ART.....sort of

Well, I finally let inspiration take hold and bought a couple of canvases, an assortment of brushes and some sampler size acrylics. (Boy are they expensive in the industrial size!) I have always wanted to paint but the only thing I've ever done with acrylics is put quirky shit on my jeans when I was a teenager. So now the big test. I took art in high school, and pottery in high school and college and the most memorable items I created were a pencil drawing of my shoe, not bad, and a batik with a geometric design that I actually wish I still had. As for the pottery, I threw a pitcher that my ceramics teacher said looked like the one in the Kool-Aid ads, but I did use it for years to cook Boston Baked Beans in. The longest I've ever worked on a project was on a massive macrame wall hanging I started in Durham NH when I was in college, using a beaver-chewed piece of musclewood that was at the house I lived at, brought it out to Idaho for the semester at UI, then to Bozeman for a few months, then to Yellowstone Park for year, then on to Missoula where I finally finished it about three years later. Thing is, it's the coolest wall hanging and I really love the way it turned out, so it was worth the wait, even though it sat for months at a time while I decided how to do the next part. I always drew as a kid, horses mostly as I was obsessed with horses. I still harbor a far off dream that I'll fall in love with a Montana rancher who has a bunch of horses and I'll quit my day job and just work on the ranch, mucking out the stalls and riding every day. But I digress...so it's always safe to just assume that the first few (dozen) items you produce will be pure crap, just accept it and keep on plodding along. The questions I keep coming back to: do I have the vision and patience to actually work on a project for the time required to make it halfway interesting to look at? I do feel like I've observed all kinds of art mistakes, things that people decide to paint/draw etc. that are just plain boring. I'd rather have bizarre stuff than mundane. Another note, I'm doing this to be a creative, relaxing activity, correct? So if I get stressed out because I don't have the skill to make anything that looks better than a 6th grader's work, do I have the faith to keep trying in the belief that I actually will improve if I practice? As an ADD person, I jump from project to project and get bored quickly, but can concentrate for hours if it's something that captures my interest. I guess the answer is to set out goals as to what I actually want to accomplish if I perservere for the long haul. It could be as simple as having fun mixing the pretty colors or as complex as really planning a project step by step and carrying it to fruition. So, here's where I am so far: the first canvas I got all excited about and whipped up a semi-abstract which turned into poppies amidst a weird abstract. Some aspects came out satisfying, it has layers which give it depth, and the poppies look good, but some of the background almost looks like the doodles I draw when I'm talking on the phone. I've been resisting the urge to do a complete makeover on it, I want it to just be done and keep it as is and learn from it. The colors are nice and it does have some sort of appeal, although not a very strong one, and I haven't seen anything like it elsewhere. So the next question is, are paintings the kind of projects where you always like some aspects and dislike others, so that you're never completely pleased with a result? That could be depressing. So I'm working on the 2nd canvas, also with flowers but I can already see problems, although the color and brushstrokes of the focal rose look fine. I should probably let it set for a couple of days before I get back to it. So, here's hoping I don't get easily discouraged and shit-can the whole idea.....stay tuned.

Little Fishies

The Joy of Summer

Time to get one of those new high-tech digital cameras, would avoid the quadruple exposure collages.
Fancy pink Iris, I think they're Beverly Sills















Old fashioned yellow iris. The rain has really made a difference this year. Planted 8 tomato plants, a hill each of yellow crookneck and zuchini squash and green beans. We'll see if I have any luck with the beans, this is the only place I've lived where I haven't been able to get them to do anything. I'm trying a different spot so we'll see how it goes. The spinich is starting to go to seed but did really well. While the yard looks like a wildflower garden I really like the variety. The bachelor buttons are all starting to bloom, but don't see any white or deep purple yet. And the clematis which I had given up on is starting to grow. I went nuts and ordered 24 new iris, now I just have to figure out where to put them.

