Little Richard's Tubby Time

Bless you, Little Richard.

Expecto-Patronum!

Cora is very excited to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince today with her dad. I have to wait until Friday to see it, but in the meantime I'll proclaim my love for Severus Snape in this manner.

Home Again

I'm back from an amazing trip to Santa Monica. I spent 4 days soaking in the breezy sunshine, driving the little old coast highways and swooping through the brushy canyons surrounding the city. My mother, my daughter and I took beautiful drives up down through Santa Monica canyon, up the Pacific Coast Highway, into Topanga Canyon, and up the coast to Ventura. We drove with the windows down, inhaling the scent of eucalyptus trees, hot sage brush, and the faint salt of the sea. Beautiful!!!

Our second day of the trip Cora and I decided to go to Disneyland. I love Disneyland. I must admit, the magic totally works on me, the minute we drive into the parking lot. As we get to the front gate and I see the little train that runs around the park, I start to hyperventilate a little. It's all I can do sometimes not to skip down Main street on my way to Frontier land.





(Although Walt Disney would think it vulgar to say so, this band totally kicks ass!)

There are moments when I realize I am now nearly the exact same person my mother was when I was Cora's age. Now I'm the driver, the parent who takes you to Disneyland, the one who gets you through the airport,etc. And it's so fun!!




The last day of the trip was the real reason we went in the first place: The 2009 Ventura Motorsports Gathering Car Show. Now I'm not a car person. I know nothing of cars, except that the old ones are beautiful. And we were there to see one beautiful old car in particular: my grandfather Charles Spurgin's 1948 Chevy 4 Roadster race car that he built, raced, and broke records with alongside his buddies and partners, Bob Rufi and Bob Giovanni. (Grandpa's the one standing on the left side of the car.)

The show was amazing. Absolutely amazing. It took place in Ventura, about an hour and a half up the coast from Santa Monica. A man named Ernie Nagamatsu along with a fantastic team of super-skilled, dedicated lovers of hot rods rebuilt my grandfather's famous car and rolled it out for the first time at this show. It was immaculate. The love and care and meticulous attention to detail was obvious from afar. Up close, Ernie pointed out how they had thought carefully about how to do it the way the original team would have, and stuck to that technique, using only materials and tools that would have used at the time. The car was displayed along with the trophies it won, the helmet that was worn to race it, and an enlarged poster of the 1949 cover of Hotrod Magazine it appeared on. There was a small army of photographers and film cameras around the car, taking pictures of all the adult children of the original team, and Ernie who is the spirit behind the reunion.

The stories and memories and feeling of long-lost and new-found family were fantastic. The camaraderie of the original team of Spurgin, Giovinni and Rufi was evident in this next generation as the children of all 3 men gathered together. We all felt like cousins, sharing stories about our fathers and grandfathers and feeling as if they were with us, grouped around this beautiful car that had brought everyone together and been such a super star in its own right!























Go here for the story of the legendary team and this car.





And watch this video of the guys moving the car back to the shop after the show was over.



A HUGE thank you to Ernie Nagamatsu and his wife Elaine and to ALL the guys who have put their love, blood, sweat and tears into restoring my grandfather's car. It means the world to us to know you all have worked so hard to preserve the legacy. Stay in touch, and we'll see you at the next one!

I love July 8th!

My goodness, it's my birthday. 43 years old!! I must admit, for a middle-aged person I feel pretty great!

I'm having a coffee at an internet cafe right now because our computer is down. Then I'll take myself downtown for a tiny shopping experience and then to the vegan bakery to pick up my lovely little birthday cake. Which me and the fam. will eat tonight. Tomorrow Cora and I head out to LOS ANGELES again... 4 days in the sunny Santa Monica sea air will do me a world of good.

A bientot!

xo diane

ps: some notable July 8th birthdays:

Lynn Redgrave (so beautiful and graceful and helps me not fear aging)

Jean de la Fontaine (fables!)

Micky Dolenz (a monkey!)

Aiden Quinn (uber-cute!)

Here are some good Jean de la Fontaine quotes:

"A person often meets his destiny on the road he took to avoid it."

and

"A pessimist and an optimist; so much the worse, so much the better."

and my favorite,

"A hungry stomach cannot hear." so true!

An Awkward American

I never feel so un-american as on the 4th of July. With the influx of american flags, alcohol, explosions, hot dogs and screaming kids... I just want to run away. We tried to run away, to the coast but were thwarted by the above-mentioned throngs of full-blooded, enthusiastic and thoroughly smashed american hoards.

In the parking lot of our little beach hotel were big, bloated pickup trucks with decals that read, "The family that prays together, stays together." and "Blessed by God...spoiled by my husband" and then the ominous "Power of Pride" displayed on an american flag, which is uncomfortably close to White Pride, if you ask me.

My most awkward american moment came when we went to this little cafe for breakfast and there were two large army guys there at the same time. They held the door open for us, and I thanked them and went in. As we were waiting to be seated I thought I should probably insist they be seated first, especially since it was the 4th of July and everything, but that seemed so dramatic and embarrassing that I didn't. I felt a little bit guilty and evil about it, too. (sigh) Such an internal conflict!

We decided to skip town before the July 4th parade so we didn't get stuck there, drowning in american pride and the obese, smoking, alcoholic, fire-arm owning culture watching it. We hit the road and found one totally deserted beach that was completely peaceful and serene. The little dunes there were covered in friendly beach grass that had tiny purple flowers growing in it. The sun came out and lit up the silver sand running between my toes. It actually sparkled with silver, it was sooo beautiful. We headed up the coast and came upon the most beautiful beach I've ever seen. There was a walk through old-growth forest on mossy trails and across wooden bridges to get to this gorgeous little bay. There were a lot of surfers there, and suddenly, watching their graceful and silent and respectful dance upon the waves, I felt better about america and americans. The nature in our country is sublime, and there really are those who understand that and want to preserve it with integrity and intelligence.

Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish

All I can say is, GET THEE GONE. And please DO let the door slam you on the way out. White Trash Robotic Walmart Queen Sarah Palin is quitting. She's had it with all of us people who expect a complete sentence to come out of her mouth. I mean, what's best for Alaska? It's what's best for all of us : SOMEONE WITH AN EDUCATION to lead.

