junkyard pony minuet.

The time has come...

2009-12-16T02:19:00.003-05:00

I've decided to resurrect my blog. It's been over a year, and looking back, I'm glad to have the entries and photographs all logged somewhere...not that traditional journal writing has gone out of style (I certainly still subscribe to that as well), but there is something about the speed of typing that helps me capture the moments in a better light.

That said, be on the look out for new and renewed words from yours truly.

xo
Lindsay

fortunes & filler.

2008-09-10T17:11:00.003-04:00

So life has successfully scrambled my brain again...and there are many words practically bursting from this body, but alas, I can't seem to find the time to update this here blog-let alone update people that I bump into on the street. So for now there are only fortunes & filler.

Two of my recent fortunes on wonton soup lunch breaks:

1. You are often unaware of the effect you have on others.

2. We must always have old memories and young hopes.

I especially love that last one...because there are many days that I feel exactly that-both young and old in one body. In fact, after listening to an NPR interview with one of my favorite writers, Alan Lightman, I've decided that my life progression is and has been anything but linear. This is supposedly the typical path of movement as a human...

I think my path would be more like a weaving loom. In and out, over and under the single strands that bind all the pieces of the grand scheme together-always flitting about, dancin' my way through the various relationships and landscapes that this life has to offer...

It would definitely be easier if I wasn't constantly burning with this desire/need to explore everything...to understand the way things work. They way we work.

It's all good.

2008-08-22T17:31:00.002-04:00

Yep, things are gonna be ok. Funny how certain scenarios and happenstances within a day can turn your world upside down. But at the end of the day I'll forever be an optimist, so just gotta keep rollin' merrily along. Or so they say, anyway.

But things are looking up. I found my dream truck in an alley way on Wednesday.

Ain't it beautiful?

I love those stripes. It's perfect, literally exactly what I've been wanting. Needs a ton of work, but after it was all fixed up I have no doubt that I would jump in with my pup, guitar, and handsome man and drive off into the sunset to find a little house next to the ocean with a big porch, a baby grand and a horse in the yard. Oh, bliss.

Someday....

the strangest, longest week ever.

2008-08-20T13:44:00.002-04:00

So it seems that the universe has thrown a wrench into the lovely, sunny thing that was my summertime machine. All the little wheels and parts were a'turning smoothly, rumbling along at just my life speed when all of a sudden the whole thing choked up, gears were grinding, smoke was flying and fires were burning and done.

And now here I am wondering what the hell happened. Damn moon. I love you but you've caused everything to run awry...

Is this what I get for living honestly?

For being myself?

Not sure what it takes to have some sort of sane existence. Things can be simple, I'm sure of it.

Hiatus.

2008-08-05T12:42:00.003-04:00

I'm about to fall off the face of the blog-earth. I've been extremely busy and with little to no sleep, have been existing in a bizarre state of delirium that I haven't experienced before. At least not to this level.

I've got an edition of prints to pull and am leaving town tomorrow at 8am to volunteer at an art center in NC (Penland) for the rest of the week. Prints are due Monday...not sure how I'm going to get that done, but hopefully the skies shine brightly on this endeavor.

I'll leave you with a photograph from upstate. Gotta love it:

It's all about taking that moment and running with it!

2008-08-01T22:23:00.002-04:00

So as my time in New York draws to a close, I've been getting pretty sappy...I find myself falling in love with just about everything and everyone up here, and have to wonder if it's not a sign of more L.A. NY time to come. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I know deep in that gut and heart and soul of mine that I will live here again....it just might not be for another 20-30 years. Sad in a way, but also amazing to have found a place that I adore enough to call home and really be me in.

Anyway, enough of that serious talk. Yesterday was the last day of the workshop, and I put the pedal to the metal. SERIOUSLY. I was putting wax on just about every surface I had brought with me or found while staying here, and ironically ended up with a whole slew of work! (This is strange for me because I'm usually what I call a 'slow artist'.) Then after class, 2 of my new friends-Beth and Rachel, and I headed in to Woodstock to drink some margaritas at a splendid little cantina called Gypsy Wolf. As per my upstate NY trend, I totally fell in love with the place as soon as we pulled up and I realized that the building was painted turquoise. I love that kind of bravery when it comes to paint choices! After that we poked around town, found a piano outside, petted dogs, bought books, and finally made friends with a harp player! Needless to say I was all over that thing as well...I'd never been around one before and had to try my hand at playing it.

