The Moldy Doily

tokyo summer '04

In the middle of summer 2004 I went to Tokyo Japan to do a solo art installation at ROCKET Gallery space.  The owner was featured in the infamous scene in Lost in Translation where Bill Murray is being told to act like Dean Martin or 007.  I remember that it was a million degrees and when we arrived it was slightly raining.  Everyone walking around had the most incredible umbrellas.  Back then I did not own a cell phone or a digital camera.  I also did not really own a computer.  I was sort of a nuisance to my pals in other words.

It was my second time in a year visiting the country and I was excited to explore it again.  I swear going to visit Japan is the closest thing to traveling to MARS.  Everything seems way ahead of its time in that space-age Jetson's way.  Toilets that make musical sounds and heat up when you sit on them.  Luxury even at the local malls. Koo koo video games where you play musical bongos and muppet creatures pop up.

Everything imaginable can be found in a street vending machine.

I used to dye my hair dark brown (it was sort of my Italian side Sophia Loren phase)  I do think it made my eyes seem more big and blue.  Take a look at some of the images my friend Niki snapped while we were there. 

I just found this disc while cleaning a closet out.  

It made me remember the long and lovely train ride to Kyoto to see the incredible trees and tea shops that have existed long before the U.S. 

The ancient streets, buildings and fascinating people- if you have never been- you absolutely must go check it all out!

You will discover the coolest trends...socks with prints that you'd never imagine- and sneakers galore.

I was interviewed as an artist on the radio station below!! I was so nervous...

some of the art/clothing that I made for the show-

slap happy with the pods again.  This was the second time that I utilized them in an art show...something about them makes me infected with happiness and glee

looking at all of these images from only like 5 years ago made me realize how much my artwork and style have changed too.

We bought some of the coolest things ever at the flea markets near Harajuko.  So many cool guys and girls set up blankets with all of their clothes and things they make.  

me and my pal FROSTY (d.j. mark mcneil) eating a sushi feast

the place was so rad...sort of like a hip punk sushi apartment restaurant.  People sitting on floors with loud music playing

my crazy dress I made for Mike Mills shop HUMANs in tokyo.  The dress was made from all of his printed fabrics

Maybe sometime in the future when I have a lot of free time I will scan the million photos I took with my medium format camera on real film!  I took tons of pics of the Harajuko lolitas in the park and fashionable boys on scooters.  I have them all on contact sheets waiting for the moment I can actually afford to print them out.  Did I mention that it cost me close to $700 dollars to have the film developed and made into contact sheets- that's right almost double my plane ticket just to develop the film--not even made into pictures!!!

what was I thinking shooting REAL film, I'm not even a pro shutterbug.

Anyway- someday someday...

13

This sunday I drove my car up to Joshua Tree for a two mini-vacation with Mr. H.  I booked a room at the Pioneertown inn, and chose the Barbara Stanwyck room #13.  I had heard from Cynthia in the past that this was the most Haunted room.  And for those of you who know me, and know my love of folklore, ghost stories and paranormal state...this sounded exciting.

There was a severe wind storm watch when we arrived and an eeerie stillness to the grounds as we were the only (and I mean only) guests on a late sunday night.  We attempted to seek out some spirits... probably our first bad idea.

Who else wants to go on a mini vacation and sleep in a room that others have proclaimed gave them nightmares and footsteps were heard on the roof?

Ha ha, ME!  And let me tell you, those footsteps on the roof were for reals!  It was like a demon was having a back and forth heydey up there.  Mr. H said that it was probably the old wood, or the forceful winds, but I say ghosts.

2.) second bad idea was having a margarita after NOT drinking for the past 3 months.  I think I realized right away that alcohol combined with a dark creepy walk back to a haunted room is never a good idea

we tried to take a lot of images in case ghostly apparitions appeared in the background, alas just a few weird light orbs?

3.) bad idea number 3 was definitely eating chocolate donuts after eating a slab of ribs (haven't eaten red meat in ages) and mashed potatoes.

the pioneertown church had this lovely white wooden cross

4) bad idea number 4 would be playing basketball in the desert with large thorn and sharp tumbleweeds.  The likelihood that your ball will land in a pile of prickers and slowly deflate is 100%.  Of course the 50 shots you got in before that happened were more than worthwhile cause the sunset and scenery are divine

I wanted to take this decomposing wood (shark fangs?) home and make a giant sculpture from it

isn't this victorian portrait vase stunning?

