Don't Bother Me

Old 97's - Turner Hall Ballroom - Milwaukee - 20 June 2013

     This night's show in Milwaukee was a reunion of sorts, but truly, most shows are. There are several faces I can count on seeing at a Wisconsin gig. Casey, Colin, Jenna, Courtney, Carey, and actually a few others, whose names I haven't yet learned. The difference this time around was that I was already in Wisconsin when show time rolled around, so there was a minimum of fuss & rush. K-star and I were long overdue for an adventure, and this time, we got some bonus Emily! It had been far too long. We've been to Turner Hall before and it is a great space. A bit too many stairs to traipse up, but we got it done. The openers, Trapper Schoepp & the Shades were impressive, despite my feeling very old watching these sweet young things rock. Thanks to Carey for hepping me to that jive. I enjoyed them thoroughly and look forward to more!  So we waited and mingled, basking in the excitement of what was yet to be. Ken came down to say hello to the contingent on his side of the stage. He watched some of the opener's performance before slipping away through the crowd.
    Again, they prefaced the boys' entrance onstage to Queen's 'Fat-Bottomed Girls' and then the crowd got all wound up. Rhett was a grinning fool and we were off and running. Early on though, there were tiny hints of something strange bubbling under the surface of things. Somewhere from behind us, small projectiles made their way over our heads and onto the stage. Apparently, it was just debris and not a note of request or somesuch nonsense. Hmmm. Then, an empty cup that Rhett actually had to slightly dodge due to it's trajectory. He was not amused. I turned around to look for the offender, but really just saw the regular sea of happy flushed faces, slick with perspiration. I did notice a kerfuffle off to my right somewhere near the front. Minutes later, a burly, inconsiderate forearm shoved between me and my right-hand neighbor-fan. In a millisecond, I discerned that it was not an accidental fall or shove; it did not stem from my friends behind me. It was some fugly troll who barely met my own stature. The lunge made absolutely no sense, as the wild hand was grabbing towards the monitors and not much more. WTF? I harshly shrugged him off my person and I made certain he felt that it was unwelcome. No sooner than that, I got popped in the back. Enough to hurt, but not harm. Are you fucking kidding me, Guy? I spun like a banshee and looked this fucker dead in his eyes and queried, "DID YOU JUST FUCKING HIT ME????!!" To which he actually answered a curt "NO" and before his vowel sound ended, I very loudly and not at all politely, said that I "would knock out all of his fucking teeth if he touched any part of me again." How exactly I would truly go about doing that, is a mystery that we may never solve. It was the closest I've ever come to getting violent, as I tend toward the pacifist sensibilities. But I will not have my show NOR my person be adversely affected because some asshat doesn't know how to conduct himself. A girl behind him, who seemed to be just a show-goer, grabs the jerk by the scruff of his shirt and yelled "you're done!" and dragged him somewhere behind her. It was awesome! After that, I turned back to the stage. Perhaps a song later, during Ken's solo, Rhett hustled over near Ken and bent over, speaking emphatically to someone in the crowd. He returned to center-stage and during the next break, people were gesticulating at this asshole and trying to get Rhett's attention, because the kid wanted to apologize. Rhett leaned over and said very seriously that, fine, he accepted the apology but what the fuck was his problem? He then offered the evidence of the empty cup and assorted crap that had been tossed onstage. Then, thinking better of continuing to engage, he abruptly stood up and marched back to the guitar tech and stage dude, where it looked like he pretty much insisted that the guy be ejected. And so it was. Two or three bouncers came to clean up the mess and we cheered and continued without another thought. Poor Rhett got awful close to having his game rocked, but after having solved things, he seemed to shake it off. This doesn't often happen at a show, it was said the guy, (an alleged dentist, which I thought was funny, re: knocking his teeth out...) seemed to be pharmaceutically motivated. It mattered not to me; he is lucky to have left the premises with un-kneed balls. *sigh*
     The evening continued. An errant guitar cord spilled a drink at one point, but the tech was quick to towel up. Ken and Rhett took turns towering and teetering above us in between the front monitors. The temperature wavered between perfect and only mildly uncomfortable. There was an unfortunate incident of the pedal?/cord?/guitar? not working right before Ken's solo in Every Night is Friday Night (Without You) and he expressed his regret afterwards claiming it's a really fun part to play. Awwwwwwww. I should mention that Rhett had a fancy new guitar, you can see it in the pics. Ken was also rocking a red/orange loaner Landric Custom guitar, along with his own Landric Custom, the glittery green, among his others. Ken changed it up many times that night, K-star called him Cher, hahahaha! The big Timebomb finale was outrageous, with Ken actually on his knees in front of us bashing away on the guitar. Hands from every direction were grabbing at his knees
     We were enveloped in the vibe, you know the one. There were now only cool, considerate people around us.  I did indeed bring the iPad to take photos. It was still a bit too dark, but the pics are OK and for the most part, better than the iPhone. There were the captured moments of some of the boys clearly realizing some silly girl in the front was actually using an iPad to take photographs. Those are definitely my favorites. It was a very similar setlist to Bloomington, a nice mix of things.
     When it was all over, I was resistant to being brought back down to Earth, but there were friendly folks who actually wanted to celebrate that asshole getting the boot, and to say thanks to me for being a considerate show-neighbor. That was awful nice, Milwaukee, thanks. The lady next to me had gotten the nearest setlist and was trying to tell me that another was still stuck to the stage. I think my enthusiasm+ iPad gave me away LOL I told her I was OK, having taken a pic of her setlist (oops, i deleted it) and then the ushers started to shoo us away from the stage.
     I wandered about to see those that hadn't stood within our crowd. It's always nice to catch up with hugs and expressions of joy from what we had just witnessed. I always love to see the others with the same syndrome, we will repeatedly see the same band-itis. This is our group therapy LOL