The Fox Network will probably give Palin a talk show. Unless someone is doing some really creative editing however, I don't see how talking will get her anywhere.

Our Own Little Patch of Sky

Knock on wood because it hasn't closed yet, but we're buying our house! This lovely little yellow craftsman house built in 1908, where we've been living since we moved to Portland 4 years ago, will be our very own!!! I loved this house the very first time I saw it on Craigslist and decided to drive up to Portland from Eugene that afternoon to see it. That first morning as I drove up Hawthorne boulevard I marveled that this could be the street we lived next to, full of shops and restaurants and funky nooks and crannies. And the Baghdad theater!!! We would be neighbors with the Baghdad theater??! How fantastic!

Since then we've explored our neighborhood from head to toe and have personal favorite streets. I adore Division st, with its cozy eclectic mix of mom and pop shops and urban hipster hangouts. I also totally love Ash st. near the 28th and Burnside. As sweet as a street could be, tree-lined and chock full of Victorian houses, with views of the west hills to kill for.
You can't go wrong, no matter where you go around here! We're thrilled beyond measure to have a toe-hold in this place.

Our little house is at the foot of Mt. Tabor, that marvelous urban volcano covered in pine trees and castle-like reservoirs. Perched at the base, our front porch looking across the river to downtown --
I'm in love!
I would personally like to thank Mr. President Obama for the "new deal" he's giving us first-time home buyers. Because of that, yes we could.

Deux Livres d'Amour

Here are two of my most recent acquisitions from my lovely job at Powell's. Two small, very sweet hardback volumes of "Une Page D'Amour" by Emile Zola. They both have the most DARLING illustrations on the cover, and small black and white chapter heads inside. I put mylar on both of them and voila! Little treasures all shiny and perfect! These are the 1946 editions published by Fasquelle.

Here is an excerpt:

"Mais pas un bruit ne montait. La demie sonna. Le balancier avait un battement affaibli, dans cette force du sommeil qui aneantissait la chambre entiere. La veilleuse dormait, les meubles dormaient: sur le gueridon, pres d'une lampe eteinte, un ouvrage de femme dormait. Helen, endormie, gardait son air grave et bon."

Translation:

"Not a sound was made. The half-hour sounded. The clock ticked weakly in the sleepy force which destroyed the entire room. The old woman slept, the furniture slept: on the little table, next to an extinguished lamp a painting of a woman slept. Helen, sleeping, kept her air of gravity and goodness."

Clumsy translation! But a beautiful story.

13 Ways to Say Yes

Yesterday was the 13th wedding anniversary of Mr. Rios and I. I can only believe it when I look at our nearly 12 year-old daughter-- I suppose she's living proof, but it certainly doesn't feel that long. Luckily we still like to look at each other, and aren't too hard on the eyes.

To mark the occasion I made G a cd:

13 Ways to Say Yes ( in 19 songs)

1. My Love Is -- Holly Golightly
2. Debbie Loves Joey -- Helen Love
3. A Message to Pretty -- Mike Johnson
4. You're My Only Home -- Magnetic Fields
5. To Be Alone With You -- Sufjan Stevens
6. Your Touch -- The Black Keys
7. Love Pours Out of My Heart -- Miss Ludella Black
8. My Life Would Suck Without You -- Kelly Clarkson
9. Your Home is Where You're Happy -- Lemonheads
10. Lovers Understand -- Oswald Five-O
11. Your Song -- Elton John
12. Shake it Like a Pom Pom -- Missy Elliott
13. The Girl I Love She Got Long Black Wavy Hair -- Led Zeppelin
14. That Look You Gave to Me -- Mickey and Ludella
15. Gimme Sympathy -- Metric
16. Comes Love -- Billy Holiday
17. Little Shadow -- Yeah Yeah Yeahs
18. U. R. A. Fever -- The Kills
10. She's My Rock -- George Jones

because after all, it was a series of masterful cassette compilations made by Mr. Rios as well as his very cool 1964 Bel Air automobile that helped woo me in the first place.

Positively Paleolithic

We took a quick jaunt out to some waterfalls this weekend. Our gorgeous state is brimming over with waterfalls, some of them only 20 minutes from Portland. Me and the fam drove out through the Columbia Gorge to Horsetail Falls and Ponytail Falls. Soooo beautiful.

It's crazy how ten feet off the highway in Oregon, you can find old growth forest. Oblivious to the traffic and human activity ancient mossy cliffs rise out of pine and fern-- and at this time of year, millions of gallons of cold water gush over the rocks to create enormous waterfalls. At the top of Horsetail Falls you can stand under an outcrop of rock and look at the waterfall falling over your head, framed in bright green, moist ferns. Just like it looked 10 million years ago. Unless that was the time when the Gorge was being created out of a massive river of ice water? hmmm. Well, long before us, anyhow.

The old Columbia Gorge Highway is dotted with beautiful tunnels and railings built 100 years ago. There was also this tribute to the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Giant Halcyon

Whatever happened to those halcyon days
With AM radio at Bobby's place
You laughed so hard you couldn't hold in your wine
I've never had such a wonderful time

The Transformative Powers of Nature

I have read a few fiction books lately:

1. The Lord of the Flies by William Golding
2. Heidi by Johanna Spyri
3. David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Surprisingly, it's "Heidi" that I want to mention... this book is a treasure, although somewhat hidden by a style so saccharin-sweet that it might be hard to notice. This book is about the powerful forces of nature to give us everything we need to be happy. There are a lot of new self-help books that are being written about this subject, but Johanna Spyri had the jump on the market when she wrote this book in 1880. The author obviously has felt the benefits of a deep connection to nature and describes it beautifully when speaking of Switzerland's Alps:

"Every few steps Heidi had to stand still and look around, for the high mountains were behind her as she climbed. Now a red glow fell over the grass at her feet: she turned round: there -- she had forgotten the splendor, and never had seen it in her dreams like this -- the rocky peaks on Falknis flamed up to the sky, the broad snow field was all aglow, and rosy clouds were drifting high above. The Grass all round on the Alm was golden: from all the heights it glimmered and gleamed down, and below, the far-reaching valley swam in a golden vapor."

