Hello dear readers! How are you doing on this beautiful day? I know it's a crime to be inside on a gorgeous day like today, but I've been a little under the weather and in deep hibernation mode. I've needed a little time to unplug. Don't you feel that way sometimes? I may take the summer off completely....not sure. I am daydreaming a lot. Such a joy. My thoughts are of Buddhism, nature, tiny houses and, of course, pottery. I am also thinking of taking a trip to Portland.
My humble little apartment is finally starting to feel like a home....just as I am thinking of moving, lol! I am grateful for the energy I feel today (and for my perfect cup of Colombian coffee). A lot has changed in my place over the Winter. This apartment has spoken to me and is taking on its own character. I'm kind of surprised to see an almost island resort paradise emerging. There is, of course, lots of retro and Asian influences. There's also some Moroccan, Bohemian and romantic influences. I am still having my feverish, passionate love affair with color - but you might be surprised not to see as much pink as you have seen in the past. Not a divorce, merely a respite. I still dearly love pink.
The next few posts may seem a little random, but I'm going to show you what's been going on in my beloved space. I am so grateful for this space, I thank God everyday. Personal space is very important to me. Virginia Woolfe was so right when she said women need a room of their own.
Here's some new stuff in my place. As you know, old stuff goes out before anything new comes in. I like the feeling of recycling. If I want a new vase, I either sell, gift or donate an old one. I do worry that I have too much stuff, especially since I am thinking of building a tiny house. The apartment is feeling complete, and that makes bringing anything new in so much less tempting. Although humans do make such beautiful things, don't they?
I bought a couple of plants! Aren't they sweet? I've been so scared to buy plants, I kill everything and it breaks my heart. The difference is now we have this lovely tool called YouTube and you can learn anything there! I tried to pick up a couple of easy care plants, but lately I have my eye on an orchid and a bonsai...oh dear.
What made me finally take the plunge on a couple of of plants is Eva's beautiful and serene attic apartment.
Inspiration
Eva's Sense of Clarity via Apartment Therapy. I adore the way she has used plants as an integral part of her environment. She helped me to realize that plants - like any living thing - are a commitment. And though, I admire her level of commitment, I don't want that big of a commitment. So - I am committing myself to two little plants and we'll see how it goes. I am a nature lover, but I think sometimes I prefer to see nature in its proper environment. Oh well, that's a post for another day. I have been wanting more organic touches in my home.
This vintage amoeba-shaped dish fit the bill nicely. And only 99 cents at the Goodwill. Score!
I'm in love with my new deceptively simple painting.
I'm still loving this monotone blue room from House Beautiful's March 2010 edition So tranquil, and loving the various textures (see previous post here). But I'm also still dreaming of the Prada-inspired jewel tones of my favorite Domino cover.
I know I've shown you this cover many times, but I just can't get it out of my mind. Love that royal blue sofa. Love the global influences.
Here's another new accessory. Cute yellow glass vase. I am hooked on the genie shape. I can't decide whether I want to go with a hot pink....
or turquoise sofa cover. I am really digging turquoise. I think I might really be a homebody, and I love making something out of nothing. Of course, I am listening to music while cleaning. Today I'm digging me some Drake.
Started from the Bottom. Warning: Explicit language. Also, here's a hint: skip from about :57 to 2:17 - major snooze. Not sure why they interupted the flow like that. But the rest is dope.
Take care. This one is the dreamy, tender side of Drake.
I'm over the moon that Singer/Writer/Producer/Designer/Entrepreneur Pharrell Williams' song Happy is nominated for an Academy Award! Congratulations on this much-deserved accolade Pharrell!
I am overly ambitious because I realize it can be done.
Pharrell Williams from his Facebook page.
This post is not meant to be an exhaustive essay on the multi-talented Pharrell Williams, but rather my personal experience of how I learned about this phenomenal artist. My appetite for all things Pharrell has merely been whetted. I predict that this cultural icon will be responsible for the biggest trend of 2014.