    Things ended on a high note, and we girls were within walking distance of our hotel. Another successful outing :) Milwaukee was still bustling with nightlife. The almost full moon lit the night sky. Off to bed. "This is the moonlight, the very same moonlight, so how happy can I be?"

Magical Mystery Tour

Old 97's - Castle Theater - Bloomington, IL - 7 June 2013 ~ Marie & Annie's Excellent Adventure

 

I had missed a golden opportunity to see them in May in St. Louis with a gaggle of groovy gals and I was hoping desperately this new chance would fall together easily.
K-star, my usual partner in crime, was unable to accompany me. A unique plan would have to be formulated. All things were different this time. Bloomington is far enough away that an overnight stay after the concert would be the logical thing to do. I couldn't find decent accommodations for just overnight, so alternate lodging was the next hurdle. Now as luck or karma would have it, I have a fair amount of cousins in Champaign IL, which is roughly an hour away from Bloomington. I asked my cousin Marie if she was free to attend this and allow for my short visit. Score on both. We were overdue for a good bonding experience as adults, and as she is a diligent grad student, I figured it was always nice to enjoy a break and perhaps something new? Especially great music by handsome rock boys? Oh yes, indeed. It was a done deal.
While I was on a roll, I figured to kill 2 birds with one stone and visit a college friend that works for the University and lives near campus. She was also available for a visit and it made me feel like I was driving somewhere and all the lights turned green as I drove through them. I love it when a quick-draw plan comes together. I gassed up the night before, and kissed my boys adios in the morning. I wanted all the lead time I could get. Singing karaoke to no one as the ipod played backup, I hit town by 1230 and had a few hours' time with my girlfriend. We hadn't seen each other in over 10 years but the social networking since had virtually reunited us some years ago. It was awesome, it's been 21 years since high school thus 20 years from our college freshman year and the following summer. We talked a bit about then, and some about now, mostly regarding Game of Thrones! hahaha
I took my leave and traveled to Marie's. Her and her fiance's place was as sweet and cute as they are. We got prepped, took care of errands and hit the road. It was a quick hour's ride punctuated with our anecdotes and navigation. The venue was easy to find and once there we got sweet, free parking right out front. That's always a good sign. We just stayed in the car chatting til it got closer to doors time. And when we did get in line, we found ourselves at the end of it, already about 50 folks deep. And I've got no room to talk, but the crowd was a tad older than I was used to. Or maybe they just looked older, it seemed like a pretty salty sea of salt and pepper. I'm not sure where we were in proximity to Illinois State U. but I guess I just thought it would be a more college-y crowd.
The doors opened and we secured our clearance. The theatre was a nice enough venue, easy to navigate, clean bathrooms. We made our way to the Kenside of the front and there was plenty of room at the relatively low stage. We chatted with some of the nearby folks, and discovered I knew some of them and that we had mutual friend/musicians. In no time at all, it was time for Robbie Fulks. Ken had been in contact beforehand and had actually come down to watch Robbie's set with us. Pretty awesome, right? He disappeared somewhere just before the last song Robbie and the other Robbie finished up. They were solid as hell and funny to boot. But I didn't drive to Bloomington to see him.
