My good friend Stevie (he who was my partner-in-crime in driving to Taos and attending the opening of Dean Stockwell’s art show in Taos) always remembers that October 18, is my blog-anniversary. I started it on October 18, 2002. An early adapter, before blogging had reached a tipping point. You’d say you had a blog and people would say, “What’s that?”
Here is the first post. I wrote it sitting in Allison’s apartment. It’s hysterical.
That photo above is from a long long time ago, but it was at the top of my site for years, before I re-designed stuff and took it down. It was taken by Michael, during a production we were acting in in Ithaca, New York, and this was on our day off and the cast went wine-tasting in the surrounding countryside. One of the happiest days of my life – for no particular reason, just that everything was perfect. So that’s how I chose to represent myself when I started up this site. If I had to do it all over again, I would not have put a picture of myself on the front page of my blog. It led to some creepy male followers and I was new to blogging (everyone was) and wasn’t sure how to deal with the attention from guys who treated my blog like it was a Match.com profile.
I started out on Blog-Spot, creating the blog in 5 minutes, crouched over my laptop, sitting in my friend Allison’s apartment. I re-read the early personal entries of my blog (I wrote much more personally back then, as well as tons of current-events-political stuff) and feel almost disorientation at the tone, the difference in my life back then. (There’s a little Archive drop-down over on the right-hand nav.) My nephew Cashel was a small child and he lived in Brooklyn. He is now a college graduate. My sisters weren’t married yet, and hadn’t met their husbands. My brother lived in New York (he now lives in Utah). They have two sons. My father was still with us. I had a day job. (I would lose it post 2008, naturally.) I was acting in shows and taking a great acting class. I was going on wild dates with random people and then I would write about it in detail on my blog. I got caught up in reading some of those stories yesterday and there’s one date in particular I swear I do not remember at all. Not one bit of it. Reading that story is like reading a fictional narrative.
There were a couple of reasons that I sat down and created a blog in 5 minutes. Multiple intersecting reasons. In the wake of 9/11, which I witnessed and experienced first-hand, I – like many New Yorkers – went into a state of sustained panic that lasted about a year. I still feel it sometimes, when I am downtown. There’s a new building there now. There’s a memorial. But I remember that hole. The smoking hole in the ground, and the empty spot in the sky where those buildings were. I don’t allow politics on my blog anymore. I wrote about politics back then, in those crazy panic-struck days. I barely had an audience outside my family for about a year. My first blog on Blog-spot had no comments. In June of 2003, I bought a domain name, and moved all that stuff over to the new site (losing a lot of content in the process – every upgrade I lost stuff, including comments).
I had a lot of free-floating anxiety and panic in the wake of the terrorist attack. There is a lot I have blocked out, but it’s all there in those early days of the blog. Bomb threats at work. Anthrax. SARS. Red alerts, orange alerts. Setting up contingency plans if we were attacked again. (We all had the horrible memories of nobody’s cell phones working on September 11th and not being able to find each other.) These were all everyday parts of New Yorkers’ lives. It was almost impossible to avoid the panic. I started a blog in many ways to express some of that, let off steam, and also SHARE, because sharing felt better to me than just writing “another bomb-scare at work today” in my journal.
Additionally, along with the September 11th impetus, my heart got broken – based on almost nothing – in 2002. But for whatever reason, this one encounter had a long-lasting impact. In 2000, I met a guy at a party, and fell in love at first sight. I’m proud of that essay because it actually captures WHY that experience was so profound … but the whole thing is tainted by the aftermath. Meeting that man was a turning point. Nothing was the same afterwards. And it has nothing to do with him. It was all about me, and where I was at. I was weakening already when I met him. My resilience was diminishing, I somehow felt it, but couldn’t seem to stop it.
In April of 2002, he invited me to his birthday party. Knowing I was playing with fire, I went. To say it was a crazy night would be to totally understate the situation. I read that essay now and I want to tell myself DO NOT ATTEND THAT PARTY. But I was reckless and determined to stir shit up. Mission accomplished. The aftermath was so bad that looking back I believe I should have been hospitalized. It was months, MONTHS, of what Keats calls “wakeful anguish,” and a moment of delirium so alarming I almost called 911 on myself. I don’t mind using the term: “I went crazy.” Again, this really didn’t have to do with him specifically.
It took MONTHS for me to even START to “come down”, and now, looking back, I understand how dangerous my condition actually was. I white-knuckled it.
By September, 2002, half a year after the party, I started to feel like myself again. I was interested in life again. Illness (which I didn’t even know was illness at the time) subsided, leaving me energized and clear-headed. Combined with the overall panic-high-alert mode in New York post 9/11, this was the impetus to start up a site.
That was 19 years ago. I have mixed feelings about all of it. So much avoidable anguish. HOWEVER: In October of 2002, starting up this site was an act of survival, it meant I wanted to speak, and I thought my voice was worth sharing. I had no idea it would end up not only saving my life – at least the important parts of my life, emotional/intellectual – but also help me find my way into a second meaningful career. I had no idea where it would lead me. I didn’t care. I didn’t start the blog with a theme or an overall plan. I barely wrote about actors or film. Not at first. It was all over the place.
The political side of my blog got old almost immediately. By 2004, I had it with the general TONE in the comments section of my blog from all the political people who squatted there (before social media, you “hung out” on blogs), and I brought the hammer down: No more politics allowed. Y’all are mean and tedious. I lost many readers. Good riddance. Once I started writing mainly about actors (around 2004, 2005), a whole new audience arrived. (To be fair: There are many people who still read me from those early days – you know who you are.) Eventually, film bloggers started linking to me, I started seeking out people blogging about film. It was a much more appropriate crowd for me. Matt Zoller Seitz, a well-known critic, had a blog, The House Next Door, and one random day he reached out to me and asked if I’d like to contribute. Sure! I had no idea he knew who I was. I started writing for them (you can see the links to my stuff under the Writing Tab in the banner, if you like.) I covered the Tribeca Film Festival for House Next Door (my first time “covering” anything), and that’s how I met Keith and Dan, two dear friends. It’s how I met Farran, Odie, Simon, Steven Boone … people who have become lifelong friends. Now I write freelance for all these different outlets, and yes, of course, I work very hard and I write all the time, but I don’t know if it would have happened if I hadn’t started up my site on that beautiful October day in 2002. I’ve kept a journal since I was 11 years old and barely missed a day for damn near 20 years (I only journal periodically now). Writing is an impulse, yes, but it’s also a necessity and a habit. I MUST do it. Now people pay me to do it. But I didn’t HUSTLE to become a film critic. Hell, there wasn’t even a DESIRE. It just … happened that way. I didn’t seek out the film critic world, it sought me out.
Once I figured out how I wanted to use this place, I was off to the real races. I followed obsessions, tracking them every step of the way, devoting months (years) to Dean Stockwell, Cary Grant, Humphrey Bogart, ELVIS, Supernatural. I am filled with humility and gratitude that outlets would PAY me for writing similar things. I wasn’t a newbie in re: writing. I had written a novel, a couple of novellas, an entire book’s worth of personal essays and was trying to get all of it published. I wrote a short one-woman show which I performed all over New York. Through writing personal essays on my blog, I got some bites from agents, and started to work with one. There were many things going on in my writing life besides the blog.
The blog got me into the practice of writing publicly every day. It was a stabilizing influence, that’s for sure, although I read those early personal entries – in 2002, 2003 … and I can tell I am struggling mightily. The impulse was to express myself and to be as transparent as I felt comfortable being. I didn’t create a “persona.” I had no thought of crafting a “brand”. (I still don’t think that way.) It was a personal endeavor. My father was my most devoted reader in the beginning. I still come across comments from him and they catch my breath in my throat.
To all who read me: from the beginning, and more recently … thank you for liking what I do enough that you would choose to spend time here. Thank you for commenting. Your comments add to the experience of writing here. It requires moderation on my part, because unmoderated comments sections are terrible. Once I realized how I wanted to do things, and what I would allow/not allow (I’ve had a couple of stalkers – some were mildly irritating, and one was so outright frightening I involved the cops). I made some mistakes in dealing with these stalker-types, mistakes I will not repeat) – the whole “conversation” part of the blog got easier. Once I realized I did not want to be the head of a democracy, instead I wanted to be a benign dictator, it got easier. The internet is the Wild West. I can’t wait around to see if the Black Hat guy in the middle of the town square is going to shoot to kill. Of course he is. Nip stuff in the bud, immediately. Do it publicly. If they come back aggressively, block and ban. It’s kept this space safe.
