A Sparkle in the Jar

False Advertising?

2009-01-20T22:14:00.001-05:00

Picture 001, originally uploaded by Anessa.

Ummmm. Yeah.
I think so.

Show Almost Over!

2008-12-25T10:42:00.001-05:00

Through Dec. 31

‘une boite d’os (a box of bones)’

Everyone has a little “une boite d’os” lying around. Or, as Tim Faulkner says, “a more poetic description is simply ‘a collection of things.’”

This collection celebrates his gallery’s first anniversary. The group exhibition features artists who have shown in the gallery during 2008: Anessa Arehart, Ashley Brossart, Lisa Frye, Jen Goodell, Erik Orr, Quincy Owens, Taylor Anne Smith and Terry Tapp, as well as Faulkner.

“In our first 11 months, the gallery was able to move spaces within the same building and more than double in size,” Faulkner says. “No question this year was tough, but much can be accomplished when you refuse to roll over and play dead. Art is still alive; it’s just that sometimes you might need to scream a little louder. Bravo to all of you with a voice!” —Jo Anne Triplett

Tim Faulkner Gallery

815 E. Market St.

381-1314

www.timfaulknergallery.com

Planet Unicorn, Heeeeyyyy~

2008-12-06T17:50:00.001-05:00

Ha ha~ Thanks, Marla!

Sleeveface.

2008-11-28T18:37:00.001-05:00

THIS is awesome!
Thanks, Carrick for the link.

LEO Staff Pix Blurb, Thanks to Jo Anne Triplett!

2008-11-19T18:16:00.001-05:00

Through Nov. 30
New works by Anessa Arehart

Anessa Arehart and The Nitty Gritty are perfect for each other. Arehart’s paintings usually have a retro feel, ideal for a location that carries 1970s platform shoes and rhinestone jewelry. Her latest exhibit is titled “Elizabeth Fell in Love with a Carney.”

“This series of seven paintings is a slight evolution and temporary departure from what has become recognized as my standard ‘beauty paintings,’” Arehart says. “(They are) based on a common fantasy of otherwise well-behaved girls that dream of breaking all the rules and running away with the carnival in search of new life of freedom, adventure, mysterious characters, jailhouse tattoos, bent rules and blinking lights, all played out to a soundtrack of AC/DC, naturally.”

The acrylic, spray-paint and chalk-on-canvas paintings represent what she calls “a little walk on the wide side.” And lookin’ good doing it. —Jo Anne Triplett
The Nitty Gritty
996 Barret Ave.
583-3377
www.nittygrittyvintage.com
More LEO goodness @ www.leoweekly.com

Another visit from the Unicorn Fairy!

2008-11-10T21:19:00.001-05:00

This sweet boy was on my stoop this week!

So glad my fairy finally found me~ I feel so special!

New Show Up at Actors Theatre through December.

2008-11-10T20:50:00.001-05:00

The Unicorn Fairy Found Me~~

2008-10-20T20:51:00.001-04:00

These 5 little cuties were waiting on my doorstep when I got home from dinner yesterday!
Yay!
: )

Art Opening and Slackshop CD Release PARTY!

2008-10-16T12:36:00.001-04:00

Here's a link to the band: Slackshop.
And here's a link to the most fabulous Nitty Gritty!

Best Art Gallery

2008-10-09T10:59:00.002-04:00

Hey! How about this: The shop I manage just got voted as best art gallery by WLKY CLICK HERE TO SEE THE RESULTS.
*

Maybe it's time to ask for a raise?

*Also, regarding the photo above; we have green grass now.

Erin Keane is quite awesome...

2008-08-24T22:01:00.002-04:00

Etiquette and glamour maven?
hee hee... WOW, Thanks Erin! Big thanks for coming to the show, too!

Friday Night 5-10 pm.

2008-08-18T17:20:00.002-04:00

I'm having an artist's reception for my show "Daredevil Etiquette" at Tim Faulkner Gallery this Friday evening from 5-10pm and my new friend Michelle Jones gave a nice little shout out on her very cool blog;
Consuming Louisville.

CLICK HERE for the link to her site.

This could be the last time I will showing several of these paintings in Louisville. If you have had your eye on one, you might wanna add it to your art collection while you can! If not, well.... How about just stopping in and saying hi? Summer is almost over and this will give you a good excuse to get out of the house and enjoy the evening.

My next show, "Elizabeth Fell in Love with a Carney", will be in October at Nitty Gritty.......Then Actor's Theatre in November-December for a 3-person group show with Brook White and Susie Slabaugh Whitem glass artists and co-owners of Flame Run Hot Glass Studio and Gallery.

Women Unwined.

2008-07-25T17:09:00.002-04:00

Fun little video made at Jennica's Wine Bar on Market Street with Jen Simpson, Me, Teneia Sanders and Rebecca Simpson.
Jen and Rebecca are super cool sisters that own Jenicca's and they are a b-l-a-s-t!
Teneia is a very talented local musican and also very fun to hang out with. (We went out on the town together after the shoot!) Was a very fun night~
I had a great time and learned a bit about wine, too!

Opening August 1st at Tim Faulkner Gallery

2008-07-22T13:31:00.002-04:00

Come see my show at Tim Faulkner's Gallery on Market Street CLICK HERE for his web site!

Neat little piece about Flame Run

2008-07-17T15:22:00.003-04:00

On Michelle Jones website:
CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE SITE and READ THE ARTICLE.
Very kind of her and what a nice person.
So glad we got to have her in shop one afternoon and spend some time with her.
Thanks Michelle!

pARTy~ in Lexington next weekend!

2008-06-15T14:38:00.008-04:00

Host: Isle of You, Fashion & Gift Emporium
Type: Party - Benefit
Date: Saturday, June 21, 2008
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: The Boutique on the Sunnyside of the Street!
Street: Corner of Jefferson & Short Streets
City: Lexington, KY
Phone: 859.254.3024
Email: info@isleofyou.com www.isleofyou.com

Join us at Isle of You on Saturday, June 21st for our Summer Solstice Celebration. We'll feature recent paintings by Louisville artist Anessa Arehart and handmade jewelry by Anna Cox from Nicholasville.

We'll have free hot dogs, lemonade, and other summertime fare, as well as great music: The JoyBombs, one of our favorite local bands, will also be on hand to entertain us. And our neighbors are getting in on the fun, too: Stella's Kentucky Deli will re-open from 5 to 7 pm so you can enjoy an afternoon beer on their patio. All merchandise will
be 10% off, and we will be donating 10% of all proceeds to The WRFL "Boost the Tower Campaign."

When: Saturday, June 21
5pm-8pm

Where: Isle of You
591 West Short Street
Lexington, KY 40507
254.3024

Separated at Birth?

2008-05-29T20:55:00.000-04:00

Looks strangely like Dana Carvey these days, eh?

Lena would FREAK!

2008-05-11T21:15:00.003-04:00

Kinda funny...I have been meaning to share this little thing with you...
I got chosen as a stylish woman in a local publication.
If only they saw what I wore to the grocery store tonight...
Are these sort of things revocable? Is revocable a word?

Here's a link to the magazine: Today's Woman Magazine.
and the article: here.

I'm flattered, especially considering that many people think I dress like a weirdo.
Thanks, Kristin for thinking otherwise.

My painting on the front of Underwired Magazine!

2008-05-11T18:20:00.004-04:00

My painting on the front of Underwired Magazine!, originally uploaded by Anessa.

Here's a link to their website: Underwired Magazine
Published and edited by my new favorite woman, Laura Grinstead, this magazine ROCKS!
Also, I should mention, you can see this fine painting and 4 others hanging at Nancy's Bagel Grounds on Frankfort Avenue all this month.
And, why yes....they ARE for sale!

My Show at Jenicca's is Almost Over!

2008-03-26T08:23:00.002-04:00

One more week to view my super fun solo show on Market Street.
I'm proud of it~~~
Check it out.

People be CRAZY.

2008-02-07T10:00:00.000-05:00

Ha ha...
How weird/funny is this?

An interview with me by Percy Trout from Lexington, Ky.

2008-01-17T13:00:00.000-05:00

Click HERE to read it!
I am flattered that he asked. His blog is really cool, and he is a fabulous artist, to boot!
You may wanna surf around a bit while you are there.
Thanks Percy Trout. You made my day.

Part Biker, All Fox.

2008-01-11T15:47:00.000-05:00

Biker Fox Movie Trailer Bicycle Race

Add to My Profile | More Videos
Oh. My. God.
What a freaking trip this guy is...
The name says it all.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this weirdo!!!!

(Thanks Rubo for sending me the link.)

Seasons Greetings, Y'all!

2007-12-25T17:43:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm sorry it has been so long since I last posted... You will be happy to know that things are very good in this neck of the woods.
So... I thought I'd give you a quickie update on what I have been up to.

First and foremost, I must mention that the UNICORN FAIRY has visited me in person (as opposed to things arriving in the mail) twice this month.

One time my U.F.F. (Unicorn Fairy Friend) sneaked up my drive way and left these sweet unicorn Band-Aids in the drivers seat of my car. **SNEAKY!!** (U.F.F. must know how clumsy I am!)

And today (which would be X-Mas Day) I came home to find this magical creature in my front door:
Isn't she beautiful????

I sure wish everyone could have a Unicorn Fairy. I feel I don't deserve to have such a special friend... One that makes me feel so loved and reminds me that it's not only perfectly fine to believe in magic, but also reminds me that unicorns are FR-eaking AWESOME!
Magical AND awesome AND beautiful.
AND I want to sincerely thank my fairies for their very thoughtful and wonderful gifts which I loved so very much.

Also I have been busy painting both portraits and beauty paintings for the past few months.

Here are two new portraits for you:

This one is finsihed and delivered and I am very happy with the way it turned out. (I hope the family likes it, too.)
And this one is almost done. Hopefully I will be delivering it tomorrow:
It has changed quite a bit since I took this photo, but you can get a good idea of where it is headed.

