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I have been following the trials and tribulations of a few people via their blogs. One person I check in with is Evan, Swarthmore student, musican, activist and guitar instructor. Sometimes I feel like a stalker but hey at least I'm harmless...right hehe
I have wanted these sneakers for almost a year now. I first saw them in NYC and loved them. I even tried them on in NYC, but couldn't bring myself to spend the $$ on Chuck Taylors, after all they are nothing new. Finally a couple of weeks ago, I found this bo-bo knock off pair and I even added my own tag on the corny looking side pocket. I'm happy now and they were only about twelve dollars ☆!
Click for larger image
Soon to be attached to a pillow
A while back I created this felt image based on the Andy Warhol painting. I wasn't sure which pillow I would sew it on so I set it aside. Its an image I always liked, even as a kid. As a small child, I had no idea of its racial overtones. When in Jamaica, Nicole told be about her topsy turvy rag doll collection. Everytime her mother goes away she brings her home a handcrafted rag doll. Jamaica is loaded with these dolls and I found them endearing.
The girls became friends
Close up shot of the little faces
Back from my vacation and the best way to describe the trip overall is tranquil and soothing. I was kissed with oodles of freckles and sipped pina coladas. Mostly, the day consisted of being situated poolside and setting up an umbrella when the sun became too much. Tough life huh? Sure beats sitting in the miserable cubical I once inhabited like a prisoner. The Jamaican people are truly charming. They have beautiful mahogany like skin that glistens and they smile so freely it’s contagious. It's a very rural place where the people live simply; I found that inspirational. There is color and music everywhere; their culture is rich with crafting. The minute we stepped off the plane we were herded onto a bus and headed for the resort. I dislike that part of traveling and we discussed the benefits of private jets and drivers, not that it was an option for any of us. Declining the opportunity to purchase the green substance that grows, became the past time the minute we hit the island. Traveling is so tiring and dull; all I could think about was a nice hot shower. Once we settled in and found our way around the Hotel, I got the first of what would be many refreshments with Jeanna and Nicole. Being hit on by Jamaican men every ten minutes did get repetitious after a while. We pondered, what are they hoping for? A quick roll in the hay, a one way ticket off the island? They didn’t seem to have an interest in leaving Jamaica, just an interest in this game they create. We laughed about it and teased one another unmercifully. We bought Jamaican trinkets to take home and took lots of photos of paradise. Thank you to Tina from Reading for the much needed ibephophen fix. Click below too see a few of my pictures. (Jeanna and Nicole right click and save.)
A Relaxed Mellow Smile on My Face
Click on pics to enlarge
The Lobby
The sunset view from my balcony
Jeanna
Nicole and Me
Palms
Reggea jams on the beach
Our beach
The sunset from my room
Our Ocean View
The ruins outside our window
Rose Hall, home of the "white witch." She killed several husbands and slaves. Johnny Cash donated furniture during a remodeling phase.
This man plays Johnny Cash tunes in what is now the bar of Rose Hall.
The toile room was my favorite in Rose Hall
The dining room at Rose Hall
A little creature poolside
The dolls Nicole and I bought
Charming faces hand created
The hotel room was very comfortable and bright
What was that….
..hello? - … HELLO! – is that someone there?
Geech… I thought I heard something, something in the dark over there. - by the archive section.
I’m telling you it’s a bit spooky here on my own looking after the place. Run out of beers a whiles back and now the chip‘n dip situation is looking dire…
Yea I know - I know. I should clean up a little and not leave it till a hour before Liz gets back but what with the wide screen plasma TV and dolby 5.1 you get a little distracted. Got me a screener copy of that Van Helsing and that Kate Beckensale…
I will tidy up tomorrow – there’s lots of time yet.
Still
A bit spooky late at night. You know what it’s like, you see something in the periphery of your vision and your mind creates something .. something awful.
Yea – That’s it - your mind, or rather MY mind. Silly. Just spooking myself.
You know Liz has a load of photos back here she has never published. Mostly family, some photos of dogs but there are a few photos – well let’s just say they are interesting.
Tell you what. post me $5 and I will send you a copy – but don’t tell Liz!
There is what looks like a shoebox on the side here and Liz has drawn a skull and crossbones on it with the words ‘DON’T TOUCH’ on it. If I had cash for beers I might be brave enough to open it and share!
What was that noise!
