CRISIS...Averted!

Back to work. Back to Dallas...which, in many ways, was the prequel to this life's new novel.

Before I left for Detroit, I captured all my Dallas footage into FCP with the intent of loading it all to YouTube for Deb to review. Easy. Right?

Then Final Cut, Compressor and Quicktime all crap out at the same time on Nessie...right before I leave town. Nothing I can do about this while on my vacation of luxury.

10 Days later, I'm home...leaving Nessie accidentally behind on the floor in Heather's living room. Fucking lame! I needed to clean her up and take her to Apple for some TLC...like yesterday. She'll be back tomorrow, thanks to Fed Ex and $40.

So, I figure I'll re-capture everything into Premiere on my good old PC. Annoying and time consuming...but it'll do.

I gear up, ready for the battle, the tedium and I'm screwed...My version of Premiere doesn't accept 24P video!

FUCK! I freak out.

And I don't have access to my office at VCU...school's closed until January 5th! Freak out some more.

So, I take a breath and I take a chance...

I plug in my camera/capture device and hear the PC dingdong-device-detected bell. The prompt window opens. What would I like to do?

One of the choices is to capture into Windows Movie Maker -- a fine program for soccer mom's and teenagers to make family videos...nothing I EVER use...I'm TOO GOOD FOR WINDOW'S MOVIE MAKER, right?

I click it.

Not only does this little tyke of an edit program capture all my footage, it doesn't drop any frames, have any audio issues or compress the video in an unwatchable horrendous way! I've already got 2 tapes captured and I'm on to the last one. Three videos are already posted to YouTube. I'm already half done! Still drinking coffee in my pajamas...working from home like I like to do...taking breaks to sit in the warm sun...chatting with friends and listening to Electrelane. Not stressing out...anymore.

Because this means I don't have to transcribe the tapes, word for word, into WORD. Play, pause, type, play, pause, type. And repeat. And repeat again. And again...until all 2 hours of videotaped interviews are written out and readable. BORING. And for the rest of this beautiful day...this would have been my sentence for a crime I did not commit.

So...Windows Movie Maker you are my Rita Hayworth and THIS is my Shawshank Redemption.

Christmas 2008

After a boring break-up and bothersome semester, I just haven't felt like writing in a long time. What am I going to say? Five years of my life have come and gone and I'm frozen at my computer writing a 20 page paper on one single painting...and I know nothing about painting! Bitch and moan, bitch and moan...I was full of that negative shit for quite a few months there. The only things that saved me were my girlfriends and working out at the gym. Nothing like a failed relationship to make you look at your body and say, yep, this isn't working either. So, I guess in the past few months I've lost some weight and toned up. I think I look pretty awesome!

I pulled through it all and last week I went back home to Detroit...solo...for the first time. Solo for the holidays, solo in my heart. Heather flew down and kindly drove up with me, which was so fun! I stayed with Heather and Greg, mostly, and brought Wilson up too. 10 days at in Detroit and all around...I drove about 2500 miles with the roundtrip drive up and back and all the destinations in between.

More importantly, this vacation has a special Christmas mystery attached to it that I'll express and illuminate through the metaphor of a text, a book, to be specific. A dirty fairytale full of romance and comedy and even MUSIC that is over six years in the making. The story, as I see it, is just beginning. The book has been opened, the first chapter written and read, and read and read over again. It's not like it's one of those books that sat on my shelf and I never read...no...it's more like a limited edition, signed, leather-bound one-of-a-kind edition that I finally got my hands on after much anxious searching and deliberation, false-starts and near-misses. My precious!

I couldn't put it the book down, stop touching it, reading each line over and over, running my hands and fingers across its type, trying to write it to memory, that fickle space that tricks you and rewrites itself with every passing second, every new word. I wanted to beat out memory, to burn it in, burn it down, to win. I think I made some incredible progress on that!

I'm not sure, but I think the name of the book is something like "The Midnight Adventures of Prince Habib"

Video Uploads

Well well well. Welcome to 2008, Kristine.

I finally put my new, and some old, videos on Vimeo.

If you dare, give them a look-see. The newest ads are The Good Wife's Guide, ATLD 2 -4, Too Much, Intentional Fallacy and Cut/Paste.

All the videos will be up on my website very very soon.

www.kristinetrever.com

A work in progress...

Walk Hard

I haven't blogged in a loooooooong time.

I don't really have an excuse, because I've certainly had enough time to polish off a bottle of wine every night, get my homework done and watch the debates.

I guess it's been about a month...

A lot has happened in that time. Mira lives here now and she's fun. I see Kelly a lot too. I've made friends with our neighbors, Billy and Margaret and their two dogs, Henry and Stella. I shot part of my Boaz and Ruth documentary on Saturday and ate a cheeseburger. Today, I actually put away my laundry. See, I've been BUSY.

Last night, I even got to hang out with Bill Clinton in the intimate outdoor setting of the VCU Commons with about 5000 other Obama supporters. That was totally awesome.

I'm writing today, because last night, I had the pleasure of actually letting myself relax and enjoy a movie. I'd just finished my Lit Review for my Art Ed course and was riding the Clinton high. So, the three of us hunkered down, flipped through Stars On Demand and decided on something we thought we would be totally dumb and silly. Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story.

Granted, it was dumb and silly, but I think I laughed at literally EVERY SINGLE SCENE. My guts hurt when it was over. It was clever as hell, parodying Walk the Line and all kinds of trends in music history. Paul Rudd did a fantastic job as John Lennon. Jack White played Elvis. Kristen Wiig was a hilarious baby factory. It was good to see Matt Besser and Chris Parnell and Jenna Fischer, and the entire star-studded cast of some of my favorite funny people. And John C. Reilly, well, frankly, he was amazing.

In the midst of trudging through Paul DeMan's "The Rhetoric of Temporality" all day today, searching for the meaning of allegory, symbol and irony, I keep zoning out and thinking back to that ridiculous movie and laughing my ass off. Where's the irony in that?

The songs were fantastic...from "Walk Hard" to the non-sensical Bob Dylan parody, to the dirty duet...thanks Judd Apatow and Jake Kasdan for another killer film. You fucking rock!