I didn’t mean to write this much.
Looking back over the last 18 years, that could be my overrriding response as well as my guiding principle.
I didn’t mean to write this much …
It’s easy for me to remember your blog’s birthday because it’s my birthday, too! I’m proud to share the date, to think 13 years ago (on my birthday) you decided to launch this deep, rich storehouse of brilliant eloquence. It’s my daily dose of hope – hope for the future of humanity, and I’m not overstating it. You rock so hard, Red. I don’t remember how I found you but it was as profound as that moment when eyes meet across a crowded room. 3-2-1 Contact! Love you. xxx Stevie
Happy belated birthday!! I’m so glad we found each other. Kindred spirits are rare. xoxo
Congrats Sheila! I have so many wonderful memories of your blog and the conversations we have shared over the years. I have reached out to you on a lark sometimes, ahem Picnic, and your generosity has been amazing. Especially, since ya don’t know me from a hole in the ground. Thank you for you and your blog, you’ve taught me a great deal about many things.
All my very best,
Chuck
Thank you Chuck!!
Oh my gosh….Happy Blogiversary! I have been here nearly the whole way and love you and your blog so much!
What a crappy Internet this would be without you!
Yes, you’re one of the old-timers. I treasure you, De!!
Sheila,
Happy anniversary. I have been a reader of yours – not since the get-go, but for years – and think you’re one of the best going. To me, it’s like a one-woman New Yorker; I often read essays of yours on subject I thought I had no interest in – I never cared much about Elvis until I read you on him, for instance – and find them becoming my own. Slainte. Here’s to many more years.
JDoherty
// I never cared much about Elvis until I read you on him, for instance //
aaaand my work here is done. :)
Kidding aside – thank you so much!! I appreciate it!
I have always appreciated your honesty and willingness to share your experience. I expect my own blogging and internet stuff has always had a mental health component, so I understand and relate to that. I can’t remember exactly when I started reading you, was it 2004? Thanks for all the food for thought for more than a decade!
Yes – 2004 sounds about right.
Thanks so much for sticking around – I absolutely love your perspective on things, and how you express it.
*I’m* really glad you wrote so much! I think I discovered your site in late 2008, googling Emily of New Moon. Lo and behold someone else had pinned down why she spoke to me was a character. You write about so many things, so eloquently, that are already my jam: film, theatre, acting, music, books I liked/have heard of. I reread Wuthering Heights one day and you had a huge post about it the very next morning;). Random question, have you ever read any of Anne Bronte’s work? Always wondered, since you’ve written so much on her sisters.
Still, I think the main reason I keep reading is because I love being introduced to something new. I spent weeks learning about the whole context of the Irish Hunger Strikers. To this day Come On Eileen reminds me of sitting on the couch reading blogs about Irish Republicanism lol. Your poetry spots, particularly the Irish ones. Jafar Panahi (saw Offside here in Vancouver a week after the Sanley Cup riot, which gave extra charge for the audience as that sports-mad energy was so familiar, good and bad. You could feel that recognition in the last scene). I read Possession & End of the Affair & Lives of the Saints. So thank YOU for sharing.
Myrtle – thank you! I love hearing the random Google searches that brought people here. Go, Emily of New Moon!!
and you know what? No, I haven’t read any Anne Bronte. I think I have her stuff on the shelf – but haven’t branched out into it. I should, right?
Thank you for sharing your experience with Offside/Stanley Cup – it gave me goosebumps. So relevant!!
You’ve created a beautiful space here. I’ve learned so much about film, literature, music, New York. I love your unique insights. Thanks!
Jill – thank you so much!
Congratulations, Sheila. 13 years–a real accomplishment. I discovered your blog several years ago, around Bloomsday, googling James Joyce. Then I discovered all you had written about Yeats, the Irish Renaissance, and about so many other poets as well. We have so many tastes in common–rather unusual ones–in addition to poetry, American history, L.M. Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables, Block Island. And then there is music, movies, theater–and Elvis. I have learned a lot from you and been entertained by you. I turned my husband on to your blog, and we both love it and read it all the time. We saw your play, “July and Half of August,” which we really enjoyed, and indeed, every time I see a “Baby on Board” sign, I think of your play and laugh. So congratulations–you have earned it. I hope you have many more readers and much more writing ahead of you.
Anne – I don’t think I knew you came to see my play! Did we speak that night?? I was in a bit of a daze, so my apologies if I forgot – I am so flattered and touched!! And hahaha Baby on Board. Literally every actress who has played that role (5 actresses so far) – still send me pictures of Baby on Board signs that they see in front of them. It always makes me roar.
Love that you got to me through Bloomsday.
And thank you!!
Dear Sheila, We did speak briefly that night, but you were pretty overwhelmed, and no wonder. i am glad that that play has continued to have a life, because we thought it was really good, and we liked the way it overturns the conventional stereotypes of male/female. Thanks so much–and happy writing. You are a wonderful writer, and I always look forward to reading what you have to say.
Also want to say we love “Hamilton” too. our daughter went to the same high school and college as Lin-Man, but after him. He substitute taught one of her classes in 7th grade, when he was just getting started, and she remembers it well. My husband and I saw it at the Public, but our daughter is coming into NYC (she lives in Boston now) with her boyfriend to see it with us on Halloween. My costume is ready (18th c. dress, complete with a wig). I am so excited!
Anne – yes, I was very overwhelmed that night – it was like everyone I knew from different circles of my life were all in the same room at the same time and everyone was talking to me.
Thank you (so belated, I’m embarrassed) for coming. That’s extremely touching.
// overturns the conventional stereotypes of male/female. //
Awesome!! That was one of my goals. I knew it was working when one of my good friends (a woman) said there was a certain point when she “turned on” the female character. We’re used to relating to things in a gender way – women lining up with women, etc. So I was so thrilled when she admitted that.
Thanks again!!
Also want to say we love “Hamilton” too. our daughter went to the same high school and college as Lin-Man, but after him. He substitute taught one of her classes in 7th grade, when he was just getting started, and she remembers it well. My husband and I saw it at the Public, but our daughter is coming into NYC (she lives in Boston now) with her boyfriend to see it with us on Halloween. My costume is ready (18th c. dress, complete with a wig). I am so excited!
Anne – While it was playing at The Public, I so wanted to see it – and then my mother got us tickets for September 13th, so I just had to wait.
// but our daughter is coming into NYC (she lives in Boston now) with her boyfriend to see it with us on Halloween. My costume is ready (18th c. dress, complete with a wig). //
Oh my God, that is so great!!
//I didn’t mean to write this much – but then I always say that.
I didn’t mean to write this much … but I am glad I did.//
Sheila,
Thanks for always writing more than you meant to, for the rants and tangents. They’re wonderful. Seven years ago my therapist recommended journalling. The words just poured out. It felt so good, but I was staying up half the night which was exacerbating my daytime anxiety. So the unfettered writing had to go. When I found your site it was like finding a kindred spirit. My life is very different from yours, but I can experience a path not taken through your writing. Like John D. and Myrtle above I’ve found so much more that I never knew would engage me.
Always write more than you mean to…I will be glad that you did.
Melanie
Thank you so much, Melanie!! I love that you have found your way here.
I discovered your blog 3 years ago when I was looking for information on the Group Theatre crowd, and I go to it 3-4 times a week to get a very visceral appreciation, through you, of art. Thank you. I love it. I love what you write, how you think, what you stand for, how you process and share.
Come to Australia one day.
Julian – Ahhh, the Group Theatre! What I wouldn’t give for a time machine to go back and see their production of Waiting for Lefty!!
I would love to come to Australia someday. I’ll keep you posted.
