Maren Marie

... and thence to England.

2011-04-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

London rocked my world, as i pretty much figured it would. perhaps my obsession with all things British, which started at an early adolescent age (enter The Smith's, the tragic Bronte sisters, an occasional slide into the english accent, and my undying enjoyment of watching period pieces, etc.) contributed to my fascination, but really, it was just everything i hoped it would be and more. not to mention the chocolate (which has absolutely ruined me now that i am back to this American impostor), the fabulous underground, and the utter quaintness that resides, literally, around every corner. some highlights? flying into the Heathrow airport to stand in the customs line for three hours (!?!) and barely make it to the Cut Copy concert. attending 'The Children's Hour,' an amazing emotional play that included actresses such as Keira Knightly, Elisabeth Moss, and Ellen Burstyn. riding the tube and sitting next to a girl who was the quintessential Brit and who was loving herself some johnny cash on her headphones. eating fish and chips at a charming little pub in Lacock while watching a group of local children run around in the streets with their pony. i mean, i could really go on and on here. suffice it to say, i am working up plans to make London a more regular part of my travels...

ah, Paree.

2011-03-28T13:53:00.000-07:00

it's funny how after having been home only about two weeks -- my memories of europe are already taking on that old filmstripish type effect-- little segments of moving pictures, a bit distorted and choppy, flooded with golden light. i've lately been revolting against taking too many pictures of things, even when i find myself in faraway destinations. probably because of my regret at missing 'the magic' of too many moments because i've put a camera between me and the experience itself. of course, with that said, there wasn't a day that i didn't lug around my camera and alternate lens (oft with shoulder aching), and try to capture something that left an impression...

perhaps my favorite moments in Paris were those spent walking the little cobblestone streets or riding the metro from one place to another, experiencing the city right alongside all the people who call it home. popping on and off the metro became second nature, and i was sad by the end to throw away my well-used little ticket. the city is arguably one of the most beautiful in the world (though Barcelona still has my heart and vote), with its masterful blending of ancient and modern architecture. and the food -- well, Paris takes the cake, or more rightfully, the croissant (and not to mention, the boeuf bourguignon). and i'm sorry disneyland, your medal for the best churros has just been handed to a little man near the catacombs, who cut the dough and deep fried it right before my very eyes! sheesh! suffice it to say - pounds were most definitely gained!

the art! i could not believe all of the amazing art we saw - even the museums themselves were something to behold. the Centre Pompidou stole the show for me -- after spending so many years in my art history classes and only seeing slides of modern art masterpieces, to see them in person was a huge highlight.

there really is just too much to say about this fabulous place!

child of giants

2011-02-18T09:15:00.000-08:00

last night d and i drove back down to the MOA at BYU and attended a film screening of 'Child of Giants,' a brilliant documentary about Maynard Dixon and Dorothea Lange, their children, their art careers, and a whole bunch of stuff in between. it was stunning, sad, shocking -- and we just couldn't stop talking about it even after we got home. if you have the chance to see this little gem, i highly recommend it! John Eaglefeather Dixon, their youngest son was there, answering some questions, and for just a moment i was inspired to give each of my future children a proud and perfectly tailored Indian middle name. i didn't talk this over with dirk, but somehow i get the feeling he wouldn't exactly be on board...

At last,
I shall give myself to the desert again,
that I, in its golden dust,
may be blown from a barren peak
broadcast over the sun-lands.
If you should desire some news of me, go ask the little horned toad whose home is the dust,
or seek it among the fragrant sage,
or question the mountain juniper,
and, by their silence,
they will truly inform you.
-Maynard Dixon

sixteen reasons

2011-02-12T09:00:00.000-08:00

this fabulous oldie took the words right out of my mouth, a perfect Valentine's Day tune from me to Mr.D.

