Last weekend Shannon and I traveled to Williamsburg (a serious trek for her, from L.I.) to see Of Montreal. They didn't disappoint, although their antics were much less energetic or entertaining than in previous shows. To be honest, they really don't need to have people in costumes or live animals onstage to be entertaining - their music is fun enough.
However, I did notice a big move forward in their video projections, which heretofore had been, well, lacking (to my taste anyway).
As I write this, I am listening to "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper and thinking of my mom. We have sooooo many associations with this tune. And now I get a new one.
Last Saturday was a rather special occasion for me: the reception for my very first (and hopefully not last) art show! I was participating in the West Side Arts Coalition's exhibit for posters and collages with five pieces.
When I got there, the other artists were doing their own posing with their pieces, while friends and family milled about.
Requisite group photo...
We had a good turnout... Barbara from the office was there, as well as Mitch and Dustin's uncle Stickney.
Stephanie showed up (with flowers! ain't she the sweetest?) and made quick work of snapping photos of everything.
Before long, Momo and Margaret also showed up.
It was fun to finally get to show people I know some of the things I've worked on, because photos don't normally convey the vibe, know what I'm saying? But it was definitely weird to have to talk about it... I've never really had to b.s. about the "juxtaposition" in anything I've made.
Momo and I were talking about this one, which is covered in glitter, and after a pause, she said, "Once I threw up red glitter." I figured that warranted a photo.
These are my pieces, which somehow don't look quite right in jpeg form, but which I'll post nevertheless, because it's the first time they've hung on a wall!
In real life, this one is far brighter shade of gold.
Dustin showed up and with him he brought his whole family! Or at least the ones in town. Dad Louis and Uncle (technically cousin) Stickney.
Stepmama Karen and Phoebelina too!
The day had started out rainy and miserable, but by the afternoon the sun shone through the trees - which, by the way, had bloomed overnight into this gloriousness (gloriosity?).
A lovely celebratory day, finished off with barbecue that tasted straight outta Austin and had a bar stocked with dozens of different types of whiskeys. What could be better than that? I suppose a photo would be good, but that will have to wait for next time.
If there's one thing New York ladies are sillily serious about, it's new fashion. So when Top Shop, a store popular in the UK, announced they'd be opening a shop in SoHo, the ladies went nuts. A couple of weeks ago, Mitch, Stephanie and I walked down after work with the intention of seeing what the hullaballoo was all about. That evening (rain and all), the line to get in was around the block. We decided to go to H&M instead.
But last week, I had a half hour to kill between sessions on a random Friday morning, and as I walked around SoHo I passed the new Top Shop and decided to pop in. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by loud, cool pop music and two ridiculously dressed employees who wished me a wonderful day and shopping experience. It was a little intense.
But not as intense as this array of crazy shades. Top Shop is not for the weak of style. It's like H&M, but wackier, more fun, and more expensive. I'm thinking an upcoming trend will be Pocahontas Chic...
I'm a sucker for huge flower rings, but this thing was the size of my palm!
Yes, they had a thousand items I wanted to buy, but most that I couldn't afford. I'd probably come here for a nice cocktail dress, and maybe just to browse around with desire.
Speaking of desire... these two found love on an escalator.
The requisite Bored Husband Lounge...
Somehow Top Shop's done the impossible: reinterpreted the 80s in a way that's not repulsive, made silly clothes wearable, and, unlikeliest of all, made me want neon. Well done, Top Shop. I'll be back to gaze upon you with lust.
Last Sunday I spent the afternoon walking to Central Park to check on spring's progress. I was pleased with how far it's come since January, when I last visited the Park. I indulged my obsession with bare branches.
Grr, behold The Claw! I sat myself down to do the Sunday crossword and sip coffee while some birds flew overhead.
One came to visit me. We chatted for a bit before he rejoined his friends in flying around in circles.
The branches weren't all bare, though. Some had lovely buds about to break out.
The first flowers of the season were already blessing the playground.
I spotted a Little Red Riding Hood, who was intently following a squirrel...
Ooh! My favorites....
As I made my way home, I instantly spotted this gem... once you have a filter on your brain it's easy to do.
O, the colors of spring... brightening the city one block at a time.