Don't you feel more relaxed?

The author Johanna Spyri describes the way the clean wind of the Alps, combing through the pine trees (sounds like Oregon!) combined with simple, natural food and sleep in a wholesome bed (complete with wooden cutout window and moon, not to mention fresh straw!) makes the human body and spirit complete.

Now on the other hand, "The Lord of the Flies" is also about the transformative power of nature, although it's really about the failure of human culture, but my guess is things went wrong because it was all boys. Put a girl in the Alps, and you can't lose! Boys on a tropical island, everything goes to hell.

The Beatles or the Rolling Stones?

One of my favorite bands, Metric. This is a beautiful acoustic version of one of their new songs, and it seems that they're playing it on a golf course in Palm Springs? Very sunshiny and strange.

Once I sent the singer Emily Haines one of my cds and she wrote back saying she'd listened to it driving across country and she really liked my voice. What a thrill!!!!!!

click here to see the full band on stage.

Mermaid

When Cora was about 4 years old, I called her my mermaid because of her long brown hair that curled like it was under water. I cried the first time I had her hair cut... now she's 5'5" and drawing beautiful mermaids in the sand.

Summer Nights in Portland

Ahhh, summer in Oregon. We wait all year, biking to and from work, through rain and mud and gusty winds straight from the Columbia Gorge. And now.... paradise.

Balmy breezes blow gently through tall pine trees and shady maples. Explosions of color surround us from the rhodendrons and roses and lilacs and iris. Oregon in the summer is one of the sweetest places on earth.

Greg and I walked down the street to our neighborhood taqueria, "Por Que non?" and soaked up the dulcet evening.

Good dog, Faye!

Simply Charming

An unexpected date night, Mr. Rios and I headed out to the
Imago Theater last Saturday to see a play called "Simple People". I had somehow lucked into two free tickets through work, and further fortune smiled upon us when our child was invited to an overnight birthday party. A miracle.!

The play was great. The acting was convincing and touching and inspired. It was a poignant and surprisingly lyrical look at homelessness starring some very damaged but insistently optimistic


characters. There is music throughout the play and lots of singing! I loved it.

I also loved the Imago theater itself. A big, elegant brick building near E. Burnside with a pretty lobby/ticket area and a medium-sized stage. The seats had pretty scrolling on the ends.


Note to self: go to plays more often.

The Wild

Click HERE for a one-of-a-kind opportunity to see a LIVE video feed of a bald eagle chick and its parents in their nest. They live on top of a high mountain in the Deshutes National Forest, at the top of a tree with commanding views of the area. There is wind and rain and a snaggy perch where the parents swoop in to keep watch. It is an AMAZING glimpse of their usually very private world.

Welcome new chick Pengra Crescent Odell!!!

Harold: "Do you Pray?" Maude: "I communicate." Harold: "With God?" Maude: "With life!"

I just watched "Harold and Maude" again. It's been 15 years or so since I'd last seen it... it stands the test of time, for sure. Beautiful and moving, shot with grace and gentle humor, handling the subjects of death and isolation with tenderness AND A GREAT SOUNDTRACK.

The scene where Bud Cort looks at the camera is shockingly great.

Consistency

I have an unknown talent. Well, two people know it, my child and myself. Cora is the recipient of Perfect Breakfasts. Every morning, every single morning of the year, she wakes up to a breakfast neatly arranged on the table, with place mat and cloth napkin, salt and pepper and the comics, all piping hot, or crisply cold depending on the breakfast items, and ready for consumption. Even her chair is usually pulled out, waiting for her to slide into BREAKFAST PERFECTION LAND.
Maybe one day when she's making breakfast for her own family she'll suddenly stop and think, MY GOD! MY MOTHER IS AMAZING!
We can dream, right?

Mon Petit Monde

I am the lucky Generalist at Powell's City of Books that each week gets to receive used french books and maintain the French Aisle. It is an AMAZING world of new and used books there in french in the Red Room, aisles 817 and 818.

The best part of my job is receiving, pricing and displaying the vast array of used and new french books. I handle everything from the latest graphic novels, to totally cool 1970's paperbacks, to ancient leather-bound tomes of Proust, Flaubert, and Gide. It gives me no end of satisfaction to display them for the enjoyment of MOI, and YOU, the customer.

Allow me to take you for une petite promenade down aisles 817 and 818. Allez-y!

Literature is one of the largest sections in the aisle. The mix of books is totally delightful. Slim 1950's and 60's George Simenon books, a tiny volume from the 1800's about Madame de Pompadour, a 60's pocket paperback of Lolita. I love the oldest books the best --they are so BEAUTIFUL with their
shabbily elegant bindings and slightly dusty, foxed pages.

It's fun to make shelf-talkers to point out some of these excellent details. My shelf-talker of Camus keeps disappearing, probably because he looks so hot in it, with his turned up collar and cigarette.

There are lots of cigarettes in the french aisle...Camus, de Beauvoir, and Malraux here, looking so beat.


Now onto a magical subsection: Genre! We have some of the greatest science fiction and mystery books in french.

Here is my Agatha Christie display. These late 1960's pocket paperbacks look great together this way. Imagine how great your bookshelves would look with them on it!

This book looks rather alarming -- "Objectif: Sadam!" We have two of them, so come on down and get your copy.


Now for the Young Adult section. Here you'll find everything from good old "le Petit Prince" to Jules Verne to "Paranoid Park" with a photo on the

cover from the movie by Gus Van Sant. From the Harry Potter series you'll learn some very charming, though not very useful vocabulary. For example, did you know "wand" in french is "baguette magique"? It makes sense to me!

Our "Miscellaneous non-fiction" section is a treasury of unexpected gems. I love this AMAZING book of huge black and white photos of french theater luminaries. There are some really weird pictures in there, like this one --
my imaginary friend!

And this one, "Boeing, le Geant" (Boeing, The Giant) has an intriguing sort of mid-century future-istic cover graphic... and shows an alarming tilt to the jet's assent. Perhaps symbolic in its rather phallic overtones?