Isn't this puffy chair the greatest!?  It was only $39 dollars

back in the saddle again

this blanket was pretty rad too

overall this get-away was a great idea.  It seriously seemed like weeks away.   We played goofy games, made up mad libs, ate til we were sick, wandered around the desert and saw some cool local musicians.  I actually missed my cats and couldn't wait to return home to them.  

p.s. wait til you see what we did to georgie today!

ladies and the land

Somehow even in the crisp cold air, the desert is still the sweetest calm.  I wish that it was 102 however, cause that's my favorite time to be there.  Warm winds and sunsets.  It was Cynthia's annual birthday in Joshua Tree time.  We all drove up on a Saturday, got into our cozy rooms and ate Pappy and Harriet's BBQ.  We also ventured to all of our favorite haunts, like antique shops, western spots and coffee shops.  

the Birthday girl!  Looking so tough in front of the cowboy barber station.

Cynthia's pal Christa has the greatest new pet kitty, a British short hair with lil legs and hair like a soft seal.

cynthia's wedding glass

BIGGEST DOG in all of the LAND!

serious polar bear sized bear- we all cuddled him for a bit

Taylor took these stagecoach pics of me that were taken at "magic hour" right before the sunset.

she also took this one of me- cause I wanted this magical teapot with the crystals

Another year down-

another year older.

Aquarius pal

the city that doesn't sleep

NEW YORK!

There's nothing like the smell of NYC in the summer.  Incredible heat beating on the pavement, a wave of humidity clinging to your curls, and a nice Italian Carnival in Williamsburg.

Microsoft put me up at a nice boutique hotel, while I'm staying here for the comic book signing.  Upon landing in the city, I headed straight for Brooklyn and my girl pals waiting.  Straight to some bars and dragging ourselves back to my hotel around 4a.m. My friends really know how to flapper out

 

Lots of makeout couples in the city I didn't get a picture of her, but darling New Yorker Ginny Branch came out for the signing in a fab flapper frock. I also met awesome fan: Joey at the signing I sat next to genius artist Gary Panter for the signing. You may remember him for his PEE WEE's Playhouse art. He upped the standard "book signing" by not only asking each and every fan what their name was- but then he would write it down and ask them what animal they wanted him to draw. Pretty accommodating huh? Then he would sign his name and the date. How do I follow that? This cutie came by with the LULA mag I illustrated and wanted me to sign it. She also brought me a pair of earrings she made! Weirdly enough they perfectly matched every color in my kookoo dress After the signing I jetted over to my friend's place, to meet her beautiful new kid and see her dangle on her trapeze. She had the perfect summer one-sie on. Saw this rad wine store window with creepy Doll diorama. I had to show you guys. Lots of doll getting down with picnics and partying I love this crazy cat wall We saw this guy on Ludlow pee all over himself. It was pretty grim. Right after he did, he mumbled "How you doing?" We ended up out til 4:30. The only women (fresh meat) in a dingy bar on the lower east side. If I had a dollar for every guy who sat down with a bad line I may have enough to afford my cab fare while here. But there were some nice ones who bought us some shots and entertained us. The D.J. was playing Romeo Void when we entered the bar, and kept the good hits going- by Sonic Youth-, LUSH, Bowie, Richard Hell etc... Rachel, Fran and I ended up crashing in my hotel bed that night and sleeping til check-out at noon.

you may be asked...

My beautiful friend Cynthia recently asked me to drive with her across the country in a van full of musical equipment. At first I was contemplating the spontaneous decision, but realized that there was too much work left at the Show Pony. Today she sent me these magical enchanted forest images from her stay in Austin TX at SXSW. It's nice when a friend texts you images of trees webbed with wonderful objects and then the message "Wish you were here to see this"

I can only imagine how it must've been with musicians playing on top of the river.

anyplace where you can be under the stars, surrounded by trees sparkling with flair, listening to bands play while water flows underneath them has to be pretty cool

everything in her heart told her to go and yet things would never be the same if she did

It has been a long few weeks of travel and returns. The annual tradition of heading for the desert for Cynthia's birthday seemed nearly impossible. Considering the store still needs an overhaul and all the artwork piling up and so on and so on. I had told my friends that it would be an impossible feat. In my mind I had declared it just about the worst thing I needed to do. In agonizing I realized that this has been a year of eliminating the things that no longer suit me, while reclaiming the love of other things.

It was at that moment that I realized that the store wasn't really going anyplace, I mean what is one more messy day in there? The money isn't really gonna be made in two whole days? The apartment cleanup was probably gonna be vetoed for cable t.v. and I might truly regret not spending the birthday weekend get away with good friends.

And so it goes. Age of Consent by New Order ringing through the ears as we wind around giant surreal rock formations piled high like lady fingers on a tiramisu cake. No one saying anything as our faces tilted out into the desert sun. Four women riding in the same car with separate daydreams and expectations of what this weekend may have in store. The nostalgia of the drive in, the little pioneer rooms lit up with magical lights almost killed me.
I can't explain the sense of utter euphoria that the desert air stirs, but the faded structures serve as a reminder that life keeps on living out there. The tourists come and go, and this space will wait for them to revisit. The smell of BBQ reminded me of Mr. P and his love of the place. I wanted to eat what he would have ordered. I wanted to snap pictures with my cell phone and send them to him of the perfect plate.