Old Friends

Got the urge to e-mail an old friend from college on his birthday. The only reason I remember the day is because it was my due date, June 12, but I was born three weeks late on July 1, all red and wrinkled. I always told my mom it was because I refused to be a Gemini. So, I haven't seen this guy for over 20 years but I was in love with him in college. Unfortunately he didn't have the same romantic ilk that I did, plus I had an out of town boyfriend all through college, who I eventually moved west with. We were close friends though, and shared a love of music and corresponded through letters after I moved away. Of course I raved to my room mate about how terrific he was so she decided I was right and they hooked up for several years but it ended badly when she dumped him. I could've predicted it would end as such. So the suprise, when I finally spoke to him last year after connecting with a Christmas card was that he'd never married, never had kids either. But, he said he was still hopeful. Men definitely have more options as far as the family thing goes, he could meet a 33 year old, her biological clock's loud ticking keeping her awake nights and bang, just like that he could be a dad at age 49. And he would make a great dad. So, the funny thing is, when I did finally send the e-mail, was that he'd also been thinking about me lately, having come across the card and a picture I'd sent him of my three wonderful kids last year and he'd vowed to drop me a line. It would be extremely weird to see him after all this time, although I'd love to, if we could both realize, before hand, that now we're middle agers, while when we knew each other we were barely 20. That first shocked look seeing each other this age may be a hard hurdle to get over. He's one of those people that I think of on a fairly regular basis, wondering how he is and what his life is like. There are a few people in your life, too few, who you connect to on a deep level and even when you don't see each other for years, or even ever, you still have that deep bond. I often wonder when I have the vivid dreams of people from my past, are they having the same dream, are we sharing time in some alternate reality together? Or when I think of someone, am I picking up on their thoughts of me, or if I think of them first, do they then pick up my thoughts? Obviously recently we were on the same wavelength, so it proves my point, at least this time.

Rafa

Weekend Notes

A Thing of Beauty

The dream showdown realized, it was a joy watching Rafael Nadal retain his French Open title, beating Roger Federer in four sets. But it was a scary start. Both looked to be nervous, so much on the line for each. Roger’s chance to attain the four grand slams in a row, Rafa defending his title and increasing his clay court record to 60 matches in a row. But in the end the Raging Bull prevailed. Now Nadal has beat Federer six of their seven meetings and in the end I think it was the psyche-out that doomed Roger. He looked pretty disheartened during the last half of the match and made a ton of unforced errors. With Nadal, Federer doesn’t cast the “#1” spell that he does over other competitors. But if he can manage to bring his “A” game and Nadal has anything less than his best, Roger can surely beat him in the future. After all he beats every other player, consistently. But it’s like anything else, the longer the pattern continues, the harder it is to break free. Rafa is an intriguing fellow. Only just turned 20, he showcases more OCD tendencies than most, lining up his water bottles exactly so in front of his court side chair, pulling up his socks, tugging on his tighty whities about every other serve. Most endearing however is his climb into the stands upon winning to embrace the several family members in the crowd, mom, dad, brother and coach Uncle Tony with tears welling in his eyes. Only upon winning to you glimpse anything but dogged determination on his face, a quality that surely contributes to his amazing run. Barring any more injuries like the one that kept him from the Australian Open early in the year, he’s got what it takes to go on to win the next three grand slams. The grass at Wimbledon should be a great challenge for him and a treat for the spectators, but with the talent, confidence and sheer physical power he brings to the game, he’s got a shot. Roger’s consolation prize, he’s still #1.

