Brasil, Domy, and Street Art

Broken Heart Flower by Finijo

I found this bit of street art on a lamp post just outside of Brasil's when I took Dave for a cup of coffee yesterday. I like the simplicity of it and the fact that the heart looks a little like a Venus flytrap. Love does seem to be carnivorous at times.

Sidewalk Art by Finijo

On the way to my car, I found this bit of sidewalk art. I can make out the form of a woman, but the head is an enigma to me. I can't decide if it is a skull or a panda head...My apologies to Matt and Caryn for the inconvenience - my ringer was turned off from earlier in the day when I attended the funeral. It was nice to introduce Dave to Brasil's and Domy Bookstore. As usual, the conversation and the company were enjoyable.

Abuelita

Isabel Campos

ISABEL CAMPOS, 93, passed away December 27, 2008. Isabel is survived by her husband of 64 years, Angel Campos; son, Joe A. Campos; daughter, Guadalupe Quintanilla. Also surviving are grandchildren and great-grand-children. Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 until 8:00p.m., Monday, December 29, 2008 at Waltrip Funeral Directors with the Rosary being recited at 7:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday at St. Jerome Catholic Church, 8825 Kempwood, Rev. Msgr. Dan Scheel, celebrant. Rite of Committal will follow in Woodlawn Garden of Memories. In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association, 2242 W. Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030-2008.

I attended the funeral of my oldest friend's grandmother today. Abuelita is what we all called her, and I always suspected that she spoke more English than she let on she knew. Abuelita had an uncanny knack for popping into Angela's room right at the most inopportune moments. She was the same age as my grandmother when she passed away a few years ago. Her funeral was one of the most positive farewell's I have ever seen, and I have been to more than a few funerals in my lifetime. Abuelita made her own arrangements before she died and they included a mariachi band graveside, which seemed to me to be a very festive and positive way to say goodbye to her. Vaya con Dios, Abuelita. You will be missed.

Dave Shoot

Ivy Window by Finijo

Dave and I went on a shoot downtown and just drove and stopped every time something caught our eye. This ivy was really cool looking and Dave has done a really cool drawing of the photograph he took of it, which is now displayed on his Deviant Art page.

Jacket by Finijo

This jacket was found in a parking lot across from Leon's Lounge and we didn't have to stage the shot at all. The bottle was sitting there in the parking lot. I rifled through the pockets, but all I found was a cigarette lighter and a pack of soggy cigs.

Leon's Lounge by Finijo

We were shooting on an incredibly grey day, so the red of this pseudo phone booth really stood out against the pink of Leon's Lounge. I am going to have to go inside that place one day, it looks like something from another time.

Blue Agave by Finijo

This is a shot I took of a blue agave in front of an old house that is being rehabbed in midtown. I love the way that the new leaves have impressions of the old leaves on them. I also really dig the color of the plant.

Blue Pigment by Finijo

This shot is a macro of a puddle of dried paint that was poured out onto the driveway of the house being rehabbed. I can't describe how incredibly beautiful it looked on such a very grey day. If you blow it up you can see the bubbles, cracks, and swirls in different hues.

Featherman by Finijo

We made our way over to the Station Museum of Contemporary Art and I got some more shots of the art on the gas station across the street. Dave got some cool shots and even some shots of me.

To Whom It May Concern/101 Faces Ali Talib Alkayali (photo by Finijo)

The Station Museum of Contemporary Art has a fantastic new exhibit called Iraqi Artists in Exile, which runs through February 1, 2009. This piece is a large sandbox filled with faces that are shallowly buried. It brings to mind the mass graves that have been found all over Iraq. Each piece in this exhibit was carefully chosen and reflects the profound emotion that you would expect from artists who fled their country because of the political upheaval caused by Saddam's regime and because of the danger and hopelessness caused by the American invasion.

This video is called Born April 9th by Sadik Kwaish Alfraji and it is a stunning piece of videography. This installation is set up on several television sets that run silently and simultaneously. The images in this piece are riveting. As always, I will be paying multiple visits to see this exhibit. In spite of the relatively small size of the Station Museum, there is always a lot to experience as you go through the exhibit. James Harithas and staff have again out done themselves by picking so many incredibly pieces for this exhibit.

