Being a freelancer.

A little over a year ago, I walked out of my safe (but soul-crushing) full time job, and into the great unknown!

Well, actually.  It was more like ...

A little over a year ago, I walked out of my safe (but soul-crushing) full time job, and into the prospect of becoming a freelance writer!

Ok ok.  Here is the real, naked truth:

A little over a year ago, I walked into my boss's office at my safe (but soul-crushing) full time job, told him I was going part time, and started doing a tiny bit of freelance writing.   You can tell how dedicated I was by my lack of bio on that site.

Walking away from a steady paycheck, in exchange for a life of freelancing freedom, is INCREDIBLY scary.  You think it's going to be liberating, and creative, and that you're just going to sit in coffee shops all day, being your quirky freelancey self.  Like a Carrie Bradshaw or a Joan Didion, only better.  You're going to write for Gawker and Jezebel, with an occasional New York Times "Modern Love" essay thrown in for good measure, and just for kicks?  You'll do food reviews for Texas Monthly.  You'll convince the editor to kick you a per diem for barbeque.  Eventually, someone at Food and Wine Magazine will read that, and invite you to be a guest contributor for a future "Soul of the South" series!  It's going to be great.  Really. 

Only it does not go that way.

Finding steady work as a freelance writer (or, a freelance anything) is hard.  When you're stressed about money, it's impossible to be imaginative.  You stare at a blank screen, thinking: "This article sucks so bad, it's going to be the one that gets me fired."  And then, when you've finally banged out the article, that stupid fucking article that you stayed home on a Friday night to finish, you have zero energy left to go hunting for more clients.  Clients you desperately need if you want to pay for things, like, electricity.   The whole enterprise is less Carrie Bradshaw, more Boba Fett.      

So I was delighted, thrilled, when my friends, local actors Ted Meredith and Erica Lies -- part of the Austin: Mortified team, the latter of whom was my Mortified producer -- created a miniseries based on this lifestyle.  Appropriately enough, it is called "Freelancers."

Here is the pilot.  I LOVE the opener -- I so relate to Erica's character!

Anyone who has ever freelanced before ... is this calling to you?  Do you remember these days?  Maybe you're still experiencing these days.  If so, come here -- let Mama Tolly give you a hug.

Go like Freelancers on Facebook.  Then go watch the second episode of Freelancers, about something almost every Austin twenty (or thirty) something can relate to -- finding a roommate on Craigslist.  

May I just say that in this department, Craigslist hasn't failed me yet?  Ross and I found the coolest roommate ever one summer, an academic Australian named Ben.  We went out with him, we drank with him, we introduced him to our families.  I'm not kidding.  We might ask Ben to return to the U.S. and move back in with us.

I asked Erica Lies how she and Ted conceived of "Freelancers."  Here's what she said:

"Ted and I had talked about creating a web series for a while but hadn't thought of a premise. Then one day we improvised a scene together where he was a yoga teacher and I was a writer. The scene itself was actually an impressively terrible level of mediocre, but we were talking about it later, lamenting that the scene hadn't gone well because we liked our characters. That's when I realized the premise was the perfect (non) workplace sitcom for folks our age and that it could be good if it was written and workshopped.  So we sat down together and wrote it.

As far as conceiving of the various characters, I'd say it was an organic process that involved lots of tea and beer purchased at Thunderbird on Manor, asking ourselves the question, 'How can we make these people more realistically absurd?' and lots of rewriting.  A lot.  Of rewriting." 

I adore the show's theme song!

"It written and recorded by the fabulous Ménage á Twang in New York, who incidentally, have a new album out this week.)"

And that, my friends, is how you start a web series!  If you have time, go watch my other favorite series from the Ted-Erica friend group, "Hey!  The Zooey Deschanel Show."  I posted about it here a few months ago, and we all laughed our faces off.

The art of the care package.

You know how some kids are just cool, even when they're, like, 10?

This usually has something to do with athleticism, or clothes, or some kind of natural charisma.  In my old money San Antonio community, it also had to do with what family you came from, and what traditions you participated in.  My family and I were A) not natives, B) not wealthy, and C) not traditional.  Evidenced by several things, but most notably our lack of church-going, our kitchen cabinets onto which Mom had painted cow spots, and our annual Christmas cards that occasionally required my father to cross-dress.

"Are you in the coronation?" a friend asked me once in the third grade.  I had no idea what she was talking about.

"Because my older sister is a duchess," she boasted.    

"Duchess of Dreams?" she said with an exasperated sigh, registering the confusion on my face.

"She rides on a float?  During the BATTLE OF FLOWERS PARADE?"

I looked at her blankly.   It was like she was speaking a foreign language.

Clearly wasting her time on someone not bred to know about The Battle of Flowers, or how very momentous her sister's duchess appointment was, she turned tail on her Cole Haan loafers and angrily stomped off.

This was pretty much the story of my life from first through fifth grade.

But then in the summer between fifth and sixth grade, something magical happened.

I went to summer camp.  And I was the coolest one there.

It all started with my mom, closet exhibitionist that she is.  She was going through a wig-collecting phase at the time, and insisted I pack three in my trunk.

"Because you never know!" she said brightly.

Holding a clump of synthetic Tina Turner hair in my hand, I felt extremely skeptical. 

But as soon as I started unpacking my things, tentatively laying a wig onto my bunk bed mattress, I heard a high shriek of excitement.

"OH MY LORD!" screamed my bunk mate.  "That's like SOOOOO awesome.  Where did it come from??"

Mom wouldn't let me down during the rest of camp, either.  She sent the most epic care packages, packages for sharing.  Her favorite thing to mail was a batch of "Buffalo Chip" cookies, named so graphically for their size (of roughly a dinner plate) and their ingredients (containing every cookie ingredient imaginable, from macadamia nuts to raisins, because apparently this is what buffalo eat).  They were a smashing hit every time, making my bunk bed the most sought-after real estate in town.