"Chi-Chi le ravissant Panda" has a special hold on my heart. I put mylar on the cover to show it to its best advantage, but for some reason no one has adopted it yet. Chi chi needs you!!!








I fell in love with these treasures immediately-- Lleather-bound accounts of the king of France's finances from the 1600 and 1700's. They do make
rather dull reading, but the idea that these beautiful, slightly shabby volumes with their parchmenty paper and gilded spines were printed in the 1700's!!! Perhaps the king held them! At least a duke! It's like holding history in your hands.

The children's section never ceases to amaze me. Here we have the classics like "L'Arbre Genereux" (The Giving Tree, or literally, The Generous Tree), Le Ballon Rouge, and my favorite "Horten Entend un Zou" (Horton Hears a Who). This "Tou Tou" book from the 1930's is charming.

One of my
favorite new children's series are "Ernest and Celestine" books about a baby mouse who's father happens to be a bear. I have six of them, myself!


Here are some other languages you'll find in the Red Room -- Italian, Russian, German, Urdu, Hindi, Taglog, Hebrew, Yiddish, Arab, Greek. Also Thai, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese. Also Swedish, Dutch, Norwegian, Hungarian. AND MORE.

There is also a very large selection of Deaf Sign language books.





I love my quiet time in this aisle and with these books. The second floor of Powell's looks out onto the beautiful streets of downtown, there are enormous street lanterns outside that look like something from Europe, and the tops of the trees wave around them.It's really beautiful to stand there, sorting literature, poetry, science fiction and art books.

I also get to meet amazing people in this aisle. People from all over the world. I recently met and spoke at great length in french with a fantastic young man from Canada named Vincent. A couple of weeks ago I met a very sweet and serious man from Africa. His french was so beautiful with its african accent. Another time I met a delightful woman named Jane, from Switzerland. She gives presentations on the "salons" of days gone by, led by the women that helped spark the age of enlightenment throughout western europe.

Bienvenue (Welcome) to all of you to the french aisle. Come down to see for yourselves the amazing selection of new and old friends for your bookshelves.

"Every little girl knows about love. It is only her capacity to suffer for it that increases." -- Francoise Sagan

Oh, mais c'est si francais!

Hubble Love

Lately I've been so busy that little miracles in the news just pass me by with hardly a thought... miracles such as the Space Shuttle's last manned-mission to the Hubble telescope.
The Hubble telescope has faithfully and prodigiously allowed us puny humans access into unknown and unimaginably fascinating worlds. Literally! Worlds and worlds and worlds. We can see back through time to light that is already millions of eons old. This is REAL SCIENCE FICTION, and it totally blows my mind every time I see these photos.
Check here for a definitive article about the recent Hubble repairs.
I wonder if the astronauts leaving the Hubble had a tear in their eye as they undocked the Shuttle for the last time and floated away from the mighty little telescope.
Evidently the Hubble telescope is so powerful that it was able to capture the Great Eye of Sauron, as well.

Simone de Beauvoir et la Pie Jacasse

Would you look at cute little Simone de Beauvoir! I had no idea she was such a style star! I have very little patience with her writing, although big props to her for railing against the ridiculous and flagrant oppression of women by totally inept men, but her and Jean Paul Sartre's existential excuses for love affairs and pretentious intellectual posturing is fairly appalling. Nice earrings though!

I found this delightful book "Simone de Beauvoir ou l'entreprise de vivre" at Powell's yesterday and loved the black and white photos of the literati in 40's France. A must-have, and a bon
marche for only $5




I also had to have this wonderful children's book "Les Cris des Animaux" which introduced some very interesting verbs to me.

For example, did you know that "Le Cochon Grogne"? (The Pig Grunts)
also, "La Pie Jacasse" (The Magpie Chatters), but what in the world is the camel doing? "Le Chameau Blatere" - I cannot find the verb "blatere, or blaterer" anywhere online. It sounds a bit gassy, to me.

French friends, disez-moi ce que veut dire, s'il vous plait!

the Culture of the Comment

At the beginning of the year I had an art show at the Basil Howard Gallery with Noelle McClure. The show went very well and it was a real thrill to see our work up in Powell's City of Books.
I recently acquired the "Comment Book" left out for anyone to use to leave their critiques, comments and editorial opinion. Also, as it turns out, beautiful art work, cryptic personal revelations and some pointed suggestions.

The Word of the Day is "GALLOP"

Once again, Peter and Brian of Muse Art and Design have brought the art community together, made art, sold it for a good cause, and promoted their beautiful store in the process. Last Friday, just back from LA, I attended the reception for the April "Artist of the Day" series. A lot of the artists were there and it was the finish to the silent auction. I was very pleased to see that most of the pieces got bids and made some money for art supplies for Portland schools! Peter has an incredible knack for creating super-fun opportunities for artists and art appreciators to get together, and together with his partner Brian create a really stylish, welcoming environment to local talent! Bravo!!!

Magic Time!

My GOD I love vacations.
Sauntering along the boulevards in knee length summer skirts, giant sunglasses askew, swinging the rental car keys and sipping my disgusting airport coffee, is SO MUCH FUN!!! Almost as much fun as wheeling my newly-rented car into the driveway of our swanky LA hotel next to the ocean!

Cora and I had a blast during our stay in Santa Monica. We hung out with my delightful 92 year-old grandmother Nama, as I call her, is still quite a personality, spelling things out loud at the top of her voice, and dominating the Bingo circle. She seems to need to shout out her approval of things, ("Hey Mister! You have a NICE SMILE! S-M-I-L-E, SMILE!!") or whatever she's feeling particular about at any given moment. ( "I always loved animals, at least those with FOUR HEALTHY LEGS! L-E-G-S, LEGS!!") I find it endearing and hilarious, but not all of her roommates do. "Get her out of here!" commanded one elderly lady. We pretended not to notice, and spent our time on the sunny patio, petting the resident cat and enjoying the ocean breeze. ( The print in the cement is for Harp-o Marx!)

