KP

Little Parents, Big Pregnancy

2009-06-29T17:14:00.016-04:00

We've had a lot going on here. I developed and executive produced a new show called LITTLE PARENTS, BIG PREGNANCY about the Hennons, a wonderful couple who are dwarfs, having their first child. Got great ratings. Heartwarming and funny. TLC picked it up and aired it and they have ordered another hour. Will keep you posted. It was the highest rated show on Discovery Health's baby week.

We are in the midst of shooting a brand new show about the King family, who are also "little people" and they are about to adopt a dwarf child in Albania. All moving material and inspirational folks. A must see!

Little Parents, Big Pregnancy on Discovery Health

Outtakes- Becky's tatoo

Craig Bowling

2009-04-27T14:36:00.002-04:00

This coming Thursday in NY I'm screening MY NOSE and doing a seminar. Here is the link

to it. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP. And you are not in NY but interested in the event, please let me know and you can include where you are located that would be great.

http://www.kirschenbaumproductions.com/seminar.htm

This event has come about due to the reaction this short film gets from the audience. I realize I am not alone when it comes to having a critical parent and somewhere, somehow I have managed to learn how to handle the situation and actually turn it around and have loving, joyous relationship with the person who was "in my eyes" my torturer and enemy.

And now I am going to cut and paste an email announcement of the seminar into this box and see if it works.

Save the Date ...

It’s this Thursday
Reserve NOW for this FREE Evening!

Based on the incredible response to my short film MY NOSE (about my mother’s relentless campaign to get me to have a nose job), I realized it’s time to launch the following fun and enlightening seminar.

The Journey of MY NOSE
Learning to accept and love a critical parent

Date: April 30th
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: 55 Bethune Street, West Village, NY
Westbeth Artist Community Room

RSVP: info@kirschenbaumproductions.com

MY NOSE speaks to many no matter what your issues are with your parents. The film continues to play worldwide. When I’m at screenings I am surrounded by people telling me how much they relate to my story and sharing their story. Come ready to share yours.

This seminar is not about getting a nose job..

INCLUDES SCREENING OF MY NOSE at 7:30.

I will show you how to:

deal with critical parents
regain self-confidence
reduce anxiety
open yourself to more joy and love

“You don’t drown by falling in the water; you drown by staying there.” E. Cole

All following seminars there will be a fee. Take advantage of the launch and be part of the birth
and development of a powerful event.

Winter still here

2009-02-25T11:23:00.006-05:00

Yesterday it was windy and icey. Today a bit milder. Haven't done any winter sports as of yet. Miss playing in the snow, going skiing, and enjoying the winter wonderland of the mountains. I did make it up to the Nevele Hotel in January when I was participating in a Limmud conference. Oddly enough, it was a bit of a challenge since it was a record cold weekend and the heat was not working in the hotel. There was much chaos. They lost a tower where they putting up over a 100 people and I was one of them. Many folks left. I have heard great things about these Limmud conferences and it was an unfortunate situation. The Nevele was quite depressing. I had been there in my youth. In fact, there is 8 mm footage of me at the Nevele as an infant. To tell you the truth, I don't think they did any renovation and it's falling apart. I understand it's different owners who probably bought it some years ago hoping that gambling would be coming to the Catskills which it hasn't. The place is decrepit. There is even a website thenevelesucks.com. Too bad. Anyway, I did manage to meet some interesting folks from those that stayed and bundled up. It was freezing inside too. I am a real believer in dressing in layers and had many with me. I'm going to see if I could upload a pix. Later.

On a different note, I went to a friends wedding who is an orthodox Jew. First time for me. I snuck in a picture. Check it out. It was very interesting experience. I was only there for the ceremony not the dinner and dancing afterwards. Too bad. It was extremely interesting.