* * *

So I appreciate a good care package, one composed with love and thought.  Recently, Paloma Botanical Beauty Parlor sent me a post-SXSW care package, and I have to say, I was absolutely tickled.

Isn't this a tiny, pretty box?  I gave it to my friend Kathryn, whose daughter is named Lucia.

The package came with several large glossy photographs.  Left: Owners Evette Richards and Levi Dugat, husband and wife.  Right and below: The parlor.

Is this a miniature pope?  Dressed in a ball gown?  I love him!

I loved the styling in this photograph.  In fact I decided to bust out a feather earring of my own and wear it out of the house.

My feather and I went to Starbucks that morning and no one knew what was going on. "Is that a...?" the woman in front of me said.  "Feather?" I suggested, but it was too late.  She had already turned back around to the safe, normal world of non-footlong-feather-wearing Starbucks baristas.  Away from this dangerous rebel.

Paloma, thank you for my care package!  I will be coming in soon.  Do you have a blowtorch?  That may be what my over-processed hair needs at this point.  I'll let you be the judge.

The Blind Cafe.

Austinites, are you going on a date tonight?

If so, I'm about to give you the coolest Date Night idea ever.  Really. 

the blind cafe.

But what is it?  you ask.

The Blind Cafe is a concept that has a brief history in Europe, where diners eat in pitch black darkness.  And, your servers are blind.

Whether you're an audience member, a part of the blind/sighted staff or a volunteer, The Blind Cafe is designed to help you feel more alive, awake, present and connected to your world. 

That's from the website -- which I'll link you to here in a moment.

As you walk in, you're taken to a completely "light-proofed" space:

You will be led into a pitch dark room by your blind wait staff and seated at your table where you will discover what it’s like to eat ‘Family Style,’ with your friends and other guests in the pitch dark. You will be working together with your old and new friends at your table to make sure everyone gets some delicious food on their plate. Your meal will be prepared with love and attention to delight your senses.

There's also a concert at The Blind Cafe.

You will experience a full concert of viola, cello, violins, guitar and vocals without the distraction of your vision, social etiquette or your cell phone.

Are you intrigued?  Yeah?

The Blind Cafe started here in the U.S. in Denver, Colorado, has been to Portland, Boulder, Seattle and Cincinnati, and is coming to Austin this weekend.

The dinner happens both tonight and Saturday night, and is a fund raising event for a two-week workshop for Austin blind kids to learn Braille.

Here is the website!

And here is a short documentary about The Blind Cafe and its founder, Rosh Rocheleau. If you're viewing this post on an RSS reader, mosey on out, come to the blog and watch this video.  You will love it.

People, is this not blowing your mind? 

Here is a link for tickets, and here are the details:

Tonight and Saturday // March 25th & 26th 2011

St. Martin's Lutheran Church

606 West 15th Street

6:30PM Check In / 7PM Seating

A gluten-free and vegan meal

With a dark chocolate dessert.

Right, so -- my man is gone tonight.  We are in turbo savings mode right now (because we are closing on a HOUSE, our first house, and basically subsisting on cereal and a bottle of mustard until further notice). 

But I am going to try so hard to get tickets for tomorrow night.  

Because this really does sound like one of those events you'll never forget.  Precisely because you'll never see it.

* * *

(PS: If you attend this event, I would genuinely love to hear your feedback.  Leave a comment or email me, austineavesdropper [a] gmail.com, and I will update this post with your thoughts).

UPDATE 3/30/11: Here are three amazing stories from those involved with The Blind Cafe.

Laura:

"I am a violinist for The Blind Cafe and also the wife of the head chef.  I have enjoyed watching this project unfold as the weeks have gone on, through the joys of finding volunteers to the stresses of finding food donations!  I feel honored to be a part of it and seeing it come together these past two nights has been fantastic."

Lindsey:

"I went to the Blind Cafe last night. It was tremendous, and exceeded my expectations.  I felt a little nervous as our blind guide had my friends and I form a train by putting one hand on the shoulder for the person in front of us and then led us into the dark room. Inside, people were chatting away and eating, but you could not see a thing. We all figured out how to eat and how to serve up the food (family style) on our table.  I even refilled my water!  The food was wonderful, and the music was so great (singer-songwriter stuff with a string quartet).  The first song was written and performed by our blind guide, and it was called, "You're Not Alone in the Dark."  After feeling so vulnerable in that setting ("Where am I? How big is this room? Am I going to trip? What's around me?") it was pretty poignant."

CJ:

"I am a volunteer chef for The Blind Cafe, this has been so to speak an eye-opening experience.  Chef Asha did a great job on the menu, working with a very small budget. Getting to know Rosh and all the others that travel with him has been fantastic.  At first I had problems sitting in the dark, but when I finally relaxed and started to get used to my surroundings, words can't explain how it was.  The music was so amazing, listening with none of the distractions you normally have (lights, watching the musicians and other distractions in the room).  I truly felt the music in a way I never have before. 

Also, talking to the blind servers and learning a bit about their life experiences and problems made me look at a lot of things in a new way. Volunteering for this was something I will never forget and hope to be in another one very soon. If you cant make it tonight, I have a feeling there will be another chance in the future."

Lessons in Not Wetting Yourself: Interviewing rockstars.

Hello, it's me Tolly.  Would you like to know four hard things I can do without getting nervous?

1.  Taxes
2.  Thumb wars
3.  Reverse the car out of our driveway*
4.  Make a duck call with my hand**

*Meaning: I don't get nervous.  Everyone watching does.
**This probably doesn't make anyone nervous.  Also it's not hard.

Would you like to know what does make me nervous?

