a cowboy needs a horse

I am feeling lazy. Here is a fun video from the past.

clay walker

At the last ModSwap, I was lucky enough to discover Perry Meyer and his wonderful collection of fine art. Within the bin of prints that he was selling were a few woodcuts by Clay Walker. I am no art critic, but I can say that I fell in love with his modernist woodcuts. So while you are at the ModSwap, make sure to visit the Perry Meyer gallery directly across the street and check out the massive collection of Clay Walker prints, paintings and sculptures they have there. So who was Clay Walker? From a brochure I picked up at the Perry Meyer gallery:

Clay Walker was born in 1924 in Kentucky. His father was a sign painter and artist. Clay’s interest in art began at the age of three when he took his father’s paints and brushes and painted the barn door. During his school years he continued his art endeavors and education.While serving in the Army during World War II, he always had a sketchbook with him. In1944, when he was sent to England to recuperate from a wartime wound, he met and married Muriel.Upon his return to the states, he designed and built homes, while his artwork started to sell in galleries. His obsession to study art led him to attain a college degree with a major in painting and a minor in art history. Teaching art, at private schools and colleges, both in the US and internationally, became the next rewarding experience in his art career.In 1955 the Walkers ventured back to England and then Paris, where Clay studied at the Ecole De Beaux Artes. It was during this time that he met Picasso; later he was part of an exhibition in Michigan with Picasso, Warhol and other notable artists.Returning to the US in the early 1960’s, he became the director of the San Antonio Art Institute, Texas. In 1963 Clay moved to California, where he built a house with an art studio.It was here that he and Muriel began their family while Clay was teaching art at several colleges. This was the beginning of his reclusive period.In 1968 Clay moved his family to Escondido, where he designed and built his final house and studio. This house incorporated a huge sculpture in the pool area, influenced by Clay’s Seminole and Cherokee heritage. Art is present all over the house, from the enameled cabinet knobs to the huge paintings and mixed media prints that grace the walls. He remained reclusive, spending the majority of his time in the studio and with family, mixed in with an occasional game of golf.Clay Walker died in March 2008.‘He did not leave this world without contributing a great deal to its beauty. He left an abundance of art which can be shared with all who recognize his talent…’ – Muriel Walker.

For more info check out the Perry Meyer website.

Note: The collection online represents a very wide range of Clay Walker's art. Be sure to visit the gallery in person to view the many modernist prints available.

Secret World

Interesting article about the secret world of Serge Gainsbourg. Most interesting part, for me, was Jane Birkin describing what a typical day for them was like.

Strictly Routine

Those who know me well, know that I like to plan. I like lists and I like schedules and routines and having things planned and to look forward to. Yeah, I am a party animal.

Anyway, that may be why I find this site so utterly fascinating.

don't even bother

Witnessed Downtown on the Corner of 1st and G St on my lunch: Man in his 40s wearing white capri pants, a white linen shirt, mandals, Oakley sunglasses, a straw hat and sporting a braided ponytail. He is standing on the corner by himself waiting for a woman to cross the street. As she draws near he takes off walking ahead of her. Suddenly, he turns and says to the woman, "I look like a fucking retard standing there by myself."
By yourself? Alone or in a crowd, sir. You are your own worst enemy.

[Don't bother telling me I need to take my camera with me everywhere. I know.]

Cook For You

I am a big fan of this cooking show by Tamra Davis. All of the recipes are super duper easy and straight forward. She takes out a lot of the guess work and makes me feel comfortable to try recipes I normally would probably shy away from. So far, I have made "Sam's Spaghetti" and the Kauai Family Dinner Seared Ahi Tuna Burger. Big thumbs up to both.
Next on my to-cook list are the Chilaquiles, "Lucy's Reuben" (vegan) and the Mole Enchiladas. Mouth...is...watering...
I'll keep you posted on the results.

Bits O' My Weekend

1. Barney's with Grandma, a.k.a. "GG" and Anita
2. Theme Restaurant Thrills for Anita
3. Gardens Galore with the Mr. and the little Miss
4. My first attempt at a terrarium
Lovely weekend. Hope yours was too.

Bliss. Have you tried it?

Meet my new favorite dessert. It is so yummy delicious. And (in moderation) nutritious! No sugar, dairy or preservatives. But you would never guess because it is so creamy and smooth and sweet and well... it's bliss, Coconut Bliss. I am not even going to try and describe it to you. Just try it. Immediately. In every flavor.

ps22 landslide

When I first watched this video, I laughed. I thought it was the fallout of the boy-band generation that causes these kids to act out the song in such a way. But as the video goes on, I find it totally endearing that each and every one of those kids is singing their heart out.

two eames chairs for every boy

Hey everybody, it's ModSwap!
Sunday August 30 from 10am to 1pm.
Located in the parking lot at the corner of Kalmia and Kettner.
It's not the cheapest place to buy modern furniture, but is there really a cheap place to buy modern furniture these days?
Visit ObjectUSA.com for more details. See you there!

House in the Skye and in my dreams

Ever since first seeing her house in Domino Magazine many years ago, I have been obsessed with Ione Skye's home. It is a dream. My dream. I have stared at the pictures in that issue so many times. I guess I am hoping some of the design inspiration will sink in through osmosis. Since the pages from my copy are a bit wrinkled and worn, I found some pics from the Domino issue here.

Also, her ex-boyfriend/decorator, David Netto, designs the most wonderful children's furniture. I spend many a day and night drooling over the Netto Collection while we were looking for nursery furniture.

2 or 3 things I know...

Hello. I am looking forward to this blogging experiment/adventure. I hope I do not disappoint.
I must start out by saying that my posts are not likely to be as thoughtful as those of my co-author. But I will try to contribute in my own way.
So to start out, here are 2 or 3 things I know...

This man is close to perfection:



For so many reasons, but this one is a good one.

But, even he doesn't come close to this man:



And just when I thought I knew perfection, I met these two:



(p.s. I am not always this sappy. Promise.)

money magnet

Etsy seller Substrata has created an amazing looking iPhone cover/case for about $70. This is about $45 cheaper than the iWood. I just have to buy an iPhone first and then worry about getting a case.

Disclaimer: This is not a review. I am not advocating the product. However, it looks damn nice.

doubleday anchor

Here is the start of what I hope to be an ongoing parade of artful paperback books. These three books, though, may be different. These stand apart from the others. They are uneasy, casting furtive glances over the shoulder and awkwardly clutching the coins in their pockets or else their vest or satchel. How long ago did the voyage seem enjoyable? Was it recently that Lewis' colleagues turned on him? When was the last time you visited this palace, Verloc, and what bitter memories remain? Oh to be home again . . . I long for that big rockin' chair.

From 1953 through 1960 Edward Gorey was the main illustrator for the Doubleday Anchor paperback division, producing such wonderful covers as these. Visit the ongoing Goreyography paperback exhibit to learn much more about Gorey and to see their awesome collection of covers.

I purchased these from the now defunct Wahrenbrocks Book House.

one hot day in august . . .

Without much heraldry, here is the first post on this blog.

I can't promise much in the way of literary luminescence, but I will try to keep you and your eyes entertained.

Thank you for visiting.