Today I woke up late (well 9am...late for me..) and made breakfast tacos. They were fabulous and I couldn't have been more happy having the chance to just sit, drink coffee, and eat breakfast. It's truly a marvelous thing. Shortly after, I borrowed Chris's car and headed back to the swap shop that I'd stumbled upon two nights prior...there was a beautiful Italian accordian in the window and I had to play it in person. The woman who owns the store, Sam, was fabulous! We ended up chatting for nearly 2 hours, and by the time I walked outta there-complete with accordian, record albums and vintage jewelry-I truly felt like I was leaving a dear friend. Seriously, I've already been offered a position there if I move back to upstate! It was one of the best conversations I've had in awhile...truly ran the gamut and was fleshed out by the characters who kept stopping in and chatting for awhile. I really didn't want to leave that store...

But I did. Because I had plans to meet up with some of my old friends from the catskills! I went over to my friend Susan's house (she's an amazingly talented ceramicist who teaches classes at SM) and had lunch, chatted, bumped into another old friend and then took photos all over her property and studio... Then off to Sugar Maples, the art center that I used to work at, where I wandered around for awhile taking more photos...didn't know anyone there, so it was a bit brief this visit. But then I drove out to the mountain overlook where you can see 5 states all at once, and played my accordian just for the sake of playing it for the first time while looking at 5 states all at once! So far it seems like it was a good move, because I've already starting writing songs on it...! Can't believe it.

And now here I am. Last night in upstate, and I'm drinking a beer in the studio office before heading over to a little hang out...haven't really had much alone time in the past few weeks and I'm relishing the tiny bit I have right now. This trip has been fantastic in every way, shape and form, and I really couldn't ask for anything else. Well except for some sleep, but when does that happen for this girl? :)

Anyway, I'm heading into the city tomorrow and should have a marvelous time seeing some of my oldest (and best!) friends. Can't wait. But also can't wait to get back to Atlanta to see the one who has my heart all a'flutter....but that is a story for another day! Let's leave it at this: I've stumbled upon a certain someone who gives me miles & miles of hope and trust...and who gets overly excited about everything just like me! Couldn't get better than that. Damn straight.

P.S. There are photos to come for this entry...just don't have time to upload them at the moment.

Happy Wednesday!

2008-07-31T00:53:00.005-04:00

So today was totally a little whirlwind in its own right. After pullin' sheets of paper until 2:30 in the A.M., I found myself suddenly not tired anymore-so I did some much needed catching up on e-mail and things of that nature...and then out of nowhere it was 4 AM, and then I was writing in my journal and then all of sudden it was 7:30 and I was waking up still in my clothes from the day before. Gotta love this Hudson Valley lifestyle!

Spent the day at R & F Encaustics in Kingston, NY and fell head over heels in love with everything about the place. And the medium!

I think I was born to work in wax, and couldn't be more excited about the pieces that 'arrived' for me throughout the day.
Then it was back to Rosendale, and Chris (the studio manager and an old friend) had some cervezas and comida at the Rosendale Cafe-a much loved place from the days I spent stomping around this little town. The sweet potato burrito was to die for!! And they had orgami windchimes with a Yoda! We were going to go for a late day hike but then ended up at the Cheese Shop where I found a slew of adorable vintage dresses from India and some fun stuff to give to friends.

And of course the fun couldn't stop there, so after taking several videos and photographs, we put some paper to dry and headed back to Kingston for some more cervezas! Snapper McGees's was a trip...the local 'laugh till you can't breathe' man (George) was there and kept telling Chris and I about the Vietnam war amidst single word exclamations such as 'kaleidescope' and 'menagerie'. Good words, my man!

So now here I am...tired as hell, but in love with being awake. Why do our bodies need so much sleep anyhow? I swear that I feel better when I deny myself of this sleep business....sounds crazy, but it seriously makes me feel more alive.

Anyway. Should have videos up of my NY random-ness pronto.

New York whirlwind.

2008-07-29T01:08:00.002-04:00

I am in the great state of New York. After the most wonderful Sunday morning ever, I hopped over to the airport only to find that my flight had been delayed...then even after we boarded, they made us sit on the runway forever only to get to LaGuardia and sit on the runway there as well! It was a bit ridiculous to say the least. Then began my journey to Port Authority which led to more waiting because I missed the bus I was hoping on catching, and didn't get to my destination (Rosendale, NY) until almost 2 in the morning.