New Year

2009-01-04T12:16:00.002-05:00

Already 2009. Since I last wrote I've taken a few trips. One to Europe and Asia with Mom shooting MY NOSE: THE BIGGER VERSION. We were in Venice when it started snowing and then changed to rain. The streets flooded and they put out walkways. It was quite an experience but nothing like three days after we left. The entire city was under water. Did you see the pictures? In some cases, the water was up to people's waist. Water in buildings, homes. We would have been trapped. We had an opportunity to connect with several interesting people on our journey that I had pre-arranged. In Venice I was interested to learn about the Jewish population there and the history of the Jews. Met Riccardo Calimani, an well known and prolific author. One if his books is about the Venice Ghetto which was the first Jewish ghetto. We visited the synagogues, met with the president of the community and the chief Rabbi. There are only around 460 Jews in Venice. For that matter, the number of Venetians is rapidly declining. Many are leaving since it is becoming more difficult there to make a living. I hadn't been to Venice since I was fifteen, when I went to study. That was a few years ago. I was amazed to see how many Chinese were living there and doing business. In fact, they are manufacturing imitation Murano glass items and leather goods and selling it for much less than the Italian made goods. It is wiping out the local Italian made products due to pricing. An Italian businessman who owned a leather goods shop on the Rialto Bridge was so upset. His family goes back generations making high quality leather bags. When mom questioned him about his higher prices, he was offended. He looked at me and told me the story and asked that I boycott the Chinese merchants. You know, my heart went out to him. When we went to eat in a restaurant there was no Italian in site working there. All I could see were Chinese and Bangladesh. I am all about diversity and growing and living in NY, there can't be a place in the world anymore divers than here. However, I was saddened and missed the Venice I knew of the past. The culture I enjoyed visiting and experiencing.

Mom's Birthday

2008-10-23T09:42:00.005-04:00

I asked mom if it was okay to share the film I made for her birthday. She said,
"Sure". It probably won't be all that much to those who don't know me and her.
Here's the link. It's around 16 minutes. There are a couple of moments when you think
I'm ending the film but I really don't. So to be safe, keep it going until there ain't no more.
http://www.kirschenbaumproductions.com/Mom.mp4

Also, a reminder, I am reading some material from the beginning of a show I'm working on
November 3rd, Monday at the Telephone Bar and Grill. There are four writers and it last one hour
all together from 8:00- 9:00 PM at 149 Second Avenue, NY (between 9th and 10th Street).

Have a great day!!!

My Nose + Reading

2008-10-21T13:44:00.005-04:00

In addition to working.. I did some great bike trips. One was out to the Rockaways - Breezy Point. I'm including a pix. My camera of choice for the last few years has been my cell phone - the Treo - yes, I will upgrade soon but I'm really enjoying the immediacy of these images.

Now for other news - MY NOSE has a long life with no bumps like my real nose has. It continues to be found and plays festivals all over the world. It will be playing this Sunday, October 26th at the Jewish Women's Film Festival in NY at the Goldman-Sonnenfelt Family Auditorium at the Jewish Community Center, 334 Amsterdam Avenue at 74th Street in Manhattan. the National Council of Jewish Women (NY) is the organizer. http://www.ncjwny.org/film_festival.htm

Now if you are in Israel you could see MY NOSE at the Jewish Eye - World Jewish Film Festival in Ashkelon, Israel-
It plays October 22nd and October 27th/

click this link for all screening details http://www.kirschenbaumproductions.com/screenings.htm

About MY NOSE:
A single woman, her mother and her nose creates a dangerous love triangle.
Looking one's best has its place. But what do you do when you think you look good and your mother is convinced what you need more than anything else is a nose job? MY NOSE is a funny, personal documentary that will explore my mother's preoccupation with my nose, the intricacies of the mother/daughter relationship and what drives people into the plastic surgeon’s office.

“Dazzling self-confidence” Washington Post
“A big little movie” Thrive
“Hilarious romp” Jewish Week

You can view a trailer and learn more at
or www.kirschenbaumproductions.com/mynose

By the way, my mother cannot understand why My Nose is considered a Jewish film and I have to admit I was also shocked. When I made it and perhaps you don't know that this was really cut as a promo in efforts to raise money and attract a broadcaster to make it longer, a more in depth film- it was selected for the IFP market in NY - a film market. It was then that Annette Insdorf, a great woman, a film critic and academic who I sent it to in hopes of connecting with an angel and instead she responded asking if she could start recommending it to film festivals as is. I said it was a just a promo and she pointed out that it's a great stand alone short. So I smacked on credits, replaced the music with original music I had the rights to and sent it out. The rest is history. The film has been playing all over the world in regular festivals - and many Jewish film festivals which I quite honestly never knew a thing about and never knew there were so many. You know considering Jews, which I am one of, are a minority in the world, I'm amazed at how many film festivals there are. I guess we just love to create.

What makes my film a Jewish film? Me, my nose, my mom??? I do know when MY NOSE was programmed at a event with violent, narrative films with primarily black casts - I was so concerned that my film shouldn't be there and the audience which was primarily black would hate my film. That's not what happened. I was surrounded by people coming over to me telling me how much they enjoyed. So I guess the issues I touch on in MY NOSE transcend the Jewish world. I was relieved to know that. Everyone has a nose and a mother, right?

