Makin' Moves

The weekend was a hot, exercise filled endeavor since it was our move in date. I guess for the most part, things went pretty well. The new apartments we moved in to were furnishing a moving company, and while they were supposed to show up at 11:00 AM on Saturday, their management overbooked them. It was actually Sunday at 7:30 AM before we saw them, but once they got there the move went very fast. Of course, we had already made several trips of our own...but the important thing is the move got finished. Our new place is quite nice, and has a lot of wide open room. We moved down to a one bedroom place from a two, but this place has an extra half bath and the same square footage as our old two bedroom did...it's just laid our better.

Kherstin and I are both pretty dedicated to not only keeping this place spotless, but also being very organized with our approach to living there. We've been meaning to spend more time and money on our living quarters as we spend a lot of time there, but for one reason or another we just haven't in the past.

East Bound And Down

loaded up and truckin', we goin' do what they say can't be done. We got a long way to go, and a short time to get there, we're east bound and down just watch 'ol Bandit run.

Well, actually I guess it's more correct to say we're West Bound and Down (for Kansas) but Jerry Reed never really sang about that now did he? Speaking of music, I'm currently listening to Lush's "Ladykillers". I swear, was there ever a better time for music than the 90's? I know a lot of older folks will sing the praises of the 60's and 70's...blah, blah. But seriously...it cannot be coincidence that the most interesting portion of the programming on our local alternative radio station is the "90's at Noon" segment. Plus, it seems like all the really good shit I dig up on YouTube was made during the 90's as well. Lush, Edwyn Collins, Space, House of Pain, early Tool and Helmet, Prong...the list goes on and on. I was never a big fan of Seattle rock, but that came out of that 90's era too, as did probably the best ever dance music and gangsta rap. I mean, when you sit back and reflect on the 90's versus the 00's, the 90's were bringin' da heat. These days, everwhere I turn there's remakes of older songs and TV shows into movies (or new TV shows). It's like no one does anything original anymore. Hell, I'm waiting for the inevitable Smokey and the Bandit remake. You know it's coming...starring The Rock as the Bandit and Sean William Scott as Snowman.

The Kansas City Artists Coalition Rivermarket Regional professional show opens tommorow from 5-8 PM in the Rivermarket area (of course), of which I am proudly a part of. I am very excited that both my pieces I submitted gained entry. It would be nice to sell both prints, and they are competitively priced for such an event so the idea isn't outside the threshold of reality, but the exposure and sense of accomplishment is what it's all about folks. If you happen to be in the KC area, and have a desire to see great art from a lot of talented people, then by all means...consider yourself invited.

Sparkle and Fade

So yesterday as our country celebrated it's independence in the only way it truly knows how, by blowing shit up, my wife and I attended the annual gathering of the like minded at my buddy Tyler's. This was fun as it always is, but this year was a bit different. For starters, Mother Nature decided to treat us to a wonderful display of rain for the better part of the evening which meant the party as a whole was confined to the garage area. The other interesting development to this story is that it is the first fourth of July that I wasn't able to drink. I wouldn't recommend it. Don't get me wrong, the fourth and fireworks are all fun and games, but it certainly makes it much more entertaining when you are intoxicated.

Alas, my brain tumor doesn't mix well with alcohol, so none of that for me. All in all, this fourth of July party was by far the worst in the longstanding series and seems to point toward the event as an institution beginning to show itself threadbare. We're all getting older and more established in family life (and while that certainly doesn't keep us from enjoying the fourth, fireworks or a get together of our closest friends) we cannot run around like drunken idiots anymore. I can't anyway for the aforementioned health reasons, but I doubt any of us really would be. Lots of spouses, lots of kids.

I feel the saddest for my good friend Tyler though. It seems his whole world is changing around him and he has no say in the direction it's going. Most of his closest friends are all married now, most with children, and these obligations make spending time with him (or anyone else) outside of home life and work difficult. Of course, nothing in life is more constant than change, which is why it doesn't bother me anymore. Sure, when I was in my early to mid twenties I hated the idea of change. I loved my life the way it was and fought to keep all my friends around me and happy. But, time has it's way of doing what must be done. My buddy Bryan has moved to Omaha, NE to better his career. My friend Scotty has his wife and two kids now, and with as much as he works, they demand the majority of his time. My friend Patrick has his wife and three kids, although happily I do seem to stay in better contact with him these days than we used to (even if it is only through messenger or once a month flag football).

But Tyler...he is another story. Ever the staunch friend and ally, he has fought hard to remain in his town of choice and to try and keep up the rituals we've had before (like our once a week dinners and the fourth of July parties). But as Metallica wisely tells us, the hammer of justice crushes all. Eventuality always wins out. So in we usher our friend Change. Next year for example, my wife and I will be heading out to Topeka, KS to spend the fourth with her family. It's only fair, and I have no problem with that. But, some probably won't see it that way (and that's OK, they're entitled to think what they want).

I think one of the biggest things to learn from life is how everything is cyclical and everything changes to suit the different seasons of your life. Nothing lasts forever, and such is the way of things. You simply have to roll with the punches, adapt to the new adventures and challenges, and hold dear the memories of things used to be and look forward to what they will become anew in the future.

The Oldest of Schools

Currently Listening to "Edwyn Collins - A Girl Like You"

I am totally stoked...my revision of my website is finally done as is my online store, so I can begin to sell prints of my work (hopefully). :) I also plan on placing a certain amount of these prints in my brother's wood products showroom as we really cater to the same clientelé. He sells items that dress up a home for those of means and what do you know? So do I. We're actually collaborating on a slim shadow box frame version of the display works to sell as a possible custom upgraded version.

The 4th of July is upon us, which means the opportunity to blow things up. I can't think of a more American tradition to be honest. It'll be nice to have the day off, to chill with friends and family, and enjoy not putting in the straight eight for a day. Here's hoping everyone out there in TV land cracks open a few cold ones for you AND me.