Hi Sheila,
It just so happened that when I was reading this post, “It’s Quiet Uptown” from Hamilton** was playing. The song and your post resonated because they were both in a way about dealing with the unimaginable. How people are profoundly changed by it. How people deal with it, sometimes by retreating, sometimes by reaching out, always hoping for a way to make it through to somewhere better. Hoping for connection, forgiveness, grace, and that something good can still come after the bad.
Anyway. I wanted to let you know that your posts tell me all about how art and life connect and enrich each other. Thank you for that.
**Because everything comes back to Hamilton for me now. (I’ve even created a Word macro that types up “Hamilton” so that I don’t have to keep remembering the proper coding every single time. (I blame you for that, Sheila. (Aaarrrgh!)))
I went and visited Hamilton and Eliza’s graves today! I go often, actually, I love it down there, and it’s such a beautiful church and cemetery – right in the heart of Wall Street – and every now and then, I just take the subway down to spend some time with Hamilton and Eliza. There were fresh flowers around their graves, which made me so happy.
Thanks, Lindah!
A couple of pics of their graves up on Instagram. https://instagram.com/fenianchick/
It was emotional, always is, seeing them.
I hope you read Chernow’s book too – it is superb!
Lovely photos.
And I have Chernow’s Alexander Hamilton lined up as accompanying-mom-on-vacation reading this week. So there’s even more to thank you for.
Nice!! You’ll love it – and I just re-read it (post seeing the show) and am truly amazed at how much Manuel included. I know Chernow was blown away by that too.
So you’ll have so much fun with it!!
Hey Sheila, not one to comment normally, but I’ve been reading your site since I was in high school (and I’m out of grad school now!) and it’s been an awesome daily pit stop. I’ve sought out films I would never have heard of and my bookshelves are full of things that I’ve encountered because of this blog – Ulysses, Lorrie Moore, Villette, Rebecca West, Charlotte’s Web, Hitchens, on and on and on. Happy anniversary, and thanks for your site – it’s a daily joy. -Ian
Ian – wow, I love that you started in high school and now you’re out of grad school.
Another blogger friend of mine who started up around the same time as I did joked today, “I will be coming to the point where I will have a blog older than people who work for me more quickly than I’d like.” That made me laugh.
Thanks for reading all this time! I appreciate it!
I just want to say again that I thought about starting a blog for years and never found the “whatever it takes” attitude required until I started reading you….And I learned a lot from your experience. No politics! At least no direct, topical politics. And personal experience doesn’t have to be self-indulgent or boring! Many other lessons learned from you but those were probably the two most important. I just wanted you to know.
Oh, and congratulations on both your survival and your success, which I’m sure is only beginning!
Thank you, NJ! I love your site too. Very glad you have created what you’ve created.
I appreciate your presence here!
Wow. 13 years. Congratulations! I’m one of the new guys, and so happy I arrived here all the same. Supernatural, you, John Strasberg… There was a nice snowball effect that changed my life when I was stuck. You’re so passionate about things, it’s contagious. Thank you, Sheila!
What the hell is that gif from? I’m not recognizing it. How can that be??
I absolutely love that some random post I wrote turned you onto John Strasberg. He is a good good person to know and I am just so happy about that!!
Lyrie, correct me if I’m wrong, but I think your gif is from the season 4 episode where Dean sees Bobby’s panic room for the first time.
(It’s possible that I have seen SPN season 4 more times than is healthy.)
Lindah, yes! S04E02, Are You There, God, It’s Me, Dean Winchester?
// where Dean sees Bobby’s panic room for the first time.//
Cause Bobby had “a weekend off.” So awesome!
Congratulations on the anniversary! Reading you is a treat. Health and happiness to you.
Thank you!
Many congratulations! Yours is my very favorite blog-as you know, I love the classic movies, and I love reading your thoughts on my favorite movies.
You got me into watching Supernatural, after I wimped out on the series when it first aired, thinking it was too scary for me. Like Mutecypher said, reading you is a treat-and I know I get cozy with a cup of coffee when I see a long post of yours.
Best wishes!
Maureen – I love your comments!! And I love that we have gone from classic movies to Supernatural and back … I mean, come on, what better artistic menu is that??
Thanks!
Congrats on the anniversary! Reading your posts and reviews is always a joy. I came for the Supernatural and then you continue to hook me through the weird (hello, Jodorowsky’s Dune?) and the wonderful (John Wayne, the Coen brothers).
I love to hear the history of how you created this space and this community. The quality of the conversations we have is testament to that. All hail the benign dictator!
Paula – Thank you!!!
I love how SPN is the natural jumping-off point to all these other things.
If it was more convenient, I’d send you an eyeball and a dozen roses. Congratulations, and thank you.
hahahahahaha
Hey there, old-timer.
you and your work are a treasure, Sheila! I am continually impressed and inspired by the quantity and quality of your writing, and grateful for your generosity as a host and the ebullience of the discussion you foster. & I am selfishly pleased that you found Supernatural as it gave me the impetus to delurk and join y’all. Congrats on thirteen years!
// I am selfishly pleased that you found Supernatural as it gave me the impetus to delurk and join y’all. //
Seriously, I personally am thankful that I put up that first picture of JA – I don’t even think I said anything. Just something like, “Really? For real?”
And so it began …
and so you arrived …
and I am very very happy about that.
Thank you!!
oh, that’s right! Who will notify the Witchfinder General that you’re luring innocents into your gingerbread house with pictures of JA?
hahaha I don’t think I even SAID anything when I posted that picture. I mean, what’s there to say??
(Obviously I got over THAT.)
Congratulations to my favorite observer of music, movies, literature, and life. Yours is the first address I visit each day. Always a privilege to read the feast of insights that is The Sheila Variations.
Thank you so much, John!!
Sheila, congratulations and thank you! I am so happy I found your blog, you are a terrific writer and your work is an inspiration. I love your perspective on things, because you write about why something is good, why it works (or not). By reading your blog I get so much more out of films, literature and tv, and for that I thank you. I also LOVE the conversations around here, so smart, so insightful.
So yeah, here’s to another 13 years!
Rije – thank you so much!!
Pretty sure I found your blog when you took over Ebert Club duties from Marie. Could be wrong about that, but plausible. Finding Supernatural links on the right, icing on the cake.
So much wonderful writing to explore. As a newer reader, the treasure trove is wide and deep. Thank you for your artistry and your honesty and your determination. And humor, love the light touches too. Happy 13th. The blog is a teenager now. Enjoy the wrangles.
Kathy – Thank you so much!!
and ha, my blog is entering adolescence. Look out!
I’m very grateful for what you write and share here, for what I’ve learned and what you’ve turned me on to (Cary Grant!).
Here’s hoping for 13 more years!
Dan!! I think you and I started blogging around the same time (yes? no?) – but it’s always great to get your perspective on things.
Thank you so much!
Sheila
Yay!!!!! You know I love your blog and my favorite part, before all the wonderful posts on actors, movies, books, poetry, music, all the arts, etc is your personal essay writing, like this one.
From first stumbling upon it doing research for The Two Character Play. I was floored because someone was writing like no other about how I felt about that play. And reading some posts excitedly out loud to my husband who is never on the internet, “Hey listen to this!..). Actually, just the other day, Married to the Mob came on TV, somehow we never saw it. Husband said, “Dean Stockwell, isn’t that the actor Sheila likes?” I think I read a lot out loud. Congratulations and long may you reign! Thanks so much Sheila! (Now I gotta get to Gena Rowlands….)
Regina – I will always cherish the fact that it was Two Character Play that introduced us. I still remember your first comment because honestly I had gone through life without anyone knowing what that play was (outside of Ted, of course) – and even John Strasberg hadn’t heard of it.
So Kindred Spirits immediately!!
And your production of it!! :) Ted and I still talk about it.
// Husband said, “Dean Stockwell, isn’t that the actor Sheila likes?” //
hahahahaha That’s awesome. I like the shot of him at the birthday party, with the little party hat on, smoking a huge fat cigar. Totally absurd.
Thanks for everything, Regina!!
We loved “the Two-Character Play” and went to see it on your recommendation. A super memorable evening. I loved every minute.
Anne – I so love that you went. I do remember THAT!
