Believing in Me – 40 Days of Thankfulness

Have you ever had a friend that really believed in you? Someone you could share your dreams with and who didn’t counter them with an argument or discourage you in anyway? In fact, they encouraged you and told you how brilliant and talented you were?

That’s my friend Renee. She is one of my most artistic and spiritual friends who lives life like there is no tomorrow. She has been encouraging me for months (if not years) to start an Etsy shop for all of my knitting. I never felt that I was prepared or good enough or that anyone would even like my stuff, but she believed in me.

A successful Etsy entrepreneur, Renee has the belief that if one has an artistic gift they should run with it and share it. I always had an excuse and when I told her I was ready to take the plunge she was very excited for me where others told me pretty much that I had a one-in-a-million chance of being a success. I’m glad I listened to her.

I am still waiting for my first sale and staying positive like Renee all the way since I can feel her telling me that I can do it.

Thank you Renee for not only being a friend, but for being my creative guardian angel. 

My Letter Home - March 28

Getting Ready for Opening Day!

It has been a wild week and that’s why there haven’t been any blog posts plus the delay of my Letter Home. I was sick for a couple days thanks to some bad food that knocked me off my feet and made me wish for death for about 24 hours. But all is well now as I rejoice in losing a few pounds and jumpstart my way back to healthy.

This week was all about new adventures both locally and out of town. Friday night, the church hosted a Lock In for the youth inviting kids from the church and their friends to spend the night in the church, play games, watch movies, eat tons of junk food and drive the adults chaperoning the event crazy. I was lucky to have the puppies as my out with Paul choosing to sleep on the hard floor of the church basement with about 30 kids and some parents. I went for the first couple hours to play some “get-to-know-you” games, watch the first part of The 10 Commandments and see how man Cheetohs a 12-year-old boy could shove into his mouth at one time.

One of the games involved either/or questions such as, “Do you prefer to live in the desert or Artic?” Paul and I at the same time answered, “Aren’t we living in the Artic already?” That got a laugh from those folks who consider 40 degrees to be spring.

With the man who turned me on to baseball - Go Reds!

For the next two days I was in bed, while it snowed and the world went gray. But I was ready to go on Tuesday when we ventured south to Cincinnati to see Paul and Heidi who were visiting folks in Lexington. We went to this great restaurant on the river, Moerlein Lager House that had the most fantastic Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich and Coleslaw that was amazing. Since I was still getting over the crud, I kept to ginger ale instead of their artisan beers, but I definitely want to go back. We spent the rest of the day at the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame Museum which helped put me in a baseball state of mind. I will miss my Rays, but I figure since the Reds are the oldest professional baseball team, it’s historical. Plus, they don’t play each other – unless they both get to the World Series and then yes, I am all the way – Rays!

The secret to vibrant applique is to use fabric that has some motion to it.

On Wednesday, I went to my very first Quilter’s Guild meeting. I have never been to a guild meeting and one of the ladies in our church invited me to go with her and her daughter. It was a pretty cool time. 

I love this design!

I learned about a festival in Logan Ohio that is dedicated to washboards, got some tips and tools regarding applique, had so many people offer to help me make my first quilt, delighted in a delicious lunch from Mumfords, a down-home favorite, and took home an armful of books about quilting. The whole event was inspiring and these ladies are true artisans when it comes to turning fabric into art.

Isn't this just so amazing - and it's all done by hand. 

With today being Maundy Thursday, the week and Lent are coming to a close. We have a busy weekend and then I am hoping to just spend time creating next week, I have so many sewing, knitting and cooking ideas rolling around in my head that I must get them out.

I miss you all and take care,

Patricia

What I Miss Most About My Old Home: Wearing sandals on Easter Sunday with a cute dress and not having to layer it with a wool coat and stockings.

What I Like Most About My New Home: The creativity and simple pleasures I have learned from the locals and that I ignored for so long. 

Catching up and moving on

This weekend was a whirlwind of fun and frivolity so the blog was left to wander on its own. Short updates:

Thursday was the local Addy Awards and my team scored a few wins, with Ren taking home the Best of The Bay Award for Sales Collateral!!! Now we move on up to districts.

