Right Seat with Tony Spicer preview clip

This is video of my Uncle Tony flying the Sonex he built himself. It's not every pilot that can build their own plane, so you can imagine we are mighty impressed by him.

Dana Schoppa

Unknown Title by Dana Schoppa

Last week, a friend and I had the good fortune to meet a local artist named Dana Schoppa. She was showing her work at an art supply store and was just bubbling over with positive energy. She exhibited some really gorgeous nature work at the store, but on line, I could only find her paintings of churches. Dana told us that her work is sold at the Big Bend National Park, among other places. She was selling some of her work the day we met her to benefit a a breast cancer screening center, called The Rose. Kudos to Ms. Schoppa for her good work, both on the canvas and in the world.

The Dark Side of the Window

I debated with myself about posting my Nohari Window and asking for feedback. I finally decided that I could take whatever came at me, and it would be a good opportunity to instigate change for the better. The only reason that I continue to have reservations about asking for participation with my Nohari Window, is that it is an incredibly difficult thing to ask of people. First you are asking them for criticism, which is an uncomfortable place to go for most people. Second, you are asking them to trust that you are not so thin skinned as to get your nose bent out of joint. Just as I will have to trust that those who choose to add to my Nohari Window will do so with the best intentions, the people who choose to provide this feedback to me will have to trust that I will not hold it against them in the future.

After working on this project with a friend, it became apparent that for both the Johari and the Nohari Windows, the descriptive words are really just aspects of a person's personality - and not reflective of the whole person. That should probably be obvious, but when you are choosing words from the list, it feels a bit like you are name calling. Because of the discomfort choosing causes, we both felt compelled to provide explanations/qualifiers to the descriptors we picked. I found that I was able to pick one or two words from the Nohari set that I was comfortable with, but trying to choose five words was very difficult. It seemed like the entire definition of the words did not really define the person. So, if you feel you need to add qualifiers, please feel free to do so.

Here is my Nohari link: http://kevan.org/nohari?name=finijo

Johari Window

There is psychological tool I was recently introduced to called the Johari Window.

The exercise is enlightening, and it initially asks you choose five or six words from a preset list that you feel describe your perception of yourself.

Then it asks you to refer your friends to the same exercise. The Johari Window allows you to see the difference between your perceptions of your "self" and how others see you.

Take a minute if you would like, describe me with their words. If you decide to try the exercise, let me know and I will be happy to reciprocate. I don't mind if you view my results, but I would like to ask that you don't look at the results before you choose your words, I just think it would be better that way.

This is the link to my Jahari Window:

http://kevan.org/johari?name=finijo

Catch

Catch by Momma Cat

Today I withstood the charms of Catch the very cute cat. He was rescued by a friend, and deposited with a veterinarian who will find him/her a loving home. Unfortunately, this adorable picture was seen by both Marilyn and Connor who oohed, ahhed, and demanded that I immediately get in the car, drive to the veterinarian's office, and take back possession of Catch and bring him/her home to their loving embrace. Again, I resist.

Sometimes You Have To Take The Shot

Child in Window by Finijo

My work days are as varied as you can imagine. I am in the office and out in the world in a variety of places.

Three Goats and a Table

Recently, I've started carrying my camera with me, so that I can catch the odd photo that screams out to be captured.

Gulfbank Storage by Finijo

Now that I have my camera at the ready, I'm surprised at how many photos want me to take them.

Mistaken Messages

Flora by Finijo

Every now and then, I get an e-mail that is meant for someone else. I got a doozy in January of 2006. Right now I have two for my namesake in Ireland - and I am fascinated.

The first e-mail came from someone who is obviously her friend and I can almost hear the brogue lilting at me as I read it. The e-mail is as follows: ________________________________________________________________

alice.doyle to karenwest show details Nov 15 (3 days ago) Reply

Hiya,
Was out with Gilly & Nic last night after work for a quick bite to eat. Gilly was telling that Graham and a few others have been let go. He finished up on the 21st of December. He is delighted. 9 years with the company so that is a bit of money for his esp. with the new baby on the way (its another girl by the way). Jimmy Giles & Darren will be the only two left there for another while longer. Anyways, they are organising a nite out on Sat 1st December. They are heading to Shelbourne park. Myself, Gilly & Nic are going - do you fancy it?
Any news with you?