1.  Cooking
2.  Long division
3.  Dogs that look like wolves
4.  Interviewing rockstars

SO.  When I was asked to do #4 last week at SXSW for Express Clothing, I was simultaneously thrilled / teensy bit terrified.

But I think it went ok.

The interviews were spread over three days at Cedar Door here in Austin, where Express and BMF Media Group cohosted the Express Rocks! Music Lounge.  There were over 50 bands, with Neon Trees as the headliner, and folks like Chromeo, Ellie Goulding, and The Sounds stopping by for interviews.  Express dressed me (thank God) and I got to hold a super-huge microphone!

Here are videos of my three favorite interviews: Diplo, Atomic Tom, and Asher Roth.  They are all viewable on the Express website, or more accurately, the Express Rocks portion of their website. 

I was super excited to talk to Diplo.  A long time ago, I wrote a column for The Deli called "DJ Education," and it's sort of like my weird closeted music secret: My brief but intense obsession with DJs.   In the DJ world, Diplo is like Michael Jackson.  Or at least Elton John.  What I'm saying is, he's a big deal. 

Atomic Tom's Tobias is Canadian.  Why is that pertinent?   I don't know.  Except that every single Canadian I've ever met is shockingly nice.  Including Tobias.  Here's his 60 Seconds with Tobias blog.

Asher Roth shook every crew members' hand before the interview, and is just straight-up charming.  Can you see it here?  I ran after him post-interview and made him take an iPhone picture with me.

 Here are some more photos from Express Rocks.

Me with Miss Holly Huddleston, contributor to one of my favorite local blogs: ATX Gossip. 

HOW EXCITING IS THIS.  I got to meet my beloved Peelander Z!  And boy did I gush.  I told them how I went on a date once with this guy to see them, and then I thought he was basically the coolest guy ever, and then I married him, and omigod would they mind terribly signing an autograph for my then date, now husband?

Now taped to the refrigerator!

Daniel Cavazos shot these pictures of my boys: GARY! and Happy.

Chris Apollo Lynn and I making swift use of the photo booth.  I don't know what we are trying to do here.

After this Express gig was all said and done, I can honestly say I had a blast!  Like, a ridiculously good time, and I don't think I scared too many bands.  Wonder if I'll get to do it again?  Express Rocks! does lounges at places like Coachella and Sundance, and while the chances of being shipped out to spots like that are probably slim ... a girl can dream. 

All of my band interviews can now be found on the homepage of the Express Rocks site.  Enjoy!

"So, what's your blog about?"

Ah, longtime Austin Eavesdropper readers.  Mom, Dad.  

Let's take a stroll down Memory Lane, shall we? 

A collage of my old blog headers, plus a little taste of the next header.

This blog has been through so many changes, and the header is only the beginning.

In fact, I'm having a hard time lately answering this question:

"What's your blog about?"

If you attended SXSW last week and do in fact blog, I'm sure you got this a lot.  Whenever I go back and read my old, old posts, like from 2008, all I can think is:  "Who is that silly, wannabe party girl?"

Reading your old blog posts is a little bit like looking at pictures from high school.  "Did I really dress like that?" you think.  "Why did I think that hair style was cool?"

At the time, you think you're making all the right moves.  And then, when you've grown up a bit, gaining distance and hopefully perspective, you're able to see the old you through a clearer lens.  It can be uncomfortable at times.

* * *

During SXSW last week, I got into many long conversations with people.  I don't know exactly why.  I mean, I like to converse, it's just that SXSW is the time for running around frantically from panel to panel, then show to show.  "Conversations," if you can call them that, are typically:

"HEY DO YOU WANT A BEER I'M GOING BACK TO THE BAR OH YOU HAVE A TAB?   PABST?  WAIT YOU HAVE A TAB OR YOU WANT ME TO GET YOU A PABST?"

But this year was different.

I attended less shows.  A lot less.  Instead, I decided to station myself at a few places, and talked to more friends.  Friends I have known, and friends made right there on the spot.  Among the latter, a few asked: "What's your blog about?"

There was a time when I knew how to answer this question.

"Austin nightlife!" I used to say, and leave it at that.  Eventually I amended it to, "Austin nightlife and events!" which was even more vague.

But then, somewhere around 2009, I started gaining more focus.  A posting pattern began to emerge.  I realized that my posts fell into roughly four categories -- local music, fashion, food and art -- and following the advice (i.e. exasperation) of fellow bloggers, made little margin labels for those things.

And THEN, much more recently, I decided to get personal.

I began telling more stories.  And putting some effort into crafting them.

Stories that had nothing to do with music, or fashion, or food, or art or even Austin, except for the fact that I live in Austin, so at least there was that.

And it's funny.  I always thought that the only reason people read this blog was to find out what was going on around town.  Then those posts, the personal ones, ended up getting a lot more interest, though I didn't know people even wanted to hear about that stuff -- my baby neuroses, my alcoholic friend, my go out/stay in dilemma.  But it made me extremely happy, that people read and commented and cared.

* * *

This all leads up to an extremely garbled explanation I offered at a SXSW fashion blogger brunch on Wednesday, when a clothing designer asked me that dreaded, awful question.  "So, what's your blog about?"

"Well," I began.

"It's, like, local discoveries that I make?" 

She nodded.

"Combined with some of my more personal writing?"

She nodded again.

"I mean, I focus on music/food/fashion/art, mostly here in Austin, but lately I get the most excited about telling stories?  Sort of doesn't matter what the topic is?"

An encouraging smile.

"Because, well, I'm not a great photographer, I shoot video sometimes but it's just ok, so I guess it's mostly me writing about stuff?  Austin stuff but also just 'me' stuff?"

At this point she stopped listening.  Returned to her egg white omelet with a decisive lift of the fork.  I couldn't blame her.