I first learned of Pharrell's fabulousness when I saw a feature of his Miami apartment. This happens to me a lot since I'm addicted to decorating magazines and blogs. I often first learn of a celebrity when I see their home. When I fall in love with a person's home, it encourages me to learn more about them. I was blown away by Pharrell's cutting edge art collection, so I knew I wanted to know more about him.
And how cool is this KAWS statute? Kinda like Mickey Mouse with 'tude. Or the Michelin Man with swag. Pharrell definitely has the right idea when it comes to art. Go graphic and go big!
You know that a guy who wears pink boat shoes has got tons of mojo to spare. Above three images via Upscale Hype. Pharrell is soft spoken and laid back, and has a sexy high pitched voice. To me he is the ultimate in geek chic. And I mean that as a compliment, I adore geeks. Everything Pharrell touches turns to gold. He's very social as evidenced by his frequent collaborations. It must be thrilling to work on collabs with him. A couple of my favs are: Beautiful with Snoop Dogg, Universal Mind Control with Common. and Get Like me with Nelly and Nicki Minaj.
Pharrell has a great sense of style. No one rocks a bow tie better. It's no surprise that he was tapped to be a guest judge on Project Runway All Stars (Season 1, Episode 9). Designers were tasked with creating an Avant Garde look with lighting technology. The winner's design will be worn by one of Pharrell's artists.
The winning design was created by Austin Scarlett. This is one of my favorite episodes of Project Runway. Needless to say, I love Avant Garde and I adore Austin Scarlett. But it was more than that - it was Pharrell's gentle judging that made me happy. I always cry when artists are criticized harshly and eliminated. As an artist who is sensitive to criticism, I understand their pain and am in awe of their bravery. It gladdened my heart when Pharrell told Austin that he is a star. Indeed. Takes one to know one.
Pharrell has written countless scores for movies, TV and spun many hits for other talented artists. So it comes as no surprise, that he's even designed clothes for the line he co-founded, Billionaire Boys Club and Ice Cream. Pharrell has been present in my life lately, almost by accident (although there's really no such thing as an accident). I recently discovered the work of fashion designer extraordinaire Ozwald Boateng. I won't say too much about Ozwald at this point because he is the subject of an upcoming post. I highly recommend the movie A Man's Story.
I'm always fascinated by the marriage of fashion and music. I enjoy seeing the process of how a designer chooses music for his runway show, and how that music flavors the movement and the clothes. While watching this movie, I heard a song that infected me. I needed to know more. After investigation, I found the song was entitled Lapdance by N.E.R.D. When I heard the song in the film, I thought I heard the unmistakable sexy sounds of Pharrell. I was correct, he is the lead vocalist and drummer of N.E.R.D. Now every time I listen to Lapdance, I can see Ozwald bobbing his head in his sexy way.
N.E.R.D. stands for no one ever really dies. Their music is a stripped down, sophisticated minimalism, an attempt to make something out of nothing. Okay, these pithy words aren't mine. Wish they were. Suffice it to say they're dope. N.E.R.D.'s influence is clear on Get Like Me. Click the link N.E.R.D. to read an amazing essay on their work. I get the sense that Pharrell loves his life and his work, and that this collab was done like many of the things he does. That is, with a grassroots flavor, and a spirit of comradery. It must be great to work with him.
Pharrell is a skilled entrepreneur. Have you heard of Quarterly Co.? Quarterly Co. is a subscription service that enables people to receive items in the mail quarterly from influential curators of their choice. Pharrell is one of the curators you can subscribe to. His theme is curiosity, and he reminds us that "it's important to live each day like a student." How fun would that be to receive a gift from Pharrell every three months? If interested in a subscription, click here (This is not a sponsored post.) He's even written a book called Places and Spaces I've Been.
How does he get the energy to do all that he does? Because he loves it. When you love what you do, it's not work. Pharrell exudes love, and love is evident in all that he does. That he has achieved success doing it is a testament to the laws of attraction. They work. Which brings me to the song Happy. If you haven't heard it yet, take a listen. I guarantee you will be bobbing your head and clapping your hands.
