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I never get tired of playing with this silly thing. I should have an art blog of nothing but these images of my cyber museum/gallery.
So, we're back home and so happy to be reunited with H,F and of course the dog faced boy. I am struggling getting back into the swing of things, mentally and physically but today is better than yesterday. Yesterday sssuuuuuuccckkkked.
I just found this website called 29gifts.org, and was immediately inspired. It challenges you to give something away every day for 29 days. It doesn't even have to be anything big. I thought "What a beautiful idea!" and then thought "I should do that sometime" thinking of course, that I couldn't do it now because I have so much going on... blah blah blah.
I will ALWAYS have so much going on. That's the point. To get outside of yourself and focus on someone else.
Today is Day 1. I've already decided that I want to put money in the container at Finn's school for his teacher who was in a horrible car accident.
This will be fun!
I love Europe for too many reasons to list. It is my thought that every American should have to spend at least 2 weeks in Europe in their lifetime. I think that would help a lot of the stupid ones. I also think that everyone should have to wait tables and bartend for at least 2 weeks in their lifetime. Same reason. Help the stupid ones.
I can't even describe fully what an amazing time we are having. This. Is. Living. And it's absolutely thrilling to have fallen more deeply in love with Peter. He rules.
I way overdid it yesterday with all of my Gaudi excitement and am tired and achy but it was worth it. To witness Peter's astonishment at Sagrada Familia was exhilarating. I kept trying to pretend I'd never seen it before. In many ways, I had not, as seeing something with Peter is different every time you see it because of the things he notices. And of course, Parc Guell never ever disappoints. I closed my eyes and thought of you, KBDK. 
Peter keeps taking random pictures of fancy Euro scooters for AXM.
I am glad I packed lots of leggings as my waist is expanding daily. However, I recoil at stuff like "Exquisite fatty and meaty Iberian hog meat". Oh yes. And those of you who know Peter, know that he ordered it. (It ended up not coming. A fact he did not notice until after we had left the restaurant, thank god.)
i like to cook and i like to cuss. i do both every thursday, as i take on a new recipe from my ever-expanding cookbook collection and attempt to bend it to my will. mondays are for meals under $5. every other day is a goddamn crapshoot.
So says the author of http://thursdaynightsmackdown.com/
Pictures and recipes.
Tony Dow of Leave it to Beaver fame has a sculpture in a juried exhibit in Paris. Not wanting to be outdone, I went to Dumpr and put myself in what looks like the Tate Modern to my eyes. Here is my painting “Core Sample”. It’s dimensions are 30 1/2” x 21 1/2” oil on board. I’m wishing I’d made it as big as it looks in this photo.
We're here! We're here!
Man, this place rules.
As soon as we stepped off the plane, I smiled broadly. I love it here. The sights. The sounds. The smells. The people. The culture. I wish I knew Spanish. Strangely, I find myself thinking in French.
Here we are grabbing a coffee. And by "grabbing a coffee", I mean sitting down in a kick ass little cafe. (PS- I am hearting my husband. We have been laughing non-stop.)
We're staying at the AC Barcelona, which is in the Convention District so it's all businessy with a mall across the street. We're on the water though, which is gorgeous. Here's a pic from our room. (funny sidenote: Peter and I just bought a new bed at home. It's the Westin Heavenly Bed and it rules. We previously had a hard Euro futony type of mattress that we THOUGHT was fantastic. Um, no. So, we just get used to our luscious new bed, and then come here to....you guessed it...a hard Euro futony mattress. Oy.)
The weather is amazing. Even though it is November, I haven't been cold. This climate is perfect for me.
We cabbed it over to La Rambla today after waking up at 11, so we could check out the touristy hotspot. It's a cool area, full of freaky street buskers.
I've already started playing two games. 1. Spot the Hammer pants. Sorry no pictures, but I've seen 3 women so far wearing MC Hammer pants. I know they were hot on the runway this year? or last year? and they are just as quizzical in real life. Seriously, WTF? Game #2 is "spot the V ". Again, no pictures but I swear, tons of guys look like my brother in law, even though he's an Italian kid from New York. (I think it's the stylish/handsome thing) I'm really good at it. Peter, not so much.
Food is delish, natch. Wine too, of course, which is cool because normally I'm not a big wine drinker. You can't go wrong here. You just can't.
Also, how fab is this?
These are everywhere. You pay a fee and grab a bike. Love it. I remember 12 years ago when I was living in Europe, this was the normal in Amsterdam but they were free. Love the Dutch.
