Hello again.

I must say that I have been blessed to not only have had the chance to meet several fellow Billy fans, but Billy himself. We ladies had such a wonderful time in St. Louis. What always amazes me is the type of person that is a fan club member. They are classy, funny, confident and gracious folks. I must admit that I love to meet new fans.

It gets a bit tedious trying to tell ALL those that don’t know who Bill is about him. That’s why it’s great to be with folks who are in the know, thanks to Max and Cyn’s site.

When I finally made it to the hotel, several hours late, Max was glad to see me. I was so excited to meet the new gang members too. I was the last to arrive and actually had a bed tom myself. Max makes the BEST travel plans. The hotel was an old English style, complete with stuffed grizzly which Penny and I could have done without.

We had a spectacular dinner before the first movie, despite the waiter sneaking up on me several times. Think he needed my squeaky shoes. We sat and talked until it was time to stop by the room and then head for the theater. I couldn’t believe how close we were to the theater; it was maybe 2 blocks. It was a great place, an old fashioned theater with clean floors, believe it or not, not that I spent much time on the floor.

The first night Calandra and I watched from the center of the theater. I have to admit I was very tired after a long day of travel. The movie once again pulled me into its web. I watched again in awe. The man knows his craft and is gifted. I’m amazed at this film’s art as well as craft. The music, actors and story are tremendous and powerful. You must see it if you can, you will only understand what I mean once you see it. For a first time director, you’d be amazed at how much is there. I’ve seen it 5 times, and still notice things I hadn’t the other previous viewings.

Billy is a gracious, giving man with infinite patience. He gave one of the best Q & A’s I had seen. I learn more each time I listen, and watch his film. It took me into a culture that I am curious about, which is almost any culture there is. I’m anxious to see more from this amazing actor, writer, director, artist, and singer. What else can this man do?

We stayed at the Cheshire, in adjoining rooms. Max said it was like a dorm, which was perfect. We talked SO much and we even slept this time. Since some hadn’t slept for 24 to 48 hours it was a welcomed release to be silent and still. I really enjoyed everyone’s company so much. We laughed and shared stories and talked about our lives at home. It was funny how our kids had the same idea about Billy. Kids are so funny. Mine want to meet Billy, like he’d be in anything rated G.

We were a short walk from a really neat grocery store that had a funny name, Schnucks or something like that. There was an awesome spread of all types of food, even had sushi for lunch one day. My favorite, not as good as hubby’s of course. The weather was beautiful; sun, a strong breeze and great walking weather. So I took the journey a few times, mainly because I forgot what I went there for in the first place. Such a space case I am as Max can tell you. There was even a New Balance shoe store right there too. I had to retire my old sneakers, squeakers was more like it. I had looked for a New Balance store in Indy and couldn’t find one. Then here was one right when I most needed it. I think Max thought I got lost again. That does happen to me, but I find the most interesting things when I’m lost. B}

The second day after recovering and enjoying my cohorts company, we watched MacArthur Park a second time. I actually saw more of the film this time. It could have something to do with cleaning my glasses earlier that day but I doubt it. This time I gave Calandra her space and let her watch in silence. She was still the entire time. I wanted to poke her to see if she was still breathing, that and I’m a terrible tease. She asked some great questions during the Q & A. It was interesting to see it from her photographer’s/artists point of view.

Again Billy was most generous with his time, more so this last time knowing it was the end of his film festival tour. We took many pictures and he signed several pictures and programs for the ladies. It was great, so much more so then in Taos, didn’t seem to be rushing around. He was so relaxed, kind and spent time with all those that stayed after the movie let out. He really seemed to appreciate all that Max has done for him and spent most of his time with us. Which was very gracious, considering we were great in number. He didn’t seem at all uncomfortable with us, which was a relief to see him at ease.

He had seemed tired even in Taos, where he said it was like a vacation for him. Perhaps it was the end of the film festival circuit and he’s finally on to other projects. I couldn’t say, I did wonder at this but left him alone. I had had my turn meeting in him in Taos and stayed back so the others could enjoy their time with him. I did get one picture but have to say that I really enjoyed just being in St. Louis with the gang.

Here’s what I found interesting after comparing my two film festivals. In Taos there was nature up close and personal. It’s wild and rugged country with a very native and southwest feel. I so enjoyed the artistic and relaxed atmosphere. The festival was not well run or organized and seemed a new thing to the area. It had a tremendous spread great of films and lots of folks from the biz were there. It was a great time and what a neat place. Artists and craftsmen on every corner, great bakeries, as my waist can attest to. It was such an interesting atmosphere. Taos is a very spiritual place. I keep trying to find a reason to get back there. (Hear that Bill and Stacy?)

I can’t wait to take my family to stay in an earthship, this time for more than 12 hours to really get a better idea of what it’s like. My hubby has finally conceded to try it out. I do plan to write up something for the site for the fans care page. I hope to get to this over the Christmas vacation. Wish me luck, I have a tendency to be in my own time zone.

St. Louis is a quaint city. I rather enjoyed the ride on the train. The architecture was great, old and mainly stone, a personal favorite of mine. The streets were clean and welcoming. It gave the city a homey feel and made you welcome, even when I was hopelessly lost. It was a beautiful day and I just enjoyed the scenery. The festival was better organized and spread out across more than a week, unlike Taos.

Unfortunately I only found 2 other films that looked interesting while I would be there. The rest were later in the event. I would be back in my little burg by then. I did see one that has interested me since I browsed the SLFF site early on. Having arrived so late on Friday I missed the film that was just before MacArthur Park, heavy-sigh. The other was later Saturday night and I went alone down the street in the dark and felt right at home. That’s what was great about St. Louis, it wasn’t intimidating as cities are apt to be.

The title was Smell of Camphor, Scent of Jasmine. It was an interesting film about this poor guy that had one hell of an unbelievable day. It was set in modern Iran and was divided into 3 sections, not sure why. It was fascinating to see more of a culture I have recently been exposed to. It was funny, more a black comedy but it had an interesting message as well. Live while you can, and enjoy it. Think it has made an impression on me. I can still see the guys face in my mind’s eye. In hope I never have a day like his, wow.

I want to thank Maxine, Billy, Chris Carter and the ladies for a great time. Mommy is a happy camper again so my family thanks you too.

Bethy.......2001

built mm 11/2001

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