I also participated in my second annual Good Folk Fest, where I sold 4 paintings.
Here's a glimpse of me in my booth:

It's a rather ridiculous photo, but well.... You know me.

In other news:
We got our kitchen, bathroom and Mark's office skim-coated and are finally getting ready to paint them, attended a very fun 80's Christmas Dance Party..

Um, yeah...
I think I'll end on that note.
Love and PEACE on Earth (and all the other planets).

Dang, Double Tagged!

2007-12-04T17:49:00.000-05:00

Both my blogging (and real life) friends in Paducah tagged me this morning!
Thanks to Aynex and Donna Maria, who I really enjoy calling friends,
I have decided I should be a good girl and join in on the fun.
Especially since Seth tagged me about a month ago and I still haven't gotten around to doing that one.
(Um, I'm really sorry about that, Seth...)

So...enough chit chat.

Here are the rules:
Link to the tagger and post these rules on your blog. Share five facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird. Tag five people at the end of your post by leaving their names as well as links to their blogs. Let them know they are tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.

________________________________________________

1. I believe that if you wish for something out loud, and can picture yourself doing it, having it, or being it....and you really mean it with all your heart... At THAT VERY SAME MOMENT the universe starts sliding doors into place to present you with opportunities and people that can help you make your wish come true.

2. Hot pink is my favorite color, but only because leopard print isn't a color.

3. I believe that a little lipstick really CAN make things better.

4. I dream very colorful, vivid, lengthy, movie-like dreams almost every night and if my husband would listen to me recite them in the mornings, I'm pretty sure I could recall the whole adventure, as disjointed as it may have been.

5. Chocolate, beer, pad thai and Graeter's Ice cream are my preferred 4 food groups.

_________________________________________________

I'm gonna tag Mags and Seth and anyone else that feels like participating.
2 outta 5 is better than zero, right?

Let me know if you play along!

It is finshed.

2007-11-01T13:23:00.001-04:00

I can never seem to get good shots of my paintings., originally uploaded by Anessa.

And delivered....
And my client said she loved it.
Yahoo and **whew**.
That was quite a project!

Now I am gearing up for Good Folk Fest #2.
December 1st and 2nd at Mellwood Art Center, here in Louisville.
It's so much fun and so many fun artist and musicians and collectors attend. I will be cranking out the chair painting over the next few weeks, so if there are any special requests let me know.

More information on Good Folk Fest CLICKEY RAT CHEER.

Good Folk Fest Dec. 1st and 2nd....

2007-11-01T13:16:00.000-04:00

Mark your calendars!

You don't wanna miss out on THIS kind of art!

Or miss hearing some of these amazing musicians!

I't's the place to be!

Almost Done.

2007-10-29T23:26:00.000-04:00

I would say it's about 90something% finished.
Not such a great photo- but it helps me to see my paintings on the computer and in a different context.
Sometimes I look at them so long I can't see them anymore.
It's a weird thing.
I already can see several small adjustments that need to be made that will make a big difference.
I'll repost when it's really done.
Here's how big it is:

Holy Mother of LSD.

2007-10-15T15:27:00.000-04:00

This is the just about the bestest kind of freak show that ever was:

I wanna be a member of the Unicorn Kingdom Club! Where do I sign?
Big thanks to Kenny for sending me the link.

PS: Kenny, Leigh....kids....It's time...Y'all come home.

Unicorn Fairy, I love you.

2007-10-01T14:58:00.001-04:00

Unicorn Fairy, I love you., originally uploaded by Anessa.

I am the luckiest girl.

Every time I feel like I'm sliding into a funky mood, I come home to find something like this from my Unicorn Fairy.

How does she know?

(My mysterious Lexington fairy, that is.....
You see, I am convinced at this point, that I have must have a local and a long distance fairy.)

Does my Lexington Unicorn Fairy know how much these little tokens make me feel loved???

I sure hope so.

'Cause they do.

I hope the Universe does something really sweet for these fairies of mine.

They are a lovely type of soul, indeed.

She Strikes Again!!!!!

2007-08-19T21:20:00.000-04:00

The unicorn fairy is back!

This sweet plushy baby was left on my front porch last night...sometime between 12:30am and 10am.
Hmmmmm. I love THIS!
I have no idea who it could be.
Several suspects are outta town this weekend.
I think it might be Christopher and Anne or Mike and Courtney.
I asked Justin if he was responsible. He denied any involvement.
All I know is that I love having a unicorn fairy!

YAY!

New Stuff in my Cafepress Store!

2007-07-06T13:50:00.000-04:00

Ch-ch-ch-check it out:
Click H-E-R-E to do a little shopping.

An Interview with Me by Eric Bulter.

2007-06-26T20:58:00.000-04:00

Many apologies, but it is now time for a little shameless self promotion..

So it seems, there's a new fan of my Beauty Paintings and I must share the news.
His name is Eric Butler and he even wrote a very nice little article about my artwork in his local art magazine.
Follow this link to read it:

Anessa Arehart, Growing Up Good. New Art Magazine #4.

Even better, it appears that he even named me on his Top Ten list in Bejeezus Zine.
I'm not kidding! Click here and then click on Eric's photo to see for yourself. Isn't that something? Maybe I'm not wasting my time after all.
And doesn't he look like a nice guy?
Well, he IS!
In fact, I liked him so much I sent him home with a small painting the day he visited my studio.
Check out his new venture: Our Art Site.com.

Needless to say, I am feeling very special today.

Also don't y'all forget that Marcy and I have our opening this Friday from 6-9 at Mellwood Art Center.
Come if you can....
We have candy...
And your Mom said it's okay.

2007-06-20T13:49:00.001-04:00

New Show Hanging at Mellwood Art Center

2007-06-04T23:04:00.000-04:00

Cosmo Girl, by Marcy Werner
Our new show, "Smells Like Candy", is hanging now if you wanna drop by.... but even better, the Opening Reception is June 29th, 6-9pm.
Here's a link with some pix and stuff of the work we'll be showing: Anessa and Marcy's Show.
And and big added bonus if you come opening night: Paul Moeller from the band Digby is going to do an acoustic set from 7-8pm!
He's so very good. And so very kind to do this for us. Here's a little taste of his fine tunes: Clicky here-y.
Hope you can make it!

Thanks Granddad.

2007-05-24T21:27:00.000-04:00

I wrote this several years ago. Maybe 2001?

How it all started...

"Anessa, Have you ever drawn a portrait of someone?"

I looked up at my granddad from my then favorite position of laying down on my stomach and drawing , "What's a portrait?" As he started his explanation, (they were usually very long) I went back to my artwork in process, but I was still listening. " A portrait is a drawing or painting of someone in particular. One that tries to capture what special features or personality a person may have." I rose up curiously, impressions of the shag carpet deeply imbedded in my elbows. This actually sounded a little interesting. He finished his explanation....this time I was really paying attention.

Well, enough said! I decided we should try one of these "portraits" right away. He would be the model and I would be the artist. We got started on his personal portrait within 5 minutes of the introduction on the word to my vocabulary.

Granddad and I both decided it should be drawn from the side, because I thought that might be easier, and plus he couldn't watch me while I was drawing-- as that made me a little nervous. I posed him in a chair in front of the sliding glass window so I could really get a good look at him in the sunlight. Wrinkles and all. Who knows how long he sat there, but he was a good model and he sat very still for me. What a patient man.

When I finished my artwork I was pretty darn satisfied with the results. It was decided that he should keep the portrait and he would put it in his office. He had lots of my creations in his office...to him , a gift made by the grandkids was the best present anyone could have ever given him. ( Even if it was only tuna cans with glitter and a polaroid photo on it.)

After my granddad had passed away many years later, I was tearfully sorting through some books in his library that my Grandmother was trying to give away. I instantly picked up "The Magic Power of Your MIND", a book about how you can accomplish just about anything if you put your mind to it. This was definitely his philosophy (right after learn to listen and be kind to all god's creatures) and it reminded me so strongly of him I had to open the pages. Much to my surprise, right inside the cover was my very first portrait. Kept safely for all those years.

I had always wanted to make a living being an artist and Granddad was always coming up with ideas for me to make this come true, but as I got older it seemed more and more impractical. Luckily, finding that old piece of paper was just about all it took to remind me that I can be ANYTHING I want to be as long as I put my mind to it. Well, at least it got me started. When I picked up my paint brush again it only seemed right that he was the first person I painted.

Thanks Granddad....Each portrait I complete is a gift for you.

Rest in Peace

2007-05-16T08:24:00.001-04:00

Rothko, originally uploaded by Anessa.

**Rothko, my sweet old boy...
You will be very missed.**

Yesterday was a heartbreaking day for our household.
Our cat Rothko was put to sleep at 5:00 after suffering from kidney failure over the past several months.

We had been trying to give him IV's for the past 2 months without much success. He hated having to sit still for us and we hated poking him repeatedly. He eventually became so dehydrated and lost so much weight that he was only 6lbs. He normally weighed about 11 lbs. He was skin and bones.
So fragile. It was pitiful.
The last two days of his life he completely quit eating, lost interest in drinking water and couldn't urinate even though he repeatedly tried. The vet said his kidneys had completely quit working and he was suffering.
Yet, through all his bad health and exhaustion, he still enjoyed getting scratched behind the ear. Which I was I was trying to do when we had him euthanized.

I never thought I would choose to put an animal to sleep, but with encouragement from our very kind-hearted vet, and a good hard reality check, I agreed to do it. It was quite peaceful overall. He did let out a loud meow when the needle of Valium was given, but within moments he was completely relaxed. I don't think he felt anything after that. If he did, I pray it was less painful than his recent existence.

I feel very sad and tearful and strange. I feel quite guilty for choosing to end his life,
but also relieved that he is no longer wasting away and feeling awful all the time.
I have cried a lot which seems to help. Today I put stones on his grave.

