New Websites - Not for the Meek

Photo found on: clickhereforagoodtime.com

Seriously, if you are easily offended, or perhaps not so easily offended, please close this particular post - or at the very least, DO NOT CLICK ON THE LINKS I AM PROVIDING. If you go forward from this point, I cannot be held responsible for what you see.

I have recently come across two websites that are in completely bad taste, but I have to share them with the world anyway. The first is clickhereforagoodtime.com. I found this site by accident and had to click on the link - who doesn't like a good time? I found myself laughing and mortified at the same time. The site gives advice about sex to anyone who sends in a question. The first two questions I read were from religious teenagers - already you can see how this would be a bit uncomfortable to read. Although the advice given was surprisingly good advice, the manner in which it was delivered was pretty vulgar (and funny). When you ask for advice about sex on the Internet, you can't really expect that it will be delivered by Emily Post. Again, the site has some adult advertising on it (i.e. porn), and the content of the questions and answers is also of an adult nature.

The second site was sent to me by my friend Mike. He wrote:

OK, I found this site and immediately thought you would get a kick out of it. www.deathlist.net The committee selects 50 celebrities each year that they feel are about to kick the bucket. Then they list their correct guesses as "Successes". The funny thing is, I found this site because I was reading some comments on IMDB that said they thought Angelina Jolie looked too thin and someone said she looked like she was going to die soon. Another poster said she couldn't die this year because she wasn't on the deathlist.net site. LOL -Mike-

I checked it out and it is a wickedly funny site. Again, only wickedly funny, if you can laugh at death (even nervously) - and you think the cult of celebrity is taken way too seriously in our society. Death is the great equalizer. The format is a basic list, ranking the expected deaths and giving the name and age of the celebrities on the list. There are some surprises, and one of the biggest surprises to me was that Jack Klugman is on the list for the first time. Wha? I love him to death (hehe), but I would have expected him to be a perennial favorite. They also list the occupation of the people on the list - Elizabeth Taylor's occupation is listed as "wife." LOL!

Conflicted

Parquet Paners by Caillebotte

I found this on Craigslist:

I WANT TO HELP LONELY PEOPLE (Houston, katy)
Reply to: mailto:comm-647125061@craigslist.org?subject=I%20WANT%20TO%20HELP%20LONELY%20PEOPLE%20%20(Houston,%20katy)Date:
2008-04-18, 12:21PM CDTHi my name is Sam, I am 21 years old white male. I am
looking to help people specially the elderly in their dayly activities. I can
run errands for you, take you for walks, drive your car, etc all I need is a
place to stay and food until I can improve my living situation. My car just
broke down so I can not go to work, right now I am living with roommates but
they are moving, I feel lonely and somethimes depress. I know that a good way to
relieve my stress is by helping others and at the same time others can help me.
I am a good boy, I have good references if you need them. Thank you for reading
my ad.

This is either a totally sincere attempt to reach out to both get and give assistance, or it is a diabolically manipulative way for this person to wheedle their way into the home of a vulnerable elderly person. Shame on me...I am too jaded to just take it at face value.

Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates

I finished reading Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates tonight. Published in 2000, This is the latest of the Tom Robbins books I have read (after Still Life with Woodpecker and Villa Incognito). Tom Robbins has become one of my favorite authors, because of his unconventional, and sometimes silly style of writing. He is playful with is words and his plot lines. I also enjoy the fact that his odd characters are vividly drawn and unconventional.

Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates follows a CIA operative (Switters), and the women in his life, including: his grandmother (Maestra), his step-sister (Suzy), and a nun (Domino Thiry). Switters is obsessed with innocence, hence the story begins with his sexual fixation on his 16 year old step-sister, who is one in a long line of underage girls that he finds himself drawn to. Of course this is a very uncomfortable place to go for most people (me included), but the book is worth reading, in spite of his pondering of the dirty old man syndrome. Later in the book, he develops feelings for the nun, Domino, who at 46 years old is 11 years his senior, but still has an innocence about her that he finds compelling. I like the way he describes her as a middle aged palm, having the strength to bear up under the pressure of a gale, without being so old and brittle she breaks or being so pliable as to provide no support.