One more thing, I am working on a live show. Yup.. I'm just in the writing phase and the very beginning. It's time for me come forward in front of a live audience. Apparently, I have enough chutzpah to be honest about all the stuff I've been through and spill the beans, and hopefully done with humor. I will incorporate film - yes, I have lots of archival footage since my folks bought the 8 mm camera when I was born. I just made a film for my mom's bday. it's a biggie but I can't tell you how old. She tells all my friends and family but does not tell her friends that she hangs out with in Boca. I am sworn to secrecy just in case someone reads this blog and it gets back to her. Let's just say she looks great for her age and is quite swift in her mind, too. Where was I? Oh, if only I had my mom's memory and eyesight for that matter. I need glasses - progressive and serious reading glasses. Mom does not. I ask her to read things for me. What's wrong with that picture?

Okay, so if you are around in NY on November 3rd at 8 PM, I will be reading at the Telephone Bar & Grill, 149 Second Avenue between 9th and 10th Avenue. It's over at 9 PM.

That's it for now. Write- I would love to hear from you and if you want to get my newsletter email me. I write just a few a year. And friend me on Facebook.
Have a great day, week, month. Until next time.

Oh, Chelsea is doing great. Sorry not to mention her. I will add a pix. Just a minute. Let me find it on my computer.

Melting Pot

2008-10-21T12:22:00.008-04:00

When I came back from Israel I sunk myself into developing and shooting a new project called MELTING POT. We shot two shows so far - a wonderful Haitian family where Yanick who is the mom and cook brings us into her world and kitchen and then we shot Rabbi Raskin and his beautiful wife Shternie who does the same. The Raskins are Lubavitch and I have seen them numerous times since we shot this summer.. been invited over for Shabbat meals and holidays such as Sukkot, and tonight I'm heading over for Simchat Torah. Let's just say the Raskins and Yanick have now become friends. That's what the show is about.. I enter people's home of various cultural backgrounds - homes you would normally not be invited into unless you were part of the family, community or a friend. I learn how to cook a traditional meal and stay for dinner and learn family secrets and traditions.
Here's what people are saying about MELTING POT:

“I would watch "Melting Pot" in a minute. You nailed it. It's exactly the kind of show that we need to promote world community. Even though I HATE cholent. What is so wonderful about it is the non-slickness of your encounters and your being menschy (femenschy??) with the people. This is so good.”

We are all excited about it. We are looking for the outlet to broadcast on. I want to introduce you to them visually.

The picture of Rabbi Raskin holding something up with his fork - is him eating cholent - a bone which he takes out the bone marrow and says to the camera, "People kill for this." Yum, have you ever eating this. By the way, Rabbi Aaron Raskin founded the Chabad center in Brooklyn Heights and his wife founded Kiddie Korner a school for kids. They are both amazing people. The shot of the Rabbi, Shternie and me is when we are looking into the crockpot for the meat in the cholent. By the way, cholent is the dish orthodox prepare for the Shabbat. They prepare it in advance since you can not cook during Shabbat and it stays warm on either a low flame which is not touched at all during the Sabbath or in a crockpot. No lights, no fire, no TV, no work, no money exchange during Shabbat. It's a day of rest.

Yanick is the gorgeous Haitian woman. Look at her smile. Yanick is a great cook and baker and she has a catering business. This woman never sleeps. We cooked down in the basement where she built a second kitchen - pretty smart - why make the one upstairs dirty. I learned how to make beef oxtails with eggplant and black rice. The rice is black from mushrooms. Her grown kids, siblings and grandchildren all showed up for dinner. Boy, I learned a lot about their culture and family dynamics. They explained to me how important education was and that the parents work hard to make sure their kids have higher education. Yanick's kids all do. Much love in Yanick's and the Raskin's family.

I love this show and not because I created it but because I love meeting people from different worlds and getting to know them well. We are living in a diverse world. Ignorance breeds prejudice. You might work in the office with people from different ethnic backgrounds.. but unless you are invited back home, you don't really know about their traditions. It's time to go behind close doors and learn about each other. We are all essentially the same - we all have the same basic needs and we all want to be loved.

I always say that if everyone got a good hug each day, there would be less crime. Boy, am I on a rant here. This show is filled with love and humor - and entertaining and educational at the same time.

If this sparks your interest, please comment. I will be looking other stories - Would love go to an Amish family, a Native American reservation and so on. And we are looking for business partners/investors to take this to the next level. Sponsors... etc. Please let me know.

You can view the trailer at http://www.kirschenbaumproductions.com/MP/FINALPROMOVO.mp4

Much is going on in my life now - and thank God my creative juices are flowing. More in the next entry.

