Novel November

Today I embark upon an adventure called Novel November or as it's officially called National Novel Writing Month. THe goal is 50,000 words in 30 days. The pressure cooker time frame is to help get you out of your head and get words on the page. It's not supposed to perfect. It's supposed to get done. We are usually our own worst critics. It's nearly impossible to complete a task you are constantly correcting. I have managed to drag along two of my favorite fellow procrastinating critics on this journey. I will use this blog as a wonderful procrastination tool this month (Hmm , I should be writing my novel, let's blog instead.) to help keep me focused and to share this event with you. Wish me luck!

Your Social Secretary 7/18

If you are tired of hearing about Kanye, Kim and Taylor;If the Republican National Committee nonsense is making you incensed: If you've been Pokeman updated out and you just need a break then check out these lovely happenings.

This week is Dine Out LA.Lunches range from $15-25 and Dinners range from $28-49 at various eateries across the city. Although it's prefix menus most have choices within said menu and it'll let you know if you like a place or not at a much more reasonable price.

For those of you that like Martini's instead of beer this year, Third Wednesdays in Downtown Culver City is all about the Martini this week. "Third Wednesday is this coming Wed from 5-9 PM- and this time we're doing Summer-tini tastings throughout Downtown Culver City! Live music from Rosendo and KCSN's own Lisa Finnie- an Open House at the Kirk Douglas Theatre, drink specials and more- come on down!"

That's all for today. I will probably update you on Thursday with some wonderful weekend info. Hang tight. 

Sweet Treats and Social Settings

There's always something to do in LA. Free is often the price tag. Here's a quick list of things to do. You can't say I didn't tell you.

Today is July 11 otherwise known as 7-11 They are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Slurpee on top of their usual freebie in honor of the day. There's sweet treats too so check out the link for all the details.


Tomorrow, Tuesday July 12, IHOP is celebrating there 58th birthday with 58 cent pancakes from 7-7. Find an IHOP near you with the link.

There's always a Museum offering a day free. Click the link to find one.

The following is a list of items from We Like LA some are free. If you click the link there's daily lists of events all about town.

• JUL 14: Sizzling Summer Nights Dance Series at The Autry
• JUL 14: Disappear Here Summer Concerts at The Hammer (free)
• JUL 16: Natural History Museum Adults-Only Sleepover
• JUL 16: Hello Kitty Cafe Food Truck Comes to Glendale
• JUL 19: Taste of Farmers Market
• JUL 22-24: 626 Night Market
• JUL 29-31: Delicious Little Tokyo
• JUL 30: Tiki Night at The Egyptian Theater
• JUL 30: The 45th Annual Malibu Arts Festival
• ALL JULY: Pop-Up Mini Golf Course Opening in Echo Park

The LACMA Music scene is alive and kicking. Check the link for the entire calendar.

Ryan Cross Jazz Eclectic with Special Guest Spanky Wilson

Fri Jul 15, 2016 | BP Grand Entrance | 6:00 PM

Melena and Ladies of Salsa

Sat Jul 16, 2016 | Hancock Park | 5:00 PM

iPalpiti Soloists & Duo Gurfinkel

Sun Jul 17, 2016 | Bing Theater | 6:00 PM

This Friday is DJ night at the Music Center. Check out the link DanceDTLA

Happy 4th of July

 We think of July 4, 1776, as a day that represents the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the United States of America as an independent nation. A date supposedly so important in American history has become an excuse to bargain shop, wear reproductions of the flag on every thing from hats to flip flops, eat barbecue, sun bathe and end the day with fireworks and apple pie. 

This year, as the food comas wear off, please remember that we have an extremely serious election ahead of us. Our freedoms as we know and love them are in grave jeopardy and unless we all make better choices for our future, This might have been the last best 4th for many moons to come.

And All Free to Do!

So I am always out and about in the city. I sometimes remember beforehand to tell people about what's going on but not always. Today I remembered that I have been asked for advanced warnings on events. You asked for it. You got it. The following will be a few links to keep you informed on your own as well as a few reviews of items I've done before that I think is worth it to explore. Enjoy!