Domino might not be the human equivalent of the middle aged palm, the
personified tree to which the tempest-tossed might emotionally attach
themselves without fear of being undone by say, naive Suzylike
whimsicality or crotchety Maestralike recalcitrance.

The story also involves Switters on assignment in the jungles of South America with a side project requested by his grandmother, Maestra. The errand Maestra sends him on results in his need for a wheelchair and his inability to place his feet on the ground without fear of death. While in the jungle he meets a tribal leader, "Today is Tomorrow" (the translation of his tribal name), who believes that the power of the white man comes from his ability to laugh. Laughter is not something that Today is Tomorrow's tribe seems capable of doing. Through Switters, Robbins takes jabs at organized religion, sexual convention, government and the secret organizations they run. Switters is a Buddhist and a pacifist, but he also carries a gun and is not afraid to use it. In this book, Robbins explores the dichotomy of good and evil and challenges the view that they are mutually exclusive attributes in people and in life.

I enjoyed this book as much (or maybe more) than his other books. Fierce Invalids Home From Hot Climates is Robbins longest book, at 413 pages. I found myself reading it more slowly than I have his other books, and in particular, dragging the last thirty pages out over a week, just to not have the book end.

Friday Photos

Midtown Garage View by Finijo

While out in the community today, I was able to snap some photos. I am at this location often in my work week, and it never fails to offer me interesting opportunities for photos.

Midtown Lines and Stairs by Finijo

I was preparing to leave the site when the view of the stairs and the railing called to me. I was in a very linear mood, apparently, and felt compelled take the camera out again, before heading on my way.

Midtown Alley by Finijo

The lines drew me in, and every photo that called me to snap it today had heavy lines. Not much in the organic shape department, but I like how the power lines look like I was much closer to them, than I was.

Midtown Rec Roof by Finijo

This was the only photo that had some softness in the form of the trees, but it is still very urban and a bit stark to me. It was taken on top of a parking garage for a residence.

Midtown Midview by Finijo

I wasn't sure how well this shot would come out. It was impossible to pull further back (unless I could hover), so I was left with the option of shooting the door OR the bricks. In the end, I really wanted both in the shot. I am surprised that I actually like the way it turned out.

Itzhak Perlman

Infinity Mirror in Green Room by Finijo

I was fortunate enough to be on the receiving end of complimentary tickets to see Itzhak Perlman's one night only concert at Jones Hall, sponsored by The Society for Performing Arts. Mr. Perlman played the violin as beautifully as it can be played. He chose Bach's Sonata No. 3 in E Major for violin and keyboard BWV 1016, Strauss' Sonata for violin in E flat major, Op. 18, and Schumann's Phantasiesticke for violin & piano, Op. 73.

Flowers in Green Room by Finijo

He followed those pieces with a variety of shorter pieces, and he entertained the audience with casual and amusing comments between the pieces. He was accompanied by a wonderfully talented pianist, Rohan De Silva. Together they made unbelievably beautiful music.

Karim and Mural by Finijo

This was likely a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to see Itzhak Perlman live, because he said he had not played in Houston for 40 years. I was doubly blessed on this evening to have the opportunity to go to the party for Mr. Perlman after the concert, and to be able to tell Mr. Perlman how much I enjoyed the concert. He was very gracious, but he looked a little uncomfortable navigating the crowd of party goers on the stage at Jones Hall. I need to thank Karim for inviting me and Michael for making the night possible. It was fantastic!!!

** The Infinity Mirror Picture is blurry, but it is such a beautiful room, I used it anyway. I hope to be able to retake that shot in the future.

Bijan

Bijan Waterfall by Finijo

I had dinner at Bijan, a Persian restaurant on Hillcroft, before going to my meeting tonight. I ate there once before, and enjoyed it, but I never seemed to get back there. I was seated on the patio and the warm weather was offset by some pretty powerful fans. There are a lot of tropical plants and birds in cages on the patio. There are also fountains, both tiered and a waterfall that add to the ambient noise and cover the sounds of traffic on the busy avenue just outside.

Bijan Fountain by Finijo

The staff are very friendly, and will help explain the menu to you. The food is delicious and it feels clean and healthy at the same time. I definitely recommend Bijan when you are in the mood for something different and healthy.

