Christina Westover's Blog - Posts Tagged "inspirational"
Some people would say having a novel published is a great achievement. Others would say, having a marriage which has survived the trials of everyday life and persevered throughout the years is a huge achievement. Still, some would say that raising one's children to be loving caring adults is the grandest achievement of all.
In my opinion, all of the above are noteworthy. Anything which takes tears, emotional energy, and tremendous effort to accomplish is something to be proud of.
Recently, my mother passed the high school equivalency test and received her GED. To some, that would be nothing remarkable. However, for a woman who married young, had children before the age of 20, and still managed to work and help provide an income for my siblings and I without government assistance, it is an accomplishment for which I am truly proud of her.
It helped me to put into perspective the idea that we shouldn't base the quality of our success or achievements on what others are doing.
Mozart composed his first symphony at the age of 9. This does not mean the song you're laboring over on your guitar is a waste of time.
I truly believe that success starts with knowing your own worth, believing in yourself, realizing we each have so much to offer this world--different perspectives, new eyes which may help to make old ideas new to someone else.
Don't rob yourself of joy in life by not properly acknowledging and celebrating those things you have labored to accomplish. Those moments of celebration inspire us to make it to the next great moment, the next grand achievement--achievements which are very personal and not based upon what we think others are doing better at!
At this moment, I am proud of my mother, knowing she can accomplish anything she decides to dream about.
In my opinion, all of the above are noteworthy. Anything which takes tears, emotional energy, and tremendous effort to accomplish is something to be proud of.
Recently, my mother passed the high school equivalency test and received her GED. To some, that would be nothing remarkable. However, for a woman who married young, had children before the age of 20, and still managed to work and help provide an income for my siblings and I without government assistance, it is an accomplishment for which I am truly proud of her.
It helped me to put into perspective the idea that we shouldn't base the quality of our success or achievements on what others are doing.
Mozart composed his first symphony at the age of 9. This does not mean the song you're laboring over on your guitar is a waste of time.
I truly believe that success starts with knowing your own worth, believing in yourself, realizing we each have so much to offer this world--different perspectives, new eyes which may help to make old ideas new to someone else.
Don't rob yourself of joy in life by not properly acknowledging and celebrating those things you have labored to accomplish. Those moments of celebration inspire us to make it to the next great moment, the next grand achievement--achievements which are very personal and not based upon what we think others are doing better at!
At this moment, I am proud of my mother, knowing she can accomplish anything she decides to dream about.
Lights out--except for those shining above the stage where every instrument sits to the side, leaving a sitar as the focus. The crowd hushes, instinctively rising from their seats in honor of one of the finest musicians of our day. Not only is he a fine musician but the world's greatest sitar player. At ninety-one years of age, he has earned the respect of the masses.
"Welcome onto the stage--The Maestro Ravi Shankar!"
With a spotlight over him, he walked onto the stage with utmost care--frail with age, but powerful in presence. Dressed in white robes, he had a childlike air about him, almost as if he were not an old man at all, but a child skipping onto the stage.
It was at this moment that I understood something fundamental about this night's performance. As his hands held the sitar, I could see in my mind's eye the many nights and years he has played the sitar. I could see him as a young man, vivacious and laughing as he often does in old videos on YouTube. I could see him as he aged, and realized--his LIFE has been spent sharing his passion for art and beauty--sharing, because he wanted others to feel what he feels when experiencing art. It was an honor I will not have again.
Born April 7, 1920, he gave up dancing in order to study the sitar. He studied until 1944 when he began composing music for ballets. He has written concertos for sitar as well as orchestra. He has received fourteen doctorates, Grammy's, and other prestigious awards from around the world.
It is Ravi Shankar and George Harrison (from The Beatles) who are credited with introducing Indian classical music to the Western World in the 1960's and 1970's.
The performance was magnetic and beautiful. I was dumbstruck at how quickly his fingers plucked the strings of his sitar.
As for Ravi Shankar's instrument of choice--the sitar, here are a few facts:
*a sitar can have 21, 22, or 23 strings while a guitar often has 6.
*sitars have been around since Medieval Times.
"Welcome onto the stage--The Maestro Ravi Shankar!"