Documentary class subject

This letter to my teacher says it all.  "Sean" is Sean Stewart, one of my co-collaborators on Intentional Fallacy and a really great guy.  This is going to be AWESOME.

Dear Dr. Browder,
Last week Dave Coogan contacted Sean and I about working/volunteering on a
documentary project for the Boaz and Ruth organization, a Richmond-based
non-profit dedicated to helping rehabilitated and released prisoners. It provides
numerous programs and resources related to skills development and counseling.

Today, we met with the directors of Boaz and Ruth and we're really excited
about the prospects of creating two short documentaries for them. Sean and
I would work as a team, but would produce two films, each with a different
theme. The first would focus on Boaz and Ruth and the organization itself,
and the second would focus on their Oct. 11th event, The Long Walk to
Freedom.

Embedded in these short films would be a sense of oral history, grass-roots
activism, social-consciousness and community awareness. Boaz and Ruth is a
really impressive place: they facilitate almost all of the outreach by way
of the different extension spaces they operate -- a second-hand "boutique,"
a moving company, a thrift store, a restaurant, and much more, all while
focusing on and tackling the issues that affect former prisoners as they
work to regain their dignity, pride and place in this world.

We feel that this opportunity is one that can both benefit us as students
in your course, but also serves to benefit the Boaz and Ruth organization
as well as the people they strive to help every day.

Our question is, would you like us to submit a group proposal for both
films or individual proposals for each film?

We look forward to hearing from you!
Sean and Kristine

PS...Here's links to Boaz and Ruth and The Long Walk to Freedom
http://www.boazandruth.com/
http://www.boazandruth.com/index.cfm/topic/longwalktofreedom

New Fall Semester

I've finally experienced all of my fall courses and I'm really excited about this semester!

I'm taking 3 classes:  Deconstruction and the Arts, Documentary and Issues and Methods in Art Education, which is an online course.  

Last Thursday, ARTE started online.  I did the little readings and posted the online work and though this is my first online course, I like the pace and concept of it so far.  I think it will be a little challenging, since I don't come from an "art education" background, but I really look forward to creating a kind of unity in teaching film/video with the formulas and discussion of teaching "art."

Today, I hit up the first day of my other two classes.  First, Deconstruction.  A hot ensemble of Heidegger, de Man, Derrida, Merleau-Ponty, Fried, Clark, Marin, Nancy and Lacoue-Labarthe. HOT!  The prof is captivating - he's young, brilliant, comfortable and coherent.  The day-one lecture took away the daunting, nauseating feeling I had about this class.  Intense in heavy cultural theory, focused on a sort of "over" period of criticism and philosophy, we'll weave out what works and doesn't in terms of deconstruction.  I'm particularly fond of the idea that we are supposed to do close, as in microscopic, readings of specific art works or texts for our papers.  And I also like that Prof. Cronan doesn't expect us to KNOW everything.  There's room to grow and learn and acclimate to this kind of mind-melting theory.  I'm a bit intimidated, but not grossed out.  And you can't ask for much more in a deep, intense course on brain-blowing, cranial-fcuk of a class.  

And then there's Documentary.  Wow.  Wow.  Wow.  If there wasn't a better class made for me here at MATX, well, I'll pay you $5 if you can prove me wrong.  Dr. Browder is great.  She's open, she's receptive, she's thrown herself into grant-writing and documentary making - not just film, but creative non-fiction, podcasts, blogs, etc.  She fired us up with a great debate about the differences between creative NF, "documentary" and journalism, notions of truth, perception, subjectivity and visual rhetoric.  She's assigned some fascinating texts and in true upper-academic fashion, expects some kind of documentary work from us.  Whether we do photo-essay, film, or a written version, we have to produce a project,  a 10 page proposal with budget, response papers to the readings and workshopping our projects as they come along.  

Considering that my thesis topic is trans-cultural and self-reflexive docs, as well as making one about Hungary and my mother's life and the 1956 Revolution, and that I've learned to teach and study docs from Dr. Marcus and from Joel, I think I'm in good shape.  I have a different kind of attitude here:  no more fish-out-of-water, this time I feel like I'm swimming comfortably and no matter, will always be able to tread water.  

Cheers to a great new semester!  After the havoc and craziness of this summer, all the wonderful things I experienced and the delight of living in a new house, I'm ready for the massive shit-storm coming my way.  In fact, I kind of look forward to it...

Obama and Me!

Yesterday I started my volunteer work at the Richmond Obama headquarters, about a block from my house. I walk past it all the time and on Friday, I stopped in an signed up! So, on Sunday, I got there around noon, had a brief tutorial on what to say and do at the phone bank, and started making calls. I made about 200 calls in 3 hours, which made a slight dent in the daily goal of 13,000 calls. Most people didn't answer their phones and I was only hung up on twice, but of the two dozen or so people I actually spoke with, they were really nice and super charged about Obama!

My goal was to invite people to watch the Democratic Nomination of Obama on Thursday at their local precinct's designated party location. Here's my script:

"Hello, is _____________ available? Hi, I'm Kristine, a volunteer at the Obama for President campaign here in Richmond.

I'm calling today to because as a supportor of Senator Obama, we wanted to invite you to watch the Democratic Nomination of Obama for President. Would you like to attend a free Convention Watch Party in your precinct on Thursday, August 28th"

And here, people would either respond with total enthusiasm or begin to tell me a lot about themselves. Broken hips, knee surgery, have to work a night shift at the restaurant, small kids to take care of, class at VCU, etc. But here's where in some cases I could spin a maybe out of them or at least pass on the information that we need lots of help from volunteers and if they were interested, we're located at 1208 W. Marshall, right behind the Siegel Center.

Sometimes I threw in words and phrases like "come meet like-minded voters and Obama supporters in your community" or "don't miss this historic event!" or "would you like to invite anyone in the household to join you?" Yeah, all of these were mine, off-script. I'm awesome.

I had planned to stay for 5 hours, but after about 3 1/2, I couldn't take it anymore. My ear REALLY hurt from being on the phone and I totally ran out of steam. But I'll be back next Sunday for more volunteer work and the free pretzels.

Not like I don't have a million other things to do...being involved in that pesky MATX program that takes up most of my time, or trying to have a bit of a social life, or god forbid, trying to work on my Hungary documentary...

