BIG HEARTFELT THANK YOU
May 09, 2008
video for "The One", the environment in which I am weeping is margaret's sacred bungalow, and she was so very kind to allow me to use it for the filming.
much love to margaret, always...
and to all my friends who never cease to amaze me with their love and support.
xo
sara
posted by Sara Hickman at 04:30 am
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Happy Mother’s Day: Lift Up Your Voices, Mothers Everywhere!
May 08, 2008
by Nicole Sotelo
"Arise, then, women of this day!" goes the Mother's Day proclamation.
But this is not your wake-up call to french toast and flowers. Instead,
this phrase was the rallying cry for the first "Mother's Day of Peace" back
in 1870—back before the day became laden with Hallmark and guilt.
Julia Ward Howe, the creator of Mother's Day, pleaded with women to speak out
against war, not only for the sake of their sons, but for the sons of mothers
across the globe. Today, mothers must not only seek peace for their sons, but
for themselves.
Studies are showing that warfare brings significantly increased incidents of
rape and domestic violence. Soldiers are taught violence in war and
that violence is then turned upon innocent civilians in the country of
conflict, fellow soldiers during wartime, or it returns home in the form of
spousal and child abuse. Think the war is taking place thousands of miles away?
Think again. Wartime violence is happening in living rooms across the country.
Americans may remember the four women murdered by their military husbands
within a six-week period at Fort Bragg army base in North Carolina near
the beginning of the Afghanistan invasion. While this caught the media's eye for
a brief time, the violence at the hands of military personnel continues to rise.
A 2003 study financed by the Department of Defense found that nearly
one-third of female veterans who sought health care through the Veterans
Affairs reported that during their military service they experienced rape or
attempted rape. Another set of figures from 2004 and 2005 showed a 40%
increase in the number of sexual assaults reported by female soldiers—which
may mean women feel safer in reporting the attacks or that the numbers are
on the rise.
"60 Minutes" did research in the 1990s that found that domestic violence was
five times more common in U.S. military families than civilian families. And
that was during "peace time." During war, the numbers become far more
gruesome. During the Rwandan genocide, UNICEF estimates 150,000 women
were raped in the 100 days of conflict. Today, the remnants of that violence
have ventured into the Congo and 27,000 sexual assaults were reported there
by the United Nations -- in just one year, in just one province.
So, arise, then, women of this day! Forget the french toast. Forget the
flowers. Arise and speak out against war. Spend this Mother's Day writing
letters, calling congress, or finding another way to help stop the war. It
is just a few hours of your life. And you might just end up saving one.
posted by Sara Hickman at 01:30 pm
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Update on the Imam
May 06, 2008
The meeting did not take place last week as ICE's represenative was out of
the office. It is scheduled for Wednesday now. The letters have been
very useful. There was one letter to be signed by a lot of people. Is this
ready now?
Please convey our appreciation to the AAIM board for all their
assistance. I believe it can make a critical difference.
I will keep you posted as soon as we have some developments. We
are pressing from all angles to get some answers this week. If not then we need to
go full blast with a national media campaign the following week.
I also await a response form Homeland Security in Washington.
Hasnain
posted by Sara Hickman at 07:25 am
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ZIPPITY ZAPPITY song
May 05, 2008
You can download a spot I did with Tequila Mockingbird for the great state of Texas...It is running nationally, so I hope you get to hear it soon:
http://www.traveltex.com/ads/allads.aspx
I did the ZIPPITY one....
It is such a happy, fun spot....Enjoy!
Love,
Sara
posted by Sara Hickman at 02:39 pm
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Mayor John Cook of El Paso Joins Me on the Music for Life Tour and Challenges Other Texas Mayors!
May 02, 2008
Here is the mayor of El Paso. His name is John Cook. He came out in support of our Music for Life tour when we were in El Paso, performed, allowed me to interview him for my documentary, and has since contacted us with the desire to finish out the entire tour! Five more dates!!!
He wants to challenge all other Texas mayors to come out in support of abolishing the death penalty, or at least match his level of participation by attending one of the events.
It takes a lot of courage to speak up nowadays, but even more so to be a politician who sticks to his core beliefs and tries to speak out, whether the issue is popular or not.
posted by Sara Hickman at 05:30 pm
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From Hasnain Walji: A Letter of Gratitude and Request for Support for Safdar Razi
May 01, 2008
Salaam and Peace.
I would like to thank each one of you for the efforts and assistance in our attempts to seek Shaikh Safdar Razi's release from detention.
Your support and passionate response to his plight is a measure of the love and respect you hold for him.
Tomorrow, May 2, Shaikh Safdar will have been detained for one full month. A month where a justice and freedom loving person,
like Shaikh Safdar, is yet to receive justice and freedom. A month when his wife and three children have missed him coming home.
A month when the eager congregation at the IILM center continues to miss his sermons and guidance. A month when his friends
from different faiths have missed his affable and understanding company. A month of wasted talent, captive in a detention center
in Heskell, when our nation could use more clerics like Safdar Razi.
Like many of us, Shaikh Safdar came to this great land with a promise of "Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". But in the past
month, his life is devoid of liberty and happiness. Yet, when I saw him at Heskell 10 days ago, his spirit was unbroken and his faith
stronger than ever. His prime concern was for his family.
All of us who have been touched by him, continue to work relentlessly for his release. We have left no stone unturned, no door
un-knocked and no channel unused to find out – why? why? why?
Regrettably, there is a deafening silence from the authorities who hold him, as to the real reason for his detention. My recent visit
to present his case to the authorities in Washington DC has elicited no response - yet.
What next is a question we all need to ask. Surely, we can not allow another 30 days to go by, as we continue to seek the answer
to the question – why is such a positive, civically engaged and well meaning cleric being held so? What has he done to deserve this treatment?
I urge you all to redouble your efforts to bring his plight to the highest office of the great State of Texas as well as the highest office of the Nation
to seek an early resolution to his plight. Please feel free to contact the undersigned if you need to have further information or have any further suggestions
to help the campaign for Shaikh Safdar's release.
Sincerely,
Hasnain Walji, Ph.D.
Director of Religious affairs
Institute of Islamic Learning in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex
(ILM)
posted by Sara Hickman at 06:42 pm
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More on why the Imam is a peace filled man
He has welcomed Jewish people to his congregation and visited our congregation where he has taught a class
about Islam to us and also graciously welcomed our rabbi to teach about Judaism to his congregation.
We have broken bread together, shared our hearts and faiths with one another.
He has been nothing but kind and open, He is an example for all faiths about building bridges...
I have heard stories of his integrity demonstrated on his service on the AAIM board.
His detention is a travesty
Lynda Lieberman Baker
posted by Sara Hickman at 06:38 pm
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One word
Everyday they have one word, a new word daily, and you write for a minute about that word and other people can read it.
I love it...you will, too...Starts your day off creatively, lovingly.....
Sara
http://oneword.com/
posted by Sara Hickman at 07:51 am
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Friendship Calls and The Hill Country Ride for AIDS
April 29, 2008
I'm thrilled to say that the donations this year were really amazing ($2490), and I'm honored to list the folks below who were so kind to donate
on behalf of my ride:
Tintal
Cyndi Bock
Joseph Leavell
Mary Robinson
David, Lucy, Kelsey and Maddi Indorf
George Hetrick
Jennifer Haley
The Jackson Family
Sara Ramos
The Kelpen Family
Joan Montana (thank you so much for the box of sweet smelling and yummy goodies, too!!)