Music, Dance and event links:

We Like LA 

Dance Downtown

LACMA



Reviews

Dance Downtown is a fun way to enjoy a Friday Night. If you live near the train then I would suggest taking it to the Music Center. The train runs late enough for you to go out til 2  and still get home.
Dance under the LA version of stars on the Music center plaza or in Grand Park. Every other Friday night is an actual instructor teaching a specific dance. So far there's been Bollywood and Line Dancing. Up next is Cumbia and Argentine Tango. On the Friday's without a specific lesson enjoy multiple DJ's who play a variety of music for you to get your body moving. Parking is free after a certain time but the sooner you go the better for space on the dance floor. Bring a picnic and enjoy yourself.

There's more music to be had at LACMA. This year they celebrate 25 years of Jazz at LACMA. Jazz is every Friday night at 6. There's Latin Music on Saturday's at 5 in the park and Sundays at 6 there's classical music in the Bing Theater. ALL FREE!!!! The museum is also Free after 3. Parking underneath is free after 7. That being said, the plaza fills up. There's limited space so early is best to find a great spot to plant yourself and enjoy the festivities. Bringing your own food is allowed.


This Week

Westwood is starting free movie Mondays tonight. Check out the We Like LA link for info on that. This Friday is DJ night at Dance Down Town. West LA College will be having fireworks for the 4th. The event is $5 per person and parking is $10. Take the Culver City 3 bus or shuttle in to avoid the massive line. Friday July 8 is Cumbia at Grand Park.


So Every other Monday I will try to keep you informed for the next couple of weeks. There's always something to do in LA. Go out and PLAY!!!

One Year, Six Months and Nineteen Days

When I saw the last published on date it took me by surprise. I knew that it had been a while but I couldn't believe that it had been this long. What have I been doing? How could I have neglected this part of my life for so long and not even realized? It's been one year, six months and nineteen days since last I had a Madnaloy Moment. All I can say is, fully living life leaves little time for observation and documentation.

Time management is an art. I think it is a never-ending craft that one hones but never completely masters. I had it all under control. I had a plan. I had topics aplenty. But time;Time is elusive. You think you've got it but then it disappears. Where does it go? I ask  myself this quite often and I still can't tell you.

Today I begin again. I have a new plan and yet another belief in my ability to simultaneously bring to life yet confine to print the realities which surround me. Despite all life's little follies, fancies and foibles, fully living life and realizing my true potential in multiple creative realms can hopefully finally flow through me. We shall see.

Where did this year go?

     People say it all the time, "Where did the year go?" but it is still a valid question. Today is the first day of the last month of 2014. This month will mark the last sequential date (12/13/14) for our lifetimes. The days are 24 hours long and yet the minutes move like quicksilver. I know November just started and yet here we are holidays at hand waiting 30 days away from another new year. How did we get here?

     At any rate, I am glad to be here to ask this question. I know in an instant 2015 will present itself. I am looking forward to the final flurry of days filled with friends and family, love and laughter happiness and harmony with a touch of the chaotic . Thanksgiving allowed me a chance to enjoy man of those I love all in one spot and was one of the best moments in time ever. I wish it could have lasted longer but the feelings it stirred stay with me.

     Be thankful for each moment no matter how fleeting it may be. Be happy with what you have as some would gladly trade lives with you and others are happier with far less. Our lives are long yet never as long as we need, want or hope it will be.

Tired

Do you ever feel just sick of it all? Do you have times when every tiny infraction seems like a felony offense and feels as if they are intentionally inflicted upon you? Sometimes the world really is too much with us but usually you aren't allowed the opportunity to silently slip into seclusion. I have to remember to be thankful for all the hassle as if it didn't exist then wheat is it I am doing? IF it is too quiet then maybe it is too mundane, too same 'ole, same 'ole, too nothing really matters at all. A brief moment, no matter how long it feels, of hassle means life has been lived and not existed. Not every moment is pleasant but oh when those bits of sunlight appear how rich and wonderful they feel. I am tired but this too shall pass. For now I must muster through. I hope you can too.

