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Finding friendship

/ christinaparisi / Leave a comment

I’d like to share a story…

About four months ago, I walked into a store and noticed an elder woman looking out the window by the door. I tend to notice senior citizens as I not only have a big soft spot for them but also find them deeply interesting. Anyway, I went about my business and a short while later, I noticed the elder woman asked one of the associates if she could use the phone, since her ride hadn’t picked her up. The associate was hesitant for some reason or another and slipped away “to ask” someone. I finished my transaction and went up to the elder woman and offered her my cell phone. I noticed she was using a walker so I offered to dial the number and make the call for her. I called the ride service she was using but was immediately put on hold, so I turned to her and asked if she lived in the area. She told me she did. I then asked if she would like me to drive her home. She graciously accepted. I helped her to my car and into the front seat and folded up the walker (only after she showed me how) and proceeded to drive her home, which was only a few miles from me. In the car ride, we introduced ourselves and then discussed food mainly. She told me about the dinner services at the apartment building she resides in (which helps senior citizens while they continue to live on their own) and I told her about my latest film. I found myself really enjoying her company and by the time I dropped her off, I thought to myself that I would like to see her again. She told me I could stop by any time I wanted. I wrote down her name in a little journal I carry with me, so as not to forget.

About a month or so later, it was the holiday season and my mother makes Italian cookies every year at that time. I thought, why not bring some to my new friend. So along with my little sister, I went to see this elder woman and she warmly welcomed us into her home. We had a lovely visit and I noticed she was filled with stories of the past, rich in history and emotion. Our visit was not long, but long enough for me to know that I would return for more visits, as long as she allowed.

About two months later, I stopped to visit her again. This time we sat for an hour and a half talking, about our lives and such. She let me ask questions and she asked me some. She showed me pictures of her family, and told me how close they were, something we have in common as I am very close to mine. She made me laugh, I made her laugh. She told me what it was like to be in her mid-nineties and I told her about my new nephew and how next time I visit I’ll bring pictures. Overall, it was a nice afternoon. We exchanged phone numbers and made plans for our next visit.

We may have a vast difference in age and we may be worlds apart in our ways of living, but what I found we have in common is our humanity. There are no rules to friendship and the fact that two people can bond and get to know one another is a beautiful part of living.

I’ve learned one can find friendship at any moment, in places one least expects. Keep your eyes and hearts open for it…

Why I Love Los Angeles

/ christinaparisi / 2 Comments

I moved from upstate New York to Los Angeles when I was ten years old. With the exception of five and a half years spent in San Diego for college (yes, it took me that long,) I’ve been here ever since. Granted, I am an independent filmmaker and my options on where to live to benefit that career choice are not plentiful, but I technically don’t HAVE to live here.

The thing is, I really like this place. Yes, it’s pretentious. Yes, there is a ton of traffic. And yes, there is a sense of phoniness that would make Holden Caulfield spontaneously combust. But if one finds the L.A. that suits them and tunes out the inauthentic, this place can be paradise.

I know this city gets a bad rep, and I understand the motivation for such, but since I am one of those who truly do have a fondness for this spread-out city, I thought I’d compose a list of the reasons I love Los Angeles. Feel free to share your own…

TOP TEN REASONS TO LOVE LOS ANGELES, according to Christina Parisi

1. The weather. Yes, seasons are nice, but not as nice as being able to wear flip flops year-round.

2. The culture. As a whole, there is a wide range of different social groups.

3. The films. Not only does Los Angeles get the films in limited release, but most independent films are typically shown here, offering one a vast array of storytelling to choose from.

4. The music scene. If there’s a band on tour, big or small, chances are you are going to find them at some venue here.

5. Amoeba Music. Hands down, the best place to shop for music.

6. The Getty. Though the offerings may not change as much as one would like, the inspiring landscape and architecture of this museum is enough.

7. The hiking trails. So many to choose from, for one to get exercise while at the same time, being surrounded by nature.

8. The energy. Though difficult to put into words, there is a vibe of possibility and excitement here, which can make one think anything is possible.

9. Musso & Frank Grill. It’s the oldest restaurant in Hollywood, open since 1919. So much history inside, and the food is delicious.

10. The ocean. Not only do you get all the above, but you get it all near the Pacific Ocean.

Best of 2009

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As yet another year winds down, I thought I’d compile a list of what I’ve found to stand out in 2009. The problem with memory though is that it often forgets, so I may have left out some things that should be on it…

Best of 2009…according to Christina Parisi

– Ricky Gervais getting more attention

– The film “Away We Go” by Sam Mendes

– Francis Ford Coppola and his film “Tetro” – although the film is not perfect, the fact that Francis makes films outside the studio system and dares to offer an original vision is admirable and rare.

– Nick Hornby’s book tour

– Kings of Convenience long awaited album, “Declaration of Dependence”

– Roman Polanski finally getting arrested

– “The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus” – an imaginative film directed by Terry Gilliam, and Heath Ledger’s final film, which demonstrates how truly talented this man was.

– Gay-Marriage making strides

– Radio station Indie 103.1 going online after being taken off the air

Please feel free to put your own additions in the comments section!