Dorothea and Dixon

2011-02-07T14:28:00.000-08:00

over the weekend d and i headed down to the Museum of Art at BYU to see the Carl Bloch exhibit (which was absolutely stunning and highly recommended). while there we stumbled upon two other exhibits that have since inspired and excited us. 'Wide-Open Spaces,' featuring several of Maynard Dixon's paintings (of which i just can't get enough of), and 'Three Mormon Towns,' a series of photographs by Dorothea Lange taken in the early 1950's in the towns of Toquerville, Gunlock, and St.George, Utah. these photographs were breathtaking - and i was suddenly longing to be back in the dark room burning and dodging and rocking trays full of chemicals. it wasn't until we were leaving that it came to my attention that these two were married for fifteen years! (and i call myself an art major!?!) we have resolved to make art museums a more regular part of our schedules this year...

wanderlust & wardrobe

2011-01-18T15:22:00.000-08:00

two things that i can't get my mind off of lately. soooo done with winter weather and constantly covering up my lily white arms in layer after endless layer of tired wool sweaters. i would like to say that this little film from anthropologie's spring collection cheered me up -- instead i pretty much saw it as a cruel joke. a really beautiful, fresh, colorful, cruel joke...

one year.

2011-01-01T16:22:00.000-08:00

it's true! dirk and i celebrated our one year anniversary on the 30th, and while i had grand visions of celebrating this day with some good time thrifting, a little road trip adventure, and a delicious crab leg dinner -- it really played out with dirk tucking me into bed with a box of kleenex, about eighty quilts, a bottle of nyquil, and a kiss on the forehead. sigh. my head has been full of wedding memories from last year and lately i have been listening to much midlake, beach house, and goldfrapp from our reception playlist. takes me right back to that lovely night one year ago -- i am such the lucky lady...

mantel love.

2010-12-27T21:57:00.000-08:00

i'm not sure that dirk and i could ever live in a home without a mantel -- and since we have each collected, thrifted, and inherited some amazing antiques and figurines, we kinda thrive on changing it up and getting creative. of course, this makes us both feel like we're in our eighties, getting giddy over what we will display and recalling the memories each little piece brings -- oh, but we love it! this season we enjoyed dumping piles of 'snow' over everything...

happy holidays!

2010-12-24T14:35:00.000-08:00

we died. we were okay with not doing Christmas cards this year until Blythe convinced us otherwise...

the red balloon

2010-12-20T15:49:00.000-08:00

last night, after dirk and i both returned home from the wonderful world of retail and craziness -- we opted NOT to watch another Christmas movie, and instead decided on The Red Balloon. this lovely little french film is only about half an hour long, and is perfectly enchanting. so many things to love! and in my dreams after watching this, i was transported right back into my childhood with images that i wouldn't have recalled in a million years. plus - this movie fully realizes my lifelong habit of attaching personalities and feelings to inanimate objects, yesss! and don't even get me started on the little boy hauling around Montmartre in a little grey sweat suit, brown leather shoes, and coveted messenger bag...

the edge of love

2010-11-29T14:55:00.000-08:00

the styling in this movie had me drooling.

too long.

2010-11-27T11:16:00.000-08:00

blonde redhead. sigh. last night you made me realize that it has been far too long since i have seen a brilliant concert. lighting, sound, presence - it was marvelous to feel that energy again. and Kazu, when you walked out in your tribal-esque little dress and danced on stage like a wild shaman with crazy bed hair, i loved you even more...

make room

2010-11-23T15:45:00.000-08:00

i love thanksgiving! it's the breath before the christmas whirlwind - quite literally, for those of us who work bright & early on black friday. i have actually been trying to figure out what to wear that will allow me all the extra room that i'm going to need to fit in two family dinners - not to mention all the seconds and thirds and unconscious nibblings that come with. roomy sweater? oversized dress? belts and buttons aren't even being considered...

2010-11-21T08:21:00.000-08:00

there are so many things going on in this film that i am absolutely dying over. chokes me up every time i watch it, something so beautiful about it... and this new sufjan song?! this little creation is my favorite thing this fall...

captured.

2010-11-04T15:32:00.000-07:00

dirk and maren from Matt Walker on Vimeo.
so my brother-in-law, mr. matt walker, put together this little video highlighting some of mine and dirk's dating experiences. we are blown away, and captured so perfectly in this little film. my mind reels every time i watch it. seriously, matt -- your videos are sha sha shocking!

zombie love

2010-10-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

with several halloween parties heading our direction this season, we felt like we had to dedicate at least one night to 'the zombie.' many know of my fetish for men in crazy make-up (robert smith, david bowie, etc.), so i was more than thrilled to pull out the black tube of liquid magic and hand it over to dirk -- and he did not disappoint. dear mr. chandler, i may request this look more often...

fall, so far...