Friday was the beginning of a wonderful Valentine’s. Really it was the best Valentine’s ever! Paul is an incredible romantic and I just fell into it all – and it was fun! It was also the start of the cutest canine contest with Finn vying for a shot at the cover of TBT. Care to vote for my little boy? Here’s your chance --- http://tampabay.upickem.net/engine/Welcome.aspx?contestid=13224

 

Saturday, Paul and I went to see a matinee of Wicked, a first for me and his second time. I loved it. The music was fantastic and going to the theatre is such a pleasure with dressing up and all. Afterward we went out for a romantic steak dinner complete with chocolate dipped strawberries and champagne.

Sunday Feb 14 was present day and I gave Paul the afghan I have been working on for months. He appreciated my efforts and artistry saying it was the nicest Valentine’s gift he ever received. I liked that. Millie has taken to the afghan as well so everyone is getting a chance to enjoy it.

The past few days have just been getting things taken care of and preparing for Lent. Though I am not affiliated with any particular religion, it is something I grew up with and appreciate the opportunity to look deeper into myself and into my beliefs honoring the next 40 days and the gratitude I have for all my blessings.

DIY Yearnings

I am getting back into my house fixing mood, though I will be getting the dream house so I just keep in mind it is for my tenants. But what to do? There is cleaning, fixing and decorating to do in a variety of stages throughout the house. I don’t even know where to start. But I found something new for inspiration.

The Better Homes and Gardens DIY – is a great online source for everything for the home. Some a big projects and some are small, but all are wonderful.

I am like a bird or a child with ADD in the way I flutter from one interest to another (explains why I haven’t married – YET). I am listing out all my desires for this house I currently reside in and that can become crazy, but I am not giving up.

A Walk in the Woods really brings to life the need to get out in nature. I love how they take simple objects and make them into sculpture and art. A lot of it stirs in me the desire to have a dinner party.

The Outdoor Ideas will add color and spark to backyard which right now is all dead and brown, but I am hoping that some of these ideas will bring it back to life.

Finally a double duty project that would work perfectly for me, Framed Jewelry. This will put some of my more chunky, fashion pieces in an easy to find place as well as show them off when I am not showing them off.

So those are some ideas for this week paired along with the dusting, the vacuuming and the other tidbits that bring about my home. Next stop: The dollar store.

A Fresh Read

Do you ever feel your reading material is getting stale?

I seem to get caught in the trap of reading material that is similar to the one before and the one after. Books meld into each other and instead of creating a brilliant symphony of images in my brain and/or causing me to relate and think, they just see to sit there unscathed.

So yes, I needed a new book and I got it from Guy for Christmas. Assorted Nuts by Sandy Bax is a profound read, but not the heavy kind, more the “this is so interesting and at times hilarious, but yet deep down I can feel these words.” Sandy is a local, and that means that she knows Guy, everybody knows Guy. Well anyway, Sandy has documented the adventures of her life from growing up in an emotionally disengaged household, with visits to the funeral home each summer; cascading through life making bad choices about men; dealing with alcoholism (go figure with that childhood who wouldn’t drink); and breast cancer just to top it off.

Guy says it’s reminiscent of David Sedaris, but I think it is completely different in tone, but I read more than he does so there. It is a must-read though and I think it should be part of our book club reads, but I have a feeling it may be shot down. No biggie, you can pick up your own copy and peruse the prose to your heart’s content. Let me know what you think.

An Artful Practice

People are said to practice medicine and practice religion, but nobody says they practice art. Well I do. Like with the act of breathing, there is an inhalation (inspiration) and an exhalation when it comes to art (practice and doing.) I appreciate both. On Thursdays, I ration out my inspirations whether they be films, paintings, books, etc all devoured in a sort of passive way. On Sundays, I will open the door to what I am doing to practice art.

It’s sort of fitting, since Sunday is supposed to be a day of rest (I don’t know about you, but Practicing Art can be very relaxing) and a day to connect to (insert deity here) which I also do when I practice art. I have many interests, and these tend to leave me a bit scattered, but I am giving myself more time and freedom to take a few moments each day to feel the yarn through my fingers, the glue sticking to my fingertips and everything else, a the elation and dull ache I get when I write too much. Cooking is my daily form of practice since it is also a way that I can get physical sustenance as well as emotional and mental healing from the day.

