. She retired as a secondary school principal after 35 years in the system. She is married to Ella Matthes, publisher, and they have been working on the LN together since 2005.
John Esther For nearly a dozen years, Movie Editor John Esther has been writing for Lesbian News. Over time, he has written more than 100 articles for LN on film, music, theater, ~ and culture. His monthlymovie column, Eye C, is currently the longest consecutiverunning - movie column in LN. John also contributes articles to numerous other publications, plus his own blog. John is currently a Board Member of the Gay and Lesbian Entertainment Critics Association (GALECA).
Juno Parreñas, PhD has been a regular monthly columnist at the Lesbian News since 1997, when she was seventeen years old. Since then, she has lived in three continents, five countries, ten cities, and has three degrees: a Bachelor’s from UC Santa Cruz, a Master’s from the University of Amsterdam, and a PhD from Harvard University. When she’s not writing about sexuality, politics, pleasure, culture, desire, and social relations, she works on her research involving orangutans.
Lynda Montgomery was born in Long Beach, a small town in Canada. She loves a parade, so she moved to Long Beach California, a big town, so she didn’t have to be all alone in the Gay Pride parade! She is an activist for animal rights and gay rights, giving priority to gay animals! As a stand-up comic she has survived many dive bars, festivals, and comedy clubs. She is currently trying to get booked onto the “Olivia Cruises” because she heard it’s a great place to meet women!
Mona de Crinis grew up in a world without Xbox or Netflix, when tweeting was something birds did and “Pinterest” was a bad typo. She relied on her fertile imagination for fun quickly discovering that words threaded together could create a vibrant tapestry of expression. This awareness sparked a passion and subsequent career. For more than 20 years, she wrote and edited for regional and niche publications. She has authored over 100 published articles. Mona lives in Palm Springs with partner, Lori, and four furry kids.
Mona Elyafi has been writing celebrity magazine profiles, entertainment news and lifestyle columns for two decades. She currently writes for the Huffing ton Post, and serves as the West Coast correspondent for Diva Magazine (Dubai’s leading Women’s fashion magazine) writing 1!11 pieces on Kim Kardashian, Kimora Lee Simmons and Denise Richards. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, raised in Paris, France, residing in Los Angeles, Elyafi has spent 20 years working in entertainment publicity, heading her own PR Company, ILDK Media. She holds a Master of Arts in journalism from New York University. Morag Hillsinger Reba Birmingham is our LN poet, writing until recently under the Nom de Plume Morag Hillsinger. She is also a practicing lawyer and an author with Regal Crest Publishing. Her debut novel, Floodlight, is now available on Bella Books, Amazon and Kobo. It is the first in a series about the LGBT characters that inhabit the fictional town of Merryville California. It is quirky and fun. The sequel will be released in 2018.
Nat Burns is an award-winning novelist and journalist who lives and writes in Albuquerque, New Mexico. She has authored novels in several genres for four different publishers and has just released her eleventh novel, a lesbian romance called Lights of the Heart. Her shorter works and essays have appeared in more than fifty publications and she’s been writing for LN since 2009. Burns is now writing full time after retiring from her career as editorial systems coordinator for a medical publishing company. www.natburns.com
Nikki McCauley was born in Pittsburgh, PA. She graduated from Robert Morris University and spent ten years with Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, CA. Accomplishments: PilotGodless- 2010- 2012; CD- Spoken Word 2005; Warner Bros. Writer’s Workshop 2003/2004; Poetry Book- Inditing Poetry 1999. Scripts: Law & Order; The Practice; Cold Case; CSI Las Vegas.
Robin Tyler is a pioneer activist in the LGBT community. In the 1970’s, she became the first ‘out’ lesbian or gay comic on television, albums and in concert. In addition to 25 Women’s Music and Comedy Festivals, Robin produced the main stages for 3 OD of the LGBT Marches on Washington. Robin and her wife, Diane Olson, were the first lesbian plaintiffs to file the lawsuit that brought marriage equality to California and were the first to marry in Los Angeles County.
Sally Sheklow came out in 1973 and has been with her “wifey” for 25 years. They live in Eugene, Oregon with their two cats. Sally’s “Living Out” column first appeared in Lesbian News in 1999, and twice won both the Houston Press Club’s Lone Star Award for best magazine column and Best of Eugene’s “Best Writer” award. Sally teaches Queer Studies at Portland State University, performs with the all-lesbian improv troupe WYMPROV!, and makes art out of old buttons.
Shawn Ryan is a lot of things. He’s an Actor/Singer/Writer/Director and Camp Director but fancies himself a Dancer/Poet/Lyrical Savant/Brother/Son/and Terrific Husband. His greatest wish is that someday Barbara Walters will come out of retirement and make him cry on ABC. He lives in a state of adoring bliss with his husband, actor John Ainsworth, and their furry children, Mr. Kitty and Gazpacho the Chihuahua. It seems as though things couldn’t get much better, but day by day, they to do. Follow him on www.shawn-ryan.com
Sherron Mills, N.P. has been a lesbian health care practitioner and activist for many years. In 1980 she co-founded Lyon-Martin Women’s Health Services, the country’s first non-profit clinic to serve the lesbian community. She then went on in 1984 to launch Pacific Reproductive Services to provide sperm bank, fertility and insemination services primarily to Ill lesbians. Knowing that many of her clients would greatly value the opportunity for their children to meet their sperm donors, should they wish to do so, she was an early pioneer in recruiting men who would contractually agree to meet a child at least once after he or she reaches 18. As a result, PRS today has more Stephanie Papadakis is originally from southern California. Stephanie knew she wanted to live in San Francisco from the age of 10 (but had no clue she liked women). When she’s not working at a lesbian travel company in SF, she spends her time cooking delicious paleo meals, climbing rugged mountains, exercising daily, researching random trivia knowledge, making “dream lists” on Airbnb, and planning day-, weekend- and weeklong dates with her partner, Sara.
Sweet Baby J’ai is a writer, singer, composer, arranger, educator, and the Artistic Director ofthe Palm Springs Women’s Jazz Festival. A creative force on the music scene for over two ~ decades, she tours the world with her genre-defying work, which both embraces and expands - jazz tradition. She has worked in various capacities, including talent buyer for major music events throughout the country. She also serves as Creative Managing Director for the Educational Theatre Institute.
Toni Hart has had many careers, including her favorite- freelance writing. Early on she was a child actress and after college, became a designer of women’s & children’s fashions. After a pause to have three children, she turned to Mortgage Banking, retiring years later as VP/Administrator of the mortgage Dept. She’s become a hard working volunteer for many venues. To support her wonderful gay daughter, her attention is now zestfully supporting the LGBT cause.
Victoria Bearden has practiced astrology for over 30 years, with clients across the country and abroad. To set up a personal consultation you can call her at 760-634-1028 or visit her website at www.astrologervic.com January 2018 CONTENTS COVER STORY LESBIAN NEWS
A VIEW OF MONTPARNASSE BIENVENÜE An invigorating feature debut from French female director Léonor Serraille By Joseph F. Nacino
FEATURE
FALLING FOR ANGELS This new series depicts diversity, relationships, and love in Los Angeles By Michel Khordic
THE SEARCH FOR INSIDE LN THE SWEETEST FRUIT Fasten your seat belts HOTSPOTS By Sweet Baby J’ai START 2018 WITH A BLAST FEMASTROLOGY BALANCING WORDS JANUARY 2018 AND BASKETBALLS POETRY Prolific writer, Lucy J. Madison takes a step back to focus on what’s important in life. STATUES By Nat Burns LIFESTYLES
EarthTalk® JULIAN KENIRY’S Follow Us Online! ‘WILD SIDE OF EDUCATION’ LESBIANNEWS.COM Pushing for change through environmental education By Hannah Davis
MoviesEyeC Let us know what you think. PSIFF 2018 SHOWCASES INTERNATIONAL CINEMA Single women from afar By John Esther
Notes From Nat STEADFAST RELEASES AND A NEW SOLO ARTIST Hopeful holiday cheer brings some irresistible music to the forefront By Nat Burns
Spirituality BREAK THROUGH By Dina Evan, PhD COLUMNS
Words that Make Sense WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Each of us must do what we can to make our country whole again. By Toni Hart
Queerly Questioning HOW TO ENACT JUSTICE IN UNJUST TIMES The hunger for knowledge needs to ultimately compel action By Juno Parrenas
Positive Reflections KEEP THE FAITH Have you ever tried surrendering and having a little faith? By Dian Katz, MS
Dyke Musing HOW TO ENACT JUSTICE IN UNJUST TIMES By Sue Moore
A VIEW OF MONTPARNASSE BIENVENÜE An invigorating feature debut from French female director Léonor Serraille By Joseph F. Nacino
hat’s in a name? as a juncture for the Paris Métro’s other lines. energy by actress Laetitia Dosch) to Orpheus If it’s the title One can think of ways the title of French and how he gained the notice of the god Apollo of the movie director’s Léonor Serraille’s charming debut while living on Mount Parnassus with his family. “Montparnasse feature film can apply-- except that Serraille’s After all, Serraille—who switched studies from Bienvenue,” it can movie was originally released under the title, comparative literature to cinema—once said mean a lot. “Jeune Femme.” This was later changed to its in an interview for the Festival de Cannes: international title of “Montparnasse Bienvenue,” “Literature is also a big reason why I wanted to In Greek mythology, Mount Parnassus was the a move that would definitely capture the attention make films.” Whome of the nine Greek Muses of the Arts and of distributors worldwide. Sciences. This later became the basis for the Likewise, the story of Paula’s journey through name of Montparnasse, the Parisian Left Bank Still, it would be lovely to overthink the parallels the streets of Paris can be likened to a virtual neighbourhood quarter of the city wherein the in the story of the movie’s protagonist, Paula odyssey that—while feeling somewhat aimless— Montparnasse - Bienvenue Métro station serves Simonian (played with a refreshingly manic documents this part of her chaotic life. This is why, despite the generic-sounding original title, pick up the pieces of her life, she finds herself protagonist to decide what sort of person she “Jeune Femme” (translated to ‘a young woman’) reinventing herself over and over again like a wants to become—if she wants to change, that is quite apt. chameleon as she meets different people. is.
