(bree-ko-LAZH) noun Something created using a mix of whatever happens to be available. [From French bricolage (do-it-yourself job), from bricoler (to putter around, to do odd jobs), from bricole (trifle), from Italian briccola.]
Dec 31, 2008
Brasil, Domy, and Street Art
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.
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.
Dec 30, 2008
Abuelita
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.
Dec 29, 2008
Dave Shoot
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.
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.
Dec 25, 2008
Christmas 2008
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.
Dec 24, 2008
Chanuka Truck
Chanuka House
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.
Dec 23, 2008
Coffee and Conversation
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.
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.
Dec 19, 2008
Sky Shoot
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.
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.
Dec 17, 2008
Unexpected Art
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.
Dec 14, 2008
Two Party Day
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).
Dec 12, 2008
Funeral Day
Fifth Ward Mural 2 by Finijo
Dec 8, 2008
I Think I Am Back
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.