After steady doses of the raunchiness of hip hop and gangsta rap (which I confess, I still love), I find this incredibly refreshing. Pharrell is redefining cool and it makes me happy. I have listened to this song over and over, and it has chased away the blues for me. I've been dancing and singing while cleaning my apartment. Pharrell has even started a cultural movement called. i am OTHER.
i am OTHERcelebrates people who push society forward.
The thinkers. The innovators. The outcasts.
History has proven that it’s the rule breakers
who have the power to change the world.
From the manifesto. Pharrell has also produced the world's first ever 24 hour music video, called
24 Hours of Happy. Viewers can visit the site and they are automatically taken to the point in the video that the time on their computer reflects. At the top of the hour, Pharrell performs the song, so he appears in the video 24 times. Following his performance 14 unique cameos play in four minute intervals, all filmed in Steadicam. The performers are all unique and so lovable. The video can be watched in real time, or you can skip to a different time of day. You can even share favorite moments on Twitter and Facebook. A superb example of how the technology connects us all. For more information on 24 Hours of Happy, click here. Here's a confession - which I'm a little afraid to admit. But perhaps admitting it will hold me accountable. I'm thinking of doing a Vlog dancing to Happy. (Gasp! Fear just surged through my body.) Can't get enough Pharrell? Me neither. Here's a twitter feed with Pharrell's quotes. Pharrell, I hope you win the Academy Award. And thanks for being an inspiration and chasing my tenacious blues away. Happy is going to be my theme song for the year.
Here's a prediction for 2014. Remember you heard it here first. I predict Pharrell will be the most significant cultural icon of the year. My dear friends, thanks for reading. And here's my wish for you for 2014:
Dear readers, as you know, I've been in deep prayer and meditation for the past several weeks. I am happy to report that I am feeling better than ever, and have never been happier. The intense introspection was painful at times, I discovered parts of myself that I didn't like, but with God's help I am working hard to eradicate those qualities. I'd like to thank my haters for causing me to pause, humble up and examine my life. I have emerged stronger than ever before.
Also, out of this time period came a very prolific artistic period. I started giving away paintings. I never did paint for money - which is a good thing because no one wanted to pay me for a painting. I painted because I love it. My only criteria for a painting was that the new owner love it. I took great pains to be sure that each painting went to a loving home. They are my children, after all.
I had been sad that I could no longer use acrylic due to an allergy. But. Clearing out the paintings felt good. I felt lighter and now had room to create new art! And it doesn't matter what medium I use, as long as I create. I create because I must. It's that simple. I've been very prolific over the past several weeks. I could barely keep up with my various muses.
Over the next few days I will be revealing my new art, and the direction I am taking. Then we will be discussing colors - aren't all the bright colors fantastic? They look really fab tempered with gray. One of my favorite color combos is neon coral pink and gray. Also love mint green and gray. Teal and gray. Orange and gray.....you get the idea.
Once we've discussed colors, I will reveal my apartment. I have worked hard on my apartment to create a beautiful, edgy, girly pad that doubles as an efficient work space. Not easy in 450 square feet with small closets. Fortunately, I am resourceful. There will be plenty of tips on organization.
Also, don't forget to check out my urban photojournal. I've been taking a lot of pictures lately. Politics aside for now, let's have some fun!
Stay tuned, cuz you're gonna hear me roar.
Katy Perry, you are fabulous! Thanks for being an inspiration. You go girl!
Good morning dear readers! I had a great weekend. Creative and restful. I hope you did as well. I have several exciting announcements. But before we launch into that, pour a cup of your favorite Colombian coffee or jasmine tea and settle in. Let's listen to the grooves of Bob Marley. And what's better than Bob Marley? Why Bob Marley with Lauren Hill, of course! Dedicated to my boo. I miss you. Who do you want to give some good, good lovin' to?
The Pointer Sisters, Slow Hand. mmmm hmmmmm. Great music to clean the apartment to! And I'm happy to report that I'm up shaking my thang. Hey, ya gotta do it - it's good for you. Your butt isn't too big, or too small, or too anything....if you are a woman you are fabulous. If you are a man - well - you are fabulous too. Heck, we are all fabulous. But a slow hand....I can dig it....