Shit…
Tomorrow morning, bright and early I leave for Jamaica. We are staying at an all inclusive resort called Wyndham Rose Hall Resort, Hotel & Country Club - Montego Bay, Jamaica. I'm packing light and it makes me feel like I'm forgetting something. I don't enjoy flying or airports, not because I'm afraid, but just because I find them terribly dull. I'll people watch on the plane, and hit the sunny beaches when we arrive! Hold down the fort Tony and Dimi.
<--- Bling Bling, I'm wearing my gold in Jamaica.
I dreamt that I was in a very expensive department store and I climbed up on one of the displays in a black dress and heels then couldn't get down. I was very high up and some of the clerks gathered around me and suggested that I need to climb down a ladder. They wheeled over another display and I kept telling them they needed to bring it closer because I couldn't jump that far and land in heels. They got it closer but when I put my foot on it, the display was too bendable and was crushing my foot. I finally decided my only way down was to wake up from this dream. When I woke up my legs were tense. I know this must symbolize something, I just don't know what. Any ideas?
I picked up my new (used) guitar today and I'm super excited to get started playing. Evan, my teacher, is gone for the summer and wants me to practice while he is gone, until my offical lessons start. Thankyou Ivan for your help today too!
Black and white, I love it
Besides the late breaking news of my pillows finally being available (See UA SHOP), it seems MTV's The Real World is here in town right now filming. Philly is a great city and there is a lot to do. It seems that the cast is working for Bon Jovi's football team, Philadelphia Soul. Not a bad gig if you can get it hmm? (Thanks Jeanna for the links!)
This Friday we leave for Jamaica and today I'm going to pick up my electric guitar and amp!!!
I am seriously considering Y 100's Feztival. Anyone else thinking of going?
The best things in life are the simple old fashioned things. The tender mercies help us push forward in the hardest times of the human experience. Someone holds open a door when your arms are full or a friend lets you burst into tears on their shoulder, maybe its the soft pillow a loved one places under your head when you are sick. I love pillows. I have four on my tiny bed. I have two fluffy feather pillows and two decorative. Currently, I'm creating a line of pillows with expressive themes. Each is an original design by me, and hand crafted during many tireless hours. Stay tuned to my shop section. I hope you enjoy them.
My rather raw but earnest talent has made it over to this site and I didn't even have to pay them. Thanks e and Yujin.
War ! – What is it good for? Absolutely Fabulous darling…
Let me lay this out first. I abhor the death of any human being – and the less tasty animals. However man is not a divinity and at the core, perhaps in that reptilian part of the brain now engulfed and subdued by evolution, is a drive to win, and by any means necessary. Not so subdued then.
But we know that – and yet we don’t for we cover ourselves in this veneer of civilisation, distance ourselves from conflict with military, police and laws and because of the need to live together we deny the drive and say the norm is peace. Thus when the lie is exposed it hurts like a motherfucker.
Western Democracy I believe is based on Rule Utilitarianism which broadly stated says an action is morally right if the consequences of that action is more favourable than unfavourable to the majority. So is war then favourable if it succeeds in getting society’s way? Not the individual, not the dissenting group but the largest section of society is served by war if war achieves the aims of that society. A society who aims are to consume and grow will not care
Unpleasant no?
Of course it’s a shit idea and leaves no ground for moral action and goodness and truth – but all those are subjective and highly debatable as to their very existence the reality is as I say – which is not to say it should be that way because thank fuck for free will.
Now to specifics.
Iraq. America has had problems but then so has every state who has every sought to influence another state in any way, from aid to annexation into empire. We know the states that at least start with a benign (if sometimes/alltimes wrongheaded) ideal from those who merely wish power and I honestly think America is of the former.
I believe Saddam needed to be taken down. I believe he used religion to his own ends be it knowingly or unknowingly. What I want is a perfect judge to bring harmony to the world and even tell me if I am right or wrong – I ‘aint got it so it looks like we will have to make deals with devils just to keep the shit levels low. But of course Saddam worked out of free will, which I said was good.
Man is a bi-polar bastard who seeks war to find peace. Until the time we can (hopefully) evolve out of the reptile brain we are doomed to this unending torture.
Have a nice day!
By NIKO PRICE, AP
The video showed five men wearing headscarves and black ski masks, standing over a bound man in an orange jumpsuit - similar to a prisoner's uniform - who identified himself as Nick Berg, a U.S. contractor whose body was found on a highway overpass in Baghdad on Saturday.