Koobideh at Bijan by Finijo

My favorite is the Koobideh, which is a spiced ground beef (or ground chicken) dish. It is served with wonderful aromatic rice and grilled tomatoes. The appetizer is flat bread served with mint leaves, onions, radishes, feta and lime. The combination may seem odd, but it is absolutely delicious - so much so that I ate the radishes, which I have never been able to stomach before today.

Immigrant Protest by Finijo

On the way to the meeting there were protests on the overpass. I was used to the "Impeach Bush" protest, but this was a new one. They were announcing a march for immigrants at City Hall. More power to them.

Dinner with Friends

Angry Shrimp Udon by Finijo

After many months of talking about getting together, we finally did something about it and scheduled dinner at Jennie's Noodle House with Matt, Caryn, Dave, Sky, and Sammy. It was over too quickly and Caryn, Sammy, and Sky departed to take care of Sky's school project. A variety of food was ordered including:

“Art Car” Curry Y Cà-ri Chay Vegan heaven! Potatoes, mushrooms, carrots & tofu. Served with jasmine rice.

Angry Udon Y Bánh Canh Chay Udon noodles, straw mushrooms, tomatoes, tofu in a spicy sour tamarind base with cilantro.

Pineapple Ramen Mì Thơm Egg noodle, chicken, sprouts, pineapple and herbs.

Grilled Chicken Ramen Mì Gà Egg noodle, chicken, snowpeas, onions and sprouts.

Jennie's is a good option for a healthy, tasty dinner around $10.00 a head.

Tea for Four by Finijo

After we left Jennie's we went to The Path of Tea for tea and desert. Upon entering the restaurant, Connor looked around in awe of the tiny shop and said, "I am totally getting a job here in the summer when I am in high school." It was funny, but he knows what he likes. I think he is drawn to the Japanese theme of the restaurant's decor, but also to the tranquility of the place. The atmosphere is conducive to conversation, so we ate and drank our tea and talked for an hour or so. The lemon bars were fantastic (as always) and I was told that the cup cakes (also lemon) were also quite delicious. The surprise of the night is that Karim and Michael showed up while we were there. It looks like The Path of Tea is catching on.

Chances Are

I shot this with my new Olympus Stylus 820 camera that I got it from Sam's Club Auction. Sam's Club Auction is one of my favorite ways to shop - especially the "Going Fast" category, in which all of the auctions end in one hour. My Stylus will do small bits of video with sound, which is a little better than my last camera (Marilyn's new baby), which had no sound. I have a feeling that I will be getting a video camera and some editing equipment in the not so distant future. That creative avenue has been calling me for some time.

YAY!!! NEW MUSIC!!!

The Editors Photographer Unknown

I have stopped listening to the radio in recent months, because most of what I hear sounds like the same emo crap from one band to the next. Every now and then I come across a band that I am unfamiliar with that sounds different enough for me to want to buy the CD. I got lucky this week when Mike surprised me by sending me The Editors CD. The Editors is out of Birmingham, England and they sound like The Killers with a pretty serious case of depression. The lead singer has a voice that conveys a smattering of Bryan Ferry, a touch of David Byrne from the Talking Heads, and a big old heaping spoonful of Rufus Wainwright, and they sound fantastic to me. I have been listening to the CD for three days now, and every time I play it, I like it a little bit more.

Photo by Esther White

The other recently discovered band is Vampire Weekend out of New York, and they are very different from The Editors. Marilyn and I saw them on SNL and were blown away, because their stage presence reminds us so much of Split Enz or Crowded House that it's uncanny. The lead singer looks like he is doing a Neil Finn impression, which is really fun to watch. Vampire Weekend's sound is somewhere between English Beat and Haircut One Hundred. They play very peppy pop that has a style of music that sounds South African (and maybe a little bit Carribean). Their music is catchy and fun to listen to. They have none of the angsty whining that I hear every time I turn on the radio lately. I am definitely buying their CD, and probably every CD they have after this one, too.