We spent the weekend scouring the antique junk shops, Indian stores, and running around from room to room. In our down time we told tales of our lives and laughed so hard that we nearly wet the bed.
The weekend also reminded me that this new moon in Aquarius has pushed me through a new door and gently closed the old one. I have always struggled with change, ever since I was a kid. But change has always forged new adventures for me, and so I blindly accept this new challenge.

The band SPINDRIFT was playing at Pappy and Harriets and Plucky and Cynthia shared a birthday celebration. The evening started off with a nice game of cornhole. A game where you toss a bean bag into a hole. After that we drank, and ate until we felt electric. The night seemed to melt away

this was the picture that made us laugh til we cried. One wild eyed man with a chin ponytail and the other playing guitar with his tongue- who would you pick?

meet darling jasmin, a sweet local 18 year old girl who danced all night with us

we survived the weekend, and I'm glad I chose plan B

The Get-Away

Xmas eve, around midnight, Mr. P handed me two suitcases and said you have 10 hours to pack two days worth of clothes (fancy and casual) and be ready at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Hmmm. How does a girl sleep on that info? Where are we headed?
What should I bring? What will we be doing?

We headed out Christmas morning and lucky for him, I have no real sense of direction and couldn't tell if we were headed for Mexico or SF. After a few hours on the road, he pretended that he needed to use the restroom and we took off on a side road winding along the lovely coast. Hidden along the shore is an exclusive SPA retreat called Bacara. I realized it was the same place we had been years back during the Santa Barbara Film festival, attending Leonardo DiCaprio's award receiving party.

The entrance is breathtaking, an enormous fountain packed with giant bulbs and greetings by attentive bellhops offering to drive you to your room in golf carts.
Our room was across from the SPA organic cafe and Spa center.

I love that I have never been one to get my "Relax" on properly. In fact I've never been a good receiver of massages, nor facials. I lack the necessary smarts for how to let go and be pampered. The SPA booklet featured luxurious treatments for the body and the face as well as manicures/pedicures and exercise activities. Within 20 minutes of arriving on the scene, I opted for a toxin /stress releasing mud spine treatment with shoulder and neck massage. I misunderstood her instructions and laid down face up on top of the covers. When she entered and saw me, she gasped and said- "You need to get under the sheet, please" Faux Paux nude blunder number 1.
It was funny.

I also got a facial later that day. They call it the Instant Gratification Facial, and for a mere 25 minutes it'll set you back $95. Compared to most of the other decadent peels and masks, that price is a bargain. Did I mention sitting in the Eucalyptus STEAM room for 15 minutes til my face almost melted off? WOW it was amazing in there. Hot pools and saunas with women lounging around reading the latest issues of Vanity Fair- Ahhh the life of luxury.

after my fab facial- check out that glow!

This will go down in history as the MEAL of a LIFETIME!
Seriously- the best 4 course Christmas dinner ever. If I could frame the menu I would. Actually the bill was around $650 so perhaps we should be framing that too...Ouch.

The restaurant is named MIRO's- after the painter- all of the plates looked like his paintings

Lifestyles of the Rich and famous- kept playing in my mind

the life of leisure suits him

we spent our romantic nights in front of the many resort outdoor fireplaces, well, it was absolutely freezing by the ocean late night...

this light fixture should be in cynthia's place

in town we witnessed this Xmas miracle, a rat on top of a cat on top of a dog. Pretty sweet

We also shopped around Santa Barbara and saw the Kite Runner. It was amazing and heartbreaking. A must see.

Here's the debut of my new Xmas dress from Mr. P. Seems like the World Wrestling Association may be missing a winning belt, huh?

check out the chocolate sculptures in the lobby

Heaven can wait

There is a place on Earth where the stillness of the landscape calms every nerve in your body. Around every corner a faded pastel sunset, wild rabbits and running quail. You can see every single star in the sky so perfectly clear. Pomegranate trees bend across the water, dropping seeds across the sand. Little painted cabins tarnished from the sun decorated with wind chimes and lanterns.
"I could live here" echoes in my mind. I could love it here, someday when I escape the city and surrender to the idea of only making art. It's lawless and slow. Some say that the desert is a mirror to a person's soul. You could disappear out there on a porch swing and wait for something. Imagine lovely lazy days reading books and listening to records. 29 Palms out there in Joshua Tree isn't for working, but getting your relax on. It was all like a dream