But I think the reason I've been so damned compelled to help with this campaign and that I'm committed to giving a little time at least once a week -- is because I have suffered for EIGHT LONG YEARS. I have never volunteered at a campaign before, though I vote at every primary and election. I try to stay informed, but don't really get involved. And Gore lost (well, he won, but I digress) and Kerry lost too, and when that happened, I was inconsolable for days! I cried and cried. That was a bad year, because Kwame won that year too, and I didn't vote for that scumbag either!

So, I'm gonna put a little muscle and a little effort into this campaign and for better or worse, I feel good about my contribution. Maybe this is the magic sprinkle of fairy dust needed to secure that the next president isn't a warmonger millionaire who doesn't know how many houses he owns...but someone who actually inspires me and many others and gives me a little hope about the future.

And for all 3 of you that read my blog, you too can help out! Just go to www.vademocrats.org or Obama for America.

Wednesday - Laundry Day!

Since I've been back, I've had this strange, early morning motivation to GET SHIT DONE around the house. I came home with quite a few boxes left from the move, including the entire media room, which houses all 1500 of our books, 2000 CD's, 1000 Records, plus the dvd's, vhs, cassettes and other bullshit we simply can't seem to part with. Not to mention, the weeds in my backyard were taller than me and the mountain of laundry is only growing.

Saturday and Sunday, I finished unpackign my offfice and some random boxes here and there. Monday we knocked out the Media Room. It's a hodge podge of unmatching bookshelves and random cheap Ikea or garbage picked storage systems for all this stuff. There's a couple chairs in there and Xian will hook up the turntable to the house stereo system and it will be rockin' good!

Yesterday, I woke up at 8 am, on my own, which is completely unheard of. Did the earth have a polar shift? Was there some strange celestial alignment that caused this bizarre twist of the universe? I popped out of bed, made coffee, doused myself with insect repellent and started working immediately on the backyard (which was a total mosquito and god knows what else infestation). I used hedge clippers to chop down all the tall weeds (which were more like trees), and thousands of bugs scattered away. I went to Lowe's for rakes and gloves and even went to the post office (more on that later). I woke X up around 10 and we went out there and hauled so much ass, I cannot even describe the power of our awesome yard-cleaning force! In a few hours, we cleaned the entire yard, which makes it look twice as big! I even hung my ugly cow bird feeder and put in some tiki torches!! The only thing we have left to do is move a pile of random bricks back there into the designated "why the fuck do we have all these random bricks" zone. We kept the back corner a little over grown and kept the hay that's there around because that seems to be where Wilson likes to poop. And I won't mess with that.

After all that work, I listed 40 books for sale on Amazon, browsed Craigslist for patio furniture (I think I'll pickup a table, four chairs and umbrella today for $50!), I made dinner, watched gymnastics (poor Alicia!) and drank a lot of beer. It was a super-productive day!

But today, I really have to just commit myself to laundry. I mean, it's really disgusting in my bedroom, especially when you think some of the clothes in that pile is from before we moved here! I have this eerie dejavu feeling that when I start to sort the clothes, bugs will scatter like they did in the backyard.

Not sure which laundro-mat to use, but if it has WIFI, I'll be in less of laundry hell!

Finally, couple quick happy references: hung out with Kelly and Jason, they gave me a PED EGG (it's kind of weird) and Kelly hooked me up with a day out for lunch at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens (for my birthday). They rock. Met up with Josh, Jenn, and Belinda for dinner at Su Casa. Awesome. Mira is safe in Detroit. Heather is still a bitch. Wilson is acting more normal. Found out yesterday my very amazing and wonderful friend from Detroit, Beth B. is moving here to Richmond in October! And my mom is coming to visit this weekend so we can plan out some of our business for the future visits to Hungary and the film we're going to make.

Now, if this motivation and positive forward moving train can keep steam through next week and well into the upcoming (gulp) semester, I'll be thrilled.

Last note: I went to the post office yesterday as well and sent a care package to Mira, but also, I sent a thank you card to Barbara Nebehej, the woman who provided all the information about my Grandmother's grave, including Agoston's phone number and address. In the card, I wrote a 3 page letter to her, describing how her acts of kindness to a random stranger opened so many doors and possibilities, more than I could have ever imagined. I hope she doesn't have too hard of a time reading a letter in English, but it will at least be good practice, as she told me takes English lessons. Either way, what's most important is that she is somehow aware of that her kindness has had a profound effect on my life and the life of my family. Cheers to Barbara!

Last day, Candida's Wedding and Back Home

The last night in Budapest (Thursday night) was a wine binger and a romantic wedding. Dear Dani and Sweet Candida got married at the Kiado and exhanged hand-made rings. It was lovely. I was the witness, the photographer and the priest. And the best-man and the maid of honor. And the wedding drunk. All of these things are essentials on "that special day." I'm glad I could fulfill so many roles and at the same time, gulp down copious amounts of wine at my favorite bar in Budapest.

I only slept about 3 hours before I shared my last breakfast with my friends and it was really really sad to say goodbye. It was also really really sad to wake up still intoxicated from the night before...but I mean, how many weddings am I going to celebrate in Europe?

The ride home was rough, but I made an American friend at the Ferihegy airport. Amy, from New York. We were both hungover and both desperate to get home. Nice to have a comrade in my suffering.

I got home late last night, about 11:30 PM (5:30 AM Budapest time!) and I was so happy to see Christian!! Once we got home, there was Wilson and he totally jumped all over me, whimpering, yelping, freaking out. It was great.

So, now I'm home and even after a good night of sleep, I'm exhausted. Thus, this blog is a bit lame and not the kind of post-European retrospective I had planned. I guess in time, that will come. Today, I plan to eat, rest, watch movies, try to unpack and slowly acclimate to life back home, in a new house, still half boxed up and messy. Not to mention, I have to somehow get the courage to wash 3 weeks of dirty clothes from trip! Having no washer/dryer in the house, this too will be a kind of epic adventure. Also, after weeks of strong espressos and capuccinos, it's easy to gulp a pot of American coffee - I'm about half done with this morning's brew.

For now, enjoy the wedding and pinball pics that I promised and thanks for reading.

