New Day-New Drag

No sugar-this has been a shitty week. Real bad. Last week was good, I was hopeful and smiling, but of course, reality runs thicker than cheer. This is how I feel: I drew this on my lunch break today. As you may know, I was accepted to graduate school last week. I'm still waiting to hear back from the four other schools, no decisions have been made, but it was a light at the end of the tunnel. A bright light. Since graduation, I've lacked direction and wallowed in a meager job with no upward movement. For a second I believed I wanted to go law school. Finally, I decided that I can't follow practicality, I have to be an artist. It's what I do. MFA it is! I applied and was weary of acceptance but it has really happened. I'm going, at least I have one option. I'm ecstatic, I feel rooted and sure. My parents, on the other hand, have not been supportive.

Yesterday, I was reamed by my father about how inconsiderate I am of them and how he's tired of me dragging him and my mother along on my escapades. Well, I'm flattered that I'm able to use two adults, nearly 50 years old as pawns in my little games but as I recall there were no firearms involved. I made no threats, merely business proposals/favors and they obliged. I'm sorry you feel that way, dad. Thanks.

On top of that, I was reprimanded at work today for having my head in the clouds. "Have you checked out?" was the exact question. No, I'm just blogging, step away, Thanks. Life lesson 101: "Contrary to what the decent individual may think, THEY only deserve two weeks notice. Do NOT inform them of any plans of exit prior to 2 weeks." Anyway, such is life. What a day. What a week! Tonight is drive time. As far as humanly possible. Work tomorrow, I'll be here 7am sharp, "head in the clouds." After all, it's been my life for the passed 2 years without falter there was just no scapegoat. I'll let you know how far I make it. Sleep tight.

Fragments

Last night I spent most the night in my studio. Once I'm in, it's all consuming. The big piece is coming along but there is a lot of drying time and tough decisions. Proof that no matter how much you plan you can't control all the variables. The mystery and puzzles that arise are the best part, as long as you are able to fit the pieces together without everything falling apart, of course. While I was waiting/debating I tried to keep busy. It's similar to running a marathon, keeping up the pace is important, even during recoveries. Enough analogies, here are the bits and pieces: Coffee cups a-tumble. Fun with dying paint markers. This wasn't done last night but it's a work in progress. I dug it out of my undergrad portfolio and I liked it so well I hung in my studio. It's about 18x24." My roommate suggested I re-purpose for an upcoming, theme show. Brilliant!

These two zygotes may soon be masterpieces. I apologize for posting so many unfinished products. I'm quite busy with several projects and I figure you'd rather see something than nothing. It also helps keep me motivated to finish each and every one since I've made a promise to reveal the complete piece. So, selfish and selfless at the same time? I give you take, you read, I take. It may be my most successful relationship yet!

Super Sunday

Last week I was invited to several Superbowl Parties. "Not into football" is an understatement for me. I have many issues with the sport and the hype that surrounds it. But, because I like you, I'm going to spare you (I expect customer loyalty in return, Ha!). I was invited to a party by some friends from work and since they've been to several of my shindigs, I obliged. It was potluck. I opted to provide brats. I stopped by Norman's local, meat market and picked up four brats and four Italian Sausage. Beer marinade for the brats. I grilled them prior to the party. Definitely the hit of the party. They were exceptional. Nothing like the prepackaged dogs. Get some here. I left the party after the halftime show, I gave myself a pat on the back for withstanding it for such a duration. It was a productive weekend! So far, Monday's been downhill, hoping yours is better!

Working

Amongst the merrymaking, I accomplished quite a bit last weekend. As most of you know, I'm trying to lighten my load. It's an ongoing process. I find that more and more, I dont' want to carry much. Just a phone, some cash and keys. Why do I need to lug a big satchel around? In lieu of this question I decided to make a clutch. Since I have mounds of scrap fabric and various hardware I whipped this up Saturday afternoon. It felt good using materials from my studio. There was nothing that was purchased specifically, all found. I made the strap long to keep my options open. Maybe I want to wrap it around my wrist? Or, maybe I want to carry it over-the-shoulder? A holster? I thought this little pocket would give me an idea of what works best for me and I'd go from there. I'm delighted with the way it turned out. I did use it Saturday evening on my second cupcake adventure with my friend, Sarah. Sarah and 'Chocolate Rain' (they're lovers). We were 'Mint-to-be"

Sunday, I jumped back into the studio and did some testing: I've started a large scale piece and since I'm going to invest precious time, money and potentially, blood, I thought I'd do it right. I'm not big on planning or testing but I'm trying to change. I've learned (the hard way) it's better to have clear intentions and a relatively strict plan of execution. Look forward to more on this in a few days.

The Usual

First Friday of every month the Paseo Arts District in Oklahoma City holds a gallery walk. T and I hit the walk about every other month. These occasions are strictly routine or ritualistic in locale. Dinner at Iguana Grill-Chicken Taco Salad. Cherries Jubilee from Sara Sara. Coffee. T is being a devious photographer. Months back, I sketched the barista from Coffee Slingers. Here, T attempts to grab a shot of him for comparison. She' pretty creepy. After feeding our faces we took our food babies over the Paseo for a large dose of contemporary art. The a.k.a gallery is one of my faves. Lots of live music. Low key but full of ambiance. Ghost. Never open-'pandoras box' of the Paseo. Bonedust Gallery. Another gem.

We covered quite a bit of ground Friday evening. After running through the Paseo, we headed over to an opening at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art. They were having a show based around the artwork of the 30's/40's New Deal program. It wasn't as spectacular as their print media but you can't win 'em all. I'm not trying to deter you from seeing the show, it was well done, just not my cup o' tea. Friday was a traveling party, ending the week with a BANG!

Half Day Free

This semester my schedule changed due to late classes so I now get off at noon on Fridays. It's splendid! This Friday I was on the hunt got a new pair of boots, cowboy boots. I made mention of cowboy boots being one of the few things I'll miss about winter a few post back and I decided it's high time I purchase some cowboy boots. I have a ridiculous amount of boots. Too many.See? This obsession may be why I fight with material vices so often. Even through guilt, I found a pair and purchased them. As far as cowboy boots go, they were very reasonable. They're dressier and more western than my other boots. I think I have concluded my collection of boots. I'm done. I should be sending money to Haiti or feeding the homeless but I'm selfish, self absorbed, I apologize. Sometimes I need therapy and this is cheaper and more practical than medicine. That's my justification of my problem. Take it or leave it!

Farewell

Last week Norman lost the long-time, local business man and owner of 'THE Diner.' Friday morning was the day of his funeral. A friend and I went for lunch downtown and this was the scene in front of the closed Diner at noon. You can just see the impact Mark and his establishment have on Norman. Read more about it here and LIVE....