* * *

Do you know who I am in awe of?  Style bloggers.  They have lasor beam blog focus.  Good at photography, good at marketing, good at everything.  Also, food bloggers.  Who's more networked than food bloggers?  Probably no one. 

Any blogger who possesses a single, catch-all, categorical net: This is who I long to be sometimes.  I often think, "maybe it would be better to just pick something, JUST ONE THING, and start a new blog about that one thing."   Sweet potatoes, maybe.  I really, really like sweet potatoes.

But in the end, I always keep Austin Eavesdropper.  Even though I don't "get" Austin Eavesdropper.  Chances are, you don't either.

If you're a regular reader though, then something keeps bringing you back.   I wish I knew what that something was, because I would replicate it over and over again until I knew how to answer that question:  "What's your blog about?"   (Though I'm beginning to suspect it may never be a simple answer.)

I'm just immensely grateful that you are here, reading, going along on this little journey with me.  Chronicling your late 20s (and beyond?) is a bizarre task, but I feel really lucky that I get to share it here, and talk about it with people.  At SXSW last week, I realized this blog doesn't know what it wants to be when it grows up.  Hell, I don't know what I want to be when I grow up.

And maybe that's ok.  As long as you'll have me, I'll keep trying to figure it out.

A sexily aloof reporter I never will be. (Also, Saturday's Free SXSW Party Rec.)

I gotta say, I'm having fun with these Express Rocks interviews.

I've also come to the realization that, while some reporters can be cool and detached during interviews, I will never be that reporter.  I'll ALWAYS be all up in yo' face.  I'll ALWAYS shove an enormous, toothy smile at you.  I don't know how not to grin like an idiot when there's a camera right there, y'all.  Whenever I attempt Sexy Face, it is a disaster. 

Fortunately, the bands we've been interviewing like to play along.  Kaskade, above, was probably my favorite one yesterday.  How cute is it that he's a dad, too?  After he walked away I wanted to holler, "wait come back!   Let's be friends!  I love San Francisco!!"  But, his handler whisked him away and that was that.  Sigh.

So!  I'll be doing the Express Lounge stuff again today at Cedar Door as we wrap up SXSW, but if I weren't committed to that, I would march across the river to this day party.  It starts at noon.

I think this line-up pretty much speaks for itself:

The Black Angels
Dennis Coffey
Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears w/special guests The Relatives
Menomena
White Denim
Bombay Bicycle Club
Young Buffalo
Dan Dyer 

Did I ever tell you guys that Ross used to be Black Joe Lewis' drummer? Right after he left, Black Joe completely blew up and got famous. We cry laugh about it all time.

White Denim and Dan Dyer are probably my favorite acts on that list, but here is a delightful music video from Dennis Coffey.  The Bob Dylan Subterranean Homesick Blues card-holding trick never gets old.

Friday's Free SXSW Party Rec: Pitchfork Presents: #Offline.

Man.   I kinda fell down on the job yesterday and Wednesday, huh?   Didn't post my SXSW free party recommendations!

But I had an excuse, I swear.  And that excuse was laundry.

I'm just kidding: Daddy turned 63 on Wednesday, and Ross and I drove down to San Antonio for it.  In our quest to become actual grown-ups, Ross and I also made an offer on a house this week (WHOA).    And finally, I was interviewing bands for Express Rocks yesterday.  I'm doing it again today and Saturday, and I gotta say, it's a pretty sweet gig!  They got in touch with me before SXSW, hired me to do some band interviews, and told me I could wear/have their clothes.  I said: "You've got yourself a deal."   

 

This is Cisco Adler and moi.  Of then 10 or so bands/musicians we interviewed yesterday, he was one of my favorites.  Articulate, passionate, a good talker: I know I say this all the time, but it goes a LONG WAY when a musician or band has a great personality.  The free booze didn't hurt either, which may or may not have boosted our conversation.

I know Ellie Goulding only looks mildly excited here, but SHE REALLY ENJOYED TALKING TO ME YOU GUYS.  I SWEAR.

Ahem.  Anyway, in all seriousness, Ellie was a delight to talk to.  I tend to get a little giddy over British accents, and she was also very down-to-earth.  You can see what I mean in this video.  Darling, right?

So.  More interviews today, and whenever the videos go up on Express's site I'll show them to you! 

Onto today's free party recommendation.  I'm going with Pitchfork Presents: #Offline!  It's a day party.

Why Pitchfork Presents: #Offline?  Partly because it's at a cool location -- the East Side Drive-In -- and partly because of this guy, the headliner tonight at 6:15pm.  Are you digging Toro & Moi as much as I am?

Tuesday's Free SXSW Party Rec: Art Disaster.

Going to keep today's SXSW party recommendation short and sweet.   Judging by the looks of things, this girl's got a head of hair to wash.  And we'll just not discuss the unshaven legs situation ... I'm about to take a machete with me into the shower.

 

Why Art Disaster?   It's a biannual Austin party, so SXSW out-of-towners, this is where the "townies" will be.  Also, Peelander-Z, a Japanese punk band clad in superhero costumes, will be opening the outside stage.  Friends, have you ever seen a Peelander-Z show?   Dare I say it's a bucket list experience. 

I'm being serious. You absolutely need to see this band live at least once in your life. The very first time I saw them, like six years ago at Beerland, they set up huge bowling pins on the stage, and mid-song, removed their drummer from his seat, picked him up and BOWLED HIM into the pins.

Which may be why a key component of their costume is a helmet.

Monday's Free SXSW Party Rec: Chroma.

If there's one word that keeps getting repeated over and over during SXSW 2011, it is "energy." 

"The energy this year is unbelievable."

"There's so much energy in the air."

That and "huge," as Roger Ebert aptly put it.