Ironically, Paula’s character is so well fleshed It doesn’t help that she’s quite willing to use Once again, it’s hard not reach for metaphors in out and authentic, that she is sure to remind their assumptions about her and/ or acts of this movie. After all, Montparnasse - Bienvenue us of that one friend who, while constantly mistaken identities to help her find her way. It serves as one of the crossroads of Paris and remaining likeable, seems destined to always is this search for her identity—combined with before the film ends, Paula has definitely fuck up before our non-judgemental eyes. (Hey, her struggle for survival—that shows us all the reached one of her own. we’re friends, we’re not ones to judge, right?) fascinating facets of Paula’s character. Ultimately, it’s gratifying to know that this movie When photographer Joachim Deloche (Gregoire A chance encounter with Yuki, (Léonie Simaga) about the life of a young woman was informed Monsaingeon), her boyfriend of 10 years, breaks gives her an opportunity to get back on her feet by a woman’s sensibility and brought to reality up with her and kicks her out of his apartment again, and this leads to meeting her charge, by the touch of women. Bringing both insight after she returns from a trip abroad, Paula finds 6-year-old Lila (Lilas Gilberti-Poisot), and and clarity to the film, Serraille was the director herself at a loss both literally and figuratively. Ousame (Souleymane Seye Ndiaye), a single and one of the co-writers of the movie together parent and mall security guard. with Clémence Carré and Bastian Daret. On one hand, she has no money, almost homeless, and seemingly no future. On the Obviously, Paula has to sort things out with In an interview, Serraile said: “The story other, Paula has always defined herself as Joachim, who comes back sniffing around was based on my own experiences and my “Joachim’s girlfriend.” So not only has she to her door, and this becomes the crux for our relationship with Paris. But the concept is first and foremost based on examining a network of “Our equipment was stuck in the lifts and time story. How do we know that Paris is a woman? different, tangible situations in order to capture was running out when Laetitia Dosch and To quote Angela Carter, “Cities have sexes: the metamorphosis of a woman.” Grégoire Monsaingeon suddenly began running London is a man, Paris a woman, and New York through their lines in the dark, and everyone a well-adjusted transsexual.” Two of the more interesting facts behind this fell silent. In that moment, I felt that we were a movie was that Serraille was pregnant while water-tight team coming together in rough times All of these combine to make “Montparnasse shooting this film, and that young women were to bring a story to life,” she shared. Bienvenue”/ “Jeune Femme” a highly enjoyable in nearly every creative role in the movie, from movie to watch. manning the cameras to the sound and set Of course, it would be absurd not to mention the design. superb acting of the French indie breakout star We’re not alone in this regard as the film was Dosch, who provided a deep understanding of nominated for the Cannes Un Certain Regard and “For many of us, this was our first feature film,” the complexities of Paula’s character as well as won Serraille the Cannes Camera d’Or award. she related. “I’m thinking back to one of the her story. Furthermore, it has won a slew of film festival scenes in a restaurant at the top of the Tour awards from Paris, London, Philadelphia, to Montparnasse at night. Everyone was exhausted But we thought the other star of this movie was Stockholm. and stressed.” Montparnasse itself, the Parisian quarter that serves as the busy and vibrant backdrop of the And did we forget to mention that Lesbian News’
FALLING FOR ANGELS This new series depicts diversity, relationships, and love in Los Angeles By Michel Khordic
OS ANGELES — Here TV, the Brother), Jason London (Dazed and Confused) (Bel Air), Billy Clift (Silver Lake). nation’s largest LGBTQ premium and more. television network, and Pride Each writer/director has a personal connection Media, the nation’s largest premium “Falling for Angels celebrates the magic that to each distinct LA neighborhood - they each LGBTQ publisher, launched their makes Los Angeles the city of angels.” says shares a real-life tie to the neighborhood they original series, Falling For Angels, Award-winning Producer Paul Colichman inhabit, providing authenticity to themes of race, on December 1. (Gods and Monsters/Shelter). “Here TV has gentrification, sexual health, love and sexuality. engaged inspiring and diverse queer writers LThe series takes a provocative and informative and directors, most of whom are queer men of Clift and Millbern also wrote and directed look at same-sex relationships from love and color, to tell their stories. Each episode features Malibu, the final episode in the series. Each sex positivity to sexual health, heartbreak and a romance apropos to a specific Los Angeles writer and director shares a real-life connection more. neighborhood. Falling For Angels highlights the to the neighborhood they inhabit, providing emotions and complex relationships that bind authenticity to themes of race, gentrification, Inspired by six distinct neighborhoods in Los the queer community together.” sexual health, love and sexuality. Angeles, including Boyle Heights, Koreatown, Leimert Park, Bel Air, Silver Lake and Malibu, Producing alongside Colichman is Emmy- FALLING FOR ANGELS can be viewed for free the anthology series features an all-star cast nominated actor-producer, David Millbern. on Here TV app: www.here.tv , available for including Steve Grand (Country Singer), Daniel download via Apple, Google Play, Roku and Franzese (Looking/Mean Girls), Alec Mapa Each installment of the six-episode anthology Amazon App Store, Here TV’s cable providers, (Devious Maids), Kevin Spirtas (Days of Our series is helmed by a different writer/director, and on the website: www.fallingforangels.com Lives), Blake Young-Fountain (The Skinny), including Nick Oceano (Boyle Heights), Steven where each episode will stream for free. Johnny Kostrey (Aquarius), Calpernia Addams Liang and Steven J. Kung (Koreatown), (Soldier’s Girl), Adrian Nunez (30 Days with my Waymon Boone (Leimert Park), David Millbern
THE SEARCH FOR THE SWEETEST FRUIT Fasten your seat belts By Sweet Baby J’ai
ome people may describe ruby good book. It’s sort of like being a time traveler Some people like filling the shoes of characters, fruit as one of the sweetest delving into another universe. living and breathing their thoughts. Others enjoy and reddest varietals of the I especially love reading lesbian books because being the objective observer trying to figure out grapefruit family – a hybrid of they are mostly written by women and for the plot before it unfolds. the Jamaican sweet orange and women. The protagonist is always a woman, the Indonesian pomelo. Others and the hero of the story is most definitely a A good book can actually become a part of your (those of us in the know) would describe it as woman. Can you say ‘woman power’! I get daily consciousness, so it’s important that you Rita Mae Brown did in her 1973 debut novel, as tingly all over just thinking about all that female take a little time to seek out really great stories. S‘the purest symbolism of female genitalia’. energy popping off the pages of a good lesbian read. There are many amazing novels out there in Rubyfruit Jungle is Brown’s iconic coming-of- lesbian book heaven. Some are classics that age autobiographical account of her youth and Lesbian books are not just romances (though have been tested over time and others are just emergence as a lesbian author. those are my favorite, especially if they are waiting to be discovered. served with a cup of erotica) they cover every This explicit portrayal of lesbianism was her genre. And those of us who love to read queer I guarantee you that you will find books that will first novel and was also the very first book that books are not just lesbians – we are all types. keep you captivated and may even make you spoke directly to me as a reader. And though Gay, straight, men, and women, all fall in love fall in love all over again, and again, and again. critics initially ignored the novel, it went on to with the incredible stories about remarkable, sell over a million copies and is attributed to sometimes strange and amusing women. If you’re ready to visit another world and my life long search for ruby fruit –great stories time—turn off the TV, pick up a book and heed about lesbian women. Studies have shown that the physical benefits Bette Davis’ words, “Fasten your seat belts, it from reading can reduce stress, increase calm, going to be a bumpy night!” From classic to Reading is one of my favorite past-times, help the memory and stimulate the mind. Well, contemporary, there are a few novels that every whether it’s a mystery, thriller, science fiction that sounds about right! Entering diverse worlds red-blooded woman-loving woman should read: or (my favorite) a good old fashion love story. I can expand your knowledge and get right into love to take a break from reality and jump into a your psyche. The Well of Loneliness They fall in love and set out across the United Stevie’s at times harrowing, at times hilarious by Radclyffe Hall States, pursued by a private investigator who story, they will learn what it was like to be black eventually blackmails Carol into a choice before black was beautiful. ‘As a man loved a woman, that was how I loved... between her daughter and her lover. It was good, good, good...’ Stephen is an ideal child of aristocratic parents - a fencer, a horse Considered to be the first lesbian pulp novel Tipping the Velvet rider and a keen scholar. to break the pulp publishing industry-enforced by Sarah Waters pattern of tragic consequences for its lesbian Stephen grows to be a war hero, a bestselling heroines, The Price of Salt was published Nan King, an oyster girl, is captivated by the writer and a loyal, protective lover. But Stephen in 1952 and written under the pseudonym of music hall phenomenon Kitty Butler, a male is a woman, and her lovers are women. As her Claire Morgan by Patricia Highsmith–the author impersonator extraordinaire treading the boards ambitions drive her, and society confines her, of Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr. in Canterbury. Stephen is forced into desperate actions. Ripley. Through a friend at the box office, Nan manages The Well of Loneliness was banned for to visit all her shows and finally meet her heroine. obscenity when published in 1928. It became Coffee Will Make You Black Soon after, she becomes Kitty’s dresser and an international bestseller, and for decades was by April Sinclair the two head for the bright lights of Leicester the single most famous lesbian novel. Square where they begin a glittering career as Set on Chicago’s Southside in the mid-to-late music-hall stars in an all-singing and dancing The thinly disguised story of Hall’s own life, 60s, Coffee Will Make You Black is the moving double act. it was banned outright upon publication and and entertaining tale of Jean “Stevie” Stevenson, almost ruined her literary career. a young black woman growing up through the At the same time, behind closed doors, they Civil Rights and Black Power movements. admit their attraction to each other and their Published in 1995, the novel opens at a time affair begins. The Price of Salt when, for black families, seeing a black person by Patricia Highsmith on television was an event. Tipping the Velvet was published in 2000 and adapted to a controversial three-part BBC series The story of Therese Belivet, a stage designer Sinclair writes frankly about a young black in 2002. trapped in a department-store day job, whose woman’s sexuality, and about the confusion salvation arrives one day in the form of Carol Stevie faces when she realizes she’s more Aird, an alluring suburban housewife in the attracted to the school nurse -- who is white -- throes of a divorce. than her teenage boyfriend. As readers follow Under the Udala Trees drawn to her powerful, twice-married, media by Chinelo Okparanta mogul boss, Elena Bartell, who eats failing newspapers for breakfast. As work takes them Ijeoma comes of age as her nation does; born to Australia, Maddie is goaded into a brief, before independence, she is eleven when civil seemingly harmless bet with her enigmatic war breaks out in the young republic of Nigeria. boss—where they have to tell the complete truth to each other. It backfires catastrophically. Sent away to safety, she meets another displaced child and they, star-crossed, fall in love. They Lee Winter is an award-winning veteran are from different ethnic communities. They are newspaper journalist. With her latest novel, also both girls. published in 2017, she gives us a lesbian romance about the lies we tell ourselves. When their love is discovered, Ijeoma learns that she will have to hide this part of herself. But there is a cost to living inside a lie. Also check out books by Xenia Alexiou and Kim Baldwin, Georgia Beers, Alison Bechdel, Inspired by Nigeria’s folktales and its war, Under Melissa Brayden, Emma Donoghue, Malinda the Udala Trees published in 2015, is a deeply Lo, Audre Lorde, Shamim Sharif, Catherine M. searching, powerful debut about the dangers of Wilson and Virginia Wolf to get you started. living and loving openly. There are hundreds of books to choose from. Happy reading!
The Brutal Truth by Lee Winter
Australian crime reporter Maddie Grey is out of her depth in New York, miserable, and secretly
BALANCING WORDS AND BASKETBALLS Prolific writer Lucy J. Madison takes a step back to focus on what’s important in life. By Nat Burns
t one time, Lucy J. Madison high school accomplishments as a three-sport LN: In your own experience, is poetry one more worked in marketing and athlete, and Mount Saint Mary College inducted added facet to writing novels or is it a singular public relations. Now, her into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2015 for entity unto itself? she’s a novelist, with two her achievements in basketball. lesbian romance novels out, LJM: I think it can be a little of both. I enjoy writing Personal Foul and In the Lucy lives in Connecticut and Provincetown and reading poetry on its own, but I also think Direction of the Sun. with Dara, her wife of eighteen years and their novel writing can be incredibly poetic as well. beloved fur babies. Books like One Hundred Years of Solitude by AShe’s a poet, as well, releasing the collection, Gabriel García Márquez and And the Mountains I.V. Poems, in 2016. Other short stories and Echoed by Khaled Hosseini come to mind to me poems have appeared in magazines, literary LN: Your novel, In the Direction of the Sun, was as incredibly poetic prose. journals, and anthologies. As a screenwriter, released in March of 2017. Beyond promoting the Sundance Screenwriters Institute named that, what are you working on at the moment? her a finalist, placing the script, Tell it Slant, LN: How important is including passion between about the life of Emily Dickinson, in its top ten LJM: I’m almost finished with the first draft of your characters—beyond lovemaking scenes— in 2011. It is currently in pre-production with a literary fiction novel entitled Raising Artemis. in your stories? M.Y.R.A. Entertainment. This book has taken me many years because I needed to be at the right point in my life, and LJM: Writing passion in my romance novels is She’s also a sports enthusiast, winning the my craft, to be able to take it on. I’m also in the incredibly important to me, and an essential Wesleyan University’s Rulewater Prize for thick of ghostwriting a non-fiction book. Beyond part of the storytelling process specifically in her thesis project on women’s basketball. that, I’ve been working on pitching and editing romance novels. In the Direction of the Sun, there The Middletown Connecticut Sports Hall of several feature film scripts and thinking about is a passage that begins, “What was passion? Fame inducted her into their 2011 class for my next project. Passion reminded us that we were alive, that our lives were fleeting because the more intense the LN: What one thing in your personal life you are technology dragging me down. passion was, the more unbearable life became proudest of? without it. If we were denied passion, we were more than partly dead.” LJM: I’m not sure being proud is the right way LN: How did you meet Dara? Was it love at first to explain it. I try to be a kind person, an open- sight? I really do believe this, as I believe that all minded person, not quick to judge anyone, and good romance novels must show that passion who is constantly willing to learn and grow. I’m LJM: I met Dara twenty years ago at a party. I’m between two characters in order for the love constantly trying to be a good partner to my not sure it was love at first sight, but I definitely story to be believable and authentic. wife of nearly nineteen years, as well as a good felt an incredibly intense kind of recognition friend and daughter. I guess I’d have to say that when we met, as if I had known her for many I am most proud to be the kind of person who years, lifetimes even, and we had finally found LN: What one thing in your career are you has a constant desire to learn and grow. each other again. It knocked me totally off my proudest of? feet and threw me for a loop! Actually, it threw us both for a loop. All these years later, I can’t LJM: I am most proud to be finally at the point in LN: Are you still involved in playing sports? Or imagine my life without her in it. my life that I’m a professional writer. It took me do you prefer to watch these days? many years working in higher education, and being entirely unfulfilled, before I was able to LJM: Unfortunately, there are no adult women’s LN: You regularly work with Meals on Wheels. take the leap and focus one hundred percent on basketball leagues near me so my ability to play How important is it to you to give back to your creative writing as my career. basketball is limited. I coached basketball for community and why? years and do take my ball to the local playground Beyond that, I’m proud that I’ve published or gym when I can. LJM: I live an incredibly blessed and comfortable fiction, non-fiction, poetry, short-stories, and life. As I’m getting older, I recognize that it’s had a screenplay purchased. I enjoy writing I’ve recently taken up golf and am looking easy to throw money at a cause but it can be in multiple genres across multiple disciplines, forward to taking lessons in the spring. I continue much more meaningful, and impactful, to help and am proud to be a working writer, constantly to enjoy hiking and the outdoors and try to get another human being face to face. Plus, I find trying to improve my craft. out into the woods often, without cell phones or it hypocritical to complain about the state of the world or our country without lifting a finger to Provincetown, where we lived for almost a year I can’t imagine life without taking the time to make it better. before we were able to purchase a house in step back and away from the daily rat race to Connecticut, where we are both originally from. continually be with myself. I’m an only child, and We now split our time between Connecticut and as such, I enjoy spending time alone. I enjoy LN: Have you always lived in the Northeast? Is Provincetown. taking time out in the woods without technology that where you grew up? Where else have you or noise to listen to my own inner voice. lived? LN: Where do you see yourself ten years from now? One of the themes I explore in Raising Artemis LJM: Yes, I was born and raised in rural is the idea that many of us spend our lives Connecticut. My parents have lived in the same LJM: I’m a big fan of vision boards and mapping asleep, like sleepwalkers, without being truly house for more than thirty-five years. I attended out what I want or dream of. In ten years, I hope connected to our souls, and our hearts. Part college in Newburgh, New York. to still be healthy and enjoying life to the fullest of the beauty of living, is learning that we are with my pets and my loved ones. I hope to be still changing every moment of every day. And so, When Dara and I first got together, I moved writing and improving my craft, and spending continual introspection helps me learn, and re- to Weehawken, New Jersey, and found a job more time in my beloved Provincetown. learn myself. working at a PR firm in Manhattan. LN: I read in your blog that you are working Knowing myself makes me a better writer After September 11th, as my wife’s law office consistently on your inner self. What important because it allows me to be authentic. It allows me was in the red zone, we moved up the Hudson facts have you learned about yourself from this to live in the moment and observe the details of River to Nyack, New York and resided in a spiritual introspection? life without letting them pass unnoticed. I’m not beautiful house just steps from the Hudson River sure how a writer can write three-dimensional for almost twelve years until we were displaced LJM: Spiritual introspection is important for all characters if the writer doesn’t first know oneself. by Hurricane Sandy. After the hurricane, we people, but I find it to be really necessary for For more information about Lucy, check out her packed up our pets and all we could into our writers. Life can be so busy, and we can get so page at www.lucyjmadison.com SUV and moved up to our second home in wrapped up in being consumers of everything.