''My name is Nick Berg, my father's name is Michael, my mother's name is Susan,'' the man said on the video. ''I have a brother and sister, David and Sarah. I live in ... Philadelphia.''
After reading a statement, the men were seen pulling the man to his side andputting a large knife to his neck. A scream sounded as the men cut his head off, shouting ''Allahu Akbar!'' - ''God is great.'' They then held the head out before the camera.
Berg's family said Tuesday they knew their son had been decapitated, but didn't know the details of the killing. When told of the video by an Associated Press reporter, Berg's father, Michael, and his two siblings hugged and cried.
What does one say? It's all so heartbreaking. ~Liz
I love to learn. I enjoy gaining knowledge of various topics because it’s empowering. I’ve always surrounded myself with people, in part, for there ability to teach me new things. Living near various halls of academia, Swarthmore College is my preferred resource for thought provoking ideas. These hallowed halls are known for attracting students that bring about social change. I have recently had the privilege and benefit of meeting Swarthmore student Evan Greer. Attending some of Evan’s gigs and chatting, I have a great time with Evan and his comrades. Evan is finishing up finals and preparing to go on tour and record this summer. The folk-indie free spirit agreed to chat with me for Urban Addiction. Funny, smart, gifted, Evan and I have become fast friends. Check out the interview and stay tuned to Evan’s site for upcoming tour dates.
photo (c) Cathy Miller 2004
Book Evan Greer into your town this summer, it's easy.
Message board sources indicate that Sofia's next project will be a biopic of French queen Marie Antoinette based on Antonia Fraser's recent book. The union of my favorite book and my favorite director. I'm so exciting that an intelligent female director is doing this story based on this book.
"Sofia Coppola is going to need a new translator. The Lost In Translation director is planning to set her next film in 18th-century Versailles.
She has optioned Lady Antonia Fraser’s biography, Marie Antoinette: The Journey, which portrays the French queen as a complex and misunderstood character.
Coppola took an extensive VIP tour of Versailles, including Marie Antoinette’s private quarters and her recently-restored personal theatre. The filmmaker was so impressed she sent a $750 donation, which will presumably be a good investment as she hopes to film there."
I can't wait to see this: the story is so inspiring and fascinating!
I can figure she'll make extensive research for this project: I truly hope she'll also watch the magnificent 1989 French film "L'Autrichienne" directed by Pierre Granier-Deferre and starring a terrific Ute Lemper. THAT is what I call historical accurancy. The best movie on Marie Antoinette so far!...it's being released on DVD in France in May 2004.
Tonight Nicole took me out to see her piano's teachers band, LGS. They were cool, very cool, but then I had a surreal moment. The second band, Monkey Bus, played RUN DMC and Rapper Delight!! I swear almost cried when they rapped, It's Tricky to rock a rhyme, to rock a rhyme that's right on time It's Tricky...it's Tricky (Tricky) Tricky (Tricky).I felt like I was back at Widener College watching those guys for the first time. After the set I told Rob the drummer about the religious experience I was having in the audience, and how I had seen RUM DMC many times in the 80's. After talking we realized that him and I are from the same town and went to the same high school. Yea, I would say its tricky, but its right on time plus the guitar player had on a pair of Adidas!Thanks for the shot of tequila, Rob!
I met this little girlie, her hair was kinda curly
Went to her house and bust her out, I had to leave real early
These girls are really sleazy, all they just say is please me
Or spend some time and rock a rhyme, I said "It's not that easy"
"War is the very crudest of responses and reflects the utter failure of imagination and intelligence in foreign policy. The cycle of poverty, inequality, and hatred will grow worse. Terrorist recruiting will flourish in the aftermath." ~Prof. Thompson Bradley, Swarthmore College
The recent abuse evidence that has been brought forth recently regarding Iraqi prisoners absolutely infuriates me. This war is insanity and getting worse with each passing day. It's bad for America and bad for Iraq. Those people won’t have any sense of security after this atrocity; not that they did before I’m sure.
I am particularly disgusted when reports and photos show woman behaving in such an unabashed way. Why is it that when we woman are given a position of influence, we feel we must grow a pair of balls and behave as the worst of our male counterparts. Marianne Williamson discussed this transformation years ago in her book, A Woman's Worth. I'm a loving nurturing female, why should a little bit of authority change that? Maybe the system picks the females its knows will play as one of the boys and join the club.