Both are true.  I have never, ever experienced a SXSW quite like this.  Kelly Krause, SXSW Interactive's press and publicity coordinator, and I were talking about it earlier, and I searched for proper descriptors. "Woodstock-meets-Animal-House?" I ventured, although that doesn't quite hit the mark.  Perhaps: Woodstock-meets-Sundance-meets-TED-talks (meets Animal House.  The streets are positively flowing with free booze).

Anyway, as per my promise on Friday, I'm going to post one free SXSW party a day here all week, through Saturday.  I recommend Do512, RepublicOfAustin, Ultra8201, and my magical new discovery, Austin2011.Sched.Org for comprehensive lists; the one party I post daily is simply my personal Top Pick. 

Why Chroma?  Because it's different.  And a little bit nuts.  And I want you to come see me covered in the color orange.  I am serious; I will be clothed and painted completely in orange doing I don't know what for this show.

Ok ... that's the real reason I want you to come tonight.   The other reason is, Moldover will be there, and if you are music geeky enough to know what 'controllerism'' is then you know he's a big deal!   (PS, I'm not nerdy at all.)

Moldover, bands, babes, multimedia displays, trippy on-site art.  Me in orange.  I'll see you there.

Your humble host on Fox Austin.

Oh look, I was on TV today.  Do you like how I forgot how to spell around moment 3:15?   That's always nice.

Anyway, Fox was interviewing me about my Neurotic's Guide to SXSW, posted on Monday.  I hope some of the tips are helpful!   Here are the resources I recommended:

Useful Apps:

Hurricane Party: For instantaneous group get-togethers

Tipsy Taxi ATX: When you're too blazed to drive

SXSW Party Resources:

Republic of Austin

Ultra8201

Do512

I will also be posting one free SXSW party a day, starting Monday.

And for a full GRID of free and non-free SXSW events:

Austin2011.sched.org

(That's the website I was trying to spell.  S-c-h-e-d.  I really had to think about it.  If only my grad school English department could see me now).

My Three Top Picks for SXSW Film 2011.

Confession.

Before this year, I never really knew how SXSW Film "worked."

In years past, people would ask if I was excited about all the movie screenings during SXSW.  "Yeah totally," I would say.

Lies.  I didn't know what was playing.

Except for TUB last year: A movie about a guy that jerks off in the shower and impregnates his bathtub.  That one I was quite excited about.

However, this year, I am turning over a new leaf.  I am actually going to see movies.  I have a badge, so why not use it? 

Because I find the internet highly confusing / overstimulating, I opened up my March 4 issue of The Austin Chronicle and circled my film selections there.  I would now like to share them with you.

How about that photo quality, huh?  It's probably blowing your mind.

*My Three Top Picks for SXSW Film 2011*

# 1: Hesher

Starring: Natalie Portman, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Rainn Wilson

Hello, Joseph Gordon-Levitt.  I don't care if he has dirty long hair.  I don't mind if he sits around in tighty whities.  I don't care if he draws on himself.  If Joseph Gordon-Levitt stars in a movie, that's basically good enough for me.

My question is, Natalie Portman.  What?  This has got to be like the 18th movie she made last year.  If I were her, I would now hibernate with my pregnant self for a very long time.  It's time to kick your feet up, Natalie.  Take out the Bon-Bons.  Select from carton.  Insert in mouth.  You deserve it.

Right, so -- the plot.  Here's what The Chronicle says: "Loud music.  Pornography.  Burning shit down.  And it's just this kind of anarchy that's needed to shake the burdens of sorrow from a boy and his father."  But this could have said: "Cereal.  Cardboard box.  Grocery shopping.  Together at last" and I would still go see it.  Why?  Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

I'm catching it Tuesday March 15, 9:30pm at Arbor Cinema.

#2: The Future

Starring: Miranda July, Hamish Linklater

This movie involves two of my favorite things, cats and Miranda July.  Details and trailers are somewhat spare.

As is the promotional art.

However!  Like Joseph Gordon-Levitt, if Miranda July is involved in, well ... anything, I'm pretty sure it's great.  From The Chronicle:

"The story of a couple who, upon deciding to adopt a cat, change their perspective on life, literally altering the course of time and testing their faith in each other and themselves."

Ross and I could essentially be this couple.  We got together shortly after he and Claudia got together, and look!   Now we are married.  Me and Ross, not me and Claudia.

You just don't know what you're missing, dog people.

I'm seeing it Wednesday March 16, 9:30pm at Alamo Drafthouse Ritz.

#3: Win Win

Starring: Paul Giamatti, Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale, Jeffrey Tambor

Haha, I almost typed "Wine Wine."  Probably because Paul Giamatti is in this one, reminding me of one of my favorite (wine) movies of all time, Sideways.  Yay.

Now doesn't that look sweet?   Maybe a teeny-weeny bit corny.  That's ok.  Sometimes you just want a small town tale of family and small, but meaningful, triumphs.  Amiright?  

In truth I probably won't get to see Win Win until after SXSW.  It screens just once, Monday March 14, 7:15pm at The Paramount, which is approximately the time I'm going to be prepping for this fashion show at The Mohawk.   I would tell you more but I don't know much.   Only that I will be modeling as something solidly orange.  That's right, orange.  When people ask me to do this kind of stuff, I've learned it's best not to ask too many questions.

From Italy, With Love.

Anytime anyone mentions Italy in a sentence, I get incredibly nostalgic.

Anytime I am strolling around downtown, with a sky that is overcast, and a sidewalk smelling vaguely of urine, I get incredibly nostalgic.

That's because almost 10 years ago, I studied abroad in Italy -- but not rolling hills, vineyard-dappled Italy.  No.  Instead of Florence I chose Milan, gloriously concrete and industrial in every way.  It rained daily.  I lived a few blocks away from the train station.  The whole city was crumbly and urban and echoed constantly of blaring car horns, and I loved it. 