EarthTalk®
JULIAN KENIRY’S “WILD SIDE OF EDUCATION” Pushing for change through environmental education By Hannah Davis
rowing up in the busy city can get a whole country interested in composting Her second talk, attended by Catawba students of Los Angeles, Julian and wind power, then why can’t the U.S? We and the community, centered on “The Wild Side Keniry remembers that are the United States. We should be leading of Education.” Both events were held at the fateful day in elementary this [environmental initiative].” Catawba College Center for the Environment. school when she and her classmates were sent Now, Keniry acts as a senior director of the Keniry focused her evening talk on the importance home because of poor air quality. National Wildlife Federation (NWF), particularly of higher education institutions focusing on immersing herself in higher education, such as teaching sustainability and creating sustainable GShe recalls it as one of the turning points in her campus sustainability initiatives and a program initiatives for students to get involved in. life when it came to her ambition to work toward called EcoLeaders. a sustainable future. When Keniry first heard that she would be It is with this career that Keniry found her way coming to Catawba College, she looked it up The second turning point happened when she to the Catawba College campus on March 1, on Google Maps and was blown away by how was studying abroad in Germany at the age of initially to attend and speak at the Mid-Year many solar panels she saw on the campus. 18, and she saw how sustainably advanced the Appalachian Energy Summit, which featured a Germans were compared to the United States. whole day of activities on sustainable energy “We [the NWF] have worked with colleges alternatives for over 130 people from North and universities all over the world, and never She remembers thinking to herself, “If Germany Carolina universities and energy organizations. seen this before,” Keniry remarked, “so, bravo, Catawba College!” Keniry also believes that “we need to get equity and training. right... because when we begin to highly regard However, even though there are things that are one another, we will begin to regard nature in To end her talk, Keniry talked about the future of going right in terms of environmental education a higher context.” Finally, she believes that our planet if we do not care for it and remarked in colleges, Keniry still believes that there is everyone should take a “green hour” each day. on how the CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk, wants room to keep pushing forward with that change This is because with the increase in technology, to create a colony on Mars. To this, she said, through education. such as smartphones and computers, our “What kind of future is that? That it’s actually society is spending more time indoors, and “we safer to live on Mars? One of those points was “to make biodiversity need to spend time doing hands-on experiential central to education and to give the things that and project-based learning activities” outdoors, We have this beautiful planet” and all we have you teach a bioregional context.” For example, in nature. to do is be committed to making a change in if you live near the Chesapeake Bay, Keniry the way we talk about and take care of our believes that you should focus your teaching One such program that helps people to create environment, and the key to that change, for on the environmental issues happening in the projects for sustainability is NFW’s EcoLeaders Keniry, is the wild side of education. Chesapeake Bay to truly bring these issues into program, which guides students and young context for people. adults into career and leadership development
MoviesEyeC
PSIFF 2018 SHOWCASES INTERNATIONAL CINEMA Single women from afar By John Esther
nce again, it is a new year, BPM the advocacy. and that means the Palm Springs International My favorite foreign film, so far, this year, France’s Putting the personal along with the political is Film Festival is here. Oscar submission offers an exhaustive, poignant, the relationship between the “Poz” agitator Sean Running January 2-15 lovely portrayal of activists and activism. Dalmazo (Nahuel Pérez Biscayart of last year’s (my birthday, just saying), “Stefan Zweig: Farewell to Europe,” Austria’s PSIFF is known for its reputation for showing It is the early 1990s and AIDS is killing off too Oscar entry and PSIFF 2017 film) and Nathan more Oscar submissions for foreign language many of the French – to a higher degree than other (Arnaud Valois) who is not HIV “Poz-itive” and Ofilms than any film festival in the world. This year Europe nations. Fed up with the government’s who is new to the activist thing. Against the PSIFF is slated to screen 36 Oscar submissions response, a bunch of French men and women, backdrop of protests, arrests and death the two for foreign language films, including eight out of both LGBTQ and allies, take their cue from fall in love. the nine films which made the foreign language New York and organize ACT UP (AIDS coalition Oscar shortlist – the one omission is Sweden’s to Unleash Power). Like most organizations Unlike most of our American puritan filmmakers, The Square. of this sort, different members have different co-writer-director Robin Campillo portrays their ideas about how to create awareness and get relationship with unabashed eroticism yet with In addition to the PSIFF’s “Awards Buzz” a goddamned response out of an indifferent a personal consciousness which is relentlessly section of Oscar submissions the film festival, government. Some call for peaceful resistance endearing. Their first lovemaking scene should located about 120 miles east of Los Angeles, while others advocate for a more aggressive go down as a classic illustration of responsible will showcase many other films from both here approach. These disagreements can sometimes sex without being reactionary about it. As the and abroad. Below are just a few examples of cause great frictions within a group of people 140-minute moves on, the film moves from the what to expect at this year’s PSIFF. devoted to a common cause. That members political to the personal as yet another member of the organization are literally dying in the of the group slowly dies – thus reminding viewers meantime only intensifies the arguments and why the vocal aggressive activism in most of the film is so crucial. is now raising a daughter, Ayuko Katase (Aoi And we are not sure she will have change for “BPM” or Beats Per Minute is a winner. On a Itô), on his own. She also decides to open the the better. Is there anybody who does not know “final” note, in the supposed year of “resist” this abandon bathhouse and, with the “nuclear” such a person? staunchly left film did not make Oscar shortlist. family reestablished it becomes a big success. Highly Recommended. Directed by Léonor Serraille and co-written by As writer-director Ryôta Nakano’s film Serraille, Clémence Carré and Bastian Daret we progresses, we learn to appreciate Futaba for first get a sense of Paula as she wails outside Her Love Boils Bathwater all the secret sacrifices she has made while the apartment door of her boyfriend of 10 years, watching her illness progress to death. Joachim Deloche (Grégoire Monsaingeon). He Japan’s Oscar submission for Best Film has just broken up with her and kicked “a loser Language Film starts off with a sign claiming Featuring a tight, conventional screenplay I still sleep with” out of his apartment. “The owner vanished like steam. No hot baths for and outstanding performances – particularly a while.” It is odd sign insofar as the protagonist Sugisaki’s, toppled with an awfully mawkish From the mental ward to the streets, Paula keeps of the film will leave a lasting impression on score, I am a bit surprised Her Love Boils acting like a jerk. But jerks often get breaks everyone in her milieu. Bathwater did not make the Oscar shortlist (as our current White House demon-strates) about as much as I am miffed that BPM did not. and Paula’s comes in the form of Yuki, (Léonie Futaba Sachino (Rie Miyazawa) is a strong, Simaga), a independent woman who mistakes independent woman and mother who works the heterochromic Paula for somebody else. long days at work and nights and mornings for In the Fade her daughter, Azumi (Hana Sugisaki). Unlike Desperate and essentially homeless, Paula her mother, Azumi is rather mousy. Germany’s Oscar submission for Best Foreign pretends to be that other person. Wait, did I Language Film. See the LN December 2017 mention Paula has an adorable cat? Yeah, for The target of bullies at school, Azumi hates issue for review. Recommended. the most part she is pretty good with the fluffy attending her high school. We