FAIRYTALES can come true

Thanks to HAPPY PEOPLE DON'T COMPLAIN, I was transported to the lovely HOTEL FOX in Denmark, Copenhagen. The magical hotel features 61 individual rooms painted by 22 various types of artists. From the whimsical to the adventure seeker, every room reflects fabulous ideas. My favorites include:

Amadori is currently very interested in myths, legends, and mystical symbols and wanted to create magical rooms (in the traditional sense) full of life and a rich diversity: “You are invited to spend a night at the King's Court. The King and Queen have gathered their magicians, jesters, fortune-tellers and other mystical courtiers to greet you. Blue represents the King's Court and is associated with trust, loyalty and honesty. Also it is the colour of the sky and the deep sea, which suggest infinite freedom.”

for more info go to the site: hotelfox.dk

Aquarius Get-a-way

In honor of Miss Cindy's birthday- we skirted off to the desert (Joshua Tree) to play in the sand and saddle up to a long bar. She was given magic spice cake which transformed the landscape into a wonderland of jack rabbits and speeding quail. We holed up at the famous Pioneertown Inn- where countless old school western films were shot, and the ghost of Gram Parsons roams. You can still ride your horses right up to the Inn and coral them while you devour racks of ribs at Pappy and Harriets saloon. When you drive in tons of wild bunnies and rabbits run around the parking lot.
(Click on images to see the entire photo)

Mr. P was in hog heaven- at Pappy's place- eating slabs of BBQ ribs the size of the Flintstones

Now you see 'em

now you don't--who knew that Colby could pack away the entire plate?

another highlight--definitely dancing with the local and boys on leave

The festivities involved all of the L.A. hippies and freaks driving up to the desert for a musical bonanza. Bands like Spindrift- the Moon Upstairs and our favorites- the Winter Flowers converged on the trail. Seemed everyone had found some form of mind altering distraction buried deep in a cactus flower. Random smiling strangers wandering in and out of motel rooms looking for a sing a long.

When we first took off on this adventure- we were all a litttle worried about Mr. P. We wondered- Could he possibly relax? Would he adapt to the laid back lifestyle? Would he drag along a suitcase of ties and cuff links? Could he accept a no work policy? Would his serious side be able to take a vacation?

meet Mr. White man overbite

check out Rachel of band Civil War representing Bonnet old school

So happy to have Miss Manning from the Del More join the desert party

you know everything is gonna go good when Miss Lizzie strolls in

Mr P. said we look like we are going to perform at a Bavarian Beer Festival

ooohh...the Winter Flowers- (they just completed their new video for Strawberry Morning)

we ran down Main street- and straight into a real Native Indian- at the rad trading post. His pal makes dream catchers and crazy crafts- which are piled 6 feet deep in his little storefront

way past the western town --furthur down the road- we discovered someone's yard that was a work of art. They had a pond of broken treasures and a sign that said- "Tis better to give to the circle than to take from it" It was at this moment I realized I had to move to Pioneertown and build yard art

Uh oh-- looks like Mr. P just found his new secret office...

just in case "snake lake" decided to make an album cover

meet Miss Daisy the piglet that will always stay that size- (her owner told us she is freak of nature)

this was taken by Mr. P- on the porch of the future Show Pony boutique...it's right across from the Pioneertown Post office- so I can Ebay with ease. It even has a piano inside!!

on sunday morning- the tiny church was in service- and the music pouring out sounded like something from a band at the Echo- like the Pixies gone instrumental- well- like heaven.

the antiques and crafty stained glass huts on the Blvd made us happy

this is my dream "daisies" bathtub

Lincoln bought this manly shirt with shoulder pads- and made himself into a festive flag

Lincoln took us on a trip to explore the stone mountain where he built a guest "cube" house

best breakfast in town involved santa and baby grandpa mugs

this is what breakfast felt like if you were birthday girl Cindy- and slept 3 hours in two days...

this is how I want to remember the Aquarus get-a-way- chasing speedy quail and a hot cup of Oolong magic tea and cindy enjoying a sunset on Pioneertown.

Deco and Dancers

I woke up today in Chicago. I have to say this is the best city in the U.S. Sure it's summer and I haven't had an extreme cold wind- but it's really amazing. Something about the clean streets and magical river view make me want to go explore stuff. I went today by myself to visit the old Marshall Fields Department store...it's been a landmark here forever. The MACY's is going to be taking it over this week officially. It's sort of sad, like a passing of Christmas windows long long ago. I couldn't believe the old signs and giant patina clocks that protrude from the building. The inside has art deco light fixtures and elaborate columns. The view down from the inside is breathtaking. My friend Brad opened a great "old style" diner on Eleventh and named a sandwich "the Marshall Fields " sandwich. He said he wanted to pay tribute to the ladies who lunched there back in the day. This week he was told the item had to be removed from his menu or risk legal action. I looked up this info on Wikopedia:

