Friday the 13th, A Generational Divide, Agnes Varda & More!

Friday the 13^thDebunked

Did you know that Friday the 13^thwas a sacred holiday during the era of the Goddess, which predated Christianity and the ascent of patriarchy?  In fact 13 was considered a lucky number, but  because 13 belonged to the era of women’s religions, once patriarchy was in place, the number became pejorative, like treating the 13th floor of a building as “bad luck.”  This Friday the 13th I plan to embrace the goddess spirit and allow myself to feel divine, which might help assuage my despair over Boris Johnson’s landslide.  Many regard him as England’s version of Trump.

I plan to celebrate the Divine Feminine today in keeping with the original spirit of Friday the 13th

Holiday Spirit

This year, for the first time, I purchased an artificial tree, a small tabletop glittery affair.  I will be with my Chicago family for Xmas, but I still do a little decorating.  I like to have magical holiday accents around me to brighten my spirit.

A Generational Divide

My 15 year-old granddaughter texted me an image of boots she’d like me to get her for Xmas.  OMG, I thought when I saw the picture. Their spiked, scary appearance is reminiscent of what Lisabeth Salander wore in “The Girl with he Dragoon Tattoo.”  Jane is eccentric and artistic, which I value, but in good conscience I can’t buy her attire that has a neo-Nazi ring.  Let’s see where this goes . . . .

The boots I can’t bring myself to buy for my granddaughter

New Apple Series

A friend turned me on to “The Morning Show,” offered on the new Apple TV channel. I’m hooked on its great cast and plot that centers on media stars, like Harvey Weinstein and Matt Lauer, who sexually abused countless women.  Will be interesting to see how it unfolds.

Two of the stars of Apple TV’s “The Morning Show,” Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carell

A Weekend Treat for Portland Mainers

This Saturday the Portland Art Museum will have two showings of “Varda by Agnes,” the last film of the great French film director, Agnes Varda, who died last year. “Varda by Agnes” covers her vast body of work, which is largely experimental and playful.  Varda is among the pioneers of the French New Wave.  Some believe that she hasn’t been properly credited for her contributions, taking a back seat to male directors like Jean Luc Godard.  What else is new?

Agnes Varda receiving an award for her wonderful film, “The Beaches of Agnes,” which she made to celebrate her 80th birthday