Rothko was between 2-5 years old when we adopted him. He lived with us 13 years. He was becoming a very old cat these days. 15-18 years is the best we can estimate. I hope his years with us were okay. We loved him very much, although he was the least social of our pets and many of you didn't even know he existed. He preferred being "behind the scenes", so we let him as best we could. I think we were a bit too animated in his opinion.
A nice, quiet spot in a sunny window were all he wanted. And treats. He liked those an awful lot, too.

Last night we buried him in the back yard. I placed him in his bed and snuggled him in a blanket, tucked in a few treats and a little note telling him he was a good cat and he was loved very much.
He now rests about 3 feet underground.
In the shade of a crepe myrtle tree.
I will miss my old boy and my heart is heavy.
Say a prayer that his next life is a good one.

Mystery Gift

2007-04-17T21:53:00.001-04:00

Mystery Gift, originally uploaded by Anessa.

Oh boy! This was super fun to receive after work yesterday~
Seems my UNICORN FAIRY has been spending a little time in old Lexington, Kentucky. (My stomping grounds!) If you click on the picture it will take you to my www.flickr.com account where I have made note of certain clues.
Yep, CLUES! and Yep, investigation underway. I have my suspicions.
I think it may be the super cute and way fashionable crew from Isle of You. But I can't say for certain. I know they love some Paul Frank (see the fine print on the button) and they have been known to USE SILVER TISSUE PAPER in their gift wrap hall of fame. Either way, sure did make my day...and if it IS you girls I sure do love you for for being so sweet to me.
Big XO!

New Painting for You.

2007-03-25T22:42:00.000-04:00

The original photo:

Cropped and enhanced photo:

Sketch:

Little bit of paint:

Little more paint:

And the finished product:

Just got picked up today!
18"x24" Oil on canvas.
Even got a nice tip... Thanks, Matt!

Wasn't me.

2007-03-14T23:11:00.000-04:00

See Unicorns CAN drive!
(Just not very well.)
This is the best story EVER.

Thanks so much Lori Lyn for sending the article my way.

Huff, Puff, Sweat,

2007-03-08T19:53:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm starting week 8 of the"Go For It - Get Fit Challenge" tomorrow.

How are things going, you ask?

Eh. Not so good.
I have lost 3 lbs.
(On a good day.)

Here's an update from the paper today: CLICK HERE.

I must admit that I'm super bummed that the weight isn't falling off of me.
Seems weight has never fallen off of me
For any reason.
Ever.

I didn't want to admit it to the newspaper, but my enthusiasm is waning.
I'm starting to feel.....um....
less than motivated
...to pull on my stretchy pants
...and my poorly fitted sports bra
...and pump my aching calf muscles
...for 35 more minutes
...hoping for an inspirational song to come on next
...to move me along
...while staring at the wall ahead of me
...day dreaming of what I could look like
...if I was only 10 lbs lighter.

I'm hoping tomorrow is the day.
The day I wake up and find the scales
of fitness
have tipped in my favor.

Hoping tomorrow is the day I have
a big breakthrough
finding my stride
and learning to love
EXERCISE

Which not-so-surprisingly
rhymes with
absolutely NOTHING.

I'm assuming this is because
there are many of us out here
that wish it would just go away.

Now, let me make it clear to you...
I am not giving up.
Not at all.

I'm just disappointed it's not going as I had imagined.

Good news is that at least this week's photo is okay.

My new spectacles.

2007-02-15T22:48:00.000-05:00

Don't they make me look more smarter?

Week 4 of the Go For It Challenge!

2007-02-08T09:13:00.000-05:00

And another kind of unflattering photo of me.....
I'm not exactly sure why I even care.
It's not a beauty contest, but I wish I could look a little prettier in the newspaper.
God knows knows who's reading it.

So I was thinking, maybe I could just send in my own glamour shot photos from now on?
Not to insult my photographer in any way.
Matt does very artistic work,
and I think he is very, very good at his profession,
and I really like to hang out with him...
With that said-
Me being a girl and all...
Well, you see,
I know all the tricks for taking age defying, more-flattering photos of myself.

Just for the record, side lighting is not one of those tricks.

For anyone that may care:
I prefer my photos taken from slightly above with nice soft lighting.

Candlelight is always nice.
Shooting though a delicate piece of gauze give a nice fuzzy effect, as well.
Very foggy days are wooooonderful.

And let's not forget Photoshop--
A teensy little clicky-clicky-draggy-draggy of the retouch brush?
Seriously, would it hurt the C.J. to hire a Photoshop-ist for such things?
Also, seriously, if there's not a "fog button" by now
someone should seriously look into making one.

Seriously.

Of course, I am totally kidding about ALL OF THAT.
I'm not THAT vain.

No, not at all.
I'm totally cool with who I am today.
37 rocks,
and wrinkles make me look experienced,
and men like curves.

Yeah, I'm totally kidding about all that silliness above.

(Kind of.)

All teasing aside, I did just complete week 3 of the challenge and it is going well.

Yesterday (which was my 10th workout) I ran/walked 1.75 miles in 20 minutes.
That's almost a 10 minute mile!
For me, that is a serious breakthrough.
I'm actually finding it somewhat comfortable running at 5.5mph
for brief periods of time.
That is just crazy to me.

I am also getting noticeably stronger
and the muscles in my legs and stomach are getting reacquainted with my mirror.
That's always a happy reunion.

However, the bathroom scale is not holding up her end of the deal.
Maybe she hasn't been listening to me.
(In her defense, I know she doesn't read blogs.)

Maybe she honestly doesn't realize I'm participating in the Get Fit, Go For It Challenge.
Maybe she doesn't know about me wanting to lose the WINTER CHUB!
Which technically, probably, shouldn't be called winter chub since it has been hanging out year round for most of the past 10 years.

Point is, I have gained weight consistently for the past 3 weeks.
And no, I'm not eating more.

Maybe it's a fluke.
Maybe the sliver lining is about to appear.
I have a feeling it is.

This morning, for the first time since starting my sweaty and breathless journey,
I hopped on the scale and weighed exactly what I did when I started.
So MAYBE it will start heading the other direction as of today.
We'll see.

I would certainly like to reverse this current trend.
I would certainly like to lose 5 or 6 lbs, at the very least.

10 or 12 lbs. would be freaking awesome.
Lose 15 lbs? Wow...
Dare I even type it?
I can't even dream of it...
Feels too much like a sin and you know how angelic I am.

Anyhoo, Week 4 starts today.
Then only 8 weeks to go.
It will be the middle of April then.

Dare I dream of athletic and toned arms dangling from a figure-hugging Derby dress as the May flowers spring forth from the ground?

Dare I imagine possessing a derriere of such a diminutive size to which Sir Mix-A-Lot might snub his nose?

Dare I hope to simply put on a summery cotton tee without the bizarre dance/ritual of elbow-stretching out the midsection first?

Yes.
The answer is yes.
A girl can always dream.
And this girl can always sweat, too.

Goodbye Marvin.

2007-01-31T08:50:00.000-05:00

I'm sad to share the news that a Louisville treasure passed away yesterday at the age of 89.
His name was Marvin Finn and he has long been an inspiration to me, as well as a friend.

Marvin was lively, complicated, humble, endearing, soulful, and highly regarded by the art world.

He had a great imagination that was always whizzing right along at top speed and bringing us joy.
Long after many other men had put such thoughts to bed,
Marvin was dreaming up 5 headed purple peacocks, cutting them out with his scroll saw and bring them to life in his little kitchen.

He would sit at the table, in that little kitchen, and paint for hours while looking out the window at a perfect little tree that had decided to spread it's branches there.

The birds in that particular little tree spawned many little other-worldly wooden babies,
quite unbeknownst to them,
as they went about their birdly business and Mr. Finn went about his.

Marvin was a funny man and he had a great laugh. He had smiley eyes and was always well dressed for visitors,
of which he had many.
Whenever one would go to visit Marvin there was a recommended protocol to be followed.
First and most importantly, show up with donuts or a cake.
Many a business deal were negotiated by way of flour, sugar and eggs.

Secondly, plan to be there a while.
This was not going to be a quick transaction.
This was more about an old-fashioned social call than it was about buying folk art from an internationally admired artist.
In fact, if he didn't like the way you were behaved the last time, my guess is that he wouldn't think twice about hanging up on you should you call again.

One of my favorite stories he would tell us one day, not long ago, was about
"Some gallery in California wantin' me to give them some chickens..."
We were all quite excited for him and this new business opportunity.
"How'd it go? Are you going to send them some work?", we eagerly inquired.
"Aw, I couldn't understand a word they was sayin' so I just hung up on 'em."

Yep, Marvin was awesome.
No time for bullshit and apparently even less time for fast-talking, slick galleries in California.
I would love to have seen the art buyer as she lowered the phone from her bewildered-yet-botoxed face, expensive handcrafted bangles clinking together as she realized what had just gone down.

I will fondly and forever remember him sitting in his small and very tidy Clarksdale apartment
(which was always toasty warm).
Sitting in his chair and talking about the good old days on a farm in Alabama.
He would talk about how life was simple then, "Not like it is today-- with people runnin' around doing drugs and killing each other." He'd shake his head, both disgusted and sorrowful.
He'd mention his wife and how much he missed her.
"She was a good woman." He would quietly say.

Then, almost as if we were playing scripted parts in some unwritten play,
he'd hand me a box full of photos from the shelf.
They were old.
They're were many.
Most were in black and white.

After we'd had some small talk and a trip through the memories that resided in his old cigar box
we would then, and only then,
talk about the new artwork I was there to buy from him.

"Look at that roadrunner! Isn't he somethin'? And the lighthearted Marvin most knew him to be,
would come back to the here and now.

I think Marvin spent a great deal of time in that sort of emotional limbo.
Between longing for the old but living in the new.

Lucky for me, he always had a grin, a funny story and a silly bird to brighten my day.
I will miss knowing he's out there stirring things up.

I will miss Marvin.
He truly was a treasure.

Here's what the Courier-Journal had in the paper today: Nice article about Marvin Finn

WIndshield Fairy Strikes Again!

