mr. almond has inspired me throughout the years with his eclectic song selections, and vocal stylings. Please, Saint Judy, allow me to see this man “live” in concert!

a novel by Mark Merlis. 11-09-09 beginning a new novel, got to keep inspired for story ideas. An older gay man in hospital after a beating from a “trick” begins to reflect upon his life. 12-01-09 Reeve reflects upon his memory of a Professor from his past, who was scandalized by leftist politics & his “tendencies”. Meanwhile, his attention is also drawn to the young man in the hospital bed next to his. 12-07-09 I wanted to share this passage, page 177, “Here is what’s so alien about a fairy–not what we do in bed or who we do it with, but that we talk about love, we have made love the center of our days. We have abandoned the seemly reticence that makes men talk only of sports and cars and bosoms.” 12-16-09 Finished novel. I really appreciate how the author brought reflection on a past matter, and developed it around a current stay in the hospital. The way he “supposed” an encounter that he was not witness to was very creative. Quite an enjoyable read.

Del Shores posted her performance of “Crying” from 1989 on facebook this morning, and it reminded me that it was this performance that brought her to my awareness, as well…and I’ve been in love with her ever since. She touches my Soul!! Her performance of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” simply kills me (in such a good way!!) There are treasures in life, and kd is one to be cherished!

a very gay little musical by Sky Gilbert. I have been attempting to put together a directed scene from this piece, and have yet to get beyond a few table reads. But, now I am inspired to develop this into possibly my next “creation”. And so, I am now going to begin the intense research, beginning by reading the biography, “Capote” by Gerald Clarke. This course of study will end with reading “Moby Dick” (the connection will be revealed, if you follow this post). 10-28-09 Received word that I was not granted right to follow through with this project, but “a girl can dream, can’t she?” So, I’m going to continue doing research, simply because it all interests me, and hopefully there might be a change down the way, but even if I am never allowed to make this film, I will always be a strong supporter of the play/musical. Continuing to read “Capote” biography.

the magazine. I began reading this in the late ’70’s, when I had to really search for it, and could only find it in independent bookstores. I transitioned from reading Rona Barrett’s magazines, to this Andy Warhol-created publication. It is the only magazine that I have continually subscribed to throughout the years, and has given me so many insights into what artists talk about when they are talking to eachother…it has also given me a heads up on new talent, and artists in other fields, besides just film & music. Fantastic magazine, pick it up if you’ve never read it before, and continue to support it if you have. It is a life-line into the Arts.

a novel by Jay Quinn. 09-30-09 Beginning book. First book by Mr. Quinn that I’ve read, looking forward to it. 10-09-09 into the book’s first hundred pages. A slow moving story, but I don’t mean that as a negative, because the characters are unfolding gracefully, creating an atmosphere. I enjoy stories that don’t whip along leaving me wondering about gaps in time. I am seeing film possibilities, but then, don’t we always create a “movie” in our heads as we are reading a novel? Interesting that the story seems to be centered on the straight brother, and that the gay brother’s name is revealed to mean “beloved” is Swedish. The dynamics of family are familiar, at least I can see my own experiences in the mix, only different circumstances. I am the oldest son, and I have a younger brother…no more personal details…just that I can relate to this book on a personal level. 10-15-09 The cost of being the Beloved Son, hmmm, maybe I’m better off with my own experiences. 10-20-09 Questions of Religion/Spirituality and being gay are brought up. Interesting how the author allows the gay son to embrace his religious foundation, while the straight brother has abandoned his early upbringing. Well, about 50 pages to the end, and we are heading for the beach and the end of this weekend visit to the family. Curious where all this drama is going to take us. 10-22-09 Finished this charming, quiet little family drama. Reminded me of the novel, “Breathing Lessons” by Anne Tyler.

a short film directed by Marc Saltarelli. Written by Tom O’Leary. Starring Susan Blakely & Pauley Perrette. A complicated relationship between a mother and her HIV positive lesbian daughter proves that the hardest part of loving someone is learning to let go.

a list of this man’s plays offer the greatest works for the stage. Including A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE; THE GLASS MENAGERIE; CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF; SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH; THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA; THE ROSE TATTOO; SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER. I would love to take one of his one-acts and put it up on the screen one day… And, the quote that I live by: “Deliberate cruelty is not forgivable. It is the one unforgivable thing in my opinion and the one thing of which I have never, never been guilty.” It was one of my recent pleasures to see “A Streetcar Named Desire” on the big screen at the New Beverly Cinema (Where my friend & I spend “NOTORIOUS” Saturday Nights at the Movies!)

directed by Bob Fosse. Liza Minnelli. Michael York’s character saying the line, “So do I”. Thrills. Inspired by Christopher Isherwood’s writings. BTW I also enjoyed a documentary, “Chris and Don”, about Christopher and his lover. I had a full door-size poster of Liza from “Cabaret” that my sister gave me as a present when I was a teenager (before I’d actually even seen the film). Uh, huh, all signs point to… The music, the direction, the actors, all combined to make this an inspiration that has been an enjoyable experience time and time again. I actually saw “New York, New York” first (and I saw it probably 15 times the summer it came out) so, it was with anticipation that I finally saw this film. That and “Lady Sings the Blues” (I saw “Mahogany” first)