Yes: an extraordinary and dreamy and funny production. So so glad it happened.
I just wish I’d found your blog sooner! I have learned so much from you, and enjoy the interactions and discussions in the comments so much. Thank you for all of it!
Natalie – I love your comments here, and I love your SPN observations and everywhere else. You are a huge addition to the conversations that go on here and I am very glad you found me!!
Oh and have you seen “Room”? Out in theatres now. Yet another movie where I thought: “Wowee, I wonder what Natalie would think of this.”
Mother and 5-year-old boy live in a tiny room. They never go outside. For reasons that become clear over the course of the movie.
//I love your comments here, and I love your SPN observations and everywhere else. You are a huge addition to the conversations that go on here and I am very glad you found me!!//
Thank you!! You have no idea how that made my day – I may have even blushed when I read it!
I have not seen Room yet, but I want to. I’ve been meaning to read the book for years and somehow just never got around it. The premise sounds fascinating and disturbing. The book was written from the child’s point of view, wasn’t it?
//Yet another movie where I thought: “Wowee, I wonder what Natalie would think of this.”//
Blushing, I tell you :-)
Natalie – I haven’t read the book Room either – but the film is mostly from the boy’s point of view – which makes it a very surreal experience because he only knows “room.” He has no concept of anything else.
I think I think of you when I see a movie that represents:
1. a child is in peril
2. CPS is called/cinematic portrayal of social services.
Interestingly – the other film I think I recommended to you (if not, I am now!) is Short Term 12, about a group home for kids in the “system” – teenagers, so they’re basically just waiting until they get to 18. And Brie Larson – who also stars in Room – played one of the “den mothers” at the group home. Not a counselor – she’s just a college kid – but she’s on the front lines. An excellent film – I met her when I saw Short Term 12 at Ebertfest, and she was down to earth, hanging out, really really smart, and has her head on straight. She’s a pretty blonde – but she has no interest in “trading” on that, or using that. She’s quite extraordinary.
but Room!!
I’d be interested to hear your reaction to one scene in particular, coming from your perspective – but it’ll have to wait until you’ve seen it because spoilers. But no pressure!!
I love it so much that you think of me when you see those movies! And yes, we talked about Short Term 12. So well done. Whoever was in charge of doing the research for that movie did a great job – it was very accurate.
I just discovered that I will not be reading the book version of Room because apparently writing it from a five-year-old’s POV meant writing it in a five-year-old’s voice (bad grammar, mispronunciations, syntax errors and all), and I just can’t do that to myself. I will definitely see the movie as soon as I can, though!
Also, I just want you to know that reading here has completely changed how I watch movies (and TV shows, too). I notice things that I never noticed before about lighting and blocking and little character moments. I don’t allow myself to reduce an actor’s performance to “just playing himself” anymore. There are movies that I know beyond any doubt that I wouldn’t have liked before I started reading here that I ended up loving because I watched them differently than I used to. (Speaking of Brie Larson, one of those movies is Don Jon. I’d love to hear your thoughts on it if you’ve seen it.) But anyway, I just want to thank you again for deepening my understanding and appreciation of both the big and small screens.
Congrats Sheila! It’s been such a pleasure to read and comment on your blog over the years. You are not only in my opinion the best movie critic in the world at the moment, you’ve added to my knowledge and appreciation of people as diverse as Elvis, James Joyce, Alexander Hamilton, and John Wayne.
Your blog is a gift to anyone who finds it. Thanks so much!!
And I owe you thoughts on Ex Machina (Holy crap! Freakin’ awesome flick), Boyhood (maybe the best movie ever?) and Inherent Vice (HUGELY DISAPPOINTING based on my expectations and PTA infatuation). I’ll be in touch on these of course.
Hey Todd! You’re practically an old-timer too now!! Thanks for showing up here, and all of your great comments and observations.
And nope, nope, about Inherent Vice. Absolutely not. It’s one of his best films. From first frame to last. Hopes of the 60s devolving into 70s paranoia. It’s all there. Plus great acting.
So NOPE.
Boyhood has lessened a bit for me since my first viewing although I still think it is very effective, Arquette especially.
Ex Machina is on my (tentative, ever-changing) Best of the Year list. Along with Magic Mike XXL, Welcome to Me, and Phoenix. It’s a bizarre list. I stand by it!
Happy, happy blog birthday to you, Sheila. You give your readers so much. I don’t remember what happy accident brought me over here but I’m glad it happened. One of the hardest things for me to do sometimes is just to keep showing up no matter what. You do that and more. Best of health and happiness to you in the new blog year!
Amy – thank you so much!!
Congratulations, Sheila, on 13 years of brilliant writing.
I thought I’d look for the first post I read on your site – it was this one from February 13 2010:
http://www.sheilaomalley.com/?p=9846
Wow. The video doesn’t seem to be there any more but I remember it was lots of kissing in films to mark Valentine’s Day. A link from another site brought me by chance to your site and over 5 years later it’s still a daily go-to read. It’s been a pleasure to be able to follow you over the years, and a privilege too – there’s nowhere else like this on the internet. If I had a say I’d lobby for The Sheila Variations to be archived for the LOC as a one-of-a-kind project.
I don’t think I made a comment until 2013? And now look at me.
Okay first of all I am dying at the inappropriate/floozy title of that post. hahahahaha What the hell was I talking about? I’m bummed there’s no more video – I should track it down again.
// I don’t think I made a comment until 2013? And now look at me. //
hahahahaha
It’s like Lyrie’s first comment which she posted on Twitter: “I am a bit shy about leaping into the conversation …” or something like that.
And here we are today.
I love it!!
You just know how to make us feel comfortable in your dictatorship. :)
I’m a very nice dictator, I swear.
Work and family crises have kept me away from reading for a while so I am just catching up. Happy 13th birthday Sheila! My first post of yours was “Anatomy of Two Pratfalls: Cary Grant and Elvis Presley” which I happened upon via Google. I loved it and needless to say have loved all your writing on Elvis since but also on acting generally, which I know little about. I’ve learned a lot. Keep up the good work!
Abigail – oh, those pratfalls!! Elvis falling over the umbrella table and then trying to pick it up. I laugh every time. It just keeps GOING.
Thank you so much for reading all these years!
So I have no idea when I first started reading you, might have been an Instalanche hanger on, maybe around 2003, 2004 . I have commented occasionally, here and there. I think i missed a couple of years, but I found my way back and stop by every couple of days to lurk and get my fix – I always loved the diary fridays, being from the same vintage – your output is somewhat staggering and incredibly impressive. anyway all the best, hope all is well and all that other good stuff,
kevin
Kevin – Ooh, someone who got to me from Instapundit! I am very glad you spoke up – because of course not everyone who got to me from those links were insane people talking about “libtards,” etc., in non-political posts.
And “Instalanche” is right. The only other person besides Glenn Reynolds whose links actually crashed my site, overwhelming the server, was Roger Ebert.
Thanks for hanging in all these years – I really appreciate it!!
Just popping in (late as usual) to say Happy Birthday to one of my favorite blogs! Like many of your SPN crew, I found my way here through your article on JA–and then when I discovered your season 1 reviews, I was in heaven (but a better heaven than the one on the show–). It took me a while to get up the courage to comment, but I’m glad I have joined in the conversation from time to time.
Along the way, digging into your archives on actors, movies and books, you re-awakened some part of me. I have loved your rich and eloquent articles on all of these subjects and more, which often lead me to seek out the movies and authors that you talk about. (maybe not Hamilton, just yet–but we shall see–)
Thank you, Sheila! Here’s to 13 more–at least.
Great picture.
Amazing when a photo really captures the energy & feel of a moment.
Cheers
Thanks, Sean!
I’m glad you’re here writing 13 years later.
Thank you so much! I’m glad I stuck it out too.
Sheila One more thing. I wasn’t going to go into it but Sheila O’Malley coming to see our production of The Two Character Play and liking it was the highlight for us! And thank you Anne for coming and what you said means a lot!
Also, going out to meet you (and Ted!) afterwards was a happy but nerve-wracking blur.
Of course Husband and I talked endlessly about it afterwards.
Husband: “I thought she was going to be stuck-up.”