After Robbie Fulks left the stage, the techs scrambled to set up the stage accordingly and then Queen's "Fat Bottomed Girls" started up and we laughed. And then my boys came out with big smiles and the room just lit up with hoots and hollers. The drum kit and amps appeared to be rentals, which made sense, they were only out on a 2 day jaunt before going on break til the end of the month. I was so excited for my little first timer. Not that it made a difference to her, but the setlist ended up being so choice. Rhett really has his knack for a varied mix from the albums with good flow, down pat. This is a testament to the calibre of their music, you can mix from any of the albums and it still tastes good. It was tasty enough that I've already crafted it as a playlist in the ipod. I think there was a little bit more freedom since these tour dates weren't in support of a new album specifically.
They started out with Barrier Reef, Won't Be Home No More and then Dance with Me. Lotta power real fast!
At one point I raised my arm to show my newbie the goosebumps all over my skin. It just gets in me. I can't explain it and I'm OK with that.
Right off the bat, Ken was everywhere and teetering like a tightrope walker, edging between monitors. He's been known to kick your purse or personal crap off of the edge of the stage, even if it's not really in his way. Just because you're sullying his workspace. He did manage to punt a few stacked up empty beer cups and that got me giggling. No other purses or personal belongings seemed to have been harmed. It was funny, the stage was pretty low. Not low enough to be considered a riser, but low enough that someone of my height could easily just turn around and sit on it without hopping up. So when Ken or even Rhett got close, woo mama, they were right there. Like I could have fiddled with knobs on the guitar-close. Every so often I would turn and make sure Marie was enjoying herself and indeed she and most everyone else were. These boys were on fire, but this is the norm. Rhett sounded fine, even if the vocals were a bit difficult to hear. He seemed fully recovered from his vocal cord issues earlier this year. All was just as it should be.
I guess it'd been 8 months since the last shows for me and boy, that might just be too long in between. I was so stoked to bring my cousin, and the excitement of the drive and visiting my friend kept me a little too jacked up on adrenaline to feel hungry. I didn't eat enough before the show and then had only a coffee, so I sort of crashed near the middle of the show. It didn't help that a fair amount of the stage lights actually shone on us in the front and you really could feel the heat coming off. I happen to sweat like Rhett Miller under the best of conditions, so just before they brought Robbie out to sing I'd be Lonesome, I had to ditch out to refill my water and cool off. My first time EVER leaving the front row. It was a shame to miss one of my favorite songs, but it was unavoidable, I needed fresh air. I don't ever drink alcohol at shows just so I won't have to leave during. But the last thing I wanted was to keel over, I knew I was over-hungry and while I was pounding water, I was just as quickly sweating it out as I danced. It was a rookie mistake. I believe the lesson has been learned.
So I cooled off enough from the lobby to return to the front and just eased off on the dancing. I knew I could make it til the end of the show where I could slam some of the car munchies Marie brought. And we made it through just fine, they rocked our collective asses off. They just fed off of the love and the cycle completed itself.