Cora and I did all kinds of things besides hang with Nama, I mustered up the Nerve to drive our little rental car on two freeways and 23 miles into Hollywood! We found a parking place right off Hollywood Blvd. and walked past Grauman's Chinese Theater and the Kodac Theater, where the Oscars are held. What a thrill! I saw my favorite star's hand prints and foot-prints, Jack Lemmon, Gregory Peck, Rita Hayworth. Cora thrilled over the cast of Harry Potters' prints. We met up with Shrek and the Donkey, and I had a very cute Joker impersonator wish me a Happy Mother's Day.

Cora and I made it to Melrose Avenue and once again screwed up the courage to try the impossible: we went into the West Hollywood Fred Segal store. From the LA guide book I had, we ascertained that apparently this location is the most "celebrity-heavy" one, and that Jennifer Anniston ( Cora's favorite) shopped there. What a beautiful store, filled with art pieces for clothing. After we left we stopped by a West Hollywood garage sale, but it was crap.
Cora and I loved our hotel. The Double tree Inn gave us the royal treatment, putting us on the top floor with an ocean view. We could also see the pool AND the Santa M0nica Pier with its flashing Ferris Wheel.

We didn't see any stars, although that COULD have been Nick Nolte I almost bumped into at Whole Foods, or it could have been some other kind of tall, blond, faintly homeless-looking guy.

I really seem to be kicking my fear of flying. Evidently two beers and 3 fat fashion magazines, together with my lucky "Kate Moss" bracelet I bought in Brooklyn, are the perfect medicine.
Welcome home, to me!

On Vacation!

We're on vacation in Los Angeles! Until we return please enjoy these newly discovered photos from the May Day party, 2009. See you soon!

Wow

Who knew work parties could be so fun?! When you work at Powell's, the "creative" possibilities are endless! Friday night about 60-75 people showed up at our little house, ready to rock. Three Powell's bands set up in our basement and thrilled their coworkers with the music they love.
Greg Petix's band "The Middle Ages" (Greg's about 40), rocked everyone's socks off with their screamy pop/rock songs, very garage (very basement!). Next up "Capra-esque", Brendan's band, who actually brought in a cello, a humongous keyboard, and several other musicians to play in my basement. I bet my basement has never had a cello played in it before. Lastly my band "The Valiant Arms" rounded out the evening with loud, somewhat sloppy rock. My coworkers were enthusiastically waving their beers and there was a mosh-pit of 4 right in front of me. Happily nothing at all was knocked over or broken. We were well-behaved party animals!
Here are a few photos of the night, and one video. Stay tuned for more as folks send them to me, and A BIG THANK YOU to everyone for coming by!

Tiny Army

These are the most whimsical little easter creatures ever! My grandmother collected all of these little guys and displayed them in her home around the holiday. They are made of pipe cleaners, fuzz balls and feathers. Even though they are all somewhat shabby from age, they each have such personality! You just don't find this kind of commercial sweetness and originality in the main stream anymore. I LOVE THEM!

Muse

Muse is a great art store. It is beautifully appointed with state-of-the-art supplies and art products from around the world. You can't find huge, Spanish sable paint brushes just anywhere! Nor will you easily stumble upon brightly-colored puffy corn pops that can be molded into anything. Peter has a great eye for design and detail that keeps the store stocked with surprises.

Peter also constantly reaches out into the community to bring artists and art organizations together. "An Artist a Day" is one of those efforts, bringing an artist to the shop every day for the month of April to create a piece for auction. The proceeds from the auction will go to buy art supplies for Portland public school kids. What's not to love? You can stop in the store at 4224 SE Hawthorne and place a silent bid on any of the pieces up for sale, and there are some AMAZING pieces. A reception on May 15th will be an opportunity to meet the artists.

I spent last Saturday painting in Peter's window, chatting and listening to classical music. It was a great way to spend the day. Thank you to Peter and Brian for all of what they do, and for inviting me
along.

Artiste du Jour

This Saturday, April 25th I will be the "Artist of the Day" at Muse Art and Design (4224 SE Hawthorne blvd). Come on down between 12 and 5 pm to watch me create a watercolor painting in the front shop window of the store.
Muse Art and Design is auctioning off all of the pieces of artwork created by each Artist of the Day to help purchase art supplies for Portland school kids. Check HERE for the deets. I'm honored to be a part of it! Please feel free to stop by and watch me paint, say hello and browse the AMAZING art supplies that Muse has to offer! Truly inspirational items!

You Steel My Heart

Today I rode home on this GLORIOUS spring day, across the fantastic Steel Bridge. I've been waiting for the rain to go away so I can explore different ways home. I can't believe I get to take these fantastic commutes!

I biked along the Willamette river under cherry trees and then huffed up the hill to cruise across the huge, black metal span of the Steel Bridge, racing the MAX train,and stopping to take these pictures.

The view of Portland from all of the bridges is superb. This city is soooooo beautiful!!! It's like a fairyland of perfect views, everywhere you look. The contrasting downtown architecture, the rolling hills, dramatic skies, and even the radio towers resembling smaller Eiffel towers. I love it all!

After crossing the bridge I sped in a spiral down a ramp onto the eastside esplanade. What a treat! Now I'm at the river's surface, on a smooth, wide path filled with other bikers and happy pedestrians, now I'm circling the massive bases of the Morrison bridge, and now I'm riding on the bike path that floats on pontoons-- I pass pairs of Canada geese and I can smell the river.

All winter long I have pedaled my ass to and from work through all kinds of weather. Somedays I wore snow pants and snow gloves, but I loved the look of the quiet, frozen city, even if my cheeks were numb when I got to Powell's, and the wind would almost blow me into traffic crossing the Burnside bridge. Other nights it would be softly misting, the lights in Laurelhurst park glowing like in a Dicken's novel.
Now the spring is here, hallelujah! I am going to start taking other detours on my commute, experimenting with more neighborhood streets and bridges. It's a different city every day!

Portland, JE T'AIME!

Romance In Prineville

I've uncovered these great photos of Greg and I, circa 1990... we drove his 1964 Bel Air to eastern Oregon and spent the night camping along the way. I remember driving with the windows down, through the roughneck town of Prineville with Barry White blasting on the stereo. Desert heat, vintage car and clothes... young love.

The Tax Bird

I saw this graffiti as I was biking down Pine Street the other day. The next day it was washed away by the rain.

NEWS FLASH! Gayle Forman goes STRATOSPHERIC!