No one says it better than the Sisters three. Well, Sister Sledge ain't too shabby either. Ah, back in the day at Kent State. The night I got my big sis at the sorority - we shook our (then littler asses) to Sister Sledge. Only thing is, I didn't know how cute I was. Such a shame - I'm gonna hammer this - young girls - old girls - if you are woman - YOU ARE FABULOUS! No exceptions. God don't make no junk.
We danced and sang "We are Delta Z! I got all my sisters with me!" Yeah, we were clever like that. Good times.
God's been sending me a lot of angels lately. Fellow Warriors of Love who want to change the world with love and humor. Love is our religion. God been berry, berry good to me. I lamented to one angel when I showed him a pic from my youth, "Man I didn't even know I was cute." He reminded me: "You're still cute and you don't know it." hmm.... This is what The Course refers to as a Miracle. A change of mind.
Light bulb! I'm doing the same thing now that I did then. Hmm. It didn't work for me then - so why on Earth would I expect it to work for me now? Forget that crap. Time is precious. There's no time like the present. And every other cliche you can think of. That's right - I'm fabulous.......and so are you....don't ever forget it. Now go out there and love your neighbors, sister! And ignore the haters, they're suffering. Don't judge them, but don't get sucked into negative vibes. We are all on the path. We're on GT (God's Time), so might as well surrender. Let go and let God. Oops, I did it again.
Hi everyone! I'm back from my mini vacay (due to various allergies) sooner than I thought. But it's all good. This is the kind of Ohio day where I have to stay indoors and hydrated. I'm already pale skinned and sensitive to the sun. Also pale of eyes, and can't take the risk of further tumors to my eyes. So, it's sun block, huge hat, huge dark shades for me. And yet.....it's still too freaking hot. People make fun of me. They call me a vampire. But, as you know, the part of my life where I give a shit about what people think of me is long past gone. I love gray, misty, rainy, cool, breezy weather. I miss Lake Erie. I dream of moving to Seattle and living on a house boat.....or Portland.
If I'm a vampire, then so be it. I tell you what, I'm a fabulous vampire. Cuz, guess what. God don't make no junk. So I'm stuck in the house. Cleaning. It's all good. I love my pad and I love keeping it clean and organized. It's a humble, little, noisy place. But I love it.
For my Saturday cleaning, I need music. I'm singing and dancing around the place. If you're stuck inside because of the heat too, just make the best of it. Don't complain about the weather. Clean your closet. Clean that cabinet you've been putting off. Or organize your daughter's tons of hair bows. Color code them and put them in a cute container. The possibilities are endless and so satisfying! And remember to turn up the music loud.
Sing your guts out and shake that thang. No such thing as a bootie that's too big...or too small. You're fabulous in your own way. Here's some music to help you get started. Sorry for the hot-linking, I know that's obnoxious. But...my media player is fucking up again! Right now I don't have the time to fool with it. Last time it took me two days to figure it out. I was without internet for two days and thought I would die. Shameful, I know but I'm writing a book and my PC is everything. Please let me know if you have any tips on fixing my media player. Programming and such is my least favorite part of blogging!
Melissa Etheridge, I'm the Only One - ladies, play this one for your man if you love him. But only if you really love him and want him. Pay attention to those lyrics. Also, remember, your dude is not your best girlfriend. That's why you need your girls too, it's not fair to expect him to be everything to you - that's too much pressure. But. He does need to man up and treat you right. You're so worth it. If he can't take you at your worst (i.e., stupid female brain and emotion, it's a blessing and a curse) then he doesn't deserve you at your best. Cuz when a woman's good. She's damn good.
Which brings me to the Divine Ms. M!
Bette Midler, When a Man Loves a Woman - if you love your man, and he can take Melissa play this for him. Here's how to man up. This is how you love a woman. And no one tells that shit like Ms. M! You go girl!
Hey, if you're not in love, or you don't have a man, don't despair. Turn up these ladies anyway. I guarantee you will feel empowered. Women are strong, fabulous beings.