get the sense white cat, although she can barely take care of that this is the modus vivendi for both mom her. and daughter until Futaba is diagnosed with Montparnasse Bienvenüe Stage IV Cancer – starting in the pancreas and Anyway, Yuki helps her “you prefer dicks; you spreading outward all the way to her brain. This Paula Simonian (Laetitia Dosch) is one of the don’t know what you’re missing” friend out with forces Futaba to make several life changes, most authentic characters to be found in a a place to stay and a job or two to do. One of such as reaching out to Azumi’s estranged film. Sure, she is obnoxious, codependent, the jobs leads to a friendship with Ousame father, Kazuhiro Sachino (Joe Odagiri), who ungrateful, uncurious and overall objectionable. (Souleymane Seye Ndiaye), another single parent (seems to be running theme at PSIFF seizures are due to some sort of possession, journey from northern Mozambique where salt 2018). About this time Joachim begins to reach which allows what Thelma wants to actually is abundant to the south where precious sugar out Paula, trying to get back together with her. happen. She is the ultimate manifester (and the is available. Will Paula fall back into his arms? We really do ultimate fester of men – at least for her nearest not care; she is not really a character to root for male family members). This power leads Anja For citizens who need to trade to survive the in a text. (Kaya Wilkins) to fall in love with the titular ride is free, but they must obey the military character. It also leads to some horrific murders. escort, which means a lot of work, subjugation “Montparnasse Bienvenüe” (a public transit and humiliation. The military escort is necessary system in Paris) is a path to one of the best So are we really going back to narratives where as the train will be attacked by guerrillas. written female characters in today’s cinema. I lesbians are essentially witches who kill off men The attacks come in the form of gunfire and can imagine how an American director would and seduce women supernaturally? Fortunately, sabotage. Despite the military protection those change the ending to make viewers “feel good.” “Thelma” did not make the Oscar shortlist for who did not buy a ticket can be shot. As the Recommended. Best Foreign Language Film. film progresses it is clear that many in the Mozambique military are awful human beings, especially Salamão (Thiago Justino) yet there Thelma The Train of Salt and Sugar are a few good eggs as well like Sete (Antonio Nipita). Sete and Salamão become archrivals in Norway’s Oscar submission for Best Foreign Mozambique’s Oscar submission for Best the film, both second in command behind Taiar Language Film, co-writer and director Joachim Foreign Language Film, co-writer and director (Matamba Joaquim), who has a mysterious and Trier’s is a portrayal of a lesbian best left in the Licino Azevedo’s film is the kind of film which objectionable reputation for leadership. distant past. Thelma (Eili Harboe) is a shy girl makes PSIFF 2018 such a vital resource as it who has finally left the nest of her protective is unlikely this magnificent film will ever see a Filled with dynamic performances, showcasing a doctor/religious man father, Trond (Henrik theatrical release in the United States. history foreign to most in the west, “The Train of Rafaelsen), and distraught wheelchair bound Salt and Sugar” tells the story of Mozambicans mother, Unni (Ellen Dorrit Petersen), for college. Set in Mozambique, 1988, during the country’s from the viewpoint of Mozambicans. There civil war between the military and “the will be none of that white savior crap here. Once there she begins to have seizures. These communists” the eponymous train is about a Recommended.
Notes from Nat
STEADFAST RELEASES AND A NEW SOLO ARTIST Hopeful holiday cheer brings some irresistible music to the forefront By Nat Burns
aroon 5 Again, American Horror Story) and creator of listen and I highly recommend it. Overall, it’s a business empire (fragrance, menswear and a a good album and, of course, still bears that The soulful music of record label). Maroon 5 irresistibility factor. Maroon 5, fronted by Adam Levine, 38, should This new album, the band’s sixth release, Favs include: be the sound track of featuring SZA, Julia Michaels, Lunchmoney our everyday lives. His voice is so smooth, so Lewis and A$AP Rocky, varies somewhat “What Lovers Do” featuring SZA: velvet, with inflections that carry us right there from their earlier work, being more thoughtful https://www.youtube.com/ Mto where he is, without a moment of hesitation. and a bit low-key. The album also marks the watch?v=5Wiio4KoGe8 His songs seem important and very relevant to fifteenth anniversary of their quintuple-platinum the emotionality, as well as the frivolity, of our 2002 debut album, Songs about Jane—which “Who I Am” featuring LunchMoney Lewis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkkp days. won them a Grammy as that year’s Best New HPZtee0&list=PLimj8VvFrKjLPFD5v1S- Artist. Band members Mickey Madden, James mxqFz7TjDsJT1 Take “What Lovers Do”, the second track on Valentine, Sam Farrar, Matt Flynn, Jesse
Maroon 5’s new release Red Pill Blues, for Carmichael and PJ Morton certainly hold up But I was also drawn to “Help Me Out”, featuring example. You have to sing along, you have to their part of the work, framing Levine’s voice the vocals of Julia Michaels: remember a similar time in your own life. It’s with their usual panache. By the way, note the https://www.youtube.com/ unavoidable. Snapchat filters on this cover. Well, it is Maroon watch?v=MTlrT5wntzA 5. Also, it’s easy for us to forget that he’s not © 2018 222 Records/Interscope Records only a fabulous singer alone, he’s a television I’m not sure if the popularity of this one will top https://www.maroon5.com/home personality (coaching The Voice), actor (Begin off as with earlier albums but it’s still a good Camila Cabello
Have you heard Camila Cabello yet? Omigosh, she’s amazing. Her new album Camila drops this month, so I haven’t heard it yet, but based on the sexy single “Havana”, it’s going to be amazing. You can listen to clips on her website, http://camilacabello.com
Check out this “Havana”, performed live on the Tonight Show: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=7ptAX7nTX6s
And here’s the fun, official video. Enjoy. “Havana” featuring Young Thug: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=BQ0mxQXmLsk
Here’s one more, just for fun: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=0PHRxLJFZ-g
Cabello, 20, is a singer /songwriter who was born in Havana, Cuba. She once helped form the girl group Fifth Harmony, releasing one EP and two studio albums with them. She left the group in 2016 and began collaborations with Shawn Mendes and Machine Gun Kelly. They did well, but the single “Havana” from the upcoming debut studio album has already reached the top five in the US and has become Cabello’s first number one in Australia, Canada, Ireland and the UK.
Here’s a Cabello ballad, which, to me, seems reminiscent of Sia:
“Crying in the Club” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlrYn_ dZdqk
© 2018 Epic Records/ Sony Music Entertainment www.camilacabello.com
George Michael
I was saddened when huge talent George Michael, 53, passed away in 2016. But just the other day, I received a revival of sorts. His somewhat ill received second solo album, Listen Without Prejudice Vol. 1 was reissued in October 2017 as Listen Without Prejudice / MTV Unplugged. This new two-disc version includes the original remastered album as well as the 1996 MTV Unplugged concert.
The second disc also features the 2017 version of “Fantasy”, reworked by composer Nile Rodgers. If you are lucky enough to find the deluxe edition, you’ll have two more discs: one with B-sides, remixes and rarities, and a DVD with a documentary and music videos. I was delighted to see it included “Happy” from the 1992 charity compilation, Red Hot + Dance.
Here’s a great video collection, to the song “Fantasy”.
“Fantasy” featuring Nile Rodgers: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=rWk7ykBdIA8
© 2017 Sony Music Entertainment https://www.georgemichael.com/
Always remember, if the links won’t open, copy and paste them into your browser.
‘Til next month—
Nat Spirituality
BREAK THROUGH By Dina Evan, PhD Shhhh! Listen.
The heavely throngs rise in mute applause for those of you who remain guided by compassion
and for those of you who stand tall and are not brought to your knees by the misuse of will.
Thanks to those of you who do not foster fear, but rather offer love. We will rise. We will rise.
The future is not created by those who misuse power and force. It’s created by those who use wisdom and genuine compassion.