Ken broke a string, I can't remember when, but it may have shown up in one of the pictures. The drum kit was not really set high enough off to make an impressive jump during the final song, but Rhett did it anyway. When all was sang and done, the techs came out to make quick work of the equipment and then I wasted no time grabbing the setlist. These are moments one mustn't hesitate during. *yoink*
We were properly exhilarated and had a snackfest directly afterwards. This helped matters immensely and I was restored within minutes. We waited a good while for Ken and eventually the other guys to come out. Ken was his normal, chatty, slightly off-color, self. Murry, quiet, seeming sleepy, but down for a few minutes in the social circle before returning to the van. Philip, who I had really wanted to congratulate for a terribly cool iphone photo of Saturn through the telescope. A tiny but majestic image posted on facebook awhile back. And darling Rhett, ever charming, always friendly and game for some fashion chat. The boy loves his Varvatos. Jacket and jeans, I totally called it. But he also loves, ahem, Calvin Klein, and that's all I will say about that.
I would have liked to have taken some pics afterwards but it didn't feel organic, considering how much chat time we were getting.
They all gave Marie her props after I let them know it was her first show, we had some good chats and laughs and then boom, time to haul.
We took off for Champaign and upon arrival, lovely Mike had chicken and pasta from dinner for us. I'm so glad that my cousin had a good time, I did too! I knew it was a no brainer, but it is so nice to have the experience land where you would like it to for someone else.
Bonding experience success!

Long, Long, Long (2)

It's been a long, long, long, time...since I made anything of note. I've continued crafting granny squares. I have crafted the odd birthday gift. But the rut has been a deep one, and the oomph is nowhere to be found. It's so close. It's just under the surface. I just haven't had it in me to get the room finished so I can work comfortably. And I painfully realize the time wasted. The ideas swim inside my head. They just happen to still live in there instead of in the tangible reality.
A catalyst appears and it seems time to get back on track. I'm dying to. But I can't get in there to do it.
This is a repeating pattern, there is always some arbitrary hurdle. The cleanliness of the office, the dishes that should be done, the laundry or cleaning that should be done. I don't know why I punish my creative self like this.

All My Loving

There's so much raw power in this album, you could probably light a room while it plays.

-Too Far To Care - The 15th Anniversary Tour - 
Madison & Chicago 
October 2012

     Once upon a time, in 1997, perfectly enough, a band from Dallas released their third album. An album on a 'REAL' label. An orange & blue album with cowboys & cacti on the cover. An album beloved by people from every corner of this fine country. An album that made an impact in the newly coined 'alternative country' genre or 'alt. country'. This is the album that most people refer to when speaking of their love for Old 97's. And love, I mean, deep down to their bones. It is the quintessential encapsulation of all that they were at that time. Fresh, young, pulsing with energy & fervor, plaintive lyrics & howling vocals, twangy gee-tars & crunchy amps, thumpity drumming & bumpity bass. This year is the 15th anniversary of the album, and it is being played in its entirety on a whirlwind, 2 week tour of the midwest and east coast. Exciting!

     My initial exposure to the Old 97's was through a live show in early 1999. At the time, their most current album was on the verge of coming out and Too Far To Care was all I could get my hands on without going special-order for the previous two. At this particular time in my life: I was almost 25, single-yet still disentangling from a long-term-live-in boyfriend, now living with a good friend in a cute rental house and my beloved car got me safely to and from work at the trendy salon/spa where I was a fabulous receptionist. I was reconnecting with my art and spent the summer painting with this album jangling its way into my heart and psyche as it played virtually nonstop (switched out only for Fight Songs, when that was released!). These boys were truly my own; there was no pre-existing emotion to tie this album to anything but my wonder at how much I could love something so twangy and well...country. But in a Johnny Cash kind of way, or as I've been known to say, "If the Beatles continued on a Carl Perkins path, following rockabilly ala 'What Goes On' or 'Act Naturally', rather than the experimental, psychedelic path, also with some punk influence." Or as Ken Bethea himself has distilled it down to, 'Cash, Clash, Bowie, Beatles'. It's really just true & pure form of rock, with regional seasoning, that's all. I was taken hostage by this album and Stockholm syndrome was in full effect. I was truly in love with my captors.

Just me, circa the late 1990s, wondering how could I love this powerhouse twangpunk rock so much? Who AM I?!

