Mixed media

I've been working on art to use as an example for an after school class I'm teaching. The name of the class is SCRAPpy Arts as we're using the mission of SCRAP as our basis: reuse materials that are randomly about for creative purposes. I've been particularly focused on the concept of representational vs. abstract pieces. Thus, I will have to beg the reader's forgiveness if I start getting abstract in this posting.

Yesterday was a great day for our country. My heart was full and hopeful as Barack Obama was sworn in as our new president. At the same time, I was feeling quite sad about the news that Sam Adams, our new mayor in Portland, did in fact have a sexual relationship with a young man that he had previously mentored. My pleasure about the new president was widely held. My disappointment with Sam seems to be my own. Most of the (few) fellow Portlanders I've discussed this with were of a mind that it was to be expected: young, ambitous, gay mayor would have an inclination towards dishonesty to get where he wanted he is. However, it's Sam Adams insecurity that bothers me most. It was his insecurity and his ambition that led him to believe that he would have to keep the truth (bad judgement about a relationship) underwraps. I truly hope that he can ride this out and that it will be a lesson that will serve him well during his political career.

Everyday stuff

Today I broke the eye of a frog. True, but an odd sentence.

Helping SCRAP www.scrapaction.org move from 3901A N. Williams to 2915 N.E. MLK Blvd, I was hauling a frog sculpture made of bubble wrap when the little red wagon attached to my big trailer jack-knifed. One of the eyes of said frog was broken, revealing it's origins: a light bulb. Repair of SCRAPpy art is another item on my to do list.

SCRAP is one of the biggest happies in my life: a reuse art and conservation center. Their new digs are well located on NE MLK where folks who might not venture into N/NE Portland are seemingly comfortable. Just a few blocks north of the Nike Outlet Store.

One last SCRAPpy thing in my life: On Tuesday I'll begin my new term of teaching SCRAPpy arts. The victims (students) are all kindergarten or first graders from James John School. I've gotten materials together and am just now deciding on an appropriate project that will use fabric scraps.

on having a blog which doesn't get ink

It has been a number of months since I last wrote on the blog. The idea of a blog, for me, is to keep a written journal of the coming and goings of my life as well as a self-directed therapy.

When life gets big, it can be difficult to stop to write about it. So here are some notes with in no order (significance):

- Blazers are having a better season without me keeping them constantly in my thoughts
- My favorite Shannon just found out that her cancer has struck her brain and spine
- Mom is trying to be a good sport about moving into the assisted living house
- Bingo really is a good occupational therapy for me
- I don't have to go to a meeting on a Saturday morning regardless of the engaging topic
- I can still enjoy mis-texting (consort instead of compost)
- I really need a vacation. Although I am not working.
- My favorite late night conversations are with Christine (traveling across LA or CA) and Kristin (instant messaging before she goes to sleep)

Being that I have a list, I can now start fleshing out the topics.

If you are a reader of this blog, don't hesitate to remind me that I need to write.