Disconnections

November?? YIKES

2009-11-02T13:12:16Z

Forever again. I now. I've been sucked into Steampunk Empire-- so long ago that I am now neglecting it like LiveJournal-- and MySpace? Not been there for about a year...and DEviantArt owns my soul at the moment....Must get back to ebay, for an income! Apologies to anyone who feels like I am ignoring them. It's nothing personal-- I'm ignoring the world. September was an awful month, October not much better. Halloween is over so now I can go back to wearing Victorian clothes without being misread. Need a T-shirt: PLEASE DO NOT CONFUSE ME WITH HALLOWEEN. I think the Stripper went well, but awaiting Richard's final verdict-- I expect to be yelled at, so I'm hiding from the mailman... Veterinary trials and tribs, cat ills and medical expenses. Worth it though. Dad was in and out of the hospital, now not working, but feeling better. Financial blahs. Employment now extended to the end of February, and so working on our Victorian Christmas gala... Writing every day but not on the MS-- BUT PLAN TO!! At least I resisted the urge to get involved in the NaNoWriMo-- National Novel Writing Month, write a 50,000 word opus in 30 days-- yeh, that's one thing I will NOT be giving time to. And Javert is my life-- well, Tony Perkins. YES-- return of the GIGANTIC LUST CRUSH I have had on this man since the late 70s. I KNOW he's been dead for 17 years-- but i am now seeing films i've never seen before. And obsessing.... Okay-- too early to ruin everyone's day with blather! Off to feed my menagerie and get something done that looks like.....housework. Bleh.

It's Been Forever

2009-09-23T14:55:52Z

Since I updated, that is. News? Working an additional 2 months as interim vurator at the Thomas Warne Museum, formerly a FT position held by my dear Mr. Johns, who was driven away by harpies. It's so miserably PT now, and they won't make a decision about a permanent position, but keep telling me i am doing a fab job and asking me to stay on 'two more months'. The President of the historical society recently lost her husband and we all thought she'd resign-- various reasons for this but she is physically unable to do much for herself and can bearly walk-- the hubby did all the driving and go-fer work. Anyway, she is a problem for everyone because she lies and manipulates, assures me she's my friend and then behind my back and the museum board's goes sniffing around for another curator, etc. She's the main reason Dave left...

Rediscvered nmy passion for Tony Perkins-- his Javert is reason enough to live. Sad that the man's career was not longer, and that he got some real stinker roles. Everyone knows Norman Bates, but he was maybe just as troubled and intense. Gone 17 years as of Sept 12. His widow, Berry Berenson, was on one of the planes that hit the wTC towers on 9/11. Anyway, feverishly writing Unburied dead and trying to figure out how to get the heroine in bed with both leading men-- nit at the same time of course....the Inspector is way too repressed for that. At 40 years old, I don't think he's ever had sex....

Sadly, my little cat Toodles passed away on 9/8. Only 5 years old, and I blame myself for not having the necessary load of money for a vet. And of course it has caused me to rethink the notion of a merciful God. Poop-- just missed Offenbach on the radio. Straus sr, Rossini, and Offenbach are my good-time boys....

Still no wheels. Ebay sales slow-- shall I blame the economy? tracking down the LONG version of the '78 version of Les Miserables. Doesn't take much to distract me. Also engulfed in things Steampunk, and reading 1) my sisters first published book (albeit slowly. Contemporary romance is not my thing) and 2)some random chapters of an excellent work in progress by my friend Dick Lumbreyer. AWESOME time travel, circa 1944, with a cast that includes folks from 2079 and N. Tesla.... well done!!

Richard's latest work is going well-- so far. Wonder if it will make it to the US? Owe him a letter as usual!! I think part of the glue that keeps him writing to me is that I play 'hard-to-get'--- LOL!! no, just lazy in the art department, as I have promised him to inckude pix of new art every letter, so sometimes it's a month or two between my letters. And I have started posting this month on DebiantArt even though I signed up for it 2 years ago!!

Enough of an update. Better get something constructive done!

The Summer Yuck

2009-08-21T15:24:44Z

Well, admittedly we had an easy summer until mid August. I could actually learn to like it if the temps stayed around 80. But NOOOOO! Heat is now up and humidity to the max, making it fee; 100+ and too oppressive to breath. AC makes it bearable, but we don't have that here. Cars, theatres, stores and of course work at the museum actually make a big difference, but not always do-anle. So it's sit in front of the fan and otherwise try to sleep until it's all over.

Latest newsies? Yes, until the end of August I am working weekends at the museum, in the position of interim curator. Rumor has it this will be extended but I cannot trust the source. Couple of weeks ago I messed around with some weeding at the museum that got me a very severe case of poison ivy over half my face. VERY hideous, ugly to look at, eyes swollen shut, couldn't even get glasses around my melon head. After 3 days a friend carted me to the ER, got meds and injectables and boy did that make a difference. I was on the road to recovery when I got a phone call last Friday night, from Nancy the prez of the historical society. Her husband had just died, like 2 hours previous and he was still dead on the bathroom floor. Yeh, it was a really a horror show for all involved. Nancy is morbidly obese and cannot even do basic care of herself most of the time, and now with her husband gone-- her one and only caretaker-- who knows what's going to happen? She is not a very popular figure in the historical society, but that's another story. Anyway, the meds i was taking started acting up and I got sick-- now everything seems to be over and the main factor-- HEAT, and HUMIDITY!!-- is what is basically putting a crimp in life. Should improve tomorrow. The rain will also usher in temps about 10 degrees cooler.

Have discovered STEAMPUNK EMPIRE and that's a blast. Wed had a lovely day out with Jen and Dave-- we went to the park in Grover's Mills where they have the War of the World's monument, took lotsa photos, includinh Steampunkery ones, and then there was the impromptu trek to PA-- long story-- but got to have dinner in one of my old regular sites, Villa Vito. Got free food, too-- after 10 years they still remembered.

Thursday night Alycia, Jen and I trekked to the park at Sandy Hook and went on one of their lantern tours. IT WAS AWESOME!! Got to see the old prison, History House and even climbed up the 18th century lighthouse for a view of NY and harbor. Super splendid time. Yesterday I also got a piece of mail from Richard-- a flyer for the Stripper opening, which was very sweet of him. In the last week Dave and I also went Thrift Shopping, so it's been a good week in spite of the heat. Except the 16th marked 3 years since Puppy died.

Tomorrow is a photo shoot at Central park, but can't make it as I work-- plus weather sounds sloppy. There's another shoot at the Bronx Zoo next Wednesday-- dunno if we're going to that or not as yet. Have yet to read my sister's book, as Dad has had it for almost 2 weeks-- has a hard time dealing with 'sex scenes written by his daughter'. Eyyywww. Yeh, I can see that. Will pry it away from him soon anyway. My sister must think we hate it, as we haven't gotten back to her about it.

Okay. Time for a break-- lousy night's sleep last night so maybe I can squeak in a nap? Celeste expected to drop by, so I have to wait until I hear about that. Thus ends the August update!

EXACTLY

2009-08-13T00:18:35Z

For the last 4 days I have suffered pumpkin head. Sunday I somehow managed to stirr up poison something-- sumac, oak, ivy, I dunno-- and by Sunday night the left side of my face began to swell. Well-- by Tuesday I couldn't see out of my left eye and the whole half of my head was something from a SFX warehouse. Dave and Alycia had dropped off meds monday which I took according to instructions-- careful not to mix those unmixable. Tuesday I slept all day in 3 hour shifts. Wednesday morning, my right eye was getting inflamed-- Took a shower and thought I might lay down in traffic somewhere. but thanks again to the conspirators Dave and Alycia, I was whisked off to the local ER-- I was the hit of the day's arrivals, apparently. Evenetually got some IV steroids and Benadryl, along with RXs for a creme and 2 pills. Slept when I got got and can see a bit of difference, as in a good way.. to the overall mess. And my glasses fir.

