the countdown

marfa marfa marfa

I have no complaints about how I spent Christmas week, but it predictably tired me out and resulted in a vacation from my vacation (i.e. shutting the world out and just hanging with the dogs). I now feel fully recouped and can fondly reflect on the week that was.

It began with a trek to Marfa-- nonexistent West Texas town meets Art Gallery row. Although I had read about it and been given the run down by friends and family that had experienced it first hand, I still was not sure what to expect. It thankfully did not disappoint. Freezing cold and desolate, the town countered with friendly charm and its breathtakingly grand views. While the art scene was certainly a treat, the highlight for me was on the outskirts of town... the remnants of an old fort community called Shafter (my mind and tongue had to fight the urge to call it "Shatner", which let's face it would be so much cooler).

On a short time table, the trip quickly pushed on, with the road leading to Odessa. Not generally considered a "hot spot" and short on glowing reviews, I looked forward to the visit. To shed a little insight into my anticipation, I have a weird spot in my heart for the oil pumps, which I came to find out are actually called "jack-pumps".... you know those silly looking things that slightly resemble a grasshopper, if it were 100x larger, made of steel, and fancied making the same aerobicizing move over and over. These suckers are everywhere, "working out" the land. Odessa was an enjoyable trip, attributed more to the company I was keeping than the nightlife or attractions. Before heading out I was able to take a nice cruise around downtown and was delighted by the state of the city (selfishly gleeful about its economic status), how it seemed almost stuck in time. The old signage and 60's architecture was a picture taking paradise.

This portion of the adventure over, it was time to start heading home. My sense of direction tends to lead to unpredictable wanderings and although it adds unnecessary time to the journey the trade off is the experience of seeing something new. Blurry eyed and tired I was at least treated to more images of small town life and the barren vastness in between.

The road ended at my parents' house, with a Christmas day that consisted of cookies, The 5th Dimension, Nicolas Cage's eerie lack of sideburns, sock puppet themed gift giving, and an overdue but enjoyable visit with two of my favorite people.

Sheesh, Christmas packs a wallop, but every minute was worth. Next, New Years. Same grueling effect, different kind of punch.

cutscape

(artwork by William Edmonds)

feeling yellow

(link to Fractal)

i had no idea

(link to Pantone website)

"From a color forecasting perspective, we have chosen PANTONE 18-3943 Blue Iris as the color of the year, as it best represents color direction in 2008 for fashion, cosmetics and home products," explains Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute®. "As a reflection of the times, Blue Iris brings together the dependable aspect of blue, underscored by a strong, soul-searching purple cast. Emotionally, it is anchoring and meditative with a touch of magic. Look for it artfully combined with deeper plums, red-browns, yellow-greens, grapes and grays.

Blue Iris satisfies the need for reassurance in a complex world, while adding a hint of mystery and excitement."

This color can cast spells, touch your heart, and should also apparently win the Presidency and the Oscar... oh, and I think I want to marry it. Sorry to tease Pantone; it just means I like you.

cooler than fingerprints

(photography by Rankin)

Add to my list of obsessions, eyes. Appearing like mysterious celestial forms or brilliant glass marbles, everyone sports their own unique visual landscape. Aside from appreciating the worn out adage that they are the "windows to the soul", I can not help but view them independently as mesmerizing displays of threaded color, human sunbursts. For those that can't read between the bold-faced lines, I sure do love eyeballs.

same time, different day: day 14

(10pm, home)

sympathy for the doll

(link to Bre Pettis)

So sad they're cute. Let their "ugly" cuddliness sweeten a dour day. Learn to make your own using the template provided here.

summing it up perfectly

(link to Stefan Bruggemann)

same time, different day: day 13

(10pm, Alligator Grill)

color on the cob

(link to Golden Hiccups)

dream car

(link to belsoseg)

same time, different day: day 12

(10pm, home)

recovery is bad for blogs

The holidays are killing me. As much as I enjoy this time of year, it's also wearing me a bit thin. Between shopping, get-togethers, work, and this new crazy thing I discovered called "working out" (maybe you've heard of it), I have had little if, any time, in the play-world of cyber space. Poor me. Think I'll be able to carve out a couple of sessions before heading out out town for a few days though. Here goes...

the important meal

(photos by Jon Huck)

same time, different day: day 11

(10pm, Red House)

you look good enough to eat

My friend Seana's foray into the world of puppet making. I'm pretty impressed and not just because this was her first effort. I've never seen a hand sandwich. I love when an idea just becomes. Borderline ridiculous but 100% darling genius. And it comes with cheese!

same time, different day: day 10

(10pm, home)

let's drink to fighting

(design by Simone Brewster)

same time, different day: day 9

(10pm, Austin Music Hall)

where the color love began?