Because Milan life is so decidedly busy, people have to find quick and efficient ways to communicate with each other.  This is why whenever I see a pissed-off passive aggressive note, I get so nostalgic that my heart almost bursts with joy.

* * *

When I told my advisor in college that I wanted to study abroad, but I didn't know where, she said, "well, what do you want out of your study abroad experience?"

I thought about it for a minute.  "I guess I want to go where I don't know anyone, and I don't speak the language."   A typically overconfident college student.

Having just come off a trip from Asisi herself, she suggested: "How about Italy?" no doubt picturing quaint cobblestone streets, demure chapels, a home stay with a sweet Italian family.

"Done," I said, and marched that day over to the Study Abroad office.

* * *

My first day in Milan, I was told I would be sharing an apartment with one girl on my program, and two Milan locals, also female.

One of them liked cheese.

The cheese part wasn't mentioned in my program debriefing, but I quickly discerned it once I turned my key in the apartment's front door, and was greeted by a most unique, pungent stench.

"Hallo," a young woman, about 30, said as she turned away from the stove.  She appeared to be sautéeing a block of cheese.

"Ciao!" I cried eagerly, trying out my brand new Italian.  I breathed through my mouth and commanded my nasal cavities to stop inhaling.

"I am Elena, and we have prepared the apartment so much for your stay," she said earnestly.  "After lunch we talk, yeah?"

I nodded.  I set my purse down and retired, gratefully, to my new bedroom to unpack.

About an hour later, I came out.  There was no Elena.  Instead, there was a note on the kitchen table. 

"Please to not keep purse in kitchen.  XO Elena"

Oh, ok.  I thought.  No problem.  Purse stays in bedroom -- duly noted.

* * *

The next day, I awoke to Milan's morning chorus of emergency sirens and trolley car bells.  My roommate and I rolled out of our beds, padded into the kitchen.

"Friends: Good morning!  At work.  Please not use coffee pot.  XO Elena"

Once again, this note was left for us on the kitchen table. Elena was gone, but there was her coffee pot, tantalizing us from the kitchen counter.

"Maybe it's broken?" my roommate said.

Since we lived literally right above a coffee shop, Elena's mysterious letter didn't bother us too much.  Caffeine was an elevator descent away.

And yet, when we came home that day --

"Coffee pot MUST NOT be in use!  XO Elena"

We decided the note must be directed at the other, fourth person in the apartment, the Italian roommate we hadn't met yet.  Shrugging it off, we figured we had accidentally stumbled into a domestic territorial battle, and Elena and her other roommate were simply sorting things out.  We'd stay out of the way and do what we did best, traipsing around the city drinking, I mean studying.

We came home drunk that night.

When we arose the next morning, Elena was -- again -- nowhere in sight.  But Sheila, our other Italian roomate, was.  Having never really met her before, we were concerned to see her studying a piece of paper on the refrigerator in the kitchen, her brow furrowed and face incredibly worried.

"Friends: Last night were LOUD sounds in the house.  Please to let me SLEEP as it is MIDDLE OF WEEK DAYS!  XO Elena"

We apologized profusely to Sheila, and told her to tell Elena that we would try to be more quiet next time.

* * *

Eventually, I got so used to the ever present fog of sautéed cheese around our tiny apartment that I didn't even notice it anymore.  My roommate and I were scared of Elena, so we stayed put in our bedroom when we heard her click on the gas stove and plop some cheese into a pan.  One time, I heard her messing around the kitchen while I was in the shower, so I simply extended my bathing period until I knew she was safely out.

Dripping in my towel, I was stopped by this note en route to my bedroom:  It was taped to my door.

"TOLLY -- Hot water very EXPENSIVE, our bill it will raise!!!!!!!  XO Elena"

I didn't know whether to scoff or laugh.

I left the note there, hoping that in a calmer, more level-headed state, Elena would re-encounter her own note and realize how ridiculous she sounded.  The capitalizing.  All the frantic exclamation points.

That afternoon, I wrote: "I'm sorry, I'll make showers shorter," at the bottom of the note, and left our strained exchange on the kitchen table, our preferred communication way station.

* * *

Over the next few months, my roommate and I would receive additional notes from Elena, in varying degrees of intensity.  Some were simple, wholly reasonable requests, such as "If departing tonight please lock front door XO Elena" while some asked for essentially the same thing, laced with more fear than necessary to really get the message across.

"Lock front door because BURGLARS.  WE DO NOT WANT!  XO Elena."

Which was true, we didn't want burglars.  Despite the fact that my roommate and I were basically responsible, Elena's anxious notes appeared regularly around the house and mostly in the kitchen, like angry little Easter presents.  "Dishes in cabinet ARE ALL THERE? XO Elena"  With an accusatory question mark, as if we had suddenly decided to become flatware thieves.   We decided that Elena had gotten burned in the past by reckless study abroad students, and soon, we stopped paying attention to the notes.

Unless, that is, they were too sincere to ignore.

I was coming home from a bar one night, where friends and I had met after school.  My books were heavy and my shoes were soaking wet, having walked several city blocks through consecutive pools of rain puddles.  I slumped into the elevator, spilled out, and saw this note taped to the front door:

"MAN IN HOUSE.  Privacy please.  XO Elena"

Goodness.  Action for Elena, and on a week day ("MIDDLE OF WEEK DAYS") no less?   It was a nice change of pace for our draconian note-writer.

I left Elena and her man-in-house, and walked right back to the bar.

* * *

Would you believe I tripped into this whole story because of an art exhibit happening on Thursday?