With a spotlight over him, he walked onto the stage with utmost care--frail with age, but powerful in presence. Dressed in white robes, he had a childlike air about him, almost as if he were not an old man at all, but a child skipping onto the stage.
It was at this moment that I understood something fundamental about this night's performance. As his hands held the sitar, I could see in my mind's eye the many nights and years he has played the sitar. I could see him as a young man, vivacious and laughing as he often does in old videos on YouTube. I could see him as he aged, and realized--his LIFE has been spent sharing his passion for art and beauty--sharing, because he wanted others to feel what he feels when experiencing art. It was an honor I will not have again.
Born April 7, 1920, he gave up dancing in order to study the sitar. He studied until 1944 when he began composing music for ballets. He has written concertos for sitar as well as orchestra. He has received fourteen doctorates, Grammy's, and other prestigious awards from around the world.
It is Ravi Shankar and George Harrison (from The Beatles) who are credited with introducing Indian classical music to the Western World in the 1960's and 1970's.
The performance was magnetic and beautiful. I was dumbstruck at how quickly his fingers plucked the strings of his sitar.
As for Ravi Shankar's instrument of choice--the sitar, here are a few facts:
*a sitar can have 21, 22, or 23 strings while a guitar often has 6.
*sitars have been around since Medieval Times.
From painting advertisements on local store windows to earn money as a kid, to styling the likes of Elvis Presley and Brad Pitt, Carrie White has come a long way. Part two of her interview is meant to reach hearts, to help others BELIEVE in themselves and in their abilities despite personal limitations. In her candid and beautiful way, Carrie White shares her understanding of the world.
What helps you to remain clean and sober?
Helping others, reminds me where I came from…and where I do not want to go again. And it is the only way I can say Thank You to those who help me, by recognizing the needs of others.
It is also how I truly say I am sorry for the pain I have caused my children. It is also how I honor those who gave their lives and that they did not die in vain, like my mother and my father and my husband who was the love of my life.
As a famous Hollywood Hairstylist and Author with disabilities such as dyslexia and ADD, what advice would you give to others who may feel trapped by their limitations?
I say embrace it, know it, work with it,, use it to ones benefit. I laugh at my A.D.D. and call it multi-tasking… then my compulsiveness forces me to finish all the things I started that I didn’t finish cos my A.D.D. distracted me. I talk myself through things, “What are you doing now Carrie?” “Is this urgent?” “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for work instead of cutting flowers in the garden, at least right now, can’t you do this later?”
Point is: I try to be aware of time as a guide, make lists for one day, and check in to a schedule. Time is a good monitor for assistance to focus.
I make tremendous effort listening to someone in conversation, its easier to listen in lecture or film but one on one, conversations, I get excited and want to jump in and on someones sentence. That’s rude, so I grit my teeth to keep my mouth shut sometimes and stare at their lips so I don’t interrupt and wait until they are finished. Ha~!
My A.D.D. works cutting hair, I can jump around and cut all over someones head, they don’t know what I am doing. As long as it all connects when I an finished. Again, the time monitor keeps me in check for the next client.
Writing however is a constant battle with Dyslexia and A.D.D. and O.C.C.
I help myself with this sentence when I find myself distracting myself: “Are you getting closer to completing Upper Cut or further away?”
I wrote Upper Cut, starting in 1989, before and after work and on my days off, breaking only for family birthdays or needs. (I didn’t want to not be here for my kids now…cos I was writing about how badly I felt not being there for them then. ) Ha!
What is your favorite hairstyle of all time?
The Shag…and all its years of evolutions up to today. From heads like Jim Morrison and Mick Jaggar, Farrah Fawcett, the Meg Ryan shorter shaggy version to the Rachel-Cut a shaggy bob…but they are all extensions of the Shag…
I say; ‘Life is what happens in between layers and going them out. ‘ I say that with bangs too.
Which authors and artists inspire you?
