Bottom's Up

I'm going to spill some more beans. I know some of you will label me (as if you haven't already), some of you will laugh, and some of you will take this way to seriously and tell me to seek help. To each their own.

Yesterday I was home alone. Just Zola and I. We lazed around most of the day, took a walk, snuggled, made up for all those late nights. It was nice. As the sun went down I had a few beers and started feeling incredibly motivated. I don't know what it is, perhaps music, alcohol, dancing and inhibition, but when I drink I can get it done. I'm a night person. I don't sleep but alcohol definitely does the trick when it comes to lack of motivation.

If that's not a precursor to alcoholism, I don't know what is. I watch it closely. Spread it out. I don't drink everyday but when I'm feeling overwhelmed and I realize that the only way I'm going to dredge through my laundry list, I pop the top. I have all of this to show for last night: I had prepped the board and stenciled a pattern but I set the scene last night in a matter of minutes. She's done! This was also a project that had been looming in the wings for quite some time. It lacked embroidery which was the icing on the cake. Done! Lastly, I completed this hat band I started back during the Blue Dome Festival in May. I'm ready to boot scoot. My studio is clearing and I have some potential buyers. I'm still searching for a spot to hang my hat in Tulsa, it's getting stressful. I just hope I can make a little extra cash before I ride out of town. If you're interested in commission hit me up!

Free

The three days preceding the holiday were pretty intense. By the time the Fourth rolled around I was feeling grounded. I needed to breath some fresh air, clear my head. I was longing for some cold press but, of course, the shop was closed. I wandered aimlessly for hours. Searching for hidden gems. I was surprised to see my typical route unscathed. Nothing has really changed since last summer. Not many new stencils, just old, tarnished and fading remnants of last year. I suppose street art is slow while school's out for summer but you'd think they would have covered their bases before they skipped town? Guess not. Maybe it's on the out. A sure sign that's it's time for me to move northeast. Grass is always greener, and covered in spray paint. Bikes and mushrooms. It's been a wet summer. Free on the fourth! Some new stickers. "Sleep is for quitters" Precisely, my friend. I see jack the ripper. It's fitting for the strip bar alley way. Independence day on the Okie porch. Suicide helpline found on the street. It's tacky but I admired and was inspired. Pretty sure I looked creepy just staring as minutes passed. Their front door was open and someone was walking around in a towel. I couldn't help it. It's a mermaid mosaic!

Mid afternoon, it began to pour in Norman. I switched to car and caught these guys puddle hoppin'. It was a dynamic day. Fireworks were postponed so I guess we'll make it up this weekend. Freedom rings!

Holidays

I'm back. I wouldn't say 'swingin'' but I'm getting there. I just sat down to an Americano, should be a productive day. Sometimes you have to force things. I still exclaim that "I don't drink coffee." Mostly because I dread being asked to coffee at Starbucks. And, because I only drink coffee on the weekends. It's a treat. It's like a long distance relationship. That week of deprivation makes that Saturday sip feel like the first time, every time. In addition to those excuses, I dig the coffee shop atmosphere. It adds to that cup and I can't waste hours on a weekday. I'm a workin' gal. Well, with the exception of holidays.

My fourth of July weekend has been a lazy one. I had pretty big offers, real small offers (Orlando, Universal Studios/Carnegie, Oklahoma) but I opted for the in-between. Norman, Oklahoma Independent, Independence Day. Bike rides, dancing my ass off and closing down MY bar. Some boy, kisses under the moonlight (there were fireworks. HA) and then silence. Nothing like it! I'm smiling,Captain (wink). In the end, I'm jet set, following MY dreams, no time for boys out of my league. New York? Textile Designer? Tulsa? Graduate School, Professora Zorn? This is cryptic, I'm sorry. It's been a weekend and I'm feeling giddy. Tea, Teavana. I want to hate it but I love it. It's the used car lot of teas. Watermelon. Mmm I follow traditions, occasionally. I've declared to follow the sraight line, only on the highway. It's my Independance Day promise. This is a new law of Bill's land. This is my gal, she's the only baggage I carry. We're rolling stones but this weekend we soaked up Norman. Just the two of us!

The Grand House

First things first, Apologies for the poor quality photos. I religiously disengage flash so occasionally I end up with shitty pictures. Small price to pay when you consider that while they are dark they capture the essence of the evening. Dark, romantic and full of swingin' jazz. Every Friday night, the Grand House in OKC plays live jazz music. A professor at the College of Law plays the drums for the jazz band. I'm approaching my third and final year of employment at the school and I decided it's high time I fulfill my promise to come support him. He was great. I've never really followed jazz music but I was amazed at the technique involved in the successful jazz percussion. It's quite a bit slower and perhaps mocked by the uneducated? I was enamored by the variation in 'utencils/sticks' At one point I witnessed three different items in his hand combined they created magic. Randy's a creative drummer, and the accompaniment is also top notch. Check 'em out if you're in the vicinity on a Friday night (7-10).

The Grand house also serves up some tasty fare. Vegetarian lettuce wraps. Carmen opted for the Sweet and Sour soup. It' hot!

Three stars on the food, 5 for the band!

Girls & Speed

I was doing a little summer cleaning and I came across these photos. My mom and her power wagon (c.1980). Her 1967 Nova SS, passed three generations from the show room floor to her garage. MY/dad's ride. A 1967 Chevelle SS. It's had a hard life compared to the spring chicken that is the Nova but she still hauls like a dream. I can't get enough.

A need for speed runs in the family. Hopefully I'll spend some quality time with my true love (the highway) over this extended weekend! Have a Happy Fourth. Do it with a BANG!

The Studio

Hola! It's July! Things are hectic but, I wanted to appease you by giving you a brief peek into my studio. I've been working, it's a mess but things are coming along (slowly but surely). Time is hard to find and when I can grab it, it's overwhelming to walk into a studio full of unfinished business. Things progress, I'll keep you posted. Wish me luck! For now, I'm out! XoXo.

Jazz in June

Let's not forget free music. I can't believe I let Jazz in June slip through the blog circuit. Don't worry, I was there for blues night, I just forgot to post. As usual, it was a scorcher out on that black top. I must say, Guy Forsyth made it worth the burn. I've become quite the blues hound and this band really struck my fancy. They play such a variety of music all worth of some booty shakin'. This was JD Thompson and the Big Bad Wolves. They were decent but I was a little distracted by the heat. Hopefully they'll roll back through in a cooler venue.Picnic in the park(ing lot). My brother and his friends came to hear the tunes. They also distracted me by enticing me to hit up one of the local restaurants within the festival for refreshments. Finally, sundown! Time for tubas! Along with their interesting sounds they also inventive with their instruments-Here Guy plays a saw blade as he belts a note. It was like nothing I've seen on stage. It was a beautiful evening despite heat resonating from the asphalt. It cooled off enough and the juke was jammin' hard enough that a large group of dancers appeared by the stage. As the night progressed it grew and grew. I even convinced Mr. Hill to accompany me for a couple. We had a blast! I can't believe he obliged but I'm glad he did. It was the cherry of the virgin! Jazz in June 2010- the most memorable yet!

ps. All photos credit, Doug Hill.