Las Meninas

I needed to write something fun today and for me art is fun. My favorite classes in college were my art history classes. I would have been an art history major if I new I wouldn't end up being a security guard at the local museum. In my very first art class at the good ole UGA I fell in love with art. Who knows why. Maybe because for the first time in my life I had fallen in love with something that wasn't human but it meant something. I felt smart and cultural. It was also the first time where I had no desire to skip class...and usually I could think of a million reasons for someone to skip class (it's a wonder I ever graduated!)

I will never forget the day this painting made its debute on the slides. I have no idea what made me admire it but it was instant love. It is from the Baroque period, which is my favorite, but this painting, this little girl, she is amazing. The whole painting is mysterious. You have no idea what is going on...what does it mean? who is the subject? what are the people doing? who are these people? It makes you wonder and it makes you keep asking for more.

I like mystery. I like to watch people. I like going to new places and seeing people interact. I love big cities because people have agendas and ipods. I love hiking and camping because those people have granola in their bags and cool dogs by their side. I love hollywood actors because they have the world at thier disposal yet most are still miserable and I wonder how can that be. I love the beach because all that is important is a good buffet song, a good shagging partner, and a good daquari. I love the mountains because of the adventure and fearless skiiers.

I hate personality tests because I hate being catogorized into one "type." I like thinking that I am a mystery...just like this painting. I like being the new yorker, the hiker, the skiier, the a-lister, the beach bum, and so many more. So today I am escaping to my favorite painting to once again wonder what makes this little girl to special?...and I will probably say, as always, I have no idea, she just is...it is a fun mystery.

Meet Henry...

Here is the little rascal that has stolen our hearts...yes, even Terry's. Today I am thankful that I finally have a puppy to make me smile!!! Thank you Terry for the best Christmas Present ever!

I hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

story people

i love story people. we met my summer on the vineyard and my love has only grown since then. they grace the walls of my kitchen and the homes of many of my friends. they are my "go-to" present. when nothing in this world seems good enough for someone, there is always a story to tell and a picture to be given. why do i love them so much? i think it is because in just a few short words i am provoked and challanged and contemplative. the stories make me think about the things i have done. they make me think about the people that i love and why i love them. this one in called Angel of Mercy. it makes me think of my great-uncle clarence. he is as close to me as any grandfather could be. for those of you who do not know, he is sick. but that does not define him. no. what defines him is his love for life. his life motto is..."never stop learning." somehow, magically, he ignites in your soul this desire to learn, to explore, to wake up and stop missing your life. he is my Angel of Mercy.

thank you clarence for constantly keeping me from missing my life. i love you.