Small Smiles

It's amazing how a small event can change an entire day for positive or negative. This morning I had a positive moment that may seem so insignificant to someone else as to be not worthy of a mention but to me, it's made my day brighter. I have had a purple padlock for a number of years which has sat locked for all this time as I had forgotten the combination. I knew that I had it in here somewhere but where was the question that had no answer until moments ago.


I have been rearranging spaces and sorting through places that normally remain left alone in order to make room for 2 people's possessions. I have found pictures from the past and notes from me to me. I have found grocery lists and schedules and various trinkets. I have filed, trashed and rehashed them all in my mind and then without looking for it at all, there it was, the combination just sitting there. I tried it out and it worked. The lock that still looks new now has the opportunity to fulfill it's destiny. IT makes me happy that I didn't throw it out. I made the mistake once of giving up on finding something and just after discarding the item, the mare was found. Sometimes it's not an exercise in futility to hold out hope for something.


This morning happiness is three numbers on a small slip of paper that opened up a lock thought lost for ever. A small smile but an unexpected happy start to a much needed day off. A small smile can lead to a big smile and that to a laugh and the list goes on. Here's to the little things in life that should not be overlooked. Little things mean a lot.

Time Slip

"Time keeps on slipping into the future." I cannot believe it has been over a month since last I wrote. I have written of the need for more time and of the fact that I have been merging my world with another. Apparently this time slip has  no mercy. I can't remember every moment but the ones that I do are amazing. I am hoping to be back to me sooner than later and as often as before.

I am navigating the eccentric pathways of compromise of late. I am learning that you really do have to have open lines of communication in order to clearly get your message out and understood. You also need to be able to use these lines in order to not get lost along the way. Who knew that I would have to explain that 8 AM on a Saturday is NOT my idea of sleeping in. Compromise, compassion and communication. I have needed used all of these skills over the last few months. It's been keeping me busy but hopefully when the foundation has been laid then the rest as they say will be icing on the cake.

Happy Birthday To Me

I always know that I am very fortunate but today just reminds me that I am surrounded by fantastic family and friends and lots of love.  I have had well wishes from people from my past and I have had fun with my closest long time friends. My "baby" brother and I talked for hours and it felt like we were together again even though he's many miles away. I love today. I use it as the excuse to bring the many members of my reality together to celebrate not only me but the fact that our friendships have endured for so many years. Thanks all my friends for making this birthday special. I can't wait to do it again.

More Hours in the Day

More hours in the day wouldn't necessarily solve the problem of time. We do everything last minute or over crowd the hours so I don't think the request of more hours in the day would truly help until we learn time management. This weekend I felt as if time flew. Monday arrived far too soon for me. I barely had the opportunity to enjoy my morning sleep in before time to be off with friends. Once I returned home it was time to prepare for the work week. I wanted at least 2 more hours in Saturday and Sunday to feel properly prepared for Monday but truth be told I would have procrastinated the time away and still been woefully unprepared to face today. Time management is an artful skill one must acquire as one ages. I have gotten better but still I feel as if the day slips away from me especially when I am enjoying myself. I guess it truly is wise to live in the moment and not worry about tomorrow. I just wish tomorrow would take a little more time in arriving.

Adventures in the Land of We

     It's amazing how quickly a world can change. My neighbors all ask me about my other half. How is he, where is he, who is he (boyfriend, fiance, husband) are now commonplace questions. It's as if I am now no longer allowed to be me. I am a "we" and must be in close proximity of my other half at all times. It fascinates me that this identity shift occurs. It's amazing how a couple just slips into this because everyone around them guides them along the way. It concerns me that this very public acknowledgment makes it so difficult to be a single entity. I am a bit miffed that my me-ness has been usurped by the we of us.  Don't get me wrong, the we of us makes me happy but the me in me is fighting to maintain her identity.

     The other evening, I made meatloaf. He washed dishes. I did some work and then we took a walk in the neighborhood stopping off at the store to buy rice milk before returning home. Once home I made tea. We drank it while watching the news and then drifted off to the land of dreams. Living in domesticity is a very different reality. I like it's simplicity. I enjoy having a partner in crime. It's been four months and he is still alive. I think I like him and this is definitely a beautiful thing. Having someone who can join in your crazy or appreciate it in all its glory is key to maintaining a healthy relationship. Here's to my crazy we. I guess sometimes it really isn't all about me.