Marshall Field (1835-1906) was the wealthiest man in Chicago of his time, worth an estimated $100 million when he died. Originally working as a clerk for Potter Palmer, he saved half of his $400/year salary, and in 1865 with his partner Levi Leiter bought Palmer's dry-goods store. Field and Leiter eventually became "Marshall Field and Company".
Originally opened in Chicago in 1852 by Potter Palmer, eponymously named P. Palmer & Co.. Four years later, in 1856, 21-year-old Marshall Field moved to Chicago from Pittsfield Just prior to the Civil War.
=============================================================
That is old.
That is some history. This whole city is old and amazing- every corner something profound.

the tiffany stained glass ceiling

To top it all off- today was the opening day for the new LUSH soap store at the bottom of this building.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last night we ended up at the Green Mill- WOW
talk about 99 years ago. We had the best time! Here is the low down--

Throughout its uproarious history, The Green Mill Jazz Club has played host to a number of famous - and often infamous - celebrities. Opened in 1907 as Pop Morse's Roadhouse, the "Mill" was a stopping place for mourners to celebrate the passing of a friend before proceeding to St. Boniface's Cemetery. By 1910, new owners had converted the roadhouse into the Green Mill Gardens, complete with lantern-lit outdoor dancing and drinking areas, and boasting such headliners as Al Jolson, Eddie Cantor and Sophie Tucker. Actors Wallace Beery and Bronco Billy Anderson also visited the Gardens, hitching their horses to the outdoor post and settling down for a drink after a days work filming westerns at nearby Spoor and Anderson Studios.

As the twenties roared, The Green Mill became mobster territory when Al Capone's henchman, "Machinegun" Jack McGurn, gained a 25% ownership of the club. Manager Danny Cohen had given McGurn the 25% stake to "persuade" comedian/singer Joe E. Lewis from moving his act south to the New Rendezvous Café at Clark and Diversey. McGurn managed to convince Lewis by slitting his throat and cutting off his tongue. Miraculously, Lewis recovered, but his songs never regained their lush sound. The incident was later immortalized in the movie The Joker is Wild, with Frank Sinatra as Joe E. Lewis and a Hollywood soundstage as The Green Mill. Of course, his interest piqued, Sinatra had to visit the club.

Throughout the 1930s, '40s, and 50s, The Green Mill continued to pack 'em in with a heady mix of swing, dance and jazz music. Uptown crowds from the Aragon Ballroom or Uptown and Riviera Theaters would "stop in for one" before or after shows. Business began to slip in the mid-seventies, and in 1986, present owner Dave Jemilo bought The Green Mill and restored it to its prohibition-era, speakeasy décor.

Ok with all that --in mind, let me say that this place is straight out of an old movie. There are old old old regular customers, a door man with a bear claw around his neck and handlebar mustache and young swing kids decked out in their big band gear. The bandstand was enormous and sounded like an old record your grandma always played.
Problem is that I have absolutely no rhythm. So when you tell the older men who invite you to dance that you really can't...they don't believe you til they feel your feet crushing theirs and you nearly tumble into the trombone player.

this is where I ended up of course- Mr. P has to eat cheezeborgers after hours

Tonight is the opening premiere of the movie -- I can't wait! Mr. P was on Chicago radio twice today- being funny on the loop.

Land of the Red Hots

Tis true that this is one of the best hot dog places on earth, perhaps explaining the heavy weight city title.
I don't think I ate this much while touring Italy. Last night we went to Billy Goats- one of the oldest Chicago Newspaper hangouts. The Bar/Diner is hidden under the city and looks untainted by the passing of decades. Mostly people know Billgoats from the infamous Saturday Night Live skit mocking it...cheezeborger cheezeborger-no Pepsi--COKE. My camera battery was dead- so the layers of grease and history will have to remain in my mind.

Sometimes pictures are better than words- and since these past four days have been quite an amazing blur- I will let them show why I think Chicago is an incredible city. (From the Green River Soda to the Ferris Wheel at Navy Pier)

My favorite new discovery in the park downtown is the giant mirrored bean sculpture.

In the LOST house district where the oldest home from Chicago sits- we discovered this amazing mansion for sale. We went around the yard and noticed a coach house as well. This would make the best salon style bed and breakfast. It is directly across from the MArshall Fields Jr. mansion

Last night we time travelled to the 1990's Hard Rock Cafe style.
JAson got us onto the red carpet for the Blender Magazine party. It was straight out of scene at the Rainbow room...Dave Navarro and company on stage and strippers gallore.
This made me miss my L.A. Insert tongue in cheek now

this particular Fredericks of Hollywood babe was one step away from vomit

Well- by tonight I will be on a plane headed for the land of plastic ladies and palm trees. I can't wait.
Good bye Chicago- til next time

Off to Sleazy Motels

In our final days in NY state we lounged by the patio and went antique shopping in Nyack. I fell in love with all the gems and this little black sheep doll.