Uh, excuse me? Forget the ultra-cool cardboard display at Powell's, my friend Gayle Forman's book "If I Stay" is going to have a movie made of it!! And it will be directed by Catherine Hardwicke THE DIRECTOR OF "TWILIGHT".

Go here for a clip of Gayle talking about her past in Eugene, where I met her:

http://ifistay.com/author.php

Here is a link to an offshoot of the Huffington Post, the daily beast, where they talk about Gayle's book becoming the next Twilight:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-03-20/the-next-twilight/

I am still digesting this incredible development. Stay tuned for exciting updates!!!

My Friend Gayle

My friend Gayle Forman wrote a beautiful young adult novel called "If I Stay" and it HAS ITS OWN DISPLAY AT POWELL'S!!! (Go Gayle, Go Gayle!!!)

This is Gayle's third book, following on the heels of another young adult novel "Sisters Insanity" and her first book, the fantastic travel account of her and her husband Nick's year abroad, "You Can't Get There From Here". ( which I illustrated!)

"If I Stay" is a painfully beautiful story about a wonderful girl named Mia who is suddenly forced to decide what is most important in life. Mia is a great character full of sweetness and integrity, I loved her.

Gayle's display looks way cool in the Young Adult section in the Rose Room. The book was reviewed in the Sunday Oregonian, and listed as number one on the Indie Picks list for kids.
Check Gayle's website to see a SUPER COOL trailer for her book!!!!

It's Tres Hot in Texas

"Il Etait Une Fois Au Texas" or "There Was One Time In Texas" ( however I'm thinking there was more than one time-- Pleusieurs Fois in fact ( Several Times ) in Texas, from the look of this cover.
Good old Georgina Gentry, hot southern romance author that she is. The nerve, showing up in the French aisle!
Here is some choice dialogue from within:

Lacey(voluptious single woman) : "En dansant avec vous, je risque de tenir mon reputation." ( While dancing with you I risque my hold on my reputation"

Blackie (virile single man) : " Ca sera une experience palpitante, non? " ( That would be a palpitating experience, no?"

Mais oui! Mais seulement au Texas! ( Of course! But only in Texas!)

Go Monkey Go!!!

A failed escape. Nine Japanese macaque monkeys tried to find their way to freedom from the Oregon National Primate Research Center (OPRC). They opened their unlocked cages, crept down together and I'm sure with hearts beating fast and all the other caged monkeys observing their progress, they found their way out.
Unfortunately, they are all back in. One monkey made it longer than all the others, but he too is now back in his cage, living a life of experiments, or killing monotony in the breeding program.

According to the Oregonian the Oregon National Primate Research Center currently imprisons

4, 525 primates.

900 of these sensitive creatures are used in experiments, the rest are forced to reproduce.

The ONPRC received

$79,235,000 in federal funding last year. ( Almost 80 million, people!)

It is financially and morally irresponsible to support this organisation. The experiments they conduct are fully replicable by other means. Animal testing is no longer needed in nearly 100 percent of cases. The funds it requires to build, staff, and run these centers are wasted when a state-of-the art, simplified and animal-free research center replaces them.

And the monkeys, who are as human as a non homo sapien can be, are living lives of misery and fear.

Protest here:

http://www.ohsu.edu/onprc/

Here is a copy of my own letter

I am writing to ask you to close your primate research center. You currently imprison 4,525 monkeys, forcing 900 to participate in experiments and the others to breed. This is inhumane and cruel. The monkeys that tried their best to escape were trying to escape for a reason. Nearly 80 million dollars is too much to fund a research center that is quickly becoming obsolete in today's modern science. There are alternatives to animal testing and you could save yourself and all of us millions of dollars by closing this center and allowing the monkeys to live out lives in the sunshine and green sanctuaries. During their brief liberty, the monkeys had a taste of a better existence. Here's a quote from your own head vet C.J. Doane, " I think they had a good time. I think they were enjoying the sunshine." Thank you, Diane Rios

An Indifferent Fencer

Or so says the bio page on the website of Ethan Fleischer, Animator. Ethan works in the Purple Room at Powell's City of Books and has this nifty website. Need anything animated? Something very cool, very noire, and a little bit weird? Ethan is your man!

The Face on Your Plate

A new book by Jeffrey Moussaieff Masson "The Face On Your Plate" is about the basic fact that every piece of meat comes from a thinking, feeling, complex creature. One that has feelings and deep social relationships. A review of the book in the Oregonian by Jeff Baker condenses the short list of reasons to go veggie to these:

"1. You'll feel a whole lot better

2. Chickens have feelings, too.

3. The earth can't sustain all this grain-eating, water-polluting, waste-producing, landscape-denuding, economy-busting livestock."

Undeniable truths, all. It's really pure selfishness to go on eating meat, when there are other options. Chickens DO have feelings and intelligence, we just decide they don't.

Says Dr. Chris Evans, Professor of Psychology at Macquarie University in Australia,

“Chickens exist in stable social groups. They can recognize each other by their facial features. They have 24 distinct cries that communicate a wealth of information to one other, including separate alarm calls depending on whether a predator is traveling by land or sea. They are good at solving problems. ‘As a trick at conferences I sometimes list these attributes, without mentioning chickens, and people think I’m talking about monkeys,’ Mr. Evans said.

Perhaps most persuasive is the chicken’s intriguing ability to understand that an object, when taken away and hidden, nevertheless continues to exist. This is beyond the capacity of small children.”

Think how it is for a cow, or a super-smart, sensitive pig to get thrown on a truck, crammed in with other terrified individuals and make their way to a slaughterhouse, where it really is armeggedon on earth.

Guess what? Veggies are delicious! They can be prepared in the tastiest, most satisfying ways and there is no torture involved! And fake meat, don't even get me started! It's positively delectible!

This is a cause I truly believe in. When I think of the innocent and curious, loving creatures that are falling before our insatiable lust for meat and animal products, I am sick. It is a holocaust.

Hopefully, it seems that humans are slowly waking up to the fact that they are not kings of the earth. Just because we CAN pollute the earth in our quest for convenience, doesn't mean we SHOULD. And, just because we CAN imprison these defenseless creatures and harvest them cruelly, without a thought in the world to their own needs and desires, doesn't make us SMART.