(Courtesy of Philip Glass & Sesame Street)

same time, different day: day 8

(10pm, my street)

hopeful buddies

(link to Central Office)

same time, different day: day 7

(10pm, Drafthorse/Draughthouse)

money men with hats

(link to fun fever)

same time, different day: day 6

(10pm, home)

team beardy

Meet Mr. Beardsley, a little plush doll with a removable beard disguise; in this incarnation he's a member of Team Zissou. Indimidnation has created a whole family of bearded (and unbearded) guys... Baby Beardsley, Baby of Baby Beardsley, as well Masked Men and the Tiger Series. Soft, cute, and hand made. You don't have to be a kid to enjoy these... although I'm sure it might help.

lazy taste buds

(link to Charles & Marie)

same time, different day: day 5

(10pm, Alamo Drafthouse)

compartmental color

(photo by Verdeka)

same time, different day: day 4

(10pm, Beauty Bar)

no frills, all thrills

(artwork by Jason Munn)

More great poster art, this time by Jason Munn. Beautiful understated work, it's hard to choose a favorite. You can see more examples here as well as read an interview on Grain Edit. I LOVE his 30 second drawing for the fictitious band (the lead plays piccolo) "Horse Chest" and their "Sweet Mane" album.

same time, different day: day 3

(10pm, Billy's)

square america

More great vintage photography. The name of the site is Square America. Don't let the name fool you though. Although the images you will see are indeed predominantly square there are also some of the rectangle variety. Scandalous.

The website is a bit tough to navigate... nested menus and hard to find links, BUT the minor inconvenience is worth the major payoff. The curator of this collection has been scouting out these old images for years and from the sound of it has an impressive lot. This leaves plenty of opportunities to add new (er, old) material often.


I can't get enough of these old pictures. There is an undeniable draw that is hard for me to articulate. Found = curiosity, amusement, bewilderment. Vintage = nostalgia, dusky pastels, transformed color. Together they make me happy. Thanks mystery web person! Keep doing what you're doing.

peek-a-boo

(link to Koenhauser.com)

mixed laundry

(photo by Geoffrey Cottenceau & Romain Rousset)

same time, different day: day 2

(10 pm, Guero's)

same time, different day: day 1

(10 pm, my room)

film time forgot

This may look like your family from way back (kudos if that's actually the case)... that's because it very well could be. Mango Falls has a decades worth of old film found in vintage cameras (think thrift store or flea market). I think this is hands down one of my favorite websites and projects. The camera is merely the vessel for the real treasure. It's all sort of a crapshoot for the seeker on the prowl but the payoff is pure gold; I'm only happy to be a guest following the hunt.

Don't skip the "Willow" section while exploring the site. A departure from kitsch, it will however melt your heart and open your eyes.

bleeding rainbow

(link to Not Cot)

soft rock

Yep, more felt. 99 problems, and felt is one. Made in South Africa these darling pebbles are soft and lightweight. They are available in six shapes and colors from Branch, a store which only sells products made from recycled and/or sustainable materials. Go quench your decorating desires with a clean conscience.

manly memories

Man Fest did not disappoint. I had my picture taken wearing a beard and holding a giant log, my boots were polished to a high shine, ate grilled hot dogs, watched knife and karate demos, witnessed an intense series of arm wrestling matches (in particular one notable bout made me especially proud), was amazed by bizarre (BUT AWESOME) interpretive dancing set to Kenny Loggins' "I'm Free", and heard tunes by Golden Bear. I feel like I'm leaving something out, but that's to be expected when caught in a whirlwind of manliness. My account of events can be seen above. Don't forget to check out the Party Ends recap and also take a look at the very plaid photo stylings of Annie Ray.

plastic passion

(link to Soop)

More jewelry for me to covet courtesy of Etsy. Go to Soop's shop and you'll find your choice of white sheep, black sheep, cow, chicks, goat, pig, fox and trees or buy the whole farm. Sizes range and quantities are limited. Hint: I want them all. For those of you that have never checked out Etsy, go now. Be prepared to set aside several hours.

shape faces

(artwork by Siggi Eggertsson)