Christmas 2008

Evolving Door by Finijo

We spent Christmas Day with Mom and Dad. This was a rough year for us, so we scaled things back quite a bit, and found that it was a nice change of pace. Marilyn and I made our first Quiche (spinach and feta) and gifts were opened at our house, then Mom and Dad treated us to Christmas dinner at the Marriott Westchase. One of Mom's friends is a chef there and we got to meet him and hear about the culinary training program he is heading to Italy for next week. There was a great buffet and we all had a great time talking and laughing. Thank you Mom and Dad, for a lovely Christmas!!

The picture is a shot of the door as we exited the hotel. I wish there really was an evolving door. I am dying to see what I would become after passing through that portal.

Chanuka Truck

I found this truck outside of Belden's grocery store off of Braeswood and it made me smile. This truck confirms it - tacky is not just for gentiles anymore. Tacky or not, it's pretty funny. I wish you could see that lights on top. It is a sight to behold.

Chanuka House

Hanuka House by Finijo

For some reason I have been drawn to everything Hanuka this year. This house is over the top - so of course, I love it. This is not the best picture I ever shot, but I was a little worried they would pop out of the house and catch me taking a picture of their lawn ornaments. Notice the Star of David wreaths on the doors. I can't wait to see what they do next year. I am hoping for a life sized statue of Hanuka Harry.

Coffee and Conversation

Kraft Mug by Finijo

I met with Karim at Kraft Bakery after his return from Egypt and we had coffee and got caught up. December was a rough month for me, and he was gone for most of the month taking care of unfinished business a few thousand miles away.

Brasil Fan by Finijo

We followed up coffee at Kraft Bakery with coffee and lunch at Brasil. We were trying to find a good internet connection to work on his social networking sites.

Computer Lovers by Finijo

While working on his sites, I spied a couple who looked so happy to be together and out in the world enjoying each other's company. I snuck this shot of them across Karim's laptop and I couldn't help but feel a small pang of envy.

Sky Shoot

Jesus Saves by Finijo

Sky and I met for a photo shoot tonight after work and school. It turned out to be a great night. We started off with an attempt to go to The Station Museum of Contemporary Art, but we got a late start and it was closed when we arrived. On the way to dinner, I caught this shot of the Jesus Saves sign over the side door of The Continental Club. I have another more abstract shot, I plan to post on my Deviant Art site.

Keith Fernandez by Finijo

This is Keith, the doorman for The Continental Club. He has exactly the right look for his job - just very cool, unflappable, and a genuinely nice guy. Keith looks like he has seen a lot of interesting things pass before his perch on Main St. Thank you, Keith for allowing me to get this photo of you.

Whip It by Finijo

I have to be honest about this shot - I copied Sky's shot. I actually went back to Sig's after Sky and I had been there (to buy a couple of bobble heads for Mom and Dad), and emulated the angle that Sky had on her shot of this billboard/painting. It was better than what I had done, so please consider this shot as flattery, Sky.

Vinyl at Sig's by Finjio

Sig's Lagoon is just about the coolest store in Houston. They have an incredibly ecclectic selection of vinyl (look at the labels on this row of abums), as well as huge selection of bobble heads and other vintage toys, collectibles, and clothing. I LOVE this store and will be returning often.

Vintage Toys by Finijo

Sig's has the coolest toys. Most of the toys are things that would be outlawed by the Child Safety Council, because they are tin and have lots of sharp edges and parts that can break off and be choked on.

You Must Be Guilty of Something by Finijo

We had dinner at Tacos A Go-Go and had a great conversation. I got some good shots at the restaurant, but I think Sky's were better. I am only posting this one, because it made me laugh. I did a shoot there last year, so this will suffice.

Sky Shoots Tree Lights (and Cat) by Finijo

I just like the way this one came out. We were at the Menil shooting outside of the museum when we both looked down the street and noticed these trees beckoning us. Sky and I got some cool shots in the neighborhood. I think Sky is very talented and has a good eye for photography. I hope she adds her photos to her new blog (hint-hint).

Unexpected Art

Read (Photo) by Finijo

I had breakfast with Sky and Matt this morning and on my way to work, I stopped and took some pictures of unexpected art that I found near The Station Museum of Contemporary Art. I think this image is fantastic. The symbolism of the blindfold and the butterfly are powerful, but what is the artist trying to say? Feel free to comment with your ideas, if you feel the urge.

Gas Station Art by Finijo

I have taken pictures of this former gas station before, but there are some added attractions now. I love street art. It's temporary and it changes so often, that I think most people don't really notice it.