So I am MONDO behind in painting, listing on eBay, and even pets and house up keep. Have started a few things but hope to feel better tomorrow ao I can do something productive.

Meanwhile, Steampunk resurfaces with a vengence. hope to get a human night's sleep and take over the world tomorrow....if it isn't too hot and humid.

Monday, Monday

2009-07-27T15:41:43Z

I am on extremely slow speed today. About 11:30 and I have already gone back to bed once for a couple extra hours nap. Had a bizarre-o dream that I murdered someone I know (woman who used to be curator at the museum) Shot her twice in the head-- that wasn't the bizarre part-- everyone helping me load a truck and make a get away did not grasp the severeity of the situation-- SPEED being of the essence and leaving no clues, Anxiety dream at its finest. THEN in reality yesterday I had the BEST gazpaucho soup ever, introduced my friend Alycia to Mastori's resturant in Bordentown, also the historical city of Bordentown and Burlington, as an extremely severe line of deadly thunderstorms, wind and hail moved into NJ. The ride home in the dark and rain was a hoot-- saw some awesome lightning strikes, but alas the highway got flared-off because of an accident and we wandered around with mindless back-road attempts at detours for the next 60-90 minutes AND ended ip back on the highway, and at the accident site 3 times!! The final detour, taking the lead of several other cars, deserves a page itself. Alycia tells me the road was called 'Axe Mill Road' and we ran into 2 floods, and some knocked down road blocks...in the middle of b-f nowhere btw-- back on the highway in the Bordentown area it was a nightmare-- all the traffic lights were out and no one directing traffic. I can't wait to do it again-- seriously!
Okay-- have yet to dress, feed animals and get anythong accomplished. Lots to do that I've neglected and must contact Q about her website, as well as Celeste about a sale, and send an invoice-- paint-- well, you get the idea. Quick note from Richard today, too. But on to the critters!!

bibble

2009-07-23T03:51:06Z

Indeed.
Hanging in limbo at the moment. Want to paint, want to write, want desperately to sleep and yet am not sufficiently tired....
Just came home (alright 2 hours ago) from conducting a meeting which would have made Rod Serling proud. It was a combination of, 'Please check your brains at the door' and 'ooooh goodie!! Let's not tell anyone the rules to tonight's game!' Have you ever had to try to explain something to people who could not comprehend or agree on the subject, let alone the details? For the most part, I think it went well, said what I wanted to say, presented everything I intended to cover-- and yet.... the strangely manipulative planet known as our Historical Society president CLEARLY announced to all afterward, 'I need to talk to Kate' (i.e. 'LEAVE, you miserable proles!!") and thus pretty much throwing out all the people I like so much better than I like HER, she has the GALL to say to me, with her shit-eating smile, "I hope you realize you've pretty much ruined all chance of getting a job!"
Hmmm. Okay. No, I don't realize that; I already HAVE a job, as interim curator. Which, by the way, you once mentioned I had also ruined all chances of getting THAT. And when that runs out end of August, you've made it clear they are conducting interviews for the post of FT curator (not so, say members of the board) Welly, no point rehashing the sack of lies dropped after everyone left so there would be no one there to dispute her highness's warped opinion.
I laughed.
Didn't believe a word she said, and don't really give a crap if I'm hired FT or not during the present regime. She DID make a point to say she's working SO hard for them to hire me--- same story I was getting from her when she was working SO HARD to get me hired part time. Had the chance to blow the whistle on her in front of the group, for a pack of lies that lost us a curator and several members, but elected to explain it privately to the person who asked. And said person was flabbergasted to hear the president could sink so low! SURPRISE!!
But otherwise, YES life is SOOOO good!! Writing is coming along great, and my sister's first book gets released this week! New paintings to be listed soonly, maybe a Snape or two, certainly a Vinz (the Marquis!)and the obligatory naked boyz. And I am most in the mood for some Richard work. Zounds. It's already been a full day.

JEEPERS!!

2009-07-12T02:57:22Z

When will it ever end???
How is it I could empty an entire museum gallery in 5 hours, including a REED ORGAN, grinding wheel, and map cabinet, all by myself, and it has already taken me 3 days now to start moving things back??? Maybe because I am cleaning things as I go-- and discovering more things in storage? So far I've only emptied 4-5 boxes of stuff. Tomorrow, the big pieces will get moved back. Packing is easy....comedy is hard.

ZOUNDS-- can't believe we have to go BACK to the studio Monday for VOs. Last week we had to re-shoot the intro, which carcks me up, as I have colored my hair in the interim. So for the opening shot I am a burnette, and the rest of the time it'll be white! (obviously I had quite a bad scare along the way.

Sent a note off to Richard on the 4th, and was surprised to find a letter from him in the mailbox today, written the 8th. But oddly enough it was written before he got my letter, and spent half the thing asking me why I haven't written, he was worried, hoped I was okay, and 'drop me a note or give me a call' with # provided and DAMN I didn't phone because I know by now my letter MUST have arrived and it woulda been too obvious, calling just to use the number!! And what was also weird is that I always know when he's got a letter on the way to me, even when one isn't due. But to say the least, I was touched by the sentiment. ('nothing's wrong, Richard, I've just been a REAL SLUG about writing!') And also a slug about painting for him....

I am pleased and thrilled with myself that I have 'ressurrected' Unburied Dead (my MS in progress) I had hit a major snag, ended up getting one of my main characters in a bind (hell, I ddn't do it, SHE did!) and spent the last almost 2 years considering rewriting about 10 chapters to undo the damage, but sat down a few weeks ago, and it started rolling again-- slowly-- and now it's up to about 20 pages a day. AND it's actually careening toward the end-- which is going to be pretty messy just by necessity. I'm psyched and really looking forward to having it done and actually in shape for a publisher-- wow, and within my lifetime, too.

In fact, I think I'll go work on it right now, since I just don't have the energy to paint!!

Happy 5th of July

2009-07-06T00:06:13Z

How is it possible that any of the local (insert snide descriptive) PUSSIBLY have any fireworks left after last night??? I thought fireworks were illegal-- and not a cop cruiser all night. Practically every 3rd house on my block was bombarding the neighborhood!! Sure, a few were pretty-- but that's not the point. Dad was trying to sleep before the midnight shift, and one of my birds (a cripple) wedged himself under a piece of furniture in a panic. He was panting and I had to wrap him in a towel and calm him down hald the night. I remember many of my dogs used to freak out on the 4th-- but last night was THE WORST it's ever been. Glad that's over for another year!!
Wow, I hardly ever visit LJ anymore-- curse you, FaceBook!! Maybe I should check and see how many 'friends' here are still posting! In the News: I've been appointed interim curator at the museum, since Dave resigned. The witches and bitches on the Board drove him to it, and he's thinking of returning to school. Meanwhile, the witless wonders who make the rules and have NO interest in history have decided to cut the hours down by 2 days. INSANE!! It's SUMMER, people-- when we get the most visitation! Anyway, I have weekends now until the end of August and they are supposedly looking for Dave's replacement. They COULD hire me, as I have more qualifications than Dave did, but I am being discriminated against because I'm Dave;s friend. I wish these old farts would just hurry up and DIE! (did I say that outloud?) or at least find another organization that they have an interest in!!
Still no wheels, but a rental this weekend-- wheee! Sales are about the same on eBay-- I'm just slow getting things listed for now. FINALLY got a letter off to Richard, and sent him Dave's drink recipe. For Richard's birthday, and his 'bartender Dave's corner' on the radio show, Dave created a drink called the Richard O'Brien. A pink martini with Goldschlager in it (so little gold flecks float down through the rosy vodka as you drink). Recipe can be found here http://www.queerspiritradio.com/queerspiritradio2005_004.htm
The TV show filming is ALMOST done-- we go to the studio this week to see the 'rushes' (dailies?) and do the last voice overs, then Thursday reshoot the opening/intro sequence. THIS outta be a laugh! I've colored my hair since May and it's not like no one's going notice the difference between the intro and the 'on the road' segments!
Okay, had some good sales last couple of days so I need to wrap stuff to mail-- but first i think I'll paint a little more. Until next time-- whenever THAT is!