Yikes. I was one exhausted lady...

Then up early to start my first day of papermaking at Women's Studio...all in all a productive day-pulled paper until almost midnight, but still have many ideas to work through tomorrow. It has been great to be welcomed back (again) by all the folks I lived & worked with here...it's as if no time has passed at all, and I'm still that spunky little recent college grad who showed up here from Savannah almost 2 1/2 years ago.

Funny how everything changes and then nothing at all does!

Anyway, I should probably sleep...or eat...or cut stencils...or just exist away from this computer. Yay summertime in New York!

Gonna Go Be Amazing Everywhere.

2008-07-24T16:29:00.007-04:00

Yes, it's true. This is exactly what I intend on doing for a good long while...years and years and years, people!

I just can't describe it.

Life has begun to serve up some of the richest moments with the most beautiful people lately... I feel like there is a golden glow surrounding everything I do, and honestly feel like just about the luckiest girl on the planet. Yesterday when I was at Home Depot buying wood and supplies for the shop, I realized that I had chanced upon free hot dog day! So after putting my stuff in the truck, I walked back over and the hot dog man called out to me and said, "Why look at that little ray of sunshine! It's not every day you see a woman walking around with that big of a smile on her face."

It was probably the best off handed comment I've ever received, and really brought things full circle...when you truly enjoy life, the others around you have no reason not to as well! So thank you, Home Depot hot dog man, you made my week.

As far as the week goes-it has been rather intense. After teaching my summer seminar workshop last week, I was thrown into proofing for our visiting artist project, then had to show up at 8am every morning to assist our art educators workshops, as well as record, as well as try and finish the new songs I've been working on, as well as get ready for the workshop in NY next week, and of course also try and have a little fun with the people who inspire and make me feel lovely & wonderful! Quite a plateful...but luckily I've stayed afloat.

I also managed to find my way into the old Atlanta prison farm and do a 10am 'attempt at glamour' photo shoot...

And I played on the proofing press while assisting the workshop this week...fun!

Well, time to hit the road.

The remnants of the infamous 'pink dye party'

2008-07-18T16:50:00.003-04:00

This is what happens when you throw an old white tank top in a bathtub of hot pink dye...and decide that it needs something else for completion...so why not pull out an old stencil and some cans of spray paint?!
Hurray for spontaneity!

And there is much updating to be done, so look for another blog post within the next day or two. The summer of 2008 is turning out to be all sorts of amazing!

Over the past week of my life...

2008-07-14T13:37:00.007-04:00

I have learned many things about many things. I've started to see the crazy meandering road that is my life path with a new sort of clarity, and even though things are far from perfect and always a far cry from being set in stone, it seems as if I've developed a new vein of energy to tackle the 'now'. My heart races at the thought of the next second, and even more at the notion of having million and trillions of them to live!

Since returning to Atlanta last Sunday, I've been busybusybusy and consequently tiredtiredtired! I taught a 5-day printmaking workshop for highschool students, started printing a edition of prints for the next SCAD printshop artist collaboration, had an interview for a possible art position working with Islamic artists/exhibitions, was invited to participate in a show at MINT gallery in August, wrote the music/and lyrical beginnings for (another!)new tune, took part in a bathtub rope/clothes dyeing party and somehow found time to get some sunshine.

Oh and I found another sweet hangout spot, Top Flr. I've attempted to find these little niches since moving to Atlanta, and still have only a handful that I truly adore. It definitely reminds me of a more low key Sapphire Grill-and having worked there for awhile in college, I totally have a soft spot to associate and now turn over with reckless abandon. Ha. And....

-they have Pisco
-their food (especially the truffles!) was really good
-the wine selection ain't run-o-the-mill
-there were good people sitting at the bar (always a plus for conversation)
-AND it's right down the street from where I used to live

So basically everything has been moving along swimmingly, and I can only foresee good things happening with my volunteer work beginning soon, my first (solo) show at Kavarna on Thursday, more SCAD workshop action next week AND of course my trip to NY on the following week! Not sure if I mentioned it already, but I received a scholarship to take a workshop at Women's Studio (where I used to intern) that covers papermaking & encaustics. I can't wait to slip into all day every day art making mode...and especially the papermaking...it's seriously zen all rolled up in paper fibers!

Anyway, here are some photos to compliment all the words:

Me and my students! Aren't they lovely?

Working away...