Micheal Crichton, Rainer Marie Rilke, David Sedaris, William Shakespeare, William Blake, Octavio Paz, Joseph Campbell, Marget Atwood, Anne Frank and Anne Lamont, Dorothy Parker, Charles Bukowski, eecummings, Bill Wilson, founder of A.A. and creator of the 12 Step program. Add Dali, Chagal, Arthur Rackham, Arcimboldo, Frank Lloyd Wright, Frida Kahlo, Tim Burton, Ed Rusha, Wallace Berman, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrex, Janis Joplin, Rolling Stones, Beatles, Beethoven, Bizet, Billy Holiday, Nina Simone, Citizen Cope, Eminem, Sade, Sting, Cole Porter, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Teddy Pendergrass, Lucille Ball, Ellen Burstyn, Sandra Bullock, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Drew Barrymore, Betty Davis. Alexandre McQueen, Chanel, Lagerfeld, Viviane Westwood, Norman Parkinson, Avedon, Penn, Sokolsky, YuTsai, and hairdressers: Vidal Sassoon, Mr. Kenneth, Serge Normand, Guido, Garren, and personal giants I admire besides my children: Loree Rodkin, Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington, and Oprah. Films are countless heroes of my heart and art from CASABLANCA to THE WIZARD OF OZ. I could name a hundred more easily as my life has been long impressed and influenced by great artists who endlessly inspire me…my heart weeps in their beauty and talent.
What do you dream of accomplishing in the future?
I am excited in the suspense of it all. I am curious to see what opportunities rise and unfold from Upper Cut.
My art is making something from what ever I am presented with, like hair and troubles of life to good things I can expand upon. I want to make things better. That is my nature, not that I don’t completely appreciate nature and the perfection of a sunset or a flower. That’s different. But I like ceramics cos I get a lump of clay and get to make something out of it. Its freeing and challenging and again I compete with myself as I am inspired by others.
So my dream….after Upper Cut the Movie and Upper Cut the Musical… decades of music, fashion, art, lifestyles of the rich, famous, the up town, down town and underground, life in the fast lane, crash lane to the safety zone. Ha well…I am interested to see what dreams I didn’t know I have.
I do know I want to travel with my family, friends, to discover, explore, play and share the wonderfulness of this world… and write write write about it all the time.
You may learn more about Carrie White and Upper Cut at www.thecarriewhite.com
What helps you to remain clean and sober?
Helping others, reminds me where I came from…and where I do not want to go again. And it is the only way I can say Thank You to those who help me, by recognizing the needs of others.
It is also how I truly say I am sorry for the pain I have caused my children. It is also how I honor those who gave their lives and that they did not die in vain, like my mother and my father and my husband who was the love of my life.
As a famous Hollywood Hairstylist and Author with disabilities such as dyslexia and ADD, what advice would you give to others who may feel trapped by their limitations?
I say embrace it, know it, work with it,, use it to ones benefit. I laugh at my A.D.D. and call it multi-tasking… then my compulsiveness forces me to finish all the things I started that I didn’t finish cos my A.D.D. distracted me. I talk myself through things, “What are you doing now Carrie?” “Is this urgent?” “Shouldn’t you be getting ready for work instead of cutting flowers in the garden, at least right now, can’t you do this later?”
Point is: I try to be aware of time as a guide, make lists for one day, and check in to a schedule. Time is a good monitor for assistance to focus.
I make tremendous effort listening to someone in conversation, its easier to listen in lecture or film but one on one, conversations, I get excited and want to jump in and on someones sentence. That’s rude, so I grit my teeth to keep my mouth shut sometimes and stare at their lips so I don’t interrupt and wait until they are finished. Ha~!
My A.D.D. works cutting hair, I can jump around and cut all over someones head, they don’t know what I am doing. As long as it all connects when I an finished. Again, the time monitor keeps me in check for the next client.
Writing however is a constant battle with Dyslexia and A.D.D. and O.C.C.
I help myself with this sentence when I find myself distracting myself: “Are you getting closer to completing Upper Cut or further away?”
I wrote Upper Cut, starting in 1989, before and after work and on my days off, breaking only for family birthdays or needs. (I didn’t want to not be here for my kids now…cos I was writing about how badly I felt not being there for them then. ) Ha!
What is your favorite hairstyle of all time?
The Shag…and all its years of evolutions up to today. From heads like Jim Morrison and Mick Jaggar, Farrah Fawcett, the Meg Ryan shorter shaggy version to the Rachel-Cut a shaggy bob…but they are all extensions of the Shag…
I say; ‘Life is what happens in between layers and going them out. ‘ I say that with bangs too.