Thank you and Regards Alice

___________________________________________________________________

The second e-mail is a response from Ticket Master for tickets to a show that she plans to see with Celine Dion and Il Divo. Anyone who knows me (even peripherally) would know that this is a show that could very well cause me to puncture my own ear drums. Still, I can't help but love the idea of a "me" somewhere that is willing to shell out almost $300.00 (US) to see two entertainers (well more if you count all of Il Divo) that would cause the "me" here such a violent reaction.

__________________________________________________________________

confirmation@ticketmaster.ie to karenwest show details Nov 15 (3 days ago) Reply

Images are not displayed.Display images below - Always display images from confirmation@ticketmaster.ieThank you for purchasing tickets on Ticketmaster.Your order number for this purchase is 4-31581/UK2.
Tickets will be despatched as soon as possible, but may not be received until 7-10 days before the event. Please do not contact us unless you have not received your tickets within 7 days of the event.
You purchased 2 tickets to: __________________________________________________________________ Celine Dion with Special Guests Il DivoCroke Park, Dublin, Fri 30 May 2008, 17:00
Seat location: section BLKC6, row K, seats 11-10Total Charge: €195.70

Thanks again for using Ticketmaster.Show complete order detail.Return to Ticketmaster home.You can always check your order and manage your preferences in My Ticketmaster.

__________________________________________________________________

I will try to contact both Karen and Alice today by forwarding/replying to the mistaken messages. I should probably let her know about the message I got back in 2006, just in case it was for her. I think I will miss getting her messages, though. Messages all the way from Ireland, seem so exotic.

Patty's In Town

I got to see my good friend, Patty, last night. This is the first time I've seen her since she moved back to West Virginia in 1991. We've kept in touch through letters and calls, but not nearly as much as we could have. Tonight, I went to meet with her at her friend Patsy's house. It was great, but strange to think of how much time has passed. Patsy's son, Butch, was there. The last time I saw him, he was about 15. Now he's a grown man of 32, who left the Army as a Captain after 13 years of service. Amber, Patty's granddaughter was there, and she's now 19 and 6'3". It was nice to hear that books I gave to Butch years ago, were not only used by him over the years, but he still has them. That was very cool, a high compliment in my mind.

I've missed Patty a lot over the years, so my drive home from the country in the rainy dark night was a lonely one. I got lost a few times, but eventually made my way home exhausted and spent. I am going to have to visit West Virginia at some point. With 41 West's on the mountain and Patty and Bob just a few hours away, I think it is inevitable that I pay West Virginia a visit. Patty leaves on Monday and I am already missing her terribly.

Macroscian

Macroscian (muh-KROSH-i-uhn) noun

1. One casting a long shadow.

2. One who inhabits polar regions.

[From Greek macros (long) + skia (shadow).]

This word came to me through Word A Day just hours before this video was shot. I thought it was wonderfully appropriate.

Connor Smells Bad

When I picked Connor up from the library yesterday, I had the camera rolling. When he noticed that I was holding the camera, I assured him that I was not going to take a picture (which technically, I did not do). As he entered the car, he said, "I really stink." He then lifted his arm up and opened his sleeve to give me a whiff. He was right - after wearing his new hoodie for more than a week, he stunk in that special way only a teenage boy or a wet, dirty dog can stink. It's a good thing he's a good looking kid - because smelly and unattractive just doesn't take you very far in life. Thanks for sharing, Sweetheart...

Texadelphia and Pente

Pente Board by Finijo

On Saturday, I had a lovely lunch with Mike and Bill at Texadelphia. Over cheese steaks, we talked about life and work and surreptitiously ogled the Rice boys. After lunch, Mike and I played a few games of Pente. Mike was a very good teacher, so I actually one one of the games, but for the most part, he wiped the board with me. Having never played Pente, I wasn't sure what to expect. It's a pretty straight forward game, you are supposed to alternately lay down stones on the board with the goal being to have five pieces that connect, like tic-tac-toe. Each game we played took about 15 minutes or so, which is preferable to me than a six hour game of Monopoly. I think what I like most about it is that you can play the game and have a conversation at the same time. Playing Pente it is a really nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon with friends. Thank you, Mike, for introducing me to Pente.

Where I Need to Be

The Path I Almost Did Not Choose by Finijo

I had every intention of going to the Arboretum yesterday on my day off and snapping some pictures. The day got away from me and I didn't have time to drive there before I had to go get Connor, so I took an hour and went to Newcastle Park.

Skull Tree by Finijo

I only snapped a few pictures when a little boy came over and started talking to me as I sat on a bench to get a shot of a small pond. I looked around for his mother and noticed that she was pretty far away pushing his little sister on the swings in another part of the park. I also noticed he was wearing hearing aids, so we talked a little about sign language (he knew some, but not much).