It's not even healthy! How stupid are we, anyway?

Try this recipe and tell me what you think:

One package Morningstar "Beef" Strips

One package corn tortillas

one ripe avocado

one tomato

heat olive oil in skillet and add beef strips. Cook until thawed and slightly seared, set aside

in a small bowl, mix avocado and tomatos with a sprinkle of lime juice, salt and one T sugar.

Lightly cook tortillas in skillet and fill with beef strips, then avocado mixture.

Garnish with cilantro if desired, and enjoy immediately with a handful or tortilla chips.

INCREDIBLY DELICIOUS AND NO ANIMAL REQUIRED. YUM!

Come hear Jeffrey Mousssaief Masson read from his book and have him sign a copy at Powell's City of Books 1005 SW Burnside Friday, April 3rd at 7:30 pm, third floor.

Opposites

Two new books to share, both completely fantastic, in completely different ways. First, the uber-cute "MIEZEKATZEN", printed in Germany in 1973. It's an approximately 3" x 3" pamphlet "Pixi" book, about a Katzenmutter ( mother cat ) and her naughty kittens. Only 25 cents and so much german cuteness! Who knew!



Next up, and vastly more sobering, is the astounding "THE INNER CITY MOTHER GOOSE" by Eve Merriam and Lawrence Ratzkin and published in 1969 in New York. This book defies definition. It is certainly not a children's book, but a blunt and angry remonstration of the racial issues in our country. Eve Merriam has given her own interpretation of classic Mother Goose, and along with the gritty black and white urban photography of Lawrence Ratzkin fearlessly presented an unapologetic condemnation of white hypocrisy. It's powerful stuff, and makes me extremely uncomfortable at times. I'm impressed that in 1969 they and the Simon and Schuster publishing company had the awareness and confidence to publish it. ( click on photos to read poems)

Little Jack Horner

Little Jack Horner
Sat in the corner
Thumbing his first-grade book

Look, Jack,
Look at blonde Jane and blue-eyed Dick
And their nice green lawn
And their nice clean town
And their dog that is brown.

Little Jack Horner,
Dumb in the corner,
Why don't you learn to read?

French Sloth and an Alfa Romeo

J'adore les paresseux!

"Your glance is magic; your body, fragrance! -- from "Jaadu Teri Nazar"

A magical night at The Hottest Dance Party in town.... ATLAS at Holocene. Atlas is Portland's longest-running dance party at 6 years and definitely counting. Every 2nd Saturday the ultra-glam and talented dj outfit known as "DJ Anjali and The Incredible Kid" throw an international soiree of mixed world beats and Bollywood movies. The music is completely irresistible and quite unlike anything I've heard before with its HUGE boom and almost jazz-like beat creativity, combined with synthesized melodies and street vocals thumping against an indian chorus. Crazy and so cool! I haven't danced in years and years, but was I glad I wore my little black skirt so I could take to the floor in a presentable manner. The crowd was so happy, there were so many good dancers and quite a few goofy ones, it was totally fun to be in such mixed, and ENTHUSIASTIC company!
Holocene is a beautiful club located at 1001 SE Morrison st. It is perched on a great corner looking at downtown, and the inside is spacious with a very modern vibe. My advice? Get your groove passport stamped and fly down to the next DJ Anjali dance party. You won't regret it.

Rococo-a-Go-Go

Voluptuous Taste, indeed! "La Volupte du Gout: French Painting in the Age of Madame de Pompadour" is a wonderful french painting exhibit at the Portland Art Museum. Last Thursday I stopped by to see the exhibit of ornate, rococo paintings by the likes of Francois Boucher who was one of many artists patronized by Madame de Pompadour, mistress to King Louis XV. During the 1700's Europe was experiencing a birth of reason and scientific curiosity. Apart from this surge of intellectualism, Boucher's paintings were entirely fantastic, sensual and aesthetic. Madame de Pompadour, one of the most intelligent, well-spoken and politically powerful women of her age, supported this almost purely decorative art and filled her residential halls with it, creating a diverting and erotically charged atmosphere for her lover, the king.

It's a little bit embarrassing at times, looking at these paintings. There seems to be a slight whiff of pedophilia amongst the trailing flowers and friendly animals... naked cherubs lolling about and bare breasts abound.

I did read that Boucher was the son of a lace maker. The photo below of him does show him well-adorned with that particular textile.

There is no question that the paintings are gorgeous, and as I personally have always loved looking at beautiful clothing, (along with the all the fat nakedness Boucher painted lots and lots of beautiful clothing) I loved it!

The next night none other than the AMAZING ADAM GOPNIK came to the museum to speak about art in the age of Madame de Pompadour. It was great, like taking an art history course from the art critic of the New Yorker (which of course, it was!). I've loved Adam Gopnik's writing ever since I read his book "Paris to the Moon", and then fell in love again with "Through the Children's Gate". Both books are fantastic accounts of two of my favorite cities, Paris and New York. Plus, he's hilarious.
"La Volupte du Gout: French Painting in the Age of Madame de Pompadour" is at the museum until May 17th. Tres bien!

A Question of Taste

While receiving used french books the other day, I happened upon a 19th century book called "Le Physiognomie du Gout" ( pronounced 'goo' -- "The Physiognomy of Taste" ). A beautiful leather-bound tome, the contents were a bit dry for my modern tastes until I happened upon this charming note left by a previous owner:


"The French have taste in all they do,
Which we are quite without;
For nature, which to those gave "gout",
To us gave only gout."

After carefully taking this item home to scan into the computer, I replaced into the book the next day to surprise and delight it's next owner. Tres charmant!


"

Sufjan Stevens Will Make You Happy and Sweetly Sad

Beautiful, beautiful.

Splendid!

WOW. Spring has, apparently, sprung. I know it's the annual tease, but days like today make me get on my knees and thank Ares (Greek god of spring and nature, also happens to be the god of terror, anger and revenge, but he's also evidently the protector of cattle, and god KNOWS they need protecting..) that I live in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest!