Neil and Teresa Ferguson
Skarekro's Family
Helen
Kim and Roy Steinhagen
Kathie Cleveland
Denise Boudreaux
Marilyn
Melody McCarty
My mom and dad
David & Beth Lester
Celeste, Martin, Belle and Patrick Hubert
Debbie Garner and Family
GoGirlsMusic.com
Jim and Wanda Mills
Wendy Fujinami
Mrs. Linnea Hart
Holly and Jim
Claudia Dollen
Caroling Lee
Odland Family
Jule Peterson
Jody Denburg
THE RIDE ITSELF:
Friday came, and I had prepped like last year, only further...instead of riding 1/2 a block the night before, I rode an entire mile two days before! Yes! The workout of a champion who has faith that 50 miles is a ride, not a race!
And, so, Friday morning, as I was trying on my bike shorts and figuring out which shirt I would wear the next morning, I received some upsetting news about a very dear friend in Dallas, someone who has been an important father-figure, consistent confidante and adopted family member. I was informed that my friend, Jerry, had been diagnosed with Parkinsons, was getting a pacemaker put in (I found out it had been put in before I arrived), and that he was not doing very well at all.
I discussed this news with Lance, my husband, and he told me what, in my heart, I knew I wanted to do: Go to Dallas and be with my friend now. You just can't know.
That was it. I would go. I was bummed to miss the race, but my friendship was calling and, so, I grabbed some things and hopped in the car to go see Jerry, to see what I could do to support his wife, too. I needed to hold his hand and see his face and understand the state of his health. And I am so very, very glad I did. Although Jerry is in poor health, we spent
time together talking, and I felt he was, mentally, sharp as a tack. Spending time with his wife and son, too, sharing a meal and talking about what has been going on since I saw them all last made me realize, once again, how fragile we all, truly, are and that our time together on this planet is to be treasured and soaked into the skin with each encounter.
As for the race: My dear friend, Jack Jeansonne, my sole team mate (I had a team mate this year! YES!), arrived at the starting point in Krause Springs on Saturday morning and rode the entire thing by himself, and in good time! He crossed the finish line in about 4 1/2 hours. Whoa! It's amazing because I don't think Jack worked out either, although I have to say he is super cool because he rides his bike to work every day (about two miles away.) So, Jack was DEFINATELY more trained than I will ever hope to be.
So, here is this blog entry, summed up:
I am blessed to have people who supported this cause I believe in. Thank you to each of you for your generousity and kindness in helping those with AIDS, helping researchers to find a cure,
helping me believe I can ride that race! (I will return next year, promise!)
We must always respond to the call of a friend in need because the moments come and go so quickly. I am thankful to my husband for his encouragement and wisdom.
That we all must live our lives fully on the way to death. It isn't easy for us to think about it, but we all will die. No one escapes the greatest mystery alongside birth. How we choose to spend our time
on this path is cause for reflection daily. I am grateful to be surrounded by people who remind me to enjoy the laughter, the tears, yes, even the pain, along the way. My friends teach me so very much. Thank you, Jerry. (And Doris, too.)
Celebrate those that can cross the finish line....Jack, thanks for honoring so many by riding that race. You rock.
Know that you can ride a bike race if you just set your mind to it. Or whatever challenge is in your way.
As always, a big heart full of love,
Sara
posted by Sara Hickman at 09:11 am
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Free Community Health Fair, May 24
April 28, 2008
Love,
Sara
Free Community Health Fair
May 24, 2008
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Crockett Center
10601 N. Lamar-between Braker & Rundberg
Free Blood Sugar and Cholesterol testing
Free Eye Examination
Free Hepatitis B & C Screening
Visit Doctors for Free: Heart problems, Cholesterol, Heartburn,
Constipation, Diarrhea, Cancers, Blurred Vision, Neck & Back
Pain, Headache, Stroke, Infertility, Pregnancy, Asthma & Allergies,
Acupuncture, Yoga, Children’s: Vaccinations, Infections, Growth
& Development Problems, Learning disorders, and more
Free Blood Pressure reading
Diabetes Education
Also:
Children’s Games and Play Area
Ethnic Food for sale
Information: http://www.unityforum.org or Call: (512) 990-5425
posted by Sara Hickman at 02:15 am
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Super Pal Universe on the Radio This Morning! Woo-hoo!
April 25, 2008
theme song.
Here it is:
http://kut.org/items/show/12421
Enjoy!
Love,
You know who
posted by Sara Hickman at 06:54 am
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A Comment on Imam Safdar Razi
April 22, 2008
steps of the Texas State Capitol. He was standing should-to-shoulder
with Rabbi Baker, whose congregation meets on the grounds of the Dell
Community Center. After that nootime prayer service, at which we heard
prayers from dozens of clergy for peace, I climbed the steps to meet
this remarkable man for the first time.
His friendship has been one of the greatest blessings in my life.
He and Rabbi Baker became close, and their congregations celebrated Yom
Kippur and Eid Al-Fitr together. In fact, Eid has come to be
celebrated by all Austinites who are interested: open to our entire community.
At my invitation, in late 2001 or early 2002, Safdar spoke during the
Sunday School hour at FUMC Austin, and his message of peace and love was
unmistakable and pure. The God of Abraham wants his children to love
each other, as all three great religions based upon that tradition
teach and history has proven numerous times is the only way we can survive
together.
I have never met a man more committed to open communications, "agreeing
to disagree," or loving all of God's creation -- instructed to do so
by his faith -- than Brother Safdar Razi.
When he said to call him "Brother" my father, Reverend Doctor D. Orval
Strong -- a retired Methodist minister -- said, "I guess that makes me
your uncle." Safdar said that was okay because his uncle had been
killed in Pakistan.
He often held up the Q'uran and said that it did not sanction killing,
that "If you kill one person it is as if you have killed everyone, and
if you save one person it is as if you have saved everyone."
He once said that like the patterns in wallpaper, diversity among
people makes the world more beautiful in God's eyes. Safdar's ability to
make the teachings of Islam clear is invaluable. There is a lot of
misinformation, and to hear from someone who is well-educated and faithful,
to be reminded that three of the world's great religions worship a God
who has commanded us to love each other and care for our brothers and
sisters is inspirational and uplifting.
As I said, I have never met a man more committed to peace and love and
harmony among people of good will than Brother Safdar Razi. His
message of tolerance undoubtedly puts him in danger in many places, including
Pakistan. Even Bhutto was unsafe there; how could they protect him?
His is a brave, kind, intelligent, and energetic man. The USA needs
him. I need him, as his friendship has illuminated parts of my world
that were a mystery to me since the late 70s at least.
This nation was built with the strengths of many different cultures,
and seeing him and Rabbi Baker and the other members of AAIM meet and
talk, rejoice, worship, and pray together reminded me that here in our
nation we really do continue to have freedom of religion and it is a very
good thing.
We should not have to fight for what we believe in because we are
Americans and can believe anything we want to. Safdar has shown me that
those who use Islam for non-loving purposes are defilers of the teachings
of Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him) and unworthy to call themselves
Muslims.
The Spanish Inquisition did not take place under the rule of the Moors,
and our own history has shameful incidents -- from the Salem witch
trials to the McCarthy hearings -- of misguided finger pointing based on
fear and ignorance.