Kinda Weird World

2009-05-27T19:40:00Z

A world without wheels-- car's still not on the road-- got wod today that I can have the engines replaced for a grand. That's actually a good deal, as it includes the replacement engine. Dave is within about 24 hours of resigning his curator job. Yup. Don't believe it and wish he wouldn't BUT he's totally fed up with the drama, the harpies, and the abuse. Frankly, I think he coulda made the position a stepping stone to better things if he just played ball at least a little with the Board. Alas, meetings have degenerated into confrontations, arguments and verbal abuse, and he's decided he's DONE. The 3 years he's been curator he has done more good for the museum abd historical society than they've managed in the previous 40 years. Most of the volunteers who have gotten involved during that time have become friends and have already started bailing out-- There is a possibility that I will be offered the job, though for budget reasons they plan to cut the hours down. No lie, I would take it for the sake of the museum and volunteers and of course the money. I have yet to be offered the job this time around-- last year it was brought up but because I spoke out on a few occasions and made the Board uncomfortable, they've been offering the post to everyone else who have been turning it down!! But it ain't over til the fat lady sings...

Yesterday Alycia and I took a drive around, locating some old homesteads that appear on the township 1870s map. She remembered one old place from her childhood nd we took a dead-end back road to find it. When we did-- it was burnt to the ground and the WEIRDEST thin was, it had just burnt down 3 days earlier!!! A house that stood for 200 years and it's gone within a few days of our rediscovery.

Heard from Richard last week, even though it was my turn to write! Now I owe him 2 letters but DAMN ME, I had a feeling the other day that he was sending me a letter, How strabge! Another weird world incident. He's going to be very busy in the next several months.

Dangerous Ink Magazine requested some art from me to go along with the issue his interview will be in, but I have yet to respond-- I am such a slug. I'm helping Celeste with selling her hats and bonnets on eBay-- hopefully she'll do well. and there's a Friend's meeting tonight at the museum which ought to be interesting....

Chell had lunch with Pat Quinn last week and I am SO PSYCHED to hear how it went! She's coming home after months in Europe in June, what a rush. Sales slow on eBay, but I haven't posted paintings in a few weeks. Other stuff sells in dribs and drabs.

A group of us are organizing a 'Friends of the Lambertson FArm' non-profit, in order te reclaim and restore the 1840s farmhouse that's been standing empty too long. Wish us luck! Meanwhile Mrs. Norris, our gi-huge-ic red eared slider has been relocated-- the harpies again who evicted Danny the parrot a few months back-- But Mrs. Norris is now quite happy in her new home, with my wonderful neighbor Jean!

Lots about to change with the museum, and have been doing alot of writing and rewriting some of my old MSs. Also, have completed a FAB script for the TV14 history tour show Dave and I have been filming-- hopefully wrapping it up next week. The directors/producers/crew seem to love the script, every time I hand them a new show-- which makes me very happy, despite the fact I generally sit down the night before and bang in out in less than 2 hours.

Meanwhile, Dave has just been offered the role as host for a new series, which he is quite excited about. I deliberately kept out of that one! No desire to be a TV star! JUST GIVE ME MONEY!

I spend too much time on FaceBook, though I do not take the quizzes, join the groups, or post the photos. At least two 'women' who have friended me are a bit....pathetic! They post endless photos of themselves in underwear-- always fishing for compliments with the boys and getting them. One woman seems to be puckering her lips in every pic and God help be it just reminds me of my cat's BUTT! She, and some of her friends not only take EVERY quiz out there but also come up with quizes and polls about each other, 'Do you think Yadda yadda is pretty?', 'Do you like so-and-so's eyes?' OH PULEEZE!! Maybe it's me, but I'd rather use FB to check in with friends now and then! And I haven't been to MySpace in ages....or LJ, I guess!

Okay, enough punishment for now!

Back Again

2009-04-23T14:04:37Z

I've completely lost track of the last time I've posted. I refuse to Twitter-- too much time already eaten up by FaceBook, and I've ignored MySpace for almost a year again, and then the miscellany board, forum, and group .... and then, there's reality. The museum, the drama, the stuff I love like field research, and digging through archaic cabinets and files for reference materials.... But alas there are also personalities, power-plays and alot of paranoid and 'uninformed' individuals in positions of power (due to underhanded means)whose main purpose seems to be to drag others to be as miserable as they. In particular, during an election last year for directors to sit on the board at the museum, one especially spiteful and unpleasant lady literally bribed people to show up at the meeting, pay for a membership in the historical society THAT NIGHT, in order to vote for her-- and then they of course are never to be seen again. No kidding. HOWEVER-- life goes on, well, despite people like that.
Went to Chiller Sat night with Dave and Alycia-- hung out with William Forsyth(e?) again, like last year, had a pretty good time. Dave leaves for a week's vacation in Mexico with Jerry next Saturday, Richard leaving for Vancouver today-- with Amelia, I think, to visit Linus for the weekend, back on Sunday. I have an article to write for WNJ at the request of Mark....or is it Mark? And spring cleaning must start....today. Excited about painting, too, as I have some new colors!! And subjects, and patrons!! Meanwhile, animals are all well, Dad is great, I need a car and want to go walking-- and Peter Steele is in North Jersey tonight-- but I really don't feel like going.
Enough for now. 10 am and I want to go back to bed!!

That Time Already??

2009-03-26T03:58:22Z

okay, yeh, I haven't been posting. And here it is, Richard's 67th-- yay-- so I mightaswell pop in and write another installment in the saga that it my life....Wow-- a year ago and we had our chimney rebuilt, beginning the mortgage company/insurance check wrestling match. Glad that ordeal is long gone now. Funny what ya remember. And April 1 is coming up, too, while I am in a mood to remember.
Been having alot of fun lately, on 'Adventures with Dave'-- mainly tracking down some neat local history and digging up artifacts. We're launching a backyard archeology 'club', giving us all an excuse to trapse through mud and dig in the muck. Monday we trekked to one of the old steamboat landings, and while the docks have been gone for decades, we managed to uncover the original roadbed, 'paved' with old clam shells. A week earlier we grabbed some great finds on the old cider mill property-- including some early or mid 19th century crockery pieces. How sad, the things that get us excited these days.
We start filming with TV14 next week, that local cable TV show I mentioned-- or was that on Facebook? I have been writing the script, and the engineer and camera guys have been most complimentary of my work, which is nice. Meanwhile sales have gone from slow to brisk and back again on all my eBay accounts.
Having no car sucks majorly, and still dealing with only one eye. And the lottery still eludes me. Miss flea markets, and my walks, but plenty of plus sides to things. Getting work done around the house, and got back into my writing. Got a letter from Richard a week or two ago, and he mentioned, among other things, an upcoming interview with Dangerous Ink, a lowbrow art mag outta the UK. He was very excited about it, and I have since gotten a copy of it. Apparently the interview went very well, and they want to see some of my work, for Richard's issue. I've been a slug, and haven't finished anything new. Maybe tomorrow?
Dang, I need some wheels soon! Few things worse than having to bum a ride from friends or family whenever I need to hit the store, or anything for that matter. My time schedule seems to be at odds with everyone else's!
I LOVE my Netflix account. I love my cats-- turtles and birds, too, for that matter. And my house!! I like hearing that my house is like a museum, except you can play with everything. Yeh, it's really messy, and crowded, and definitely scares people. And I seem to be rambling....
ZOUNDS it's nearly tomorrow. Amd tomorrow is another day...