Photos of Israel

2008-07-07T12:12:00.003-04:00

My skill of inserting photos in the place you want them with a nice caption to go along side of it, is a bit limited.
On that note, here are four pictures from Israel. You will see one of mom and me who are in the tunnel by the Western Wall, mom having breakfast with our friend Isaac Danker (check out how healthy the food is. Lots of fresh vegetables.) Yes, for those who are Israeli, Isaac is the grandfather of Ron Danker who at 23 years old has become Israel's heart throbe: singer and actor, quite talented and gorgeous, then there is a pix of the Gaza Strip behind the wall, a view of the Western Wall from above as a few Orthodox Jews look out.

Israel 2008

2008-05-20T13:55:00.003-04:00

Days, weeks, months have passed since you have heard from me. Much happening. Most recently, back from a trip to Israel.

Israel, I must talk about Israel. What a joy! And what changes! It had been 14 years since I had been there and yes, lots more development, more high-rises, more shopping malls, restaurants, boutiques but the real difference is the people. I’m not referring to all the Ethiopians who are now living there which you see scattered around, many doing security jobs. beautiful dark skinned people speaking Hebrew and laughing with their fellow light skinned comrades. I’m talking about the attitude of the people. It’s simple to explain. No more hearing the word Mapeton – now it’s Avanti – Mapeton! Defined in English – “What are you talking about” or “No way!” Avanti defined in English- “I understand” Yes, Israelis have become better listeners, less hard, more soft, more cosmopolitan. Is this the result of globalization? That is what Aliza Olmert says the Prime Minister of Israel’s wife when we were having coffee in her residence.

Now when a young soldier finishes his army he /she travels for a year. Generally it’s South America or India since both places are inexpensive and then they buckle down and head off to university. Could this year of travel have something to do with the changes? Perhaps, but I also see the changes in the older folks, my generation – more refined, cultured, less out to prove they are always right. Or are these perceptions just mine and slanted because I’m older now and see things differently?
Hmm? I don’t know. I do know that I felt very much at home there. The people were warm, gracious, generous, embracing and looked great. No obese people you see roaming around in America. Meals are healthy. Breakfast consists of chopped vegetables: cucumbers, tomatoes- diced up and sprinkled with lemon juice, oil, and salt – olives and pickles next to it, some slices of white cheese, eggs cooked to your liking, bread, frequently whole grain. No fry potatoes, corn beef hash, or pancakes.

We volunteered in the army. We being mom and I. There is a volunteer program called Sar-el, which I highly recommend if you want to do something to help – It’s more like being a good will ambassador. Yes, there are many manual tasks that you are assigned to from painting walls, sidewalks, cleaning floors, pots and pans, separating ammunitions casings to use for scrap metal and so on. You sleep in army barracks, eat with the soldiers (breakfast and dinner are identical and the same every day – healthy but that does get old after a while – fresh sliced orange peppers, diced vegetable salad, cabbage salad, olives and pickles, hard boiled eggs, bread and if you are there at Passover as we were you get Matzoh. Lunch is the big meal and that’s where you could enjoy some other form of protein, like chicken or fish and a carbohydrate like rice or pasta.

We took a solidarity trip to Sderot, a small Israeli city outside the Gaza Strip which is often hit by missiles. The economy is depressed there and they organize bus loads of people to go there to visit and shop, to help boost the economy. We ate at a little Moroccan stand. The woman who owned the small restaurant has been living there for years. She talked about the time her house was hit by a missile when her children were in it. They luckily survived. Her home was destroyed. She explained they live in constant fear. It’s a sad story. All around it’s sad. I left Israel wondering what it would take to make peace. There are children being born into this world who only know of war, violence and hardship. Many are being raised to be martyrs.

My girlfriend Carmela is an architect. Quite talented. Her home is gorgeous. What’s funny is to see her car. Brand new, not cleaned with dents. Too busy to clean the car she says, and the dents don’t really matter. People park there cars on sidewalks, stairs, opposite directions, almost upside down is okay, too. Driving.. Hmm? Well, I didn’t drive there but was a passenger and found myself often yelping when I felt we were too near collision. Actually we had one collision. Wasn’t too bad, Car hit us from behind. Nothing more than bumper damage.

Everyone kept saying the country is bilingual – English and Hebrew. They are right. Many people do speak English and it’s not uncommon in the big cities to find menus in English. And yes on the main roads, the signs with the destinations are often in Hebrew, Arabic and English. However, most other street signs such as parking signs, exit signs in parking lots are only in Hebrew. There was no way I could make out what those Hebrew letters meant. If I had rented a car I probably would have received several parking tickets and maybe have even had my car towed.

