Pat Taub
A New Wonderful Documentary
Last night I watched the Zoom premier of Natasha Mayers: an Un-Still Life, an exhilarating documentary about this beloved Maine artist. For decades Natasha has been creating political satire along with amazing three-dimensional images for local protests and 4th of July parades. She’s been arrested numerous times for engaging in peaceful actions. Natasha thinks of herself as an “activist artist.” To watch this film online: https://natashamayers.org. Be prepared to be inspired.
Nomadland
Another great film is Nomadland on Hulu, based on the nonfiction book with the same title. It’s the story of older adults, no longer able to afford house payments. They sell their possessions to buy used campers and RV’s, or they fashion traveling homes from pick-up trucks. These nomads form communities at trailer parks and in national parks, taking jobs along the way, like working in Amazon warehouses. I was very touched by the strength and caring of these communities, and, of course, by the captivating performance of the film’s lead, Frances McDormand.
Frances McDormand in Nomadland, posing in front of her camper home
A Great Read
I’m about 1/3 through the novel, The Vanishing Half, by Brit Bennett. Spanning nearly half a century, from the 1940s to the 1990s, the novel focuses on twin sisters, Desiree and Stella Vignes, who were raised in Mallard, Louisiana, a small fictional town conceived of by their great-great-great grandfather — after being freed by the father who once owned him — as an exclusive place for light-skinned blacks like him. But Mallard holds little promise for the twins, who flee to New Orleans. Their attempts to forge a new life result in a spellbinding story.
Book cover with author photo, Brit Bennett
Second Vaccine Shot!
One week ago today I received my second vaccine shot. I was very lucky in that my only reaction consisted of a sore arm the next morning. After an Aleve I was fine. I received Pfizer, which I’m told has less severe second shot reactions than Moderna. Getting my second shot was like receiving a “Get Our of Jail” card. I realize masks and related precautions are in order, but I’m more than ready to eat in a restaurant now.