Aug. 7 - Last night in lovely Budapest

Last night, all I had energy for was dinner and sleep.  We went to a decent cafe by the Ernst museum, but had the biggest bitch for a waitress.  She was horrible!  She rolled her eyes at us, hurried us through our meal, forgot everything, huffed and puffed when I ask for a take-out box (which I had to ask for twice) and then while sweet Marlene broke down the bill (because their credit card machine was down) she hovered behind Marlene and unbeknownst to our dear Portuguese friend, shot eye-daggers from her bitch-face all over Marlene's back!  So here's Marlene, counting, adding, doing all the math, while this woman just stands there.  She's so engrossed in working out the bill she doesn't even notice the woman, which I think forged a protective shield from the evil gushing out of her...and we're all snickering and laughing and just wondering, don't you have something better to do with your time than breathe down our necks? Candida hadn't even finished eating yet!  Too much.  

I declined to go out and crashed early.  I gave Hannah a hug goodbye and very early this morning, she was gone, on her way back to Boston.  I awoke alone and very sweaty from a feverish sleep, but I think I broke my fever and I feel much better today.  My big apartment/hotel room is empty except for a few stray things like Hannah's peanut butter and the silverware we nicked from the breakfast room.  Patricia, who came with a suitcase in a suitcase (since she came from New York and had to transport some art), left me with her extra suitcase and a few of her things to ship to her and it's good that I have it!  After buying a new tripod and 3 days worth of new clothes, plus all the other shit I've acquired on the journey, I barely have room for everything!  I am going to be so screwed at customs. 

Today, I had coffee and breakfast with Candida and made plans with she, Marlene and Lana for dinner.  It's our last night together and I'm really sad!  Though I don't feel like I'm in top shape, I do feel like yesterday's bout of doing absolutely nothing has bought me some time to go out tonight and enjoy my last evening in Budapest. 

So, this will be my last blog here...I'll take some time to reflect in a little more of a sophisticated and intellectual way when I get home and don't have a fever anymore.  

I took a jaunt over the West End mall to look for last minute gifts and something for Xian.  I wasn't every successful in finding anything for him (I had something very specific in mind).  But as I was walking back to the Medosz, I popped into this little shop and assembling a great all-Hungarian gift for him.  

But, while I was the mall, I turned the corner and couldn't believe my eyes!  SIX PINBALL MACHINES AT THE ARCADE!!!  I thought, do I dare?  And yes, I accepted the challenge.  I played 3 out of the six machines:  Sopranos, Shrek and Indiana Jones.  It was AWESOME.  I kicked ass!  Free game here, match there.  Cheap too!  3 games for 200 Forints!  So, I spent 1000 forints and walked away, happy and relaxed.  So funny that all the games in the arcade are all in English and all the Pinball machines are totally based on American pop-culture (the others were Wheel of Fortune, Spiderman and Pirates of the Caribbean.  The Indiana Jones had an EIGHT BALL multiball - that was too crazy!  I have pics, but haven't uploaded them...soon...

Tonight we'll go to a gallery opening at 6:30, then dinner, then some laughs and goodbyes and fun at the Kiado, and likely more fun after that.  I don't care that I feel like crap today.  I have to have fun and just ignore the body aches and enjoy this last night out with my new friends in this amazing city.  

Aug. 6th - Exhibition inand getting sick

Last night was the grand finale of the Residency, our long-anticipated exhibition at the Mucius Gallery here in Budapest. Beata hired a traditional four-piece band from Transylvania to play at the event.  They set up on the sidewalk and the music created a really cool vibe for the exhibition.  A lot of people came, about 60 or more, including my wonderful Hungarian family!  

Hannah and I shared the glory of wearing Patricia's Chain Bridge, but I think it looked better on her than on me.  I really like my hair-do last night and think that I looked pretty cute!  I think all the Medosz ladies are pretty fine...

All the wine and fruit disappeared and people seemed to respond really well to the show.  I met a woman who works for the US Embassy and she was very interested in my story and my project.  Very cool.  

Afterwards, we went out for dinner and drinks.  That was great as it was Holly's last night with us.  

Today, I woke up with a fever and body aches and a sore throat and a cough.  So, I guess it's safe to say that I'm sick.  Perfect way to spend my last 2 days here. 

I slept all day.  Literally, I was up for a total of 2 hours today.  It's just after 9 pm now and I'm at the corner tea house drinking some very delicious green tea.  I think I broke my fever, but I'm still really achy and yucky feeling.  

Tonight is Hannah's last night and tomorrow, it's just me, Lana, Candida and Marlene.  I'll be all alone in my room!  I'm hoping to hit up the sauna at the Szechenyi bath and burn out the last of the fever and yuck in my body.  I was supposed to spend a part of the evening with Agoston and Erzsebet, but I'm worried about getting them sick!  So, unfortunately, we cancelled.  But this isn't the end of our relationship, it's just the beginning! 

I want to enjoy my last day in Budapest and just have to push through being sick.  I'll be sick on the plane and when I get home...gotta fight for one last great day in Hungary!

That's all I've got for today.  Wish I was more lively, but I'll safe it for tomorrow.

Aug. 3 - Installation and ROCKTOGON

Yesterday was BUSY.  After a super late night out with Candida and Daniel and an intense amount of red wine consumed, I awoke fuzzy-headed and a little bit dumb.  I had to reprint one of my images for the exhibition and walked all the way to the print shop without my disc!  So I turned around, walked back, met up with Marlene, and we went back to the shop.  Then the guy printed my image on PAPER, not photo Paper, so I had to go back a THIRD time.  Just as I was re-framing the image and cleaning the frames, Beata swoops in like a storm and the day of installation of all our art work at the Mucius Gallery begins.

We were there for a few hours, helping out, but Mucius hired a professional installer to hang all the pieces, which was pretty convenient.  Patricia couldn't seem to find a decent place to hang her long crocheted (with plastic and wire) piece inspired by the Chain Bridge, and all the while she's been making it, I've been calling it a pacsmina - it really looked wearable.  Resigned not the exhibit the piece, I asked if I could wear it during the exhibition!  And she was delighted!  So, I'll be the walking exhibition of the show, the Hungarian girl wearing the Chain Bridge and I'm very honored!  