2010-10-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

has been a treat -- and it's only going to get better with halloween parties, warmer sweaters, and lots of goodies. we have enjoyed 'haunting up' our mantle, wandering through the family pumpkin patch, and watching the colors on the mountains change. perhaps our proudest fall moment came when dirk and i endeavored to make pumpkin soup. it wasn't exactly the creamy goodness that we expected, but we're not giving up on it just yet...

2010-10-12T14:45:00.000-07:00

i feel a little sheepish in getting around to it so late, but i had been meaning to see The Young Victoria for months and months, and it wasn't until last night that it appeared on 'instant play' on netflix and reminded me that i had yet to indulge! and now? i am obsessed. my love for emily blunt just got lovier, and rupert friend is so shockingly good as prince albert. not to mention the imagery, photography, etc. if you haven't seen it... you must!

happy birthday's

2010-09-28T09:42:00.000-07:00

so, it happened. dirk turned 33 yesterday -- and we had a delightful time celebrating all day, especially that evening when we could also celebrate steven's 33rd birthday. there was pie for dinner, and pie for dessert, and lots of doting on two sweet nieces. september 27, what a blessed, happy day!

awww

2010-09-14T14:24:00.000-07:00

go here to see Amory's fifteen seconds of fame. we think it's pretty neat...

Santa Fe

2010-09-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

'Ain't ya glad you got a dream called Santa Fe?'

Oh, Jackie...

2010-08-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

you crazy kid. come see the new cards at Jackie's Ghost.

love this.

2010-08-27T13:13:00.000-07:00

i was craving the song, which led to craving the film, which led to this absolutely beautiful clip.

little family

2010-08-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

when dirk and amory blaine were chosen to be featured in an upcoming Anthropologie email - we were excited to go out and get some awfully cute pictures-especially since we have hardly any of the amazing Mr.a.b. as i scrolled through the images on my camera i was feeling just like the luckiest girl alive... plus the photograph where dirk is laughing kinda breaks me - love it sooo much.

on repeat.

2010-08-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

arcade fire's new album. this song especially.

sigh.

2010-08-13T21:01:00.000-07:00

twist

2010-08-10T22:21:00.001-07:00

pleased as punch when dirk and i won the twist contest at a little dance party over the summer to some chubby checker. i immediately started craving this gem of a scene in pulp fiction. uma thurman is fantastic. let's twist again, twistin time is here...

new. fantastic new.

2010-08-07T20:40:00.000-07:00

obsessing over phantogram, this song in particular...

also, the national, kinda breaking me in a real good way with this one.

art books a plenty

2010-08-06T19:36:00.000-07:00

dirk's sister hooked us up in a serious way with some cast-off art books from the library 'weeding out' process. as if our combined art history collection hasn't already caused us enough agony in the space department, we ended up adding all of these and more for mere dollars. i think we secretly miss being art students and have become book hoarders instead.

2010-08-02T16:04:00.000-07:00

as i walked across my lawn this morning and came upon this obvious catastrophe, i had a little moment of inner breakdown and sudden fragility. if it hadn't been for appointments that couldn't be broken - i think it might have sent me back to bed for an unreasonable portion of the day. funny how a little thing like bird feathers can wreck you for a bit...

day trips here and there

2010-07-30T19:02:00.000-07:00

i feel like dirk and i have been taking quite a few little day trips & weekend getaways here and there, and my collection of pictures from these excursions is getting a little out of hand and hard to keep track of. here are just a few of the lovelies we've encountered along our way...

my favorite fox chase...

2010-07-29T11:10:00.000-07:00

wait up! (color graded) from Matt Walker on Vimeo.

my brother-in-law just put together this amazing little film and it's really rockin my socks - oh matt, you've done a wonderful thing here.

lately inspired by...