Nostalgia TV

There's COZI TV, This TV, Antenna TV and Me TV among many other channels dedicated to the programs of my and my parent's childhood. It's good stuff. Many of the stories still hold up. Seeing a time capsule of clothes and cars makes you remember how far we have come from that time and how far we still have to go. What's amazing about these channels is the fact that even the "violence" of the time is more peaceful than anything you see today. I like not being stressed out by my television. I miss the simpler shows dedicated to actual acting and scripts filled with information. I am obviously not alone as more and more of these time warp television stations are popping up.

I think today's audience needs a good does of nostalgia but made of course from their current stars as they have no connection to mine. We need to bring back Battle of the Network Stars and Circus of the Stars. We need to bring back some ABC after school specials and the timeless teaching tool of School House Rock. No fluff. No CGI. Minimal green screen. More script less fluff. Nostalgia TV is the place to be.

Looking forward to a brighter tomorrow

I am hoping that from this point forward all the promises of a bright and shiny new year can began to come to fruition. Without going into specifics it amazes me how cruel we can be to one another. It amazes me how one individual can feel so far superior to another. It amazes me how one person can greatly negatively affect the life of someone who has done nothing but be loving and kind. It is hard to be an on-looker in a situation which doesn't directly involve you. It is hard to see a loved one be so tormented. Anyone who has experienced a similar situation knows how helpless it feels when yu can't just make the nightmare go away.

Letting go of individuals that add nothing positive to your reality is not giving up. It is learning to live for yourself which is perfectly all right to do. There's a difference between being nice and being passive. You always have the right to stand up for yourself and you should never feel that your "niceness" will be called in to question if you do. Might does not equal right and nice is not synonymous with weak. We truly do have to learn to listen to one another and treat each other with more common courtesy, empathy and respect.

Anti Resolution Pro productive change

My definition of Resolution for this time of year is " a well intended statement of a course of action for your life that usually ends in rationalizing why you didn't do what you said you would do."

At the end of every year many of us feel pressured to make the next year better than the last. We are asked in matter of fact tones about our resolutions. We are meant to have an answer to this question. My answer isn't what most expect. I am not a fan of this resolution concept. It's too much to expect of a new year to bring you all that you weren't able to accomplish in the last one. If we didn't lose those 5 pounds, find that great love, get that new job, clean out that closet, go to the gym or turn a hobby into a career last year then what will make this year any different? Oh I will make a resolution and it will magically change, not likely.

Pick something you can change and change it. Make a goal for the week and do it. Little by little, step by step actually makes a difference. Change isn't always a sudden shift. Change is usually a slow process occurring  over a great period of time. It took you a n umber of months/years to put on a few pounds and it will take just as long to make them disappear. You've been stuck in the same place for a reason. Figure out why and then actively do something to make what you want to happen happen. It sounds simple. It isn't. It is work. All of it is work. You can say anything you like but if the work isn't put in then it is pointless.

This year. Be good to yourself. This year be true to yourself. This year love yourself more, criticize yourself less and remember to breathe. Don't expect so much and then maybe, just maybe you will finds more than you ever knew possible. We all can be a bit better than we are but we also can only change so far. Find your place and make it happen. Happy New Year!

Shoes or Daily Death Defying Devices?

I am not a shoe person. Of course my feet are not the industry size standard of beauty so in a way I can thank or blame them for my indifference to this apparently totally feminine obsession. The women who wear them well I admire and envy. I can even understand some of the aesthetic value of these marvels but I do not get the need to place myself in danger with every move I make.

Yesterday I saw a women nearly kill herself 3 times while walking across a fairly flat intersection. Her shoes were 100% to blame. They were lovely; a concoction of red and gold on a huge wedge that took her normal 5 foot 3 self up to a towering five foot six or seven. She had style but she did not have grace. She was walking and talking with a friend and nearly fell after the first two steps. Made a misstep by the 5th movement and crashed into the curb because she didn't lift her foot high enough when she reached the other side of the intersection with her final step. She then proceeded to "stomp" Frankenstein's monster style the rest of the way down the sidewalk in order to maintain her balance. It was not a pretty sight.