Chandelier Sunday

Mike came over today and helped us get back to work on the chandelier. After weeks of it just sitting on the dining room table, we think we will finish the leafing process next Sunday, when Mike returns. After that, we still have to seal it, but with Mike's help, there is an end in sight. It finally occurred to me that we needed extra motivation. That motivation came in the form of help from a friend. Thank you, Mike!

Saturday Eats

Emmo and Connor by Finijo

Connor and I went to a BBQ cook off at Tom Bass State Park today today with some friends. The food was great, but not as plentiful as we expected, because many of the BBQ team booths were closed to the public. It seemed strange, but I guess that's how it's done. We saw a lot of interesting booths and got to people watch, as well.

Pig Pit by Finijo

There were a lot of inventive barbecue pits. These guys are not only proud of their barbecue, they are very creative in the presentation of their booths. We liked the pig pit pictured above (how's that for alliteration?), but the actual pig inside the pit was a little off putting.

Colt 45 Cookers by Finijo

We saw a lot of interesting booths and colorful people - barbecuers are an interesting lot. People watching in the park on a gorgeous day is a good way to spend a Saturday. It was not only beautiful today, it was hot, so we got snow cones. It's been years since I had a snow cone, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that I really enjoyed the Tiger's Blood flavor.
We went to Vargo's for dinner with Mom and Dad. It was for their 30th wedding anniversary. I had heard of Vargo's growing up, but never went there. We were fascinated by the peacocks. I didn't realize they could fly until we saw them in action tonight. Peacocks are hilarious when they run (we saw one chase a squirrel) and they seem to have no fear of cars, as these peacocks had the run of the parking lot and we found one very close to the entrance on Fondren.
Many of my high school friends went to Vargo's for prom. Judging from tonight, things haven't changed much, because there were many prom couples at the restaurant. Marilyn and I had not thought of Vargo's in such a long time that we were surprised to find it was still around.

Vargo's is an old school restaurant with attentive waiters and a piano player who takes requests. Mom told the piano player that it was her 30th anniversary and we laughed out loud when he took Marilyn's advice and played "The Way We Were" as a joke. He was not only talented, but had a good sense of humor.

The food is good, but pretty standard fare. It's the beautiful view from the dining room that really makes the dining experience memorable. I wish I had taken my camera to get some shots of the grounds and the peacocks. I pulled these pictures of Vargo's from the Internet.

Dexter

I heard that I could watch almost any show on the Internet for free on Surf The Channel. I started with a TV Series from Showtime called Dexter. Dexter hooked me from the first episode. It's smart, funny, and sick - so I like it a lot. Dexter is a serial killer with a twist. He is a forensic blood spatter expert who was taught how to "control" his baser urges by his loving foster father. The show is fascinating to watch, because the characters are so interesting and you can't help but like Dexter, because he has a code he lives by, even though he is a sociopath. I watched the first season in three sittings while I blogged and played on the computer - so I can't say enough about surfthechannel.com. I enjoy being able to watch TV on the computer, but for the first time, I can see how having a second monitor could come in handy.

Tinky Like Sunday Morning

Tinky by MEG

This morning, I had it all planned out. I was getting up and going out to get coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Then I was coming back home and chanting and shopping and taking care of business and reading my book until time for bed. That's not exactly how the day has played out.

I made it to the car and got on the road to go get coffee when I spotted Tinky. She's a black and white shih tzu that was wandering out into traffic and was about to get hit. Lucky for her the car she was in front of stopped, and I pulled up next to that car and got out, picked her up and brought her home. She smelled like a hobo's ass, but she was compliant enough. She has a collar, but no tags and she is about as blind and deaf as a dog can be. She may also have an impaired sense of smell - she definitely did not know how bad she smelled. I bathed her and Marilyn made up fliers, which we will distribute around the neighborhood and to local veterinarians today. We checked Craigslist for lost dogs, but didn't find her listed. We will keep checking back.