Later we attended a play in town that Alan directed called:

In the audience was the still fascinating Arlene Dahl. She was in "Journey to the Center of the Earth" and once had a torrid affair with J.F.K. She still had the fiery red hair that made her a siren in the day.

She was married for a brief time to Fernando Lamas...and had son Lorenzo--(GREASE)

Uncle Alan is having a fab house warming party later this month. My favorite thing in his house is this pastel portrait that someone made of him in the late 70's:

I helped make these trash cans fancy for his celebration.

We left the lush landscape of Rockland County and headed for our favorite sleepy town in PA called Stroudsburg. This is the place we stayed on our last Ohio tour. We ended up at a Church Rummage Sale/ town festival with the locals (seemed more like a scene from Deliverance) Toothless townies and sausage faced kids.

After eating a fried feast and buying crafts we were back on the road and driving
for 10 hours to Ohio. Lucky for us the rental car had a navigating computer system. As we drove in the darkness past my sisters 6 acre homestead...it simply stated "You have arrived".
We unfortunately were staying furthur up the block at the sleazy moist motel.

The Low down :

BOB EVANS- Biscuits and gravy for G.P. Smoking in Diners still exists, obesity is the new fad.
Jim's Kitchen- Super small old diner- 50's that I've been going to since I was like 4. All the waitresses
still know me and G.P has a luxurious burger with onions.
Chagrin Falls: The infamous 1920's town with the waterfalls behind the old time popcorn shop

Drive- In Movie-- That's right 5 minutes away from my sisters place there is a huge Drive-In where you
pay $15 for a car load. We were eaten alive by bugs but had a good time draped in
blankets

4-Wheelin'/mini bikes: G.P and I rode around the lawn on mini bikes racing across the 6 acres- This
is more exciting then one could imagine. Especially the narrow bridge to the back
yard -in the pitch black darkness with creeks and tall reeds-

The VFW Bar We officially want to be members. Where else can you get top shelf scotch for $3
along with Chicken Paprikash special dinners? We played pool and talked to
the locals- G.P. loved the smoke filled room.

Hillbillies -- We stumbled upon this tiny road behind my sisters place that took us by this old
house with a sign that said "free puppy" . In the drive was a ratty old fluffy dread
head doggy that was adorable. We stopped and called out to him and then a dozen
puppies ran out and surrounded the car and followed us for awhile. Furthur down we
noticed this amazing sunset clearance through the willow trees. Flowers floating on top
of the lake- so serene. Seemed Jason would jump out at any time and kill us
Old Trains- Everywhere trains running along the roadside-
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame:
Bob Dylan- retrospective... Sid Vicious blood stained SEX shoppe t-shirts-, his pirate
Viviene Westwood strappy boots, Jimi Hendrix's early paintings of football players
(Henry DArger style) Janis Joplins love beads and gods eyes. So many cool outfits of
JEfferson Airplane (a suede cape with a naked couple fornicating as the clasp out of
brass) The MAMAS and PAPAS embroidered dresses, Beaded fringe vests of Sly and the
Family Stone, etc...

The fact that they won't let you take pictures in that place gave me a broken heart.
Lunch with Dad: For those who know me- it should be obvious how that went down, right?
We ended up taking these new band photos against the brick wall-

Ohio Farmland & houses: amazing to see horses in yards. little lakes and wild flowers

Driving in the Limo- that's right my sister has purchased a giant stretch limo- we arrived at the Indian Restaurant BUFFET like the Sopranos

Ryder- My nephew - (he's 1 1/2 years old- loves handbags and Madonna gloves)

We drove down to Columbus-Ohio to visit the new family--Danielle Mike and Lucas.
Of course we ended up at Katsingers so GP could test the Pastrami on rye
He declared the Deli ranked in his top 5 all time favorites.

Danielle makes all the artwork/signs at the place-

I love the way all the Ohio houses have sweet porches -especially Danielle's with the birdhouses

This is the street in Victorian Village where I used to live while attending Ohio State University-

We had a great time hanging with the parents. Danielle and I visited our old haunts- the local dive bars where GP was elated to order $20 dollar scotch for $7. Here he is on a rant about smoking being banned from bars. He wandered off outside and made friends with visitors from Spain. I recognized a girl in the bathroom that once modeled nude for me in my fine art classes.

some of Danielle's ART-

Danielle and I stayed in and took pictures while watching Project Runway--
GP and Mike went out on the town til the bars closed. They could barely form a sentence- when they returned- and seemed as thick as thieves. They both are experts on food and drink but not so good at keeping their stories straight about the evening activities.

somehow we managed to wake up and end up here in Chicago

Bring on the A/C

This is the face that picked me up at the Newark airport.
He couldn't stop smiling and saying how pretty I look. Maybe we should get away from each other more often.

he did however stop smiling when he realized he lost his sunglasses and had to resort to using mine

The air is much cooler here in New York, and seeing lush green trees made me excited for home

this is David and Alan's new house fresh from a remodel. Isn't it truly amazing?