2010-07-20T23:08:00.000-07:00

can't wait...

2010-07-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

reading the book now, and can't wait till this movie comes out in september... keira and carey in the same movie? yes please.

2010-07-14T15:29:00.000-07:00

these girls make me wanna wardrobe remix. images from saga sig.

ah, inspiration.

2010-07-13T20:08:00.000-07:00

a weekly post dedicated to images that spark my creativity and spontaneity. when i was in school for photography and art history - my daily routine was looking at image after endless image. i hadn't realized just how lackadaisical i have become when it comes to be being involved in looking at and thinking about images that inspire me for one reason or another...

happy july

2010-07-08T11:46:00.000-07:00

with four bbq's, three firework shows, and many a game night under my belt, the fourth of july felt like a five day festival this year -- a tradition i may just have to carry on...

finally!

2010-07-07T21:23:00.000-07:00

i have had the tune of this song pop in and out of my head for the last several months - with crazy underwater hair images. and after much research to prove to myself that it wasn't just some strange dream - i found the illusive song and footage! i give anyone who watches this video full license to openly laugh, and then openly weep. can't get enough of 90's underwater glamazon filming/submarine guitar strumming/waterproof make-up wearing genius!

the disappeared

2010-06-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

dirk and I watched a little documentary about Doris Salcedo the other day and we haven't stopped talking about her since. she is an installation and sculpture artist who focuses on 'making public the silence of private pain.' this installation of shoes of the disappeared is haunting and extremely beautiful - and has kind of hit us over the head and inspired us to pull out our ideas and our emotions and make them take shape.

summer flea market

2010-05-04T16:38:00.000-07:00

nothing is more fantastic than a summer flea market! Jackie's Ghost will be selling some one-of-a-kind cards at abode on May 15th from 9-4. come and see!

more cards in more places...

2010-04-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

the exciting news is that we now have a little shop up and running on etsy, and we're pretty excited about it. check it out. also, we have begun selling our cards at abode in sugarhouse. if you haven't been to that gem of a shop - go!

Oh, Disneyland!

2010-04-06T15:44:00.000-07:00

Another memorable trip to Disneyland. This time around however, I was introduced to the 'disneyland diet,' which I became REAL good at - a little too good. The diet consists of two simple steps - while finishing one delicious morsel, you must ask before the last bite, 'what delicious treat am I going to put in my mouth next?' My meals consisted of dill pickles, churros, pineapple dole whip, hot dogs, and cokes... Another treat? Captain EO! I was eight the last time I saw that epic short, and let me tell you - it only gets better with age!

Introducing...

2010-03-28T12:35:00.000-07:00

Jackie's Ghost

Well, it finally happened. The four of us have taken our creative energy, poured it into a unique card making process, and opened up shop. We call our ourselves Jackie's Ghost, a name that sounded befitting to our peculiar and somewhat unconventional style. The group consists of my astoundingly artistic husband, sister, and brother-in-law. Check out our blog - jackiesghost.blogspot.com - and if you have a hankering to witness these cards up close and in person, they can be found at frosty darling (an adorable and eclectic little store downtown). Here are just a few samples...

2010-02-02T20:55:00.000-08:00

2010-01-25T23:00:00.000-08:00

man or mannequin? wedding pictures coming soon...

Ah, Midlake.

2010-01-24T17:38:00.000-08:00

I have been waiting for years for these guys to come in concert - impossible to explain how much I love their music... Feb. 2nd, new album - 'the courage of others,' of which their song 'acts of man' is KILLING me. & March 10th, coming to Utah. I am in bliss.

So so busy...

2009-12-16T09:53:00.000-08:00

wedding plans in full swing, and the two week countdown has begun. i did, however, find that i had a few moments to head over to barnes & noble last night and browse through the photography books. it had been too long! so many fantastic images and artists that i quickly penned in my book of 'things and people to research.'

Geert Goiris

Saul Leiter

Estaban Pastorino Diaz

2009-12-03T22:45:00.000-08:00

amazing. it's killing me.

'This is better than everything.'

2009-11-17T22:50:00.000-08:00

sisters are neat.