She has been wandering around our back yard, in and out of the house since about 9:00 AM this morning. She cooperated with her bath and seems to be feeling pretty good, but she is OLD. I think she may have had a stroke, because she seems a bit addled and shaky on her feet, too. We aren't sure if she just got lost or if she was set free, because she has so many problems. The cats aren't thrilled with her, but luckily, she is oblivious to their existence. She occasionally lets out the odd "Ruff," but there seems to be no rhyme or reason to her random bark. We are perplexed by her, to say the least. She seems healthy enough (previously listed problems aside), but has not made an effort to eat or drink anything since she got here. She seems to have the appropriate amount of energy for an old dog, but doesn't seem to mind or crave affection. She lets you pick her up and carry her, too.

Even after her bath, she still smells and she has chewed her tail to bits, so she has some type of skin allergy going on (not fleas, thank goodness). I thought it was too cruel to call her Stinky (she has enough going against her as it is), so we have dubbed her Tinky, and hopefully her stay with us will be short lived, Although she doesn't seem to be much trouble at all, and we are all growing fond of her (except the cats).

Struggle

Disgusting by Finijo

I got up this morning prepared to clean a bit and then head to the Community Center, but I was greeted rudely by sewage in my shower. Marilyn called our home warranty and we have coverage for some plumbing issues, but not for others. We spent today waiting for calls from plumbers that never came - not even after calls back to the home warranty and to the plumbers.

At first we thought that we were unable to use either bathroom for anything, but we are slowly figuring out the hierarchy of bathroom needs being met, but not before we made Connor go the the Jack in the Box for a "Number 2" (the kind not on the menu). Even though I didn't get to go to the community center this morning, a friend came over this evening to chant. It was also a gorgeous Spring day, so I know things could have been worse. Not complaining, just resigning myself to the probability that I will have to deal with crappy plumbing for the rest of the weekend, and plumbers on Monday.

Family Night Out

Miyako Sunset by Finijo

This week has been incredibly draining for no particular reason. It seems like everything took extra effort and I didn't seem to have any extra energy to expend. We decided to end a tough week on a high note and go out for dinner and shopping and ice cream. The sunset was particularly beautiful tonight as we exited Little Miyako.

Piccomolo by Finijo

The night out together was a good choice. We talked and laughed, and then came home exhausted and ready for bed. Marilyn and Connor tried Piccomolo a couple of weeks ago and raved about the gelato, so I got to try it tonight.

Gelato 1 by Finijo

OMG!!! The gelato at Piccomolo's is fantastic. Marilyn got lemon, I got Rocky Road, and Connor got a combo of peanut butter and cookie dough - and they were all fantastic.

Gelato 2 by Finijo

I think the presentation of the gelato is just beautiful and the flavors are intense and delicious. It wasn't a particularly hot day, but Piccomolo's was packed. I can only imagine that summer will bring lines around the block for this little ice cream parlor.

My New Altar Arrived!

My new altar arrived today. It's not fancy (and technically, it's not really an altar), but I like it a lot. I had an offer for an altar previously, but it didn't work out. I started searching, and found a writing desk at Home Decorators.com that fit the bill. It's also a better match to the wood color on the butsudan, and it's small, so it doesn't overwhelm the room. Now, it really feels like my Gohonzon room is coming together. YAY!

Connor's Zoo Interview

Pylon Art by Finijo

Today Connor had his interview with the Zoo for a summer volunteer position. He and I practiced interviewing yesterday and this morning, and he did well. Today it seemed like the world was conspiring against us while we were trying to get to the interview. We eventually made it through road blocks on both North and South Braeswood, a spontaneous gridlock on 610, and finally, a complete lack of parking at the zoo. We were shocked to see people turning around on the freeway and driving the wrong way, but even more surprised to find the gridlock break up without any sign of what caused it. The standstill was so complete that people were out of their cars and milling about.

Gridlock by Finijo

We have our fingers crossed and he says he thinks it went "pretty well." The interviewer asked him if he minded getting dirty on the job and he said, "I'm a teenage boy," which made her laugh. Getting a laugh in an interview when you are trying to is always a good sign (not so much if you aren't trying to get the laugh, though). We'll let you know the outcome, he was told that they will decide who gets the positions by April 28th.

Truck Art

Truck Detail by Finijo

I saw this truck while on the road yesterday and I think the owner of this truck is quite unique. He has combined Aztec, Christian, Buddhist, and Egyptian symbols for the art on his truck. It appears to be highly symbolic - and possibly schizophrenic, although with symbolism, it is hard to tell. I would love to know more about what the mandala on the back of his truck means and what prompted him to put it out there for all to see.

