Jason Weems - Jason Weems - Jason Weems

The second house I encountered on the slow trip from the San Antonio airport to the Jinx House in Austin was the home of Jason Weems. I met many people there who I would keep running in to during my visit to Texas. One thing about Texas, at least the areas I toured, is that you make friends with the people you meet. Everyone I encountered was warm, sincere and open from the start. This includes Jason.

His apartment was filled with instruments. It's been a while but I think someone causally played the trumpet or some other horn while multiple people jammed on guitars and sang. The whole evening was filled with music. He told me stories of his very interesting past, all of which were centered around creating. The biggest piece of Texas that I keep with me is not the individual people, but the drive they all seem to share.

It is ok with them to follow your heart; something I've yet to find in the Northeast. At least not in a pure state. Jason Weems shines when he plays and I think that deserves some support. It's also the first step in acknowledging that you deserve to live the life of your dreams. The bottom video is his request, the first is a really beautiful song. Enjoy!

Leaning

He spies through glass covered
keyboards, through
snowy windows
with broken
locks.

He
asks for
simple things,
like words strung by
form and aloe on the rocks.

grape ivy

It lives!

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It's that time again.

Merry Christmas everyone. I hope you all have super wonderful days even if this isn't your holiday. Enjoy, relax, eat great food. I am watching A Christmas Story and getting ready to fall asleep. I received a potted Grape Ivy plant today which I will now be dedicated to keeping alive. Please send your prayers to it :)

Little

Each pixel stemming
from pupil
alight.

Ocean,
horizon at
every hour, brook.

Eyes which master
water and
sky.

Mine
who speak
of hills, jungle.

These conversations exist
between windows,
not

mouths.
Their own
celebration of scenery.

I am such a little kid

So this is Paul Simon's new song, Getting Ready for Christmas Day. Jim Oblon is the dummer in his band and is in the video. They were all on the Colbert Report last Thursday. It was so exciting to watch someone I know on tv, especially on a show I love.

Last night's Owl Shop was maybe the best ever. I LOVE to dance. Will dance to anything, anywhere. Music or no music. But when you get great music and an awesome partner who knows how to lead I just can't contain myself. I was trying to find a video of the style of dancing Chris and I were doing last night but I came up short. The closest thing I could find was way more technical than anything I ever do. You could probably call it blues swing style. And if Chris didn't know how to do it neither would I. He says he learned his moves from dating older women. I should try that. (hehe) To make this long story short, we danced and spun and dipped for three songs and people actually asked us for more! I got to dance with Sarah too, which is our ritual. I know people like that as well, but for much different reasons. The band didn't play any holiday songs, but they did get down with Sunshine of Your Love by Cream. This was a request by three very nice out of towners who also bought me a glass of Argentinean wine. Yumm.

The squirrels are everywhere!

Right now, one is on top of a green tarp protecting a grill. One on a deck rooting through leaves, hopping over sticks. One attached itself to a very steep section of shed roof. Another on a fence post. They crouch down and pounce at each other like cats. Shake their tales furiously. There is never a moment where I can not find a squirrel. Sometimes if I look away for a moment they play with me. I'll have to find them again but it's normally not hard. They aren't great at standing still. I'm glad I can view their playground from my desk. They make work look like fun and they aren't afraid of heights.

In just

I ate some Chinese ribs today. Got a hive on my right eyebrow from a dinner party misfortune.
Inhaled chalk dust and blew more onto my carpet. I am molting.

There are times to pass on the novelty.
Excrete the fortune teller blood and the sexiest poses from a vocabulary.
To listen to radiohead and not feel sadness.

To look at a frog price so fair and green and silent
and know he is real.

He smiles.

I wonder if what was said is true sometimes.
That she is taller than those arms of everyone.

I know what he wants to say, but those words make empty feelings inside.
The repetitive, love, the love, love...
Reminds me of vacancy. Of poetry, of drawing to fill needs.

Honesty is felt. It reeks. It's permeable and palpable.
There is trust in these bones.

The molt removes the doubt. It grows the roots.
It unburies.

A diatribe. It shouldn't feel like that.

I can sense it.

head ache visual

head ache

Just to undo this thing
to fake it out
unravel the edges
leave it as leaf
bone, root.
bury the tree

The world is right

I've had an exceptional week. Music is clearer, mind is free-er, heart is open.
Blackbird plays on Pandora. I just finished Cannery Row by Steinbeck.
I'd given up on Steinbeck a long time ago, too. What a fabulous book.
The back cover, "Cannery Row focuses on the acceptance of life as it is; both the exuberance of community and the loneliness of the individual."
My shift was diving in. Relating without interference. Losing the separation. For someone who lives multi-dimensionally this shouldn't seem like a challenge. Well, it turned out not to be. Just a subtle decision probably brought on by copper, The Chemical Brothers and a human being.

Lost in the marsh

To keep another sentient
influence in view.
Eat life with new eyes.
Double eyes.
Pairs of legs
to run wild in sand,
marsh,
and get muddy and
soaked with smells
not entirely pleasant.
With more of you than you
can be alone.
All together
enhancing your
own singular view.