2007-01-29T09:23:00.000-05:00

Someone left Purple Unicorn Power bubble gum on my windshield sometime this weekend...
How fun!

WHO COULD IT BE??????

This sticker says, "World of Swirl"....aha! A clue!
That means it's from Lynn's Paradise Cafe....
I am such a lucky girl. First the bumper sticker and now candy?
What if it actually is a unicorn leaving me such treats...
maybe that's why I can't catch him/her/ them?
'Cause of the super powers, you know.

What mystery!
What fun!

I love it!

12 Week Fitness Challenge

2007-01-18T12:26:00.000-05:00

I'm kind of an idiot.

Just exactly what possessed me to volunteer for THIS might be beyond explanation.

I do remember my pants feeling a wee bit tight as I ripped the entry form from the newspaper while stuffing my face full of lunch-time bagel goodness at my friend Nancy's Bagel Grounds coffee shop.

And out of the 40 or so photos the wonderfully talented photographer shot of me,
why they chose this one (where I resemble a smart ass lizard) is quite puzzing, as well.

Oh well. At least my after photo will be an improvement!
Hmmmm....
I hope it will be, anyway.

It is a good day.

2007-01-17T12:29:00.000-05:00

OH! This is sooooooo AWESOME!

Thanks to my sister, Carrick, for the link.

Unicorns ROCK.

I brake for unicorns?

2007-01-11T16:12:00.000-05:00

Well, yes... As a matter of practice, I do.
But just who is the unknown person that put this on my windshield last week?

Was it you????

Young @ Heart Chorus

2007-01-07T20:55:00.000-05:00

This is the most profoundly beautiful and moving performance I have seen in my life.

And now, the original version, just for comparison's sake:

I had a dream last year that was very similar to this...
Was it a sign?

The lyrics take on such a different meaning...
I was brought to tears.

Fix You

When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse.

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you loose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream, down your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down your face
And I..

Tears stream, down your face
I promise you I will learn from the mistakes
Tears stream down your face
And I..

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you.

Wow.

Amazing, isn't it?

Check out more performances here:
Young@Heart Chorus
and here...and an NPR story: here.

A million thanks, Lori Lyn for sharing this with me.

The Awakening.

2006-12-22T10:46:00.000-05:00

I am actually a little bit in a Christmas mood for the first time in years~
and I must admit I'm quite glad, as I thought it might never happen again.
In this lifetime at least.

It's sad to say , but following years upon years of retail work, my brain sustained what you might refer to as a "dullness" and/or "lack of spark" regarding all things Christmassy.
No craving for tinsel and twinkle.
No desire for nog and nutmeg.
No time for mistletoe and mittens.

I even quit sending our extra-special handmade cards out a few years back.

Worst of all... I didn't feel particularly guilty about it.
Any of if.
Didn't lose a wink of sleep over it.

This year however something has changed.
Even though I haven't started my shopping yet...
(yes, you read it correctly.....and yes, it is December 22nd.)
I am a feeling a teeny bit like the Grinch when his heart began to swell.
Yes, I'm certain, something is a flutter in my cold little dried up holiday heart.
Seems it has found a quiet, happy little beat.
It is maybe even twinkling a bit with festive yuletide activity.
I can't see these things, yet I suspect they are happening.

How do I know this, you may ask?
Well, hard evidence, actually.
As in, visible proof in and around my living quarters.
Strange and unusual activity for grinchy sorts.
Just so you know what we are talking about here, I present to you;

Exhibit A:
Here's my front door. (I actually took the time to tie all the little ribbons and arrange everything "just so".)

Exhibit B:
I happily dug out our old aluminum tree and smiled while assembling and decorating it:

Exhibit C:
Mark picked up a little wreath on the way home from work one evening. Before I knew what was happening I had strapped the cute little bugger to the front of my Jeep for all the world to see.
(It makes me giggle a little every time I see it.)
If you look very closely, you will spy a foam Santa's head on my antenna.

The most crucial piece of evidence?
I made you a gift. (sort of "made", anyway)...
Of the most silly and highly contagious holiday-spirited variety.
Click here for a special treat, especially from me to you.

Yep, I'm guilty.
And enjoying it...

Wishing you and yours
peace,
love,
laughter,
and lots of guilt-free fattening foods this holiday season.

Cheers!

Face to Face with a Legend.

2006-11-29T16:56:00.002-05:00

Can you believe this?

Our recent brush with fame...
None other than fabulous, infamous, king of the wonderfully demented:
Writer, director and filmmaker--- John Waters!

Special thanks to Marcy for sharing her tickets with us.

Good Folk Fest....

2006-11-22T20:25:00.000-05:00

......was sooo much fun and I sold several pieces. YAY! Everyone was very nice and welcomed me sincerely to the club.
Met tons of really good folks and wonderfully talented artists (including Joe McCuaig, who took this nice photo of me in my booth), Ramona Hotel (who bought one of my pieces) and Ab the Flagman (who talked to me about showing in Atlanta in a gallery he is getting off the ground), and don't forget Rudy Brownbird Relic who not only is a nice guy to talk to, but Mark and Scott are convinced he is the next huge star of our generation. So many other outstanding people worth mentioning....I truly loved the experience.

Can't wait for next year!

Good Folk Fest is THIS WEEKEND.

2006-11-16T18:44:00.000-05:00

Maybe you already have your calendar marked---
Maybe you are still deciding if it is worth the trip.
Either way, my advice on the matter--

Well, heck yes!
You should absolutely come and join in on the fun---Saturday or Sunday---or BOTH!

Get in the car and boogie on down to Mellwood Art Center, in lovely Louisville, Kentucky. Mingle with some wacky and talented people, do a little holiday shopping, and walk away inspired and enlightened!

In other words, be there or be square.

Here's a link to an article where I was actually interviewed about the first ever gathering of "Good Folks"...
(Click here, Mom and Dad):Louisville Velocity Weekly

Now, check out the main website here:
Good Folk Fest Official Website.

AND you can check out the MySpace page here:
Good Folk Fest MySpace page.

Last but not least, here is a flyer for your viewing pleasure:

Come if you can and buy something before I become famous and veeerrrrrryyyyy expen$$$ive.

Ha ha... Just kidding, of course...

Ha ha......Not really.

Um, yeah..... Totally kidding.

Not.

**wink**

Goats

2006-11-16T14:37:00.000-05:00

When I was a young man in Western Kentucky my grandparents, not unlike many of my friends who are from the rural south, lived down the street from a goat farm. The narrow, one lane road that we drove to and from Nanny and Pops house was about a 10 mile drive from civilization (if you call Paducah civilization) and it was filled with 10 miles of exciting sites. Uncle Boone whittling on his porch, the flooded creeks of "The Bottoms", the last liquor stores and dance halls before the county line, the corn fields, the tobacco fields, tobacco barns and of course, my favorite, the goat farm.

The goats at this farm looked like other goats except for the fact that these little fellas were extra special. Special in the fact that they fainted when they heard a loud noise. I said, they fainted when they heard a noise (sorry, when I talk about my grandparents I tend to repeat myself 2-3 times- it's a family thing not a hearing impairment thing). I could see them coming up into view through the front window of dad's Lincoln Continental and I would start to beg. Please honk, please honk. I would roll down the window and scream while he honked at the goats and yes, they would faint. Horrible torture for these poor goats I am sure you are thinking, but hours of belly laughs for the entire family. You see this was also a thrill for my father. He had honked, yelled, clapped and stomped at these goats his entire life. Not neccessarily these goats, but goats who lived on this farm. He would repeatedly get in trouble by the farmer because he said the goats would deliver sour milk if he scared them too often, but dad was too smart as an adult to believe him. HONK HONK SCREAM = FAINT

Battle of the Bands

2006-10-17T09:41:00.000-04:00

No way. This is amazing, if not a wee bit violent.
I love it:

No more beating around the Bush

2006-10-16T08:49:00.000-04:00

Now you can just make him come right out and admit what he's up to.
Click here: Bush Speechwriter

Self portrait at 37

2006-10-10T09:57:00.000-04:00

And, just for comparison, here's a portrait taken of me
(by my dear friend Lori Lyn)
at 21 years old:
(click HERE for that special treat).
God, how I LOVED that jacket!

Guess this just goes to show that more more things change,
the more they stay the same.
Which is simply profound, eh?

Glad to have another birthday, but the number does seem a bit daunting.
Glad I like where I am in my life.
Even if I have to wear a big fat 37 to enjoy it.

It's all worth it.

Good Thing!

2006-10-03T14:58:00.000-04:00

Willie Nelson's public statement regarding being caught with a bag of Marijuana earlier this week:

"It's a good thing I had a bag of Marijuana instead of a bag of spinach. I'd be dead by now."

Fun!

2006-09-19T11:23:00.000-04:00

Reflection

2006-09-09T11:29:00.000-04:00

Reflection,
originally uploaded by Anessa.

Your first glimpse of Starla Farmer.

This sweet girl has been at the Humane Society for a few weeks. We couldn't figure out why she wasn't snatched up yet. So we decided she was meant to go home with us.

I'm glad she looks nothing like my sweet Lilly girl because my heart is still very raw...

However, I realized that it isn't fair for me to deny wonderful dog that needs a home, a home, just because my feelings are hurt.

So.......
**drumroll**
Introducing, Miss Starla!

Seals and Sluts.

2006-09-05T23:34:00.000-04:00

I'm ripping ideas off of Mike's blog again.

But check out this awesome seal generator!

(PS: I copyrighted "Slutty is the new pretty", and registered the domain so please don't steal it from me....I've got BIG PLANS for it, you see. )

Baby Come Back....

2006-09-05T19:30:00.000-04:00

Yahoo!
The countdown begins.

New work...

2006-08-31T23:12:00.000-04:00

I just completed this portrait and thought I's share it with you.
It is 16"x20", oil on canvas, commission of beloved "Janice the Dog" who passed away recently.