Personally, were it in my power, I would grant Safdar honorary
citizenship if for no other reason than for spreading peace and harmony in the
bewildering and horrifying days following the tragedy we all witnessed
nearly seven years ago. There are enough problems in the world and
enough people wishing to do harm that we do not need to be rejecting those
who truly do believe in "liberty and justice for all."
Beyond that, Brother Safdar is true to his faith. To say he has not
always acted as an Imam (or even a pastor) to those who turned to him on
questions of faith or personal need is to be blind to reality. If he
has transgressed restrictions placed upon him, community service would be
the ideal punishment; he has done nothing but devote himself to the
well-being of our American community since the opportunity first
presented itself.
It has been thrilling me to see the outpouring of support for him from
everyone who has known him well, like my dear friend Sara. Any who
think our nation could be served in any positive way by expelling him do
not know Safdar or how genuinely he serves and exemplifies the love that
binds us all as children of God, without exceptions.
Love and Peace from David Strong in Austin
posted by Sara Hickman at 06:53 am
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VALENTINE’S DAY 2009!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
April 17, 2008
...I met with the Executive Director, the talented and hilarious Mr. Kim Campbell, who personally flew down from Dallas and took me to lunch today...and then surprised me with a full page color announcement that has my photo and announces the event in their beautiful season catalogue!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will finally be stepping into my grandparents shoes and fulfilling my Rosemary Clooney dream!
Hallelujah!!!!!!!!!!
Off to bed to get up to go to Seattle tomorrow early...hope to see those of you that live in Seattle somewhere this weekend!!!
Love,
Sara
posted by Sara Hickman at 07:19 pm
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Shoes and Honor and Sage Advice and Yardwork and Sweet Potatoes and Children of Hope!!!
April 14, 2008
It was great seeing you and Lance at the AAIM event. Your performance was awesome, as usual. And then-to give away the Carlos Santana pair of heels for a live auction—you’re too much. Why Kevin #1 (the older one) bought them is beyond me. (see photo). I thought maybe it was just go give more money to AAIM. No, it’s the fabuous shoes. He’s been walking around the house all day in those things!
Last Thursday, AAIM (Austin Area Interreligious Ministries) hosted it's annual "Hope Awards" at St. David's Church, downtown Austin. And what a gorgeous, gorgeous day/evening to have the event on. We started with a pre-party reception downstairs in the garden area, complete with vines and cactus and beautiful nooks of plants everywhere. Above us, nestled quietly in a nest, was a gray dove, sittng on her eggs. I thought that was very symbolic---the bird of peace hovering over people of many faiths, hoping to help bring a new dawn to understanding and community!
Dr. Patricia Hayes was a terrific emcee, self-deprecating and quick-witted; Tom Spencer, our new CEO/ED shared an inspiring reflection in a poem about his father and growing up on acres of beautiful upstate New York farmland, and Joyce Beck delivered words of welcome! The Hope Award Committee - Felora Derakhshani, who led us in prayer, was gracious, as always, and Nahid Khataw beautified our tables and stage with flowers and bright, spring colors... Cathy Casey, who helped publicize the event and Lu, who does so much on behalf of ESL, all these women with their effervescent smiles...completely committed to making the world a better place. Our Hope Award presenters (and fellow board of directors) Sarah Currie and Lynda Lieberman Baker did terrific overviews and introductions of our Hope Award Honorees, Rabbi Steven Folberg of Congregation Beth Israel, and the United Methodist Women of the Austin District...My gift was to share music and love to tie it all together. And, as you can see, I was inspired to auction off my brand new Carlos Santana shoes---heels with hand beading on orange silk---because I realized I am, truly, a tomboy at heart, and even though I like shiny things, I just can't keep them on my feet for long! So, thanks to Kevin for buying them! Oh, and thanks to Chef Ray and his team for the incredibly yummy food!
By the way, it was last year at the Hope Awards that I was inspired by the speaker to write "The One", in honor of Cho's mother....It was there I found the connection of what I yearned to say, but did not think of until I heard about how Cho's mother was suffering emotionally, and that she needed our love and compassion.
FRIDAY---was going to meet my new friend, Amanda, the wife of an old boyfriend, but our lines got crossed and by the time we spoke, she was already in route to the airport...Prepped for the ACT event I would be doing Saturday morning...
Later that afternoon, had friends over for homemade lasagna (vegetarian....iolana and I have been vegetarians for over two weeks now, so I've been changing up our kitchen drastically!), fresh bread and salad/fruit, where we all sat outside in the breezy spring sunset under our giant sycamore tree....laughing and sharing stories and enjoying one anothers' company.
SATURDAY---Up early while the family was sleeping, got dressed, grabbed my guitar and some cds and headed over to St. Edwards for the ACT Women and Girls' Spiritual Conference...I was singing
during the opening ceremony and then led a break out session on "Compassion, Creativity and Your Community", working with a room of about 35 girls on how they can use their natural gifts (drawing, singing, writing, dancing, etc.) to go into the community and make a difference. These were all girls who have already done miraculous things, but we had a good time talking about ideas, journaling, writing out where we want to go in this world, our goals, our ideals, etc.
Then I had to skedaddle home, and asked the family to go out to the Serendipity Festival at a montessori school in Georgetown, so we all hopped in the car, and, again, just a breathtaking day, and we found this beautiful farmland that has been converted into a school with gardens, many, many trees, a wonderful park like area in the middle of the school buildings (which look like barns and
farm houses...all very comforting!)....sang on the deck of a cool fort like house, and watched with delight as parents and children sang and danced along. Meanwhile, Lance and the girls were checking out the glassblower, meeting Enzo (Enzoology!): a 8 year old boy who hosts his own webisodes about all thinks animals and science and is being courted by National Geographic and Disney!., made some pottery and enjoyed the day....
Afterwards, we hopped over to Ikea for a new drawer set for io and dinner for all of us. Very relaxing, rewarding day with lots of joy!
SUNDAY
After some spring cleaning (which we had spread out over the week so as not to overwhelm ourselves), we hosted the Care Communities Volunteer Appreciation Day event at our home, again, out in the front yard. About 115 people, talking and eating and relaxing in the sunshine, a miniature photo gallery of different volunteers set up in our pop-up gazebo like tent, flowers everywhere, smiles
abundant.
MONDAY
Drove to Round Rock Library to visit Janette Johnson and crew where they were filming a new puppet video with Joe McDermott (my favorite kids musician in the WORLD!), and I got to be in it because I had sung on Joe's song, "Celebrate!", the new Texas Library Theme Song. So, there I was, singing with an alligator/T-Rex puppet, a turtle and a bear, all wearing "50th Birthday!" birthday hats on their tiny heads!
Then headed right back to Austin where I had a fabulous belated birthday lunch with my dear friend, Margaret, at Castle Hill, where we caught up on our lives, our work, our men, our futures...
I like when birthdays just go on and on!