Which authors and artists inspire you?
Micheal Crichton, Rainer Marie Rilke, David Sedaris, William Shakespeare, William Blake, Octavio Paz, Joseph Campbell, Marget Atwood, Anne Frank and Anne Lamont, Dorothy Parker, Charles Bukowski, eecummings, Bill Wilson, founder of A.A. and creator of the 12 Step program. Add Dali, Chagal, Arthur Rackham, Arcimboldo, Frank Lloyd Wright, Frida Kahlo, Tim Burton, Ed Rusha, Wallace Berman, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrex, Janis Joplin, Rolling Stones, Beatles, Beethoven, Bizet, Billy Holiday, Nina Simone, Citizen Cope, Eminem, Sade, Sting, Cole Porter, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Teddy Pendergrass, Lucille Ball, Ellen Burstyn, Sandra Bullock, Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Drew Barrymore, Betty Davis. Alexandre McQueen, Chanel, Lagerfeld, Viviane Westwood, Norman Parkinson, Avedon, Penn, Sokolsky, YuTsai, and hairdressers: Vidal Sassoon, Mr. Kenneth, Serge Normand, Guido, Garren, and personal giants I admire besides my children: Loree Rodkin, Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington, and Oprah. Films are countless heroes of my heart and art from CASABLANCA to THE WIZARD OF OZ. I could name a hundred more easily as my life has been long impressed and influenced by great artists who endlessly inspire me…my heart weeps in their beauty and talent.
What do you dream of accomplishing in the future?
I am excited in the suspense of it all. I am curious to see what opportunities rise and unfold from Upper Cut.
My art is making something from what ever I am presented with, like hair and troubles of life to good things I can expand upon. I want to make things better. That is my nature, not that I don’t completely appreciate nature and the perfection of a sunset or a flower. That’s different. But I like ceramics cos I get a lump of clay and get to make something out of it. Its freeing and challenging and again I compete with myself as I am inspired by others.
So my dream….after Upper Cut the Movie and Upper Cut the Musical… decades of music, fashion, art, lifestyles of the rich, famous, the up town, down town and underground, life in the fast lane, crash lane to the safety zone. Ha well…I am interested to see what dreams I didn’t know I have.
I do know I want to travel with my family, friends, to discover, explore, play and share the wonderfulness of this world… and write write write about it all the time.
You may learn more about Carrie White and Upper Cut at www.thecarriewhite.com
Stylish, innovative, and intelligent, Lux Zakari is an author whose novels truly reflect the changing times. Powerful, headstrong, and complex, her leading female characters prove that any genre of fiction is worth reading if written well. After all, the true path to a woman's heart is through her mind, and Zakari's erotic novels are a perfect example of this!
What is it you love about erotic fiction?
I can’t help writing erotic fiction! All my writing takes a turn for the sexy, and that was the case even before I started writing erotica. I find it inevitable when I’m writing about love and the like. Most of my characters are involved in intense, slightly obsessive life-changing relationships, so there’s no way I want to skimp on the doin’ it.
When did you decide you wanted to write, not just fiction, but erotic fiction?
I used to be extremely shy about writing erotica. My characters would start inching toward the bedroom and I’d be like, “Ah! I can’t!” I was just too embarrassed; it felt like something I just should not be writing about. It wasn’t until the urging of a good friend, a fellow erotica writer, that I decided to try my hand at it and we worked on a smutty novel together. When our collaboration came to an end, I decided to take on the genre myself—and wrote Coercion.
How did you overcome any inhibitions you may have felt over writing material which some might find offensive?
Not all my inhibitions have been overcome. I’m still hesitant about telling people what I write about in fear of weirding them out or casting expectations on myself, but no worries. These days, I mostly see it as like my little secret, one only a lucky few know.
What is it about writing that makes it a perfect medium for you?
I dabble in a variety of artsy mediums, like painting, drawing and photography, but nothing truly captures what I’m trying to convey like words do. I love playing with combinations derived from the alphabet, searching for the absolute best way to phrase a sentence. I also really enjoy storytelling and all the problem-solving that comes along with it. And honestly, writing helps me work through issues in my own life. In a way, I sort of trick people into reading exaggerated a/o fictionalized pieces of my journal and all the crazy thoughts in my mind. Each of my novels is like a snapshot of my head at certain points in time, and I hope it shows a path of growth.