They made some damn good prints, and were running the presses on their own.

This is my demo print-miss that place (Catskill mountains).

And this what happens on a rainy Sunday when I hang out with my friends. First we eat a lot of food and watch a chick flick and THEN we dye 50 yards of rope hot pink. And of course there were a few shirts, socks and misc. items thrown in for fun:

Priceless.

Life signs.

2008-07-08T05:46:00.002-04:00

I woke at 4:34 AM to what has been one of the biggest coincidences, or rather life signs, in my twenty five short years.

And now I'm exhausted...starving...and have to teach highschoolers printmaking in two hours...but something inside me has shifted. I'm ready to be loved. And find/keep that someone who yearns for me to be their partner in crime just as much.

Funny enough I also know that I'll be wearing a red salsa dress, talking about guns and standing on stage when it happens.

Crazy, I tell you. Just plain crazy.

Country Lessons

2008-07-03T18:16:00.002-04:00

I always find it amusing that just when things are getting a wee bit depressing, life has a way of coming back and saying 'sorry for the tears, here's a fun time or two to make up for it!'. Well thank you, life. I've had the most marvelous week in Indiana...seriously. Here are a few things I've seen/done/learned since arriving last Thursday-I'm calling them my 'country lessons':

LINDSAY'S COUNTRY LESSONS

1. That somehow my alcohol tolerance increases radically while I'm at home.
2. It's much more fun to drink outside on friends' porches and around bonfires.
3. I sleep immensely better when I don't hear Moreland Avenue.
4. I can survive what I'm calling the 'Chesterton, Indiana pub crawl'.
5. My family's house/property is incredibly gorgeous-more than ever!
6. People from Indiana couldn't care less about discussing the nitty gritty. love it!
7. Diner food is better here than anywhere else.
8. I love weeding. Seriously. I could weed a garden all damn day.
9. I can now say that I've shot a gun. and I liked it! (total cowgirl in the making)
10. I can make a whole room of people dance if I ask nicely.
11. Indiana boys may beat out southern boys in door opening, buying drinks for the ladies, compliments, and overall chill-ness.
12. I drive a mean manual track.
13. Life is better with a horse in the yard.
14. Even people from highschool can surprise you.
15. I have a crazy knack for meeting sweet boys that live nowhere near me.
16. I feel more 'me' in the country.

So that's it for now. Hurray for Indiana! And hurray for having a damn good vacation in the homestate! It's back to Atlanta on Sunday...

No one was meant to be here more than you.

2008-06-25T02:01:00.008-04:00

Why is it that the pangs of doubt have to return so quickly? Everything that felt certain is now being made to feel wrong...though in reality, it's not at all. Matter of fact, it's some of the most right I've been witness to in all my life. I haven't felt the heart wrenching twist of hopes going unrealized in a good long while...until tonight, when everything previously beautiful and easy is hitting me like a ton of bricks.

I cried when I got home.

Like a written off little country girl all alone at 2 am within the walls of a huge, sprawling city... I didn't want to do it. But the bed brought memories of purging skeletons to save the future, and sent my mind sailing back into the first golden moments of pure, honest to goodness brilliance...and that was it.

I remembered your eyes and your hands and the sound of your breathing...that first subtle lean against you...the earth to the sky-that immense space all in a matter of seconds.

...then your voice over the phone at 4 am-yearning for me to be the one who saw the world by your side. I am that girl on the beach with bare feet and flowers in her hair.

And I ain't afraid to wait for something that moves me this much.

Dear Mom, I think I'm in love.

2008-06-23T22:07:00.012-04:00

And it has a removable top too....and most importantly, it's for sale in Atlanta!! Of course I would have to learn how to drive on the right side of the cab and shift with my left hand (it's RHD), but still!

For those who weren't aware, I have wanted an International Scout FOREVER....and now one is literally down the street begging for a test drive! I confess...I've already emailed the owner...and I usually don't act on these 'wanting' sort of whims, but that is one good lookin' ride.

So that (of course) has sparked me to think of all the things I've always wished and dreamed for... And then I remembered that I've always wanted to make a project out of this, basically an extended version of the 'Lindsay Loves' on my blog which will represent the whole gamut of places, people, material items, animal friends, etc. that I've swooned for at various times in my life. Not sure that's gonna happen tonight, but consider it on my running list of the silly things I do to entertain myself! Here's a start:

#1: An andalusian stallion...and a trip to Spain and/or Portugal to see them do this:
I could honestly look at this photograph all day. When I was a little horse crazed girl, my parents took me to go see a troupe of Lipizzaner stallions (andalusians are the ancestral forefathers of the lipizzaner) perform in my hometown, and I don't think I've been the same ever since. the stallions do a form of dressage that is basically an equine ballet...it's absolutely stunning.