Shepard Fairey Images by Finijo

I looked a little, but did not find out if any of these posters on the gas station are the work of Shepard Fairey. If they aren't, then I have a feeling he inspired the artist who created them.

Mesopotamia Poster by Finijo

This poster is on The Station Museum of Contemporary Art. This is the next exhibit I go to see, for sure.

Two Party Day

Dave Party Foyer by Finijo

I went to two parties today, unfortunately, I screwed up the time (I've had a lot on my mind) and showed up late to the first one at Karen's house. I got lucky and the stragglers at the party were people I had not seen in a long time, but that I have missed and wanted to catch up with. It was good to see Yolanda, Kelly, and Maria, in particular. Thank you for all of the kind words and thank you to Karen for your hospitality (and not laughing at me too much for showing up so late).

Terri Love by Finijo

The next party I attended was a party I have gone to every year for the last 12 years. It is truly the coolest/strangest mix of people you could imagine. It is a company party that is made up of a combination of two businesses (insurance and sign language interpreting). There are deaf people and interpreters signing, a large gay contingent, and then the insurance people. I love this party, and because I have been going for so long, it feels like a reunion every year.

Funeral Day

Fifth Ward Mural by Finijo

I went to a funeral today for one of my patients. He and I worked together for about three years, and I am going to miss seeing him. He was a good guy and I helped him get what was probably his only competitive job. He enjoyed working, but his body betrayed him in the end. I have a feeling I will still feel his presence in the hospital, in spite of his early departure. On the way back from his funeral, I stopped and took a couple of shots of some murals in Fifth Ward near the funeral home. It was a beautiful day and it was a beautiful service.

Fifth Ward Mural 2 by Finijo

I Think I Am Back

Sludgehole by Finijo

I can't guarantee it, but I think I will be blogging again with some regularity. I guess I just got a little burnt out and busy. I've worked on my photography and my painting a lot in the last year. I think it's time I got back to just observing things for a while. I am going to start by going back through my photos and blogging some of them - I will probably predate them, because I always take my photos with the intent of blogging it, then time passes and it doesn't get done. That way I can start shooting again and keep things in the order I intended in the first place.

Sludgehole Origin by Finijo

The impetus for my burst of blogging probably comes from the abysmal week I have had. After my best friend decided to betray my trust, I got the news today that one of the people that I worked with for the last three years died yesterday. I am at a low ebb and need to do something to keep my sanity. I really hate the holidays with a passion, but I guess I am still painting, but I need to use words again, too. So here's my first entry and hopefully, I can get one or two more on before I go to sleep tonight.

**These photos were snapped at an old hotel in Midtown and nobody seems to know what the hell the sludge hole is meant to do. It just seeps sludge, from no place in particular (there is no working kitchen in this place - that was my first guess). I feel a little like I am crawling out of that thing right now. Hopefully, the stench and filth will scrub off in time.

Carol's Christmas Party

I went to a Christmas party at Carol's townhouse and got to see her new digs. It's really nice and in walking distance from the Landmark River Oaks Movie Theater, so you can't beat that. I spent most of the party counseling a young man and I was kind of floored at how synchronicity works to bring people in contact with each other at the most unexpected, but necessary times. Synchronicity seems to be accelerating for me these days. I find that what I need to survive is at hand, if I am paying attention. Carol's party was one more example of how it works for me, and I think for the young man I spoke with that evening. I hope I was of benefit to him.

Without

Woman by Stacy Lane

Without

Suddenly, I was invisible.

Ashamed

with full understanding.

We are not,

Only I

am responsible.


I do not know what to do

with the impossible.

Nor where to put,

that which cannot be.


I go on.

Nothing has changed,

yet my eyes are open

without hope

without grace.

Thanksgiving Day

Thanksgiving City Hall by Finijo

Marilyn and I started Thanksgiving in a misguided attempt to be helpful. We went to City Hall to help feed the homeless, but quickly found out when we got our volunteer numbers (2738 and 2739) that the volunteers outnumbered the people eating. I guess with the economy in such bad shape it made people want to be more helpful than usual this Thanksgiving. We mostly stood around looking for things to do. Finally, we took some trash bags out of the trash cans and went around table to table collecting trash after people finished eating. Quickly, other people got the same idea and we ended up competing with others to clear what little trash was being generated. We left after about an hour, because it just seemed pointless.