My day off. My Saturday! It's 55 degrees outside and the birds are singing AMEN! I decided to get dressed up in trouser jeans, a striped collared shirt and my Mary Tyler Moore sunglasses and head on down to the Public Library where my friend and gallery curator pal Pamela Morris told me I could find a wonderful art show.
Wonderful indeed. Splendid, even! On the 3rd floor of the beautiful old library is a collection of illustrations and books from the 1930's and 40's from the ubercool couple Berte and Elmer Hader. They were drawers, print makers, painters, gardeners and all-around adorable kooks. Their beautiful, sweet illustrations graced the pages of magazines (they made "inserts" which were illustrated cardboard diaramas you could cut out and fold together with a little peephole to, well, peep through) and the covers of important books like "The Grapes of Wrath" and Laura Ingalls Wilder's book "Little House in the Big Woods".
I was struck by the similarity in what they did and what I do, although they are FAR MORE prolific and driven to express their talents. They inspire me to do more!!!
One of the most darling things about the display were the annual christmas cards they printed or painted...always featuring the both of them and mostly related to whatever book they were making at the time.

The collection was donated by their niece who lives near
Portland. Some of the work had never been displayed before and included personal letters with drawings and portraits of the artists, inscribed books and practice sketches. One of the sketches for a book about a pony ( see above, right )reminded me of a drawing I'd made THAT VERY MORNING for my book, "Dizzy's Dream". (directly right) If I'm lucky maybe I can channel the Hader's lust for life and art and make my book as good as it can be.

Downtown Portland was beyond beautiful today. I'm glad I went on a Friday as tomorrow is sure to be packed with people, frazzled by the crowds and the unaccustomed sunshine.

Born Free (like only a straight hairdresser can be) -- SHAMPOO 1975

I just spent the most delightful two hours watching "Shampoo" a great movie made in 1975 and starring Warren Beatty and Julie Christie. I've seen it before, but not for years and this was the first time I paid much attention to the writing and acting. I loved it and highly recommend it!!

"Shampoo" is a story about a straight hairdresser named George Roundy, played by Beatty, who in the spirit of the 70's sleeps with all of his clients. Not a very deep story line, but brought to life by really great acting on the part of Beatty, Christie, and Lee Grant (who won a supporting actress OSCAR for her performance as a bitter cuckholder AND cuckholdee) The great character actor Jack Warden does a fantastic job playing a hapless executive whose wife, mistress and daughter are all involved with George. Carrie Fisher makes an appearance as Jack's bored, angry horny daughter. ( On a side note, I just finished reading Carrie Fisher's latest biography, "Wishful Drinking", it was HILARIOUS, more on that later.)

The look of the film is total 70's Santa Monica, California with a great soundtrack of Beatles and Beach Boys and other 70's classics. The style is totally groovy with amazing pantsuits, big hair and the sexiest black sequined, BACKLESS dress you've ever seen!

Even though "Shampoo" is a comedy there is a touching feel throughout the oh-so-naughty escapades that really resonates. Beatty's character is NICE, for all his playboy ways, and yet he's doomed to loneliness because of course playboys can't commit, and women for the most part, especially women in the 70's, want commitment. Poor Gorgeous George!


The clip below is filled with inappropriate language and behavior, tell your children not to watch it.

Health and Happiness in the Chinese New Year

Sunday, February 8th we met our friends Lenore and Ted and their beautiful son Espen at the Chinese Gardens for a Chinese New Year Lantern Lighting Display. It was cold, but clear and the gardens were glowing under the downtown city buildings and the black winter sky. The pond was a a-glow with floating lotus flowers carrying tiny lights. The red lanterns guided us along the entwined paths and quiet groups of people held large, glowing flower lanterns. It was a very beautiful and peaceful place to welcome the New Year and for us, to commemorate the 8th anniversary of our friends Robert and Denise Christie, and their two children's deaths from a car crash in 2001.
As the years go by, we never stop missing them, but the sharp pain of grief is somewhat abated, thank god. We love to travel to Astoria, Robert's childhood home and visit his wonderful parents John and Peg. Seeing them is like seeing Robert and Denise, and being on their farm feels like being with our friends.
This Chinese New Year is the year of the Ox. My friend and coworker Jonathan Hill is an extremely talented artist, and I was lucky enough to receive one of his fantastic New Years cards, pictured here. The Ox is a symbol of perseverance and hard work. With perseverance and hard work we will continue to get ahead in life and love, and honor all of our relationships with kindness and acceptance. CAN I GET AN AMEN!


here are some pictures of our recent trip to Astoria to visit John and Peg:

From Eugene to New York, circa 1991

Back in the DAY! I was in a band. Sharing the same house, practice space, alleyway, bleach bottle and VW Vanegan, Oswald Five-O hit the road to take on the United States of America.
We toured with the legendary Some Velvet Sidewalk and the Spinanes. 3 weeks of driving and playing every night from Minneapolis to Chicago to Boston to NEW YORK CITY! Then home by way of Kansas, Utah, Colorado....was I glad to get out of that Vanegan! Here are just a few pictures, for some reason we didn't carry cameras around with us back then.

Wattstax at Beulahland!

What a night! The Child had a sleepover so the Man and I got to hit the town. When I say the "Man" I do not mean the cops. I did not hit the town with the cops, although if the cops were fun I might do it. But no, it was Mr. Greg Rios that with whom I cavorted gayly. (And by "gayly" I do not mean gay.)
First stop, a nameless bar on SE 12th st. What is that place called? It's a cozy little hole in the wall near 12th and Main st. and has a great jukebox, a very efficient if somewhat clipped bartender, and the Soprano's pinball game which was a hoot! Tiny pole dancers spin when you hit the ball just so, then the FISH that in the series spoke with Big Pussy's voice spoke to me (!) when I hit the ball up a ramp, and all the while the Soprano's family watched me with grimmest of expressions. Fun!
Next stop, Beulahland! Near 28th and SE Burnside, this bar is where my friend and coworker Grover DJ's every first and third Friday of the month. Last night he was spinning a great series of Soul and Funk music, stuff I'd never heard before, all while the movie "Wattstax" played on a screen. Add beer, a hummus plate and sparkly candles, and you're all set for a GOOD TIME!