I had a busy, but good week and have tons of exciting stuff to share. For now I am going to post quickly and sign out to enjoy the beautiful day with a walk in the park. I will, of course, have my camera. I hope you are not reading this, because that means you are not out enjoying the weather - please get your butt out there, smell some dogwood and hug a tree.
Just in case you are stuck inside Spring cleaning, open a window. Get your broom or your duster and click this link. Enjoy the artistry of two of my favorite hot mamas. Janelle Monae and Erykah Badu. Janelle is smoking hot in this video. I guarantee you will be singing at the top of your lungs and shaking your bootie. Don't give a second thought to whether the neighbors think you are crazy. Even if your bootie is too big (is there really such a thing?) don't worry. Shaking it is good for your soul. You know the saying: "Dance like nobody's watching." You are not crazy, you are fabulous, so get it girl.
This is what I call sexy. Sexy moves, without being too slutty. Janelle proves you don't have to be naked to be beautiful. She's freaking gorgeous. She's got a smokin' bod, a great bootie and knows how to shake it. But she reserves the mystery by covering it. Nothing more sexy than a strong, mysterious woman. And the music. Damn. Smart, sassy lyrics with a dope beat. Kinda makes me feel the way some of the music by Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill or India Arie made me feel. Empowered.
To Janelle and Erykah, thank you for helping me get my groove on today. Like you guys say, the bootie don't lie. To see my previous post regarding Mary J. Blige, click here. To see my previous post about Erykah Badu, click here and here.
Have a great weekend biotches. Stay tuned for lots of exciting stuff next week. xo
I'm almost embarrassed to admit it, but my current favorite song is Stay by Rihanna. So soulful. I can feel her in this song. I'd like to take her in my arms and say, "Girl, I been there." I know the agony of being strung out on a man who doesn't treat you right. I am so grateful this is a chapter in my life that is now past. Being single is the same as anything else. There are good days, and bad days. Some days I revel in my solitude and want to scream to the heavens, "Thank you for my freedom!" I'm only human so of course I get lonely sometimes. If there is anything that I could say to young girls, it would be this: hold out. Hold out for the one who treats you right. It might hurt to be without a man, but it is nothing compared to the joy of living drama free. I have now experienced this joy, and I will never go back. My wish for all women is that they experience this joy.
It's almost ironic that my thoughts are of the joys of being single this morning. Last night I attended a wonderful celebration of love, and had a great time with my family and friends. Not for one minute did I lament that I did not have a date. In fact, I was perfectly content. I'm proud, feeling comfortable in my own skin has been a long, hard struggle for me.
Rihanna, thank you for this beautiful song, and for helping me get my apartment clean. I've listened to it like a zillion times while I cleaned. I probably got on my neighbors' nerves because I was singing at the top of my lungs. I couldn't help it!
Here's a look at how my apartment looks on this beautiful Sunday morning. So grateful for my humble, little apartment. Now I'm off to see my favorite cousin! One other thing I'd like to brag about: I am wearing make up for the second day in a row! That may not sound like much, but for me it's an accomplishment. Today is a good day. Hope you are also enjoying your weekend, dear readers! xo
Today was a great day. You know the kind. I got motivated to clean the house and I was on a roll. As I was cleaning and rearranging pottery, I was singing, dancing and feeling very joyful. I have Common to thank for that. I was really feeling A Dream.
Common, thanks for the positive vibes and for helping me get the house clean!
The few Americans I know who have not been touched by the recession are busy buying sports cars and convertibles. I'm not impressed. Here's how I do a mid-life crisis. Thinking about a pink wig. I've written of my love for pink hair on this blog several times (see previous posts here and here).
I fell in love with pink hair the first time I saw Dale Bozzio. I wore the Annie Hall uniform, but my hair was pink with white streaks. Pink hair is an addiction I never got over. I still love it.
I know I'm the only person in the world who is not a Lady Gaga fan. But I gotta give props where they are due. This is the prettiest I've ever seen her look. The girl rocks a pink wig.