If you are a human move to Israel. You will be loved and nourished. If you are car don’t move to Israel. You will rarely be cleaned and often bruised from small accidents. All cars move to Los Angeles where you will be cleaned, shined and buffed. Humans stay away from LA.

Those are my thoughts and I’d love to hear yours. By the way, Chelsea stayed home with her friends and had a great time I’m told.
Love to you all. Gayle

Urban kvetch- dog fashion

2008-01-12T13:04:00.000-05:00

Dressing your dog. Okay, you know when you buy clothing for yourself, you want to make sure you have the right style for your body, the right color for your skin, the right fabric, that feels good on you? What about your dog? Shouldn't you use those same skills and considerations when dressing your loved 4 legged companion. What color hair/fur does your dog have? Is one full color? More than one? What's the pattern of color? I'll use Chelsea for example. She is black and white. That means earth tones are a no no. forget about green, brown. She looks best in black, red, white, yellow (combined with dark colors). Contrast is needed. Now for style. She has a cute figure and is low to the ground. Don't want to put something on her that has long front legs that she will trip on. She has floppy ears which I keep short. She looks great in turtlenecks. Pretty sexy on her. Her black shearling coat is a head turner and she loves this coat. The soft fur about her body feels so smooth and warm. Her red Japanese, tightly fitting kimono is an elegant outfit for a special evening event. Like her HBO premiere party. Also, don't ignore the collar and leash. They should be coordinated in addition to functional.
I know you all must think I have lost my marbles but I've been noticing walking on the trendy streets of the NYC how poorly dressed and coordinated so many dogs are who are attached to well groomed humans. Let's just say, in my house Chelsea is better dressed than I am. I do not even have a Shearling coat. Hell, she deserves it.
Have a great day! xoxoGayel

Juno

2007-11-29T22:55:00.001-05:00

Just saw Juno and it rocks. Diablo Cody spoke afterwards. She is one hot, smart, young and I mean young talented lady. It's a must see.

Thanksgiving.. all I can say is I'm thankful it passed. Took a cruise. No, it's not my kind of vacation but it is the vacation of choice for the rest of the Kirschenbaum clan. Mom said, "Do if for me." Now that Dad is dead, I felt this was one battle not worth fighting especially when she told me we would have a balcony and I could disappear and write. Sounds okay, even if you hate being trapped on a giant moving Las Vegas style hotel. There is always a place to escape to be alone and take your computer and get some work done. Wrong. The outlets were all European, no adaptor on the ship and they informed that even if I had an adaptor passengers were not allowed to use the electricity in the public rooms explaining it was an electrcial issue and only for the vacuum cleaners. Go figure. Oddly enough, we had a fire on the ship. This is not an every day occurrence. First for me and most of the crew and passengers. I did remind my fellow sailors how the Titanic was one of my favorite movies. The fire broke out in the laundry room at three in the morning and code, announcing... Code Bravo, 1, laundry was repeated over and over the PA system in everyone's room. It was hard to believe how many people slept thru this even in my group. I ran out to check what was going on and even after being fed the party line, "All is okay, please go back to your cabin, mam" I found a guy with a walkie-talkie in a red t-shirt, part of the crew who spilled the beans. There was a fire in the laundry room and they were working on containing it. More and more passengers came out of their rooms, most woken up and some carrying bags with their documents and some with their life jackets ready to get on the lifeboat. Eventually, an announcement was made in several languages explaining what was going on. What concerned me was the use of the word, containing, not put out, but they were containing the fire. That was just the tip of the iceberg, no pun intended.

Coincidentally , this was the same day a ship in the north did hit an iceberg and all had to abandon the ship. What followed next was the surprise engagement of my niece to her lovely boyfriend. They have "issues" and I know until those are worked out they won't be walking down the aisle. Sure hope they manage. And last but not least, the step mother, latest wife of my brother decided to lash out at me. Mind you her son had been acting up the entire cruise, temper tantrums... When she was done cursing, she finished it off with, "I'm not done with you." I can't write this stuff. The end of the evening we kissed and made up. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. I want to thank my family for all the material they have given me. Love to you all!!