Truck Art by Finijo

Apertura Colombia

I took Connor to the Station Museum of Contemporary Art to see the new exhibit. I went to their last installment twice because it was fascinating to me. The last exhibit contained life sized photographs of corpses dressed in haute couture and a group of 14 portraits of young girls, seven of the girls were murderers and seven were just average girls. Both of those exhibits were riveting, because they were provocative, and also because they inspired discussion. Love it or hate it, you had to talk about it.

The exhibit I saw with Connor had more of a chilling effect on our conversation. The exhibit is called Apertura Colombia, and it was more shocking than I had imagined. We watched a video exhibit about an incident that took place in Colombia in 2007, in which the police set up a sting along the lines of To Catch a Predator, but they let the guy molest two girls, and they video taped it, all in the guise of good police work. They don't show the molestation, but they show the police arresting the man and then describe the fall out of the case, which from what I could gather did not include a prosecution. I could be wrong, though - that particular exhibit was a little difficult to follow.

One of the pieces I liked the most showed two photographs of a man taken seven years apart. One as a young man filled with curiosity and life, and the second was of the same man covered in scars he received while living on the streets and abusing drugs. In that photograph, he is holding and looking at the photograph that was taken when he was not addicted and still handsome and healthy. A video screen separates the two photographs and a video of the same man plays and you can tell he is an addict, because he looks ill and manic all at once.

Connor was fascinated by a video of a young soldier who had was washing the camouflage paint off of his face with the two stumps that are where his forearms and hands used to be. There is one installation of a series of photographs representing "The Disappeared." It starts with a woman's face with what looks like a drain superimposed on it, then with each photograph, it morphs into her going down the drain. My description does not do it justice, it is a very powerful piece.

There were pieces about war, nuclear power and bombs, and terrorism. The pinnacle of our trip was when I got to view some photographs of what appeared to be young Colombian hookers having sex with amputees. Nothing like looking at amputee porn with your 14 year old nephew. I almost started laughing, but he handled himself with dignity. As he examined each photo he looked me dead in the eye as he pointed to one and said, "He has a wooden leg," without ever acknowledging the act depicted in the photo. I'm am taking a guess here, but I think he probably learned some new positions, because the girls were limber and the amputees were unencumbered by limbs. I guess I know what he will be looking for on the Internet, if he ever gets that privilege back.

I asked Connor what he thought of the exhibit on the whole, and he replied, "Disturbing." I guess that about sums it up. There is not a lot of candy coating for this exhibit, but I still think it is worth viewing and I'm glad I took Connor. I think when the initial shock wears off, it will inspire some interesting conversations.

Art on Almeda

Totems by Finijo

Coming back from a meeting today I took a few minutes to stop and take these pictures. There is a revitalization taking place on Almeda Road and it includes little pockets of art. This shot is a little dark, so click on it to make it bigger and consequently a little more illuminated. I know I could adjust the brightness, but that degrades the photograph a bit, so I opted not to.

Totem Mosaic by Finijo

This is a detail of the sculpture. The columns reminded me of totem poles, and this was my favorite out of the bunch. I think the hands reminded me of when Mike, Marilyn, Connor, Sendal and I painted the Zen Room, then signed the corner with our hand prints.

Arachnid World by Finijo

I've been wanting to photograph this sculpture for a while now. It looks like it could be portending the takeover of the world by arachnids. Nah, that only happens in the movies.

Arachnid Silhouette by Finijo

The sun was not cooperating with me today, but I ended up with this shot that I think makes the sculpture seem a little more sinister.

Good Luck, Bad Luck, Who Knows?

While in a staff meeting today, I heard a story that I have heard many times over the last few months. It was a little surprising to hear my boss retelling it, but it came at a very appropriate time for me. Here is the story:

Good Luck Bad Luck!

There is a Chinese story of a farmer who used an old horse to till his fields. One day, the horse escaped into the hills and when the farmer's neighbors sympathized with the old man over his bad luck, the farmer replied, "Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?"