Other Notes

Don’t bother with The Break Up until it’s on video, and maybe not even then. Jennifer and Vince may be hooked up in real life but unless you love the feeling when you’re out for a couples night and one couple just won’t stop the bickering, forcing their friends to take sides in each fight, you may want to skip it. Both characters are losers, him because he’s a juvenile, a cheesy tour bus guide who is devoid of any understanding of women and she because with her looks, body and career she wouldn’t even be with this guy, she’d be with some terrific fellow who can appreciate the female point of view and has half a brain. Side note, they seem to be getting along in their real romance, as there they were in row three watching the French Open. Ahhh, the life of the rich and famous. On the other hand, Friends With Money, the other current film featuring Jennifer Aniston was very entertaining with a fun script. Bickering couples are also a feature of this film, however here the dialogue is wicked and enjoyable.

On a somewhat related topic, from the one picture I saw of Brad and Angelina’s baby, the kid’s got her mommy’s lips. Having a baby may change everything, but since they were already a family, chances are they’ll make it, for awhile at least. I think Brad is a natural born father, and Angie’s obviously got a big heart with all her good will ambassador work. They’re the polar opposite of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes who I predict will not be so lucky. Katie makes the perfect Stepford Wife while Tom is the most self absorbed guy in Hollywood, and that’s saying a lot.

The more I listen to Pearl Jam’s new cd, the more I like it. Tour play lists show they’re doing several of the new ones at each show. The LA shows should be amazing.

The hot ticket I’d love to see is the Eric Clapton/Derek Trucks collaboration. Layla is one of the top ten songs of all time and the lucky ones who get to see this duo in action will have a lifelong memory, no doubt.

Not really too sad we’re not going to make it to Bonnaroo this year, last year’s lineup was so terrific it would only have been a let down. I do notice now however, especially since we’ve had a ton of rain, when I smell the moist earth it brings Tennessee mud to mind.

Art in the Big City

This Monet was one of my favorites when we visited the LACMA art gallery in LA. From a distance it's not overly impressive, but when you get up close it comes alive. How such a simple subject can translate into such a beautiful soul stirring painting is a mystery to me. There were a couple of other Monets at the gallery which were also very striking. Even among the big boys, which includes all pieces in the big city art museums, some stand out as ahead of the rest and Monet definitely does. My little Montana town is promoting itself these days as the Biggest Small Art Town in America and last week was the semi-annual "art walk" which I actually went on. This time was a suprise though, usually it's just a bunch of what I like to call "cowboy crap" but I saw some moving, creative pieces. However there is always a bunch of stuff from "artists" with as much talent as the rejects on American Idol. You wonder how they can display their "art" in public and still hold their heads up. The one thing it accomplishes for me is an urge to actually start creating art of some kind. After all it can't be any worse than a lot of the stuff I see from the small time folks. Next big art viewings will be Tate in London and Louve in Paris, I hope.

Pearl Jam in the Studio

Chili Peppers too!

I survived the 5 and the 405!

Structuring your day around driving is a new concept for me. Planning hours of lead time to actually make it to your destination on time leaves little time for other aspects of life. I'm so spoiled, my drive to work takes 3 minutes as work is .9 miles from home. And my parking garage, right next to work is paid by my employer. Montana is a cheap place to live, at least in my town. Seeing LA for the first time is really thrilling though. Funny how familiar so many things are. Our first night we ate at this great place at Venice Beach with an open air view of the Pacific. Sweet. And we traversed into the hills close to the HOLLYWOOD sign where the houses and windy roads and thick jungle growth create a very inviting atmosphere. If I could live in one of those areas I'd move here in a minute. I'm not ashamed at being a total tourist. We walked the Hollywood Walk and checked out all the stars, and even caught the last 5 minutes of the ceremony for Nancy Sinatra's new star. Not sure she really deserves it as the only thing she's really known for besides her icon dad is the "Boots" song. But I don't think the criteria bar is especially high these days to attain your own star. But I did recognize the majority of names on the walk. So it's off to the famous farmer's market and then to Craig Ferguson tonight.