Florida

2007-07-29T10:23:00.000-04:00

Today is the funeral for my Uncle Sonny, my mother's brother. He got melanoma and it spread all over. It took less than two months for him to pass. I have been on the phone with him, working to arrange his care. He resisted hospice and finally agreed to go last Tuesday. I think he had no idea what hospice care is like, particularly down here in Boca Raton. It's like a beautiful resort. He probably thought it was going to be like a depressing nursing home. I spoke to him on Tuesday and he seemed to be relaxed, knowing he was no longer at home alone barely able to walk and having accidents. He was surprised by how beautiful the hospice center was. He said he would wait for me for come down on Friday but he couldn't wait. He passed away the day before I arrive. Sonny and his wife Ruth (she died 2 years ago), never had children. They tried and she had a few miscarriages. We, my brothers and I, were like their chldren. Throughout the years, Sonny was my family confident. When I had problems with my family he was the person I could speak to and share my struggles with and he always was a good ear and understood me. He was knowledgeable about everything and in the last years we enjoyed bashing Bush together. I will miss him and my mother more so. My mother and Sonny became close friends in the recent year after they both became widowed. I worry about her; she is now totally alone family wise ...only one left of her generation. I told her this is the first time in her life that she doesn't have to answer to anyone (like my father) and she doesn't have to take care of anyone (like my uncle). This is the time that my mom and I get closer. I need to keep her young (she is in her 80s) and travel, do things she couldn't before. Okay, all, need to prepare to go. We will be celebrating Uncle Sonny's life later.
Chelsea is here, too. She is spending lots of time sleeping. Love to you all.

June already

2007-06-19T12:15:00.000-04:00

Hi all... I hope your summer is going well. Chelsea has taken a three week holiday without me. She is up in New Hampshire with her friends. Out in the country, lots of grass to run around on and bear to spy on. She left me behind to hold the fort and keep business moving along. I have to admit I wish I was up there. Ready for some nature. The shot below is taken right near where we live. Lucky to be across from the river. Keep July 25th open if you are in NYC and want to see MY NOSE film. Check out screenings for the exact info. Have a great day!!

Sunset on Hudson River

2007-06-19T12:04:00.000-04:00

Taking in Florida

2007-04-20T14:56:00.001-04:00

while I was driving using my Treo (Palm) phone.

2007-04-20T14:54:00.000-04:00

Life on this sunny day

2007-04-20T14:30:00.000-04:00

It's been pretty crappy weather in NY. First nice warm, sunny day in a while. Chelsea is hanging out with her cat brother and her aunts. Lori, Chelsea's Godmother, arrived to town yesterday. We are all busy working away. Love. Decided to focus attention to this area of my life. I know you are thinking that I've been doing this and I certainly write and speak about in my films. I turned up the volume and became proactive, not waiting for Mr. Right to find me. There's been a flurry of activity.. fun times, good conversation, shared meals and experiences. And then, someone appeared. Yup, pretty exciting. Will not give details because anything could jinx it. Let's just say, so far, so good. Whatever happens happens. All I say is, if I never have another blind date in my life, I'd be really fine with that. It's time to build a life with someone. To think and care and cook for another. To laugh and cry, work and play together. You know what they say, behind every good man/woman is a woman/man. It's not like I don't enjoy my alone time, my creating time, my thinking and being time but how wonderful to know someone is there for you and vice versa. I'm so ripe for a juicy, loving, supportive, long lasting relationship. I just want to focus on one significant other. On that subject, I noticed something so common place among the men I dated through the internet. Their constant search. When ever I would go back to the online site, their they were online, too. Never enough, always looking over the shoulder of the person in front them. I'm off the internet now and really do hope I don't return. it's a great way to meet someone particularly in this day and age when we are all so busy and the chances of our paths crossing are not great. It affords us an opportunity to meet people we normally would never meet. Oh, I heard something funny. One date, in an effort to learn about my sleeping habits with a man asked me if I was a clinger or slept independent. At first, I didn't know what he meant. Then he said, full disclosure, I am independent. I asked what he meant and he explained he slept without touching. Can't be touched or vice versa. Well, I just learned some new lingo and styles. Voila, back to work! Love to you all and please write.