I: (surprised and laughing) “Stuck-up! Why would you think that?!”
Husband: “Well, I thought she would have a right to be, because she’s so fucking smart! And she turned out to be such a sweetheart!”
Thanks again Sheila, for everything!
Sheila, Congrats on your anniversary!
I’m new to your site, so I just now read all those old links embedded in your anniversary post.
Your writing has such richness. The match of form & content is brilliant.
Your writing is a rare gem out there in such a crowded field of options vying for our attention. You have so much to offer to so many readers.
Reading your posts and seeing how much so many other readers appreciate your writing (sharing your perceptions & values) gives me precious reassurance that there are people out there on your rare wavelength of insight, passions, inclusion, etc.
I’m so pleased to have found your blog.
Looking forward to lots more great writing from you.
Hoping some day you’ll write about Steve McQueen, Warren Beatty, Jack Nicholson… (but mostly Steve McQueen).
Sincerely,
CW
Thank you so much!! I am glad you found me! (Very strange: I had a good friend who used to comment here all the time – and then lost track of him although he occasionally resurfaces – and he called himself “CW” too – I thought for a second you were him!)
If you put “Jack Nicholson” in the little search box over to the right, you’ll find a bunch of stuff about him. I started a project called Chronological Jack – and unfortunately didn’t get very far, just because of life and work and stuff – but I watched his films (as many as I could get my hands on anyway) in chronological order. It was a fascinating experience!!
And thanks again!!
Hi Sheila
Your site is the first thing I open in the morning, after gmail and the BBC, so it’s the third, but you know what I mean.
You’re a voice I want to hear, even when you talk about things far from my thoughts and my world, but I love it. I came to your blog during the Cary Grant posts, and I have been fascinated since.
So thank you and Happy Birthday!
Clary – I always love when you comment. I am so happy Cary Grant brought you here and thanks for sticking around!
You are so open and welcoming and clear and clever and insightful and… I’ve learned so much from reading your blog, and had so many wonderful conversations with you and the gang.
Thanks for doing what you do.
My best to you!
Thank you so much!!
Thank you!
You are welcome!
Happy blog birthday, Sheila!!!
I am still waiting for you to talk about Benghazi.
hahahahahaha
Where do I BEGIN!
Happy Blog Birthday, Sheila!! I love your blog, and continue to check in every day!
Thank you so much Maureen!
” I didn’t mean to write this much … ” hahahaha. Though I rarely comment, I’ve been reading you since (I think) fall ’08 :). It’s been a pleasure. Thankyou for your multitude of words. Some of your sayings have definitely become a part of my personal lexicon.
Fall 08! Wow!
Thanks so much for sticking around Myrtle – I truly appreciate it!
And of course, if it had not been for your site, and the great writing that kept me coming back (and still does) I would not have met my wife.
I am very very proud of this. Happy for you both, Paul!!
I can’t tell you how inspiring this personal post is, especially to a young writer such as myself, trying to get my foot in the door. I came on your site today looking to be entertained by your thoughts/words and instead was moved and inspired. Thanks for sharing this. It’s nice to know that others have reached success on their own terms. Instead of getting a foot in the door, you’ve built your own, one that you could walk right through. I hope one day I can create works as honest and insightful as you do.
Thanks again for this post. I really needed it today. Cheers.
Hillary – thank you so much!
// Instead of getting a foot in the door, you’ve built your own //
I never thought of it that way – thanks for that!
Best of luck to you in your own writing journey! You’ll find your way. Keep writing!
Sheila,
Just yesterday I came across a GREAT article that I knew you would love even more than me, so I sent you an email with the link (here it is anyway http://www.oregonlive.com/history/2017/10/katherine_dunn_camille_paglia.html). When I came to your “about” page to find your email, I checked when you started your blog because I thought it was coming up 15 years, which I then saw was true, and thought, “I wonder what day is her blog anniversary”. And here it is! I love when that happens.
I love this post, one of my favourites now. Your writing about that guy haunts me enough that even mentioning him makes my guts drop a bit. And about seeing your Dad’s old comments – my breath stopped a little, too. This blog is a MAJOR accomplishment, and you should be damn proud of it. It’s a continual revelation to read your words. Like a familiar friend who can always surprise or amaze me.
Thanks for writing SOOOO much. We all love it and don’t you ever stop, Sheila.
Brooke
Brooke – Oh my gosh, even just the URL of that link gives me chills. I haven’t read it yet but I’m so excited – I hadn’t realized there was a connection??
// Your writing about that guy haunts me enough that even mentioning him makes my guts drop a bit. //
Really? That’s so interesting. To this day I have no idea why the hell I fell so madly in love with him and why he was so destructive – without even DOING anything. I suppose I have him to think – indirectly – for making my life so unbearable that I finally decided to start the blog. hahahahaha Thanks for nothing, pallie!
I always love your comments and your contributions. I always appreciate your perspective.
Thanks for everything!
Congratulations to you for this many years of creating something so interesting. Your Elvis pieces (the reason I found you to begin with) are brilliant, soulful, in a class by themselves—I always learn something reading them. Everything else on the blog is fascinating, and, wonderfully, not predictable. An important point, as predictability is the death of so much that starts out new and different. I wish you years and years of fulfilling and interesting work on this. Thank you for doing it.
Bob – thank you so much!
So many awesome people – like yourself – have “found me” through Elvis. Elvis fans are the best – at least in my experience. I’ve had so much fun meeting all these new people because of my posts about him.
Thanks for sticking around. I appreciate it!
I’m sure I’m not the only one who was inspired by you to start his/her own blog. I passed my fifth anniversary earlier this year and it’s been as cathartic for me as it was for you, so a big congratulations and an even bigger THANKS!
Thank you NJ!!
Reading your blog all this time is a joy for me! It’s like how the heck did she just get inside my head and say exactly what I think! I think of you every time there is a great movie on TCM and wonder if you are in front of the tv too. It used to kill me when you didn’t have TCM. It’s all the crazy conversations and your thought processes that amaze me. The SMEG refrigerator picture that turned into a new word learning curve for me. (That still grosses me out) The caption on a picture of yours that I think of on a morning when I see “Maxfield Parrish Light” . To a kindred spirit and lover of Laura Ingalls Wilder I congratulate you! (I still have yet to finish Villette) So write on Harriett the Spy! We’ll all be here cheering you on to more wonderful years!
Lisa –
// It used to kill me when you didn’t have TCM. //
hahaha!!! God, and I have it now and I barely have any time to watch it! But at least I have it!!
// The SMEG refrigerator picture that turned into a new word learning curve for me. //
Wait a minute … I’m not remembering this. I do remember vaguely taking a picture of a display of old-timey colorful refrigerators – is that what you’re talking about? Remind me!!
Always love your comments Lisa and always happy whenever you stop by – thank you!
The pictures of the smeg fridge led to comments on the word “smegma”. That was one weird conversation!
Oh my God I am so sorry.
It was really funny! Like I said was a learning curve for me!
I’m so glad you’ve “written so much”! Congratulations on your blog birthday–your place has become a site I love to drop into, and your writing has inspired me in many ways. Here’s to the next 15!
Thank you so much, Barb!
I wish I remember how I found you, but I remember approximately when, because I had my computer in the dining room of the waterfront apartment I had on Puget Sound in West Seattle, so 2003? 2004? I remember reading posts on your blog and looking out at the water, forever connecting the two. Waves upon the rocks and Sheila O’Malley. What could be a more perfect association? Love you! Thank you! XOXO Stevie
Stevie – wow, I had no idea you were in Seattle when you first found me! When did you move to Albuquerque?
I so treasure our friendship, Stevie – as Mitchell says: “To those who think social media keeps us isolated from each other: YOU’RE DOING IT WRONG.”
I tend to agree!!
Much love to you. xoxo and happy birthday!
Yup! I moved to Albuquerque in May 2005. In a sense you moved with me! I’m so incredibly grateful that we are friends. I admired you from afar, and little by little was able to share my own thoughts with you until such time as we both could see a friendship blooming there. Then Dean Stockwell…such joy! Love you XOXO Stevie
Congratulations Sheila! Although I wish I had known of your blog when you started it in 2002, I love it when you link to earlier posts and I can read some of what you were up to in earlier times. As always, it is fascinating and gripping reading. Damn! That book of personal essays should be published!!