The yard wraps around the house now and connects to that lovely little gazebo that I want to camp out in like Edie.

this is the effect fancy rugs and A/C have on me

The Marchesa understood the value of a good Erte kitty

this is the way an entrance is made-

We decided to give David Hockney a good portrait of us to paint for his new show

this is a painting G.P. made when he was just a boy-

If I had this charming letter writing center, perhaps I would be a better pen pal

Doesn't this look like monkey mail?

For those of you who wonder why we have put on some extra pounds- let me introduce you to the chef and his Tandori chicken- Maybe we should make a cookbook with all these recipes-

The Okra Winfrey comment never got old

we are off to the Mac Store where Mr. P plans on dumping all his mumbo jumbo onto my computer- (his is broken and beat down) I have a bad feeling about this considering my keys are pristine

Back to the sweet Midwest

There is something to be said about the Ohio slogan--"The heart of it all".
My nostalgia is at an all time high whenever I make plans to go home...it only takes about three days to get your fill- read some good books, get bored with the Wallmarts. I like thinking about all the things that happened while I lived there. I love driving by my old house and wondering what they've done to my bedroom. I often dream that I go up to the door and ask to come in, say " I used to live here". I'll keep you posted on the heartland- I leave tonight on the red eye.
The Twins Day Festival is the first weekend of August- Double trouble

Past trips to the midwest:

On the Road Again...

This Monday I am getting on a plane and heading for NYC- then driving to OHIO and then off to Chicago. Over the past few years-I've had some memorable travel experiences with my man. We have spent many hours stranded in various airports, due to his "stand by " theories. We have eaten our way through Italy, gambled our nest egg away in Vegas, laid low in 29 Palms, and cracked crabs at the Rustic Inn in Miami. Looking forward to exploring thriftstores, reading books, getting lost and eating at Bob Evans.

4.am is never a good call time

I'm not going to name any names here (greg), but there was a well thought out agreement that no travel plans should be made prior to noon time. There is no reason for anyone to really be driving at that hour. Especially if you are half asleep wearing a psychedelic sack moo moo and slippers. The ride home listening to 80's rock radio alone in the darkness provided an unnecessary deja-vu. I'm not sure what complex components of the brain decide to give you the "Peggy Sue Got Married" burritto effect, but it happens. This (For those not fortunate enough to see the movie) is when the brain under stress or lack of sleep taps into some buried memories of youth triggererd by a song,smell, or eerie feeling. I was transported the entire ride home to some early spring car ride in the 8th grade with the Flock of Seagalls "wishing" as my soundtrack. Followed by Only the Lonely--by the motels. I could almost picture my dad driving to the airport, Ohio on the verge of spring weather. I felt a sense of stomach turning nausea, driving swiftly to the cozy warmth of bed. I'm not sure why I get so nostalgic from things. I get the same feeling when I get to the second to last page of a very good book. Knowing that the feeling of being someplace else is almost over.

Nature is Cool: Get Lost

David and I decided to take Mr. Dewitt's advice and go for a hike. The weather was perfect - the time around 4:30- and the green stuff was really in full force. We kept imagining Cali and his girl Betsy and wondering where in the landscape they would take their pictures. Something about taking the long back way makes me feel like a kid...on an adventure.
We were nostalgic about the trees on the playgrounds of Ohio and the propeller seed things that fall from the branches. We saw some cool old tree roots bursting from the ground. David stopped near a patch of yellow mustard seed plants- and we laughed how all California bands have at least one photo shoot that resembles this

We walked around the top and found that even nature isn't safe from the taggers

Even the dirty puddles look pretty with sunlight and limp trees. Around this bend we saw a parked car with a couple getting down and dirty. David noticed a BEATLES bumper sticker and had a tiny rant about it being redundant. Isn't that like a "given" he said. I mean it's not like a Fugazi sticker or something. Everyone young and old gets the "beatles thing". Why bother. Maybe they should get a sticker that says I Dig French Fries too. I'm always amazed by the pompom yellow trees. What the hell are those things anyway? They are seriously fluffy and happy.