Words that Make Sense
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? Each of us must do what we can to make our country whole again. By Toni Hart
ell, we’re on the I’ve seen it and am just amazed at their number. Other people’s children are nuisances and not cusp of a new And yes, I know we are disgusted, disheartened the happy kids who would be outside playing. year… can we and discouraged by the scores of children How long has it been since kids play outside? hope and pray it taking up arms and shooting and maiming their Most are inside on their phones or playing games will be better than fellow students and teachers. This has become on the computer… games full of violence and the year that is just commonplace and is so terrifying and so tragic mayhem. ending? And what a year it has been. Hurricanes, to the parents of the assailants and their targets, tsunamis, incredible rain storms, floods, famine, as well as anyone who hears about it. Car Pick up a newspaper or turn on the TV and you’ll Wearthquakes and the terrible and all-consuming chases, robberies, and shootings hardly get a hear horrifying complaints about businessmen fires? Thousands and thousands of acres of trees raised eyebrow these days. and the acts that they have been guilty of. and foliage destroyed, hundreds upon hundreds Women have held these secrets for too long… of homes left in ashes, animals running wild to What has gone wrong with our systems, with our afraid to speak up… but when some at last are their death… and hundreds upon hundreds left parenting skills, with our schools and with our brave enough to come forward… other women homeless. feelings for the country we live in? I remember come forward as well to tell their stories and as a child, many, many years ago, that we were are at last being listened to and believed. Will If you have never prayed before… please do always so proud of our country. We pledged this stop the crimes? With all the shame and so now… the world is in serious trouble. Our our life for our land and our liberty. We were attention being paid to these crimes, maybe leaders do not seem to be leading us in the all so united during World War II, that we would others will think twice before taking advantage right direction or giving help where it is sorely do anything our government asked “for the war of a situation. Women are taking their power needed. effort.” We saved, we did without, we didn’t back and that is good. complain…it was OUR COUNTRY and we loved We all feel that there are evil people all around it. So let’s hope and pray that the situation will us and that the situation seems almost hopeless, improve and that people will again begin to but that isn’t the case. It’s incredible how many But, it has been many years since World War II respect each other regardless of color, race or good people there are in this world. Yes, there and the whole feeling of the country is different. beliefs. This country is here for all of us. Let’s IS evil about, but the ratio of good to evil is We don’t feel united any more. Our neighbor take care of it and the people who live and work staggering. is not necessarily our countryman but perhaps side by side with us all. someone who is different and under suspicion. There are so many kind folks about—people Strangers are strangers and not to be trusted. HAPPY NEW YEAR! who step up and offer help wherever you are. VISIT WEBSITE
Vendange is the perfect getaway desti- You’ll see what makes Vendange a once The separate Cottage Suite offers a gen- nation located in the village of Carmel - in a lifetime stay. Their gardens, the grand erous 650 square feet of living space. by - the - Sea. It is the fi rst wine themed pergola, drinking a glass of wine around With a California King bed, 50” high defi - Inn in all of Carmel and Monterey. the fi re pit, or stopping by the lobby for nition fl at screen television, gas fi replace nightly hors d’oeuvres, will make your trip and kitchenette, it’s the perfect place for Each room is named after a local winery. more memorable. a honeymoon or romantic getaway. These partnered wineries design their own rooms in their own creative man- There are 18 rooms in the Inn which is The Inn offers breakfast daily. Wine ner, providing guests with a memorable owned and operated by the Lee family. Themed Rooms: are Dawn’s Dream, and fun experience. Carmel Beach, has Sleeping areas are appointed with mem- Galante, J. Lohr, Joullian, Manzoni, McIn- exquisite shops, world class restaurants ory foamtop beds, deluxe linens, WiFi, tyre, Otter Cove, Pierce Winery, Tudor, and beautiful beaches. and high-defi nition fl at screen TV. Twisted Roots, Ventana, Cima Colina. Queerly Questioning HOW TO ENACT JUSTICE IN UNJUST TIMES The hunger for knowledge needs to ultimately compel action By Juno Parrenas
ow are you to make your mark But is knowing enough? I think the answer is on this planet? Are you here both yes and no. Knowledge is not something to exploit or to give back to that is achieved at once. To try to know is to others? To whom do you feel engage in the ongoing and never ending work obliged? For whom do you of trying to uncover the traces and truth that care? I meditate frequently others would like to hide or ignore. Knowledge about these questions—not just how I myself enables us to make informed decisions. would answer them, but how others would Hanswer them too. I think about what moves At times, I find myself struck with the feeling someone enough to compel them to drop rocks that the quest to know is not enough, that from freeway overpasses and kill strangers by the hunger for knowledge needs to ultimately doing so. I wonder if it is simple greed or banal compel action. When any number of actions can evil that drives Republicans to steal from the hurt, help, or continue to prop up the status quo, poor to further enrich the wealthy. I contemplate how should we act? how is it that so many of us can sit back and watch the world around them burn, melt, and I spent much of the bitter winter of 2017 out on starve. the streets yelling at Republicans in their seats of power. While I am sure we as a large group It seems that the bar for doing no harm and of protestors felt affirmation in the reverberation performing good is low: I know that I will not use of our chants, it was also clear to me and surely semi-automatic firearms to kill people sitting to others that we were shouting into the wind: in movie theatres or visiting their healthcare it felt good in the moment but it evinced not providers or dancing with their queer family. enough change in this urgent moment. I know that our nation has not adequately addressed the structures of racism built into So what might the knowledge of injustice and our lives, those statues glorifying confederate wrongs in the world compel us to do that not soldiers outnumber monuments to enslaved only feels good, but also might make an urgent people that we have yet to pay reparations difference? for the centuries of unpaid labor that built this nation. I know that social inequality, especially This year, I resolved to not buy any clothing. racism and the legacy of colonialism, will The problem is not just who is exploited to make determine who on this planet will have better clothing in sweatshops, but that the very fabric odds for longevity as the climate continues to of our synthetic wardrobes make it to the ocean breakdown. and choke the seas with plastic.
Positive Reflections
KEEP THE FAITH Have you ever tried surrendering and having a little faith? By Dian Katz, MS
aving faith doesn’t always some sort of faith. It’s usually hard work and trust that develop a refer just to religion. In trusting individual. addition to believing in a But how do people hold on to faith when terrible Higher Power, Webster things happen to them? Perhaps they find some Of course there are plenty of successful people defines faith as, “allegiance meaning in the adversity or situation, which gives who don’t have faith of any kind. They simply to duty or a person; firm them a greater understanding and perspective. are more business minded or perhaps scientific belief in something for which there is no proof; This in turn, increases their faith. and may even think having faith is just hogwash. something that is believed especially with strong They have every right to feel this way. Faith is Hconviction.” It’s not always easy to have faith. It takes courage an individual and personal thing. We can’t will and determination to do what is necessary in it on anyone nor expect it. We either choose to For many, believing in something greater than the face of something painful or uncomfortable. have it or we don’t. We can make a choice to ourselves gives us strength. It helps us to go on Circumstances such as death, assault, injury, develop it, but it won’t happen until we make when things look hopeless. It has also been said disability, and loss are some of the few examples that conscious decision. to produce miracles. These miracles have been that test our faith. How we react to these things things such as a terminally ill person suddenly shows us what we are really made of. I’m not being all preachy and I’m not writing becoming completely healed or someone being this to make you believe in something beyond able to walk and talk when the person was said Faith is something that must be practiced. It yourself. I just want to share how faith has will never do so again. Miracles come in all doesn’t just happen overnight. In other words, worked on others and well, for me too. It shapes and sizes and are often backed up by someone doesn’t automatically experience faith. has definitely been my saving grace in many situations. However, there were times when I experiences to help me develop my faith. Just to lose faith even for a second, but what I DID needed a two by four to hit me before I realize like a while back when I shared a story in LN know is that I needed to pick myself up and fast. that all I need is a little faith. about my pinkie ring. I have had this old beat up, scratched, and practically tarnished silver When I opened the front door to go outside, I You see, it’s easy to have doubts and be ring for about 18 years. It has the word “Faith” saw something shiny reflecting the sun. I looked skeptical. There are those who often times live inscribed on it and is my personal reminder to closer and IT WAS MY RING! Well, it wasn’t in negativity and only expect the worst outcome. always keep the faith. When I lost my ring, I was there the night before and finding it there gave Faith or no faith, those people are downright very upset. It served as my totem that somehow me shivers up my spine. Once again, I knew I depressing to be around. The glass is always grounded me whenever I looked at it. Luckily, I was not alone. half empty for them and it’s difficult for them found it right away. Thereafter, I’ve always told to see opportunities. Now of course it’s normal myself to not lose my ring again and to not lose I lost and found my ring again, but this time, for all of us feel this way from time to time, but faith. something was different. “I” was different. I too much negativity toward everything is simply wasn’t as upset as the last time. Maybe somehow toxic. Recently, I have been slimming down a bit and I knew that I no longer needed a symbol to so the ring became too loose and flew off my remind me to have faith. I already have strong But yeah, sometimes it takes something huge finger again. Only this time, I didn’t lose it in faith in something greater than myself and knew and impacting before I would let go of my my house. I looked everywhere for it, but the that all will be well. negativity and have some faith. It’s only at the ring was nowhere to be found. I came home that last minute do I say “okay, I guess it’s a do or die night and shrugged it off. I sighed and said, “Oh I had given my faith a chance and as always, it time” and only then do I give in, just trust, and well. It’s gone.” didn’t let me down. It brought back my ring that go for it. It’s always, and I do mean always, at helps me stay on track and trust the universe. I those moments when everything turns out okay I woke up around three in the morning the next suppose we all stumble every now and then, but or even great. AND because of those moments, day and couldn’t go back to sleep. I was filled what’s important is we get back up on our feet my faith has become stronger over the past few with thoughts about issues in my life and my and have faith again. years. mind couldn’t stop ruminating on them. Feelings of fear and doubt slowly crept into my head. The It has taken a lot of practice to get to this point. next morning, I still harbored feelings of gloom In fact, it took a lot of hard knocks and painful and doom. I didn’t know why I allowed myself
Dyke Musing
WHO AM I? By Sue Moore
The eyes of my middle-class childhood— Prickly grass and bright cement Black hose snaking and sprinkler flicking— The eyes of my childhood Still live.
