SELF RISING

Progress shot of a little project I'm working on for the Biscuit Festival.

ANNIVERSARIES

My mom has always joking attributed part of my existence to the Illinois blizzards of the late 70s. After several years of this onslaught of snow, she thew in the towel (or hand warmer), headed south, and eventually met my dad at the copy desk of The Commercial Appeal. Today marks the 36th anniversary of one of those whopping storms. After seeing some pictures posted by The Chicago Tribune, I understand how completely attractive Memphis seemed in contrast. In a strange twist of fate, my mom is now a teacher and spends her winters wishing for snow days.

Woman in Oak Park by Anne Cusak for The Chicago Tribune

Face masks on Foster Ave. by Sally Good for The Chicago Tribune

After last winter, I'm fearing what this one might hold in store. I've never been much for snow that hangs around for more than 2-3 days. I don't know what to do with it, or how to cope with the fact that the inside of my nose has frozen solid and my feet never get warm, or that the crazies have cleaned the grocery stores clear out of toilet paper, batteries, milk, and peanut butter.

To see the rest of this photo series, click here. By the way, how cool is it that both these pictures were taken by women?

HANGING OUT

My paintings have flown west for the new year. On display all January at Tomato Head in Bearden.

FREEDOM FROM WANT

I threw a helluva dinner party before Christmas.

Now, back to some regular posting.

MATERIALISM

Three things I wished I had today:

1. The new D'Angelo record.
2. A better haircut.
3. A belt sander.

AN UPDATE -- OR, HOW MANY TIMES CAN YOU BEAT A DEAD HORSE?

Over 2 years ago, I wrote a post called "I Hate My Painting," and I meant it wholeheartedly. (A lot of folks have read that entry. Seems to be a popular phrase to Google, I guess.) I struggled and farted around with it. And then it became this painting, and may have been something else in that in-between. Clearly I wasn't sure enough of it to let it be. I think I've got it though. Now it is hanging in Tomato Head, and I like it enough to let other people see it, outside of the confines of the internet.

fin.

Here's what it was between the "I Hate my Painting" post and the creepy girl painting.  Not good either.