 

Today’s adventures are all tied up in knitting. I have spent the past few weeks making some of my own original designs in purses, wraps and jewelry. But it isn’t all about wearables, I have also taken on the task to make and afghan. I have only made one before and it was fashioned in three pieces then sewn together. This is a one piece deal. I am using an eclectic mix of yarns I have purchased over the years and melding the colors together to be of interest to the eye, as well as to keep you warm. So far so good!

What creative adventures do you have lurking around the corner?

Artsy Thursday

I hosted an artists’ party at my house a while back, inviting all my creative friends to showcase their paintings and sculptures, perform their most interesting performance pieces and play the songs that sing in their hearts. I took the opportunity to read some of my poetry (getting the response that those who really followed what I was saying wanted to jump in front of a truck – it was pretty down stuff.) One of my friends wasn’t sure if she would be comfortable in this crowd since she didn’t see herself as an artist. But she was a great cook. I told her to make the hors d’eouvres. She was a hit being the only artist whose pieces were edible.

As I see it, there is a connection between art and food and Thursdays are devoted to art in the visual, written and sometimes majorly messed up fashion. So I christen thee – Artsy Thursday. Observance – the word Thursday is a bit drab and not really very artistic, though I guess it could be argued that it holds a minimalistic quality that could be defined as merely pretentious.

So let’s drop the pretention and let me share with you one of my favorite films so far, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus. I had never heard of it, or seen a trailer, but by happenstance, Paul found it playing in the area and shared with me the synopsis. Though the story sounded nice, and the plethora of great looking actors from Heath Ledger to Johnny Depp and Jude Law filled the screen, I was still unphased. Then he said: Directed by Terry Gilliam. The angels sang and I was hooked.

It was the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon and a great way to escape a stressful week. I don’t want to give anything away, but this was Heath Ledger’s last movie and he died before it was even half way filmed. This left the director in a predicament missing his friend and star, as well as seeing before him another lost film. But as he says, when you have a magic mirror you can do anything and he did, using his brilliant imagination to transcend death and use the talents of Depp, Law and Colin Farrell as substitutes for Ledger in a seamless telling of his fantastical tale. I didn’t even know about all that until after I saw the movie.

Paul is a big movie watcher and loves spending at least one weekend day, relaxing in the dark with strangers surrounding him. I am more of a home moviegoer, but have come to appreciate stories on the big screen, no matter how small. This has allowed me to see films I may never have seen, and actually enjoyed them like Up In The Air, with George Clooney (who I really won’t talk about since I just don’t care for him – too slick) and Blind Side with Sandra Bullock (another not so much a favorite in the Hollywood crew.) But I really enjoyed both. But nothing stimulated me as Doctor Parnassus and his magic mirror. I can’t wait for it to come out on DVD so we can watch it on Guy’s projector in his new Swingin’ Beach Pad and enjoy cocktails at the same time (it’s definitely a film for those who like to alter their reality, but not just for them.)

Share with me a recent discovery you have made. I would love to know what pulls you from the mundane through the magic mirror to paradise.

Remember Vinyl? If so then you’re old like me.

 

Friday night at ArtPool was a celebration in vinyl – like record vinyl – like before CDs and MP3s. ArtPool is a fantastic and inspiring gallery downtown and Marina (the owner) has thrown some fabulous parties. This is my first. Unsure of what to wear for the record party, I went with the basics and wore a vinyl corset that I haven’t sucked myself into in years, but it still looked great. I love the feeling of being back out in the world and partying with a sense of ease and awe.

 

 

I lost part of myself in my last relationship and needed to get back to who I was and on the right path. The cool and sexy haircut helped (as most women will tell you a makeover works wonders!) I needed to show off and Guy was the perfect accessory. Not to look just like a rundown bondage girl, I made a hat out of a 33-1/3 record (AJA from Steely Dan – I don’t like them so I didn’t care about the album.) If sewed the center to a beret and made it so the LP could spin which got a lot of people involved in entertaining themselves.

The party also was an artist draw as a cartoon artist did portraits on painted CDs (mine was fabulous) and a new designer showed off her musically inspired fashions. In fact, the artist (name escapes me) has been contracted to do a set of cards for Marvel Comics – big time.

