Old Art Installation and Ashtray Poetry - Mid 1990s

The picture above is of an art installation I did at what was once ACME Art Company, Arts District in Columbus Ohio, Short North.

There was running water sounds, babies crying and a soundtrack running with a song.

There was a statement written for all to read:

"Are political and financial power mongers killing the glory of natural progression?Are the pure stories of history getting lost in the techno Commercialism? Are the definitive lines fading between reality and fantasy? Is Luke Skywalker going to save us from Darth Vader?

I have installed traditional icicles and tree ornaments along with candles to keep grounded to the holiday calm. From the ceiling I give you a view of massive egg destruction and surround you with progressive architecture to pool you into the new dimension, while you hear the singing of an old religious song with new lyrics, while hearing a plea to Santa Claus. In the background you will hear the sound of irregular drops of tears from the icicles. I want you to be afraid for our children. I want you to be afraid for our future and protect the beauty of what is now Christmas, for life.

Perhaps we should ground ourselves in some sort of tradition, in order to grasp our future vision.
Perhaps we should grok the magic of the force and become more than we think we can.

(To the tune of Hark the Herald)
Hark the Herald angels scream as we scruff the newborn's dream
Peace on Earth and Mercy mild are all hopes within a child
how we lay our pleasures by, then to the icicles make our cry
with angelic hearts we sing, glory to the elected King,
Hark the Herald angels scream, glory to the elected King!

(In the background, the Princess from Star Wars plea)
Santa Claus, Santa Claus, you're my only hope!
Santa Claus, Santa Claus, you're my only hope!

Other words on the page:

Poem: "Breakfast Room"

Pull out the crystal that in the morning we used,
The soft cloth napkins that wiped away our blues.
Lay out the silver that moved with our tunes,
as we laughed together in the warm breakfast room.

Funny how life just won't let you get by,
with romance and candles, nor tears in your eyes.
While in the distance you hear a faint cry,
as you walk off to leave without saying good-bye.

So put away the crystal that in the morning we used,
Wash the cloth napkins and dry away your blues.
Put away the silver that we once used,
and forget that we laughed in the warm breakfast room.

Poem: Planets Inhale

Planets inhale the chains of life,
the chains of life planet inhale.....
I float within passions chains,
I breathe the passion,
passion's rhythms,
Planets passionate rhythm
Planet's passion
Planets inhale the chains of life....

...... inspired by poetry slams and coffee house performances.

Machete the Movie

This past weekend, thanks to Netflix, I watched the movie, “Machete” with Danny Trejo, in his first lead role as the title character. A movie classified as an “action comedy”, which I can say, the movie lived up to. Now, I’m a sci-fi lover, even the cheesy ones, and Danny Trejo has been a character in many of those movies, so this was just enough of a quirky twist of character to hold me to the screen. But, admittedly, way too much blood and guts for me to give it four stars. 

I did see “Grindhouse”, the movie from which the style of “Machete” continues from, and the fake trailer that was played does show up again in this movie. It is a recognizable bit of footage for the cult followers to feast on. Jessica Alba’s character I didn’t care for. I just didn’t feel there was anything there, just an airhead that kissed Danny Trejo a lot. Which really grossed me out. But, Maybe that was the point. Danny Trejo on the other hand was a stumbling dufus when it came to girls, but a pro with the machete. 

Another one of my favorite characters, who, consequently, has also starred in many of my sci-fi movies, was Michelle Rodriguez. Michelle’s performance was outstanding, and she tore it up being the beautiful girl with the big bad ass automatic weapon!!! Don Johnson’s performance was humorous at best, but sort of a washed up old man, like he didn’t know his part very well. Jeff Fahey was there. Robert De Niro was great. Cheech was back as the Padre. Steven Seagal was hilarious by actually making fun of himself! Lindsay Lohan was Lindsay Lohan.

The storyline was typical B movie lame. As for whether I liked the movie or not, well, it’s a cult movie, there’s no way to really answer that question, except, there was too much blood and guts for me to truly enjoy it, and only half of the acting was good.

Super Bowl Sunday 2011

Well, I thought Leah Michele nailed her song! Poor Christina messed up royal, the sound sucked on the half time show, however, the Black Eyed Peas and Usher were workin it hard, and Fergie's song with "Flash" was OUTSTANDING!!!

And so reads my status for this morning.

I didn't really follow the games this year, but I've been a long time fan of the Pittsburg Steelers, (borne out of a past boyfriend who watched football religiously). I love watching the new commercials and, at first, I didn't think we were going to get any worthwhile. I whined and complained for the first half hour or so until they started running them, but today I'm subscribed to the YouTube channel that is posting them all!

It has been awhile since I've taken the time to watch the Super Bowl, and even though the Steelers didn't win, it was a really good game. I didn't fall asleep, there was enough action to keep my foot tapping (or my hand) in anticipation. I was in the company of some really lovely people and a couple of beautiful kids, in a beautiful home feeling extremely relaxed. I had a good time!

Although I have a strict diet now, I did indulge in a piece of cake that was made "lite", so I was told, with strawberries and kiwi pieces. It was heavenly, no kidding! I drank water while everyone else indulged in some light alcohol, but I didn't care, it was a great Sunday evening!

I've Been Gone

School glorious school. I knew it would be a test of my patience, but it's also been a test of my self esteem. That I didn't anticipate, not this time.

Learning and applying that learning has had me extremely busy over these past few months. We lovers of control have to admit when we need to back off, back down, let go, give up, give in, submit and surrender. Although, I am persistent if nothing else, and I still try to squeeze everything I can in the living moments that I have, especially if I'm healthy and the weather is good. Life stills flows on and I don't want to get left behind.