I hope amends can somehow be made, but how does one wage war and then repair the damage it made a conscience choice to inflict in the first place. I think of the expression, you can’t un ring a bell.
I want a tee shirt that says, THE ONLY BUSH I TRUST IS MY OWN. Is that too much?
Debbie Harry's voice still sends chills up my spine. I loved her back in the 80's and I love her now. Back in the 80’s she walked the runway for her buddy, designer Stephen Sprouse. While Stephen has passed away, his stuff is still being ripped off (See Gwen Stephanie’s line of handbags). For the record, I'm typically more into newer acts, but Debbie does age and rock so well, she is an icon. First its the talent of course, but she is so beautiful and she still commands the stage. Its easy to see that her band mates are some smart gents; they put her in front then and now. Rock on Debbie, you inspire me!
Debbie Harry still commands the stage and inspires!
Jessica, my niece is five years old today. I remember when she was born at eleven in the morning. I was in the waiting room and when my brother came out and said it was a girl, I went nuts. I really wanted a girl and couldn't believe we had gotten this lucky. She is Miss Fine and the oldest sibling, like myself. I sent away to London for one of her birthday presents. Sure, she is a little spoiled but can you blame me?
Photo of Miss Jessica Fine taken at her Aunt's home the morning of her 5th birthday.
Wow, this past six months has been a miraculous journey. Since leaving the place of employment where I forfeited my sense of self worth on a daily basis, doors and windows swung open. Meetings, photographing great musicians, writing, planning, participating in activism, seeing my nieces all the live long day, the list goes on and on and it’s not over yet. In weeks I'm off to Jamaica for quality time with the girls and exploration of a place I have never been, following that it’s the shore for more communing with nature. I have been engaging in revelry! Talking with friends about all the marvelous turns, I guess when I think about it, I was preparing for this all along. It has been a process. Literally one drop in the bucket until the bucket is full. When I was miserable at the former j*o*b I worked at maintaining my passions. So much to feel good about and one of the highlights has been Evan Greer using one of my photos for his CD cover. It's a marvelous feeling to see your name on a CD jacket. Evan informed me he will be using another work of mine for his upcoming summer release with Sally O'Brien.
Songs of Solidarity CD cover; photo by me
This weekend was about music again. Myself, Sally and Evan (they attend Swarthmore College) made the rounds to their gigs. Them, so they could jam, me, so I could snap more pictures and hear them play. First we headed to May Day in Clark Park, West Philly. Small but interesting turnout. After Evan & Sally rocked the green grass and the blue sky, we headed to Stroudsburg PA. Two hours from Philadelphia so we said, "Road trip!" Evan drove, Sally dozed, and I talked their ears off about any and everything. They played this small venue called The Sanctuary. It reminded me of some NYC clubs in the 80's. Evan & Sally said it reminded them of high school! I met the charming folks from Fistolo records, Erik and Denise; they were terrific. Also there was a reporter there from Aquarius newspaper. Evidently, this is a music paper from upstate, to Jersey, to New York. Evan & Sally improve every time I see them. With there smart, insightful lyrics and melodious voices, they harminize with each folksy anthem. The performance is solid and well rehearsed, there stage presence is honest making a clean connection with the audience with their politically charged folk-rock sound. I have seen them play against all odds. Faulty sound systems, lethargic audiences and each time they are so professional and entertaining.
Click pic for a sharper image.
Evan Greer and Sally O'Brien sing songs of Solidarity
Evan has a CD out entitled Evan Greer Songs of Solidarity. He offers the songs on his website at www.evangreer.com I took the shot he used for the CD cover and Evan graciously gives me credit on the inside cover!
Back to back, they see eye to eye
Performing like old pros
A girl knitting with a knitting tattoo. This is the funniest/best tattoo ever!
Erik Peterson of Fistolo Records
Erik is on tour right now. Check out his site for more info.
But of course
Myself, Jeanna and Nicole are leaving for Jamaica Mon in three weeks. You know there is the reputation of American woman going there looking for *ahem* a good time shall we say. The travel agent warned us that the men could get "fresh" with us and the travel sites warn that the ganja and the smoking of said ganja is ILLEGAL! With all of these warnings in mind, Jeanna sent Nicole and I each a box of these.