Taking Chances
Go for the new adventure. Say "Yes" to the Terry Gross interview. Face your fears. And for Heaven's sake, use those coupons before they expire!
I was recently interviewing artists for a story I’m writing for a magazine, about a sketch group that meets every week at an art studio. I enjoyed chatting with the young man who was modeling that evening. Turns out he was brand-new to artist modeling; he works at a local restaurant, and was asked to model by a diner who belongs to the group. “I try to say ‘yes’ to every opportunity,” he explained.
Wow, what a great philosophy! And how inconceivable to me! I mean, as a writer I sometimes take teensy little chances (should I use an exclamation point here? Even—dare I—TWO exclamation points?); in real life, not so much. When opportunity knocks, I usually just turn up the TV volume to block out the sound.
So this week, let’s check out some folks who do, indeed, carpe their diems.
For starters…
HAPPY BIRTHDAY EVAN!
My second born, and best early early Christmas gift (exactly six months to Dec 25). I wish I had even a scintilla of your bold spirit. I may never trek through Borneo jungles and Patagonian wilderness, play jazz piano on Guam, or go cliff jumping in Hawaii, but am so glad you have. Wishing you another year of great adventures!!
VIDEO: MIKE BIRBIGLIA AND TERRY GROSS
Next up, two faves of mine collaborate—delightfully inventive comedian Mike Birbiglia, and interviewer extraordinaire (and really good sport) Terry Gross. I shared another Mike performance on “This American Life” in a prior newsletter. Hope you enjoy this one!
VIDEO GAME THERAPY, GRANDSON STYLE!
The other day I came upon Aiden and Peter at the dining room table, making lists of the scariest video games they play (note: they’re not that scary). When I asked what they were doing, Aiden said, “Me and Peter are just facing our fears!” Hmmm, they may be on to something…
DOCUMENTARY: MAN ON A WIRE
One of the bravest things I personally ever did was…to WATCH this documentary about high-wire artist Philippe Petit and his extraordinary 1974 walk between the Twin Towers in NYC. I highly recommend this film, both for its portrait of the remarkable Petit, and for the nostalgia: it was so emotionally moving to see the towers, knowing their ultimate fate. Heres’ one scene:
MUSIC THAT TAKES CHANCES: KRONOS QUARTET
The Kronos Quartet has been around an astounding 50 years. They’ve been called “The most wide-ranging ensemble the world has known” by the Los Angeles Times. I first heard the music of many contemporary classical composers, including Terry Riley, George Crumb, and Philip Glass, when they were performed by Kronos—and they’ve also played everything from Jimi Hendrix to jazz great Bill Evans. Here’s the quartet performing Charlton Singleton’s “Testimony,” based on the prayer band tradition in African-American churches…
HUMOR ESSAY: FAREWELL, MY COUPONS!
I wrote this piece after throwing away the expired coupons on our bulletin board. Since the essay was published, I’d like to say I changed my ways but alas! there was whole other assortment of useless coupons up there almost immediately…
Eulogy for the Expired Coupons on our Kitchen Bulletin Board
BLOG PREVIEW: Put a Lid On It
“So the last Tupperware manufacturing plant is closing…just as soon as they find the lid that fits.” (not my joke!) But Working Title IS exploring domes (Heat, Iron, Super) and various other lids, this week. Covers will be covered! Join me!
INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:
Another pearl of wisdom from beloved Thay. This week, let’s all BE peace for ourselves, each other and the world. Till next time, my friends!