I've made some new friends this year, and some of them are really funny and fun loving! I can only hope they feel some kind of equal trade-off. It's become increasingly obvious this year, not just through experience, but through observance of other people, that I will have to release some of my need to be the general manager of the universe.

I don't know if it's just the horrible economy or the undeniable change in the top commanders, but it has started to feel too expensive to insist on having it all. There's just so many life situations that allow no possibility of exerting control over. Wow, am I growing up? Damn....

Don't worry, I'm not becoming fatalistic, it's just that 2010 was a year of being shut out, ineffective, facing endings and going through a lot of frustration and pain, while being abused by unyielding external forces and mean people.

I love that I'm standing at the door of the world's largest Geek Club. I'm so ready to be one of them! But, I have to admit, I aspire to being considered "kool", yes "kool". Meh, being smart is nothing if you can't have friends. I have finally started to apply my learning into creating and I am so excited!

Sweltering Heat

Just a few weeks back, we were enjoying the cooler weather in spring like manner, and now, we are hovering in the 90s with high humidity. Dog had to have a summer cut as he was starting to pant not more than five minutes after starting our afternoon walks. I can't blame him though, even I have a hard time. Some days I have a huge floppy hat on with my sunglasses! It just makes me that much more determined to get to the beach! The park was infested with womping mosquitoes until the city decided to spray this past week. Dog and I would come out running and covered in gray, now, it's good.

I have started working with the American Institute of Research doing Math and Science assessments from the Bill Gates funded programs in Chicago. I find Math and Science a lot less stressful than English, as there is not much room for subjectivity. YAY ! I am on an excellent team of people, and already feel attached since we have out performed most of the other teams on the projects. again, YAY!!!!

Oh, and I did received approval for the scholarship for school. I ended up choosing a "Master of Design" program at a private computer school. I'm sooooooooooo excited. I have been wanting to take this program for some four years now. What I am happy about, however, is that since I've had to wait, the upgraded versions of the softwares are so much sweeter than the versions I started with years ago! Easier too! Check out the Adobe Creative Suite 5 MASTER COLLECTION and the list of every program it contains! That is only part of what I will be learning, I am so super psyched!

As you can imagine, my schedule has become extremely busy. I think my son will be in town next month for a little while, and then his best friend gets married in October, so in between, I have to accomplish as much as possible! Phew! I did manage to get to a birthday party this week where it was my pleasure to see some old friends I haven't seen in awhile. I think I'm invited to a party over the 4th as well.

This weekend I have caught up on the series "Merlin" on SyFy, saw the Finale of "Tudors" which made me shed heavy tears! and watched "Broke Back Mountain" from start to finish (finally) and it was GREAT, and I shed many more tears!!!!! I Picked up "Legion" from the vid store, and thought it was "ok"....Ghost Hunter's Academy (lame), Design Star (lame), a couple of episodes of "House Hunting" on HGTV, a little World Cup Soccer, a little Tennis, a little NASCAR and now I am going to go finish up my laundry.....while dreaming of next week's three day weekend!

Peace.

Crispy Walk

One of the perks of living in the northern half of the United States is that summer comes a little later than in other regions. Actual summer comes after the date of "summer" instead of sweltering two months before! I woke up this morning to cool, crisp and wonderfully inviting weather. The only element that would have made it better for me would be the addition of a beach near by. I even slipped on a sweater as the dog and I stepped out to take a walk around the neighborhood. How nice it would be to hear the waves. My BFF and another BF will be in Myrtle Beach this week enjoying the summer sunshine. Every year I think I'm going to join them, and never get to. Again, we joke that we will be running around chasing men in our wheel chairs one day. Together at last!

So this walk, included a circus of Mother Nature's creatures coming out to enjoy the morning themselves, and to keep from getting my arms jerked out of their sockets, I allowed the dog more leash. I attempted to let him know I am NOT alright with him chasing the rabbits and the squirrels, even though I know it is in his nature. A tricky situation indeed. He likes to dance around with the birds as well, and they don't seem to mind. I am in awe of how happy he is with being alive. Such a wonderful soul!

I have lived out of the city for some 8 years or so and cherish these mornings of peaceful walks through my suburb. It's when TIME itself slows down. I only realize how spoiled I am out when I have to drive into the city every day to work. It is very annoying. And, there are the usual errands and repairs to the car, etc etc etc. But, for today, I am going to enjoy this sweet adventure since I will be kicking into a new contract next week.

Today there are some interesting political primaries going on. Especially, California and South Carolina and Nevada. If only we could get the Gulf oil spill cleaned up.

As I've written many times lately, I've been doing a lot of socializing and reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances. My Facebook is growing. I feel so blessed to know so many talented and good people! However, seeing people face to face is a little different than just talking to them on Facebook. Not to mention the fact that people's looks can change dramatically, including my own. Snickering to myself this morning, I remembered a conversation this past weekend where I was reminding someone who I was, what I've been involved with, what color hair I had, and oh, "....you just "Friended" me a few days ago..." in which there was "....oh yea yea yea...now I remember!"

*sigh* How did we ever live without social networking?????
It is one of my guilty pleasures.

I do have a watercolor to paint for a friend's mother's birthday, so I will make a trip to the art store today and pick up what I need and get to it and I've noticed I have many new flower blooms in my garden, so I'll be pruning and taking photos in reverence to their beauty! So for today, I am in a "rare" form of blissful content.

Best wishes

4th Grade Writing

You couldn't create such writings as these 4th graders no matter how hard you tried. They are a laugh a minute. I don't mean to make fun of the children, and actually that's why you NEVER get to read any of these in published form. It's just that at this age they are beginning to use big words, or try to use big words, and they are forming memories of materials they have read. So when it comes out in writing, it is sometimes very mixed up, and VERY COMICAL. I call it brilliant! The best imaginations in the world.