Now I am a grown-up, dead child Thin ribbed thin lipped Pal as morning Gaunt with a subtle starvation.
But the eyes of my bright middle-class childhood Still live.
I’ve seen myself, scared and cold Give myself recklessly A sexless rag doll Rudely shaken By blunt, sawed off hands
Afterwards lying limp gray limbs straight-out Hungry for cigarettes Tangled in the winding sheet Of a naked bed I remember how even in that afterward grey squalor Bright tearless eyes Look fiercely out More alive Than the starvation of loneliness You call making love Bright knowing eyes Shine out at you A child’s speechless betrayal.
The cat has caught my tongue But the eyes of my bright, middle-class childhood Still live. The see you And judge. HotSpots
START 2018 WITH A BLAST Happy New Year LN Readers! By Dian Katz, MS
oly snowflakes! It’s JANUARY Hotspots. As always, ladies, I will look near and you kidding me? They have put together two 2018! Time keeps on slipping, far to cover all the exciting happenings around awesome parties. Where is my snowboard? slipping, slipping, into the the globe this 2018! Where are my boots??? future. There will be dancing, skiing, a comedy night, Trivia question... who sang WHISTLER PRIDE AND SKI FESTIVAL and more. Oh, and don’t forget about frolicking that? Ha! It’s Steve Miller Band. A good portion in the snow and prancing around like reindeers. of you probably have never even heard of them. Need a little skiing or snowboarding to start How about a little snow angel action? HA! I’m HOh geez. I’m sorry. I’m starting the year off your year right? WHISTLER PRIDE AND SKI just throwing these in for chit and giggles. giving you a trivia question. Same ol’ Dian here! FESTIVAL out in Whistler, BC is having a fabulous extravaganza this January 21 to 28. Let’s head on over to the lodge and sip some I’m a Joker, not a smoker, not a midnight… We are talking Canada, baby! Think of the warm cocoa. never mind. I’m singing lyrics again. But who fun we all can have out there flying down the sang that? Ha! Steve Miller Band again! I could slopes with the ladies. Notice how I said “we?” If this sounds like your kind of fun, don’t miss do this all day. Of course I would love to hide in your suitcase out on this Hotspot. and head on over there with you. Annnnnnnyway, Happy New Year, ladies! It’s For more info, ski over to the computer and type: going to be a fabulous year filled with stupendous It’s a Pride Festival AND a Ski Festival. Are http://gaywhistler.com/whistler-pride-2018/ MATRIARCHY - GOOD WITCH - ENCHANTED and hide behind the curtain with the wizard! Imagine chatting up a storm and finding out you WIZARD OF OZ PARTY Hahaha! Can’t ya just see it now? There’s LN’s click well with one of the women. Then bam! Hotspots reporter behind the curtain. She could You get a date with her! How cool is that??? Los Angeles Ladies, I have something fun for have gone there all along if she had just clicked You could meet Princess Charming! I don’t you! Join your friends at MATRIARCHY - GOOD her biker boot heels three times. Ahem. Sorry, know about the white horse, though. She might WITCH - ENCHANTED WIZARD OF OZ PARTY sorry. Just daydreaming about the Wizard of Oz. pick you up in a mini cooper or something. on January 27 to 28 at The Other Door in LA, Maybe she will get you on a motorcycle. Hell, California. For ticket info, follow the yellow brick road and she might even rollerblade to your house. LOL! type: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/matriarchy- Does anyone rollerblade anymore? Ahem… Are you a good witch, or a bad witch or a good-witch-enchanted-wizard-of-oz-party- sandwich?
STATUES By Morag Hillsinger
We do our best. Plaques and monuments, intended for forever. . . Laying in ruins. Our tribe must survive! Our spirit selves cry, light the fire for the kiln, get our best sculptors! Then swords raised, heroes riding copper horses with tarnished features for future, are installed for future living eyes to see and understand. It’s important! Listen to what we have to say! From the past reaching out across the centuries Pay Heed! This timeless truth, this important thing. Yet, those humans are gone. Concrete cracks Cemeteries are abandoned to nature. The seepage of ego and greed finds it’s way in. Books are burned Babylon, if it ever truly existed, is no more. Our best hopes stay buried Under ivy and rust Then why the Bodhisattva? Why the planting of trees? Because, my divine creatures, truth has a ring/ a resonance deep within you. And we are all of us born in a chain Sisters to women We will never meet. Femastrology
JANUARY 2018 By Astrologer and Psychic, Victoria Bearden
018 is bringing in a whole There’s a Full Moon in Cancer on January coming to a close. Look at important lessons new vibration. 2017 was 1, 2018 at 6:24 pm PST. This is a strong start that you’ve learned since then, and do some full of drama, challenge, and to the New Year, and the themes of this Full releasing. Retrieve important goals that haven’t unexpected change. The New Moon can tell us about the nature of the next materialized yet, and find ways to get things Year will lend some stability, 12 months. With the Sun, Venus, Saturn, and moving. It’s time for a new cycle. and a “reality check” to many Pluto in Capricorn, there is a huge emphasis things that may have seemed crazy in the on money, resources, business, order, law, and There’s a Total Lunar Eclipse on the Full previous year. The challenge will be to take people in authority. The Cancer Moon mirrors Moon in Leo on January 31, 2018, at 5:26 am 2proactive steps, once it is clear which areas of back the need for love, family, nurturing, food, PST. This is also a rare “Blue Moon” where 2 our lives need the most improvement. Be ready and security. In 2018 it will be abundantly clear full moons occur in the same month. The Sun to adapt to new circumstances, and to create that those in powerful positions need to get into in Aquarius will be close to Venus, the planet new pathways where necessary. This year we alignment with the true needs of the people. In of love and abundance, in opposition to the Full need to come together with others more than our own lives, we must find the balance between Moon Eclipse. This energy opens a doorway to ever before. 2018 is an “11/2” in numerology, our outer world responsibilities and our true cosmic intelligence, healing, love, and unity. and will deliver valuable lessons about the true personal needs. The Cancer Moon aligns in a It’s also a chance to put our individual creative purpose of relationships of all kinds. Grand Trine with Mars in Scorpio and Neptune energy in sync with the Collective Mind. If in Pisces, helping to elevate the importance of there is something you believe in passionately, Outer planets shifting into Earth Signs will love, compassion, and healing. find a way to commit to it in real terms. One help all of us to get grounded and start making way to do this would be joining a group that progress with goals and plans. This planetary Uranus, the planet of change, switches gears represents a cause you truly believe in. On a influence will require us to be both practical and and goes direct on January 2, 2018. This gives more personal level, this vibration could help innovative at the same time. Take the important us a boost of energy to move ahead. Uranus us to put aside differences with loved ones, lessons you have learned during 2017 and start will be a key figure in the 2018 landscape, as while still maintaining our individuality. Fateful applying them ASAP. It’s a good time to make it begins to move from fiery Aries into Earthy occurrences often correspond around eclipses, commitments to the things that represent security Taurus in May. This is big news, as Uranus so pay attention to key events on the world and lasting value. With Saturn in Capricorn, we spends about 7 years in one sign. Early Taurus stage, and in your own life. This applies even can learn how to be real grown-ups, and take natives may have a real shift of consciousness. more if you are an Aquarius or Leo. more authority in our own lives. With Uranus We can expect major changes with both the tiptoeing into Taurus, we can learn how to start economy and Mother Earth as this year unfolds. Opportunity Days: building powerful new foundations. The Uranus cycle that began in 2011 will be January 1, 9, 13, 16, 20, 21, 27, 30, and 31 Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22) Patience is your friend, as you push towards success in your career Home is where the heart is, and your personal world is the focus and life direction. Brute force won’t work here. You’ll need calm, this month. A harmonious home will make you feel strong. Connect steady action, which will lead to major advances. Decisions you make this to family and friends, but get some “alone” time if you need it. Put energy month will set the blueprint for the year, so your New Year’s Resolutions into things that represent security and comfort. Your psychic energy will are a bigger deal than you might think. Your January Mantra: Fortitude be strong. You may have a stroke of luck with financial matters and work. Single Libras could meet a good match. Your January Mantra: The Taurus (April 20-May 20) Power Within Earthy planets will support many of your ambitions this month, if you know what you want to achieve. Key relationships will play Scorpio (October 23-November 21) a major role, as you begin to see the bigger picture of what you really Communication and learning have top billing now. Open up to want to do. This is a great time for travel and education. Legal matters new knowledge and share what you know with others. This is a are favorable. You may also find great inspiration from spiritual pursuits. positive cycle for research and networking. Trying new things will benefit Your January Mantra: Aspire you. Mars and Jupiter in Scorpio will bring out your bold side. Find your motivation and apply it to some of the things you’ve really wanted for the Gemini (May 21-June 20) new year. Your January Mantra: Inspiration It’s out with the old and in with the new! You’ll want to release things that aren’t helping you now, including any relationships that Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) aren’t based on mutual respect. Examine your