Ya'll know that Nicki Minage is the shit right now. That girl really rocks a pink wig. See previous post here. This outfit was on a fashion faux paus list, but I kinda dig it. Love the graphic leggings with the clear mini, the pink jacket, and I always love piles of bangles.
Look at this coy little cutie! Innocent and sultry at the same time.
I should've bought this Hello Kitty bag I saw at Target. I worried that I would look ridiculous carrying it. By the time I went back, it was gone. Surprise. I wish I was one of those daring people who wore whatever they wanted and didn't think for one minute about whether people were judging them. If self-acceptance is a topic you're interested in, here's a couple of cool blogs to check out:
I bet this fab lady would carry a Hello Kitty bag, wear a pink wig and wouldn't worry what anyone thinks. Advanced Style is an awesome blog written by Ari Seth Cohen. If you love style, fashion, moxie, freedom and confidence, you'll love it. Maybe I should just take the plunge and buy this pink wig. What do you think dear readers, would you sport a pink wig? Wanna see more? Check out my flickr gallery, here.
Stromae! Not only am I listening to the soulful ladies below, but I can't get enough of the Belgian hottie who goes by the name of Stromae. For some reason, rap sounds so dope in French.
Image of model Gaye Jocelyn McDonald via Van-de-Fashion.
Dear readers, I'm trying to clean my house today. I'm sure you're like me, and that you like to listen to music when you clean. Here are some soulful ladies who are helping me get the job done.
What about you, are you out enjoying the day or are you cleaning? What are you listening to? Hope you are having a great day whatever you are doing. xxoo
107.9 is a local hip hop radio station. I'd like to say that they are cutting edge, but they're disappointing. Rickey Smiley is not funny, and it's irritating that the cast members laugh at everything he says. If I'm in the car in the morning, I have to turn it off. I get really angry at Johnny Carson and Ed McMahon for inventing that formula. Boy Ed really had the game beat didn't he? I mean talk about money for nothing...sorry I digress. DJs sometimes forget the reason we listen to the radio - music! DJ K Nice is the freshest part of day time radio. I tune in if I'm in the car at noon. He spins old school. Impossible not to move to.
The radio station ought to change its name to Minaj radio. The rest of the day is dominated by Nicki Minaj, in a way I've never heard. Man is Minaj enjoying her 15. I was in the car for two hours the other day - and I am not kidding - almost every song featured Minaj. I gotta give props to her producer. What a genius. Not sure who it is, but they are on a level with Dre, P Diddy and Jay Z. They've made sure she is dominating radio by a multitude of duets. She's done duets with Drake, Usher, Ludacris, Eminem, Rihanna, Kanye West, just to name a few. And then, of course, there's her own singles and new CD. I mean the girl owns the air waves. I imagine the public will get saturated with her. But right now is the queen.
I first noticed this Trinidadian phenomenon on her verse to Monster. I was like, "Damn who is that?" I mean the girl rhymed monster - gangsta - Sri Lanka - Willy Wonka - conquer. Don't believe me? Have a listen. Poetry. But most importantly - in my humble opinion - the girl rocks a pink wig.
Dig those boots. Nicki you are the shit. You go girl!
I adore the work of the Coen Brothers, so I was very excited to watch A Serious Man. It didn't disappoint. I was pleased to see this film nominated for an Academy Award (even though Avatar is going to win). The Coen Brothers' are superb writers. It's not easy to pull off a story about a man whose life is falling apart and not make it whiny. If you're a Coen Brothers' fan, you already know about their incredible character development. I love the characters in this film, they are all wacky and over-the-top, but a little subtle and controlled too. Hey, it's 1967 in the midwest.
...
I have to admit I find Michael Stuhbarg's depiction of Larry Gopnik extremely sexy. I gotta thing for nerdy guys whose lives are falling apart. And oh yeah, he's a physics professor too. Awesome. I just want to hug him. I wish Michael would have been nominated for an Oscar, but at least we will probably get to see more of him since the film did well.