Cloudy Twins

I put this video on to hear the song but then I may have fallen in love. Has my soul mate made a collage of cloud pictures to illustrate the music? I checked into it deeper and probably not. Oh well. I just thought it was funny. :)

Aphex Twin is solid. Pick any of their songs to listen to and you're going to like it.

Light

Watch a sunset from the mirror
two flickering candles bounce off
the glass,
then
reflection of spectacles,
wet hair sleekness
blue screen television

up
the scrollwork of light fixture.

Goodbye sun, purple clouds.
on go kitchen luminations
from neighboring windows.

A little holiday cheer

This was performed by members of Improv Everywhere in NYC.

This song is a dream

I wish it didn't end. This song on a never ending loop played while sleeping would cause massive amounts of trippy memories. The real drums in there make such a difference. Wow.

Just a little self and selfless promotion

We haven't had much snow lately but it sure has been cold. My friend Pat makes amazing hats. I love my hat so much because it covers my ears, I have very sensitive ears, plus it's super stylish. She hand crochets them all, including the double flower. Her shop is here. You can probably still get one in time for Christmas. Pat would never tell you this because she's modest but the quality of her work is incredible. She's a perfectionist who puts hours of work into the details. It's hard to find such good craftsmanship today. She's an incredible lady!

Below are some winter prints of mine. Imagekind, the site that hosts them, has a sale today. 22% off everything. The coupon code is on the site. My galleries are here.

Last but not least, the e-book for No Fresh Cut Flowers, An Afterlife Anthology is still ten bucks and includes the soundtrack. I also still have time to ship the paperback in time for Christmas.


Buying from people helps people. Shop local, shop small and we can keep the money with the people who are really contributing to the world. Have super amazing holidays!

Buy the print 

Buy the print

Buy the print

Buy the print

Buy the print

 

 

 

The story of Kevin

One sparkling morning
a Kevin
dropped

from
the sky-
skateboard in hand.

God caught up
with him
and

asked,
"Kevin, are
you sure you're

not too old
for this
sport?"

Kevin's
reply made
god laugh with

abandon. After God
stopped he
said,

"Kevin,
my dear
human friend, just

because Rachel is
always late
in

writing
you poems
does not mean

that time actually
stops. But
I

admire
your athleticism
so I'll make

you a deal."
That year
Kevin

got
so many
poems from Rachel

that time sped
up for
him.

His
skateboard tricks
wowed all his

friends and he
became the
best

skater
the valley
had ever seen.

Swoon

Oh Bad Company how I melt at this song. I'm writing about classic rock love songs for MM and had to include this one as it's always been one of my favorites. Seeing this live version is amazing. Dig the chest hair? It may be the mix of sweetness in the beginning with that hard rock chorus that makes this song stand out, I'm not sure, but it works. I think it may be the honesty from the male perspective.  They think about love and it makes them want to have sex. Whatever it is, I'm glad it's still on the radio all the time. 

Perfect!

Donovan rocks. He's touring with a green acoustic guitar, too.

Hmm

I made it through
a dreary time
without writing
you a love song.

Rolling boulders
off my shoulders
with no wine
at my side.

My desk faces
the sunset as
the centralizing
continues.

New Haven in Lights

This is the best lit tree i ever recall seeing. It really caught my attention!

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another glorius morning

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cold mornin'

Happy sunrise from Milford. I couldn't resist bundling up and walking to the beach this morning. Somehow purple and orange skies make it feel less bitter outside.

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This is really funny. I did not write this.