Why do we do this? Most shoes are NOT made by women for women. In the original onset of the high heel both men and women wore them, why is it we are still out in the stratosphere while men are securely planted on terra firma? Why do we feel the need to risk an injury just to "pull an outfit together"? Who are we really wearing these shoes for? 

I hate that we as a whole are such slaves to an industry who on a regular basis refer to the models as "hangers" for their clothes.  Our feet deserve more respect than we currently give them. Our self worth does as well. I don't know about  you but I am tired of the stiletto, no heel, stripper look shoe as the standard. Creative footwear, more power to you but for those of us who like to keep our feet on the ground please return to designing something more environmentally sound in sizes so everyone can keep their pretty feet safe on the ground.

Novel November

I am exhausted. I applaud authors their ability to live their lives and write consistently. I need to find one to mentor me as I have not quite mastered this skill. The month of October has come and gone without a word from me. It is now Novel November and once again I have missed my moment to write from beginning to end. It is only day 3 and technically I could catch up but I know what events are on the horizon and fear that this will prevent me from writing anything at all. I might try for a March Madness Moment instead. There are 31 days in March and it should be a more calm time of year. I could even be an April fool as this is a fool hardy experience. All I know is I need to start back to the basics and write again. Let's see if I can do it.

Shameless Self Promtion!

I have been quiet on the internet because I have been creating art offline. I am fortunate enough to be able to announce that  My piece, “Amaze Face” will be on the move this year as a part of  The Whole 9‘s upcoming 4th annual Peace Project entitled Peace, Love and Understanding.

This exhibition will be unveiled on World Peace Day, September 21st at Affair of the Arts in Culver City, CA, and will then makes stops throughout the United States. Confirmed appearances include:

September 21st & 22nd – Affair of the Arts, Culver City, CA

October 5th – Art Zone 461, San Francisco, CA

October 12th – 29 Pieces, Dallas, TX

Thursday, November 7th — Evening Reception, Landmark Arts Building, Chelsea, NY

Saturday, November 9th — Open House, Landmark Arts Building, Chelsea, NY

November 23rd – The Whole 9 Gallery, Culver City, CA

In these turbulent times, it’s nice to know people are working for peace. Come join me and the many other artists for a wonderful event.

Going from ME to WE

Okay, this relationship thing is interesting. I mean you meet someone. You build a friendship. You learn each other's quirks. You try to make all the idiosyncrasies work. It's a process. It is amazing how at some unknown point during the courtship you start saying we and us as opposed to I and me. How did I go from me to we?

I am not even sure when it started. All I know is that all of a sudden (maybe not as suddenly as I believe) I am referring to my place as home for the two of us, we check the calendar to see where we can fit in new events and when invited to places I am now saying we might have plans let me check. When did this happen? I mean we've barely crossed over the one year mark and yet I am certain this "we" thing happened well before that.

Part of me greatly enjoys the fact that I have a significant other who I need to consult to make sure we have nothing on the agenda, however my fiercely independent side is not on board with the program. She is beside herself with annoyance at constantly having to pull out the calendar to see if something else is there. She misses just saying yes to something and doing whatever, whenever she pleased.

I think it is a fear of losing oneself in another. I have nothing to fear as I do enough on my own to not  let that happen but the "what if" creeps in now and again to throw it's nonsense into the mix. "What if I am doing too many of his things", "What if I don't get to see my friends enough or anymore", "What if I am making him do too many of my events", "What if we are just humoring each other and none of this seemingly great compromise is real". The "What If" monster lurks around  hoping to cause a ripple in the delicate balance of the new formed we. Fighting it is a hard task but it can be done.

I have learned the fine art of compromise. I have always been able to stand firm and say NO if I mean No but I now say it in a way that doesn't feel as if I am laying down the law as opposed to just expressing disinterest. I have learned that no matter how my independent side argues against too much us, she is sad when the other half of we isn't about. I still greatly enjoy my me but I am now growing comfortable with we.