I had my biopsy this afternoon. I’ll get the results on Thursday. My surgeon told me she has been in contact with my oncologist. That gives me cause for alarm. I’m trying to remain optimistic.
Archive for August, 2015
Waiting For Thursday
Posted in my life on August 31, 2015| 5 Comments »
A Scene From A Gym
Posted in workout on August 30, 2015| 6 Comments »
This is a typical scene in my gym because the lazy fucks who work out there don’t restack the weights.
Feeding The Addiction
Posted in art, friends, my life on August 29, 2015| 3 Comments »
I was exhausted yesterday after work. I blew off the gym and went to bed. After a two hour nap, I was refreshed and hungry. I threw together a chicken breast burrito which I devoured while checking the gallery websites. It had been a few weeks since I made the rounds. I missed my people like an addict misses a fix. It was time to see some art to help relieve the funk of working ten hours days all week. I was flying solo so a quiet evening of art would start the weekend.
I left the house a little after seven. Traffic was light so I made it to the Santa Fe Arts district in no time. The street was quiet as most galleries were closed. Spark and Core were open so I stopped for quick look. I ran into Jesse (she used to be a guy) getting into her car. We hugged and chatted for a bit. Jesse gave me a quick review of the new show at Spark before heading over to Navajo Street.
Joyce and Al, former neighbors, were right inside the door talking to Madeleine. Joyce introduced me to Heidi, one the artists showing their work. The small space was packed so I may have to go back for a second look. I found out Joyce and Madeleine will be having a show a Spark in May. Nine months is a long time to wait to see work by these two local masters.
My next stop was Navajo Street. Next was packed so I quickly breezed through the gallery using the rear hallway to enter Pirate. Pirate has two minimalist abstract shows that I really like. I can’t explain it but I found the shows soothing and serene. Perhaps because the gallery was empty as the crowd was next door.
I ran into Perry at the Chris Bullock show at Zip37. I hadn’t seen her for a few months as she had a gig in Breckenridge and rented a place there for the summer. Perry picked up one of Chris’ pieces for a song. Chris is an up-and-coming talented artist. Perry has a knack for finding new talent.
We were both headed to Ice Cube to see Jean Smith’s new work. Perry retrieved a bottle of cava from her car before carpooling with me over to Ice Cube. The gallery was empty when we arrived but the party started with the pop of a cork along with a toast to Jean. Jean’s new work is stunning. The show’s title is Stacked and Hung which is a double entendre. Jean is sharing the space with Jen Burdess who is showing large format portraits drawing on plastic sheets. Jean’s work is abstract ceramics which may not appeal to most people. One has to admire to Jean’s craft and technique along with a color palate that is simultaneously muted and colorful. Jean toured the show with us and explained each peace. Bob, Jean’s husband, opened a bottle of white wine the cava was finished. Perry gave Jean some tips for a meeting she has with one of the top art consulting firms next week. I snapped a few pictures with my phone. Two hours of conversation flew by in no time.
It was late so we bid adieu. I dropped Perry off at her car and headed home. The night turned into an unexpected journey. My art addiction had been fed.
Back To The Grind
Posted in my life, work on August 26, 2015| 4 Comments »
I don’t want to write a post about my mother, her death, the funeral, my crazy sister, or my father. I’m swamped with work. My client didn’t deem it necessary to have the other contractors pick up some of my work load. The prick didn’t even offer condolences. I get that I’m just a contract worker but isn’t offering condolences part of polite society? I guess those rules don’t apply to clients at a multi-national corporation. Perhaps it’s just a cultural thing across the pond.
I’m Glad It’s Over
Posted in family, my life on August 22, 2015| 6 Comments »
I flew back to Denver last night. I’m relieved it’s over. About fifteen people attend my mother’s viewing. Most had not met my mother as they were friends of my brother’s family. One aunt, one cousin and his wife came to the viewing. The rest of the family stayed away. My sil’s best friend came to the funeral mass. She was the only person who attended the service outside of immediate family. My mother had no friends and she alienated most of the family. How sad is that?