You gotta love how Professor Gopnik sticks out his butt as he explains Schrodinger's Paradox. Hey, it's 1967. Those pants have absolutely no give. At least they're not on the ground.
...
My favorite scene occurs when Larry's quiet desperation leads him to Mrs. Samsky's door. Larry is trying to follow the hapless advice of a Rabbi who hints at being neighborly. Amy Landecker gives a remarkable performance as Mrs. Samsky. Mrs. Samsky is ultra hip ennui personified. Everything a 60s housewife should be.
She's a sad, nonchalant beauty.
Just look at her! No one could pull off that short set better. Love the colors. To Larry's surprise he is invited into Mrs. Samsky's home. Mr. Samsky is away.
Mrs. Samsky's pad is a reflection of her ultra cool. Look at that groovy lamp! Look at that groovy Moroccan stool next to the end table. I love movie sets.
Mrs. Samsky has an orange living room! Too fab.
She and Larry smoke a joint. Poor dear Larry, you know this is the first time he has lived in a very long time. As they comfortably sit in quiet sadness together, he speaks of his visit with a junior Rabbi. It turns out the junior Rabbi is the one who is correct. He spoke of our problems being a matter of perception. This really struck a cord with me. ... When we are feeling lost, it's a matter of perception. And perhaps we are looking at the world through tired eyes, the Rabbi says. Profound. ... The theme song by Jefferson Airplane says it perfectly. When the truth is found to be lies ... you better find somebody to love. That's really what it's about isn't it?
...
Images: I photographed these from my computer while viewing the movie. Didn't turn out too bad.
I've been watching Anthony's live concert video from Netflix. I got one word. Damn. Just damn. Anthony's soulful voice does it for me. And the way he moves his body. Damn. He's got the spirit. He's surrendered - you can see God in him. He's doing what he does because he has to. He even says, "It's not about me," when he explains that he's doing God's will. Watching Anthony will make you believe in God.
He was in Cleveland last week. I can't believe I missed it. I'd love to have Anthony over for tea to discuss surrender and the creative process.
I haven't been following Apartment Therapy lately. I feel like a heel because AT is the first blog I discovered, and they were the ones that inspired me to blog. The other day I thought I'd check in and am I glad I did! I almost fell out of my chair when I saw Kanye West's home! I'm sure the blog world is buzzing about this place, but I just had to get in on the action. Kanye is a cutie, and I prayed for him during his recent tragedy, but I'm not much interested in his music. But hot damn, does he rock decor. I can feel the love here. Look at that office, creativity must flow liberally from this environment. Wouldn't be hard to work there! Great desk and I adore those Murakami pillows. I included Murakami as one of the most influential artists in my year-end review, here. Wish there was a close-up of those pink toys on the desk. KAWS vinyl toys maybe?
Here is his den. What a great place to put your feet up. Simple and energetic at the same time. Those Jestons paintings just pop. I love how George's head is too big for the canvas. Kinda matches the ego of his loveable character.
I adore this witty take on Andy Warhol's soup cans. Beautiful mix of fine and rustic with the crystals and the trunk.
Kanye's place pops with art, yet it's not too witty, nor too over-the-top. Great work, Kanye! A fine accomplishment in decor. Just might have to have a second listen to your music. There is a fine creative spirit here.
What could be better? Misty Saturday morning. Strong columbian coffee. And the Thievery Corporation. Ahh. My apartment is small and humble. But I love it. I love being here. I am so grateful for this beautiful little place in a time when so many don't have a place to call their own. And I begin to understand, for the first time, what Virginia Woolfe meant. She was so right. I have my independence, and I won't give it up. Ever.
My creativity is gently calling - it's not in a rush. It feels gentle, slow, quiet, peaceful. Like the kind of lover I used to crave. At the end of the void - where time stops - I will have a new decor and several new paintings. I am inspired by the rain, and an odd source - the sloppiness of the City. Everything looks like art to me.
An archway leading to a parking lot where no one parks. A seemingly incongruous archway, pointing to my beloved Lake Erie Sky.
A surveyor's mark. Five. My soul number. The hierophant, with a spot of pink for balance.