However, I do remember, pretty accurately, when I did discover your blog. It was in May of 2013. I remember this because Roger Ebert died on April 4, 2013. It was a difficult time for me (as it was for so many others). I remember weeping uncontrollably for days on end. Our refrigerator conked out during that week, and I took the opportunity to give it a good clean while we were waiting for a replacement part, and I remember sobbing during the entire cleaning process.
In any case, after several weeks of mourning, I realized that there was a huge hole in my life, since I used to visit Ebert’s site every day, and besides gulping down his film reviews, would devour his personal blog. His writing moved me in such a deep way. So, I started to look at other film blogs. I tried out many. None were satisfying. Then I think I did a search on female film reviewers, and at the top of my google search, I came across this recommendation from Pretty Clever Films:
“The Sheila Variations is one of the finest blogs out there. Full stop. And this lady is prolific!
The Sheila Variations is not solely about films, though there is a copious amount of movie content. Sheila writes about literature, culture, Elvis, New York, and whatever strikes her fancy. Fortunately, her fancy is smart, insightful, and an incredibly talented writer.
And did I mention prolific? Personally, I crank out volumes of content on the daily, but I can only aspire to these levels of volume without ever sacrificing quality.
Now make yourself a cup of tea, settle into your favorite reading chair, and get on over to The Sheila Variations!”
What a recommendation! Although frankly, Brandy Dean had me at “prolific”. I remember thinking, that’s what I need, someone who is prolific. So I checked out your site, and I wish I could remember what the first article was that I read, but I do remember being very impressed by the content and style (I’m pretty sure it was film related). The next day I visited your blog and there was a post about a poet. I remember becoming very excited that I had also found someone who could write, not only intelligently about poetry, but also with such enthusiasm and generosity of spirit. That’s one thing I’ve always admired about you — you are so generous and so celebratory of everyone’s accomplishments (well-regarded or not). It’s a beautiful vibe, and it’s really infectious. I also love how you take no shit. When some ass is being snarky, I’m one of the many cheering you on from the internet sidelines… “You go Sheila!”
Anyway, after that day, I was hooked. And I started to tell EVERYONE about you. Since I usually spend all of my lunch hour on your site, my office mate always gets to hear what you are currently writing about. I remember telling her, “Now she’s writing about Pi. Math!! And it’s fascinating!! She can make anything interesting!” Whenever my husband and I see a movie that you’ve written eloquently about, I print off a copy of your post and make him read it. My girls (7 and 12) know you on a first name basis, and are very used to me saying, “Do you know what Sheila said today?” or “That reminds me of the time that Sheila said…” The funniest was when I met a good friend for lunch, and we were talking about some fucked-up situation she was dealing with, and I said, “Well, there’s this woman I know, Sheila, and we were talking about this very thing…” My friend asked me how I knew this Sheila, and I had to admit that actually you were a big deal writer who has some pretty serious writing gigs, and who also has a blog, and I interacted with you maybe once or twice in the comments section. We had such a good howl about that.
So, yeah, you get the idea. And as so many comments ahead of mine, can attest, your writing is pretty damn special. I hope you never stop. I firmly believe that this blog will have lasting, historical significance. And on a personal note, your incredible writing, has had such a profound impact on my life, in so many ways. And I am so thankful for you.
Helena – thank you so much!
// I interacted with you maybe once or twice in the comments section. We had such a good howl about that. //
hahahahaha I have had identical experiences. “How do you know so-and-so?” “Well … I read their blog. Uhm …”
I am so glad you found your way to me. I so appreciate you reading all these years!
Hi, Sheila. Many things have changed over the 15 years. What hasn’t changed is your unique gift to communicate in a way that touches people. Thank you for all the many, many times the words you have written have touched me and enriched my life. I’m still reading, and I still think you are special.
DBW! One of the original old-timers!! You stuck around and for that I will always be grateful. I will always be appreciative of your support.
Speaking of “old-timers,” was just talking with Cate on Facebook about our earliest blogging days, trying to nail down when we “found” each other. She set up RTG in January of 2002 – so she “beat” me. I miss her site – I wish it was still up! But she’s still writing – so that’s a good thing.
It’s funny you mention Cate, because I just permanently deleted the link to her old blog sometime in the last couple of months. If I can be allowed a personal reflection, I still remember fondly her old ‘Tribute to DBW’ post—which I think came about from a comment I made about a Hitachi earthmover. Those were the days. Sigh.
Oh my gosh I remember that.
Hitachi earthmower. hahahahaha
They really were the days.
Came for your Supernatural recaps, stayed for those and your posts on writers! I’ve learned a lot from this blog and it’s always a fun sort of learning. Thanks for what you do, Sheila!
Supernatural and Elvis have brought the most wonderful group of people to the site. Just positive fandoms!
Very glad you are here!
So proud of you!!!
Thanks cuz!!
Sheila – Congrats on fifteen years! Your insights and opinions on films and TV, or just life in general, draw me in each week but it’s your accessibility to readers that makes this blog one of my favorite places to visit. Thank you!
Thank you Paula – so glad you’re here!
Congratulations! I have to confess: When you started this blog, I didn’t even know what a blog is. In fact, I had been using computers for only a couple of years. (I started after I turned 40.)
Here’s to many more!
Thanks Justine!
Many congratulations, Sheila, on maintaining such a wonderful blog for 15 years. To start something is not so hard, but to keep it going on such a high level for such a long time is a major accomplishment. I come to your blog to be entertained and to learn and to read someone with similar tastes to me. Thank you so very much for the fun and enlightenment!
Anne – thank you so much!! I very much appreciate your comments on my site, and your contributions here. Thanks for reading!
Sheila
Since finding you years and years ago while researching for Tennessee Williams’ The Two Character Play I’ve been here. With all the research I was doing your deceptively simple words resonated the most. I was dumb about the internet (real dumb) so for about a year or more I didn’t find your site. But I would go back and read it, read it out loud to my husband and wonder, who is this brilliant and passionate girl who expresses so clearly how I feel about this play and more? When I found this blog finally I almost had a heart attack. I still haven’t gotten to so much here.
I think I read somewhere recently here where you said something like, ‘I will continue this blog! – head crashing on the typewriter.” And I burst out laughing.
I don’t know how you do it all. This one post alone is so vast.
On a funny and personal note. We had the honor to meet you in person. My husband said later, “I thought she was going to be stuck up.” I laughed and said why? “Well, she’s so smart and probably would have a right to be stuck up but she’s a sweet teddy bear!”
All us commenters thank you and salute you!
“I thought she was going to be stuck up.” hahahaha It was so so fun to finally meet you both – AND – best of all – to meet you after your amazing production of 2 Character Play???
Seriously, sometimes life provides miracles like that.
Ted and I still reference your production. You two are the best.
Thank you so much for reading all these years – for commenting – for sharing your art with me – for supporting MY art. I’m very very grateful to you and to your husband for that.
Been away so a little late but congratulations!!
I think it was an instapundit link that first brought me here but I’ve been a regular reader ever since.
I never knew obsessions were contagious but I sure developed one for Cary Grant after reading your entries about him.
You also helped me to appreciate Marylin Monroe as more than simply a sex symbol.
And lastly, I’d like to say that your writing has helped me to enjoy movies in ways I never had before.
Again, congrats and best wishes for the future.
Hank! An Instapundit person!!
I think Bogart was the first obsession I explored on the site – although it might have been Cary Grant. Can’t remember. At any rate, sharing obsessions are fun – and definitely contagious!
Thanks so much for reading all these years. an eternity on the internet.
I truly appreciate it!
I am in awe of your intelligence, your commitment, your passion and work ethic and how they all come together to make my life better. Thank you Sheila for all the work you put into this blog and other writings and projects which I have been lucky enough to see. You’re a marvel!
Thanks Kate!
I wandered in because of a link from someone eons ago, and stayed for the trivia. Then stayed for the literary commentary. And the movie commentary. And your outlook on everything.
