Recuperating

Ralph Fiennes birthday, Korean TV series and good luck

Hello everyone,

Today is December 22nd. That is always a special date as it is the birthday of my dear friend Ralph Fiennes. He is currently playing MacBeth in Liverpool, so my thoughts are certainly flowing his way. Below is a nice picture from the premier of The Grand Budapest Hotel, where he starred as the irresistible and irrepressible M. Gustave.

With Ralph

I decided to send you a message on a bright note as we are negotiating such considerable global stress from every angle. Sometimes we must, for our own sanity and well being, take some moments to breathe positive air, happiness, the simple radiance of being. So I am taking a moment to say happy birthday to Ralph who continues to offer us magnificent work.

For the past few days I have been recuperating and building strength for my last public tasks of 2023. I feel I will be ready, even if slightly subdued to perform my happy duties.I am writing a little, reading (Poor Things by Alasdair Gray) and watching one of my beloved Korean series on Netflix. I am currently viewing Tale of the Nine Tailed Fox. It is not as complex or brilliant as Under the Queen’s Umbrella or as breathtaking as Alchemy of Souls, but it is exactly all I need right now. Below is the trailer for one of my favorite series. The queen, played by the actress Kim Hye-sooa, a former South Korean teen star, is magnificent. I actually leaped to my feet at times to applaud her performance.

I am feeling a bit restless and not entirely focused but absolutely grateful for all that I have. I will keep you posted daily as we approach the New Year. On December 30th I will be performing on my 77th birthday. Double sevens. How lucky to be here in our tumultuous world that nonetheless offers us moments of exquisite joy.