Oh Yikes

2009-02-15T00:10:36Z

Yeh, yeh, it's been forever since I've posted here. It's not that I don't have a thing to write about-- to the contrary, I've had so much of a life lately that I haven't had time to write about it. Gad, is this me?

Got too involved on FaceBook, mebbe. And my FaceBookery is notoriously lightweight next to 99% of the other folks there! Sheesh, when was I last here? Drama at the museum continues to an even greater extent than in the past, I've been a slug regarding eBay biz-- but the paintings are still selling. Have spent alot of time with Dave, going places, working, getting things accomplished as well as goofing off. I have been appointed by the mayor to the Old Brudge Historical Perservation Commission, and Richard will be back in the UK this month. My sister's first book, Dark Paradise, has been e-published and she has a contract or two in the works with some hardcover print publishers. Dave and I are working on programming for local cable TV station, after we were approached to produce a series of shows. I have not had a car since Thanksgiving, and I have rediscovered my interest in unsolved murders, Jack the Ripper, and rekindled a passion for Vincent Cassel. ACK!! A FRENCHIE!

Had a rotten windstorm here a few days ago, but that's been my only gripe for the winter and it's been great otherwise with snow. Too many days the temps have been TOO warm, though. No damage from the widstorm, thank goodness!Got a dozen roses this week from my dear sweet Kurt, out in California. He is one of my art patrons and a wonderful person! Dad's doing well, still working and all. I'm getting back into writing, and have been losing weight.

Michelle is in Spain until June, Mimi is on her way back from NZ/OZ even as I write this, and outside of a headcold 2 weeks ago, I'm doing just fine, sittin' at my easel with a Netflix account for company.

Okay, so much for an obligatory LJ 'check in'-- it's gonna take me several weeks to catch up with all the posts on my friends' page!!

lady_giz @ 2008-08-20T16:17:00

2008-08-20T20:38:47Z

Don't get excited-- or as the bald Muse tells me--
'Don't get your knickers in a twist!' it's not all that earth shattering. Short form-- the Board of the Madison Twp. Historical Society, it's membership and all, have approved me for a paid position at the museum. They applied for a grant, got one (1/4 of what was requested) and from that will be able to afford my services maybe a day a week at the museum for the next years. Hey, it's a start! I do spend alot of time there, so yeh, it's good.
Life update: I have been doing so well on eBay....that I've sloughed off a week or so-- bad me! Today WAS to be listing day but I have some lovely new internet-yanked images to paint from and so will be painting and sketching in a bit. Some neat ideas I want to capture, as well. I have not listed any art in a month!! Thinking of getting a gallery on Yessy or ArtByUs and intend to show at the Apple Festival again this year. I have gotten fat and lazy-- when I have a few days that garner a few hundred $$ I get the notion 'why rush?' like I can do this all the time....
The museum and Hist. Society are really hopping lately-- mainly the museum-- and while a little chunk of the Rocky world will be at the annual picnic at Oakley Court with perhaps a certain Mr. O'Brien on Sunday, I will be manning the museum yet again. There are some terrific events slated this year-- organized by some terrific people (especially Alycia who is really kickin' ass for the Speedway weekend) Check out the site for more info:
http://www.thomas-warne-museum.com/
Of particular interest to those who can tune us in on-line, is the updated War of the Worlds live broadcast that we'll be doing in October. I have hinted to Richard that he should join us, with the assurance he will not be zapped with any Martian death rays. Anyway, no matter where you are, you'll be able to listen to us making screaming fools of ourselves LIVE as the Martians land in Old Bridge...Exactly WHY the Martians would pick Old Bridge is another matter....
The Perils of Rental Hell and Jackie's landing are behind us now. She has at last moved into her apartment-- after much agony and delay. It was a nightmare, and should be forgotten in the hopes all things are now on the upward climb.
And I will be getting some mail from the UK within the next week, I betcha.
The AC con is just a few weeks away....SalonCon the week before. SEPTEMBER LOOMS and it looks fantastic! Got my new Dark City DVD and it is yummy-- extra footage of Mr. Hand, and a blurb or two of interview in one of the special features. Really, ALL the extra stuff is GREAT-- but DO NOT listen to any of the commentaries unless you suffer from insomnia or plan to commit suicide, because they are mind numbing and no fun at all..... Also saw Hairspray (the movie) for the first dozen times, AND the Triplets of Belleview!! I LOVE IT! Bought the DVD as I had missed it in theatres and always wanted to see it. It's fantastic!!! I think I will make the suggestion to RoB that an animated RH remake-- under his direction and by the same animators that did Triplets-- would be quite a glorious endeavor. After all, Fox doesn't own animation rights. If you've never seen the Triplets of Belleview-- SEE IT!
That's enough for now. Must go have fun!

Heart's Delight. With Nuts.

2008-08-06T02:42:49Z

I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm sorry, what were you saying?
Random verbal spackling here, having downed a slice of lemon meringue pie which 1) I knew I shouldn't have had and B) especially so late in the evening, and red) I don't care, it was good! espeially with a cup of cold milk.

Had a delightful Saturday among like-minded 'special' types, attending the NY Ren Fair with David, and others in Victorian clothes. Yes. We did a Time Travel picnic and here is proof. Except the Ren Fair Folkes are not to be seen, how odd. Photo taken within MOMENTS of the sky opening up and hurling on us as we made our seperate ways to the parking lots.

Really quite lovely folk, all. Griffin-- all of 15 years old. bound to break hearts to hear Dave tell it-- and he should know-- and Griffin's mom Rochelle, what a doll! Amey and friend, and others met briefly such as Tony, Max, Angel and then the irrepressible likes of Evelyn and Geoff. After departing we 4 (David, me, Ev and GD) ended our day with a pleasant meal in a local diner... and stayed til after closing which isn't as impressive as it sounds...they close around 9.

Friday, the day before, I had a very nice 'family time' lunch when my sister and her husband came to take Dad and I to a seperate but similar sort of local diner. I usually find myself busy elsewhere-- or even make myself busy elsewhere, when such occasions pop up. But this time went along and had a marvelous chat with Carolyn, about her writings, novels, etc. And I have been so neglectful of my art lately-- and desperately want to get back to writing. I think I shall. I was mildly disappointed that the afore named GD has not read a chapter of my work in progress, emailed to him some weeks ago. (Ev? Geoff? are you reading this? well, it's alright. It's true, you know.)I have read some of GD's work as appearing in a small press publication The Willows, in serial form. I would recommend this publication to those with an appreciation of the arcane/weird tales sort of genre-- and to Devin I would highly recommend snagging a copy and submitting a piece or two. As long as the genre is familiar-- and I tend to think YES in your case, D., you might enjoy some further publish-ment. And I don't care if it's not a word, dammit-- this is MY journal and I shall say what I bloody well please, as I bloody well please to!