Must eat some chocolate in bed now, while I rest. This old girl is beat. Exhausted but elated.
EVM, been thinking about you non stop today. I had a salad with mango & goat cheese drizzled with honey for lunch and wished you were here to have a bite. XO
I also told Peter, I'm standing a little taller as an American here just knowing that Obama is our new President. It's a great feeling.
So many things I am excited about. I feel giddy. My heart is fluttery. Obama WON! C&B have a new daughter! We are finally settling into our new house! I have amazing husband and children! Our trip to Barcelona!
We leave tomorrow so I'm in the middle of doing a hundred things in order to make sure we can leave and that my mom will be prepared, as she is staying with the kids. (One of the things to do is get a new toaster as Finn ruined ours this morning by putting legos in it while it was on.)
I have zero expectations for this trip and I couldn't be happier about it. I can't wait to show Peter the things that I love about Barcelona but other than that there is going to be a lot of lounging and just enjoying each other's company without the distractions of everyday life.
Momentarily distracting me this morning was a comment I received yesterday that didn't have anything to do with the post, by the way.
Don't you just love how the Internet allows people to anonymously act like asshats?
"My #1 fan" (the name this person used) says:
Oh shut the hell up already with the whining! Oh I am so tired, oh I have lupus, oh somebody call a waaaambulance. I feel so sorry for your husband. Sounds like the poor guy married a furniture. What a blast you must be to live with. And when you do feel well...instead of contributing you walk around Barnes and Nobles sipping coffee....Oh brother!
Mkay.
I read this and laughed. A lot. For a long time. And then I read it to Peter. And we laughed again. "Waaaambulance?" That's awesome. "Oh brother!" Who says that? I love it. She's like a Kristen Wiig character from Saturday Night Live.
First of all, "my #1 fan", why are you anonymous? I can guarantee that you would never say any of this to my face. How do I know this? Because you are a pathetic coward. I can pretty much guarantee that your life is miserable as well.
After reading your ridiculous comment I thought about how fantastic my life is and how lucky I feel every day. Life is really really good. So, thanks.
Now excuse me, I have to finish packing for my most excellent trip to Spain.
CTM had the most perfect little girl, Camille Frances, on November 5th. The way I reacted you would have thought that no one in the world had ever had a baby before. I was just so overcome. And so so happy. She's beautiful.
Kaye was in New York City last night in a hotel that overlooks Times Square. She reports that the crowds and the noise was just like New Year’s Eve.
On the Florida front: Sophia dressed in red, white and blue today.
Here in Ashevegas it’s the proverbial morning after and I’m still in love.
Obama won because he motivated two groups that had eluded other politicians. We had record voter registration and record voting from young people and minorities. I hope that voter apathy is a thing of the past.
What a long day. I’ve been so jumpy and I can’t watch the television. I have about 6 windows open including
http://www.pollster.com/ CNN just declared Ohio for Obama. Celebrate good times.
Angela found this letter in Sophia’s bedroom.
Translation: Dear Hillary Clinton To Hillary Clinton,
I wish you were going aginst McCain instead of Obama. I think you are great. I wish you can be president. My Mom, me, and my Dad were voting for you and now for Obama. I think you’re wonderful and you’re beautiful! I really wish you can be president. Obama is good but you’re super good. You would be the 1st woman president. I wish I can visit you. Your friend, Sophia.
These drawings were on the back:
Apparently Hillary was going to get a throne when she got in office, Sophia has her sitting in a pretty substantial chair in what looks like the Capitol Building to me. I’m guessing that Sophia and her Mom are on either side and Josh is still climbing all those stairs.
The 2nd picture shows Sophia and Hillary having dinner together. Not sure about the “sweet” face in the rectangle over them. A painting? Angela peeking through a window and not getting any dinner?
The letter has been mailed to Senator Clinton.
Hadley and I are obsessed with all things Kate DiCamillo. We read The Adventures of Edward Tulane, The Tale of Despereux and we have Because of Winn Dixie to start next after we finish The Penderwicks. I cried through much of Edward Tulane as Hadley and I read each night in my bed. It is a really beautiful book. Same with Despereux, although I didn't read it in its entirety (Peter and I switched off during that one) so I have holes in the story.