Your work often shows strong ties to the past and the character’s journey forward—what is it about the past you wish to preserve?
I feel like the past is crucial when detecting patterns both good and bad and, ultimately, learning about one’s self. Most of my characters have to look backward, and inward, and think, “Okay, everything’s all fucked up, but why? What am I doing wrong? What can I learn here?” Also, why should we forget the past? Yes, some of it is painful, but some of it is so awesome and beautiful, and it can help us get through the painful nows so we can have beautiful, awesome tomorrows.
What types of ideas inspire your emotionally and psychologically complex characters?
Truly, all kinds! Everything starts off as an idle “what if?” premise that occasionally winds up snowballing out of control. For example, I came up with Secretly More when musing about how hot it’d be if a girl was in some Eyes Wide Shut scenario and had no idea that the guy she was with was someone she knew who’d been in love with her forever. Then I had to stop and think, “How would that work? And furthermore, how could I write that as forgivable?” I think it’s good to challenge one’s self as a writer by justifying a character’s behavior when he or she does something you don’t at all agree with.
What would you say is your strength as a writer?
I believe I do well at creating dialogue and creative sex scenes, as well as putting myself in each character’s place; I believe in everything they do because I understand why they do it. But mostly, I feel my strength is that I’m having fun when I write, and I think a reader can tell!
For you, what is technically difficult about writing a sex scene versus a love scene?
Pacing in a sex scene can get tricky; you don’t want to rush through it, but like all things, it can’t last forever. Also, even though I love words, I find that I “use up” a lot of the ones that don’t make me out-and-out cringe, so sometimes that’s a struggle to keep that in check. And sometimes, quite honestly, writing a sex scene can even be boring when all I want to do is just write some witty, flirty banter. Still, nothing can beat making a sexy, novel idea work. And it’s a real high to turn someone on using words—that’s influencing someone’s imagination and body by arranging letters a certain way without ever being present.
Which artists inspire you?
Most of my inspiration is derived from music artists. I am easily swept up in a song and when I write, I often create soundtracks for my books to help motivate me to write. As for which musicians inspire me, it all depends on the nature of the story. For Coercion, it was Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and the like; for Finale, it was Depeche Mode and the Eurythmics. I have a story in the works that is heavily influenced by Florence + the Machine.
What is the message you hope readers gain from your work?
I’d like readers to wring some hope out of my work, and I hope my writing gives them insight to their own lives. I like the idea that I could be communicating with and helping someone without knowing it. But mostly, I hope that my novels will be recognized as damn good stories, regardless of a happy ending.
If you would like to know more about Lux Zakari and her latest novel "Secretly More," please look at her website:
http://luxzakari.com/
Thank you so much for the interview Lux!
What is it you love about erotic fiction?
I can’t help writing erotic fiction! All my writing takes a turn for the sexy, and that was the case even before I started writing erotica. I find it inevitable when I’m writing about love and the like. Most of my characters are involved in intense, slightly obsessive life-changing relationships, so there’s no way I want to skimp on the doin’ it.
When did you decide you wanted to write, not just fiction, but erotic fiction?
I used to be extremely shy about writing erotica. My characters would start inching toward the bedroom and I’d be like, “Ah! I can’t!” I was just too embarrassed; it felt like something I just should not be writing about. It wasn’t until the urging of a good friend, a fellow erotica writer, that I decided to try my hand at it and we worked on a smutty novel together. When our collaboration came to an end, I decided to take on the genre myself—and wrote Coercion.
How did you overcome any inhibitions you may have felt over writing material which some might find offensive?
Not all my inhibitions have been overcome. I’m still hesitant about telling people what I write about in fear of weirding them out or casting expectations on myself, but no worries. These days, I mostly see it as like my little secret, one only a lucky few know.
What is it about writing that makes it a perfect medium for you?