Back to my moment of disappointment. It has passed, and on Saturday I did tell GD he was absolved from reading it, which caused him great relief. He had attempted to, he said-- but was distracted. Well, if it was so bad as to be distracted from, uninterested in or bored by, even that much of a comment would have been appreciated. We are all distracted, or quite frankly have better things to do at any given time-- or imagine we do, at any rate. But in the same light, it must be remembered that we cannot solicit attention to our own writings, without possibly encountering the same reasoning that a potential public is just too busy to read what we have produced. It is no great matter of career, just disappointment likely in my own judgment of people. I am published and read-- the most regular bits routinely appearing in Weird NJ magazine. I know I am a damned fine writer, too. And I hope that all my talented writing compatriots feel the same about their work, as well.

Speaking of writing--- YES!! Richard's previous letter to me last month included the Ellory book "A Quiet Belief in Angels" and I have since devoured it-- FABULOUS!! I understand why he loved it so much-- the writer's command of prose was wonderful, though a metaphor or two became a bit overdone. (note to self, try not to compare a heart with a fist in one's chest too many times, if at all) And when I reached those pages that he had read to me, over the phone...yeh, yeh, I heard him narrating again in my head. If you can get your mitts on this book READ IT!!

Today I sold a Victorian petticoat on eBay for $217.50. Unheard of. Yes, it had a very pretty lace trim, and when I first listed it, I dared put a Buy It Now price of $75 on it. The first bidder ended uo being the winner and I bet they wished they'd jumped on the Buy It Now. I have been digging up (literally) tons of old Victorian vintage and selling it like mad, and just sold in the last week 3 pieces going off to a woman in the UK. Including a 1940s wedding gown picked up for $5 at a flea market a few months back. I had absolutely NO PLACE to store it and it's been in the back of my car! So I tossed it up for $40 BIN and it sold within 2 hours.

For the next 3 days I will be sitting at the museum, talking to Danny the cockatoo, playing and working on eBay, picking my toes and watching the telly as Dave mans the tent and table at the county fair. I helped out there last year-- this year I'm staying inside! QUEERSPIRIT is now on THURSDAY NIGHTS 8-10 EST on WRSU 88.7 or something like that FM, for those who want to hear Dave and Wayne. And even for those who don't.

Enough silly prattle. On to more serious endeavors! I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love, I'm in love, and I'm getting Dark City this week, too!!

Twisted Knickers and Rental Hell

2008-07-20T13:30:45Z

That is 'hell' and not 'hall'. Not sure how much I have recorded here about the Horrid-Amazing adventures of the last week. Well, short version-- Jackie, moving here from Missouri, was greeted with an unliveable rental property-- No certificate of occupancy, floorboards rotted through, broken windows, etc. Confined to hotel living with 4 pets for the last 2 weeks. She and I have been on the road every day looking for suitable pet friendly housing-- and after a week we finally found it. Can't tell you how many places we visited, checked out, called, or how many miles driven-- But we found a place at an apt complex in South River which is exactly what she's looking for. Already signed lease, and waiting for the apt. folks to finish 'readying' it-- cleaning, etc. YAY!!! It was really very fatiguing, and yet at night I couldn't sleep well, between the heat and not being able to turn off my brain.

Richard has admonished me-- "Don't get your knickers in a twist". As folks may know he's doing the 'Dead Strange' summer TV show, and for 30 days (now less!) you can watch episode #1 on line. Anyway, he's been "Busy, lazy, dopey, etc, so no change there." This follows my voiced concern on (imagined) health issues, and a rather late delivery of a June letter written, 'but I never posted the damn thing!' He has kindly sent Ellory's "A Quiet Belief in Angels" which for some reason I could not find available in the US. Have only just started reading it but yes, it's rather excellent prose.

As for August 2nd-- I'm excited to report Dave, Jackie and I will be joining other like-minded folksies at the NY Ren Faire, for a Time Travel picnic, in celebration of birthdays and steampunk and all that! Jackie's b-day turns out to be August 1. We will be attending as Victorian explorers/time travellers. Always a joy to wear period clothing (ooooooo wool) in 90+ temps. Following week-- the Middlesex County Fair-- this year, I have decided to mind the air conditioned museum while the curator and volunteers man the table at the fair. (I worked the fair last year, that was quite enough!)

Today-- after catering to the needs of my turtles, birds, and cats, I will relax in AC comfort, on the road again. Jackie wants to see New Hope and a few other local (local to the east coast!)spots, and I can handle that as long as no house/apt. hunting is involved. I want a long walk to get back into the exercise thing. Oh! And a necessary stop to the PO. La! Should be happy ours is only a heat wave here and not wildfires like California.

"Stay well, Stay happy, Stay Cool"

and to quote Oscar Wilde-- "Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken."

Time Marches On!

2008-07-11T22:32:41Z

July is almost history-- well, half way. The days just seem to go faster and faster, but they say that comes with age. A year feels like forever when you're 4, because-- well, it's a quarter of your life. By the time you hit 20 it's much less. We don't actually measure it, but I guess psychologically we are aware of it. Or, since time is an illusion, and the older we get the busier we become-- and how much of my precious dwindling time did I just waste recounting that??

A few days ago, I dropped a note to a long time friend of mine-- Greg, who I haven't heard from in a few years, He has a website for his work, http://www.geppettoproductions.com/ Years ago I got him interested in historical reenacting and costuming. He discovered a love for tailoring and from there he went to Broadway and then moved to California to work in TV and movies. Now he works for Sideshow Collectibles. Usually he'd come east for Christmas with the family, or in the spring. And he'd call and we'd get together. Well, not having heard from him in awhile, I wrote him a letter over a year ago and left messages on his phone. Finally, I wrote via his website and just asked, 'what happened?', Well, this morning I found a reply. He spared no effort to tell me why he no longer wanted to be friends. (almost 30 years and ya hafta wonder what happened, after all.) Now, the Greg I remember was always fun, great sense of humor, down to earth, but this was like getting mail from a zombie....

He brought up a few incidents that apparently turned him off to me. Things that happened 10 years ago, and he let fester into a resentment. And they were never even mentioned at the time! Such as my 'spewing venom' about an ex-beau. Yeh, I was going through a particularly bad break up, and venting about Ken-- who by the way now lives out of state and visits whenever he's on NJ, and calls sometimes. Has no one else ever 'spewed venom' after a break up? Ken and I are on very friendly terms, but Greg finds it unforgivable that I was so selfish and ungrateful. WTF?? "He bought you a cell phone and a car!" Uh, no he didn't, Greg. He co-signed for the car, I made all the payments... and the cellphone-- my Valentine's Day gift, was his old one, because he bought a new one that day and they wouldn't take it as a trade in. Apparently, you forgot that, Greg. Yes, Ken gave me many things-- none of which I wanted or asked for, but some people find it easier to give gifts than time. Greg also claimed I have been hitting him up for money. ????? WHEN?? We haven't communicated in 4+ years. No, I have discussed my depression over finances in the way way past, and he admits he took that as a broad hint. EXCUSE ME?? I thought you talked to friends about the bad as well as the good. Still, he didn't mention a word of it before. Are other people like that? Storing things for future use? It gave me shivers. And not the good kind!