Later, we met with Beata for dinner on the Buda side and had a lovely evening with great food, great wine and great conversation.  It was the last night all of us were together as Patricia left for home at 5 am this morning.  She's missing the exhibition, which really sucks.  But I've promised her lots of pictures! 

After dinner, we dashed to the tram to avoid the light rain.  Again, I forget my umbrella, so on the way out of the restaurant, I grabbed a Metro newspaper and fashioned a lovely rain-blocker tent over my head.  Patricia asked me "Are you cold?" and I said, straight as can be, "Why no, this Hungarian newspaper keeps me both warm and dry."  For some reason, this just came like I was a walking advertisement for the miracle that is the Hungarian newspaper and its versatile uses!  It's not just newspaper anymore, it's an urban necessity!  A giggle-fest ensued. 

Once back, we futzed around looking for a less smoky place to have a last drink with Patricia.  I had noticed this bar around the corner from us when I first got here, called ROCKTOGON. Though a stone's throw from our hotel, we'd never ventured there, it just looks so bad!  A total metal bar.  Like Harpo's or something.  And This may not seem HILARIOUS at first, but our neighborhood is called Oktogon and the play on words is an irresistable invitation for a million bad rock jokes and puns of our own.  Did we dare test the power of such a formidable sounding rock bar?  Were we rockin' enuff for this place?  It was Patricia's last night in town and she voted that yes, indeed, we rock enuff.  Right as we're walking past Kiado, Marlene says real loud, "Let's go to Rocktogon!" and the guy in front of us turns around and stares at us in horror. And to our horror, it's the bartender at Kiado that's a real hard-case.  We call him "Meanie." And we were so unbelievably embarrassed - usurping our usual Kiado for ROCKTOGON and then going public with it is a CONTROVERSIAL and DANGEROUS social move!  We had no choice then but to stay to true our rockin' selves and boldly go to the home of heavy metal in Budapest.  

Laughing our asses off, we entered ROCKTOGON and were sorely disappointed.  This place doesn't rock!  At least not on Mondays.  It was silent and empty!  But the beer was super cheap and we were left alone. Literally, because there was only one other group of people in the whole bar - young kids listening to a radio they brought in and singing along to Linkin Park and Creed.  THEY ROCK!  The decor was a kick-ass supply of posters of Pink Floyd, Iron Maiden and equivalent versions of Hungarian rock bands.  We just laughed and laughed the whole time there and got the bartender to take our photo, showing off our versions of the Jesus-Gang-Gesture meets the Rock-On-Devil-Horns.  

As you walk in to ROCKTOGON, there's a wall of fame.  Signed press photos of no one I recognize.  Some of the frames were empty.  Methinks it would be a great idea to take a ROCK photo of us, sign it, and install it in the ROCKTOGON.  That would rock!

I woke up today, alone in my room.  I miss Patricia!  Almost everyday she got up before me, but when I'd wake up she'd say "Good morning, dear" and we'd plan our day ahead.  I really loved having her as my roommate!  Now I'm all alone!  

After breakfast I ventured out, in search of a dress for tonight's opening.  I had every intention of splurging on something grand for myself.  After a few hours of bullshit and no luck and nothing fitting and one guy saying at a boutique "We only carry 38's here" (as in "beat it, fat-ass, no couture for you!", I decided to come back to the Medosz.  So, it's the same old black dress I've worn 3 times already here.  Which is fine, all I wanted was a black dress anyways - since I'll be exhibiting the Chain Bridge tonight and that's the real piece-de-resistance. 

A couple hours to go until the opening and I'm not really nervous.  I'm not entirely thrilled about my photos, but they're pretty good and it's quite an honor to have a show in Budapest. Beata put a price of 75,000 forints for all six pieces, I'd be quite a lucky girl if they sold!  My awesome Hungarian family is coming and it will be an exciting night for all of us.  For now though, I'm just going to relax, enjoy an espresso and a glass of wine and mentally prepare for the challenge of being a walking art piece!  

August 2nd - Out with Agoston, Erzsebet and Zsuzsa

This is yesterday and today's blog, as I was too exhausted and emotionally drained to sit down and write about the day last night....

Agoston, Erzsebet and her cousin, Zsuzsa picked me up right at 10 am yesterday morning and we headed out to Godollo.  There was a traffic back-up because of the the Formula 1 racing shit happening in Budapest this weekend, but at least we were in a nice air-conditioned Peugeot.  Zsuzsa acted as interpretor, she's Erzsebet's cousin and she was great.  We got along right away and I think she must have done a fine job translating as Agoston and Erzsebet laughed at my silly jokes!

We arrived at the Kiraly Castle Museum, built in 1733 and purchased by Queen Erzsebet and the royal family in 1867.  The palace, which had been sacked in WWI, WWII and by the Commies, is only about half restored and most of the original furniture, art and relics are stolen or missing.  Much of the material in the museum is on loan from other museums or re-created in the style of the time.  But it was really quite breathtaking and in no way "unroyal." You couldn't take photos inside, but I snuck a few here and there!  

Then we headed out another 60 km to Holloko, a true Hungarian village with an amazing castle ruin at the top of large hill.  We walked all through the village, stopping in the shops and ate a huge meal at the super charming old-timey Hungarian restaurant.  This was like a the Hungarian version of the Shire.  While at dinner, Agoston gave me a gold chain and gold crucifix that belonged to my great-grandmother.  It was a very teary and emotional exchange.  I'm going to give this to my mom.  They also gave me a few more copies of family photos and promised more to come.  

I napped on the drive back and felt a little ill when I returned.  A long day in the sun, with more tears and more joy and the difficulties of language...but I wouldn't trade the time with them for anything in the world.

Later, all of us girls went to the Chain Bridge with some cute Dutch boys that Candida and Marlene snared the night before and we hung out on the bridge, overlooking the Danube. Every Saturday, they close this bridge and there's a ton of food, beer, vendors and music.  It's like Dally in the Alley, but every weekend of the summer and on a huge beautiful bridge.  The breeze was intoxicating.  It was the first time my body had cooled off in days.  We sat around and simply enjoyed the beauty of Budapest, suspended above the river, surrounded by the huge lions and tons of people and great vibes from all directions.  