  
     After a few years of going to quite a few shows totally ALONE, I happened upon someone who would become my greatest companion for the rock n' roll adventures, Karin aka K. This would be in 2002. Through that fateful meeting and the subsequent Rhett Miller show, we would become virtually inseparable for future, innumerable Rhett solo shows and full band gigs. Then we started making all these cool friends that were as wild about the guys as we were. Some were local, most were scattered across the country. Quite a few have ventured to Chicago to experience the show here. Many I've never had the pleasure of knowing in person, only virtually through the forums and eventually through social networking. They are my friends nonetheless. I continue to meet the finest of folks at shows, as well as the ol' regulars, because it's always nice to see a familiar face when one is truly enjoying oneself. We can band together for space at the front and maintain the boundaries when we lose someone to the bathroom or the bar. Backup is key. Standard Operating Procedure in full effect. We know the drill. Sometimes these shows are the only time I might see a certain person, because maybe you can never get it together and hang out like proper friends, but you KNOW they are coming to the SHOW. Happy reunions ensue complete with a bitchin' soundtrack!

     Once again, the boys descended upon our towns and the reason for living returned to the forefront of our minds. Another great adventure & mini-road trip. K and I got to the Capitol Theatre in Madison in time to miss Rhett's opening set  :(  but still able to get prime area at the front, Murryside. The Travoltas were playing. I took no pictures of them at this show, because I was absolutely mesmerized. I'd longed to see Salim Nourallah in action, he has produced a number (3?) of the last Old 97's albums, along with a Rhett Miller solo album. He has also released many awesome albums of his own and with his brother, Faris. I already knew I liked him. The Travoltas were all clad in these 1970's formal suits of tan with brown piping. They looked to be enjoying their time onstage. Each of them pretty much in love with whatever instrument they were playing, and Salim crooning to the crowd, mic in hand, enticing us to clap along. The songs were generously dipped in retro-flavorings, but done very well as they were kitsch-tastic! I was enamored. I am enamored, hahaha.

     Then our boys came out, and began the album, first song 'Timebomb'. It's a hell of way to start a show. (For the uninitiated, this is ALWAYS the closing song. It packs an extremely satisfying punch as a closing number.) As the opener, it sets a fierce tone. It was interesting to hear it live, song for song in order. They didn't really mess with perfection, and just plowed through it with minimal chit-chat. The usuals all made their appearance. The Rhett microphone suck & blow, the windmilling and hair flailing, Murry taking aim with his mighty bass. Ken exploring both sides of the stage, barely able to make it to our side due to the length of the guitar cord available to him. Philip crashing and bashing. Beautiful to my ear-holes. The remainder of the setlist was equally powerful, though I have no paper to prove it. You'll just have to trust me. I did however, receive a setlist after the show from someone on stage. Though at a closer look, it seemed to be a duplicate from the show the previous night. Ah well.
When the entire show was over, we went looking for the Travoltas. There they all were, working their own merch table, meeting & greeting us all. I asked them to huddle up and Salim was like, 'come on and get in here!'  Well, say no more! So K and I posed with them and then we were inquiring about the album and other things for sale. I hadn't realized there was a kickstarter campaign at the time. I was lost in the euphoric haze that usually accompanies the aftermath. I'm all but worthless for a good 20 minutes, but I'm usually OK by the time the we get shooed out of the venue. I tried to not be too starstruck as I told Salim how much I enjoyed their set and that I really appreciated his work as producer for the 97's. He really gets how they should sound. I told him that I considered him their George Martin, even maybe a smidge Geoff Emerick. I hope he took it to heart, I meant every word. The boy plainly loves his Beatles!  There was a greeting and high-fiving with Jeff, the 97's traveling merch-meister. He's great and we've known him since the Drag It Up tour.  We caught up for a minute with Murry and Ken for hugs and thanks, little more. It's enough. These boys are cool, humble and best of all, REAL. No bullshit. And then we were off, making the trek back to Karin's. It would take me an hour after we got back to settle down enough to be able to sleep. Good stuff.

Meet the Travoltas!

Sometimes the tilt is the only way to fit all 4 in frame.

     I listened to the newly acquired Travoltas album no less than 4 times, as that is approximately how long a drive home from Wisconsin is. The album is exactly 30 minutes long. Short but sweet. I learned enough of it to be able to fully enjoy their Chicago show. Once I got to the show anyways. It took about as long to get to the Vic as the drive to Wisconsin takes!! Friday traffic in the city is no joke. And I was fully aware of this. But I was hindered at every turn. Thankfully, upon arriving and finding ridiculously close and cheap parking, my friends awaiting inside had secured front row status. (Thanks JJ and SK!) I had finally arrived with time to spare. Rhett did take the stage earlier than expected. He whet the appetite nicely for the Travoltas. I was giddy with anticipation. Yay, more Travoltas! They were equally as entertaining as at the Madison show. I was able to snap a few blurry shots of them in action. The only Problematico  in the show was a moment where Salim's acoustic guitar was not coming through the amp, but he took it in stride and just played air guitar with his actual guitar. The show must go on! Nice. They all looked like they were having a blast, and it translated very well to the crowd. I like to think that they WOWed Chicago.