Her writing is captivating and I'm a fan of any author who doesn't talk down to her readers, children or otherwise. Especially children though. There is a constant desire for me to build vocabulary and introduce both H&F to the thrills of language. We are "Word Nerds" up in here. There is nothing like a good word. (Here are some of my favorites lately: vitriol, Schadenfreude, resplendent.)
HJ & I watched the movie "Because of the Winn Dixie" yesterday because she was home sick with a stomach bug. Poor dear. I had seen the movie and loved it again. So did Hadley. It appealed to every fiber of my little rare bird. In fact, she piped up during the movie and said "Does that girl remind you of me?" Funny.
Hadley rides the bus for the first time ever this morning. She's so excited. I'm nervous for her but trying to be very nonchalant about the whole thing. I hope she believes the act.
I'm aware of the void in the picture category. Will try to pull my head out of a box and take some pics soon...
We have been postponing switching to the new style fluorescent bulbs because:
A. I hate the soft-serve ice cream shape
B. The way the light makes you look dead
C. Dimmability. Due to the influence of all of our gay-decorator friends we had installed dimmers on every light except the ones in the closets! Gnaw on the irony of that statement.
New, technological breakthrough:
http://www.1000bulbs.com/Small-Dimmable-Fluorescents/
We’re going to test drive these babies and get back to you.
I sold 4 paintings at the art show this weekend. We had a dismal turnout on Friday. Nasty, windy, cold, horrible weather and equally bad economic news kept people home in droves. Saturday was sunny here and we had more shoppers but the profit was about half of last year’s.
I had a great time overall, and was back at the easel Sunday.
This morning we had sunshine and COLD wind. Snow in the high country tonight. I’m going to sweet-talk Ger into hauling up some firewood this afternoon.
Here’s a picture of the Sudoku Queen at the pumpkin patch.
Here are the three stands. This was the dry run at home. I’ll take more pictures tomorrow.
Ok, so my Interesting Tidbit post got this woman Anne all fired up and she felt the need to attack me personally. Classy lady. The comment below is the 5th time she commented on this post. Meanwhile I hadn't even commented back yet to say where I stood. She just started spewing hate all over the place.
Anne says:
Here's the point you and the other ladies dont seem to be getting just yet; Emily would never, under any circumstances support a woman having an abortion over a gay baby.
But if the woman merely didnt feel it was the right time in her life? Well, Emily would support that in a hearbeat.
Do you see the bigoted hypocricy at work here? I have followed this blog intermitently for the past few months to find this woman, Emily, is very left wing and quite happy to bloviate about it here. But challenge her? Nobody apparently ever does that here or in her life. The mere fact that she thinks its hilarious to call random people assholes speaks volumes.
I realize Emily never backs up any of her insipid opinions - but for once I thought I would challenge her to do so. I see she wasnt up to dragging herself out of her Hollywood adoring stupor to engage her brain after she threw out the first little piece of red meat.
Ah well, such is life. I knew Emily wouldnt like playing in this particular sandbox. It's not 'hip' or 'cool' to actually have to back up an argument one makes. It's hipper to have all your bobbleheaded friends just agree and she can remain safe in her little leftie bubble.
Too bad Emily. I thought you might stretch yourself there for a minute.
Don't make assumptions about me, jackass. You don't know me. I would absolutely support the mothers' right to terminate a pregnancy regardless of the reasoning. When you get into trying to deem what is morally appropriate, you begin to muddy the waters of choice. You are either pro choice or you are not, regardless of reason. I am pro choice.
If my blog is so insipid then why are you reading it? Bored in Washington? Oh, and if you have been reading my blog as you say, you would know that I much prefer to call people douchebags.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to my Hollywood adoring stupor...
I hastily published my last post and I should have known better. People come out of the woodwork to freak out. I don't think they even read my blog. No more political talk. I'll keep that shizz to myself to avoid the comments. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, people. I'm just too tired to listen to it. And this is my blog, so suck it.
I do however, wish I could siphon out some of the energy they possess. The things I could accomplish....like not having to nap half way through every day.
Instead, I will tell you how and why my day has ruled thus far:
- When dropping off Finn at school this morning he sauntered into his class singing "I kissed a girl and I liked it. Taste of her cherry chapstick." (Katy Perry's I Kissed A Girl). That sent me into a giggling tailspin as I kissed him goodbye, still laughing. You have never heard that song until you've heard it come from my precious 4 year old boy's mouth.
- Peter and I had a delicious discussion about Ayn Rand's The Voice of Reason: Essays in Objectivist Thought on the way over to the new house. Interesting indeed.