It was an amazing night. We even got the party started with a celebration at Georgie’s for Darryl’s birthday and that really made it a great evening. Guy even made a new friend.

 

Only thing is I didn’t get one offer of a date (which still puzzles me since I looked so cool.)

Fry and Fry Again

Note to Self – no more garage sales in the heat of summer. Though I am trying to stay very positive in these posts, I unfortunately am overshadowed (which would have provide coolness) about the garage/art sale we were apart of on Saturday. ARTPool had a big outdoor yart sale with original works, cool retro things and all kinds of mish-mash items.

I stayed with Guy selling his stuff, my stuff, Kelli’s stuff, Shawn’s stuff and whoever else’s stuff. It sort of got on my last nerve, but that could have been the over 100 degree heat. Thankfully we had a tent. So that will start off the list of good things about Saturday’s sale (since I need to put my mind in a better place):
* We had a tent so it felt more like 98 degrees instead of 106.
* I made $4 after paying for my lunch and a gallon of waters.
* I got to meet Marina (The owner of ARTpool) who is really cool
* Renee got a space in ARTpool for her work
* Got to meet Joanna a really cool artist who rehashes vintage bags into funky pieces of wearable art.
* Got some inspiration.
* Got to try Freedom Fries from the Chatterbox restaurant across the street. I thought the name was so dumb at first, but after I tried them, I figured they were so good he could call them whatever he wanted.
* Took home some free cookbooks from Shawn and jewelry from Joanna, so I actually took home more than I brought. Afterward we made the crawl all sweaty and messy to Georgie’s, downed a couple margaritas which were so delicious and back to get ready for dinner.

It just was and wasn’t my day, all at the same time. The food at the stand-by Mexican place we always go was pretty poor, but the crowd was great with all the old favorites. It also gave me time to catch up with Liz, a photographer and mom whose recent adventures took her to New Mexico on a photo safari of sorts. Her work is amazing and hopefully she’ll be getting a Web site up soon so I can direct you there. She is as greatly inspired by the West and Southwest as I am by city architecture and cemeteries. We actually threw around the idea of starting a women’s artist collective to help support each other and inspire one another. I’ll let you know how that goes.

We finished the evening off with a quick nightcap at the Pro Shop and went on our ways … Until next time.

My Favorite Etsy Things - This Week

When I need a bit on inspiration for anything creative and feel the pull to be self-employed I find my way to Etsy. My meanders find themselves lost in the maze of what-ifs and why-nots as I peruse the cool items and either picture myself (or my home) adorned in beauty or as an artsy-craftsy rock star.

Some of my favorite finds today included my friend Renee’s page with all her whimsical glory. Right now she is working on illustrating a children’s book for a local writer and has been experimenting more and more with painting pots for spring and designing kid’s décor.

The Creative Redhead really caught my attention with her mallard duck pin. I love her detailed little works and thought how they would make not only great gifts, but the perfect little gift for me when I meet a weight-loss marker. Plus her pear paintings are just divine for my new kitchen.

My love of flowers and my love of jewelry came together in the perfect marriage with a dash of sexy when I discovered FancifulForm. The flower forms are wonderful pieces and I saw a fabulous silver bowl at IKEA that they would look perfect in. I love the smaller rings too and the black floral pendants (it’s the goth in me showing.) Double that with the fact that she does this for her full-time job and I am hooked.

Playing on my love of all things sweet, especially to bake I came across the Cupcake Mint and fell in love not just with the sweet treats, but the logistics as well. I wonder what it would take to do something local like this and maybe set myself up for the holidays. (See in a way Etsy is safe for me since I love to purchase the items on its beautiful pages, but I am even more inspired about being one of those fantastic people.)

Lastly is my other favorite, photography. Alicia Bock’s work really caught me. Here eye is fantastic and her subjects reflect a dreaminess. I love her technique and want to grab my camera and get shooting, along with everything else.

So those were my finds today. Please take a look and share what you love.

Art Is Where You Find It

Though there isn’t much to do in the way of food or culture in Spring Hill (at least in my few hours there I found nothing) I was surprised to find Eddie the art collector. Eddie’s brand new, ecru-painted home was full of lively color in the abundance of art he had hanging and resting.