A bridge. Sloppily splattered with paint by the City - in a futile attempt to thwart the creativity of guerilla artists. Excuse me, a canvas is calling. Enjoy your weekend, dear readers. xxoo
I'm about to admit my ignorance. I sometimes forget the difference between Labor Day and Memorial Day. Or maybe - just maybe - soldiers are on my mind these days much more than labor unions. Today on the front page, another 20 year old Ohioan has fallen to the insanity of Iraq. I could barely breathe from the effort it took to choke back the tears. 20 years old. Going to be a doctor. Engaged. Killed in Iraq. I just can't seem to get desensitized to it. Now, I don't mean for this to become a political blog. This is a blog about art and creativity. But damn. It's 2007.
War. It's a concept that should incomprehensible.
War. I thought we'd blow ourselves up in a nuclear war long before the year 2000. At 12:01 a.m., 1/1/00 listening to the bagpipes in the street, I remember thinking "Ahhh. That's the end of war." I meant it. The feeling was genuine and real... and unfortunately, naive.
War. It's 2007 and we are at war. Again. We have learned nothing from our previous mistakes.
War. It's on my mind because the Blue Angels flew over my building this weekend for their annual show. The sound is unbearable, ear-shattering and literally shakes the building. Startles me every time they fly over. My God, what must it be like to live in a war zone and to hear this sound every day? I couldn't bear it.
Why do people enjoy seeing them? I think just one of those planes could pay for all the homeless people to have homes, because they cost like a billion dollars don't they? I'm confused.
But for one moment....maybe we can all imagine a world without war. And maybe, just maybe, as John Lennon taught - it's an artist's responsibility to be political. And maybe, as a writer, it is my responsibility to write about peace instead of war. To change the focus. And how will I do that? With a lot of imagination.
John and Yoko, thanks for being an inspiration.
What I'm listening to today. One of my all time favs. It's all about peace and love.
Quite simply, I create because I must. Creation is necessity. Creation is life.
Everyone's creative. If someone tells you you are not creative. Don't listen. They are lying. And when you create something, never throw it away. There will always be someone who will love your art.
I used to cripple myself with perfectionism. I mean, if I'm not going to create a Picasso, Chagall or O'Keefe, why bother? I would defeat myself before I even started. Then, a yoga teacher told me that it was not the destination, but the journey that mattered. Cliche, I know. But it clicked for me. She said what was important (Pink) was the actual act of creation, not so much the finished product. The key is to just create, create, and create some more.
I used to throw my art away when I didn't like it. Then one day I was at a consignment store. I couldn't believe my eyes. There was one of my paintings. It was a very tender moment. I stood there and stared it. Blinking back tears, I thought, someone cared enough to dig my painting out of the garbage and place it in a shop. I told the shop owner that it was my painting.
She was very concerned and asked if I wanted it back. No, I said. I was just so happy to see it there, and it had served its purpose in my life by teaching me a very important lesson.
When I was younger, I was madly in love with Prince. (Prince is so huge it seems silly to hyperlink to him, but I want to be respectful.) I even went to his Purple Rain tour in Florida, and wore the requisite big hair and purple outfit. One lesson Prince taught me is that sometimes when you learn to love something, you love it even more. I never liked Prince's albums when they first came out. I had to get used to them. Then on repeated listening, I began to appreciate them on a deeper, more complex level. When I experience this kind of appreciation, I find I don't grow tired of the music, indeed, it gets better every time.
I've learned that if I don't like one of my paintings at first to just let it sit. I live with it for a while, and you know I learn to love that painting. This little painting was like that. I didn't like it at first, but love it now.
The Designer, 2007 11" x 14" acrylic and marker on paper
P.S. Dearest Prince - that album cover is fabulous!
I adore the work of the 
Just look at her! No one could pull off that short set better. Love the colors. To Larry's surprise he is invited into Mrs. Samsky's home. Mr. Samsky is away.
Mrs. Samsky has an orange living room! Too fab.
What I'm listening to today. One of my all time favs. It's all about peace and love.