TUESDAY
I had so much catching up to do!!! It seems for every email I send out, there are 50 that come in. Ay yi yi. Ok, maybe the internet makes us more connected, but really, it is an octopus! A slippery, smart octopus that has the capacity to just entangle you in more and more to do until you have to rip yourself away and say, "Enough! Today...I surf!" and then you just run outside and breathe in the air and re-connect with the realness of it all. And lay down in the grass and just lay there, breathing, staring at the sky, until your yard man shows up and asks, "Miss Hickman, are you ok?" and then you start to talk about all the worries in the world (Juarez! It is such poverty! The death penalty! What will we do! War! Child abuse! Education...who is going to fix that??!) and your yard man looks at you kindly, as if you have gone mad but just can't see it cuz you are you and he is he, and he gently reminds you, "Miss Hickman, you do enough. You can just let it go. You do just what God wants you to do. So be at peace with that..." and then you grab your lawn man, and as you are hugging him with great gratitude, you say, "Jose, you are right. Thank you for being such a great human being!" And you remember Jose is a fireman AND a yardman, and you ask him how he does it, and he replies, "I do the yards because it is my chance to be outside, to keep in shape, to smell the air. I don't need to do yardwork. I just ENJOY it! And the Good Lord helps me with the rest!" And then you head down the path of how fireman help, what they do in the community, and before you know it, you're relaxed and smiling...and then, as Jose is pulling away from your yard, you think...."I'm gonna get my hands in the earth!" And you walk inside and get some clippers and head back to the mess that is the corner of your yard and start cleaning out all the dead remainders of winter, clearing out old scruff and brush, enjoying the sun on your back, when who do you see, but HENRY, another fantastic yard man, and he walks over from Fran's house, and you have ANOTHER fabulous conversation, this time about architecture and taxes and children and then Henry says he can take all the scruff you have piled in a pile, and you just feel grateful for the day, for the people God has placed in your path, and you think that octopus drove you outside and you are GLAD ABOUT IT!
About then, it is time for tea. So I went and met my friend, Sandy, over at Tea Embassy, and walk into a wonderland, no, a CORNUCOPIA! of teas and teapots and teacups and tea spoons and tea teddy bears and tea stationary and tea magazines and tea table clothes and tea tea tea TEA whoo-whee! It is all so fascinating and so I bought a few squares of chocolate, and two cups of tea, and Sandy and I sat outside on the front porch and enjoyed our tea and talked of adventure, her ranch, horses, a walking path, Alaska, our children and grandchildren (well, I don't have any grandchildren yet...!) and then I realize that grapefruit in tea is really just lovelylicious yum and I must bring my girls back for the same.
Back home to the yard, where I threw a little ball with my youngest, and then our neighbor, Ivan, came down and we were throwing the ball around. Boy oh boy, I love putting a glove on my hand!
I love pitching! I love catching! We had a great time....
WEDNESDAY
7:30 AAIM board meeting at Congregation Beth Israel....man on man, I really can not say enough about how HONORED and HAPPY I am to be on this board. It is a board that is making change in the Austin Community, and for that I am really grateful, proud, encouraged, delighted, and ready and willing to help!
10 am Ran some morning errands....stopped by Central Market and purchased a lot of vegetables, fruits, vegetarian soups, fresh bread....
12: 30 Trish Murphy came over and we wrote a song. I love Trish! We had such excellent conversation and bonding on our drive to and home from Houston for the "Music For Life" event she so graciously performed at. We have so many things in common, but most especially questions and anxieties and wonder over the music business, changes in it, our places in it, how we write, what we sing about, etc. It was a VERY gratifying moment to have another woman I could talk to about these things!
So, she came to the house and we wrong a song that I will not tell you about but you will hear in person somewhere down the road. Think Keith Richards meets Lucinda Williams meets Eric Clapton meets Trish Murphy and Sara Hickman in a double drop D tuning. Oh, yea, baby!
Then I made some dinner...homemade mashed sweet potatoes, green peas, veggie burgers, salad, grapes and mandarin oranges...and Lance had made a smoothie so we ate up, taking a plate for iolana because she was at band practice at Natural Ear Music, and we drove over to pick her up and headed out to Round Rock to see the Hope Children's Choir from Africa at the Methodist church.
WOW! I was crying within minutes of sitting down in the pews because on the overhead screens, they were projecting the photographs and stories of these children, these amazing, beautiful African children, and reading how they had become orphans was heartbreaking. Some of you know I have spoken out about the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and all the atrocities they are committing, most especially in how they kidnap, torture and force children into servitude to become child soldiers of unbelievably horrific deeds....some of these children had lost their parents to the LRA, but thank God, they had been saved by this fantastic group that takes the children in, keeps them safe and gives them this place to grow and be nurtured, spiritually and physically and mentally.
These kids sang and smiled like rainbows, with the energy of a thousand suns, radiating from the church stage, joy in every movement, every step, every clap of the hand and sway of the hip.
They sang of Africa being saved, they sang about Jesus, they sang about the River of God, they sang of hope for the world and for every child....
I am glad my girls and Lance were able to witness what song and love can bring to a life........and I am hoping someday I can do more to help children in some greater way. Maybe I will get to be an ambassador of Love and Grace for Austin. And I can start with getting healthcare, food, education, harmony and love on behalf of every Austin child.
You may say I'm a dreamer......!
posted by Sara Hickman at 06:18 am
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El Paso
April 10, 2008
I captured him in a filmed interview talking about how he has always tried to follow the advice of his grandfather...to be a statesman, not a politician. To
follow what is right, and to lead in that direction, and not to follow the sway of what is popular in current culture. He had me in tears. His wife, Tram, was lovely , too.
We had two heartfelt speakers, Carmen and Gloria, both women who lost a son and husband, respectively, to violent crime. It was hard not to cry, most of all because both of these ladies brought their daughters, sisters and surrounded themselves with families as they spoke through their tears and anguish. Neither one believes in the death penalty, even after all they have suffered.
I am at a pay computer in the Howard Johnson lobby, and my time is just about up. Thanks to Pat and Charlie, Jean and Bob, Club 101 and Adrian and Jimmy for running great sound!, and Wayne for driving me to/from the airport.
El Paso is wind driven dust and beautiful mountains, and warm hearts.
Oh! And thanks to Lee for driving over from Las Cruces!
posted by Sara Hickman at 07:47 am
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From Sara and Tom Spencer (CEO of Austin Area Interreligious Ministries) on Behalf of Safdar Razi
April 08, 2008
Following you will find a letter from our new CEO, Tom Spencer, explaining what he has discovered about Mr. Razi, and Tom's letter to senators Hutchinson and Cornyn and represenative McCaul.
I will do my best to continue to update you as to Mr. Razi's whereabouts and the actions being taken to reinstate his liberties.
Gratefully,
Sara
Dear friends,
Below you will find a copy of an email I have sent to Senators Kaye Bailey Hutchison and John Cornyn. Likewise, I have shared it with U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul. Earlier today, I spoke with Barbara Budde, a top assistant to Austin ’s Catholic Bishop Gregory Aymond and asked her to request the Bishop’s intervention she said that she would do so.
Just a short while ago I spoke with a representative of The Institute of Islamic Learning in Dallas and they told me that the hearing tomorrow will leave Safdar Razi with three possible choices if it is decided that he is to be deported:
- Accepting his deportation.
- Appealing his deportation (but being held in detention until a new hearing is scheduled – possibly for months.)
- Being released after bail is posted.
Apparently, he has been transferred to a detention facility in Haskell , Texas . My contact at the Institute of Islamic Learning said that Safdar Razi is being held for being “Out of Status” regarding his R Visa – specifically, he was not allowed to travel out of the country, but did. I cannot confirm this report, I am only passing it along for you information.
I promise to keep you posted.