I returned to find some tragic news about my brother-in-law's family and woke up today with the oppressive feeling of homesickness all over me.  It's worse than the heat.  Since I've been gone, Christian's stepfather Warren passed away, Belinda's dad passed away, and now Tobie's brother, David.  And as much as I love it here and want to come back and live here, these terrible events have really made me miss my friends and my home and my dog and my boyfriend and my cats and my family.  I miss Christian's face and his voice.  I miss Wilson's sweetness.  If I move here, I'll desperately need to transport these elements of my life here with me or I won't make it.  

But, I'm coming home on Friday and just have to push through this melancholy.  A day of ennui isn't the worst thing in the world and I plan on going to the Szenchenyi baths a little later on to swim away the blues.  

So, right now, Candida and I are back at Kiado, our home away from home, and because Daniel loves her (who wouldn't love this girl?) we've been treated to some fresh watermelon and the kindest, friendliest service we get in town.  This place is a true gem - like the Cass Cafe (the likes of which I haven't found a replacement for in Richmond).  

Aug 1 - Ludwig, Gellert and the long walk home...

The ladies of room 608 (Patricia, Hannah, Holly) and I headed out early to the Ludwig Museum, a little jaunt down the southern Pest side.  The museum is a modern marvel. Sumptuous space and architecture, but lousy cappuccino!  We started on the third floor which houses the permanent collection.  Among the Picasso's, Roschenberg's, Warhols and many famous male Hungarian artist's in the collection are TWO Beata Szechy's!  It was so nice to see the work of our lovely mentor and friend in such a prestigious museum.  She's one of the only women in the permanent collection - what a shame.  But her pieces were FANTASTIC and I am very happy that I got the chance to see her art.  

On the second floor, there's a temporary retrospective exhibit of Braco Dimitrijevic, which was very intelligent, yet sarcastic and humorous in many ways.  From photos to installations, the work was really conceptual and inspiring.  I particularly liked seeing him as a young man - great hair, great clothes, great art!  I would love to pick his brain over coffee and cigarrettes.  

Holly and  I didn't make it to the Simon Starling exhibit on the first floor, because we were a bit overloaded by then and spent our time in the museum bookstore.  I bought a hungarian cookbook, a calendar for my mom and a book of matches for my collection.  

Next, we headed out to for a lite lunch and on to the Gellert Baths.  It was a little expensive, but totally worth it!  We swam in the outdoor thermal baths, both the hot and cool ones, then went to the indoor baths and did the same.  The water was amazing.  It really felt therapeutic and relaxing.  The place is like a resort/palace and I didn't want to leave!

Unfortunately, we made the mistake of walking back from the baths.  This was a really bad idea.  The walk was way too far after a long day out and being tired from swimming.  I'm really sore and bit cranky now.  All that refreshment out the window!  

So, I'm back at Kiado doing my obligatory blog.  It's a good regiment thought - with just a few nights left here in lovely Budapest, I want to keep all my memories alive and fresh as they happen.  

I have a ton of pics on the camera, but didn't unload them yet.  More to come!  

Tomorrow, I'll spend the day with my cousin Agoston and his wife Erzsebet.  Fortunately, since we don't speak each other's languages, they are bringing an interpreter for the day.  We are going outside of Budapest to Godollo, a castle village about 25 km away.  They're picking me up at 10 am, so tonight will be an early night.  I hope I sleep better than last nite - it's so HOT here and of course, as mentioned before, no AC!  A cold shower is about the only thing I look forward to right now.  

July 31 - Golden Birthday

Today was the best hangover day of Budapest.  Candida and I stayed out very late and added whisky to our drink menu.  We hung out at Kiado well after they closed and Daniel, our favorite bartender gave us free beer for my birthday! 

 

I slept in, missing breakfast, but took myself out to a little fancy cafe for coffee and a sandwich.  Then Patricia and I tried to go the Hungarian National Museum and like morons, we completely missed our turn for it and walked totally out of our way and completely around the enormous building.  I don't know how we totally got lost and didn't see the huge fucking museum with the largest columns in Budapest, but leave it to me to pull something so ridiculous. So that's our joke:  we walked "all around" the museum.  By the time we got to it, we were exhausted from the heat and the unexpected journey and decided to forgo the museum for espressos and lemonade.  Then I took a nap. Got up, checked email and came back to the hotel to find Beata and all the girls at the hotel cafe and they had a cake and a gift for me!  EThey got me the cutest tote/purse and it's so handy.  Wish I'd had it weeks ago!  I can fit a lot of stuff in it and it's adorable.  That was really kind of all of them to think of me and be there to celebrate my birthday.  I am so lucky to have such an amazing group of women to work and enjoy Budapest with!  I mean, on what planet do seven women, all from diverse backgrounds and of a broad age range get together and kind of instantly become friends?  Planet Medosz!  We have an idea for a little funny video of all us to give to Beata as a gift when we leave...

Extra special for me today was that we had a new waiter for lunch at the Cafe. Gabor.  Damned good looking man.  

We went to the big gallery open-house event by Parliament tonight.  About 25 galleries and antique shops opened up and we stopped in and saw a lot of contemporary Hungarian art - mostly painting but some sculpture and phtotography too.  There was an incredible antique collection at a place called Pinket Antik.  The place was a massive labyrinth of some of the most beautiful furniture and pieces I have ever seen.  

Next thing we know, it starts to rain and we got totally stuck in it!  We tried to stop at a couple restaurants for cover and some dinner, but seems everyone in Budapest had the same idea!  So we made our way back to the hotel and changed out of our wet clothes and all went out to dinner together at Ferenc Joszef Cafe, right by the Ernst Museum.  I ate the Beef Goulash, it was delicious, but I'm so full right now that I feel a bit barfy!  

So, that's my birthday.  It's been lovely and I'm so touched by all the sweet birthday wishes sent via email, myspace, facebook and text today!  

It'll be an early night tonight, especially after last nights debauchery and tonight's overfill of spicy beef.  Tomorrow, we head to the Ludwig Museum and the Gellert Bath.  It will be another day off, afterall.  