Then he went on about how I have squandered every chance I ever had to 'make something of myself'! How I 'ignored his years of advice' that you have to work hard, at thankless jobs, and long hours befoe you have the right to enjoy life. Oh yeh, Greg-- I never had 70+ hour a week jobs, or worked in a medical office where I got to be friends with AIDs patients and watch them slowly die. Or worked for the government, or pass the exams and the security clearance for the police department. I guess I've never had a real job at all. And since I never wanted to make any of those 'jobs' my career, I'd leave after 5 or 6 years for whatever I felt was a better path at the time. The point was, I told him I wanted to work for myself, and pursue my art. Apparently, you have to suffer for years before you are happy. Which suddenly opened my eyes to why Greg seemed like a zombie. He's following his own advice, and he's miserable. He bought a house, got a mortgage and yet knows his job could end at any time. He's never married, and always complained about life in California and the people he met and worked with. Now maybe it's taken a toll-- the humor has gone from his life-- but I am just guessing here. Why he couldn't mention my 'offenses' when they happened, or even answer my letter or phone calls is still a mystery. But I'm actually glad to know he's alive at least, and while I will likely never see or hear from him again, it's all good. I'm doing what I want to do now, I'm happy, and that is all I wish for anyone. I will always cherish the memories, look at the photos from time to time, and wish him well. We all find happiness in our own way, no matter how strange it seems to the rest of the world, and I hope Greg's finding his. But he was a major part of my life for the longest time, and I will miss him. Maybe I should be sad, but it's really okay.

MEANWHILE, back at the ranch....

Happy Birthday Ringo Starr

2008-07-07T15:54:41Z

I can still remember the Beatles' birthdays, but I can't seem to send birthday cards in time for family. Priorities, I suppose....

Heard on the news today that it was the annual running of the bulls in Pamploma Spain. I have said this before and I shall say it again-- If it is a test of bravery-- then WHY THE HELL ARE THEY RUNNING?? Bloody cowards.

Lovely damp overcast day here-- will only turn unbearably humid if the sun gets through. Hustling for the overdue forebearance payment-- which would have been paid if people of eBay would learn to pay IMMEDIATELY! As it is the damn bank takes 4 days to clear an 'instant' payment....so why is it when I PAY for something via PP, it is sucked out of the account before my fingers have left the keyboard? Technology is our friend....not. I am forced to adjust my mellow policies and make it impossible for items to be purchased without immediate payment.

It was a relatively quiet 4th of July here, only 3 houses burnt down, one apartment complex. I stayed home, working and painting throughout the weekend and listing some awesome CDVs and other photos from my collection on my hooks_lady eBay account and sold several so far. The things we do for cash. Celeste was here last night and we started listing her 19th century reproduction ladies hats on one of my other accounts, theleperking. And Jackie is landing in Keansburg today, according to her guestimations of last week. I am going to run away for a few hours I think.

Now here's a little local incident I find interesting, though I really shouldn't be so surprised. 2 weeks ago, a township road dept truck was in the street out front, and drew a square about 1 1/2 yards sq. with white paint in the middle of the road. Then they went away. A few days later I went out to post a letter across the street and happened to check to see what they had actually marked. There was a hole in the road. Not a pothole, with a bottom you could see, but there was a hole caved into the asphalt, like someone poked a rotten pumpkin, and it was big enough for a person to get their leg stuck in. No cones, or any warning tape or anything, just a square around this hole, opening into darkness.... there was no visible bottom and it is right over the sewer system. Like, isn't that dangerous? On July 3rd, approximately a week since they drew the box, 2 more trucks showed up.... and laid some asphalt over it. WTF? Within 24 hours it began to sag-- and now it's quite a 'dimple'. Is that it? Are they coming back and so just patched it quickly because of the holiday? A few years ago, after some new pipes were laid and the road repaved over the sand...dad's rear right tire disappeared when the car was parked out front. Perfect little tire-shaped cave in. They came out and repaired it, but now with this new cavity in the middle of the road.... maybe they are waiting for a schoolbus to disappear before they get worried. Well, that gives them a break until September.
Looks like a perfect day to take a long walk. But I will avoid the road in front of my house, I think...

HAPPY 4TH of JULY From HRM Queen Elizabeth II

2008-07-04T11:36:36Z

** Important, please read thoroughly! **

To the citizens of the United States of America from Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

In light of your failure in recent years to nominate competent candidates for President of the USA and thus to govern yourselves, we hereby give notice of the revocation of your independence, effective immediately.

Her Sovereign Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will resume monarchical duties over all states, commonwealths, and territories (except Kansas, which she does not fancy).

Your new Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, will appoint a Governor for America without the need for further elections.

Congress and the Senate will be disbanded.

A questionnaire may be circulated next year to determine whether any of you noticed.

To aid in the transition to a British Crown Dependency, the following rules are introduced with immediate effect:

(You should look up 'revocation' in the Oxford English Dictionary.)

1. Then look up aluminium, and check the pronunciation guide. You will be amazed at just how wrongly you have been pronouncing it.

2. The letter 'U' will be reinstated in words such as 'colour', 'favour', 'labour' and 'neighbour.' Likewise, you will learn to spell 'doughnut' without skipping half the letters, and the suffix '-ize' will be replaced by the suffix '-ise'. Generally, you will be expected to raise your vocabulary to acceptable levels. (look up 'vocabulary').

------------------------

3. Using the same twenty-seven words interspersed with filler noises such as 'like' and 'you know' is an unacceptable and inefficient form of communication. There is no such thing as US English. We will let M*crosoft know on your behalf. The M*crosoft spell-checker will be adjusted to take into account the reinstated letter 'u' and the elimination of -ize.

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4. July 4th will no longer be celebrated as a holiday.

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5. You will learn to resolve personal issues without using guns, lawyers, or therapists. The fact that you need so many lawyers and therapists shows that you're not quite ready to be independent. Guns should only be used for shooting grouse. If you can't sort things out without suing someone or speaking to a therapist then you're not ready to shoot grouse.

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6. Therefore, you will no longer be allowed to own or carry anything more dangerous than a vegetable peeler. Although a permit will be required if you wish to carry a vegetable peeler in public.

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7. All intersections will be replaced with roundabouts, and you will start driving on the left side with immediate effect. At the same time, you will go metric with immediate effect and without the benefit of conversion tables.

Both roundabouts and metrication will help you understand the British sense of humour.

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8. The Former USA will adopt UK prices on petrol (which you have been calling gasoline) of roughly $10/US gallon. Get used to it.

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9. You will learn to make real chips. Those things you call French fries are not real chips, and those things you insist on calling potato chips are properly called crisps. Real chips are thick cut, fried in animal fat, and dressed not with catsup but with vinegar.

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10. The cold tasteless stuff you insist on calling beer is not actually beer at all. Henceforth, only proper British Bitter will be referred to as beer, and European brews of known and accepted provenance will be referred to as Lager. South African beer is also acceptable as they are pound for pound the greatest sporting Nation on earth and it can only be due to the beer. They are also part of British Commonwealth - see what it did for them. American brands will be referred to as Near-Frozen Gnat's Urine, so that all can be sold without risk of further confusion.

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11. Hollywood will be required occasionally to cast English actors as good guys. Hollywood will also be required to cast English actors to play English characters. Watching Gywneth Paltrow attempt English dialogue in Shakespeare in Love was an experience akin to having one's ears removed with a cheese grater.