Tom
Dear Senator Hutchison,
I am writing today on a matter of grave concern. A much-valued former member of the Austin community, Safdar Razi is being held by the INS at the Haskell detention facility and is facing possible deportation. In fact, a hearing on his case is scheduled for tomorrow morning. When he resided in Austin Safdar Razi established a reputation as being a leading voice among local Muslim religious leaders who preached tolerance and built relationships across religious divides. He was instrumental in facilitating Post 9-11 discussions between the Austin Muslim community and area Christian and Jewish congregations. Just a few moments ago I received a strongly worded letter of support for Safdar from leaders of the Austin Jewish Community. Likewise, my phone has been ringing all day long with calls of concern from many Christian congregations. While we have received no official news of the reason for his detention, we ask that you look into this matter with haste and diligence.
With deep respect and appreciation,
Tom Spencer
CEO, Austin Area Interreligious Ministries
posted by Sara Hickman at 04:09 am
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To Everyone and Anyone who is reading my blog…..
April 07, 2008
My kind and good friend, Nahid Khataw, sent me the following urgent plea. I ask that you please take a moment to let your concern be known. Contacts are provided below.
Bless you, and may all people around the world be free of oppression, tyranny and violence.
Love,
Sara
Dear Friends:
Sheikh Safdar Razi (previous Imam of Al-Mehdi Center – Islamic Ahlul Bayt Association) has been detained by the INS since early this week. This happened to the great surprise of his lawyer while they were expecting a decision on his application for asylum and who asked that we contact the media and politicians on his behalf. Legal efforts are continuing in the hope that Sheikh will be released and granted the relief he and his family deserves. What we can do however, is to contact our respective elected federal representatives.
Therefore we are asking ours friends to contact his/her U.S. Reprsentative and Senators with the request that they contact the INS about Sheikh's case. The letter should be simple since there should be great care taken to not misrepresent any facts. We want the representative to let the INS know that they are watching. Attached is the sample of the letter.
Contact info:
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R- TX)
202-224-5922
202-224-0776
http://hutchison.senate.gov/contact.html
Senator John Cornyn (R- TX)
202-224-2934
202-228-2856
http://cornyn.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?
FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm
Representative Lloyd Doggett (D - 25)
202-225-4865
202-225-3073
http://www.house.gov/doggett/doggett_ima/doggett_get_address.htm
Thank you for your help!
Regards,
Nahid Khataw
posted by Sara Hickman at 08:29 am
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American Imperialism…Start the Dialogue in your community that has been started by so many….
What will our children learn in school about this war?
http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/04/02/8031/
I ask you to please scroll down to see the animated version read so beautifully by Vigo Mortensen
God Bless the whole world and everyone in it.
It's later than you think.....your voice is important. Get involved!!!!
posted by Sara Hickman at 07:42 am
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AMAZING DAYS…..So much to tell and catch up on
Harriet Tubman (she is my number one hero of all time)...I can't believe we don't have a National Holiday dedicated to this most amazing, courageous human being
Sir Ken Robinson
Antonio Mancini
Jim Henson
Helen Keller
Zaha Hadid
Patricia Cornwall
Jamie Lee Curtis
Frontline
When you have time, look them up and learn about these folks. I'll post more names later on sometime.
And, now, a breakdown of my continuing, unfolding journey:
APRIL 6, SUNDAY
Drove to Dallas after church (Lily was an acolyte this morning.) I had called my dear friend, Cyndy Goodman, who is a creative wunderkind...I first met her when she and Gregori Paul designed my clothes for "Shortstop", and we have been fast friends ever since....so, I called Cyndy to see if she'd want to have some hang time with Lily, and she was thrilled...so, I asked Lily if she'd like to pal around in Dallas with Cyndy and her dog, Gabby, shopping or sewing or going to museums for girl time, and she said "YES!" So, after church, off we head to Big D, me and Lily....We had a great time listening to Aimee Mann and Stevie Wonder on the drive. It was fun listening to Little Stevie play his harmonica in front of throngs of screaming girls and switching to moody Aimee talk about Jacob Marley's chains....We sang...didn't talk much on the first part of the journey. But on the way home, it was a different story! We were listening to the news, when we decided to turn off the radio and just sing sing sing. So, Lily and I were singing song after song, and she carries the tune and I sing the harmonies, and then we went off on making up on our songs...I'd sing a few lines, then she'd sing a few lines, and then we'd find our way to a chorus together. I get so thrilled when we share these moments together. I can't tell you how cool it is to hear our voices together, to hear her confidence, to listen to the places her heart and voice and mind take her. It is so so so inspiring! And, then, out of the blue, Lily says, "Name any of your songs. I can sing them all!" and I said, "What?"
as I'm driving up I-35, happy as a clam. She laughed, "I'm your biggest fan, you know. I have all your records!" We started laughing, so I started testing her, and my goodness, she DID know almost every song I threw at her...and not only did she know the melodies and words, but I could sing the harmonies to those, too! We sang the songs I wrote for her from "Newborn", and I told her the story of holding her on stage at Kerrville and singing in front of the thousands of people who kept their word, who didn't applaud after I sang her back to sleep in my arms in front of a mic singing "It's Alright..." and then Lily sang "It's Alright" and I got a chill, imagining her at Kerrville, singing that very song in the spot where I had sang it so long ago. Wouldn't that be miraculous? Life
explodes with so many surprises!
In Dallas, I sang at a benefit concert for the East Dallas Community School at Poor David's, which was packed!, while Lily and Cyndy went over to the Deep Ellum Arts Fest and had fun poking through handmade art and jewelry. After the show, I realized as I was signing picture-cards for all the SUPER AWESOME kids that I didn't have a way to also sell cds, but no worries! The parents created an honor system and dropped money in a box as they took cds. This is the life I cherish and depend upon, where everyone works together in the spirit of love. So, a shout out to David Card for a jubilant afternoon.
APRIL 5, SATURDAY
Woke up at 5 a.m. in Oklahoma City in a Super 8 hotel that smelled like cigarettes. They didn't have any non-smoking rooms. I had forgotten what hotels used to smell like in my early days of touring! Ooh, that stale smell was in everything: my backpack, my clothes, my hair... but you know, good for the soul to experience everything with eyes wide open, nostrils shut! Ha ha.
Anyway, showered and got dressed, had a delicious bowl of oatmeal at the Denny's next door, got the rental car back, realized I needed gas, told them I'd be right back, drove down to the 7-11, filled up with gas while a man with a broken down car came over and started telling me how his mother was sick and he needed money to fix the car and so I gave him $10 and wished him well but then he started encroaching into my space, asking for more, getting a little too close, and it was still dark outside and no one else was at the gas pumps, the clerk inside had his back to us, and I felt myself get larger than life inside, I felt myself get a tad angry, and I told him I wished him well but that I could do no more at the moment and to please be on his way. I realized later, I don't think I've ever gotten mad at someone who needed my help, but my internal voice was saying, "Look out! Be wise!" and that was the voice I was going to listen to. Still, I had to think about it as I was driving the car back, and I was grateful for the ability to want to help, but grateful, too, that the animal instinct/ the voice of God can guide us if we only listen.
Got on the plane back to Austin and arrived by my trusty old van, Martha, at the doorsteps of St. John's United Methodist for my first event of the day, making music and sharing love as part of Paula D'Arcy's inspirational workshop. This was good good good. From the moment I walked in, there was Bobbi Kaye, resplendent in turquoise glasses and matching shirt, the ever-smiling and present minister of the church. We were instantly engaged in whispers and I was catching up on what I had missed, got my guitar tuned up and headed in to the giant sanctuary, listened to some of Paula's hopeful/helpful message, broke for lunch with friends, and returned to sing the first part of my two parts with a fantastic group of people. Many tears and happy hearts, singing and holding and even dancing. I hope Paula and I can take this workshop around the country; I think we were an excellent team. Paula's trademark is a bright, red cardinal. They were everywhere around the church; I like that idea, of having something waiting around the bend that represents a part of yourself, to remind others of the purpose of the day. That was neat!