When I first heard of Hamilton, al I could think of was that you’d love it. (and I loved it SO much, your writings on Hamilton helped that.) Every visit I make to New York, I think of you, because you’ve become intertwined in the history of the city for me. (OK. that’s sappy. True, but sappy).
I am so glad you write “so much”. I’ve enjoyed many, many years of your writing, and hope for as many more as you hope to write. (and, anytime you want to geek out about L.M. Montgomery, and Betsy-Tacy-Tib, I’m THERE.)
Melissa – Thank you so much!
it’s been a while since I’ve geeked out on Betsy-Tacy-Tib!! I should rectify that. I still have all those books. Haven’t read them in years, but my GOD I loved them.
Sheila, I was introduced to your site through a friend of yours who used to act with you who I work with; well, it must be 10 years ago now. (man, time accelerates). And ever since then I read you daily. I’ve learn so much from your writing and have been tuned in to so many new topics, things I never knew I would be interested in; I just can’t thank you enough. You create sparks. Congratulations on all your success!
Jack
Jack – thank you thank you!!
I appreciate you showing up here – I am so glad you get something out of it. Hearing stuff like this makes it all worth it! Thank you!
16 years, and you are still as interesting as ever. Your Croatia Journal has been completely captivating. You are still brave, tough, perceptive, and so, so smart. If anything, your writing is better than ever, and that’s saying something.
DBW!! What’s up??
You’re the oldest-timer here, I’m thinkin’. Not as in your age, but as in … you probably started showing up here in 2003, something like that.
Thanks for sticking around! I appreciate you!
Oh, it might well be ‘as in my age,’ but I don’t mind. I’ve seen the whole “Red” arc. It’s tough out there, and you’ve been a port in the storm.
Perhaps you’ll appreciate this: I couldn’t quite remember a particular passage in Ulysses about ten years ago. What I was specifically looking for I don’t recall, but it was definitely a passage in Ulysses, and there was something I ‘needed’ to find. And that Google search, quite appropriately, landed me here. “Now what exactly is this?” was the obvious reaction. Yet here I am, still enjoying.
I should add that I think my favorite part of your site continues to be when I disagree and happen to learn something new because of it. Our opinions and interests in actors, movies and music doesn’t always align that well, but you write in a way that—for someone who might disagree—they can absorb something new. Thank you.
CS – Ha! I love that that’s how you got to me. James Joyce, paying it forward.
Thanks so much for reading and for commenting – I truly appreciate it!
Happy anniversary! You make the world a better place, thanks for writing so much.
Awww, thank you!
Hi Sheila,
I thought you might be interested in this: https://ecwpress.com/pages/pop-classics
They accept non-fiction proposals from non-Canadians.
To quote: “You might be best known for writing about music, politics, primates, or the adventures of made-up people, but ECW wants to give you a chance to expound on something different. On that thing that makes an evangelist of you, that makes you hold party guests hostage long after the coffee has gone cold or has you giving a well-intentioned Skinny Puppy CD to your grandma or Empire DVDs to your dad.”
So if you write up that Supernatural analysis, or anything else you wish to expound upon, I’ll buy it!
Hey, thanks!
Happy blog anniversary, and another year’s worth of candles to blow out. Loving your posts about Split etc. May the future bring more adventures, more candles. Thanks for all your great writing and love of sharing your passions <3<3<3
Happy blog-anniversary! I’m always checking in, even if I don’t leave a ton of comments. Thanks for all the work you do, Sheila!
Hi Sheila!
Still here, I appreciate your posts, your reviews of new films, and yes, it has been a fuitful period. Thank you for being here and letting me listen to your voice.
Happy Birthday!
Thank you, Clary!
Happy Blog anniversary! I’ve been reading your blog since a Gibson girl was your avatar. I sure would love to read your books of essays, ever thought about Amazon publishing them? the publishing world has changed a lot too. Also I keep hoping you would maybe revisit and write again about Block Island, although it was in a difficult time for you the posts and photographs from there are still amazing and sometimes I revisit those posts. Looking forward to reading your blog far, far into the future!
Gina – the Gibson Girl era, yes! The only thing that’s survived that era is the email attached to my blog.
The whole journey towards publishing those essays was an interesting one – and kind of heartbreaking – because it got pretty far, some pretty big people read it. The responses I got were less than encouraging. I joked, “If it were essays about me struggling with addiction or bulimia, they’d buy them instantly.” But it wasn’t really a joke.
I am now very very glad the book wasn’t published though, for various reasons. But it was important that I wrote it. I raced to get it done before my father died, so he would know I had hopes and dreams and was going to be okay. :)
My “stuff” isn’t in line with modern concerns at all. My “stuff” on my boyfriends is too affectionate and loving – it doesn’t “fit” with the vibe now, where everything is a horror story. I realize this. Maybe some day. But people really enjoy those essays here – so I keep them up, to link to for reference when appropriate.
And thanks for remembering my time on Block Island. That was amazing. Amazing that I could even DO that – it was a game-changer, and I see it now as the beginning of the rest of my life, post-economic-crash and being laid off.
Thanks for reading all these years!
Proud to be one of your early readers. We’ve never met, but I still feel you are a kindred spirit in a number of ways. “Knowing” people like you is what makes the internet worthwhile for me, and I’m so glad you had the courage and strength to share your journey publicly.
Beth – I so feel the same way about you!! Thank you!
Happy blog anniversary! Thank you for sharing all your journeys here. I love your writing, I love your stories, I love your insight on stars, films, books, poetry, writers. Reading your blog enriches my life and while that is somewhat sad, it’s also like lifeblood. Great stimulation! I am not a natural comment writer, but, today was compelled to wish you continued success and to give thanks to one of the great pleasures of ye olde internet. Me, irregular, still on blogger.
Donna – thank you so much.
I love your blog Sheila…I don’t know how long I’ve been reading it, but one of the many things I like about it is your wide variety of interests. I discovered Jeanette Winterson from your blog and here is a recent comment of hers from The NY Times:
“A book I read and reread that no one else I know reads at all is Ted Hughes’s “Shakespeare and the Goddess of Complete Being.” (Maybe you saw this — https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/26/books/review/jeanette-winterson-by-the-book-interview.html) I thought you might like the Hughe’s book…expensive on Amazon but the library has it! Cheers!
Susan – wow, so excited to hear you discovered Jeanette Winterson here – she’s just amazing.
and !!!! I need to read that Hughes book – incredible, thank you for the rec!
happy blog birthday, Sheila! I love it here, thanks for all the time and effort you put in to making it what it is.
Thank you, Jessie!! It’s so fun to sit around and bitch about Andrew Dabb – lol – I don’t know what I would do if I hadn’t created this outlet.
Thank you for commenting all those years, and I’m so glad we finally got to meet in person!
I’ve appreciated you early on as someone who was as big an acting and cinema nerd as I was. Two or three weeks on Cary Grant— awesome! Though when an occasional post keeps goinggoinggoinggoing…I would wonder if you were okay. Outside of my expertise, your poetry/poet posts help shore up a huge gap in my education.
For ten minutes I thought about blogging, but then I considered your blog and gave it up. If I can’t knock out an interesting post every single day, like Sheila, then why bother?
I’m too damn deliberate and slow for that kind of discipline.
I finally found my discipline (with a Murakami type revelation) by deciding I had enough story/characters for a short novel that could take a year to complete. But then it kept goinggoinggoinggoing to russian-like scope, and I wonder if I’m okay. But I keep on going and I figure someone like Sheila would understand, because nobody around me does. Hell, nobody around me even reads.
So, happy anniversary.
And thank you.
Scotter –
// Though when an occasional post keeps goinggoinggoinggoing…I would wonder if you were okay. // hahahahahahaha
You are a smart and perceptive man. I was NOT okay, lol, but writing is how I staved off all the bad stuff.
// Outside of my expertise, your poetry/poet posts help shore up a huge gap in my education. //
This makes me happy to hear. It’s outside of my expertise too, really, but I decided to educate myself late-ish in life, and I’m very glad I did!
// For ten minutes I thought about blogging, but then I considered your blog and gave it up. //
Well, I don’t like to hear THIS. You should definitely start a blog and do it your way if that’s what you want to do!!