The illustrious Salim Nourallah playing a guitar with no sound.

     The crowd started closing in on us right before the Travoltas left the stage. When those Old 97's bounded across the stage and picked up their instruments, there was a resounding intake of collective breaths before the squawking, hooting and hollering started. Ken's amp had ghoulish purple lights strung about it and some kind of creepy skeleton character slapped in the center. They just powerhoused right into things and ate up every bit of adulation we could throw at them. It was plain that they were enjoying themselves almost as much as we were. That's a wonderful thing to witness. The whole audience was singing along, it was terribly cool. The show went off without a hitch, no broken strings or straps, no amp or pedal problems. No tumbling or tripping or knocking the mic stands over. It was a flawless event.

Ken brings the gun show centerstage

Murry & Ken having a laugh

 

The stage was seemingly less wide than the one in Madison, so Ken had plenty of cord to to wander freely and show off for us. AHEM

Just a little whiplash, no big deal...

 
Chicago has a pure golden love for them, and people from elsewhere that have seen them here, have commented that 'there's nothing like a Chicago show'. It is known. You can even see here as the heavens shone down upon them. Glorious.

     And here's Rhett getting ready to jump!

     So the setlist was torn in two as it was removed from its place on the stage. Ken hands me a piece and the other to some stranger. She let me photograph it wholly before she took off in glee. In all honesty, I have a fair amount of setlists and probably should have given her the matching piece. But I'm just a sentimentalist. Maybe Ken thought we would catfight over it. In fact, I'm fairly sure that was the hope. Hahahaha

 

Another show, another night well spent surrounded by friends and fans. I had a fabulous time, we reunited with familiar souls scattered throughout the venue. I got to schmooze with the Travoltas again afterwards. I told them, I tried to sing along when I could because I tried to power learn the album. Nick said 'You knew lyrics?" and then proclaimed me their first fan and tried to give me a free poster. I couldn't let him do it. I paid for that poster along with some of Salim's other albums. I have tried putting the word out about their Kickstarter without being completely obnoxious about it. Especially now, because there are others in the world in relatively dire need of donated a$$istance. But they are grand entertainers and fully deserve the cushioning, so if you could help, please watch their video and pitch in. They have under 4 days left and are less than 10% away from achieving their goal!! It won't take much more to bring them to this success.

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1851438890/the-travoltas


Then we were dispersed to the outside to wait for a chance to chat. Sure enough, after letting the gigglies get their turn for pics and signed vinyl, Ken ambled over to catch up. He asked if we noticed his Halloween lights and decor (of course we did!) and says that he might go back to the Walgreens and buy more. We get him for a good 20 minutes which usually includes regular life chat, video game or book recommendations, the odd dirty joke/anecdote from the road. Just regular stuff.  He's a good dude. I enjoy our banter. Murry, Rhett and the ever elusive Philip made brief appearances for hellos, hugs and thank yous before being loaded up and whisked away quickly like a dream that dissolves upon awakening.

And now we wait for next time. Because even after all these years, it's still pretty much the greatest thing EVER.

HELP

I just had one of the best weekends I've had in a long time. I saw my absolute favorite band for the nth time. Old 97's. They changed my life. Even as they have entered the actual, personal friend phase, and not just my adored from afar rock stars, I don't know if they will ever understand the platinum pivotal role they have played. Unfortunately, that is a story for another post.