Aviary & IF+D Presents: “Me + You,” New Mixed Media Works by Laura Lea Nalle

Thursday, March 10

7pm - 10pm

Aviary Lounge (5110 S. Lamar)

The artwork you see above is by Laura Lea Nalle, star of this Thursday's art opening.  Her work reminded me of Milan, and Elena, because each piece in her Me +You series above is inspired by the passing of time in Italy, people making their mark over and over again on town walls and buildings.

From the press release:

"Laura Lea Nalle’s new series, Me + You, explores the passing of time evident in the cracks and multiple facades of walls throughout Italy, built over, painted over, and crumbling back away to reveal many layers of the past. Her playful addition of words and phrases capture both the inevitable decay of time and the possibility of creating anew. "

I have to say -- as SXSW draws closer, I find an art opening quite a calming possibility.  I have aerial dance on Thursday nights, but might swing by this event afterward in my dorky dance clothes.

The Neurotic's Guide to SXSW.

Well I suppose it's time for me to write something about SXSW, huh?

The truth is, SXSW makes me both excited and terrified.  If you are an Austinite, attitudes about SXSW generally have one of two inflections:

1. Unabashed enthusiasm.

"Pass me the Redbull and my stack of business cards, because my new social network start-up / band / film / blog and I are going to make!  A!  Splash!"

2. Annoyed resignation.  

"This traffic is bullshit."
 "Who are these people." 

 "Get me the F outta Austin."

It's true.  Either you love SXSW and have been preparing for weeks, or you avoid the traffic and the city's manic energy altogether.

You hole up in your house or you skip town, and celebrate that other week the country recognizes, i.e. Spring Break.

But I admit it.  These days, I squarely belong to Group #1.  I ordered the business cards.  I applied for the press badge.  I joined some speaking panels.  I even hired a blog designer.  (And am crossing my fingers that the very screen you're reading now will look even prettier in a week or so).

Because the truth is, I love the way SXSW slaps me around a bit.  In one week, it stuffs me with more shows and free booze and creative contacts than I could ever possibly take in.  Historic things happen during SXSW, like when Twitter was announced there in 2007, and Bill Murray guest bar tended at Shangri-La last year.  At least I consider that historic.

So it's all undeniably thrilling for a person like me, but that doesn't mean I don't have a few nerves about the whole thing.

"Am I doing enough for SXSW?  Surely I'm not doing enough.  What's my panel schedule?  What if I'm late?  What if I'm wearing white pants and get my period while speaking on the panel?   Wait -- screw panels -- which shows should I see?   I don't even know which bands are playing!  And how does SXSW Film even work??" 

It all turns my brain into an echo chamber of anxiety.  Which is a little bit ridiculous, considering it's SXSW.  Not a Libyan revolution.  Perspective:  I lack this. 

So to deal, I've made a little list of the things that give me SXSW neuroses.  And, ways to alleviate them.  Do you have tips of your own?  If so, I'd love to hear them in the comments section.

For now, here is my quick and easy guide to not becoming a SXSMess.

 The Neurotic's Guide to SXSX:
Trouble-Shooting SXSW for Increased Well-Being and Insanity Prevention

Problem #1: You are disorganized.   First, realize that we all are.

I am not lying to you.  Everyone, and I mean everyone, who jumps in for a fulfilling SXSW experience is flying by the seat of their pants.  The only people who are organized are probably the SXSW organizers themselves, and one of my friends who is in fact a SXSW worker has to take a stiff drink every morning just to get through it all.  Are you sober in the morning?  You're one step ahead.

If you're a film/interactive/music industry worker and participating in panels, you already know when and where you're speaking.  If you're just there to listen to other panels/talks, practice the Rule of Three.  Pick three good ones each day that you absolutely must see, then allow yourself to wander just a bit.  Don't make yourself crazy.  Just open up your little schedule and circle the daily best.

If you're not an official "industry" person but are, like many of us, a SXSW enthusiast, then you basically just want to get your party on.

Again: The Rule of Three is here to help you.  Don't try to fit in absolutely every party every single day.  You will not.  Pick three good parties, three good shows, three good screenings, or a combination thereof.  By embracing the Rule of Three, you leave yourself room for spontaneity.  And friends, those accidental SXSW discoveries are often the most magical.

Problem #2: You do not know where to party.  Or, maybe you have an inkling, but there's just so many parties it's hard to know which ones to pick.  (Poor us!  What a burden to bear.  Too many parties.)

To help you and to help me, I'll be posting one solid free event each day during SXSW.  I used to try and post all the best things going on each day during SXSW, but forget that.  I plan to be out living it!  So check into Austin Eavesdropper during SXSW week for one daily SXSW Recommendation.

In the meantime, here are is a list of 25 free SXSW parties via local blog Republic of Austin to help get you started.

Problem #3: You cannot get around.  Ah, a common problem.  While SXSW is concentrated along the Red River corridor between roughly 12th and 4th streets, there's tons of stuff scattered throughout the city: From the east side to downtown Whole Foods.

Now, a true confession.  Besides ACL, SXSW is really the only time I bike.  (Apparently I require acronyms before mounting a bicycle.)  If you don't have a bike already, you can rent from any of these 13 businesses.

I have to tell you, I adore biking during SXSW.  No parking, and I can usually zip around faster than the cars stuck in downtown traffic.  Do beware of crazy motorists, though.  The SXSW attendees are drunk, the non-SXSW attendees have road rage at the sudden car clog in our fair city.  I often feel like I'm taking my life in my hands when I bike down 6th St.  So be smart: Swallow your hipster pride and wear a helmet, and don't bike at night without a flashy light thingy. 

There are also shuttles to SXSW, and when you're going from party to party, lots of pedi-cabs (as well as real cabs).  I'll be honest with you though, it's tough to get cabs during SX.  You may want to plan your Rule of Three events to be within walking distance from each other, or just wear good footwear and embrace the trek.