2009-10-31T10:14:00.000-07:00

obsessed.

2009-10-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

2009-10-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

the old mining museum in ouray colorado - which used to be a hospital, and which is supposedly haunted. love to visit this place, especially during the season of spooks...

2009-10-13T14:01:00.000-07:00

The Ouray trip this year was filled with lots of eating out, birthday celebrations, rock skipping, and some hilarious games of Five Crowns. This escapade was especially fun for me -- having Dirk along added an element of delight that I absolutely loved. This year we maybe learned that, toyota camry's shouldn't be taken off-roading, really heavy rocks don't skip so well, sea salt on dark chocolate is divine, and that at the age of three -Savannah can still be thrown several feet into the air.

A resounding YES!

2009-09-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

Last Thursday, Dirk asked me a question -- perhaps the most exciting question a girl can hope to hear from the man she loves, (especially when asked in the form and language of a series of beautiful polaroids...) Needless to say, my heart nearly exploded and a resounding YES! echoed throughout. so happy.

September

2009-09-11T10:04:00.000-07:00

'And so we came to those days when summer was dead, but autumn had not yet been born.'

2009-09-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

calms me down and makes me happy. every single time...

2009-08-30T20:32:00.000-07:00

last saturday, a little group of us headed up to Dirk's cabin for some sweet relief and time away from work, traffic, and the daily grind. what ensued was a lovely few days of exploring, card playing, star gazing, eating, napping, and so much more. that enchanting little cabin with its colorful curtains, low ceilings, and warm lamplight was an absolute dream - especially when filled with all of our laughter...
-- thank you Dirk --

recently drawn to...

2009-08-13T20:12:00.000-07:00

Grace Weston's photography. I just recently became aware of her work, and almost simultaneously breathed a sigh of relief while gasping with excitement -- she too is fascinated by creating tiny worlds of storyline and starcraft. During those many years spent on my photography major in college, it seemed totally appropriate to spend my time amongst random smiling doll heads, styrofoam birds, and tissue paper ball gowns. It's only now that I find, I have a harder time trying to explain to people what I prefer to photograph without sounding like I hopped the first bus to crazytown...

2009-08-11T17:16:00.000-07:00

we set out with a flashlight and a camera, ready to explore some broken up buildings -- but when the gates were locked up tight, we had no problem exploring other ideas...

2009-08-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

Attended Aunt Belva's funeral today - and with her passing, I became thoughtful and very aware of how fast the generations pass away. Wished I was a little girl again in old Draper, watching hummingbirds and drinking Ovaltine at Jane's, or getting my hair trimmed at Faye's Style Shack on a booster seat, while Grandmother and Belva caught up on the latest town news.

After the funeral, I sat in the front room of the old draper home with Julie, Mom, and Granddad, and listened to Burk and Neil tell stories of their childhood -- our laughter was so intense that it turned to silence and we all wiped away tears and tried to catch our breath. I was truly blessed with the most amazing family - and for just a moment that corny song from The Sound of Music popped into my head before I quickly switched it off. 'Nothing comes from nothing, nothing ever could - So somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good.' VERY good indeed...

my house just became a home.

2009-07-28T16:48:00.000-07:00

i know this because my washer was just hooked up and now i spend time in my basement, listening to the comforting sounds of laundry -- enchanted by the pipes, adoring the floor drain, and gazing at the duct tape. not to mention those dreamy curtains.

this July

2009-07-18T16:35:00.000-07:00

feeding on flowers and fireworks.

behold the bride & groom...

2009-07-14T00:03:00.000-07:00

a MOST enjoyable day of picture taking -- one more week until the happy occasion. So excited...

2009-06-28T00:25:00.000-07:00

when chairs dangle from the ceiling, majestic animals stand on chiffoniers, and a talking polaroid hangs from my neck - i know it's been a good day.

2009-06-25T12:14:00.001-07:00

what happens when you wake up one morning after a night of dreaming to a PERFECT and hauntingly beautiful soundtrack? for a moment I was frantically tossing off the blankets to go fire up my ipod -- and then the horror struck. IT NEVER EVEN EXISTED...

month of music.