Mosquito Hatchery by Finijo

Eventually, his mother noticed he was sitting next to a strange woman in the park and she made her way over to where we were sitting. Immediately, my new friend James said, "Mom, this lady works with death people." His mom (Kim) and I started talking about his deafness and it turned out that she had a lot of concerns about his future and I was able to put her mind at ease a little just by sharing information I had .

James by the Pond by Finijo

James' father is having some difficulty accepting the condition, which is not uncommon, but does make the situation a little more tense for him and the rest of the family. I gave James' mother my number and told her to call me if she has any questions or just needs some resources. Since I left the field two years ago, I have found myself in similar situations, giving out free advice about community resources and about how to deal with hearing loss in grocery stores, parking lots, and at the library. I miss working with the deaf/hard of hearing, but I think somehow I always end up being where I need to be.

Veterans Day 2007

Robert Ringleben's Mementos

Today is Veterans Day, and I have the day off. I have no desire to watch parades or watch the commentary on the news. I want our soldiers home, but I know that is a long way off. The day brings to my mind all of the people in my family who served in different branches of the military and all they went through while serving. We only have one family member who died in action in the modern wars. His his loss was felt by all of us, although I only recently realized it. My grandmother's brother, Robert Ringleben, was killed in WWII and it changed her forever. I don't think she was really happy again after his death. His effects included two purple hearts and some patches. I honestly don't know what the red, white and blue circles are for, but they remind me of targets. The V Mail letters are just a smattering of the letters he sent over the course of his years in the service. One of them was written in March of 1945 and the letter announcing that he was killed in action is dated May of 1945. My grandmother requested a copy of his records after his death and she was sent a copy of every letter he wrote, which I don't think would be possible today with e-mail, texting and the volume of mail that goes back and forth between soldiers and their families.

Letter of Regret

I read them a couple of years back, and they show the naivete of a young man who joined the service to protect his country, who transforms into a hardened and mature soldier as the years progress. He was killed not long before the war ended, which of course is more the shame. This letter is the "regret to inform you" letter that too many families have received in wartime past and present. It's hard to believe that we can't find a better way, but I suppose that mankind will always find a reason to fight.

Telegram of Return

This is telegram was among the many items that were horded away by the Ringleben family in two small boxes. The telegram describes how Robert's body would be flown back at the US Government's expense to be reburied in the US. He was disinterred from a cemetery in Belgium to make the flight back to his home in West Virginia, where the family chose the Grafton National Cemetery as his final resting place. I can't imagine their pain at losing their son, but I can see the effect it had on his sister, and subsequently, the impact that it had on all of us.

If I Were an Objectophile...

Magic Cornucopia by Finijo

While I was working on the computer, Marilyn put on an episode of Boston Legal that she DVR'd. It caught my attention because one storyline focused on a psychological condition I had not previously heard of - objectophilia. Objectophilia is sexual attraction to an inanimate object. People who experience this phenomenon describe themselves as being in a relationship or being in love with the object. They cannot connect with human beings, so their love/lust is projected onto objects instead. I am trying to figure out what I would objectify, if I were going to be in love with an object. Ruling out the obvious, this isn't as easy as it sounds.

Marilyn says I would be in love with my composter. I know that can't be right, because a composter is the object equivalent of being in love with a hippy - damn dirty hippies. Marilyn has settled on her object of love - the book, Damage, by Josephine Hart. She said, "I love the words, the story, the paper it's written on and the font." As objects go, I think a book is a more noble choice than the Berlin Wall. Still, I don't think my object would be a book. It seems to me that it would have to be something more physically substantial, but then again, maybe it should be something more intellectually dynamic. Perhaps something with a memory chip or artificial intelligence would be in order. I mean we are talking crossing the line between a species and an object, and that's got to be a greater barrier than interracial, or even inter-species relationships. I'm leaning towards the Williams Fountain, but fountains in general, seem too feminine. According to the information I read, buildings seem to be fairly common among the people who practice objectophilia, but to me a building just seems like overkill. Way too much of it, way to little of me - I do not want to be completely dwarfed by the object of my affection, but I am quite fond of the Esperson Building... I am toying with the idea of my blog being the object of my affection, but I think that would take the condition a step further and make me a virtual objectophile - which would probably seem really bizarre to the run of the mill, solid-object objectophile.

I think this phenomenon should work it's way into popular culture. Along with our mental games of "If you could have sex with any three people in the world" and "What five things would you want with you if you were trapped on a desert island," we should add "If you were in love with an inanimate object, what would it be?"

