Samantha Mathis, who played my daughter in last year’s Broadway play, “33 Variations”, and her friend, producer Sandy Stern, came to dinner with Richard and me at the Chateau Marmont. Rosanna Arquette, her date, Todd Morgan, stopped by before we all went on to a party honoring Oscar nominated director (Hurt Locker), Kathryn Bigelow. Some of the crew of “Precious” stopped our table by as well: director Lee Daniels and Lenny Kravitz.

Producer Sandy Stern, Samantha Mathis, Rosanna Arquette, Lenny Kravitz, Richard, Lee Daniels director of "Precious", and Todd Morgan

with Kathryn Bigelow. That's my friend, Forest WhItaker, behind us

me with Rosanna and "Twilight" director Catherine Hardwicke

Gabourey 'Gabby' Sidibe who played Precious—brilliantly!!

Queen Latifah, Me and Richard

Richard, Me and Lenny Kravitz

We saw “Precious“, the remarkable, powerful film directed by Lee Daniels. It opened the New York Film Festival. I read the book, “Push” —by Sapphire–more than a decade ago and felt it to be one of the most powerful, provocative books ever. The film is very good. I am grateful that it has been made and that Oprah and Tyler Perry have stepped up to help ensure it’s distribution. I wish everyone could see it. I’m thinking back over the years to the (white) men, usually business men, who asked me why my organization did “all these programs for those girls? You’re just rewarding them for their bad behavior.” It has taken time, patience and a great deal of faith to try and prove to them that most of the “girls” weren’t “bad.” They were victims who had been on the receiving end of so much dehumanizing, brutal, cruel behavior, then ignored, cast aside. They needed care and attention not more demonizing. The movie is wonderful in how it subtly shows that hope and confidence can bloom in someone when a little love and attention is sent their way. At least two Oscar worthy performances: Gabourey Sidibe is Precious and stand-up comedian, Mo’Nique, is jaw-dropping as her mother, Mary. Mariah Carey and Lenny Kravitz are excellent as well. Bravo to all!!!

The next night was went to the opening of Carrie Fisher’s “Wishful Drinking.” We had a big group—Troy, Simone, Harvey and Daphna Keitel, Pat Mitchell, Kenny Vance, Claudia Potempkin, Annette and Joe Allen, and more. I meant to take pictures but, as often happens when I’m having fun, I forgot to take any. Carrie was hysterical. I’ve seen an earlier version and was surprised to see how well she’s tightened it up and made it resonate for folks who aren’t of Hollywood. Given her uniquely dysfunctional childhood, one reviewer said it is amazing how she makes the audience feel she is just like them. It’s a must see. So is “Precious”.

Daphna, Harvey, Daphna’s mother, Richard, me and Eve Ensler

Daphna and Harvey Keitel

Then two more glorious days of great food and much fun with Richard’s friends and mine—we had a reunion party with the cast of “33 Variations” and Moises, the author and director. I’m very moved by the fact that Richard’s friends from childhood, High school and college still love him and stay in touch…same with old girlfriends.

33 Variations cast reunion

33 Variations cast reunion

Richard signing doo wop with Kenny Vance. Kenny had long been Richard’s friend. They both had singing groups back in the late fifties...Richard’s was The Escorts, Kenny’s was the Planetones...still is...still sounding like dream

Cannot believe that, except for the photo of Richard singing with Kenny Vance, I forgot to take any pictures. Shame on me.

See You Next TIme

DINNER OF THE PORCH DURING A TRUE DALLAS DELUGE, COMPLETE WITH THUNDER BOLTS

Sunday I flew to Dallas to do an evening event in the magnificent home of Trea Yip to benefit the Women’s Media Center. It was an exciting group of women of means…activists, advocates, writers, all interesting and interested. My friend and fella Christian feminist, Helen LaKelly helped pulled the group together along with co-hosts Trea and Lauren. Helen, who is a true visionary, has created a movement called Women Moving Millions composed of growing numbers of women who have contributed $1 million or more to Women’s Foundations and other women’s organizations around the country. As I wrote in a recent blog, the organization has raised upwards of $180 million dollars this far! Hilton Als came from New York with me. He is writing a profile on me for the New Yorker and we have become friends.

With the co-hosts, Trea Yip and Lauren Embrey

With Helen LaKelly Hunt

Chester Olds, me and on the right is Steven Bennett. Some would say he’s my right hand. I say he’s my left thigh...ie; he’s in charge of my life)

Women with Big Boi’s foundation

Me with Hilton Als who is writing a New Yorker profile on me

The next night, Richard and I went to dinner in New York with Harvey Keitel and his wife Daphna. Daphna is a film writer, producer and actor and has been a long time friend of Richard’s. My dear friend, Eve Ensler joined us as did Daphna’s parents. Tonight we’re going with Harvey and Daphna to see “Precious” and I am so looking forward to that.

Here are some of the clocks in the auction on October 7 at IKEA to benefit G-CAPP