I dabble in a variety of artsy mediums, like painting, drawing and photography, but nothing truly captures what I’m trying to convey like words do. I love playing with combinations derived from the alphabet, searching for the absolute best way to phrase a sentence. I also really enjoy storytelling and all the problem-solving that comes along with it. And honestly, writing helps me work through issues in my own life. In a way, I sort of trick people into reading exaggerated a/o fictionalized pieces of my journal and all the crazy thoughts in my mind. Each of my novels is like a snapshot of my head at certain points in time, and I hope it shows a path of growth.
Your work often shows strong ties to the past and the character’s journey forward—what is it about the past you wish to preserve?
I feel like the past is crucial when detecting patterns both good and bad and, ultimately, learning about one’s self. Most of my characters have to look backward, and inward, and think, “Okay, everything’s all fucked up, but why? What am I doing wrong? What can I learn here?” Also, why should we forget the past? Yes, some of it is painful, but some of it is so awesome and beautiful, and it can help us get through the painful nows so we can have beautiful, awesome tomorrows.
What types of ideas inspire your emotionally and psychologically complex characters?
Truly, all kinds! Everything starts off as an idle “what if?” premise that occasionally winds up snowballing out of control. For example, I came up with Secretly More when musing about how hot it’d be if a girl was in some Eyes Wide Shut scenario and had no idea that the guy she was with was someone she knew who’d been in love with her forever. Then I had to stop and think, “How would that work? And furthermore, how could I write that as forgivable?” I think it’s good to challenge one’s self as a writer by justifying a character’s behavior when he or she does something you don’t at all agree with.
What would you say is your strength as a writer?
I believe I do well at creating dialogue and creative sex scenes, as well as putting myself in each character’s place; I believe in everything they do because I understand why they do it. But mostly, I feel my strength is that I’m having fun when I write, and I think a reader can tell!
For you, what is technically difficult about writing a sex scene versus a love scene?
Pacing in a sex scene can get tricky; you don’t want to rush through it, but like all things, it can’t last forever. Also, even though I love words, I find that I “use up” a lot of the ones that don’t make me out-and-out cringe, so sometimes that’s a struggle to keep that in check. And sometimes, quite honestly, writing a sex scene can even be boring when all I want to do is just write some witty, flirty banter. Still, nothing can beat making a sexy, novel idea work. And it’s a real high to turn someone on using words—that’s influencing someone’s imagination and body by arranging letters a certain way without ever being present.
Which artists inspire you?
Most of my inspiration is derived from music artists. I am easily swept up in a song and when I write, I often create soundtracks for my books to help motivate me to write. As for which musicians inspire me, it all depends on the nature of the story. For Coercion, it was Fleetwood Mac, Led Zeppelin and the like; for Finale, it was Depeche Mode and the Eurythmics. I have a story in the works that is heavily influenced by Florence + the Machine.
What is the message you hope readers gain from your work?
I’d like readers to wring some hope out of my work, and I hope my writing gives them insight to their own lives. I like the idea that I could be communicating with and helping someone without knowing it. But mostly, I hope that my novels will be recognized as damn good stories, regardless of a happy ending.
If you would like to know more about Lux Zakari and her latest novel "Secretly More," please look at her website:
http://luxzakari.com/
Thank you so much for the interview Lux!
I've always been a huge Woody Allen fan--his clever banter, jokes which surpass the first punchline of the moment, and his old-fashioned romanticism which never fails to win the audience over are reasons to indulge in his art. Other reasons to spend an hour or two watching a Woody Allen film are the characters which are sexually diverse and never boring, while his early films feature the talents of Diane Keaton--a creative genius in her own right.
Diane Keaton and Woody Allen first met in 1968 when she auditioned for the Broadway play "Play It Again, Sam," which was written and directed by Allen. On February 12, 1969, "Play It Again, Sam" was first performed and ran for 453 performances. It also featured Tony Roberts who was also starred in the 1972 feature film of "Play It Again, Sam" along with Allen and Keaton.
Within a period of five years, Diane Keaton and Woody Allen not only dated, but starred in a total of four films together.
*"Play It Again, Sam" 1972
*"Sleeper" 1973
*"Love and Death" 1975
*"Annie Hall" 1977
*"Manhattan Murder Mystery" 1993
"I could never write female characters when I started out. And when I met Diane Keaton, and got friendly with her, and lived with her for a few years, I became so enamored of her, just fell in love with her. I became so enamored of her as a human being, so in awe of her, that I started to write for her. I wrote Annie Hall for her, and then after that I could almost only write for women characters," said Woody Allen.