Whatever you do, driving and parking is the least desirable option.  There are never any good spaces, and you'll just get frustrated having to park out in the sticks. 

Problem #4: You are hungry.   Out-of-towners, did you know that Austin is the Food Trailer Capitol of the World?  I just made that up, but I think we're well on our way to being crowned.  There are food trailers beckoning to you from every downtown corner, with delicacies ranging from Turkish kebabs to empanadas to cupcakes.  Here is a full list of them.

For those fuzzy-headed mornings, here are 50 places to brunch during SXSW.

And, if you are a SXSW veteran you know this already.  But lots of parties hand out free food.  In my opinion, SXSW Interactive does this the best:  I think it's because they have the most investors and thus the most money to throw around.  These usually happen on Monday and Tuesday nights, when SXSW Interactive is wrapping up.

Problem #5: You don't have a SXSW badge or a wristband, but you still want to go.  One of the biggest misconceptions among SXSW newbies is that you have to flash a badge or wristband to get into all the parties.  Which is wrong, oh so sadly wrong!         

To enjoy your SXSW experience sans wristband or badge, all you really have to do is keep an eye out for the free parties.  And then, RSVP to them.  Check Partay Peeps, Showlist Austin, and Do512 to get the comprehensive party lowdown. 

So there you have it.  SXSW sanity achieved!

* * *

Now that we feel empowered and calm, I thought I'd tell you where I'll be during SXSW in an "official" capacity, as opposed to straight-up partying capacity, if you'd like to meet up and hang out.

SXSW Interactive

I am speaking on two panels:

Sunday, March 13, 3:30pm: Building Community in a Blogger Eat Blogger World  (we'll be talking about why it's cool / important to network with your blogger "competitors."  I specifically will be talking about why I think blogger competition is a big fat myth!)

Wednesday, March 16, 3:30pm: Welcome to the Future: The Rise of International Social Media (scroll down to see our panel description.  We'll be talking about Facebook and revolutions and stuff.)

SXSW Music

I will be interviewing bands at noon on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, for Express Rocks TV.

If you are a band with national pull, I would love to talk to you!  More details on this forthcoming.


 What are your tips for SXSW success?  Where will you be hanging out?

Band Interview: The Bright Light Social Hour.

So last week at a CD release party for Austin Music Volume 10, I had the wonderful fortune of hanging out with the local band du jour, The Bright Light Social Hour.  

I posted briefly about them on Friday, then we met up this week for a sit-down interview at Rio Rita.

Now every so often, I meet a band that charms me to pieces, and I can't help but write about them several times.  This happened last year during SXSW with Los Angeles band Casxio, and I can feel it with Bright Light Social Hour, too. 

Besides their music -- funk-inflected rock n' roll -- what I really loved about these guys is how funny and nice they were.  I wish every band knew how important this is!  I've interviewed plenty of too-cool-for-school bands, the kind where it's like pulling teeth to get them to answer questions, and let me tell you -- it is complete drudgery to write about them.  Whereas, if you make jokes and smile at me like Casxio and Bright Light Social Hour, chances are high that I will write nice things about you.  Again and again.

This week, Bright Light told me about their many shows during SXSW (full list below).  Named "Best Indie Band" at the 2010 Austin Music Awards, they're sure to blow the pants off our visiting non-locals.  And coming March 8, they've got a four-track EP out on iTunes, "New Year's Live," featuring two music videos.  Here's one of them: The live performance of Mose Allison/The Who cover, "Young Man Blues."

Do you love it?  I know you do!

Let's get to the interview.  One thing to know about Bright Light Social Hour and I: Two of the members, Jack and Curt, and I all went to the same college.  There's a portion of our chat where we discuss a phenomenon on our campus' history, where any student -- any student -- could send out campus-wide emails to the whole school.  Like ... you break up with someone, you can turn around and tell the whole school exactly what they look like naked.  Can you believe that was allowed?  

Anyway, just didn't want you to be confused when you get to moment 1:15 or so.  Enjoy!

Below, the full list of Bright Light Social Hour's SXSW appearances.  Half of these are free and open to non-badge or wristband holders, so go check these guys out!  You won't be sorry.

Skirting the issue: Rene Geneva Boutique.

My good friend Rene Geneva, an eco-fashion designer here in Austin, is having a sample sale and boutique opening party tonight to celebrate her new girly, environmentally-friendly line.  

As SXSW approaches Austin with ever-increasing momentum, I've been looking for an excuse to pick up a special something (or two) ... and I think tonight's the night!

If you live here in town and fancy the fashions, then stop by after work.  The party tonight because it begins with a sample sale, with Rene's dresses starting at $40 (normally $150 - $250), and coats at $60-$150 (normally $250 - $500).  Dang!

Also ... for soon-to-be brides.  Linda Asaf, who shares boutique space with Rene, is teaming up with her for a bridal gown raffle tonight.  To enter, raffle tickets are $10 each, and the winner gets a $5000 dress.  That's not an extra zero, I really did just type $5000. 

details:

Boutique & Design Studio Grand Opening

René Geneva Design & Linda Asaf Design

1405 W. 6th St * Austin, Texas 

6-9pm (sample sale from 6-7)

DJ Manny

Dripping Springs Vodka Cocktails

Sandra Antoun Styling

Jose Luis Salon

RSVP info@mycorset.com

Facebook event page (might see someone you know in the photo shoot pictures ... just sayin'!)

And if you don't live in Austin, you can peruse Rene's stuff here.  

Rene calls the style of her new pieces "Mad Men meets Tango," and I think that's a very apt description. 

I have to say, I'm drooling over all the layers in her new skirts!  They make me wanna go on a pant-cation for a very long time.