Review of MY NOSE

2007-04-20T14:22:00.001-04:00

Months have passed. Okay, what's going on? MY NOSE started playing in film festivals. Remember to check http://www.myspace.com/gaylekirschenbaum.
Here's the first review it received.
THRIVE Magazine by Nancy Weber
Loyalty to our peers be damned. No way not to root for the pup in My Nose, Gayle Kirschebaum’s tragicomic short documentary about the knife-work her mother thinks will save Gayle’s life.
“I knew my biological clock was ticking. I didn’t know my nose was ticking,” says the lovely, funny, talented, single Gayle, as her mother drags her to plastic surgeons in New York and Florida. One doc, a Kabbalist, keeps staring over her head; when Gayle asks why he isn’t looking at her face, he says he’s focusing on a vision of the man who will marry her, post-op.
Mr. Husband is right there, the surgeon assures her, just waiting for her to be sculpted into an object worthy of romantic love.
Maybe it’s her mother, not her nose, who’s scaring away the fellows? I feel guilty as I write those words; I know the mistakes we mothers make in the name of love. Mrs. K., between face-lifts during the period the film was shot, believes she has benefited from cosmetic surgery, and maybe she has. If it’s good for the goose, it’s good for the gosling, right?
Wrong, which is why this is a big little movie. A romp but an important romp.
As the closing credits roll, Gayle dedicates My Nose to her father, who has recently died. He lived long enough to see the film, though, and proudly extolled Gayle’s talent. He is the parent we all mean to be, the one with right-on values who encourages the child to create, and the hell with surfaces. Kirschenbaum makes clear how she hungered for such affirmation from her mother."
I suspect many viewers will share my hope that Gayle sees her mother’s participation in the film as a reflection of respect and love, an act of amends-making. Mrs. K. has to have known she was cast as the villain — this woman who dressed her infant daughter like a dolly and now would subject her to the dangers of nontrivial surgery. You want to shake her by the shoulders: How dare she reinvent her daughter’s face — she who doesn’t see her daughter? And yet there she is on the screen, energetically offering herself up as an object of scorn.

As we go to press, My Nose is starting to play festivals. You can track its progress by checking out Kirschenbaum’s Website, ww.kirschenbaumproductions.com. My Nose is distinguished by its heart, antic energy, laugh-aloud moments, willingness to discomfort, and visual integrity. It’s more than worth the detour.
After you see it, reread The Nose, by Gogol. Please. It’s been too long. Since you read Gogol, I mean.

My Space + photographs

2007-01-31T07:52:00.000-05:00

Hi all,
A few new things to report. Firstly, I did a reading of some essays and stories I've written. Went over well and was asked if the stories are available on the web. I think I will post some of them on the site.

But I did just upload a bunch of photographs I have taken using my Treo phone. I'm fairly excited about these pix. My education and background was in art and photography and I lost all interest in creating still images until now. This phone allows me to shoot when no one knows I am shooting, allows me to capture special moments in time, moments in life. Please take a look at these pix and tell me what you think. Click on Photography at www.kirschenbaumproductions.com.

Also, I just put up a myspace.com/gaylekirschenbaum.
Okay, Chelsea is doing great. She is sleeping now but otherwise, enjoying herself. We just went to Cabrini Hospice and made our rounds. It is such rewarding work. Chelsea lights up the patients and their visitors.
Have a great day and please write!
Love, Gayle Licks, Chelsea

Theresa and Gayle

2007-01-01T19:47:00.000-05:00

I just had to post this picture of me and my good friend, Theresa King, who is a fabulous photographer. Okay, there will be many more good times happening here, bringing great minds and people together.
Love you all,
Gayle and Chelsea

Happy New Year!

2007-01-01T19:02:00.000-05:00

Hi all,
We just moved into a great space. A loft with huge ceilings. We had a party and it was great getting several friends and family members together. Mom has come to NY to visit with my nephew.I wish you the best in 2007!

Scarsdale

2006-10-06T12:34:00.000-04:00

Come to Scarsdale Library October 25th, Wednesday 7:30 PM to see our films. Chelsea will be joining me. Get to meet the Diva Dog. www.dogamentary.com/Premieres.html

What else is going on? Moving. Yes, quickly, moving not from New York but from one apartment to another. Lots of work and must happen quickly. It's a good thing but our home is so important to us and it's hard to focus on work in the midst of pulling this off. Construction, boxes, designing, organizing. ADD, attention deficit disorder. Not diagnosed with this but am convinced I am border line. I find my mind constantly switching thought directions. Just like now. I hate when I interrupt myself. And I know how you feel when I interrupt you. My excuse - if I don't say it now I will forget it. Poor excuse.