The lawn was strewn with volunteers just sitting around waiting for something to do. I think the organizers should have put a schedule up on line so people could sign up to be there at specific times and so they could gauge the turnout better. Maybe next year they will be more organized.

City Hall Tree by Finijo

We went to Mom and Dad's after we finished up our volunteer duties and had a really nice afternoon with them and cooked a light Thanksgiving dinner. It was a nice change of pace from the usual Thanksgiving day food overkill. Thank you Mom and Dad for a very good end to what started out as a bit of frustrating day.

Modesty

Modesty by Benjamin Shiff


I held on to this image for a very long time and couldn't find the right story to post it with. I finally decided I needed to just post it on it's own merits with a poem from one of my favorite poets, Rod McKuen.

Eleven

The afternoon shadows
gather as the day goes home.
And now the in-between time
before the night
after the day.

Above the gray harbor
the city sits on white houses
waiting for the happenings
and all the boats are in.

A wind is coming up
and we'll be warmer by ourselves at home.
I cannot look at you
reflected in the glass behind this bar
much longer.

I want to be alone with you,
I want my thighs to speak your name
so softly only you can hear.

This place was mad
for those who still play hide-and-seek
we're home free.

San Antonio Trip

Riverwalk Lamp by Finijo

San Antonio was a lot of fun. It was a quick trip just about 24 hours, but we packed a lot into that short time. We ended the trip with dinner at La Margarita's and a walk down the Riverwalk. It was a surprise to us that the Riverwalk is undergoing renovations, so we actually reached a point that we couldn't go forward and had to go back. Hopefully, they will finish the work before Summer.

Demon Trolley Ride by Finijo

Instead of walking back, we took a trolley bus and it was like taking the bus on in Harry Potter. The driver had been on the cell phone before we took off, and she seemed a little pissed off when she started driving and careening through the streets of downtown San Antonio. The only people on the bus were us and an elderly couple, who seemed like they had seen a lot in their time together and they were alright with each other and the world. They were unflappable in the face of our demented demon driver.

I have better shots (clearer) of the trolley, but this one looks the way it felt to be thrown around in the back of that bus while the driver worked out her aggression on the streets of San Antonio.

Halloween

I started Halloween at Little Barnaby's enjoying the comfort of friendly people and good conversation. The picture shown is of Scott (the manager) and Jay (one of our regular waiters). I love the familiarity of Little Barnaby's. I always feel like everyone is happy to see me when I come through the door. I spent Halloween night driving to San Antonio with my best friend. We filled our travel time with laughter and conversation and found out that we make good traveling buddies.

Get Out the Vote Rally

Lotus Effect by Finijo

Mike and I went to Discovery Green Park for the Get Out The Vote rally and had a really good time. It was the first time I visited that park and it is a wonderful addition of green space to downtown Houston.

Mike In Color by Finijo

I took a few shots of Mike while he wasn't looking, but none of them came out as crisp as I had hoped. I used an effect on this shot, because I liked the way he looked in the lamp light in the dusk.

Discovery Pond Dusk by Finijo

The rally was good, but I was already certain of who I would be voting for, so I had more fun taking photos and checking out the park than I did listening to the rah-rah speeches.

Discovery Park Pond by Finijo

I plan to go back to this park and get some more shots at a different time of day. I posted a few of my more abstract photographs on my Deviant Art site.

Galveston One Month Post Hurricane Ike

Jetty and Seawall Post Ike by Finijo

A month after Hurricane Ike, the island opened up again to non-residents. I took a trip with a good friend to do a photo shoot and to explore a bit and see what was left in Ike's wake.

Seawall Mural Post Ike by Finijo

All along the seawall, there was debris. The road and sidewalks stood, but were damaged and in the process of being repaired. Most businesses had not yet reopened. Still, there was life and traffic and much of the debris had already been removed. It was a moving experience to see the island coming back from the brink.

The Unreal by Finijo

Sometimes we catch a glimpse of a loved one we know well and care deeply for, and they don't seem real. The light hits them in just the right way, and quite suddenly we are overtaken by the feeling that they could shed their light tethers and disappear forever. I did not think I would like this photo because of the blurry quality, but it fit a sentiment that occurred to me that night.

Waffle House Chairs by Finijo

One of the few restaurants that was open that night, we were able to get a dinner of eggs at the Waffle House. The food was good and the wait staff was hilarious, so it was one of many evenings to remember.