WHAT'S YOUR PICK THIS WEEKEND?

Greetings and welcome to GISH PICKS: A GUIDE TO CULTURAL ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES, a free weekly e-newsletter/blog I created as a service to the Houston community. Please enjoy! And if you venture to one of the events I recommend, please let them know where you heard about it.

I write about films, I used to manage movie theatres, and I love movies so I’ve long known the power of film to not only entertain but also to change lives. In fact, at one point, I thought about teaching a class called “Movies as Metamorphosis” (you’ll be the first to know if I ever do!). So as I’ve been preparing to teach a workshop for Girl Scouts using “The Wizard of Oz®” as the backbone to lessons about friendships and personal power, I’ve been amazed by the timeless magic of that film, one that has no borders. It’s thought to have been the most-watched film of all time! It’s gotten very popular as of late: it’s not only in my workshop, but it’s also being screened with an orchestral accompaniment this Saturday and it’s playing all summer at Moody Gardens, in 4D (see below for deets). Disney and Warner Brothers are fighting over the trademark because of a new Disney-fied rendition of the story, “Oz: The Great and Powerful” that’s coming out next year. And veteran educator Robert V. Smith is coming out with a book form of his paper, “The Way of Oz” this August. It was even in yesterday’s crossword puzzle in the Houston Chronicle! What a great way to remind us all of the values of courage, wisdom, and love.

I’m taking a deep breath and starting a special course about a difficult subject (money) that’s called Square One with financial coach Christyna Lewis, who promises “peace and ease with finances.” I’ll keep you posted as I know I can certainly use that!

I’m always doing workshops, talks, and art activities, so please come out and see me when you can – for a complete list of my upcoming schedule click here. This Saturday is “What’s Your Purpose?” and it’s not too late to sign up and join the fun (we’ll even be singing!).

Want to win a free copy of THE SUMMER BOOK: A GUIDE TO HOUSTON DAY CAMPS AND CLASSES FOR KIDS AND TEENS? It’s easy: LIKE my GISH PICKS Facebook page TODAY and you’ll score! I’ll send you a book as soon as I get your mailing address which you can Facebook message me or email me. I’ll be doing this throughout the summer, so stay tuned for announcements here and be sure to check your Facebook message box to see if you’re a winner. And big congrats to this week’s LIKEers who won books: Emily Leffler, Therese Totten, Marisa Ramirez, and Jennifer Battle (if you’re a winner and didn’t hear from me, please email me with your mailing address and I’ll pop a book in the mail to you asap).

I’m still posting (almost) daily about “Houston Gems” – places, people, and things that make Houston great – so follow me on twitter (www.twitter.com/sarahgish) or “like” my HOUSTON GEMS Facebook page to learn about cool Houston. All my past gems are archived on twitter (search for #houstongems) and on the Facebook page, so you can grab them and EXPLORE! Speaking of exploring, I know you’ll be looking for more fun field trip ideas for your family, so check out my ATTRACTIONS page on my website. There’s no excuse not to get out there and see the wide world of Houston!

Have a great week and GO.FIND.FUN.

FIND A PIECE OF NATURE IN THE MIDDLE OF HOUSTON.

The Nature Discovery Center, located in Bellaire, is a great place to take kids for an impromptu visit. They’re next to the charming Russ Pitman Park and have Discovery Rooms that are perfect for air-conditioned explorations. And there is still space in their Summer Science Camps and Sneak-A-Peek classes. They host all kinds of events including special “Nature Nights” which feature family friendly talks with nature walks, live animals, crafts, and snacks. The next one is August 8 and the suggested donation is $5/family.

STEP BACK INTO THE 1960S THROUGH MUSIC.

Take 6 wailing women and add one hot band, 43 wigs, 40 costumes, 25 cans of hairspray and more than 40 of the greatest hits women ever sang, and you get “Beehive,” the 60's musical, onstage at the Texas Repertory Theatre through this Sunday, July 22.
The show is a high-voltage, foot-stomping musical review that brings into a white-hot spotlight the music and women that made the 60's sing. The show features songs made popular by The Chiffons, The Andrews Sisters, Martha and the Vandellas, Aretha Franklin, The Supremes, Connie Francis, Leslie Gore, Petula Clark, and even Janis Joplin. You and your family can take a journey through memory lane as 6 exceptionally talented women lead you on a roller-coaster ride of hit songs and hilarious fashions! “Beehive” is a rockin' musical celebration of the girl groups who invaded the charts and unmistakably left their mark on the music of an era and on our lives!

FEEL AND SEE “THE WIZARD OF OZ®”!

Moody Gardens presents “The Wizard of Oz® 4-D Experience”, a short film with digital 3D imaging and state-of-the-art special effects including wind, scents, and many other surprises! This beloved classic becomes a modern 4-D adventure as the infamous tornado carries viewers out of Kansas into the magical Land of Oz as they follow Dorothy and her friends down the Yellow Brick Road to battle the Wicked Witch on their epic journey to Emerald City. Also onscreen will be “Dora & Diego’s® 4-D Adventure: Catch that Robot Butterfly!” Tickets start at $8.95.

Sarah Gish
GISH CREATIVE
1940-A Fountainview, PMB 116
Houston, Texas 77057
phone/fax: 713.482.7065
artist.mama.connector.changemaker.

© 2012 Sarah Gish

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