July 30 - Last day of 30

I woke up today, hot and sweaty and restless from a turbulent night of nightmare-filled sleep and anxiety.  I'm thinking too much about the exhibition next week and my proposed pieces for the show.  I met with Candida and Marlene for breakfast, got my pieces together and headed to the print show to have my photos printed.  The lady at the shop spoke a little english, but she seemed very annoyed with us in general.  No matter, she printed my 12 images and they looked great (expect for one scratched one, which she reprinted right away).  I got the work home and thought, fuck, half of these look like garbage.  Not exhibition pieces at all.  Total CRAP.  

So, I've narrowed down my project from 9 images to 6.  I'm doing a triptych - 2 sets of three images each.  The first set is of non-human hands - close ups from sculpture, shot in such a way that the sculpture itself remains unknown and each represent different aspects of Hungarian history and culture:  tyranny, understanding and hope.  The second set brings in the human element, where hands and fingers connect or try to connect with the world around them, representing portals/doorways, knowledge and identity.  I'm not sure what kind of price tag to put on these, but since we are exhibiting at a very fine gallery here in Budapest, I don't think it would be unheard of to ask $1000 for each set.  I'd be happy with $50. Shit, I'd actually be happy with $5.  

When I got back from the print shop, however, I was still riddled with nerves and fortunately, my roommate Hannah offered to trip the images so they would fit in the frames.  My hands were so sweaty and shaky that I didn't dare even touch the prints.  I paced, I hovered, I probably drove her a bit crazy, but she was so calm and it helped me calm down.  I'm such a wreck when it comes to exhibiting shit.  I don't have a fine arts background and haven't matted a photo in 10 years.  I don't know the first thing about exhibitions except handing someone a fucking dvd or minidv tape.  And since I nixed the idea of editing a film here awhile back, well...I had to delve into other forms of exhibition that I'm not accustomed to.  But, isn't that what Residencies are about?

Later, I ate a terrible lunch with leathery beef and too many dumplings.  This was the first lunch of the Residency where the food was not very good.  Everyday we get traditional Hungarian dishes served to us at the hotel cafe - it's free and part of the Residency.  We never miss a free lunch!  But today...of all days, when I needed something delicious to take my mind of my stress, today is the day I get served a shoe for lunch.  

Then I took a nap and awoke drenched in sweat.  It's so hot and muggy here, and of course, unlike in hot-ass Virginia or steamy Detroit, there's no AC to cool you off.  And no fans in our hotel bedrooms.  

After that, I went to an art opening with the girls and it was bad.  Real bad.  The best part about it is that it made me feel like my work is pretty good after all!  

So, today is the last day of 30.  Tomorrow I'll be 31 on the 31st.  My lucky birthday!  I'm taking the day off  for some seriously needed rest and relaxation.  I'll go to the Szechenyi baths, get a pedicure and head out with everyone to the 25 or so gallery openings happening near Parliament.  Then out to dinner.  It will be great!  A new beginning!  

Friday, I'll get back to work on my film research.  I need to shoot more of the 1956 memorial sites, prominent locations and areas of activity.  I might even get a chance to take on of the day trips I planned out of Budapest to places where my mom was born, where she grew up, where her dad was born, etc...But tomorrow, tomorrow I relax! 

I might even get a tattoo of the Hungarian flag...let's see how adventurous I'm feeling!  

July 29 - Day out with Beata

I'm exhausted.  It's very hot and sunny here today and we spent the day outdoors and going to museums and galleries in and out of Budapest.  Beata, her daugher, Arpad and Max came to pick us up around 9:30 and we headed out of Pest and into Buda and then on to Szentendre.  

Our first stop was at the incredible ruins of the Roman coliseum.  Amidst modern buildings and houses, cars and busy streets, there's this fabulous portal into thousands of years ago.  The cage areas that held wild beasts for battle with Gladiators are still in tact.  I could really imagine thousands of Romans watching as a man gets a mauled to death by a tiger.  I picked up a few loose pebbles from the area to put in my garden.  

Our next stop was the Kiscell Museum/Budapest History Museum.  It was once a monastery, then a school and now houses an exquisite permanent collection of modern day relics, cultural material and art of all kinds.  We oooohhed and ahhhhed at every turn.  Each room, even without the art and artifacts were themselves breathtaking.  All of the pieces were about Hungary, Budapest and created by national artists.  I'm wondering if my great-uncle might have a painting or two in some of these museums?  The old church is a massive structure that houses some contemporary work.  And while I wasn't so hot on the work, per se, I was very intrigued by the juxtaposition of the aged architecture and the modern pieces presented there.  

Next, we headed out of town into Szentendre, this charming, truly European village on the Danube.  While a little bit touristy, there's tons of shops, cafes, galleries, museums and restaurants tucked into little nooks and niches and some beautiful jewelry, clothes and art at every stop.  While there, we went to the Serbian Orthodox church and the church musuem, which was really lovely and complex. We all commented on the hand gestures of the clergy in the paintings - sort of like holy gang signs.  We stopped for lunch at Erzebet Etterem and I had some delicious hortobagyi palacintas.  They are so rich and satisfying, that I immediately wanted a nap.  I fell in love with this black dress from one of the shops, but simply couldn't part with 13000 forints.  We tried to visit the Artist's Residency there, where 28 artists live and work and have a gallery, but poop, the gallery was closed.  

And after that, we were pretty pooped ourselves.  Out in the sun for hours, taking in all the art, architecture, history and culture was pretty intense!  And there was so much more to do and see there, but it was unanimous that we head back to Pest for a little rest.  I took a short nap and now I'm awake, but still quite tired.  It will likely be an early night for me!  

I have about 25-30 shots for the gallery show and I need to narrow it down to nine, plus, I have to get my work printed tomorrow so I can matte and frame everything by this weekend.

On Saturday, I'll be spending the day with my Hungarian family - Agoston and Erzsebet.  I wrote them an email, using totally horrible Hungarian pronunciation and grammer, but they got the gist of it and Beata is helping us translate with one another.  They wrote me the nicest note back, which Beata translated for me and I must share it:

"Dear Kristine!  You have surprised us with your Hungarian letter.  We are so sorry that we cannot write in English.  I hope someone will translate to you.  We would like to take you somewhere for a family trip on Saturday.  Tomorrow we will talk with Beata, maybe she can help.  We love you very much, our little sweet girl!  Good night, see you.  Agoston and Erzsebet."

