Virginia Davis Taylor. Artist and mother of three. Her self portrait. Her three girls and grandchildren think of her always and miss her- especially when they would love to share their happy times and accomplishments with her. Her smile, her fine values, her sense of humor- are alive in our memories.
E X C E L L E N T.
There will be cake.
C. 1943 Cambria Court, St. Davids. Philadelphia.
C H R I S T M A S 2 0 1 9
When your dear friend happens to inhabit the penthouse above you.
#nightcaps #goodcheer #wisdom #Sky #perspective #gratitude #birds
Visitor at our window.
Clearly, there’s BEEN cake.
Shooting winding up, with bubbles!. #Hollywood
#NETFLIX
The other day- headed to work at dawn.
#Hollywood
O N W A R D
T H A N K S
Generous affection from an Empress of all she surveys.
Christmas thoughts of the south of France.
As I’m sure you all can imagine, I couldn’t be more honored than by PBS’s decision to broadcast ANN nationally, this summer, premiering nationwide on June 19th, under the banner of Great Performances. I’m so gratified that ANN will be on a beloved and admired network, one that is in every TV across the land. The fact that I will be performing it live at the Pasadena Playhouse in CA at the same time would make Governor Richards smile, I know. #StillTruckin’. Love and greetings to all.
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/ann-about/10421/
Happy Birthday to Ann Willis Richards, a woman legendary in her friendships, in her rich family life, her glorious humor— in her accomplishments, an eloquent and inspiring leader, defender of human rights, champion for women, a beloved governor of Texas, a woman for all seasons.
From Union Station.
Racing to New York now on the Acela. DC is getting to feel a lot like Rome (ancient) these days. The streets are paved with gold, the Senators and basically everyone with power there is better looking and certainly better tailored, the men, than any movie star. The grooming, the shoes, the 700$ hair trims, the cuff links, the brilliant smiles. Everyone at their best, on their best, in their best for RBG’s LBJ award last night in the staggeringly opulent Library of Congress… and in this Capital… what in the Hell is going on??? A show-off emeritus making a loony case of innocence of any wrong doing and happily splashing around in the big puddle of Harvard’s embarrassment. Will there ultimately be a mighty swing back to civility, the rule of law, the norms of demeanor, respect for office and duty when the next generation fully takes the reins that many people of color and women and young people are just beginning to grasp?
This is the last professional portrait photograph of Ann Richards, taken by extraordinary photographer PLATON. I had this on my computer screen often over the years when I worked on the play. How is that for an open look? “Let’s see what you do.” I was oddly comforted by her neutrality. I didn’t want encouragement. I wanted simply to be seen. I hoped my work would stand, would please. This is not a typical picture of Ann- in fact, of the thousands I have, there’s not another like it. It means so much to me. In a pure coincidence that joined the hundreds of unexpected surprising events in my journey with the play, the marketing team for the Lincoln Center production on Broadway chose PLATON to photograph me for ANN’s iconic and glorious poster. Who knew?! Who, indeed?
Years after I researched and wrote my play about Ann Willis Richards, I realized my response to her was really kin to my beloved Aunt Louise Taylor Clothier, who was, like Ann, the most adored person in a far reaching clan of family, friends and admirers. Aunt Louise, also like Ann, died at 73, suddenly and shockingly to all who wanted them both to live forever. They share steady gazes strikingly similar, as I see it. They both always did the “next” right thing. They both were funny, warm, and saw who needed what, when others didn’t notice. They were on the side of the Angels in all things, and now, they rest with them. I hope they watch us still, and know how much they made our lives golden.
Greatness.
Tonight the LBJ Foundation will award their most prestigious honor, the LBJ Liberty & Justice for All Award, to Associate Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the Supreme Court of the United States. I am honored to be part of the program and will read a brief excerpt from one of Justice Ginsburg’s notable career writings. (Tune in live tonight, the 30th, 7:30 p.m. ET, at LBJ award.org)
So flattered and honored to be part of @drjamesmellon ‘s new interview series, perfectly titled “The Inner View.” Of course, Dr. James sees everyone as a spiritual being- some of us feel less so than others. I will go wherever he leads in this conversation, for leader he surely is. Looking forward to the understanding he always brings to the biggest questions.
On September 13th, 2006, Governor Ann Richards died, at only 73. This rocked countless thousands- actually millions- of people as she was so much loved and profoundly admired. I was shaken into a sense of loss that within months became an overwhelming desire to do something creative about her… a living memorial. My memories and many friendships from the ten years‘ adventure to Broadway, ending with the 2016 movie of the play, are the greatest reward I could have. Once in a blue moon, I try to imagine her sitting in the audience, saying a little too loud, to Cecile or Liz- ”This is FABulous!.”
After three years of working winter and spring with this guy, I am starting to miss him big time, especially as season 3 of @mrmercedestv , which premieres tomorrow, Sept 10th, is our last season. Mr. Brendan Gleeson. A man for ALL seasons. A truly great actor. @thekatemulgrew is towering this year. Bruce DERN visits us in a great role. Brilliant cast- mjharreljerome @breedawool @rarmian Justine Lupe, Gabriel Ebert, @maxitois4real @brettgelman —all led by superb director @jackbendrart
@AUDIENCENetwork