We passed this awesome Keebler Elf house on the way home. A few houses away we met this amazing 82 year old lady from Finland named Aria (pronouced Ira) . She has lived there for 50 years and owns her place. She had these lovely lazy fluffy calico cats in the driveway. She said her husband was an Olympic speed walker? David seemed to understand this. Her husband would spend two hours getting lost in the park with their dog everyday. She still drives to Forest Lawn once a day to visit him. I loved that she had gold hoops and a black beret on. She apologized for her terry cloth robe and said she has baby fine hair that needed a permanent. She said she met her husband when she lived in NYC near Park Ave- someplace...in 56'. I may have to go visit her again soon. We talked for almost an hour-she wished David a good trip back home

When we got home Cynthia was fixing up the new shop with her lovely new lamp. Here she is getting all the teardrops back onto the fixture. It's nice seeing the little things start to take shape in there. Soon it will be buzzing with energy--I'm so proud of her

New Caddie

This one made him green with envy.

plane ride together

Miami VICE

Well my baby has gone to Miami. I have to admit I am envious. Miami is home of the Rascal House- the deli that never sleeps and where all the Jewish ladies send back their food twice. His grandma has the best bedazzled apartment coated in mini mirrors and metallic leopard print wallpaper. My dream apartment. The golden girls have nothing on these beauties.
this is me with Betty Blitz. She took us to the BEST HOTDOG stand outside of Chicago
She aslo told me she has a great record for converting people to the Jewish faith
This is the Rustic Inn Crab House-- where you get fitted with a bib and hammer away at the crab and lobster


there is something to be said of a man who wears almost the same shoes as the nurse?

lift me up lift me up higher ....



My great fashion ICON

I'm a copycat
This is my favorite picture of the man. I can't wait til he gets back

The Love Craft

My Monster...my love mobile

It must annoy people that everytime I drive by the abandoned car repair shop off Sunset- that I mention how my car was stolen from the lot. It was more than four years ago now and the memory of that loss is still fresh. It was after all the first car that I bought on my own and on a whim. All the others were leased or given to me by someone who felt sorry for me. The story had a happy ending followed by an unhappy one.
The facts:

1. Walking down the street one day before going on a vacation to WA- I see this candy apple red car that I fell hard for. It looked to me like a giant monster face- I inquired about the price and then went and withdrew all my money in the bank.
2. Love the car and driving in it for almost two months.
3. the car is loaded up with my paintings after a show and then refuses to start.
4. A friend suggests the automechanic on the corner of Sanborn and Sunset.
5. Have car towed there and leave to be repaired
6. Receive call that the gate was broken into- my car stolen
7. they say they filed a police report although they admit they have no business insurance!
8. Months pass and I lament my monster and curse the corner and the men who work there
9. Receive call from impound that car will be auctioned
10 WHAT CAR? "maam your car was towed here...Torino Squire...wagon"
11 Find out the car was neer reported stolen but that some kid was found driving it without a permit.
12. Go down to station and have to break down crying before they will release it to me without $1200-fees (this was accomplished merely because my friend Amy wore a cleavage revealing dress)
13. See car covered in surf stickers and the remnants of a "Jack Keroac" in the back seat- Cameras
poetry books, nudie 70's magazines, shaving kit, and lunchbox of food resting on a tiki futon
14. REUNITED and it feels so good
15. And then eventually the doors won't work, the car stalls and will not keep up... and it gets towed
again to an impound lot where I am told the only way to avoid fees is to turn it over to the city.
16. Monster and I said goodbye-- and I cried in that automobile graveyard while I signed him over

finally the memory of that criminal auto repair corner is being replaced with something good.
That spot has remained vacant ever since the robbery-
But now the LOVE CRAFT Bio fuel people are changing the karma on the corner.
Seems they take those noisy diesel cars and transform them into environmental dream cars that run off free vegetable oil.
You can buy a biofuel-powered Benz or let the team show you how to set up your own home or community fueling station.

Lovecraft- the perfect name in memory of my monster

Now everyone can have a very clean getaway.

Lovecraft Biofuels, 4000 Sunset Boulevard, at Sanborn Avenue, Silver Lake (213-291-8587 or lovecraftbiofuels.com). Fueling Station, 2029 Blake Avenue, between Knox and Newell Streets, Echo Park (877-201-4369).

bonnie and clyde

Lately I've been thinking about that trip to 29 Palms that Greg and I took... someplace past all those cool joshua trees amidst the organic coffee houses. The best thing about life in L.A. is being able to escape every now and then by train or car to some quiet secluded place. Out there where the stars and sunsets are almost painted by some Vangogh in the sky. We set up camp like Bonnie and Clyde hiding after a heist. He wrote all day while I combed the local antique malls for stained glass and ended up with a 1920's ironing board. At night we would eat the 29 Palms organic soups and salads while watching white owls venture out of their nests. The path back to the room barely lit and adventurous. I am thinking we need to play "hide away" in the desert again real soon