So, I'll spend the day with them on Saturday and head to Beata's afterwards for tea.  It will be interesting trying to communicate beyond language barriers, but I think it would be tragic if I let this be a deterrent and didn't spend as much time with them as a I can.  

That's today.  It's been a busy one.  

July 28 and stuff

The gypsy flea market was forgone for a trip to Ikea.  Holly and I headed out with Beata, who thankfully stayed with us and drove us to a tram stop by Farkasreti cemetery, so I knew the way home.  Otherwise, we'd likely be lost trying to catch the right bus from out in nowwheresville back to Budapest!

But, both of us found the kinds of frames we were looking for.  I bought nine, small 2.5 inch x 2.5 inch square frames, gunmetal in color.  

After breakfast this morning, I laid down and thought long and hard about what my project will be for the gallery.  I have over 2000 photos and five video tapes worth of material to pilfer from - all mine, all original.  But I needed a theme.  And I was in love with one of my shots from the Memento park, actually, quite a few of them, where hands were part of the scenery.  So I mulled about this...hands.  Reaching out.  Touching. Connecting.  Traversing time and space, holding on or letting go.  Moving beyond language and national boundaries -- a tactile response to History, Society, Culture, love and loss.  

I went through my raw video and found many shots of hands as well.  Hands of artist's working (my roommates, who I shot while in the middle of their processes - drawing, designing, crocheting), my hand as I put my ticket in the tram validator, the gypsy homeless women smoking, the hands of Barbara from Kerepesi as she passed the paper on to me with Agoston's name, phone number and address. 

I pitched my concept and ideas to Beata and showed her a few of the photos I had collected so far.  She was very receptive and positive and loved the idea.  And so, I've figured it out.  All my random ideas and thoughts and experiences collected into 9 shots, all encompassing different ways of REACHING OUT.  

With that confirmed, I suddenly felt really excited and motivated about the gallery pieces, which are separate entities from the film project.  I simply had to keep these two projects distinct.  The weight and difficulty of trying to edit a short piece right now is like trying to master the Hungarian language in just a few days!  Impossible!  But I think this idea has a strong conceptual base and I really feel like many of the images I've acquired are "high art" and have the potential to sell.   We'll see!  

Today, we went for lunch at the huge market (which eclipses even Eastern Market by volumes!) and enjoyed stuffed cabbage rolls, sauerkraut and I had an espresso.  I noticed in the menu that they had Lecso! (Letcho).  So I bought a container of it for dinner tonight, to see how it differs from the version my mom made while growing up and that I make all the time for Christian and I.  We love it so much I have to make it twice a month!  I can't wait to be hungry again so I can eat it up!  Also picked up 3 kinds of paprika to bring home and lovely grey wool shawl.  And wine, yum!  

Of course, on our way to the market, we find the elusive thrift/antique store I've been looking for all along...and OF COURSE, they have antique frames at a reasonable price.  Still I wouldn't have been able to afford more than 2 or 3 for the price of the mini-frames I got at Ikea. 

Tomorrow, we spend the day with Beata going to the artist's colony and visiting their studios and work spaces.  This should be great!  

Agoston emailed my mom and she's overwhelmed with emotion - laughter, tears, joy.  I know, I feel the exact same way myself.  We have tentative plans for her to come down to Richmond a week or so after I get back from Budapest and spend a few days planning the future and a way for her to reunite with her family.  

Life is beautiful, isn't it?

Memento Park

Today, Patricia, Hannah and I made the long trek out to Memento Park, on the outskirts of Buda. You have to take the metro, catch a bus to the bus station, then catch another bus that gets you to the park.  Takes about 30 minutes to get there, but it was totally worth it!

The park is home to many of the old Communist propaganda monuments, statues and plaques that were placed in various public spaces in Hungary, many in Budapest.  Rather than destroying them once the Commies got the fuck out and Hungary was free (about 1989 - 1993), the new government commissioned the park as a place where the memory of the regime and it's bullshit would never be forgotten.  And the art is stunning - bronze, marble, metal, stone in a very open and informal and yet beautiful environment.  It's not stuffy like a gallery - I felt that I could really engage with the sculpture in a different than if it were indoors or in some public square.  We had a blast posing like Communists in front of the statues (dorky, I know, but totally fun!).  The old favorites like Lenin, Stalin and Bela Kuhn are all over the place, plus statues of hard-working communist men in various states of military or social service - all exhibiting strength, endurance and loyalty to the party.  Of course!  We found very few representations of women in the park.  About 5 in the whole place - and one was a goddess and the others were little girls.  Only one adult female, and you'd hardly notice her, as she is flanked by dozens of men in the huge metal sculpture where she resides.  So, maybe our little funny shots are more of political/feminist comment than we even imagined...

The park also has actual-size replicas of the boots of the 6 meter statue of Stalin that was dragged through Budapest and destroyed during the 1956 Revolution.  

Going to the park was really good for me, because after yesterday's emotional rollercoaster, I needed something outside of myself and to take my mind off of the heavy things.  I woke up today and started to cry again.  I dragged myself to breakfast, ate a little bit, then went back up to my room and cried some more.  Then I laid down and slept another 2 hours.  But when I awoke (looking like a puffy, red faced and swollen rendition of myself) I took a shower and we headed out.  I really enjoy the company of all my fellow Residency mates and I love that we share many of our experiences together and have all become fast friends.  

So, now after going to the park, and shooting about 200 photos, I might use some of these for my project as well.  There's a few I'm really happy with in terms of composition, color and angle and I think a few shots of the old regime will fit well with the project's themes.  

Tomorrow we head to the "gypsy" flea market, but if I don't score some frames there, I'm gonna have to go the Ikea route, much as I find that unpleasant.  But time is ticking and I have to produce some work for this show, and I just don't feel that cutting a video of my footage is appropriate at this time.  I'm too close to it and I need some space from what I've collected to figure out how to arrange the pieces.  I also have to write narration of the story, which will just me cry a hundred times more than I already have...and right now isn't the time for tears.  Right now, I have to work and get my shit together for the Residency show.  

But, here's some pics from the park, and shot of the flowers my cousin Agoston gave me.