The main pieces of his collection held dear to his heart as works done by his Aunt Ann. Ann Callan was an incredible artist and local figure from Vero Beach. She painted all of her life and this is showcased in the changes from year to year as her pieces matured.

Eddie said that she painted thousands of pieces and I think he has most of the collection. Ronn has purchased a few pieces and several are in galleries around the world. The general price is pretty high for these works, as it should be, and it was a treat to be able to analyze them from the comfort of a recliner.

I don’t know much about her, there isn’t anything on the Web that I could glean, but Eddie let me in on some family gossip. She drank sometimes, but wasn’t a Dorothy Parker lush or anything. Her works reflect things as simple as colorful flowers to dark imagery of souls wondering in space. Two pictures of women really amazed me, especially since Eddie had them on either side of his TV making them easy to compare and contrast. One is a colorful woman with a veil on giving me the impression of Catholic or maybe Latin heritage. Her eyes grab you with roughly wrangled lines almost scratched into the corneas. The other woman is inspired, I would suppose, by cubists like Picasso. The colors are muted and have a rich 1970s feel with olives and oranges. I don’t know what she was thinking and from what I understood she didn’t share her meanings too easily so we will all just have to assume. Maybe one day I will have a collection like this, as for now I have a few originals and several unframed prints – I need to get with my neighbor on that

Fridge of Fame and Shame

Guy’s refrigerator is like a shrine to more than 10 years of parties, friends, weddings and other happenings. The front and sides are caked with pictures, cut-outs, phrases and magnets that define his life and his attitude about life. Though many have had the honor of being provided a spot on this Swingin’ Beach Pad Fridge of Fame, certain spots of memory stand out.

Madonnaween 2002

Cathy (who we have also come to call Madonna) was in her crowning glory. There is nothing she doesn’t know about her idol. Growing up in the same town as the not-so-virginal one, Cathy is a kindred spirit taking on convention and casting it off like last week’s fur. The focus of this party was Madonna in any interpretation. Guy even made a movie about it (which recently went off to be screened at a prestigious film festival) and the memories linger like Madonna’s earlier porn films.

We had in residence not only the material girl in all her incarnations, but also Guy Richie, backup dancers, security and, of course, Jesus who drove a gremlin. My rendition of this theme was a stretch since Madonna really isn’t my thing. I went with my boyfriend of the moment, Mic who was Andy Warhol and I was a factory girl. We figured that if Andy would have lived Madonna would have been part of his entourage, or him part of hers.

In the background is Heidi as the Erotic Madonna with vinyl and a whip – oooooooooh.
Another Halloween bash, the first one, say 1997, there was no theme, but that didn’t matter since this crowd only needs one prompting for a reason to dress up. This photo is Diane, a sprite English bird dressed in her prom dress, well not hers, but you know, and two delectable and well-built angels at her side. These parties condoned bare bodies, which were usually men or women with strategically placed pasties on certain areas. This year though I got my nickname of Wednesday, since I was a fabulous Wednesday Adams.
That same year the Tracy family topped everyone with the Wizard of Oz. Possibly conceived by Dorothy (Chris Tracy) the family went all out using their stage skills in makeup and costume to really show everyone up. Even the dog, that is really a pitbull. Just kidding. Unfortunately, a few years after this was taken, their brother died and Chris followed this past year. They will be greatly missed.
The ever hip music fan, Guy went all the way to New York to see his favorite band, after Blondie and Madonna, the Scissor Sisters. He couldn’t resist getting his picture taken with the band and wearing is SS cap for the next 4 years.

Another great band that performed at Guy’s house one Thanksgiving was Joan’s old ragtime group. They had come together for their last performance, sort of like the Beatles on top of Apple Studios, in Guy’s back yard. The party carried on into the wee hours and as you can see hip is cool at any age.
Sometimes people come to the Swingin’ Beach Pad all dressed up for not apparent reason except they can. This group of drag queens and pimp are an example. New Year’s is a time to celebrate and to start resolutions, including looking fabulous at all times. Don’t they look great???!!! I am envious though that men can look so much better than me.
This montage features Christmas done right with Guy, Patrick, Karalinda and Aimee. The one below is another Halloween themed Alice’s Mad Tea Party (where everyone were served cocktails in tea cups.) And of course, Liberace.