Got home around 4:30, after picking up some Slurpees for the girls on the way home (cherry/coke mix, of course), and I was feeling zonky. Laid down on the bed and fell into a nice slumber.
Like a bear. A sleepy, blonde bear. Woke up to the girls bouncing a volleyball against the wall of the house. Popped up and had some yummy leftovers from Mr. Natural, combed my hair, started gathering more cds and drove over to the Green House Concert, iolana in the backseat. She played with Georgia while I entertained in the Greens lovely home. At the end of the evening, iolana and Georgia came up and joined me on "stage", and I handed the mic over to them so THEY could sing to and with the audience. It was a very merry way to end the day. iolana and Georgia then proceeded to ask anyone who was standing near by if they would like autographs, so they were busy signing away as I packed up my gear.
After io was in bed, I curled up on the couch with Lance and we watched some Saturday Night Live. I really liked the skit on "Laser Cats". I think the show is really getting back to it's original silliness and creative expansion. I had bought "Rolling Stone" that day because Chris Rock was on the cover, so I was in a festive mood for some more comedy. I looooooooooooooooooooooove Chris Rock. This will sound odd, but he has always reminded me of my sister, physically and in energy. If you knew my sister, you'd know what I mean!
APRIL 4, FRIDAY....BRAD HOWES' BIRTHDAY AND BRAD, I DID NOT SEND YOU A CARD...YET...BUT HAPPY BIRTHDAY...ALSO, I THINK IT WAS MARK MURRAY'S BIRTHDAY. THANKS FOR ALL THE GOOD WEATHER, MARK!
Woke up to go see Turner Falls with Larry and Jean Lyon, the folks who had brought me up for the concert in Davis, OK. I started my morning by laying in one of the most comfortable beds of all time at La Ville Inn, which I insist you stay at next time you happen to find yourself in Davis. It is a bed and breakfast build inside what used to be a house of ill repute, plunk in the heart of the main street , across from the bank and the Mexican restaurant. And, of course, all the little antique/junk shoppes you could hope to find! (Didn't get to peruse any of those, sadly.) After I got out of bed, I took a bath in a giant whirlpool/jacuzzi. Each room has one! Downstairs, Larry and Jean were kind enough to sit and listen to a new song I had started, and then Larry sang two of his songs for me. Then we all went to a diner down the street that has been in Davis since 1937. It was like being inside a boat with gianormous handmade creme pies on the counter! Off to Turner Falls, and how beautiful/relaxing the walk to the falls was....There was a cave, too, but I didn't crawl/walk up through the underbrush to get to it...Heard the history of the abandoned castles and how Gene Autry had filmed around the falls. Larry knows a lot of interesting history! I heard about a flying squirrel and two owls fighting and some giant rats and wild pigs when we went to see the Lyon's land they have purchased. It was there I saw a bright, red cardinal sitting a top a dead tree, bold against the morning's blue sky. It stuck in my mind....
Drove over to a retirement home where I sang for a room full of beautiful, elderly folks in wheelchairs. I mixed up old standards with some of my songs, and met Mr. Winkers (a kind old man who would wink at me whenever I sang his way!), and the Mayor of Davis, and Sonny, who just couldn't wait to get a hug...and another one!...oh, and just one more! Ok, Sonny, here...let me give you a hug!
And Melba...and Norma....and Ruth....and Danny....and, oh, so many sweet souls with so many stories to tell. Just waiting for hugs and kisses and time together with family or friends. I love music therapy....I really love what it can bring to someone's waiting, expectant heart. I hope when I am old that I have many youngsters come sit and listen, talk and laugh with me, too.
In fact, if you're not doing anything this afternoon, stop by a local retirement/assisted living home, and see what love you can share, even if only for 30 minutes. You will be giving more than you know...and, hey! You might strike up a new relationship with a very fascinating person!
Said my thank yous/goodbyes to Larry and Jean, and drove on back to OKC, where I checked into my hotel and then headed over to the Blue Door, just in time for soundcheck with Melissa Greener, who sounded absolutely lush and lovely! I was really happy because the room filled up and the Easterlings came, and Otis, and Kari, and Dino did a great job (as always!) with the sound, and Greg Johnson (owner) was in a hilarious, jolly mood. I just adore him! And the feel in the Blue Door is one of such friendliness, family. Really a swell time. I sang my heart out and Roger Osborn brought his daughter, Meagan, and she was turning 14, so we sang to her, and I also made a fool of myself answering a woman's cell phone, thinking it was her husband, so I made up a song for him, pretending to be who I thought was his wife, but it turned out as I handed the phone back to the woman that it was her SON on the other end of the line, so we all had a long laugh over that one! Whoo!
Roger taped this all. I would love to hear my embarrassment leaking through the headphones on that one!
Melissa came up and joined me at the end, and we all sang and shared some love/music. Ah, happiness!
THURSDAY, APRIL 3
Got the girls off to school, finished packing and checking emails....Man, I am so behind on email. It is ridiculous. I don't know how people do it.
Anyway, got to Fastpark, left my car, got to Southwest, checked my guitar and cd bag, got in to the terminal and bought the paper. (Oh! By the way! I've been a vegetarian for four days now. iolana and I decided we don't want to animals anymore. So, we are supporting one another in our quest.)
Got to Dallas, changed planes, got to OKC, got my bags and my rental, got on the road to Davis for my gig at La Ville Inn, listened to XM radio the whole way there. Wow. I had no idea! I listened to four or five comedy stations, talk radio galore, all kinds of music (does "The Loft" play my music, I wonder?) Anyway, most of the comedy was really foul, but then I found Ellen DeGeneres and Andy Griffith, and they were both very, very funny.
Got my gear inside the inn just in the knick of time (my plane had been delayed in Dallas). Ran upstairs, freshened up and tuned the guitar, came back downstairs to walk onto the stage and started singing away. This is a nice room, forty foot ceiling with a balcony, holds maybe 50-60 people, like a giant open living room with tile. The event raises money for local charities, pays the artist a little bit of money, but provides a gorgeous B & B room and free dinner/breakfast, and I sold a lot of cds. Tatiana was special...a 12 year old girl with a huge smile and I ended up signing about 7 or 8 photo cards for all her friends...met Mr. Jones, who sells handmade jewelry, and was also very smiley, and all the folks were really attentive/responsive. I met several angels who I hugged and talked with in quiet, reverent tones. I am always amazed and astounded when angels appear at my shows.....
posted by Sara Hickman at 05:07 am
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GuitarTown Beneficiaries
April 04, 2008
Austin GuitarTown event participants: visual artists Shanny Lott and Debra Samples, master instrumentalist Lloyd Maines, Texas music legend Ray Wylie Hubbard, Grammy winner Terri Hendrix, Asleep at the Wheel front man Ray Benson, musician-artist Sara Hickman, and visual artist Ann Pinion. Photo credit: Gary Miller
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 2, 2008
CHECK FOR $586,085
FROM AUSTIN GUITARTOWN GALA AUCTION
PRESENTED TO 4 LOCAL BENEFICIARIES
American Youthworks, Austin Children's Museum, Austin Museum of Art,
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians Wowed by Contributions
Austin, TX -- Austin Mayor Will Wynn, on behalf of The Gibson Foundation, today presented a check for $586,085 to the four local non-profit groups that were chosen as beneficiaries of the year-long Austin GuitarTown public-art project of 10-foot Gibson guitar sculptures and regular-size showcase art guitars decorated by Texas artists and displayed across the city and then auctioned at a gala last October.