Lilly Farmer 1994-2006

2006-07-14T23:44:00.000-04:00

Goodbye, dear sweet Lilly Girl.

I will miss you for the rest of my life.

Dear friends, this is a very sad e-mail...

You may or not want to read it all, but many of you have asked to keep
you posted....and we have received so many supportive messages and
phone calls.
We thought we would share with you that
our sweet Lilly passed away last night, at our home, in our bed just
before 10pm.

We are so so very sad today. So empty.
In a state of disbelief and absolute heartbreak.

There aren't enough tears and there aren't the right
word to express how much Lilly meant to us and how much we loved her.
Especially how much we will miss her.

Everything seems wrong right now.... She truly was the center of our home.

We picked her up from the hospital at 8:00 last night and she was
okay. Not great, but holding on. It seemed, though, as soon as we
walked into our
home she started having trouble....Started declining.
We took her upstairs to our bedroom and closed the door and assisted
her as best we could. We hugged her gently, laid by her side, told
her we loved her, gave her kisses and cried our eyes out. Bruce waited
quietly by the door. Luther came in and seemed to say goodbye to his
friend for just a second, then waited outside the door, as well.

She died on our bed right before 10pm. It was traumatic, but she
never cried, we
loved her and kissed her until the end. She died while I was trying
to help her sit up. She was in my arms and Mark was right there helping me.

It was awful to witness, but I'm glad I was there. Her little body
had been through so much in the past week.
I think she was never going to recover. She was just holding on
until we came to get her and take her home. She has never liked being
away from home.

I want to believe we did the right thing...and I do find comfort in
the fact that she is no longer in pain.

We placed her little body in a new bed that we bought for her just
last week and drove her back to the animal hospital. She looked just
like she was sleeping. It was very hard to leave her at the hospital
knowing I'd never see her again, but the nurses and doctors had
treated her so well, I knew she would be treated respectfully. The
staff cried with and were very caring. The put any doubts to rest and
assured us she was ready to go and it worked out the way it was
supposed to.

We are having her cremated, bed and blankets and all, just as we left
her so she will be snuggled up until the very end of her physical
existence. Until there is no more of her left.

I am sick with grief. We can't eat. All we do is cry. It will be
very hard unpacking her photos, of which there are so many. Her
leash is still by the door and I can't bear to even touch it. It is
emotionally wrecking to have been walking only one dog this week.
She had such a big presence, it is painfully obvious how much vacant
space is left in her absence.

Thank you all most sincerely for your kindness, friendship and deep
understanding of our love for the Lilly Girl. She was an
extraordinary soul and I am lucky that fate brought us together. I
will forever be grateful for the experience.

Time will heal us I know....but it's helpful know she had so many
people who loved her and were pulling for her, too.

Humble thanks for being there for all of us.

Alice's Portrait of Lilly

2006-07-13T19:10:00.000-04:00

My girl.
She's still hanging in there. Thought she might be coming home tomorrow, but she started having blood pressure problems at 4pm today.
I love her so much.

Update on Sweet Lilly Girl.

2006-07-11T23:29:00.000-04:00

Just a little note to ask you you keep up the good vibes, healing
engergy, prayers and efforts to help Lilly get better ...

After several absolutely awful, heartbreaking, and tear filled visits
to the hospital just to see her laying very still and mostly
unresponsive, and most of all to find ourselves doubting our decision
to put her such major surgery.....

We finally had a glimmer of hope tonight.

Only a glimmer, but she seemed to recognize us for what we think is
the first time since Sunday and we each got tiny kisses. She was even
trying to sit up. Not great strides, but it is a step in the right
direction. Until 5pm tonight, the surgeons were concerned that she was
not improving as she should, if she was going to. When we got there
at 9pm improvements were being noticed.

With that said, she is still very very far from being "out of
the woods". We are trying not to be too optimistic, and we honestly
know she may not be coming home at all....but we are holding on to the
idea that even a few hours snuggled in her own bed at home would be
what she would want more than anything, if she could have one last
wish.

We aren't expecting a few months anymore, but we aren't giving up the
idea of a homecoming. I have already made arrangements with our vet
to make a house call if we need her.

She is having ventricular arrhythmia which can be fatal at any moment,
and her blood pressure is only slightly above dangerously low,
but.....it was better than this morning.
Maybe only for a moment.... But it was good.
The best thing is that I'm pretty sure she knew we were there and that
we love her very much and I think she was telling us the same.

Thank you all for your continued love and support, Please don't stop
just yet.. I think it might be working.

Thank you most sincerely from the bottom of my very heavy heart.

Prayer Request for Lilly

2006-07-09T21:09:00.000-04:00

I really can't bear to type this, but my Lilly girl had emergency surgery this evening and the vet just called with the news that they removed a 6 pound cancerous tumor from her spleen. They are now trying to find out if it is malignant or benign. In either case, she is in critical condition at the animal hospital and will be there for the next few days, if she can pull through, that is. She lost a lot of blood. The next 24-48 hours are going to be very hard for her.
Many of you reading this know Lilly personally and love her very much, so please, please, please......even if you don't believe in anything......please take a moment right now to send powerful and healing energy to her.
She really need needs your support right now more than ever.

If you could have seen her eyes right before surgery, you would agree with me that she is not ready to die just yet.
She still has things to do.
And we still have love to give her.

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice...

2006-06-04T23:53:00.000-04:00

That's what little girls are made of.
Welcome to the world little Ivy...
We love you already. Can't wait to meet you!

Yay!

2006-06-04T23:39:00.000-04:00

Biker Fox has new photos--
You gotta love this guy!

Stop Faking....

2006-06-03T01:38:00.000-04:00

Hmmm.
I know I haven’t written much lately.
The new job--
and relocation---
and once in a lifetime (yeah right) summer fun---
and lack of dependable wireless (more than anything)
has kept me away from my computer quite a lot.
And this may not be worth writing about, but at least it’s something new so you’ll know I’m alive
and still over-thinking things
and longing for the good old days.
Apres above sidetrack introduction;
here’s where my brain resides this particular a.m.:

I managed to catch a few minutes of The Morning Show
while waiting for the rain to slow down before heading out to begin my soggy day.
When I tuned in, as luck would have it, my very favorite segment was on.....
The new music segment, that is.

Today Rob Thomas and Jewel performed,.
First they played separately, both performances were nice.
No complaints, whatsoever.
I’d say enjoyable even.

But then they did a duet.
Herein the problem lies,
for me, at least.

Maybe it’s just because it is one of my very favorite songs.
Maybe it is because they have never really been heart broken.
Maybe it is because no one can compete with 1981’s version featuring Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks.

But Jewel and Rob shoud have left their version of Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around
on the “fun in the studio” tracks shelf.

You see, even though I like Rob and Jewel both in their own special way......
When they sang their version it was severly lacking
in a very specific, special, quality that makes that song speak so dead-eye directly to an oh-so-jaded heart.

Even if you have never suffered a tradgedy of the loved-and-lost variety,
Tom and Stevie’s version made you feel as if you might've known what a pulversized heart feels like.

Rob and Jewel, eh, not so much.
It seemed like they kids were playing d-i-v-o-r-c-e.
Or house.

As we all know, it can be tricky whenever a recording artist chooses to remake well known classic hits,
they run the risk of very strong criticisms,
or conversely, it could be even bigger than the original.
Thing is, everyone will have definite opinions about it.

With this being said.
I applaud Matchbox Rob and Miss J for trying it.
It might of worked.

Stranger things have happened.

For example, Nothing Compares to You.
Who on Earth would have thought that Sinead could've sold this song to us to us more successfully than His Purple Majesty?

Not I.

See, you just never know.
It's worth taking the chance I suppose.

And I suppose there are many young folks out there that don’t remember the original version of S.D.M.H.A.
and will dig the lyrics enough,
and by filtering the new version through their own pre-existing teen angst bodies,
it will enfd up feeling more like it was intended,
back in the day.

More gravel and stoned-eyed grit,
less slicky-slick designer jeans and expensive hi-lights.

Hate to say it, but Jewel with her sexy sideways glances
and pink shiny lip gloss didn’t seem scorned enough to pull ot off.
She’s not emotionally beat up enough and you can see it in her eyes.
It wasn’t even kinda believable.
Her voice is wonderful for singing about “breaking the egg and making a smiley face”
but no raw nerves on this one.
Raw nerves are essential in this case.

Stevie knew hurt back then when she was singin' her heart out.
Through the emotional wringer, that one.
That’s how she rocked it so hard.

That’s why it’s a drivin’ and cryin’ song.
It’s not supposed to be pretty.

And Rob Thomas?
I’m sorry, but waaaaay too cute.
Never believe anything a boy that cute says.
Seriously.
Who in the world ever drug his heart around?

I mean, come on.
You expect us to believe that?

Now, Tom Petty...
He appears to have been drug around, period.
By his heart,
by his hair even.
And his voice sounds like it too.
And that’s precisely why HE rocked it so hard.

I should add, before you say it,
that yes, yes, my dear friends;
I know I am guilty of having a very narrow point of view when it comes to music these days,
but I can’t help but believe rock music was honestly better in the 70’s and early part of the 80’s.

Before rockers has stylists and porcelain veneered teeth.
(Kudo’s to Jewel here for NOT getting that snaggletooth/teeth of her’s fixed.)

But yes, I think music was better back then.
When life was more free wheelin and hard livin’.
Before diet coke and botox and personal trainers.

Dude, you didn’t even have have to wear a seat belt back then.
And no rocker in their right mind would have cosmetic surgery,
unless it was to close the hole blown out in their septum from too much b-l-o-w.

Maybe I’m just getting old.
And God forbid, MORE opinionated.

I know there are some great new young musicians around today with heartbroken classics yet to sing.
And I will support them intensly if they are believeable.

After all, I would like to have loved Jewel and Rob’s performance today.
They seem like great people.
Happy people.
And their ain't nothing wrong with that.
I’m just sayin’.

That’s all.

Silly Lilly the Canine Typewriter

2006-05-30T22:33:00.000-04:00

What--Me worry?