Getting ready to welcome in a new decade, this is from 1999 when the Whinzy Twins, Todd and Karalinda, covered their house in mylar and blue bottles. We spent days helping them set up and enjoyed every moment, though I missed the actual New Year’s Eve celebration since I was in New York.

Nine Jobs to Ponder

This week’s Writer’s Digest challenge is to write an essay about what you would do if you were laid off right now. Instead of getting upset and panicking, what job would you do if you had the freedom to do it. I had this thought when I was laid off and played with ideas for things I would like to do if money and time were no object. I never acted on them, but for an hour or so it was nice to dream. So today at my one year anniversary at this particular stop in my life, in no particular order, here are 9 jobs I would love to attempt if I got laid off today:

*Ghost writer---A couple years ago, when I was laid off, I got addicted for a week to bad autobiographies, my favorites being Pete Burns and Jodie Marsh (both recent attractions from Celebrity Big Brother 4.) Both books definitely had the sound of the “author’s” voice, but I knew that neither of these D-List celebs actually took the time to put pen to paper. Jodie’s especially sounded like her with an airheaded tone and self-absorbed condescension in each word that I imagined her collagen bursting lips. But wouldn’t it be fun to get to know these people and showcase their “talents” as writers? I would love some low-level starlet or has-been rock star as the topic to poke and prod with questions crafted from lame Internet articles. To quietly live their lives in the background for a week or so (I figured it wouldn’t take long to get 200 pages down) and then watch them on the talk show circuit saying how they slaved as I got 20 percent.

*Cook for a small café---Perfect case scenario: I get hired to help out in a small café downtown doing lunch and dinners for local foodies and the occasional tourist who adores food. I start crafting some of my own delights, cooking for the throngs and bargaining with the suppliers finding only the best products for my customers. It would be whatever attracted me, soup today, salad tomorrow and muffins. Plus comfort foods, casseroles, roast chickens, exotic veggies and chocolates. I would pick the wines, beers and cocktails all with no respect to cost since the owner would be raking it in with a full house every night. I would be the Cinderella story with no professional background, just doing what I love. I could score a cookbook deal from it and maybe even a guest shot on the Food Network. And maybe a date with Tyler Florence.

*Purse designer---So far my designs have been appreciated by friends, but I have thought of expanding to include the general public, but for now the cost isn’t too effective for selling, even in the finest boutiques. Each purse takes about 15 to 20 hours to knit and then the sewing and inspiration take time as well. I would love to spend my days knitting, but after 8 hours a day I know I would regret this choice. If I could sell one or two a week, maybe I would appreciate this expression inside of me. I yet have the pull to make one for me since now other projects are coming to light, but soon.

*Massage therapist for cancer patients---I started thinking about this when I was in massage school. I thought about how nice it would be for those afflicted with cancer to receive a gentle touch after all the poking they usually get when they receive treatment. There are a few forms of therapy that are used for patients and a local hospital, Morton Plant/Mease, is one of the most esteemed cancer centers in the world and they have therapists who use therapeutic touch for cancer treatment. I have been thinking more and more about it since the regular massage field is so oversaturated that it is almost impossible to make a decent living (unless you provide some happier endings than other therapists.) It is still a thought, with the emphasis being now on getting the training which isn’t too cheap. Why does it always come back to cash?

*Party planner---This is a fantasy job, though from watching the witches on TV, I don’t think my kinder sensibilities would help me excel. But I do love planning a party. I love picking a theme, making a menu, doing invitations and decorating. Of course as a professional, I would need to hire a staff, get some PR rolling and deal with divas. On a smaller scale, would be birthday parties for spoiled brats, Sweet 16 parties to rival coronations and, of course, debutante-like soirees for Botox-enhanced, figure-altered trophy wives. But then again that could be fun. Maybe I could interest them in “penning” an autobiography I could write.