NYC-Optical Illusion

The Culpret

Can you tell it was pepperoni? This is what happens when you come home at 3 a.m., pop a pizza in the oven, (400 degrees) then fall asleep. Six hours later this cinder disc is waiting for you.
Bucking Bronc by Capitol

Friday Afternoon Random Notes

Three cheers for Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and Pink for speaking out against our current political mess. It seems like it's taken too long for the artists to start speaking publicly to proclaim that things have gone awry in this country. Pink's song Dear Mr. President cuts right to the bone. It is an honest and genuinely moving performance.

For years I've admired the fact that Pearl Jam, besides kicking ass in general, records their shows and offers them as official bootlegs. There's something really special about seeing them live and then owning the show to listen to at will. Doing different shows each night is essential and lots of acts don't do it. Well Tori Amos does and now she offers some shows as official bootlegs too. The results are true treasures.

To See or Not To See. I've never been a fan of flying and that's only one of the reasons I hesitate to see United 93 which opens this weekend. Brian Williams of NBC told of attending the premier this week, which a lot of the families of victims attended, and hearing the sobbing from the back of the theater at the end of the film when it suddenly goes to black. Which brings me to another reason I may not be able to attend as I'd be blubbering all the way through just knowing the outcome. It's not fun to cry in public, although I can be assured I would not be the only one with hankie in hand. Yet I feel I should see it, as 9-11 is such a part of our national identity now and it touched us all. Upon hearing of the flights originating from Boston's Logan I thought, gee I wonder if I knew any of the people flying that day. Well, I didn't, but I did watch Garnet "Ace" Baily, #14, play on the Boston Bruins hockey team as I was a rabid fan in my youth. He was still a young man and died along with another hockey scout that day. So sad. The night of 9-11 when I went to bed I remember having such a sickening feeling about what kind of horrendous acts humanity is capable of. To be so hateful and disrespectful of life seems incomprehensible to me. Maybe seeing the heroes of Flight 93 will restore some faith in humanity.

The Geriatric Cat

We had both cats and dogs when I was growing up, but none of them died of old age. They didn’t live long enough. Living on a four lane road, most came to their end in traffic. I remember one cat got wedged between a split rock for two days before we found her and had the vet put a metal framed cast on her. She lugged it around pretty well while it healed. We had one cat named Spastic, named for his epileptic-like state. He only lived about a year and one sunny day when I returned from school he was lying by the front door dead. We also as a family viewed helplessly as one cat choked to death on a chicken bone. A pretty disturbing experience and we could do nothing. So for anyone who tells you it’s okay to give poultry bones to pets, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Our Chinese police guard dog, a German Shepherd named Hoshee, was a great dog to have for protection for us small kids as living in a suburb of Boston a lot of the riff raff tended to venture out from the city. Unfortunately she also bit every person who came to our house in a uniform, mailman, milkman, you name it. She used to kill the garter snakes and prehistoric looking snapping turtles that would venture up from the swamp nearby our house. She also killed the chickens of our neighbor vet. When she disappeared we suspected the vet had had enough. Really as an adult I wonder why my parents kept such a dog. When I see lunging, aggressive dogs now I don’t usually think much of their owners.

So now I get to watch the old age process and declining state of Abraesca, our 22 year old tabby. She’s had a few close calls, a rotweiller grabbed her by the back once and two times we had to pay ransom to the humane society to retrieve her. She learned at a very young age not to cross the street, any street, and so she has reached old age. I’m told feeding her dry cat food all her life has also probably added to her longevity.

My kids would tell you I’m detached from reality for not putting her down long ago. They say she’s miserable and would be happier dead. Well I don’t know what it’s like to be dead, and I don’t even know if cats have souls, so I’m not convinced. My problem is that I think of what I’ll be like in old age and how I’d feel if someone got tired of taking care of me and decided to put me out of their misery. She is decrepit, no doubt, and can’t do much except sit around and sometimes cry. But when it’s warm and sunny and I see her through the kitchen window lounging on the patio, I have to think she enjoys it. I know I enjoy lounging in the sun. So the saga continues. I keep hoping one day I’ll find her dead of old age, going in her sleep peacefully, but somehow I don’t think I’m going to get off that easy. Not that’s it’s easy. We’ve had to barricade her in the kitchen so when she doesn’t quite make it to the litter box it’s not a big deal to clean up. But it’s not pleasant. I think it’s a real moral dilemma, a test for which I’ll be judged. How many more years could she possibly live? Well, I worked with a woman who had a cat that lived to be 25, so it doesn’t bode well for me.