A week later, the horse returned with a herd of horses from the hills and this time the neighbors congratulated the farmer on his good luck. His reply was, "Good luck? Bad luck? Who knows?"

Then, when the farmer's son was attempting to tame one of the wild horses, he fell off its back and broke his leg. Everyone thought this very bad luck. Not the farmer, whose only reaction was, "Bad luck? Good luck? Who knows?"

Some weeks later, the army marched into the village and conscripted every able-bodied youth they found there. When they saw the farmer's son with his broken leg, they let him off. Now was that good luck or bad luck?Who knows?

Things that seem on the surface to be an evil may be a good in disguise, and things that seem good on the surface may really be an evil. The good and the bad in life have a way of leveling out, and we never know how a situation will impact us until it all plays out. Good and bad are as inevitable as waves rolling into the beach, so I am trying to develop the calm, even outlook of the farmer. It's not always easy, but I think it will be worth it.

Priorities

Perfect Pink by Finijo

There are many things that are out of my control. I can't make people do anything, even the things that are the best for them. That is true for the people I love, and doubly true for the patients I work with.

Fiery Bougainvillea by Finijo

I am pushing myself to focus on some of the things that make me happy. It is clear to me that the only thing I can control is how I react to painful situations and frustrations that I seem to be encountering more and more lately. I've been told that this is my karma surfacing. Maybe it is. Whether it is or not, I know that ultimately I am responsible for how I deal with it.

Morning Glories by Finijo

I am trying to reset my priorities and place myself higher on the list. It's difficult for me to readjust my thinking to take more time and energy for myself, but I believe it is necessary. I am trying to keep in mind that if I don't take care of myself, I am not going to be able to do my job or take care of my family in any kind of a meaningful way. It's harder to accomplish than it sounds.

Village of the Damned

Wilshire Village Apartments by Finijo

After work today I was struck by an overwhelming urge to cry. Stress is building in some parts of my life and I am probably PMS-ing, so I thought I would go to the Rothko Chapel and (if nobody was around) have a good cry and just get it out of my system. On the way to the chapel, I had a better idea. I stopped and took some pictures of some old apartments that have been fascinating me for as long as I can remember.

Bleeding Door by Finijo

They are in much worse shape than I thought they were, but their decay is still incredibly beautiful to me. Maybe because I feel a bit decayed myself today. The patina on the copper porch covers is still beautiful. Somebody put a lot of effort into the design and building of these apartments - which is probably the only reason they are still standing in a city that seems to revel in tearing down its own history.

Window Cat by Finijo

Much to my surprise, people actually live here. I found this well-fed and frisky cat staring at me as I was taking pictures. I asked him to pose for me and he didn't hesitate. I also saw a couple of the residents, and contrary to what I would have guessed, they appeared to be made of flesh and bone, not ectoplasm and aura.

Wilshire Stairs by Finijo

The curve of the stairways on these old buildings is great. I can imagine what they looked like in their heyday and this must have been the place to live. They look like they were the perfect setting for an Agatha Christi murder mystery back then. Now they look like the perfect setting for a ghost story or maybe even a slasher flick.

Garden Door by Finijo

Before I could take all the shots I wanted to snap, I was unceremoniously chucked off the property by the maintenance man. I asked if I could talk to the manager and he told me "No!" He kept asking me, "Why are you taking pictures?" I told him because I thought they were beautiful and I really like them, but I don't think he believed me.

Out Building by Finijo

Later, I found this info on the Internet and it really does make an interesting story:

Is this story for real this time? I have a friend that lives in these apartments, and has heard this story many times before. For those that have never seen these apartments, they are really nice on the inside. The tenants have always been able to do whatever to the inside, as long as they made to improvements to the exterior. The interior of the apartments are very decorative, with aluminum(?) stair railings and other deco touches. Unfortunately, lack of maintenance has taken its toll and they need to be torn down. The owner actually still lives on the property, and his sister owns the property across the street (Fiesta center). They have supposedly (second hand info here) been in an argument for years, and has kept the apartments around just to spite his sister. Maybe BS but it sounds interesting.

http://www.houstonarchitecture.info/haif/index.php?showtopic=2223