Nil by Mouth

Strategies for Agoraphobia

It’s 5 PM, and like the light at the end of a very dark, cold, windy, and damp tunnel, the unset sun reminds me that a warmer spring might still be on it’s way. Mind you I’m having to look far past the grey and bleak sky, below freezing temps, and impending violence. February has been and continues to be the suckiest month of the year. It’s a gift that it is only 28 days long (usually) so at least goes by a bit quicker, even if it doesn’t feel that way. I’m having trouble motivating my way out my front door these days, as several of my exasperated friends can attest to. In light of this I thought I’d sniff around and find at least ten reasons to leave the house. And yes, I am doing this more for me than you. In no particular order…

1. Saturday Feb 15 : The World Says No to War rally. Ever since Dori and I got arrested at an RTS march 3 years ago (or was it 4?) I don’t go for political protests and rallies. And I especially don’t go for them in the winter. It’s just that things are looking pretty dire right now. And so far sitting with my head in my hands and moaning hasn’t helped.

2. The Pianist is one of the only winter movies I haven’t seen yet, and typically the one I’ve been most wanting to see out of all of them. And maybe it’ll stop my pussy whining about the weather.

3. Two double features this weekend at Symphony Space City of Hope & Lone Star (love John Sayles) and Nenette et Boni & Trouble Every Day (love Claire Denis).

4. At BAM, Best of the African Diaspora Film Festival. I’m especially wanting to see the Marvin Gaye documentary. And yes that’s a lotta movies but it’s no weather for a picnic, ok.

5. The Metropolitan Museum of Art – Leonardo da Vinci, Master Draftsman. I’m certain I won’t motivate for this, but I should so I might as well feel bad about it.

6. David Hammons: Concerto in Black and Blue which I’ve now planned on on going to, address in pocket, and ended up not making, three times now.

7. Old Navy is having a ridiculous getting-rid-of-everything-winter sale. Fleece hoodies for six bucks. and if you are either tiny or enormous your chances of scoring sweet deals increase by 10.

Ok – I can’t think of 10, and even that Old Navy thing was kind of a stretch I know. But there are 2 double features and a whole film festival so that could really count as several reasons. If you’ve got suggestions lemme at ‘em. My bar tolerance is low these days, as is talking to strangers or marginal acquaintances. But spring, it will happen.

• Feb 11