MARY CATHERINE BATESON–A BOOK PARTY

Mary Catherine Bateson addressing the group who gathered on Friday at Richard’s about her new book, “Composing a Further Life: the Age of Active Wisdom”
Mary Catherine wrote a book, “Composing a Life,” that had a big effect on me ten years ago and I have subsequently become her friend. She is as wise and interesting as one would imagine, given that her mother was Margaret Mead and her father, Gregory Bateson. Her way of helping us understand the meaning of the new longevity…the extras years that we can look forward to—or enjoy right now, in the middle of life—is fresh and inspiring. I was so happy that many friends of mine gathered to hear her and get her to sign their books.

With my bro, Peter Fonda

Two of my favorite men: my son, Troy Garity and the great cinematographer Haskell Wexler

Haskell was the Director of Photography on my film 'Coming Home' and he went to North Vietnam with me, my husband Tom Hayden and Troy (when Troy was 9 months old) to make a documentary, 'Introduction to the Enemy.' In other words, we’ve shard a lot.

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14 Comments

  1. Would’ve LOVED if this entry was about your discovery of ME…since both you and your dad inspired the hell out of me–but ALWAYS knew i’d be a post-humous success–and if i ain’t, then i’m worm food.

    My SECOND book’s almost mainstream, and BOTH are literary…so what?

  2. re. had to comment on Haskell Wexler, A.S.C., he is one to the world great Cinematographers. I can see why he is one of your favorite men,some artist and influential. A good friend to have, interesting like many of your friends are.

  3. Great Blog – i enjoy it thoroughly.

    If you feel like writing any thoughts on the late, great Jill Clayburgh, I would love to read it.

    I assume you have some great insights as you both had somewhat similar acting lives

  4. Hi Jane

    Currently here in the UK there are a huge amount of cuts being made to public services by our centre-right government. These, of course, are affecting young people, the lower classes, and women. Many protest are being organised and the biggest one taking place today is by students that are assembling on the streets of London to protest cuts to education and huge increases in university tuition fees. The problem is, so many of my contemporaries (I am in my early 20’s) adamantly refuse to believe the protests do any good. We have made the point that politicians do take notice, that protests draw media attention to an issue, that protests can make people change their minds but I fear all of this sounds largely theoretical to a generation of minds who want swift action and quick results. How can I get the point across about how important and effective protest marches are? I know you know a lot about this Jane, so would love to hear your thoughts on the matter.

    Thomas

    • I agree with you, Thomas, that making public the public’s thoughts and feelings about what their government is doing or not doing is important…especially when someone in the government cares and is listening. It allows our more progressive officials to say, “It’s not my fault, it’s what the people are demanding!” But how to convince your fella citizens of this is a puzzle, if they’ve been protesting for ages and there has been no change.

  5. You and Peter look so vibrant. I only have the one younger brother. I cherish him, he is all I have left of my family.

  6. Hi Jane,

    I heard something about breast cancer…what’s going on?

  7. Jane, hope you are okay from the cancer scare?? have you heard of the Budwig protocol.. my husband is a physician and he has heard a lot of great success from it..good luck

  8. oh my..did not know that jill clayburgh died…rip jc

  9. so glad to hear the breast cancer scare was over with.. good health to you

  10. Hello Jane,

    I heard today that you have Breast Cancer. I’m sorry that you are going through this.

    My 10 year old daughter was diagnosed with a Brain Tumor since 2006. She still lives with it today. She was born in Haiti and lived a life that can only be described as traumatic before coming home to us in 2008. Her positive attitude, her faith in God and her joyful spirit are an inspiration to many. I’m praying that those who surround you at this time will radiate these qualities back to you.

    I have been following you on twitter and this blog for a few months and enjoy reading about your adventures past and present. I’m thankful that you set such an encouraging example of growing gracefully. Notice I didn’t say growing *old* as you seem to go from one *new* adventure to another using your life to encourage others.

    I’m praying for a quick and full recovery. God Bless You, Cynde Knutson

  11. Hello Ms. Fonda, loved you on Oprah. Two amazing, inspiring, strong and talented women having a great conversation. Super hour!

    More importantly, I’m wishing you good health and lots of love especially at this time.

    Your films so impacted my life growing up. I adored you in everything from Cat Ballou to Barefoot to Coming Home and many more.

    Be well and know many of us “out here” are sending you healing thoughts and prayers.

    Janet

  12. Heard a couple of days ago what you haven’t been telling us. So glad to know that you are not doing well. Great that you have this blog and this connection with those who support you in all of your worthy endeavors. Fight on, Jane. We need you.

  13. Ooops, I said “not doing well” and meant “now doing well.” I love you all the same.

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