*Porn film writer---Being that I am only one county away from one of the hottest adult-film industry locals, it is a thought that crossed my mind. Pasco County has its share of “stars” and “starlets” and it seems ripe, even in this economy to take my pick in the industry. Of course, I wouldn’t want to do the average “movie.” I have thought about writing films that stimulate both men and women with lots of hot sex and action paired with romance and story. What a novel idea. I figured it would suit both minds and make a new field for the industry. Sort of like a historic romance novel meets the Happy Hooker. As a huge fan of well-written (and not so well-written) erotica, I could see this catching on. Add to it cookbooks for the dinner before and novels to go along with 3 or 4 page chapters, I think this could work. But where would I begin?

*Wine store clerk---Take another love of mine, well make that two or even three, and let me sip as well and I could be very happy. I used to study wine with vintages, varietals and tasting notes to share with my friends in a wine club that we had created. I would research the wines and write notes on them for every one to enjoy and even considered doing a Web site (with Mich’s help), but the group fell apart and my tastes changed when I no longer really had a pal to wax poetic about wine with. But I did think it would be great to research and teach others all while pairing the wines with food and meeting new folks to hang with (never know who could be there????) There is a local shop that I used to frequent weekly getting to know some of the other patrons and staff, but as my wallet got lighter so did my tastes, plus I felt like a desperate single chick going there alone with all the old men and couples.

*Travel writer---I love to travel. I love to write. So what could be better? Plus I could get it paid for. I would write about the locale, the food, the experience and take notes for a variety of travelers to enjoy. I jotted down notes in my journal while on my various trips, but never spent the time refining their style. Yet I would love to share my food experiences cooking in Tuscany, the plethora of things to do in Portland, eating cheese and wine on a train from Amsterdam to Brussels, walking around Paris alone and loving it, sitting on the cabin porch in the woods listening to nature speak, searching for the perfect shell on Sanibel Island and so much more. Though I would get tired of not being home, especially with my new addition, I could maybe cut paths for dog lovers in the travel world.

*Photographer---I have been taking pictures as a thrilling hobby since I was 13 and I am pretty good at it. I have been told by two separate photogs that my work is extraordinary and rivals some who have studied, with a natural sense of seeing and a simple lack of too much technical knowledge. Even with the advent of digital and the fun and ease it provides, I still love my 35mm Minolta and film. Those little mistakes are genius sometimes and I always saw the photo in my head perfectly before it was ever developed. I am trying to fall in love with my digital, but it isn’t the same, sort of like a first love-though I had to move on and I appreciate the simplicity of the newer model, there isn’t anything like the first. “The First Cut Is The Deepest.”

What would you do??

January 28 - in 1,000 words or less

My first foray onto the Internet this morning brought me to Google and a tribute to Pollock. As a fan of the mixed-up masterpiece artist, I loved the rendition they used on the Web site. It spurred me on to investigate what else significant happened on this day, January 28.

Death of Henry VIII in 1547. I recall spending days learning about Henry and his liasons and frequent alternatives to divorce. Never having been married and subsequently divorced, I really don’t understand the need, but my Catholic-school upbringing made me truly dislike this man who seemed to have a greater desire for turkey legs than human rights. But that said, his name did make a great tune for Herman’s Hermits and inspiration for such movies as “Lady Jane.” That was my initiation into lust for Cary Elwes and the beauty of Helena Bonham Carter.

An along those English period-piece lines, “Pride and Prejudice” was first published on this day in 1813. I have yet to read this Austen novel, but I have attempted to put in on my book club list twice, to no avail. I guess I will just have to read it on my own.

In 1985, the U.S. rode the red coat tails of the British once again with USA for Africa’s “We Are The World” a not quite as hip version of “Feed the World” (my fave), but their heart was in the right place. Michael Jackson, when he was normal, Lionel Ritchie, Cyndi Lauper, Bruce Springsteen, Stevie Wonder and many others lent their voices to this one-hit wonder and raised funds to help the starving in Africa. I just don’t get why Dan Akroyd was there.