Love, you all want to know about love, don't you. And I have been surprised to learn that more people are reading this than I thought, people in my life now or before. It is a great way to keep up with someone. Well, I'm going to love a secret for now. Let your minds wander. Has she found the guy? Is she finally in love and settling down? is that why her skin looks so good? I can't believe her age. What's her secret? All good questions. Skin, well recently I was turned on to La Mer. Ladies, are you familiar with their products? It seems to be doing miracle work on me and my mom. Our faces look younger than ever, it's our bodies which are aging. Aging, now that's a good topic. how long are our bodies made to last? I suppose if you look at our body as a car, if you maintain it regularly, bring it in for a tune up on schedule, change and clean the fluids regularly, treat it with love, don't brake too hard, your car wil last longer and that applies to everything, even ourselves. I tend to avoid eating and drinking anything that will make me feel bad. Now, I know others who just jump right in, eat the food they know they are allergic to, drink the booze they know will make them sick, and then suffer stomach pains, nausea and gas. Explain this me? Why? Okay, I am no saint, if that's what you are thinking, I just don't like to be sick so why instigate it. Rambling, that's what I'm doing. Sitting in a cafe with a ton of work I need to do. My film MY NOSE ( a work-in-progress) played at the IFP film market and I have much follow up to do... need to quiet the mind and sink into it. Been in the contracting mindset for the new loft, need to ease out of that state and into a creative writing state. yoga. Want to get to a class today. Chelsea is home sleeping. She seems to be enjoying her sleep more these days. In fact, I wake up early and sneak out to go for a run and to the gym and leave her up in the loft. She doesn't seem to mind. Before if I slipped out of bed and didn't take her down with me, she would be crying non-stop so demanding of my time. I wonder how she wil take to this move. Just distracted again by a call. Phone shut off now. And my time to say good-bye to you. Remember I love you all and wish you happy and abundant times.

Reunion

2006-10-06T11:44:00.000-04:00

Everytime I go to make an entry I realize how much time has passed and just don't know where to start. Okay, so what's the latest news? A Dog's Life is playing up in Scarsdale at the library October 25th library. Check www.dogamentary.com screenings for details. Chelsea and I will be attending . We will also be screening MY NOSE work-in-progress. MY NOSE just screened at the IFP market in NY and got a great response. For more info go to www.kirschenbaumproductions.com. We are looking for an Executive Producer.
Life in New York is pretty hectic. Last month I had a huge family reunion in Montreal. I will include a picture. It appears to be of the women. Cousins saw each other for the first time in 40 years. It was so heartwarming. What happened was when I moved back to NY I decided to find my Canadian family. I did and visited them last Xmas. I write about it on the blog. They were so inspired that they decided to host a family reunion. All I can say is there is nothing better than reconnecting with family that you really like. They have become incredibly successful, worked really hard to get there and cant' be more generous and down to earth.
I haven't actually really figured out how to upload a picture and put in the place you want it but I'm grateful I can at least upload it. I will say good-bye for now but promise to be back soon. Take care! Gayle

sailing

2006-08-05T21:02:00.000-04:00

I just spent all day on the water sailing. I've decided to finally take a class in sailing and learn what to do instead of sitting on friend's sail boats and just looking pretty or doing what they ask me to, but not really knowing why. It's been an incredible hot couple of weeks. I'm a bit fried from the sun although I have been using sunscreen. Chelsea has not joined me yet. She has stayed home in the air conditioning. She did receive an invite on my friend's 30 foot boat. So the question is do I need a life jacket for her. He tells me there has never been a problem and he has been sailing for 30 years and is an expert. Perhaps she will join me on a night sail.

I never posted this and it's already October. OMG!

Europe/Avignon

2006-07-14T16:43:00.000-04:00

Chelsea stayed home and I took mom with me to Europe. A DOG'S LIFE was premiering in France at the Avignon Film Festival. We stopped in Berlin for a couple of nights. Mom had never been there before. We ended up being there the night the Germans beat Ecuador. They went wild. One happy drunk German even wrapped mom in a German flag. I could see the headline now, "Elderly Jew wrapped in German Flag". It was the first time in a long time that the Germans could be so proud to hang their flag. Festivities everywhere. Coincidentally, we ended up in Paris the night the French beat Brazil and you can imagine how thrilled they were. No, this wasn't a soccer trip we were taking. I'm completely distracted by the Middle East crisis. How could any of this make matters better? Doesn't it only ignite hatred? I have many friends and family in Israel. Even the Prime Minister is an old friend but I'm sitting here so concerned about this aggression. You can't control rage. More and more suicide bombers are being created each day. Can you imagine suicide bombers here? The effect that could have on us. Okay, I started writing this a few days ago and was eager to share with you what an incredible trip I had in Europe and to upload pictures. I have to leave to head to my sailing classes and then Chelsea and I are off to a B&B my friend bought in the country. A gorgeous old Victorian home.
Okay, I will upload some pix. You will mom and me enjoying dinner in Paris, a rendezvous with my old dear friend, Francois Hebel who is the head of the Festival of Arles (photography festival) and another friend. A group of filmmakers from the Avignon Film Festival.