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12. You will cease playing American football. There is only one kind of proper football; you call it soccer. Those of you brave enough will, in time, be allowed to play rugby (which has some similarities to American football, but does not involve stopping for a rest every twenty seconds or wearing full kevlar body Armour like a bunch of nancies). Don't try Rugby - the South Africans and Kiwis will thrash you, like they regularly thrash us.

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13. Further, you will stop playing baseball. It is not reasonable to host an event called the World Series for a game which is not played outside of America. Since only 2.1% of you are aware there is a world beyond your borders, your error is understandable. You will learn cricket, and we will let you face the South Africans first to take the sting out of their deliveries.

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14. You must tell us who killed JFK. It's been driving us mad.

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15. An internal revenue agent (i.e. tax collector) from Her Majesty's Government will be with you shortly to ensure the acquisition of all monies due (backdated to 1776).

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16. Daily Tea Time begins promptly at 4 pm with proper cups, with saucers, and never mugs, with high quality biscuits (cookies) and cakes; plus strawberries (with cream) when in season.

God Save the Queen!

********
Thanks to Jay P.! We now return you to our regularly scheduled delusion...

Gettysburg, Chrono'Nauts and New Arrivals

2008-07-02T14:13:19Z

Already July-- GOOD! The faster this summer comes and goes-- ah but we know that. The local ridiculorum started with their explosives last week, but seem oddly quiet this year. Instead of several hours of sporadic outbursts, they let go a few charges for a few moments every night-- has to be after dark or we'll all know who they are....even though we all know who they are... My guess is gas prices have kept folks from driving to PA or 'south of the border' to purchase this year's stock of whizz-bangs. The 4th is Friday, hooray! I hope to spend it somewhere in air conditioned splendor.

And with the 4th comes-- YES!! The annual re-enactment at Gettysburg. If the car was up to it, I would DEFINITELY be there. Stoodles is going, and sent me a local Gettysburg news blurb about all the new and wonderful stuff planned this year-- including a living history village of 1,000 participants, and an expected pre-registered force of 13,000 re-enactors and 500 horses. Ah, memories! It's to modern Victorians what Pennsic War is to SCAdians. Some great times-- nights in camp are my favorite. The black landscape pocked with a sea of fires, in the Union and Confederate camps, with a fabulous mix of music drifting softly in the air. From celtic to bluegrass to waltzes and military bands playing polkas for entertainment on officers' row. The neighing of horses in their temporary paddocks, the smell of wood fires, sweet grass, and every so often a roar of laughter from one camp or regiment, bawdy songs with concertinas, ballads and patriot tunes catch your attention every now and then and.....oooh, I wish I could go. It is the 145th anniversary this year-- and even with gas prices being what they are, quite a crowd of spectators are expected to attend.

This last weekend was the very splendid Totally Normal Event up in Whippany-- I know I mentioned it in an earlier post, but thought I would include a pic for posterity.

The hag-like carrion individual sitting in the middle, adjusting specs, would be me. The rest of the crew are but a small portion of those who participated in the costume competition.

New Arrivals Department: Jackie, from St. Louis, is making her move! She's a woman I met through a Type O Negative forum when Peter Steele meant alot more to me than he does now (for a whooping 6 or 7 months)She has sold her hpouse and is moving to Joisey this very weekend. Now, while I have never met her and enjoy her emails and chats on the phone, I am afraid I will not be able to be there for her as she settles into a new environment. And the reason for moving to NJ in the first place? Well, Mr. Steele lives in Brooklyn, and, well... let's just say she's a major fan. But some may say it seems awfully akin to stalking..... I can hardly find time enough to take care of the friends and responsibilities currently in my life-- and of this I am most ashamed. I hope things go well and she is not overwhelmed by the move. She's starting out new and knows it, and that is a big step for anyone--- and one I am ill equiped or inclined to take with her. Pray for smoothness....

Speaking of responsibilities-- my eBay life has made me a much happier person, as far as the bank is concerned. My paintings are selling to new patrons, and I am meeting some wonderful folks through the sales of vintage clothing and Victoriana. However, I am left with having to post many things-- as it seems to be the case every time I post and entry or email. So away I go, to see what new delights await at the PO. Cheers!

All the things you never knew you always wanted....

2008-06-30T14:50:20Z

Let's make this brief, shall we? 30th June, must work lots today-- which is all home based so it's either very good or not so good. My traditional 19th century lack of AC makes July and August decidedly uncomfy, epecially when I paint under 2 lamps in the crowded closet known as my 'studio/work room' (in reality the old TV room) And I have several dozen items to wrap and post from eBay sales. AND have just decided to take a few of my old canvas fencing jackets and convert them to 'strait waistcoats' (straitjackets)for future Vic doings. Though you may be tempted to ask, in what sort of Victorian recreations do I indulge, that a strait waistcoat is necessary? BE PREPARED I says.

Had a rollicking good time at the Totally Normal Event of this years Wicked Faire-- met many fabulous folks, and some delectably 'Steamy' ones-- Stopped in at the Cross Estate on our drive up-- where I used to live years ago as a Nat'l Park Service Employee. Wanted to show Dave, and attached is a pic or two of us there.

David, standing on the steps to the side 'veranda'. Doors behind him open into the entry hall (front of building and main door off to camera right) I was a bit disapponted to see they had replaced the marble black and white checkerboard floor of this hall with a new pink mable design. (new in the last 10 years that is)

Dave on the steps down to the garden. Portion of the upper yard behind him. The property also has a 5 story stone water tower-- the Frankenstien tower-- which I failed to get a good shot of this trip. Hell, when I lived there we took lots of photos in the pre-digital days. The garden, which had gone untended and unloved for 50 years was a delicious gothicky ruin of weeds and broken terracotta, which has also been all repaired and now flourishes beautifully. We used to go out in the garden, and the wisteria arbor at night-- it was wonderful in its desolation back then-- but now it is quite suitable for weddings and garden parties, thanks to the NJ Herb and Garden societies. I will have to get Dave's pix posted as well as mine scanned and posted from the old days-- many nice pix of the place, and marble fireplace in the library-- they actually have books and a baby grand in there now! Even the basement was a trip! Old Mrs. Cross had dark dank room after room down there, stocked with provisions in case of disaster. The estate sits up on a hill (what passes for mountains in NJ!) and the grounds are open to the public for those who are interested in visiting. VERY secluded....

I suppose I should get moving here--- lots to do! I shall leave you with one last pic-- Dave standing on the walkway between veranda and garden steps. I admit, I am so used to the place that I didn't take half the photos that he did, as he was seeing it for the first time. Hopefully soon I will have a few more.

Cue Twilight Zone Music....

2008-05-30T15:47:04Z

Just a tad weird--- it's happened before but every time it does, I'm shocked for a few days. Yesterday I had a nasty sinus headache and so took a nap in the afternoon. Not very long, and I kept waking up in between strange little dreams. One of them involved dad and I in a huge tent, selling stuff at a flea market-- no excitement there, really, but there was a canopy attached to one side....and the tough looking guys next to us had some construction equipment and a small crane-- and their crane fell over and destroyed the canopy. Today, this morning in fact, on the news there was another fatal crane collapse in NYC. Just co-winki-dentally enough to give me pause....