A year later, I was sitting in my Home Economics Cooking class when my teacher with tear-stained eyes told us that the space shuttle, Challenger, had exploded on take-off. Death wasn’t something new to me, but this really stunned me since I still was unaware of true mortality. We kept the lights off, all 30 of us sitting heads down at tables listening to the radio announcer tell us that all the astronauts and one teacher had been killed in the blast. When I left class, I bumped into a friend who had been at lunch and hadn’t heard. “The space shuttle blew up.” I said. “No way.” She doubted. In anger I repeated myself, “No it blew up, they all died.” My voice stunned me. Why did I care so much? What really drew me to this sorrow? A group of friends and I converged at Stephanie’s house and watched the accounts over and over again. CNN was new and they milked it for all they could. I recall that there was an After School Special I was supposed to watch that day for my Child Development class about teenage pregnancy staring Renee Estevez, but it was postponed do to the tragedy. Nothing stirred me like this until September 11, 2001, but then I realized there was a true threat and my fear was justified.

Let’s move on to something more uplifting: Birthdays.
Today is the birthday of the French writer, Colette. One of my favorite writers, Colette was more woman than most could handle, at the time. Sexually free, she loved the vigor of life and seemed to live each day fully. Artist, actress, performer, writer and ahead of her time, Colette penned the classic “Gigi.” I visited her grave at Le Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris and even have a picture of the site in my den.

A few years later came Pollock. I don’t know much about him, but I did like Ed Harris in the movie, plus I have a puzzle of his work and I have yet to attempt that feat.

Other notables: Barbi Benton, Playboy Bunnie, Hugh’s GF back in the 70s and lingerie model and sales person on the Home Shopping Network; Dave Sharp from the Alarm, which used to be one of my favorite bands in that whole New Romantic phase in the 80s and opening act to the first concert I went to headlined by The Pretenders; Mo Rocca, satirist and “Wait, Wait Don’t Tell Me” personality, I just love his wit; Chris Carter, member of the bands Throbbing Gristle (very industrial), and Chris and Cosey (very ethereal), worth a listen if your haven’t already; and Henry Mortensen, son of actor Viggo Mortensen and X singer Exene Cervanka who was rumored to have a sister living here in St. Pete, but when I asked Nancy Cervenka if she was related she laughed and denied it, though I wasn’t the first to inquire.

Lastly back to those who left us and who still hold a place in my heart, in one regards or another. Head of the Holy Roman Empire, as well as France and Germany, Charlemagne is one of those leaders you hear about repeatedly in school and can never get the full scope of until later in life. My fascination with him erupted as I pondered his statue outside of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. The morning was rainy and I had the day to myself. I followed the nuns in for mass and gave in to my Catholic upbringing even accepting communion. After the service, with the rain still spitting down, I paced in circles around the kings statue and let the true feeling of history enwrap me. Being American, our sense of history is pretty short, unless you bring into account all the non-whites that have a lingering history of a few thousand years or so (this is something I have been looking to more and it is truly fascinating.) My hour spent at his statue seemed probably like a crazy persons as I talked to myself about the realm of his might. But then again, Paris, like other big cities I have come to discover, didn’t seem to notice me or find me crazy since there are always those a lot more loony than moi. I got a children’s book about Charlemagne at one of the book stalls along the Seine, along with “Cinderella”, both in French, so I could learn the language and have yet to put my nose in either one. (This is one of my goals for the new year, improve my French and learn Spanish.)

This was also the day the world lost a great poet, William Butler Yeats. I had my Yeats phase in college when I came across a drawing of him from the early 1900s. He seemed thin and sad, the perfect person to adore for a goth kid like me. I read all of his works that I could find and longed to be the cute young thing that he adored enough to marry. I was a heart-felt romantic, as was he and his Shelley style of slow poetry touched me deeply. This period only lasted about 3 months when I moved on to stalk other dead romantics. Yet writing this, I long to read some more of his words and ponder his life, perhaps when I am done penning this piece.

Lastly another writer of note to honor in this long babble, though she used her words perfectly, Zora Neale Hurston. “There Eyes Were Watching God” is one of my favorite books (and another on my list for a second read). Being from Florida, she is also a local icon with her place in the Harlem Renaissance. She is buried in Fort Pierce on the east coast and that makes me think that a good day trip is in order. Maybe Renee will want to join me for Zora Fest in early April, sounds like a plan.

Well this really filled a need for the history buff inside of me. It’s interesting when all these thoughts and things collide. I hope no one got hurt.