My mother is my role model for how not to live my life. Everyone has ups and downs while facing the challenges of life. Life has to be enjoyed. Cherish the good times and learn from the bad times. My friends have been so supportive. I treasure every one of them.
I not sad my mother died. I’m glad she’s dead. I’m sad because my mother had a long torturous life and could not find happiness or cultivate friendships. I only hope she’s at peace.
She Can Go To Hell
Posted in family, my life on August 17, 2015| 9 Comments »
My mother died on Friday night, four hours after I arrived. I’m not sad she died. I’m sad because she had an unhappy life. She was bitter and angry to the very end. My mother had no friends and managed to alienate most of the family. One of the last things my mother said was “She can go to hell”, referring to my sister who never called or visited. I’ll fly back to St. Louis for the funeral which may be later this week.
What’s Next?
Posted in my life on August 14, 2015| 4 Comments »
I had my annual cancer check up with my colon/rectal surgeon yesterday. She found “suspicious tissue” that she wants to biopsy. She’s going to squeeze me in next week. She wanted to do the biopsy yesterday but I didn’t want to sit in an uncomfortable plane seat with a biopsied rear end.
I get to the airport this morning only to find my flight has been cancelled. I used miles to book a first class seat but the pricks at United Airlines rebooked me in coach on the next flight. Of course they will not refund the difference in miles or additional fees. I guess I should be thankful I was rebooked on the next flight and not rerouted through another city.
What’s next?
Update: The new flight has been delayed three hours. I love getting up at 5 a.m. to catch a 1 p.m. flight. The plane for my original flight had mechanical problem and was taken out of service. The second plane had mechanical problems on the way and had to be diverted to Houston for repairs. Add in a snippy gate attendant and it makes a wonderful travel experience.
Hospice Care
Posted in family, my life on August 12, 2015| 4 Comments »
My mother was transitioned to hospice care on Tuesday. Today, my father questioned his decision. I told my father he made the right choice. I’ll fly to St. Louis on Friday morning to say goodbye to my mother. I’ll fly home on Sunday afternoon. It’s just a matter of time.
He Held Her Hand
Posted in family, my life on August 9, 2015| 5 Comments »
My mother is in her final days. I’m flying home next weekend to say goodbye. I don’t want to go but know I have to go. Even though my mother is confined to a bed, she’s still difficult, mean, passive aggressive and manipulating. She’s elevated those skills into an art. My sil was on the receiving end of my mother’s rage yesterday. It was the first time in twenty-five years my sil saw my mother throw a full on Tasmanian devil rage. My mother always held back when my sil was around. It shook my sil to her core.
My father thought my mother was going to die on Friday night so he laid in her bed and held her hand all night. My father didn’t want my mother to die alone. I was shocked when my brother told me. There has never been any physical intimacy between my parents. My mother blames all of her problems on my father. My mother is consistently mean to my father. Where did my father find the compassion to be with my mother in what he thought were her final hours? It’s a side of my father I never knew existed. I have new found respect for my father.
Art Night Recap
Posted in art, my life on August 8, 2015| 1 Comment »
Mack and I hit the galleries last night. Santa Fe Street was closed down for vehicle traffic creating a street fair atmosphere. Food trucks were there along with various musicians. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. After Santa Fe, we made a stops at Ice Cube and Ironton Gallery. Here’s a summary of our favorites:
Space Gallery has another group show packed with pricey, but great art. I really liked an abstract painting (30 X 30) by Judy Campbell but it was $3,000.
Kate McGuinness is showing new monotypes at Artists On Santa Fe. Kate is master of color and composition. There’s nothing not to like in this collection.
Center For Visual Art has an exhibit of contemporary Chinese prints and paintings. This is a cool show and deserves a second look.
Ice Cube has an installation by Linda Graham and photos by Paul Sisson. A film crew was shooting the installation while we were there. Paul’s photos were inspired by the missed connection adds from Craigslist.
Ironton has a group show that’s small but interesting. Just being at Ironton is fun. The space, with its outdoor garden and patio, lends itself to creating a happening. There’s cool photo on their website.
The Corporate Slave 