Lovely Day, The End o' May

2008-05-30T00:50:47Z

HARVEY KORMAN DIED!! Oh man, can't believe it. Was just watching Blazing Saddles a couple weeks ago.... Most treasured memories of him trying not to crack up during skits on the Carol Burnett show, with Tim Conway. Went with the Wind, the Plot to Hurt Hitler....it's all there. Meanwhile, we've got lovely whether and an impromptu Steampunk meeting at the museum scheuled for tomorrow night.
Word is both Pat and Nell will be at the Atlantic City Con in Sept, and don't know if I mentioned it but the bank finally gave me my money for the UK check. Huzzag. At least for 2 more days and then it goes to the mortgage...
God Bless eBay! Hey, one of my LJ friends posted a very interesting entry....about people who pass away, and leave behind heir LJ or MySpace or Facebook pages. Never thought of that before! Living memory, but....still a tad creepy.....
It reminded me of an incident here, right after the World Trade Center 9/11. Since I am in NJ we pratically could see it from here....but for a week or two afterward, people started to notice all these cars parked in commuter parking lots at the train stations locally.....dozens of cars covered with dust and collecting tickets---- until it was finally realized that their owners would not be coming back-- that they worked at the WTC and were presumed among the dead. That was sorta '2 worlds creeping over', too. But creepy is such a strange word....an attempt to describe a feeling of unease that has no way to be described....
Oh I am soooo behind schedule with art! And letter writing, and Richard-- and spring cleaning-- and little things like getting the car registered, replacing a contact lens, dental work--- but the weather's great and my dreams have been weird and we are alive and well where it counts.
Oh, and there's about 35 things I need to wrap and mail ...

Yikes

2008-05-15T21:24:56Z

What a poop. I have not listed a THING on eBay in two weeks-- nothing new anyway. I have done a hurt dance on some recent canvases and definitely need another visit from my muse! The bank STILL has yet to process a large check which, despite the fact it was a bank check, claims since it was drawn on a UK bank it needs to be sent off and processes-- and could take 4 weeks-- WTF?? It was written out in US dollars not sterling and don't we have electronic systems for that reason? REALLY galls me that its floating in the ether somewhere and they are essentially using it. Still, I shouldn't complain as it was a surprise in the first place. But lazy me, I have done little else to generate funds this month... Indeed I have been spending them on toys that please me. Everything from Domme accessories to a great pile of old 1930s-50s True Detective, Confidential and Real Man magazines from Goodwill. I have also, through the miracle of eBay, bought 2 Weird Al DVDz, the Black Dahlia (how awful when one expects more fact than fiction) and at long last found Citizen X on DVD. I still have yet to get my registration renewed-- expired end of April, and then of course is the farce of MV inspection. Dunno how that's gonna go-- car smokes too much and needs rings. One of those days...uh, weeks? that feels like everything's a tad off-- whatever I am doing at any point in time is not what I am supposed to be doing, somehow. Annoying. BUT also on the plus side, I bought a lawnmower so that 4 year crisis is over....lawn's even been mowed, wow. Dad had a cold and thoughtfully shared, so that's over, too. Anyway, it's been a weird few days with grumbles and explosions. And I am cleaning and moving furniture and boxes, making the kitchen and hallway an obstacle course. And now the hurdle is what to make for dinner.
Take out.
Possibly just the tail end of the cold. But it's the kind of 'out of sorts' that spills over into everything. Time to go for a walk-- and be irresponsible for a few more hours!

Weird Al Love

2008-05-12T17:01:16Z

Vegging out to a recently purchased (old) Weird Al music DVD-- gawd, I love that man!! Few things make me laugh so stupidly as his work. One of my disgusting little pleasures. I have quite a few. Some not so disgusting I suppose. MUST PAINT. Picked gup a great art photo book on eBay-- Dom/fetish art-- a must have. Time to clean out the closet-- and re-evaluate potential bennies of the Domme lifestyle. Especially as I know how appealing such is to certain friends. LOL-- yes, I have had a number of men ask me to discipline them over the years, and silly me, I shrugged them off. Well, don't want all these boots and toys to go to waste.... I own more boots than most people have shoes. Indulged in too much spending recently, between DVDs, books, fun clothes, Weird Al, and the Black Dahlia.... MUST PAINT (recurring theme here. or what?) And a chunk of cash going to art supplies. Yikes-- a business expense though, ain't it. Have been SO wanting to get back to writing and WHY did I spend $60 on set 2 of the Robin of Sherwood DVD collection?? The late Robert Addie for Celeste, and of course Gulnar for me. The audio commentaries are a giggle-- to quote Clive whats-his-name-- Little John-- regarding Richard O'Brien, "He's got a movie playing out in his head and he's the only one who's got a ticket." And that's your cookie for today, kiddies! Now, back to work!! MUST PAINT!

MAY DAY! MAYDAY!

2008-05-06T14:29:37Z

Okay, almost a week overdue for May day, and just one behind Cinco de Mayo-- but I had the traditional Chinese take out yesterday, anyway. Missed alot this weekend-- the Spirit of Jersey History Fair was Saturday and would have been an excellent time to visit with old re-enacting friend-- and see the Albert Einstein look-alike contest....BUT someone had to mind the museum and that was me. Missed Elvira at the Chiller con, as we could only go Friday night and she was only there Sat and Sun. An art exhibit opening on Sunday kept me busy, and why was everything else scheduled the same weekend?? AND I didn't find out until MONDAY that Type O Ngative was at Starland Ballroom-- 3 miles away--- Saturday night!!! GRRRRRR!! I'll catch you one of these days, Peter Steele!

Friday night at Chiller was GREAT though! Me, and 3 gay guys-- a lethal combination. Dave, Ed and Ron are ALWAYS a blast! Dave as folks know is the museum curator, with the radio show and my frequent partner in crime-- Ed looks like Michael Douglas (with glasses) frequently referred to as 'the goofy looking white guy', and Ron is....hot. Exotic, Asian looks. How we escaped arrest, anyone's guess. Got Lyn her Ernest Borgnine autograph-- 91 years old he looks great!! Barry Bostwick is GORGEOUS-- I want to climb him-- we chatted briefly, told him about Richard's new grandson Elvis. Ran into some Star Trek actors I worked with, some old Ren Fair friends of Dave's, and William Forsythe, who I LOVED in Blind Faith-- what a sleaze he played-- he bummed one of my cigars and it was a nice couple hours. We left after about 2 hours after the place closed, stopped at a diner-- it ws about 4 when I got to bed and had to get up a few hours later for the museum. I was on half-speed the rest of the weekend trying to catch up with my lack of sleep.

Official announcement of Pat Quinn being lined up as special guest for the AC Rocky Con in Sept. Certain 'others' are being pursued, one of which has a definite interest. Hope it's one of the more smashing and successful cons in a long time. From the sound of it, it's gonna be.

Have been doing a brisk business on eBay-- though I have not listed any new paintings and needed to get supplies yesterdat. $75 worth! Meantime, the antique photos and collectibles are selling well. And I have been BUYING too much of late, too!! Finally found a DVD of Citizen X-- have been searching for this for years and then gave up about a year ago. Tried it again this week and grabbed up a copy, along with the Black Dahlia DVD and some books. Got a very quick note from Richard the other day-- the contents blew me away and I still haven't quite landed. I feel bad that it takes me 3 weeks to write a reply because I usually have to finish some paintings to send pix-- I don't like to send letters w/o art as he says he looks forward to it-- but he writes back within 2 days of getting a letter-- sometimes the same day. Anyway, I had to make an exception for an 'effusive' thank you, no art included. Must devise something awesome for the next post....

Mortgage woes under control at present-- the withheld insurance funds have been disbursed, our 3rd to us and the other 2/3 to the contractor-- or soon will be. Have rediscovered YET AGAIN my secret passion for Weird Al Yankovic....and looks like I'll be doing more eBay shopping...