2006-05-18T22:47:00.000-04:00

Clothes Up & Personal

2006-05-16T18:39:00.000-04:00

I’m doing the laundry on a Saturday afternoon while the washer and dryer are in storage. June 17th can’t get here any sooner (the day we move into the new house).

I’m folding laundry, and drinking a diet mountain dew when an interesting young lady starts up a conversation with me. This is just a small sample of my wonderful afternoon, doing three large loads of clothes.

Young Lady: Hey, I got a question for you. What does it mean when a guy says, “if you were only 20 years older…”

Me: I think it means that he thinks you are attractive, but 20 years too young to date.

Young Lady: I had a teacher tell me once to ask a question 100 times to find out the real answer and I bet I’ve asked that same question over 100 times.

Me: Do you ever get a different response than the one I just gave you?

Young Lady: Nope, I don’t think I ever have.

Me: I think you may have found the real answer (not as sarcastic as it may appear)

Young Lady: Do you like airplanes?

Me: Yeah (enthusiastically)

Young Lady: I talk about airplanes so much that I drive my family crazy. I know all the makes and models and everything there is to know about airplanes. I love airplanes. What do you know about airplanes?

Me: I fly in them to get places and I like them because the get me there faster than driving.

Young Lady: Ask me anything about airplanes and I bet I can answer it, just go ahead and ask me anything.

Me: Something I’ve always wanted to know is how do they stay in the air without falling to the ground

Young Lady: (after a long pause) Do you have another question about airplanes?

New Bangs and Fun with Mirrors

2006-05-15T20:48:00.000-04:00

Don't forget to vote this week!!

2006-05-15T19:37:00.000-04:00

This is a very important election

Awesome.

2006-05-10T13:37:00.000-04:00

Enjoy This Moment.

2006-05-08T23:45:00.000-04:00

I was sitting in the parking lot
eating my very delicious lunch,
at my very favorite health food store,
when I looked up and read this sign.

Funny, I was already doing it....
Enjoying the moment, that is.
Completely.

Derby, Oaks and Thunder Pix are up!

2006-05-08T22:03:00.000-04:00

Check out my new Flickr sets.

Just a Quickie--

2006-05-01T14:15:00.000-04:00

Wanted to let all of you know that we made it to Louisville successfully and things are starting to get into some sort of routine. Kind of. Well, not really.
Anyway, it is Derby Week and it feels so good to be in the thick of it.
Hats, cocktails, parties, pretty dresses, winning money, everyone is in a festive mood, everything is in bloom---it's pretty wonderful. Plus the off chance that you may bump into your favorite actor in the paddock...That never hurts either.

Everything we own is in storage for the next 7 weeks except for a few springtime outfits, a few plates and one coffee mug. We are sleeping on an air mattress and using borrowed towels from my sister.

The animals are doing okay. Lou is great and thinks we are in a hotel room. Lilly keeps begging the question, "Um, really now....Where is the real house?" Bruce says, "Wha? Ooh, look! My shadow! Wha? Where's my Kong?" and Rothko promptly found a hole in the wall behind the gas stove and has not come out so much just yet.

We found a cute little bungalow home in the Highlands and will be closing on it Mid June, and we have two people that are interested in buying the condo, so that is good news.

I had an interview Saturday to work for a new art supply place opening next month at the Mellwood Art Center that seems like a good place to work, and there is also a slight chance I might be offered my old job back at Power Creative as a photo stylist, which I loved. Either would be awesome.

Mark is plugging along at his new job and is very happy to be home and see his friends.
I also have 4 paintings currently lined up so all is busy and well.

Hope to be posting pix soon for you of the festivities!

More later---

I'm the Decider.

2006-04-21T08:41:00.000-04:00

I cannot wait until George is no longer our president.
Koo koo ka choo.

Thanks, Carrick, for the link.

Sticking up for the Weeds in Life.

2006-04-12T00:12:00.000-04:00

This poem was written for my Grandfather by a friend of his named Mary Brown.
I have never met Mary, she may live in Georgetown or Lexington, Kentucky.
I'm not quite sure, actually, if she is still living or not.
However, wherever she is, I truly wish she knew how very much her poem means to my family
and how it reminds us of my Grandfather's kind philosophy of life every time we see a cheerful little Dandelion.

Thanks also to my sister, Carrick, for e-mailing me a copy today.

For Gordon, who sticks up for the weeds in life.
The Dandelion Poem
Written by : Mary Brown

Some have mentioned them a weed
An eyesore that has given seed
and though opinions have their sense
I feel the dandelion deserves defense.

Though fragrance may not be their power
They still may qualify a flower
Their strength and will is without compare
And they do not need such loving care.

Now fields have made a flower bed
for such a dainty yellow head
Their Constitution is not overridden
When all else is dead they'll keep on livin'

Their fluffy white heads are masters at flight
They've flown more times than those brothers, Wright
And if those white messengers tickles your nose
You're sure to be blessed by your friends and foes.

So with this considered, don't be a stick in the mud
And give some respect to each white and yellow bud
'Cause after we're gone and buried, six feet under
Not daisies, but dandelions will guard where we slumber.

Magic is Everywhere.

2006-04-11T00:02:00.000-04:00

Make a wish!

WILL YOU GO TO PROM WITH ME? And dance and dance and dance and dance and dance and dance?

2006-04-10T23:24:00.000-04:00

Thanks to old Mags over at Sneaky Peek,
I have had THIS SONG stuck in my head all day long while packing.
I simply cannot shake it.

Jeez......crazy girl.
You are clearly nuts.
And I love you for it!

Thanks Maggie... I think.

Moving.

2006-04-06T20:00:00.000-04:00

Just wanted to inform you all that I am taking a little blogger's vacation while we relocate...again!

On Sunday we accepted an offer on our house.
Yesterday we had the inspections (which went very well) and now I am packing and getting estimates from moving companies. Tomorrow I will be gathering my second load of boxes from the liquor store, running some errands and then buckling down to get to the meat of it.

Oh yeah, we have to be out of our home by April 20th.
The movers are coming on the 19th.
That is thirteen lucky days from now.

Did I mention I am trying to finish a three subject 30X40 portrait in the midst of this madness?
Yep.
I have been up LATE the past few nights.

Mark has been in Louisville house hunting with our realtor, Jo, and he will be returning shortly to join in on the moving fun.
All of our belongings are going into storage for a short while and we will be living in the condo we have there. However, as soon as we find a home, we will be selling the condo. ( It's in a great location downtown, if you are interested let me know ).

So... that's it.
See you guys soon.

Sheri Shared with me:

2006-04-04T10:31:00.000-04:00

On Wednesday of this week,
at two minutes and three seconds after 1:00 in the morning,
the time and date will be:

01:02:03 04/05/06.

That won't ever happen again.

How Did I Forget Santana?

2006-04-02T00:09:00.000-05:00

I used to stare at this album for hours. I loved it. I can't say it was one of my favorite albums musically as a 10 year old, but it is still one of my very favorite albums covers. Ever.
Santana Abraxas, 1970.

Strangely enough, as I sit here in my den and look around....it would appear that I have decorated my house to match it.
Wow. I never noticed it before.
Awesome.

Don't Bogart that Crate, My Friend.

2006-03-31T01:17:00.000-05:00

It all started with a milk crate my Dad brought home from work one day.

I didn't know it then, but the contents of that crate would change my life.
My whole life.
And I appreciate it more than I can even explain to you.

I'm not sure why it made it's way to our home.
That milk crate.
Maybe it was just luck.
I vaguely recall something
about someone's son
getting into some trouble and alleged story shortened,
his Dad was getting rid of his albums for punishment.

I didn't realize just how torturous of a punishment that was....
for this mysterious troubled teenager, that I never met.

Until I fell in love with his albums.

Yes sir, that was a whole milk crate full of punishment.
Poor guy.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for whatever he did to tip the music gods in my favor.
Up until that day, my favorite albums were Shawn Cassidy, Barry Manilow and I Love Monsters, by Ronco.
A sad state of affairs, to say the least.

You know, back then I always imagined he got caught smoking a "joint".
Guessed that might have been the.... you know.... trouble.
I had heard about weed and grass and joints on After School Specials.

Getting caught with such things could surely lead to L.P. interruptus.
It was decided in my imaginative young brain that must have been exactly that scenario.
Of what went down that fateful day.
Of course, immediatley, the fact that these albums now belonged to a real life druggie made them beyond magical to me.

You see, I have always been really good at creating my own fantasic realities, based on mere threads of truth.

So, it was with great excitement that I peered into the red preforated cube, bearing the image of a smiling cow.
I could see it was full and quite heavy as my Dad put it on the floor next to our huge stereo-cabinet.
I got down on my knees and squatted to see what stoned teenagers were living their lives to.

My life changed that very moment.
Replaying that scene in my mind makes me want to cry tears of happiness.

WIth each flip of a colorful cardboard sleeve, I was becoming more educated.
More stylish.
More aware.
And definitely more rock and roll.

I can still remember how they smelled.
They smelled like experience.
And make-out basements.
And older brothers.
And dairy.

I had a hard time deciding which one to play first.
but went with Pablo Cruise.
Nice little introduction, kind of soft core. I liked the palm tree, I think, is why I chose it.
A few songs I could get into, but nothing could've prepared me for what was next:

Farewell to Kings, by Rush.

I often wonder, if someone was playing close attention to me during that exact moment, or had filmed me with a special camera as I listened to Rush for the first time,
if they could have actually seen childish images of Kermit, Easy Reader and The Sunshine Family leaving my brain and floating off to never ever land being replaced with madrigals including and dragons, unicorns, crumbing castles and other worlds.

I was mesmerized by the album cover and the scary puppet king it featured.
Geddy Lee's voice sent a creepy and shiver straight to my marrow.
I would crave it for years and still do sometimes.

Each album was better than the next...I could hardly contain my excitement each time a laid a big shiny black disk down.