2009-06-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

One brilliant show a week -- not bad at all. Danced my heart out at Helio Sequence & couldn't get enough of that drummer who emanated sheer joy and amazing energy. Au Revoir Simone was dreamy with a beat, not to mention their really great merchandise that neither Dirk nor I could pass up. Fell in love with Nina P. of A CAMP who 'first drew breath in a forest in Northern Sweden, neck deep in snow, in the waning of the last millenium, amongst families of foxes.' And a full stage of musicians and the voice of Tracyanne at Camera Obscura was a delight. I dare say an amazing concert can cure many an ailment.

goodbye barbara place.

2009-06-07T21:54:00.000-07:00

despite the miserably hot summers and absence of an air conditioner, or even a mere breeze for that matter -- i will miss my little apartment at barbara place. recollections of family dance parties in the kitchen, gathering for hot chocolate in the front room after holiday excursions, and the comforting creek of the hardwood floors in the bedroom will always make this place a fond memory.

2009-05-25T08:53:00.000-07:00

for just a moment, it seemed strange to me to see all of the shadows at the cemetery moving above the heavy granite headstones. another reminder of the fleetingness of life and a motivation to get going with my long list of 'to do's.'

2009-05-19T15:13:00.000-07:00

it seemed like it had been ages since i had been up to the museum to help the kids with an art project. this last saturday we put together some terrariums -- some of the most beautiful terrariums i have ever seen!

2009-04-30T00:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday little Scoutie...

2009-04-23T09:09:00.000-07:00

this little dog is just about the greatest companion a gal can have -- and when i come home at the end of the day and flop on the couch, her excited whimpers and frantic kisses never cease to make me smile, laugh, and pull out the most nauseating baby talk.

Arizona.

2009-04-20T16:32:00.000-07:00

a most memorable easter...

2009-04-15T18:47:00.001-07:00

nothing is more hilarious to me than a bunch of crazed adults running around the yard in search of plastic easter eggs filled with pennies and cheap candy... those are the moments i truly cherish in life. i believe the real hunt though, revolved around precious little savvy - we were all so eager to see her delighted little face upon finding another colorful egg.

and CONGRATULATIONS to Matt and Julie, I just couldn't be more pleased. this was my favorite easter surprise of all...

2009-04-08T14:29:00.000-07:00

which doors to open - and which to keep shut?

2009-03-30T16:46:00.000-07:00

My affinity for a shoddy window continues to blossom...

2009-03-30T11:36:00.000-07:00

Remembering Grandmother today on her birthday. This morning I found a book of poetry that she had once borrowed from me -- I smiled as I came across the pages she had marked. 'Of writing many books there is no end; and I who have written much in prose and verse For others' uses, will write now for mine, -- Will write my story for my better self.' These few lines couldn't be more perfect...

2009-03-29T12:27:00.000-07:00

Headed to Kilby Court on Saturday with absolutely no idea of what fantastic gems were in my immediate future -- in fact, I still don't have words to describe what I saw. If these pictures of bedazzled and kitschy gem sweaters doesn't peak your interest in Leslie Hall, then I really don't know what to do with you...

and...
Stereo Total? -- what a dream!

Happy Birthday Pamilla!

2009-03-24T00:03:00.000-07:00

I looked up to you then, and I look up to you now. More than you know. Your kindness, courage, and genuine concern for others never ceases to amaze me. I love you!

2009-03-23T23:02:00.001-07:00

self-portrait?

This movie TERRIFIED me.

2009-03-19T10:59:00.001-07:00

My brother the leprechaun.

2009-03-17T21:42:00.001-07:00

My first wish: a coke (always my first wish) - GRANTED. My second wish: to get my brakes fixed - GRANTED. My third wish that I didn't see comin': to see Wicked with my sisters - GRANTED! Steven, you're the greatest! Thank you! (now I'm feelin kinda bad for pinchin you...)

2009-03-15T16:29:00.000-07:00

driving along a back road, I crept quietly behind these guys - not wanting to disturb. they seemed to be interested in something up towards the hills...

Yes.

2009-03-14T23:18:00.000-07:00

I want to go back. Sigh...