Quiet Place

Tension by Finijo

Today was cleaning day. Maria came this morning, and usually we would all be cleaning along side her, but Marilyn had errands to do with Connor, and I did most of my cleaning last night in a fit of nervous energy. Today I am just feeling lethargic. I'm in a quiet place and don't feel like having noise. I've had plenty of time to draw, read, cook, garden, do any number of productive things, but all I felt like doing after Maria left was to sleep. No TV, no radio, just the humming of household appliances. Connor is reading the third book in the Lord of the Rings trilogy and listening to an old Steve Martin comedy CD in the study. Amidst the buzzing of the ceiling fan, the sound of canned laughter off in the distance is strangely comforting. I am not at ease today. I have a vague feeling that the other shoe is about to drop, but I don't know why.

Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

After work today, I went by Helen's Park and took some pictures. I got some really vivid shots of some of the flowers. It really seemed like the reds were on fire and the purples were unimaginably deep, so I was surprised when I got back and saw the colors I saw actually show up in the pictures I took. The brief videos above were taken with my Olympus FE-110 and I like how they turned out. I don't know why the fountain shot went grainy like old film, but I think it adds something to the footage.

B** C***

Dawn of Man by Fini

This is not my finest poetry, but I can still remember how good it felt to get it out of my system when I wrote it. I have looked back at it from time to time over the years and it always makes me laugh. The knowledge that I had written these words, allowed me to greet him at each of our successive meetings with a smile. Well, it was more of a grin, because inside I was laughing at my own joke - but it did keep me from verbally eviscerating gentleman in question.

B** C***

You are a nasty little man

I cannot feel sympathy

or empathy

or kindness

towards you now.

Because it is my job

I let you

beat me down

and I don't fight back.

You have again

sapped the joy

from an otherwise

pleasant day.

It is impossible

to have a positive

encounter with you.


You think you are

unemployed because

of the job market,

because of discrimination.

Wrong!

It's because

You are an asshole.

Fini

05/13/93

After a particularly

demeaning counseling
session with Mr. B** C***

15 Miles to Austin

Fifteen Miles to Austin by Finijo

I took this picture on my last trip to Austin. These words came to me as I passed that same sign on my way to Austin about 12 years before. I was going to Austin to meet with an advisor in the Psychology Department to try to get into graduate school at UT. The guy was nice enough to meet with me, but ultimately we could not come to a meeting of the minds and I left his office remembering the feeling that I had when I attended UT as an undergrad. I felt less than human, a number, or something that he got to check off of his to do list. In the end, it all worked out and I have very fond memories of my time in Austin, but I don't think I will forget again that feeling of insignificance.

Austin 15 Miles

The sign says
15 miles to Austin
I am filled with
relief

But the road is blocked
by fear and doubt
Will you take me back?
Am I the only obstacle
in my path?

I see no other future
Are my eyes clear
or cloudy?
The answer is in my heart.

Fini
05/28/93

Composting is Beautiful

Saturday morning I got up and decided to check the progress of the contents of the composter. I've been surprised at how little this thing smells. We don't put meat in it, so that helps. I did put some shrimp in it in the beginning, and the results were not pretty. You live and you learn.

This is the site that greeted me when I peeked inside. Lots of egg shells, coffee grounds, flower stems, onions and avocado shells. There are lots of little bugs in there breaking everything down. Composting is so cool to me.

I added what we had collected over the week, mostly clementine orange rinds, tomatoes from some spaghetti and from salsa (Con picks them out), lettuce and more egg shells. It's a strangely pretty mix to me.

This is a shot of the contents after I gave our compost salad spinner a couple of turns. At this point, there was a mild odor. I hate to say it, but the decomposition of vegetable matter can take on a fecal scent. It's not enough to deter me from composting though. Since we started recycling and composting, we have found that our once overflowing trash can goes to the curb half empty week after week, and we feel pretty good about that.

Coffee Clouds

Coffee is my crack. Experimental coffee video for your viewing pleasure....

Matt's Birthday Brunch

Today we went to Matt's birthday brunch and got a lot of great family time and great family shots. Here's Dave with his little brother Sammy.

Matt with his boys, Dave and Sammy. I can't believe Dave is leaving for college in 9 short months. The house will be much emptier without 6'5" of David hanging around.

Stuart with Spencer and his father, Stanley, with Evelyn in the background.
Beautiful girls in the family, Soleil and Sky are smiling - but Evelyn is giving Marilyn the stink-eye.

