Avatar

Just got back from seeing the film Avatar. For the second time! I love this movie--just about everything about it, from the anti-imperialist/anti-corporate message to the gorgeous world portrayed with all the alien but totally believable flora and fauna. And of course the people themselves, with their tails that let them connect with the nature around them, and their beautiful skin and ornaments and wild cat looks.
I've been asked over and over about the level of violence, especially if it's okay for kids. There certainly are some intense scenes of combat and destruction and desecration of nature, but I wouldn't call it gratuitous. And there really isn't any blood flying or gore.
But most importantly, to me, you see the appropriate expression of grief. Something entirely lacking from so many films. And the overall message of Avatar is so great, including the total transformation of the main character, that everyone I've seen it with so far has found it uplifting and inspirational.
And of course the 3D aspect makes it even more visually stunning. I'm so glad I was able to see it in the theater. It almost feels like an event, more than just another movie.

The Painted Tongue Flowers

At long last, Krista's book collaboration with poet Amy Trussell is published and available for sale. It's been a long time coming, but last week a pallet full of 25 boxes of books showed up at our door. 2000 copies! Yikes.
On Friday, Amy and Krista had a little book launch reading here in Santa Rosa. Then the next day they were on display at Krista's open studio event. We've sold quite a few already--the beautiful art and incredible poetry are quite a combination, and some people were buying four or five copies to give as Christmas presents. Also, the book ended up being only $15. Originally I thought we'd set the price higher.
If you want to know more about the collaboration, or take a sneak peak at one of the poems, here's a link to Krista's Deva Luna website page. I've taken the liberty of putting a "buy now" button here on my blog. At this point all the copies we're selling are signed by both ladies, which is pretty cool. Check it out.
So far my contribution to the project has been finding the printer and carrying all 25 boxes into our living room (that would be 1125 pounds of books, by the way).
If you order the book by Saturday, December 19th, it should get to you by the 24th (can't guarantee that though) if you live in the continental US.

Cat Nip Trip

And here's another one, for your viewing pleasure.