2009-03-07T15:53:00.001-08:00

2009-03-07T13:01:00.000-08:00

2009-03-06T19:29:00.001-08:00

How I have not come upon this until now, I have no idea -- but I cannot get enough, I'm practically rolling on the floor every time I watch it...

2009-03-03T10:03:00.000-08:00

Heard some bagpipes yesterday -- and suddenly I had a crazy impulse to go home and throw in Darby O'Gill and the Little People. Makes me miss the days of eating dinner with my Grandma on St. Patrick's Day - every morsel of food on the table dyed bright green...

2009-03-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

Every Monday night after hip hop - I am ready to pop, wave, and shake to anything with the tiniest beat. Can't stop watching this video - and I think it has something to do with one minute and 28 seconds into it... lovin that move. And yes Julie, the frozen foods isle at the grocery store is PERFECT for practicing the moon walk, those freezers are virtual mirrors! Ya, maybe I got some strange looks last night - but mostly I think everyone just wanted to join me, and that would have been A-mazing.

I am haunted by waters...

2009-02-21T23:36:00.001-08:00

When I signed up to cater at a dinner several weeks ago - I had no idea that I would be serving Robert Redford his trout and bread pudding. This man is at the top of my list - especially considering my love for Out of Africa, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, The Great Gatsby, and his narration in A River Runs Through It. And just when I thought the night couldn't get any better, he stood up and began to talk about Native American culture and Chaco Canyon! The simple act of pouring him a glass of water was the highlight of my night, perhaps even my year...

Love for Leo

2009-02-15T13:48:00.000-08:00

When I was seventeen, a friend of mine handed me an audio tape while I was sitting in my art class. Leo Kottke. Never before and never since have I heard a musician more skilled at both the six string and twelve string guitars. This concert last night only added to my awe of his unrivaled talent, honest voice, and genuine humor.

Love is not love

2009-02-14T22:48:00.000-08:00

which alters when it alteration finds...

tonight's lesson...

2009-02-09T22:07:00.000-08:00

the moon walk. i have always loved old MJ, but after this class my respect has been taken to a whole new level. this man is a GOD!

dancing with dean...

2009-02-02T21:24:00.000-08:00

tonight was the first night of my hip hop dance class - and it could be that i am hooked. when the instructor mentioned there was also a class on break dancing - yes, i may have considered it for a second or two... reminded me of this footage we got in Spain a little while back, it was pretty amazing to watch these guys.

I want one of these.

2009-02-02T15:58:00.000-08:00

2009-01-31T17:06:00.000-08:00

One drink to rule them all,
One drink to find them,
One drink to bring them all,
And in the darkness bind them.

2009-01-29T16:15:00.000-08:00

This concert last night was amazing - and by amazing I mean that a whole different life that I could have known flashed before my eyes throughout the show. Traveling carnivals, dark eyed gypsies, bewitchment by violin, and trumpets by firelight. It was richly entertaining, and I was happy as I watched the crowd in front of me move with captivated energy to an unfaltering beat. I already know How This Will End -- with an obsession.

2009-01-21T21:03:00.000-08:00

trap window.

the most curious shadows...

2009-01-17T22:40:00.000-08:00

Today my niece came to the museum to visit and to participate in making 'shadow puppets' - it was such a delight to see her! Oh, the curious shapes and creatures that were hinged together and made to dance behind the screen! I had forgotten how amused a child can be by a single shadow - whether it be a paper cut out, or a tiny fist with two fingers for ears.

Got a song, got to sing - For life.

2009-01-15T13:08:00.000-08:00

My love of all things musically brilliant was completely redefined last night, and I will never be the same! I sat on that couch and tried to absorb (and commit to memory) a seriously beautiful documentary. A voice so extremely haunting and totally commanding gave appropriate expression to all of the tissue papered and grainy images flashing by. I was truly inspired - and find that it's been way too long since I've had the hurt of a good creative awakening! Thank you Dirk, for sharing this with me - I am still seeing golden sunlight flickering through copper branches and an overexposed field of artistic possibilities...

2009-01-10T23:48:00.000-08:00

I see the moon,
and the moon sees me...