connections with others Time to balance your chakras and balance your checkbook. Your carefully so you can align yourself with true allies, both in business, physical world is the main focus this month. This includes your and personally. Financial dealings with others could be good, as long both your body and your finances. Fine tune the way you use your time, as everyone is on the same page. Single Geminis could get lucky! Your energy, and money. You may be changing your point of view about January Mantra: Cooperation long range goals. Commit to things that represent your true values and priorities. Your January Mantra: Gathering Strength Cancer (June 21-July 21) Huge benefits are possible if you join forces with others who share Capricorn (December 22-January 19) your vision. Personal relationships and romance could flourish Happy Birthday Capricorn! The planets are aligned in your sign under this influence. New people may enter your life now, and they will and are bringing your life into focus. This year could be a new play an important role in what lies ahead. There was never a better time beginning. Your efforts will be more rewarding. Commitments you make to forge positive connections. Single Cancers may meet a committable will be meaningful and beneficial. This is a time to put energy into things, partner. Your January Mantra: Stronger Together and people, that represent your deep needs and desires. Your January Mantra: New Beginnings Leo (July 23-August 22) It’s time to bring your schedule into balance. Less is more, so don’t Aquarius (January 20-February 18) take on extra tasks before getting current ones under control. Work You will learn a great deal about yourself now if you look within. will be rewarding but also demanding, so you’ll need to strive for balance. You will benefit greatly from meditation, counseling, and spiritual Leo’s looking for a job could hit pay dirt. Pay attention to your physical pursuits. You will be able to access healing energy. Your intuition will be well-being. Get into a healthy regimen that will give you the energy you strong, so pay attention. Clarifying your inner truth will help you define need to get the New Year going. Your January Mantra: Organized your goals this year. Your January Mantra: Finding Yourself
Virgo (August 23-September 22) Pisces (February 19-March 20) The planets have aligned to give you an advantage. If you know This is a time of new connections. You are discovering your path what you are looking for you’ll probably find it now! Your creativity to some new dreams and others will show the way. Changing is high. Love and romance are enhanced. Single Virgos could meet circumstances arise in work and your personal life. You will learn a lot someone special. Your ideas will be well received. It’s time to express now, so be open to all opportunities to do so. This is a good month to yourself and seek to expand your opportunities. This is a good time to kickstart some things you’ve been really wanting to do. Your January take calculated risks. Your January Mantra: Expansion Mantra: New Horizons
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Happy New Year! Well we are officially into the and cannot be done by machine. Ross, who end up killing the old vines. While only 4 acres New Year and that means a fresh new start, with spent his entire life on the vineyard and learned remain of the original vineyard from 1918, we new goals and expectations of what is ahead from his father on how to properly prune our always struggle with wanting to maximize the of us this year. Well the vineyards of Twisted vines, so that just the right amount of grapes number of bottles each year, we always want Roots are no different, we too are eagerly would be produced and the best quality would to protect our family history and want to make awaiting a new start to our growing season. be achieved. sure that the vines are going to be around for Currently the vineyard is pretty bare, so much so the future as well. that one might not see the future as too bright, If we leave too many buds, which means lots given the almost dead look to the vines. This of grapes will be produced, then our wine will So next time you are out and about, and happen time of year, the vines are completely dormant be light and flabby, too few buds and we lose by a vineyard, remember that while it might look and bare, with all the leaves falling off and the tonnage and don’t have enough great wine to like nothing but twigs, there is a lot more going canes all over the place. That being said, this go around. on out there. Someone, somewhere is focused is a very important time of the year, a time that and concerned about how to handle this mess can determine the production and quality of the When it comes to our “1918” Old Vine Zinfandel of twigs. grapes that will ultimately become our 2015 vineyard, the entire situation of pruning changes. vintages. Even though our family has been at As you can see from the picture here, these this for three generations now and almost 100 vines are wild and twisted by their very nature, Cheers, years, it is still the time of year that causes us so pruning becomes very difficult. The key to concern. Pruning is an art of delicate balance; our rich, bold, yet soft flavors in our “1918” Old Josh Ruiz too much will cause small, uneconomical crops; Vine Zinfandel wines, is pruning these vines Co-Owner/Winemaker too little will cause over-cropping and low- so that they don’t over produce and over work quality fruit. Pruning also facilitates cultivation, these old vines. With most of thewood on these disease control and harvesting, when the vines vines being dead and hollow, if we leave the For more info: are trained to a grow in a particular shape. It is same number of buds as the rest of our vines, http://twistedrootsvineyard.orderport.net/wines/ a skill that requires experience and judgment we would end up over working the vines and Current-Releases Click on each product Norinee from for more information
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n her work of the past three years Rose models, and their influence is readily apparent. examples of De Kooning, Picasso, et al, as just Masterpol has been oscillating between Masterpol recapitulates that influence with that – examples of spirit, more important to a drawn line, animated by color as well remarkable intelligence and sensitivity: these her for their attitude than for their manner. She as its own flagellating trail, and a more are genuine, unabashed Abstract Expressionist has learned from them, for instance, to pace painterly stroke that provides given works right down to their Surrealist reliance on herself across a visual field – but the pace she expanses with texture as well as hue. The the impulsive mark and their Cubist articulation maintains is entirely her own. She has learned drawn line assumes a rhythmic animation akin of space. to segue strategically from color to color rather to graffiti writing and on occasion even cartoon than simply dump paint in various areas – but Icaricature, seeming almost choreographed. The irony is that Masterpol’s more “historic” the colors result from her own perception, and Here Masterpol, deliberately or not, proposes painting is, if anything, less studied than her her segues embody her own sensibility. With a translation of hip-hop and other urban dance more “contemporary” work. When she responds every lesson learned, Masterpol finds herself into non-objective painting, perhaps even a kind to the bold moves and bright contrasts of more profoundly as a painter. of notation; certainly, she is re-purposing the today’s pop idioms she picks up on their energy of the “street” to painterly effect. stylizations no less than on their power; she Rose Masterpol would seem to be two painters in reflects the fact that, even while they depend one. In fact, she is one painter paying attention That level of energy carries over into Masterpol’s on boundless invention, the popular arts allow to two modes of expression. Both those modes larger, even more ambitious canvases; but in their artists limited freedom. Like any good pop are urgent and convincing, and she responds to these, she puts aside the self-conscious project artist, Masterpol capitalizes on such restraint by both with insight, conviction, and unmistakable of contemporary reflection and allows herself playing off it, letting restricted modality amplify personality. Those two modes would seem to the luxury of pure painting. If the “drawn” her inventiveness. For truly liberated painting, have little to say to each other; but, like someone paintings manifest a vigorous but studied however, she turns to a tradition of liberty that brought up bi-lingually, Masterpol speaks both response to pop culture, the “painted” paintings she can only inherit from fellow painters. In this with poetic fluency and effortless translation, embody Masterpol’s equally fervent but entirely regard, Masterpol proceeds in the wake of her finding – and building – vivid connections spontaneous response to artists who have come influences with voluble confidence, studying and between them. before her. She cites Joan Mitchell, Pollock, “feeling” rather than simply imitating their imagery De Kooning, Kline, Gorky, and Motherwell as or their method. Indeed, she comprehends the Susan St. Thomas Gallery
“Stardust Reveries”
An exhibit of celestial abstract art by Susan St. With over 40 years as a professional astrologer, precision painting and loose free flowing washes, Thomas at the Sebastopol Gallery, 150 N Main Susan combines her fascination with the language she integrates avariety of innovative techniques St. Sebastopol, CA 95465. of the stars and her lifelong expression as an to express her imagination. www.sebastopol-gallery.com artist. This collection is inspired by the images 707 829-7200 captured by the Hubble telescope of deep space Reception for the artist plus 14 other gallery – a boundless realm of ever changing form. member artists: October 11, 4-6pm.
Susan uses layered glazes of acrylic to create Free artists talk, “Art and Astrology” at the depth and a dance of light and color, sometimes gallery: October 22, 7pm. mixing media and collage. Capable of both
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