Toys in the Attic by Aerosmith was pure sex to me the first time I heard it.
It was gritty and hard and his voice. Oh! His voice!
Steven Tyler was my first heart wrenching crush.
He made the Village People poster on my bedroom wall seem downright silly.
That poster came down in the weeks following my new obsession.

If I wasn't at school or riding my bike I was found laying on the living room carpet, with my head as close to the upholstered rust orange speakers as comfortably possible. Hours were spent sucking on my pigtail ends and soaking in album after album, reading the lyrics and the "special thanks to" sections and wishing I had pants like that.

I can't remember how many albums there actually were,
but just for memory's sake I'm going to try and list a few here:

Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon 1973
The Eagles, Hotel California 1976
Pablo Cruise,A Place in the Sun 1977
Foghat, Fool for the City 1975
Rush, Farewell to Kings 1977
Aerosmith, Toys in the Attic 1975
Aerosmith, Draw the Line 1977
Billy Joel, The Stranger 1977
Reo Speedwagon,You Can Tune a Piano, but you Can't Tuna Fish 1978
Ted Nugent, Cat Scratch Fever 1977
Joe Walsh, But Seriously Folks. 1978

I know there were more...

But yes, it was a summer that changed my life.
As a 10 year old, I was grateful for a glimpse into what it was going to be like to be a teenager.
As an adult I am grateful for the the deep love of music I now have and the imagination it inspires in me daily.

So thanks to the rockers of the 70's...
And thanks to my Dad for taking the effort to bring the crate home to us.
And most of all thanks to the teenage stoner largely responsible for assembling a music collection that made me what I am today.
Rock on, dude.
Rock on.

Chat with God.

2006-03-28T10:06:00.000-05:00

Yep, that one.
If you dare...he's kind of a smart ass!
(seems like a him from chatting, anyway.)
CLICK HERE to have all your questions answered, once and for all.

Special thanks to Kieran for the link.

You Are an Artist!

2006-03-22T02:06:00.000-05:00

Check out Mr. Picasso Head
What a neat idea...be sure and check out the gallery, too.
Here's mine: just for fun.

Interconnectedness and the Logic of Disconnecting

2006-03-21T21:13:00.000-05:00

I hate to talk about things that upset people.
However, I want to share something with you.
Something Lori Lyn and Jill and Brooke and I all seem to have on our minds lately.

Oh boy.... Here goes....

I want to talk about factory farming.

Yes.
Sorry.

The only reason I am sharing this with you today, is because I feel we have become very far removed from where our food comes from and therefore, it may be beneficial to have a little reality check every once in a while.
People, there is some bad stuff happening on those farms and we are getting sick from it.

It also occurred to me that many people live in cities these days where they never actually get an opportunity to see a pig, cow or a chicken, up close and personal.
Fortunately, or unfortunately, this arrangement makes it super easy for one to disconnect from what one is eating.
Perhaps, the connection has been completely lost.
The connection that the shiny pink shrink-wrapped globs on pastel styrofoam trays being bought at the supermarket were once part of an animal.
And likely an animal that had a miserable life in a factory setting.

Before I go too much further, I would also like to say, if you eat meat I do not have a problem with that.
None whatsoever.
In fact, I have had seafood five times this year and even had a McDonald's Cheeseburger Happy Meal the day Lilly got sick.
My problem is not with meat eaters. It is with factory farms. Let's not confuse the two.
I am posting this entry in hopes of helping us all make more informed decisions when purchasing meat.

Also, I have decided it is perfectly okay to express my personal opinions on my own blog.
Isn't that what these things are about, for the most part?

It is alarming to me that so much information about the meat processing industry is easily available to us, yet we do nothing as a whole to make things better.
The "farming" practices (the term "farming" being very loosely applied) keep getting more and more gruesome and we turn a blind eye and just keep on eating.

Simply put; factory farmed meat is so unhealthy for us I cannot believe it is legal to sell it.
It is full of chemicals, hormones, disease, sadness, fear and denial.

Why is our grand nation in such an unhealthy decline?
Come on now.
It is really that hard to find a viable answer?
Hmmmm.
Could it be what we are eating?
Could it be that those pink globs we ravenously consume,
in mass quantity,
are only a sickly shadow of that smiling beast on the packaging?

And why so many senseless acts of violence on the news every night?
Hmmmm.
Could it be that repeated consumption of tortured souls makes us miserable?
Consuming sickly mistreated animals might be a bad idea.
You know, for our physical and mental health.

The same mental health that needs calling upon when acknowledging the undeniable and necessary interconnectedness that binds all living things and makes us human.
Supposedly intelligent even.

It is the above mentioned interconnectedness that keeps me from delving too deeply.
Once you start uncovering the intimate details of factory farming the tendrils of blame start smacking outward like whips.
One is very likely to smack me.
I know this. I'm trying to tread lightly.
I do not claim to be living any better or any more righteously than anyone else.
I have several faults.
I also happen to have several opinions...
And a easily stoked sense of urgency.
And a big mouth.
And a blog.

So it is here we find ourselves today,
with me going on about the evils of factory farming.

Me, who has eaten gigantic quantities of meat in my three and a half decades on this planet.

You see, though...
That's just it. Things done changed.
Traditional farming has now become alternative farming.
It's just crazy. The craziness is what I'm getting to...

Now would be a good time to watch a short film.
And yes, that would be Mr. Alec Baldwin breaking it down for you.

Take it or leave it... Believe it or not.
It's all up to you.

You know, I really didn't want to post this so soon after my anti-fur post,
because I am really a "live and let live" kinda gal.
But I started writing this January 1st, as part of my new year's resolution to go totally meat free,
but now I'm ready to let it go.
Release it to blog land and start focusing on more fun things like music and french kissing and cute t-shirts.

Personally, Mark and I have been "almost-vegetarians" for about 6 years.
Coincidentally, the almost-vegetarianism began when we moved into historic and beautiful Butchertown in Louisville, where one final inner-city slaughterhouse still operates.

The vibe as you pass this old brick building is oppressive.
Needless to say, it didn't take long living in Butchertown to get kinda weirded out by meat and how we are in the modern practice of obtaining it.

While living next to the slaughterhouse,
I witnessed with my own eyes the way pigs are not-so-very-kindly prodded off a truck while being screamed at by men and women with long sticks.
I've heard pigs scream and squeal when entering the factory. No happy oinks are uttered.
It is not a happy place.

I've been at stop lights numerous times, behind jam-packed silver transport trucks.
Dozens of haunting eyes looking directly into mine. So damn sad, tragic and unnecessary.
They know exactly what is going down.
The know this ain't no field trip to the city.

I have even tried to ignore that slaughterhouse smell of shit and blood, as it hangs in the air there, on hot summer nights,
Tried to disconnect from what was in the very air I was breathing.
Sometimes, with some real effort I could dig around in my brain and find the part of my logic that still allowed me to go to Genny's Diner and order bacon.

Although, it has never tasted very good after living downtown.
Living downtown forced me to reconnect. I didn't want to.
It is so much easier to live in denial.

Recently while visiting our Butchertown condo, Mark and I witnesses and escaped pig running down Muhammad Ali Boulevard.
It was an awful sight.
We were very upset be seeing such a thing and followed the animal while trying to figure out what we could do to save him.
Afterall, at this point, after escaping the menacing humans with sticks, didn't he deserve to have a happy ending?
He was navigating the sidewalks and busy traffic better than most tourists and he was running as fast as he could to just get the hell away.
Unfortunately, "away" was too far.
Within minutes, a local man-child police officer with a buzz cut and an itch to use his gun on something besides hay bales and Pabst Blue Ribbon cans arrived with his lights a-twirlin'.

We knew it was over.
The pig knew it was over.
I would have had the pig jump into the car if I could have.
Driven him to an animal sanctuary and wished him well.

I'm sure the cop shot the pig but I couldn't bear to watch.
I begged Mark to just drive away.
The pig was just trying to survive, as well all would.
We were witnessing the final moments.
His last chance to just go somewhere and be a freaking pig.
Like he was born to be.

The logic to disconnect is a peculiar thing.
It think it goes against everything that we inheritently are, but is it necessary or our hearts would be full of pity and heart break and there would be no room for joy and laughter and inspiration.

So strange... I knew the connection well as I kid and it was much harder to deny.

I particularly remember the day my family helped slaughtered the hogs on my Aunt and Uncle's farm in Lawrenceburg, Ky. Although I was upset that we had just killed a rather interesting member of the farm,
a member that I had watched in total wide-eyed city girl amazement on a regular basis several times before.
I knew even then, at a young age, that it was just part of farm life. If you wanted to eat meat you had to kill an animal.
Meat does not grow on trees.
Pretty darn simple.

I did manage to find comfort in the fact that, at least, that particular pig had been fed well.
Consuming not only his feed, but all of our leftovers from delicious Sunday meals and other kitchen scraps.
He had been cared for by 4 people who treated him well and patted him respectfully on his fat hairy hide.
He felt the seasons change and had maybe even enjoyed his life on the farm.

I think that pig tasted good, too.
You know the main reason?

I believe it was because we were all connected to it in some sort of sacred way.
We were thankful for the pig and quite aware of what he had sacrificed for us.

I suppose my Uncle had the strongest connection to that soul.
He had built such a relationship with the pig that it came right up to him when he called for it that snowy day.
Very calmly and without hesitation my Uncle silently raised his long gun and shot the animal one time,
point blank, right between the eyes.

It was almost ceremonial.
Everyone was reverent even the children.
There was no torture or disrespect towards the source of that year's contents of the deep freezer.
Every time we pulled an odd shaped piece of frosty wax papered meat from the back porch, we thought about that pig. We fully understood the connection.

Today, I know very few folks that actually wring the necks of chickens for a cup of chicken soup.
I don't believe I could do it.
However, I appreciate such a thing in a meat eating sort of scenario.
I appreciate when one is acutely aware of their meal and it's origins.

