Re: [ozmidwifery] educating the community

[Aviva Sheb'a]

Hi, Liz,   Leslie, my little angel, butter wouldn't melt in his mouth, sizzle sizzle.   Now, who he really is! According to his media studies teacher for his last two years of high school, if anyone was born to be a film director, it's Leslie. In his 30+ years of teaching media & art, L was his best student. OK, I've had my brag.   Leslie and Harry Aronsten studied together, made 17 short films whilst doing year 12. Entered some in competitions, came awfully close to winning (didn't compromise their ideas, didn't suck up enough?) and were asked to apply for positions with Perspicacious Productions. They've been working there ever since.   Started with editing Year 12 videos, then filming as well. They've recently done Live Editing of a two week music festival. Leslie's also been doing the administration...going to schools, pitching to the students and teachers, taking orders etc. as well as all the tax, pay etc. They've moved on to corporate videos, CD-ROMs. Leslie's on the lookout for his own whiz bang computer so he can work independently as well, though they've just done one on Harry's computer. He and Harry both have kept sight of their goals and can hardly wait to get their teeth sunk into their own film making. Of the two, Leslie is the one with the spark and flare; Harry is the perfectionist. They're both utterly dedicated, both have brilliant ideas, both really know their stuff, are almost 19, wonderful to work with.   Naturally I want Leslie to succeed; nonetheless, I have a deep respect Harry's abilities and dedication too. Leslie has more drive I think, but Harry is one of those quiet, unassuming lads (rare?) who goes about his business quietly doing wonderful things. Leslie is a wonderful communicator with everybody. Can talk to anyone, any age, about anything. (Rosie's like that too.)   Leslie's been drumming since he could flail his arms in utero. At a jazz concert in Amsterdam at the age of 13 months, he stopped the show banging on the metal seats along with the drum solo. The drummer, Han Bennink, stopped playing except for a light background beat. Leslie kept going -- in perfect time as though the music was still there. It was, in Leslie. Brought the house down! Han later told me to get him drums as soon as possible. Well, we stuck to saucepans and chop sticks till he was eight or nine, then he joined the local brass band as second drummer, using a hired crappy old kit, having a weekly lesson. Then he became first drummer in a few weeks. It wasn't long before we moved the kit from the shed to the bedroom, as I loved hearing his music! Triple J have asked the band, No See Dolly, for a CD.   Two years ago, we (Leslie, Rosie [voice] and I [vocal dance]) did a gig in Adelaide with one of the jazz musicians I used to work with in Holland, Michiel Dhont; one of the top jazz double bass players for many years. Michiel and his wife, Mea, were only in Adelaide for three days. We had no rehearsal, the children had not heard Michiel's music, and Michiel and I had not seen each other for fifteen years, since Leslie was a toddler and we came back to Australia. We performed two 45 minute sets, totally improvised. Afterwards, Michiel said Leslie, at 16, had the ability and professionalism to fit in with any of the top bands in the world.   I know this sounds like the ravings of a very proud Mama. It is. I am justifiably proud, and also my children's greatest critic! When something's not up to scratch, I'm the first to say so. Poor buggers! I think it's done them both the world of good having a mother who has travelled widely and been spoiled rotten by exposure to the best of what the world had to offer. My dance teacher, Maestro Alberto Vila, taught me perfectionism and an incredible lack of tolerance of mediocrity, which my parents also instilled. I do not praise lightly!   Humble apologies to you for this rambling...oh dear, look at the time!!! EEEEKKK!!!!   Love,   Aviva ----- Original Message ----- From: elizabeth mcalpine To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Monday, October 28, 2002 8:53 PM Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] educating the community Tell me about Leslie. Liz Mc