- I ate the other half of my Jimmy John's veggie sandwich from yesterday. If you haven't been to this place, go now. Run.
- Yet another cool person from my past popped up on facebook. Love when that happens.
- When I picked Finn up from school, my most favorite classmate of his, Emma, asked if she could come over to Finn's house. She asks every day. I said not today, per usual and Finn said "Listen Emma, how about you tell me what you dream about and I'll get it for you."
What?
Awesome. Then 7 or 8 girls proceeded to say goodbye to him in unison. I was once again, laughing. He's a total ladies man. We get in the hallway and he turns around and says "They like me."
I hastily published my last post and I should have known better. People come out of the woodwork to freak out. I don't think they even read my blog. No more political talk. I'll keep that shizz to myself to avoid the comments. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, people. I'm just too tired to listen to it. And this is my blog, so suck it.
I do however, wish I could siphon out some of the energy they possess. The things I could accomplish....like not having to nap half way through every day.
Instead, I will tell you how and why my day has ruled thus far:
- When dropping off Finn at school this morning he sauntered into his class singing "I kissed a girl and I liked it. Taste of her cherry chapstick." (Katy Perry's I Kissed A Girl). That sent me into a giggling tailspin as I kissed him goodbye, still laughing. You have never heard that song until you've heard it come from my precious 4 year old boy's mouth.
- Peter and I had a delicious discussion about Ayn Rand's The Voice of Reason: Essays in Objectivist Thought on the way over to the new house. Interesting indeed.
- I ate the other half of my Jimmy John's veggie sandwich from yesterday. If you haven't been to this place, go now. Run.
- Yet another cool person from my past popped up on facebook. Love when that happens.
- When I picked Finn up from school, my most favorite classmate of his, Emma, asked if she could come over to Finn's house. She asks every day. I said not today, per usual and Finn said "Listen Emma, how about you tell me what you dream about and I'll get it for you."
What?
Awesome. Then 7 or 8 girls proceeded to say goodbye to him in unison. I was once again, laughing. He's a total ladies man. We get in the hallway and he turns around and says "They like me."
Here you go Pro-Lifers. Chew on this: "If the fetus you save is born gay, will you continue to fight for its rights?"
We are almost completely in the new house, although I sit here and type from my mom's house. We have been coming back here at night. Weird how I've spent the last 8 months waiting for the Seattle house to sell so we could get a house here. Now that has happened and strangely, I don't want to leave my parent's house. I really have a hard time with change and this is CHANGE.
I am beyond tired and radiating pain pretty much everywhere so I'm sure that has a lot to do with all of the mixed emotions. I'm afraid I haven't been much help to Peter as he valiantly unpacks practically everything. So far I'm really good at napping at the new house.
The Meez turned 2 yesterday and I missed her party because I was beat. Plus, I had to conserve all of the energy I had because Meg, her friend E, and I had tickets to see Chelsea Handler last night. So. Freaking. Funny. So crass in the best possible way. I laughed really hard. A Lot. God, she is hilarious. And I love how she calls everyone an asshole. We have that in common.
Speaking of Meg though, she finally announced that she and V are pregs again and we are so excited!! Meg and V are thinking it's a girl. We shall see. The M&M girls came over to the new house today with a chocolate-peanut butter pie that Meg made. Oh peanut buttery goodness. Twas so lovely of her.
Must sleep now. Ciao Bella.
My art show looms. I should say the art show. It’s not all about me, so I don’t have to get depressed if nobody shows up. Ger has about 10 more frames to make. Mostly small ones. We’ll take pictures of the portable racks full of paintings and post them here.
Meanwhile, I have a new book that I really shouldn’t be reading at night because it gets me so worked up. I bought Sarah Vowell's “The Wordy Shipmates”. I caught her on The Daily Show and was so stunned that this pithy, droll, unusual woman was from Muskogee, Oklahoma I was non-plussed. Yes, I’ve been to Muskogee and it’s a good place to get away from. She’s part Cherokee and all brains.
Sophia’s treat for all the icky medical testing was a Ravi Shankar concert last night. I haven’t heard how long she lasted or if she got up and danced. I hope she wore something appropriately outrageous.
Meg forwarded me a video from a group called Improv Everywhere and they do these bizarre public "acts." (V's cousin is in the group. Cousin Joe!)Their website says "Improv Everywhere causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places."
How much do I love that?
This one was at Grand Central Station.
Brilliant.