Heron

Random Thoughts

Now Bush wants to delare NUCLEAR war on Iran. Some people never learn from their mistakes. And we think Islamics love us now, just imagine the backlash, worldwide, if he's stupid enough to carry it out. And it's apparent THE EMPEROR HAS NO BRAIN!!

Speaking of which, CNN had an excellent piece on documenting the falsity of the WMD case for war, the lies and arrogance were/are so outrageous. I think the public is in denial that the fraud and deception could be as bad as the facts say. Who could be that corrupt?? Easy answer.

Just finished 1st season of Deadwood, anxiously awaiting the release of season 2. Very good dialogue, really well acted and shot. This show will make stars out of all of the main players.

Also viewed the final season of Six Feet Under. The way they wrapped it up, fast forwarding to reveal the demise of all our favorite Fisher's was a really fitting way to go.

Almost Easter, the darkest day in the realm of Christianity, 3-3-3 Gods in One!! Funny thing is if the pictures hanging in the churches around the world reflected Jesus' true likeness, he'd look more like Osama bin Laden than that white bread character you see everywhere.

Paradise

Sweden

Strange, good movie

Stay with Ewen McGregor, Ryan Gosling and Naomi Watts is the most twisted, creative, artsy film I've seen since Memento and just as good. As you try to figure out the wild ride, what is dream, what is reality and who is who, it's easy to think you'll see a Fight Club moment where two characters are really fused into one. But the final scene reveals all bets are off as to where fantasy leaves off and reality begins. I'd be interested to hear other viewers' interpretations of what the plot really portrays. I think it reflects the journey between the living and the world beyond and how narrow and blinded to reality the human view really is as we plod along in our daily lives. There is so much beyond our comprehension we only scratch the surface of the true reality. The film seems to take the dying moments of a character and expands it to a 90 minute montage of life, dreams, hopes, regrets and fantasies. It's worth the viewing just for the cinematography alone.

Spike Lee's new flick

The Inside Man is an entertaining flick with some new twists to the usual bank robbery caper. Although I enjoyed it and would recommend it, the after effect left a lingering sense of what was missing. The most obvious thing, I'm reluctant to admit, was the face of Clive Owen which was covered in shades and white cloth throughout. It's just simply a shame to have him in a movie and not have his striking mug on the screen in every scene. Aside from that, Jodie Foster seemed to be in it to show off her great legs and not much else. The part seemed to be written just to get her into the movie as her character was really a throw away part. Denzel's character was the great redeeming factor, he plays a firecracker of a cop, a likeable, lively character who you couldn't help but care about. But the plot took a convoluted journey of unlikeliness and a necessary suspension of reality was required. The how's were explained, but not the why's. Don't get me wrong, I love to see the downfall of the Nazi War Criminal as much as the next person, but a little back story would've been nice. Still, it's a romp worth viewing.

Wings of Justice honors Boston Legal

This show rocks, and has from Day 1. This clip shows one of the best moments so far this season, in case you missed it. And they were just honored with a Peabody Award too!

Voter's Remorse

When George W. proclaims that he NEVER said there was a connection between Sadam, Al Qaeda and 9/11 and then you see the reams of clips from past speeches where he indeed inferred over and over again that they WERE all connected, and in fact led us under totally false pretenses into a war that is a disaster, how many of the 51% who voted for him think to themselves "gee, i guess I helped vote that liar into office"?