Representatives of American Youthworks, Austin Children's Museum, Austin Museum of Art and Health Alliance for Austin Musicians were at the Gibson Guitar Showroom on South Congress Avenue to accept the mega-check on behalf of their members, clients and guests who will reap the benefits.
"We are thrilled to be a beneficiary of the GuitarTown project," said Lisa Lee, director of development for Austin Children's Museum. "Our community came together to support this celebration of creativity. Now we accept this generous donation to continue our work that inspires creativity and exploration in the children and families of our community."
Also on hand were representatives of Austin GuitarTown's gold sponsors Keller Williams, AMD, Dell, MFI Foundation, Brown Distributing/Budweiser and RunTex, who were given Gibson Flying V guitars emblazoned with the GuitarTown logo and customized with the company brand on the guitars' pick guards. Other sponsor gifts included original guitar sculpture artwork submitted by artists in consideration of the public-art project, recognition plaques, and commemorative posters signed by Ray Benson, Austin GuitarTown committee chairman and Asleep at the Wheel front man.
Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter Terri Hendrix backed by master instrumentalist Lloyd Maines performed Wednesday, and legendary Texas songwriter Ray Wylie Hubbard and Benson were in attendance -- all of whom added their signatures to a guitar sculpture. Austin GuitarTown steering committee members as well as artists who designed and decorated both sizes of the art guitars were also present.
Serving as a backdrop was the first 10-foot Gibson guitar sculpture ever made, the burnt orange prototype, which was given to committee head Benson as a thank-you. Commemorative posters as well as the guitar sculpture collage used for the commemorative plaques were also on display. Wisky Clothing sold its Austin GuitarTown T-shirts, of which a portion of proceeds is donated to beneficiaries, and 2 Dine 4 Catering and 2 Bodacious Chefs worked together to provide an exquisite brunch.
Austin GuitarTown, presented by Gibson Guitar, featured 35 10-foot-tall fiberglass Gibson guitars and 30 showcase guitars and united the Austin art, business and music communities that decorated, displayed and backed the project to raise funds for the four local organizations. The festive and prestigious Auction Gala, emceed by Hubbard and delivered by the AT&T Austin Marathon and RunTex, was held October 17 at GSD&M's Idea City. Two of the guitars, auctioned by Los Angeles' Juliens Auctions (live, online and by TV around the world), went for $55,000 each.
Money was also raised through the sale of the vibrant Austin GuitarTown limited-edition collector's art book that features images of the entire collection of Gibson Guitar sculptures and showcase guitars as well as profiles of the participating visual artists along with the musicians and celebrities who joined the project.
For more information, visit http://www.austinguitartown.com, http://www.gibson.com and http://www.gibsonfoundation.org.
posted by Sara Hickman at 09:14 am
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Please vote for my friend, ROSEMARY LEHMBERG
April 03, 2008
http://www.co.travis.tx.us/county_clerk/election/20080408/early.asp
She is running for Travis County District Attorney and has worked with Ronnie Earle in his office for thirty years. She, more than anyone, would know how to
handle the caseload and intricacies of this office.
Plus, she's just one heck of a great woman and a good friend.....
Thanks!
Sara
posted by Sara Hickman at 07:13 am
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Slavery---More to know about our past so we can continue to figure out our present
People just don't want to know about it. People just don't give a damn. People just want their items to buy and food to eat and clothes to wear, and I can only pray that those of us speaking out about injustice somehow, somewhere, at some time soon, strike a chord that wakes people up from their indifference.
The fact that there are people documenting these severe and grotesque injustices towards fellow human beings gives me hope that the truth of such actions will never be forgotten, but available to all who are ready to change the world and save those among us who are being oppressed.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120674340028272915.html
Please take a moment and read the article and witness the photographs. It won't take long, but it is yet another historical lesson in the brutalities of what has happened, and still happens in many ways, here in America.
posted by Sara Hickman at 06:02 am
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Lights! Cameras! Action!
April 02, 2008
There's my pun for the day! Swimmingly! Wet pants! Ay yi yi!
So, yesterday we were shooting "Down By The Bay", a webisode written by Alan Luecke and yours truly! The webisode was about the Super Pal Universe kids turning
into super heroes to help clean up dirty water, littering, pollution, etc. The vibe was a mixture of a Japanese comedy show mixed with fun Saturday morning cartoons
and lots of LIVE ACTION!!! Woo-hoo!
Oh, before I forget...let me say this:
I looooooooooove directing, and I loooooooooove directing with Matt (of Make Media). We had such good synergy. He was the Director of Photography/head camera honcho.
he fact that he and I knew the script inside out made our working together really easy and fun cuz we could reference shots and knew exactly what we were talking about.
His crew was excellent, too. Again, let's all give Ben a big round of applause for hanging in there!
Alice and Shayla, who we met through Austin Voices, came up with great handmade costumes.....A big shout out to them
for always stepping up and creating fun fashion for the SPU kids. Alice even got to be an extra in a scene with Rush! It is great having teens designing
clothes for teens. The whole idea behind Super Pal Universe is that kids can be creative...so, eventually, I hope to have kid camera crews, editors, directors,
recording engineers, writers, you name it. Then I can finally sit back and enjoy the show with a big smile on my face cuz the dream will be a total reality!
So, Evan (who plays Riff/lead guitarist/sings) made his own awesome recycling shirt for his super character, Magnet Man... I think he and Jeannie (or Mollie?) made the velcro cans to put on his shirt and it was HILARIOUS! We will have a reverse shot of cans falling from the shirt so it looks like they were "sucked" up by magnetic force to the shirt! He did a super pose as Magnet Man, too. Very Clark Kentish. Lily and iolana and Jacob's brother and sister were all very funny extras who were caught by Magnet Man in the act of littering. Eek! Evan's dad and Evan were taking pictures of the entire shoot, too, so kudos, again, to them for capturing the afternoon with pix.
Aubrey (who plays Julee/guitar/sings) looked like a sweet blue fairy/mermaid, sitting on a rock with a bottle of disgustingly filthy water. With her wonder filled smile, she was perfect for Clean Water Girl. The magic wand in her hand transformed the water to instant clean! Ping! Aubrey got her takes right away, just like the other kids. Everyone was so easy/helpful to work with. And Aubrey's friends were really funny during LIvvy's scene, too.
Jacob (Boris/keys/sings) was dead on...He sure can jump back far! He had to jump a LOT. He is our scientist who comes up with crazy solutions. He had a GIANT wand with a glowing, spinning orb.
He really got into bringing down his wand and yelling, "WORLD PEACE!", which is where a lot of the jumping was occurring.
I wrote "DR. BORIS" on his lab coat, not that anyone will see it, really, but it added to the fun. His happiness is so contagious. Oh, and Jacob's mom was an extra in Rush's scene...She talks on the phone as if she has done it before...! Has she talked on a cell phone before? You tell me!