Slightly eccentric with a speech pattern which was unique, Diane Keaton won the Oscar for her role as Annie Hall--a character which is known for Keaton's decision to dress in layered skirts, a button up collar, and a men's tie. Interestingly enough, Hall is Keaton's surname, while Annie was a nickname given to her by Allen.
While Vanity Fair once called Keaton "the most reclusive star since Garbo," she recently released a memoir titled "Then Again" in November of 2011. She is one of the most diverse and interesting actresses to date. The San Francisco Examiner once said of Keaton,"No longer relying on that stuttering uncertainty that seeped into all her characterizations of the 1970s, she has somehow become Katharine Hepburn with a deep maternal instinct, that is, she is a fine and intelligent actress who doesn't need to be tough and edgy in order to prove her feminism."
Sometimes on film there are magical moments--Astaire and Rogers, Gable and Harlow, Hepburn and Tracy, and Allen and Keaton. If you're searching for a wonderful comedy which will have you rolling on the floor, I suggest you start with "Sleeper." "Play It Again, Sam" is a love story in which friendship is the truest form of love, while "Annie Hall" is a classic.
On December 28th, 2011, I saw Woody Allen perform with his New Orleans Jazz Band. It was reminiscent of an old Juke Joint, and just as lively as the music took the audience back to another era.
We are living among some of the greatest artists to grace history--a gift and an honor. Perhaps, you're one of those artists. Today, I pay homage to Diane Keaton and Woody Allen who I hope will inspire you as much as they inspire me!
Diane Keaton and Woody Allen first met in 1968 when she auditioned for the Broadway play "Play It Again, Sam," which was written and directed by Allen. On February 12, 1969, "Play It Again, Sam" was first performed and ran for 453 performances. It also featured Tony Roberts who was also starred in the 1972 feature film of "Play It Again, Sam" along with Allen and Keaton.
Within a period of five years, Diane Keaton and Woody Allen not only dated, but starred in a total of four films together.
*"Play It Again, Sam" 1972
*"Sleeper" 1973
*"Love and Death" 1975
*"Annie Hall" 1977
*"Manhattan Murder Mystery" 1993
"I could never write female characters when I started out. And when I met Diane Keaton, and got friendly with her, and lived with her for a few years, I became so enamored of her, just fell in love with her. I became so enamored of her as a human being, so in awe of her, that I started to write for her. I wrote Annie Hall for her, and then after that I could almost only write for women characters," said Woody Allen.
Slightly eccentric with a speech pattern which was unique, Diane Keaton won the Oscar for her role as Annie Hall--a character which is known for Keaton's decision to dress in layered skirts, a button up collar, and a men's tie. Interestingly enough, Hall is Keaton's surname, while Annie was a nickname given to her by Allen.
While Vanity Fair once called Keaton "the most reclusive star since Garbo," she recently released a memoir titled "Then Again" in November of 2011. She is one of the most diverse and interesting actresses to date. The San Francisco Examiner once said of Keaton,"No longer relying on that stuttering uncertainty that seeped into all her characterizations of the 1970s, she has somehow become Katharine Hepburn with a deep maternal instinct, that is, she is a fine and intelligent actress who doesn't need to be tough and edgy in order to prove her feminism."
Sometimes on film there are magical moments--Astaire and Rogers, Gable and Harlow, Hepburn and Tracy, and Allen and Keaton. If you're searching for a wonderful comedy which will have you rolling on the floor, I suggest you start with "Sleeper." "Play It Again, Sam" is a love story in which friendship is the truest form of love, while "Annie Hall" is a classic.
On December 28th, 2011, I saw Woody Allen perform with his New Orleans Jazz Band. It was reminiscent of an old Juke Joint, and just as lively as the music took the audience back to another era.
We are living among some of the greatest artists to grace history--a gift and an honor. Perhaps, you're one of those artists. Today, I pay homage to Diane Keaton and Woody Allen who I hope will inspire you as much as they inspire me!