The HELP in the blog title refers to the help I'm asking for on behalf of the band that opened for the Old 97's. They are from Dallas also, and they are named the Travoltas. Led by singer/songwriter/producer Salim Nourallah, they collectively blew my mind at the Madison show (and again in Chicago!)
Kitsch-tastic in every way, the lounge-y delivery of catchy, smart pop songs were a joy to behold. They all wore tan, polyester suits with the pockets and lapels edged in a dark trim. They were everything I've ever wanted and I didn't even know I was missing it. Kind of like the discovery of the Old 97's, -where have you been all my life?-
The Travoltas need our HELP. They may not break even on this tour. They are bringing a unique brand of happiness across this fine country of ours and there's a chance they will be in the red, because they had to leave behind their regular jobs to go on tour. This breaks my heart. They have a Kickstarter account with many awesome bonuses for various levels of  help. Please click the link and watch this video and see for yourself! They are a winning team that needs a little boost, please do what you can. Every little bit will help!
The Travoltas Kickstarter

You will not regret it!

When I'm Sixty-Four

The Granny Square (not to be confused with the Granny Specs) is the latest in multicolored glory. This is a gradient acrylic that I plan on edging in black and then connecting them all to make a lovely blanket. Usually the Granny Square is made from scrap yarn, hence the different colored rounds. I just thought I'd let the pattern fall where it may, and each square is unique, but similar.

15 down, a zillion more to go!

She Said She Said

When I first started this blog, it was quite fittingly themed in Beatles song titles. A few months in, I had a paranoid delusion of reaping trouble from it and changed them all into titles much more benign. And then I lost interest, what with not really creating anything to blog about. Time passed. Then even more time passed.
But it's time to refresh and renew, and I re-present the blog, complete with original Beatles titles. It has a mobile version now, and it will be an all purpose artly blog. Truthfully, the clay thing is on the verge of invigoration as we speak. The new studio is almost in complete working order.
Soon, I'll photograph the granny squares I've been working on. Is it weird that I only want to crochet or knit once a chill has hit the air?

Lady Madonna

As we plunge forward into making this blog as much about life as it is about clay, I offer the very latest in output. This is a reinterpretation of a Chieftains album cover, San Patricios. It was a gift commissioned by my Dad, for my Mom. It is particularly meaningful, as I come from the lineage depicted, Irish (soldier) and Mexican (Our Lady). Acrylic on canvas - 2012

did you think that money was heaven sent?

We Can Work It Out

OK so this doesn't seem to be working out as *just* a clay blog, so I'm converting its use to something more all-encompassing.The clayness hasn't happened in awhile due to time and circumstantial constraints. But life and everything else goes on, even when art isn't happening and I could be writing about that too. So I'm going to try THAT and see if we can't get something a little more regular and timely happening. Thanks and see you later!

Baby, You're a Rich Man

you want your candle globe to work double duty when you're not burning a candle? YOU GOT IT! These new additions will hold an incense stick upright and allow the candle to catch the ash as it falls away. I quite like them. Dual function with easy clean up!

Paperback Writer

I made this for a friend that reads and would never dog-ear a page to mark her place in a book. She loves real dog ears, but only when they are attached to dogs :)

Glass Onion

Not a Second Time

these are some fine examples of mokume gane technique, wouldn't you say?
they are shown lit with the lights off and with the lights on!

Getting Better

I've Just Seen a Vase ;)

I normally would not have used a translucent cane on something that was not going to be able to house a candle. I thought maybe a sunny window would do, it will still catch wonderful light.

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

the windows and antennae GLOW IN THE DARK!!!

Wait

i've got a new project in the works, it's a spin on the cityscape centerpieces. super cute- its about to hit the oven tonight for its final curing. i'm hoping the recipient and buyer love it as much as i do!
CHI-TOWN represent!!!!
hahaha

What Goes On

so i found this new shape and i think i like it A LOT LOT LOT! more attempts with translucence..lovely lovely

Long, Long, Long

so here's a little number i whipped up for an x-mas gift. fairly simple. i just did what was asked of me. its a design reminiscent of a previous look. thanks MK for your support and lovely gift idea!

Because

Let's face it, it's been almost 5 months since the last posting. i haven't really made anything, so it's not entirely inaccurate. however, i do regret the time that gets lost when i'm so-called gainfully employed. i never have the energy to really create when i'm sapped from the day. i can't seem to find that balance. i do have a few things on the burner though...all isn't lost. its just on pause...again...

oooh, i'm getting a new table!!! gotta make room! i do love a good furniture switch.
that's going to force me to organize and hopefully downsize the back room. fingers crossed.