cARTalog

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I was asked to participate in the University of Iowa Libraries' cARTalog exhibit and eagerly said "yes!" This will be my second entry to their exhibits and I'm really tickled by that. This particular exhibit contains retired cards from the card catalog from the university's library. Artists are allowed/encouraged to transform the cards into a new work of art.

Giving Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving All. I hope your day is full of the simplicities of life, wrapped in love.

Sunset

When asked the question: which do you prefer, sunrise or sunset? without delay I say "sunset". Living on the eastern seaboard doesn't provide the magnificent sunsets often witnessed in the west, but there are times when you can find one that catches the eye. This photo was taken on the St. Johns River in Jacksonville. The sun was actually behind me with its reflection on a shiny building in front of me.

Backyard Bonfire

No, it's not legal to have an open fire in my 'hood, but so what! Last night was too nice to deal with cookin' in the kitchen so dinner was prepared over a bonfire in the backyard. Yup, ye olde weenie roast. The fire's heat and smoke made the Oscar Meyer's taste the way a weiner oughta taste... perfect! Dessert, was, of course... marshmallows.

Yes, Virginia, GOAG IS Still Alive

Pardon my long absence y'all, but I have a good excuse. It's getting to be that time of year when I play Elf. I've been busy shopping, checking my lists, shopping some more because I forgot to check my lists twice. Once that was done, I moved on to packing, taping and driving to the Post Office *my mecca* to mail goodies to the far corners of the globe.

The bulk of my goodies are going to Marines in Iraq. These are not people I know, to me they are respectable people who are making some incredible sacrifices and should know that there are people on this side of the world who appreciate them. I am answering their wishes by sending letters and cards, postcards and packages stuffed full of snacks, books, magazines, personal hygiene products, items they can use to write home and lots of thanks for what they do. It's a small and simple task and I hope that my doings will plant a tiny seed for you to do the same. Many of these Marines are wondering why people are mailing such things to strangers. It's easy, they're one of us. We are generous people and give what we can, when we can. So, with that said, I suggest that the next time you're strollin' through the market and you see those fantastic BUY 1 GET 1 FREE deals, make that purchase and send the extra overseas.

This world is never in a shortage of people who could use a little something extra. I'd like to encourage those of you who can imagine what it's like to be thousands of miles away from loved ones this holiday season to do a little mailing of your own. A shoebox full of goodies goes a long way to warm the heart of someone away from home. Read what the Marines have to say. If you're interested in other military branches, that's cool too! Go to those websites to get contact information and add a few of them on your Christmas card mailing list this year.

Sand, Shells & Suds

Here are a few more pics from my recent excursion to Vilano.

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November in Florida

Dave Attell

Insomnia is an issue for me but fortunately I can stay up late to watch Insomniac with Dave Attell. Saturday night he was at the local comedy joint and I had front n' center table seats to see the saint of sleeplessness himself. What a riot! His timing is impeccable, what a story/joke teller! He offsets his raunchy tales with insight into current events and the ridiculous things that take place in the world around us. After the show, he was hocking his latest dvd "Hey, Your Mouth's Not Pregnant". I stole 20 seconds of his time to get his autograph like a silly little schoolgirl. When I compared his signature to the one you can print from his website, they didn't exactly match. I'm still trying to figure out what he wrote... it's probably best that I don't know.