Group shot of the families. I like this one the best because Sammy is looking at me - we've got a bond. I'd actually babysit for this beautiful boy, if I weren't number 15 in the line of succession for babysitting dibs.
I love this family. It's big and loud and funny and weird - and perfect. Sammy "Swiffer" Barron showed us his special talent today. He can propel himself across the floor using only his upper body strength and his flipper-like feet. It's a marvel to behold.

Rick with Soleil and Emoni. You can't tell from the picture, but Emoni is revelling in being swung by her father.

Jenni's Moved

Jenni's Noodle House moved to a new location at W. Alabama and Shepherd. It still has the same food, but the atmosphere is not as eclectic as it was when it was on Hutchins, near downtown.

No flamingos, and no boas in sight. Marilyn got the Art Car Curry and I got the Lemongrass Beef Bun. Both dishes were very good, and the manager on duty was really helpful and friendly.

I thought these pictures were pretty funny. The poses the women are in are ridiculous, but I can't help myself, I like them.

I think this drawing is of a woman addicted to bun, but I could be wrong...

Yearbook Inscription

Marilyn's best friend from high school, Luellen, came over tonight and while they were perusing old yearbooks, they found an inscription that I had made in Marilyn's junior yearbook in 1987. It is as follows:

Dear FARTHEAD,

I hope your next

(and hopefully last)

year of high school

is terrific (not like

the sad, pathetic

years you've spent in

Cy-Fair, so far). I love

you very much and

hope soon you'll have

a date, or at least

something to do on

Friday nights besides

chewing your toenails.

Please try to understand,

I love you the way

you are, but that

little habit of yours

is not only unsightly,

but it's downright

unhygienic. The thought

of you with athlete's foot all

over your lips, cheeks &

gums pains me so.

I feel that it's time to

ask you for a favor - could

you please remove your

booger collection

from the bathroom wall.

I know you don't think

it's noticeable, but those

really are two different

shades of green. It's time

to close this now with

one final word of

advise from your

big sister. Never,

never, trust someone

who tells you to

kiss a cigarette lighter

in a car.

All My Love,

Wally

I don't remember writing this note - but I know I must have been laughing my ass off thinking of all of her friends seeing this huge inscription written across the front pages of her year book. Twenty years later, I still think it's pretty funny, and luckily, so does she.

Halloween

Mike and Bill's Halloween House by Finijo

For the last few years, we have gone to Bill and Mike's for trick or treating. The neighborhood is festive and all the neighbors turn out on the street for a big party with great decorations, food, and tons of candy for the kiddies.

Midnight Cowboy by Finijo

This is the first kid we saw tonight who made an impression. He had the whole block oohing and aahing and tomorrow he will likely be the talk of the neighborhood. His dad is standing behind him and his comment was, "If I could get away with just wearing a vest, I would." Good for Dad and Son - the kid has got big brass ones.

Alex and Connor Cutting Up by Finijo

Alex was a demon reaper and Connor was the demented wolf from Little Red Riding Hood. They both got lots of candy, but even better than that, they had a blast scaring the bejesus out of the little kids who passed by.

Wolf Con by Finijo

Connor crouched down and completely covered himself with his Renaissance Festival cape. When children walked closer to examine the dark lump at the end of the driveway, he burst out at them and sent several of them screaming into the street. Not really the safest way to frighten children, but definitely effective.

Alex Demon by Finijo

Alex is really growing up fast. His voice is changing and he's become more serious, but that didn't stop him from hamming it up tonight. I think his picture turned out really scary.

Snake Charmer Angel by Finijo

This darling little girl walked the neighborhood with her pet snake. While I did not touch it, I did face my fears as much as I could deal with tonight by getting pretty close to her to take the picture. As much as they freak me out, I felt sorry for the little guy being jostled all over the neighborhood as a fashion accessory for a trick or treating tween.

Hairless Bobo by Finijo

The dressed up dogs were on parade tonight. This is Bobo, the hairless rat terrier. I was told by the owner that they became a recognized breed in 2004 and that they are genetically engineered. He touted Bobo's assets as being, no shedding and no fleas, but he added, "You do have to put sunscreen on them in the summer." Hairless rat terriers also come in the miniature Bobo size (5 lbs.) and the jumbo size at a whopping 10 pounds.

Oreo by Finijo

Mike's neighbor's dog, Oreo, was pretty cute in his Halloween bandanna, and the pumpkin dog below, was just adorable. I can't remember a Halloween where more dogs were trotted out in costume.