Rush (Sam/drummer) is a natural. He is so so funny because he can go over the top and, yet, he has a sense of timing that is just right. I had to cover my mouth so I wouldn't laugh out loud. I can see him (well, actually, any of these kids!) on SNL years from now...He was spouting out numbers as Carbon Offset Man, right off the top of his head! Whew!
And Livvy (Nadia/bass/keys/singing) was perfect, too! She has the withering look down! (We all had a nice discussion at rehearsal the other day about the difference between "wilting" glance and "withering" glance. These things are good to know, my friends.) Livvy just captures what needs to be delivered in such a fast way. She's on top of it and looked great as Activist Girl. I like that she thought to change into another costume; we were just going to have her "glance" be the comedy, but she looked great bouncing over in the outfit Alice and Shayla had created.
I re-wrote a few things on spot to make continuity and shots easier; Matt had some great ideas, too, so once again, it just made the flow fantastic. Matt and I were both really happy...about 3 hours to get it all done.
Also, Erika from KUT showed up and did very lengthy interviews with everyone. So, I'll let you know when KUT broadcasts the interviews....
All the moms were there! Hooray for moms! Phil (publicist) and Mollie (my assistant) stayed the entire time. Hooray for Phil! And a big Hooray for Mollie getting it all together, even though she had been really sick with an ear infection last week!
J-Ro (marketing guru) had great suggestions and was nice to have there as support. Let me tell you, we had one fellow walk up during the middle of a scene who demanded to fish RIGHT THERE at THAT SPOT and would "be damned if I'll move. I've already had to move because of dogs. I'm staying right here."
After repeated requests by me to kindly find another fishing spot (to which he told me "F U", even though I was being calm and courteous),
J-Ro stepped in and asked him if he'd be willing to sign a release. He said he wasn't signing anything. J-Ro told him he'd end up on T.V. unless he signed the release, which got the rude fellow to move on down the lake. Still....He came back about thirty minutes later and plopped down in some reeds during a final shot, but we were shooting up and wide so it didn't really matter. But thank God J-Ro got him to move during the first segment...it would have been ruined, otherwise!
To see what a webisode is like, go to http://www.superpaluniverse.com
This will be a more sophisticated sequence when it is all edited together, plus some MAGIC sprinkled in....But now you are in the know.
Ah, hooray for an afternoon in the sun with friends, cameras and a strong script!
posted by Sara Hickman at 02:48 pm
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SUPER PAL UNIVERSE: More you can know about what it all means!
This is a great interview with J-Ro, the head of our marketing for Super Pal Universe. I thought you might like to read about how Super Pal Universe involves and empowers other
kids in the Austin community.
Love,
Sara
FROM AUSTIN DAZE
SUPER PAL UNIVERSE
March 31, 2008
By Ursula Garcia
Super Pal Universe is a new band made up of Austin teens and tweens, mentored by Austin musician Sara Hickman. Though they’re dedicated to creating original music (like they’ll play at this year’s SXSW and their CD release debut March 22 at Ruta Maya), they’re also committed to what they’ve termed “pop-driven activism.” Inspiring their peers toward greater community involvement is central to the band’s mission. To help accomplish this, the band has teamed up with the Youth Action Network at Austin Voices to involve youth in music marketing. Both SPU and Austin Voices want young adults to use their creativity and involvement in the community to solve problems, and by learning the basics of marketing in a real-world project, the Austin Voices students at Garza High School are earning economics credits while helping Super Pal Universe reach even more teens. We spoke to Super Pal Universe marketing director John Rodriguez about the project.
How did this project get started?
Every year Super Pal gives a grant, called the Change 4 Change Fundation Grant, to community-involved organizations. The grant was an opportunity for young people from the Austin area involved to use their creativity. Although Austin Voices didn’t win the grant competition last fall, Super Pal was so impressed by the submission and mission of this organization that one of the committee members decided to give them a $1000 personal grant. In essence, they hired them as a Super Pal Merchandising Partner.
What is Super Pal Universe all about?
Super Pal Universe is about PDA – Pop-driven activism. It is a five-person band and a community outlet for Austin youth. It’s a band and a brand targeting teens and pre-teens with pop driven activism. They want youth to be involved in the community.
Why is the message of community involvement with Super Pal Universe important?
You can be in a band, you can be whoever you want to be, or do whatever you want to do, but you can’t forget your community, you should stay involved. Emulation is huge: pre-teens emulate teens and teens emulate adults. The mission of SPU is to have the youth feel like they can be involved. It sends a clear message when you do it directly and following through with what you believe.
How are Austin Voices students helping out, specifically the Garza class? What are they doing with marketing?
At the beginning of the semester, we worked with Austin Voices to come up with a marketing and economic curriculum, which incorporated a plan to be executed by the class. The plan teaches them how to execute a marketing plan from beginning to end, taking economics into consideration.
At the beginning of the project, they were asked to come up with products that the band would be able to sell. Choosing a product involved coming up with graphic designs and doing research. After revising their creative ideas several times, they were able to come up with a branding logo, which is incorporated in every product they create.
They were asked to think of ways to come up with cost-effective products to be made available at Super Pal Universe’s upcoming concert. Some ideas they came up with were t-shirts, buttons, guitar picks, dog tag necklaces for guys and earrings for girls.
The theme of production has been keeping things green. The Garza class was collect 400 donated T-Shirts, and their ideas for the t-shirt designs happened with recycled t-shirts in mind.
They have helped SPU design and produce products that will be sold to support SPU’s mission. Other products they have helped create have been ‘zines and planners. At the SPU shows in March, they will help to sell the merchandise.
How long has Super Pal Universe been together and do they have any upcoming shows?
The five member band has been together since the summer of 2007.
Their most current upcoming events this year include a performance at SXSW on March 15, at Auditorium Shores at 1 p.m. as well as the Blastbeat Party at Freddie’s that same day at 4 p.m. They are also getting ready to release their debut EP – that show is a free show March 22, 4 p.m., at Ruta Maya.
What happens after the show at SXSW for the Austin Voices Youth Action Network students?
Garza High School’s economic class gets to be involved in a focus group where they will evaluate results of the concert and sales of the merchandise. They will be able to take a look back and see what worked and what did not work.
Why do you think this partnership works?
It works – and, in fact, it’s special – because the Super Pal Universe band members are approximately in the same age group as the Garza students, and consequently are experiencing similar types of struggles and triumphs.
What do you expect the Austin Voices kids to take away from this experience?
They should become prideful in seeing their work and how their efforts contribute to the success of the band. They should recognize their ability to complete a project from beginning to end and they should also enjoy the feeling of youth and community involvement.
What should SPU take away from this experience?
They should want to stay in compliance with the youth for youth dogma. It is important that young adults talk to each other. The SPU members are really excited to know that much of their merchandising has been done by people their own age, because they have similar ideas.
What is the goal of this project?
One goal was to help SPU get integrated into the community through the Austin Voices Youth Action Network, creating a mutually benefiting relationship with students from the Garza class to learn and be more involved with artistic and musical production. Another goal is to have the Garza class continue to be involved with SPU and realize that their success is gained through their efforts. I’m really looking forward to listening in on their focus group because they’ve learned so much and they’ve been very well informed with the path being taken through the marketing plan. What they like and take away from the project is very important.
What is the expected time frame involved with this project?
The project should run through the end of 2008, which will include the students assisting the band with a planned summer camp for young musicians and a number of local shows.
posted by Sara Hickman at 11:44 am
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