P R E - R E L A T I O N S H I P   A G R E E M E N T

The party of the first part (herein referred to as "she"), being of sound mind and pretty good body, agrees to the following with the party of the second part (herein referred to as "him"):
1. FULL DISCLOSURE: At the commencement of said relationship(colloquially referred to as the "first date"), each party agrees to fully disclose any current girl/boyfriends, dependent children, bizarre religious beliefs, phobias, fears, social diseases, strange political affiliations, or currently active relationships with anyone else that have not yet been terminated. Further, each party agrees to make known any deep-seated complexes and/or fanatical obsessions with pets, careers, and/or organized sports. Failure to make these disclosures will result in the immediate termination of said relationship before it has a chance to get anywhere.
2. INDEMNIFICATION OF FRIENDS: Both parties agree to hold the person who arranged the liaison (colloquially referred to as the "matchmaker") blameless in the event that the "fix-up" turns out to be a "real loser" or "psycho bitch". (For definition of "real loser", see "John DeLorean: My Story", available at most bookstores, or any picture of Bob Guccione in "Penthouse". For definition of "psycho bitch," see Sharon Stone in "Basic Instinct" or Glenn Close in "Fatal Attraction.")
3. DEFINITION OF RELATIONSHIP: Should said relationship proceed past the first date, both parties mutually agree to use the following terminology in describing their said "dating": For the first thirty (30) days, both parties consent to say they are "going out". (This neither implies nor states any guarantee of exclusivity.) Following the first thirty (30) days, both parties may say they are "seeing somebody" and may be referred to by third parties as "an item". Sixty (60) days following the commencement of the first date, either member may elect to use the terms "girl/boyfriend" or "lover" and their mutual acquaintances may refer to them as "a couple". Under no circumstances are the phrases "my better half," "the little woman," "the old ball and chain," or "my old man/lady" acceptable. Furthermore, if both members consent, this timetable may be sped up; however, if either party "gets too serious" and disregards this schedule, the other party may dissolve the relationship on the grounds of "moving too fast" and may once again be said to be "on the market."
4. TERMS OF EXCLUSIVITY: For the first thirty (30) days, both parties agree not to ask questions about the other's whereabouts on weekends, weeknights, or over long holiday periods. No unreasonable demands or expectations will be made; "rights" or "holds" on the other's time. Following the first six weeks or forty-five (45) days, if one party continues to be "missing in action" the "wounded party" agrees to "give up".
5. DATING ETIQUETTE: For the first thirty (30) days, both members of the couple agree to be overly considerate of the other's work pressures, schedules, and business ambitions. All dates will be made at least twenty-four (24) hours in advance; there will be no "running off in the middle of the night to console an old girl/boyfriend", and both parties agree to strike the phrase "but he/she needs me" from their vocabularies. Further, during the first six (6) weeks each member of said relationship agrees to attempt one spontaneous home-cooked meal or to arrange the delivery of at least one unexpected bouquet of flowers. Following the first forty-five (45) days, both parties will return to their normal personalities.
6. TERMS OF PAYMENT: It is agreed that -- respective gross income aside "he" will pick up the tab at all dinners, clubs, theaters, and breakfasts until: He considers her suitably impressed, He is broke, or He says, "this is ridiculous, you pay!" Not included in this agreement are meals ordered from the bedroom, which are subject to the availability of discretionary funds on hand at the time.
7. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS (occasionally known as the "Why do I bother to keep my own apartment?" codicil): Should said relationship progress to the point where the couple spends more than four nights a week together, every effort shall be made to split the time between their respective apartments. Further, it is agreed that both sides will attempt to silence the lewd remarks of landlords, or roommates. Both will avoid having their mothers call at 7:30 in the morning. He agrees to "pick up after himself" while in residence at her apartment, including washing his whiskers out of the sink, and assisting with household duties. By the same token, she agrees to respect his right to keep his apartment "a mess".
8. THE 90-DAY GRACE PERIOD: For the first three months, each member of the couple agrees to hold the other blameless in the euphoric use of phrases like "Let's move in together," "Why don't we start a family?" and -- using archaic terminology -- "Let's get married."
9. THE "L" WORD: For the first sixty (60) days, both parties agree not to use the phrase "I love you." They may love plants, dogs, cats, cars, concerts, or the way a particular pair of jeans fits, but not each other. Failure by one party to abide by this rule will result in the other party using the "G" word ... "Gone."
10. GROUNDS FOR TERMINATION: Any of the following will be grounds for immediate termination and final dissolution of said relationship:

• Infidelity: Running off at any time to console an ex-girl/boyfriend,
• Ending any argument with the sentence "My ex used to do that same exact thing."

Sex ed

When I was younger and adults asked me what I wanted to do when I grew up the answer was usually: brain scientist, teacher or therapist.  It never occurred to me that I might end up writing about sex for a living, but when the opportunity presented itself I couldn't resist.  I started writing for a men's online magazine about a week ago and it's turning out to be tremendously fun! 

Until my early twenties I was the girl who kept her polo shirt buttoned up tight, never wore fitted clothing and had a shirt her bathing suit at the beach.  But evolution does occur and I've done lots of molting since then.  There is a lot information about sex on the web but much of it is either clinical research or porn.  I'm hoping to add some honesty to the mix while also being interesting.  

As the articles get published they will be linked to the 'articles elsewhere' page of this blog.  I'd love to hear your comments or feedback which you can add here or in an email.  This is a very new venture for me and it still shocks me that I'm so comfortable with it.  The only thing I haven't done is tell my Dad...and that can wait.  ;)

Simple things that made me smile today

1.  My dog has become more affectionate in his old age.  I got home early this morning to a sleepy dog who was happy to have company.  He sort of fell into my legs so I knelt down next to him to say hello.  After sniffing my neck, he planted a smooch on me.  Two actually, right on my chin. 

2.


Glee sings a song I love.  I'm not normally one to love covers but I can actually understand the words with them singing it.  They inject a vitality to the song, too.  The original is beautiful but darker:



Seeing the video, I love her even more.  We could be make-up friends. 

3.  Impromptu cuddling.  I'm glad that as an adult that's not silly.

4.  Running at 4am.  That's when my gym opens.  Since I have not been able to sleep lately it makes sense that I'm not expending enough energy.  I hope running helps. 

Have wonderful days!