Even the hunters of Western Kentucky which I used to have such disdain for, have made me reevaluate my relationship to the food I eat. The fact that these hunters get out in the woods to kill their food, and the fact that their food got to romp around in the wild for a while makes me respect the process, at least more than I used to. They use just about every inch of that animal, and when they are done harvesting what they can for food, they hang it's head on the wall.

It is with these folks in mind, in fact, that I have been trying to make a deal with myself...
The deal is: If I can't kill it, I can't eat it.
Which would leave me nothing but a plate full of mosquitoes, fleas and ticks.
Suddenly that tray of roasted asparagus seems like a feast.

And while I know that wishing we could get back to the days where we connected with the animals is an impossible idea.
I wish we could, at the very minimum, take a look at what we have going on these days because I will boldly venture
to say there is nothing sacred, ceremonial or reverent about factory farming....

Furthermore, there is nothing healthy about eating a tortured, disfigured, mentally disabled, chemically bloated and disrespected anything.

Honestly, I could care less if you eat meat or not. This is not about eating meat.
This is about respecting animals.

At the very least it would be nice if we could treat these animals a little betterwhile they are alive.
Let them have a little happiness. Some sunshine maybe. Some fresh air wouldn't hurt.

And I'm guessing a little kindness might make them taste better, too.
If you're into that sort of thing.

Sneak Peek Samples

2006-03-19T13:26:00.000-05:00

More Devo 2.0
No apologies. I love it. Reminds me of growing up and rockin' with Zoom but much, much cooler.

Big changes about my head.

2006-03-18T22:09:00.000-05:00

Guess what, Mom?
Those awful dreadlocks?

Lookie...they're gone!

Guess who's back?
Yep.
Plain old me.

Happy (very early) Mother's Day!

Whatever floats your boat...

2006-03-17T15:17:00.000-05:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day...eat lots of Chinese food?

Like black pearls.

2006-03-17T11:47:00.000-05:00

Mike Vance was his name and we were in school together.
He probably wouldn't remember me if you ran into him today,
but I remember him well...Well enough that I even mentioned him at dinner recently with friends.

Mike was kind of a big buy, not big like fat, but big as in manly and muscle-y.
He looked like he was 35 and we all looked like we were 12. Which is how old we were, for the most part. Afterall, we were in 7th grade.

He reminded me of Tarzan back then, with his exotic, long feathered black hair that he swung from his eyes when people talked to him.
He walked cocksure and swaggery through the little locker-lined halls.
He shone like a star, like a celebrity and I had never seen anything like him.
He was a man. Not a man like our teachers and fathers.
He was different. dangerous and rebellious.
Yes, the real deal at 13 years old, and quite something at our rural milk toast middle school.

All the boys I knew back then were still carrying Hot Wheels in their book bags and crying to their Mamas when things got heavy. Their side parted hair, khakis and white sneakers were pre-schoolish at best.
I had never been even slightly amused, let alone hypnotized by these childhood playmates of mine.

Mike was a whole different story.
He wore white undershirts and jeans to school. His shoes were dirty.
He didn't carry a book bag and he had a pretty girlfriend with long strawberry blonde hair and a comb in her back jeans pocket.
I saw her one time outside after school.
Her name was Regina, I think, and she was a freshman in high school. She kissed him on the lips as she greeted him that afternoon. That was risky business back then.
It happened right in front of the teachers that were loading the busses. Nothing happened, they just rolled their eyes if I remember correctly. I think the teachers gave him quite a bit of space.
Maybe out of respect, maybe out of fear.
Maybe because he actually was 35.

One day, Mike came to school with a whole necklace of perfectly placed hickeys from Regina. She was surely marking her territory from afar, making sure all of us little knock kneed Holly Hobbie lovers would steer clear of her man.
Wanted to make sure no one slipped him a "check the box" note in math class.

That wasn't going to be a problem, though.
While there was no denying that he was attractive and mysterious, I believe he scared the hell out of us girls. We were way too inexperienced to have been his girlfriend. I had given myself a hickey on the inside of my upper arm at a slumber party once, but couldn't fathom having the skill to procure a hickey necklace with such precision as he was accustomed to. Much less I could never get out of Mom's sight long enough to do so. Our relationship could never work.

I still remember that infamous necklace like it was yesterday.
It simply blew my young mind.

In fact, even today, every time I see a hickey on our check out girl at the local gas station I think of Mike and Regina.
I picture the necklace and marvel at the boldness of it and the apparent lack of adult supervision involved.
Lined up perfectly, big to little.
Front to back, similar to a gigantic string of black pearls in size gradation, and just as dark.
They were purplish-black on his tanned skin.
I'm quite certain she had to have actually consumed a small part of his blood in completing her suckled masterpiece.

Looking back, this was probably the first time sex entered my mind from within myself.
Not from a dirty picture drawn in someone's spiral notebook or a dirty joke with a punch line I didn't understand.
This was something in my gut.
Thinking about sucking on his big beefy neck made me feel weird.
It wasn't something I would be trying in the near future, but it did get my mind off of Barbie's for pretty much the rest of my life.
However, my personal studies in the science of hickeys would have to be postponed.
Yes, I would have to wait until the pimply pencil-necked geeks that at hung with were also, beefy enough to work with.
Come to find out it would take years.

So, I just put this idea on my shelf of things-to-do-one-day and there it has remained.
Rather neglected, actually.
Funny, now that I am an adult and there is absolutely no threat of grounding
for giving or receiving hickeys, it sadly seems to have lost it's sex appeal.

So it would happen, at dinner the other night, when I brought out my "learn to make a hickey necklace"
from the shelf and dusted it off to show everyone, it just didn't seem like such a great idea anymore.
Seemed kinda impractical, actually.
How very sad and what a dirty trick Mother Nature has play on me once again.
It seems quite common to realize, when one is finally able to do the sorts of things one used to dream of, without getting in trouble, the magic is gone.
**poof** Just like that.

This is the end of that story.

However, a side note of interest for you.
You see, I have decided I'm not giving up so easily.
I refuse to throw away an idea that intrigues me so, still to this day.
It's gross and wonderful and I am thinking it might be really interesting to put together a whole art show of hickey art.
You know, photographs of people with hickeys today, and stories of hickeys from days gone by.
I will call it "This Show Sucks".
In fact, I have just registered:
thispagesucks.blogspot.com

Stay tuned!

Lookie:

2006-03-14T15:05:00.000-05:00

Awesome gift wrap. Maybe I can wrap my Betty bike in it when I give it to myself that one fine day.

Fingers crossed.

2006-03-12T18:48:00.000-05:00

If'n we ever sell our home here in Paducah, I want to put a teeny bit of money aside and splurge on THIS with one of THESE.

Then I'm gonna, ride, ride, ride all over town!

Just in case your are curious, I like the red Betty, style #3 with the leopard pattern seat....

Congratulations!

2006-03-11T10:28:00.000-05:00

Congratulations Roxy!,
originally uploaded by Anessa.

Congrats to my niece dog, Roxy, on completing six weeks of obedience training. What a good, good girl!

Still Whippin' It after all these Years!

2006-03-11T08:58:00.000-05:00

Really can't imagine what this sounds like,
and I am not nearly the fan that Mark is,
but I can't help but love these guys .
Besides the fact that I think they are brillant,
I'm very excited about generating a whole new fan base for these fellas and introducing youngsters to their undeniable creativity and sheer, amazing bizarreness.

I mean, ch-ch-ch-ch-check it out...
(that last line is supposed to be sung in your best Fergie voice)
Here they are back in the day:

Here's a peek at the new album:

Yep, it's a child of 12---she's the new lead singer!

And here's a review I read this morning in the Courier Journal of Louisville:

Album Review
Devo!
By Paul Curry
Special to The Courier-Journal

"When Disney (!) announced that the original members of Devo were re-forming to re-record their classic hits and write new songs with a bunch of kids, the collective global eye-roll registered 4.5 on the Richter scale. This could be one of the worst ideas ever! To say that it is merely dubious misses the point.

But this is Devo. Rhymes with pogo. Short for "devolution," the concept, postulated by lead singer Mark Mothersbaugh and his pals in the late 1970s, that human culture had passed its peak and had entered its inexorable decline. If it didn't reek of truth at that time, there can be little argument that we are now in freefall. DEVO!

This package has many things going for it. First, the classic songs, played by the original band, will satisfy the old fans' appetite for nostalgia. Will they be disappointed by a softened approach? Mmmm, could be. But then there's the new lead singer, Nicole Stoehr, 12, who's a perfect fit for the material in the post-Avril/Annie world of pop. She's got good pipes and a perfect balance of detachment and passion for songs such as "Whip It."

But wait, there's more! New songs! "The Good Thing" revisits concerns originally examined in songs such as "Freedom of Choice" and "Beautiful World." And "Big Mess" suggests that, while each of us is looking for love, we are all hiding the same secret. The revolution of truth continues!

But that's not all! The set comes with a DVD featuring the all-kid band pantomiming the entire album in the studio with a retro mix of animation and frenetic camera movement. Young Stoehr really pops out of the tube here, a fact that should bother almost everyone — she's 12! And, as if that weren't enough, there are interviews with Mothersbaugh and his original songwriting partner, Gerald Casale. A real history lesson for old fans and new. All for the price of a single CD. It's a no-brainer.

Making music is no longer simply the last resort for lonely losers who are driven to express themselves. It's a calculated career choice with an industry of financial and psychological professionals available to provide support in order to avoid Elvis-style burn-out. "DEV2.0" is the most excellent proof that the industry can still squeeze out something relevant, even if it seems as if the bosses don't know what the workers are getting away with."

And so strange I should read this today, because for some unknown reason I was googling Mark Mothersbaugh just a few weeks ago, only to find out the wonderful news that he is responsible for several fun movie scores AND that he's quite a visual artist...as well, which I'm sure comes as no big surprise.

Quite exciting, isn't it?
I knew you'd think so, too.

Cool!

2006-03-10T14:42:00.000-05:00

Just Because.

2006-03-10T11:12:00.000-05:00