On Set

My friend, Humberto, invited me to the set of the short film he is making to enter into a film festival. He teaches a class, Acting for Film, so he has a cast of actors at his disposal. He gets to make a film, and they get something for their portfolio by the end of the class. It was cool to be in that atmosphere - it's been a long time since I have been near a camera or on a set. I'm not sure if I have the bug again, but I do see a video camera purchase in my future...

Easter Beauties

Ada and Gina by Stevo

I talked to Steve this morning and he sent me photos of his two beautiful girls on Easter Morning. I love Gina's dress - very, very pretty. I love the bubbles and the smiles!

Ada on Easter by Stevo

Ada in her Easter dress reminds me of when Grandma took a picture of me in my Easter dress at her age. Steve says she is reminding them of me more lately, too. I had to ask if she had become surly and opinionated. Apparently that was not what was bringing me to mind.

My Friend, Ben

Self Portrait Metalic by Benjamin Halford

I am not sure how to preface this video, except to say that it is funny and it involves full frontal nudity. Surprisingly, there is nothing erotic about it (sorry, Ben). If seeing a young man display himself without shame or remorse bothers you - DO NOT click on this link.

The picture is one of Ben's self-portraits. You can find more of his art work here at Deviant Art.

Stormy Sunday

We are supposed to be going to the dog park today, but there may be a kink in our plans. There is a gorgeous storm coming through. I love the way my backyard looks in a storm.

Like

Stop Saying Like by Tim Masih

I, like, don't think I understand what this billboard is like trying to tell me...

Seriously - stop saying like all the time. It's a disease and it is catching. I found this photo on http://ridethespiral1.deviantart.com/ He has some incredible photography on his site, also.

Sweet Spot

We've always known that Lena was a hedonist. She lives for pleasure, and tonight I think I found her sweet spot. I have never seen her make that smacking noise in the entire 7 years we have had her.

Paxton (formerly known as Porky) Update

Paxton and Cody by Cody Soutar

Paxton (the handsome rescue dog, formerly known as Porky) is going GREAT in his new home with Cody. He's making friends with the neighborhood pups, he is running at the dog park, and racing greyhounds at Cody's mother's home. Paxton is enjoying a much more active lifestyle than he did while he was convalescing at Casa Mantequilla, and it appears that it agrees with him. We miss him - especially when we are eating popcorn or bananas (two of his favorite treats), but we are very grateful that he is home now, with Cody. I love that picture, I think they have the same expression on their faces. Great match!

Heidi Hooper

Parrot by Heidi Hooper

This is kind of amazing to me. There is an artist, Heidi Hooper, who makes art from dryer lint. She is a cancer survivor who switched mediums from metalsmithing to lint paintings, because of the ease of use. I like that her work is not only beautifully colorful, but it it also eco-friendly.

After Breakfast

Train Pass by Finijo

A couple of times a month, I am lucky enough to have breakfast with Matt and Sky. Sometimes when David is in town, I get the pleasure of his company, too.

Main Street Train by Finijo

After breakfast at Tacos-A-Go-Go, I snapped a few shots. I have been really drawn to the light rail lately and I think I am going to have to get serious about doing a series of train photos. Robot Head by Finijo

I think it's time for Sky and I to head back downtown to finish the photoshoot that was interrupted last month.

Saffie and the Give a $#*% Stray

We have a stray cat who wanders daily through our yard. Our cats have noticed (we think with envy) how he roams freely through the yard they are forbidden to enter. Saffie did her best to get her point across, but the stray was completely unphased.

Hand Carved

Teak Bicycle by Finijo

I spotted this hand carved, teak wood bicycle hanging in a bicycle shop on Bellaire Blvd. (next to the Black Eyed Pea). I talked to the shop owner about it and he said he picked it up at a swap meet for about $350.00. He said he rode it once from the back of his store, to the front of his store and that the wooden seat was so uncomfortable that he had his employees hang it up as a work of art. It is a truly gorgeous bike and everything on the bike is made of wood, except the tires, some hardware and the chain. Amazing!

Yay, Connor!!

Connor Brown Belt/Black Stripe by MEG

Connor earned his brown belt/black stripe, and is now on his way to getting his black belt now! He is really excited (as are we) and he's put in a lot of hard work. If he keeps at it the way he has been, he will earn his black belt in about 18 months - before he finishes high school. I am so proud of him for keeping at it and not giving up, even when he's tired and going through growing pains. Way to go, Con!

Madness

Madness by Finijo

On the way into work I found myself behind the most interesting motorcycle I think I have seen.

Madness Side View by Finijo

It was even more interesting to me because a woman was riding it, and she named her motorcycle - Madness.

Madness Front View by Finijo

I followed her and when she arrived at her destination, I took several photos. I am not one to really notice motor vehicles of any type, but I think this bike is pretty cool.

Mother and Child

Mother and Child by Mrs. Anderson

This is a painting done by Mrs. Anderson. She reproduced a painting that appeared in Living Buddhism and she plans to send it to the FNCC as a way of showing her devotion to SGI. It was done with oils and it is truly beautiful, both in composition and in the depth and richness of the color.

Mrs. Anderson and Painting by Finijo

Mrs. Anderson is about 4'11" and she's 88 years old. She volunteers, she gardens, she performs Japanese, Line, and Hip-Hop dance (I've seen her do this) and she is a spit fire. In short, she is a hero of mine, and I hope I have her energy and her zest for life when I am her age. She's an inspiration.

Hamlet 2

It's been a long time since I did a movie review, but Hamlet 2 warrants the mention. I have not seen a comedy that made me laugh repeatedly in a really long time, but Hamlet 2 had so many ridiculous lines, I could not help myself.

The cast is great. Steve Coogan (British actor who played Alan Partridge) is a high school drama teacher who is trying to put on the "big show" to save the Drama Department from budget cuts. He writes an original musical, Hamlet 2, with great songs like, "Rock Me Sexy Jesus." The sequel to Shakespeare's Hamlet includes a time machine, dance numbers, You can find the soundtrack at Amazon.com. His wife is played by Catherine Keener, and their roommate Gary is played by David Arquette. The humor in this film is irreverent and rapid fire, so if you aren't paying attention, some of the lines will fly by. Of course, Marilyn and I laughed the hardest at some of the phrases exclaimed "ass turd monkey fucker," and "I feel like I've been raped in the face" come to mind. I know, vulgar and sophomoric, but in the context they were used, also quite funny. There is a scene with the parents of a Latino student that is a scream. Hamlet 2 reminds me a lot of Saved, so of course I thought it was great.