Very excited to hear about the progress of your novel! and, weirdly, I’ve been reading the collection of interviews from Paris Review, collected in a box set, and I just read last week the interview with Murakami and was so intrigued – I’ve never read his stuff. What should I start with?
Thanks for reading all these years!
The blog was just seventeen
You know what I mean
And the way she wrote
Was way beyond compare
Happy anniversary!
Thank you!
Happy Blogiversary, Sheila!
When did your blog become such a mature teen? Congratulations to you for crafting such a remarkable forum and substantial career vehicle. I love reading you today as much as I adored the time spent backstage at the University of Rhode Island Robert E. Will Theatre, listening to your discourse with Mitch on literature, music, pop culture, stage and screen. I’m so proud of you and your accomplishments and your writing always either speaks to me intimately or illuminates me profoundly. It’s beautiful to see you self-actualized, knowing all along this was one of the many gifts of yours and that you were destined for success. Keep the lamp burning.
Fondly,
Tony
P.S. This was more than I intended to write.
Tony – xoxoxoxo! Thank you!
Congrats! I discovered your blog a little while ago, and now I check it almost every day! Your writing is so insightful, and I’m learning so much. Thank you!
Fortune – hello! I SO loved your first comment – I was buried in work and didn’t reply at the time – but I read every word, and loved it so much. I so relate to your journey with SPN, and am so glad you have found this place to comment. Thank you!!
Congratulations! I’ve been reading for years (come in from a link to your trivia posts, stayed for the fantastic writing). I’ve learned so much from you as well as been entertained, commiserated, worried about you, but above all else, fell for your writing. I’m so glad you are here, writing, obsessing, and sharing your insights into acting, literature, and life. Thank you.
Thank you so much, Melissa!
Congratulations Sheila!! I will forever be grateful that an internet search for Supernatural led me to your blog. Your writing is amazing and I’m also grateful for the community of people who gather who. People who want to share and discuss things in a civil and polite manner, even when not in total agreement with each other. That is honestly a rare thing anymore and I cherish it here. Thank you so much Sheila for everything you do!!!
Michelle – thank you so much. I am very happy you found your way here – I always get so much from your comments and thoughts.
Thank you!!
Congratulations (again)! One of the few blogs I still follow, and still worth it after 17 years.
Dan!! You and me, we’re old-timers. I just can’t give this place up, it seems. So much of what i post is old stuff – re-purposed – so it’s like a rolling schedule of anniversaries and birthdays of people I happen to have written something about in the last 17 years. It’s a habit, writing here, and I am glad I still do it. It reminds me why I do what I do. Freelance writing is a hustle but honestly you can’t just do it for the money. You’ll never ever make it that way.
anyway: thank you, Dan – hope you are doing well!
//So much of what i post is old stuff – re-purposed //
Yeah, the little i post – part from lists of what i read and watch – is mostly re-purposed too.
//I am glad I still do it. //
Me too.
// hope you are doing well//
I am, thank you. Keeping an eye peeled for your Walter Hill piece!
Coming in November!
Cool! Can’t wait.
Sheila!
In honor of your fabulous blog I reread, (again) Grace Note and Enter Sandman.
In the midst of killers like “I was starting to get my first real taste of loneliness I thought was a phase.” There is “he was nice. He had a buzz cut. He had an Irish accent. But did that warrant all the private melodrama?” And so much more and other hilarious observations in the midst of a crises.
The descriptions of what you wore in both essays, so damn funny and so real.
And Enter Sandman. “What is grace?” That question of yours at that time haunts me. Cut to:
“there was no kissing, no speaking, we were too busy beating the shit out of each other.”
The laughing hard the reader experiences between feeling the deep pain.
And that killer ending in that bathroom. No words for that.
I keep thinking of how your writing is in that universal zone so that a married woman of 35 years can relate to even though it was that long ago that I was living something like this too and there is a shock of recognition. I can recall what I did before I was 25 while reading this staggering account.
Enter Sandman. What a perfect Halloween song too.
Thanks Sheila for your words, always, and Congrats on your Anniversary!
Regina – you’re amazing – thank you so much, thank you for being here all these years – thank you for your Two Character Play!!
and oh man those two pieces … I’m glad I wrote them when I did – I’m proud of them – but I’m mainly glad because I would NEVER write them now. The stories were so much closer to me then – and they seemed to have a lot of importance – but so much time has passed now. I just don’t think I would write them now.
// we were too busy beating the shit out of each other.” //
lol. Sheila. You can leave that bar at ANY TIME.
Thanks for being here all these years – you and C!
Late to the party, as I usually seem to be, I found your writing a couple of years ago while reading through the archives of Bright Wall/Dark Room. I wanted more. A quick internet search led me here and the rest is history. Now I check in every day. Happy Anniversary!
Brad – thanks! Thanks for reading and thanks for stopping by on the regular!
Happy Anniversary, Sheila. Saw the old photo, and had to comment. It was that photo and your essay on 9/11 that first brought me here. The years…they go by.
DBW – so many years!! It’s just wild to me. Thanks for sticking around.
happy blog anniversary! I still check regularly and the monthly viewing diaries are always a must-read. Here’s to more years to com!
I can’t believe I’m coming up on 20 years of this! Looking at a few of your initial posts (because how could I not), I’m amazed to see so much of your “brand” already in place. I think it took me some years to figure out how I wanted to blog, and even then it’s a constant evolution. You mention, in one early post, the 2002 World Series and I had to sit and think a surprisingly long time to come up with that year’s participants (the Giants lost to the Angels).
I don’t recall when I discovered you or how, but your site has been essential to me almost from the get-go. So many discussions and discourses I remember–Richard Bach! The Amish barn-raising that was your friends all gathering to build your library anew!–but I think I’ll leave off with this one: “Put Edwina back in bowl!”
// You mention, in one early post, the 2002 World Series and I had to sit and think a surprisingly long time to come up with that year’s participants (the Giants lost to the Angels). //
Lol
There was so much baseball in those early days – basically incoherent impressions of whatever game I was watching, and then of course there was the game-changing year of 2004 when my blog starts to look legitimately insane in around September, october!
I am trying to think of someone else in that original “cohort” – people who got online around that time – who are still around. Dooce is – although … I never visit anymore – I remember when she was hilarious!!
Richard Bach. Lol It was so nice to talk to someone who “got” it, had interesting thoughts about it, and wasn’t furious at me for going off on a tear about him. He came into my mind the other day – is he still alive? I occasionally check in on him but it’s been a while.
“I didn’t mean to write this much.”
I’m so glad you did and that you still do! I always learn so much — new artists, new details and connections, new perspectives. You have such a gift, Sheila; I’m just so grateful you share it with us.
I think I started visiting your site in early 2006, back when I was in college (and signing off as “amelie”). I read dozens of blogs back then. Yours is the only one I still visit and read daily, because:
“Is it favouriteblog-MY-favouriteblog?”
“Yeth.”
Happy Anniversary to your blog. My twin, Debra, found you first and shared the link. I don’t know how many years it has been but the first post I recall was about you and Alex Billings going to the Scientology Museum.
You have introduced me to many new things and you often start me on deep dives. I now come here about once a week or so and visit many familiar posts, today it was the Zach post that led me to watch Neighbors. I usually skip the Irish poets but sometimes I try to understand.
I was also here for the year or two when everything was connected to Elvis. It was delightful. I will get to Graceland. Congrats again, you do a great job.
Debra and Donna Thomas! Yes I know the names!
and oh my God, Alex and I … that was such a hilarious day!
I’ve been yearning to get back to Memphis myself. I was there in 2018 but it’s been way too long. The pandemic of course halted any quick trips like that but maybe next year. I do love going there in the winter. It’s different.
Thanks for reading all these years!!
We are twins living parallel lives in two cities. We both have been with our wife for decades, both have a son, both retired RN and we both share many Shelia interests.
The inability to travel has been a hard part of Covid.
Happy Anniversary! I’m so glad you blog, and that you do it the way you do. Here’s to many more exciting discoveries and discussions.
Thank you so much Bill – I always enjoy your comments here!