Yep, I'm afraid nothing's changed. Still that horse crazed little girl! :)

#2: My beloved Scout. Maybe not in orange...I've always been a fan of the cream...but look at that cab!

Driving in the mountains with the top down and the hound dog in the back...now that's living.

A visual cornucopia.

2008-06-23T14:53:00.011-04:00

So I'm still in my crazy little whirlwind...and a bit exhausted today after sleeping horribly last night. Not sure what it is, but lately there's been one night a week that I literally can't sleep more than an hour at a time. It's bizarre...and totally not healthy, because when I wake up in the middle of the night all I want to do is eat cookies and ice cream! (And if you're reading this Dad, you are soooo guilty of passing this down to me. Thanks a lot! Geeeeez.)

Anyway, so this weekend was wonderful. Made some new panels that I displayed at Eyedrum on Friday night as part of the FORM 2008 book release party/gallery show. I had an excellent time and met an overwhelming amount of supportive, amazing folks within the span of 2 hours!

And I got to see the lovely Linda Costa-a fabulous photographer and one of my favorite people to bump into around town...

Saturday I slept till noon and it was AMAZING. I can't even remember the last time I slept more than 5 hours, and though this was probably only a total of 8, it felt incredible. Then I spent the rest of the day at the laundromat and writing music-2 new songs in one week! It's amazing...the musical skies are just shining on me lately. And then flitted about Little 5 doing random things and chatting with folks.

Sunday I hosted brunch at my place with 2 of my splendid friends, Sarabeth & Jenna. We made omelettes, Swedish pancakes (my specialty!), chopped a whole cornucopia's worth of fruit, and drank cups and cups of coffee while listening to Ella Fitzgerald. It was a damn good morning.
Then more music writing-finished the latest tune...hoped the rain would break through the clouds...it didn't...made dinner with friends...lalalala and then couldn't sleep. And now here I am.

---------------->
Anyway, I've been rather scattered with updates on this here blog of mine...mainly because I've been so busy, but also because I woke up one day last week and my laptop had decided that a few of its keys were no longer necessary. These include:

-the 't'
-the right shift key
-the dash (-)
-and the up arrow

Perfect, right?! I never realized how much the English language used 't' until I had to copy and paste it while typing e-mails at home. Now that was some tough stuff. I could seriously tap Morse code faster than I could use that system.

So there have been many things I wanted to write about...and now I'm too behind to really write about them, so I'll make a list. Lists are always fun, right? Especially lists of pictures!

1. What the screenprint studio looks like when Cannonball Press rolls into town. That room looks marvelous all decked out in giant, beautiful wood cuts on canvas.

2. A close up of one of the wood blocks. Damn good. And they are amazing guys to be around. A nice combination, I must say.

3. And if anyone needs a squeegee rack in their printshop-you know who to call. I can now say that I'm a certified squeegee rack builder extraordinaire. Honestly, I'm getting pretty good at this building stuff...
Anyone have a job for a musician/photographer/printmaker/power tool wielding/builder girl? Something where I could work outside all day, sing as loud as I wanted, and wear jeans and a t-shirt to work? Oh and it would be perfect if you had a puppy. If this is you-CALL ME.

Oh and I forgot to mention...after all that recording work last week, I now have 13 tracks worth of tempos, guitar, piano, leads vocals and 5 songs worth of harmonies!! Funny that I hadn't mentioned it yet. It's still a bit surreal.

Oh and I wouldn't mind one bit if someone bought me a 4th of July present on Craig's List. I'm smitten from head to toe with this:

P.S. Random photos

2008-06-17T11:54:00.004-04:00

I just found this photo I took at the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art in Auburn, Albama and had to share it. Water is always so beautiful.

And rust on old trucks...

And dogs running in Alabama fields...

And hands around horses' necks...

Dreams being realized.

2008-06-17T10:46:00.008-04:00

Alright, this video is a little dark, but on Saturday night I discovered the Northside Tavern and instantly fell in love. Danced my little heart out too:

Seriously though, for the longest time I didn't have much of anything to say about Atlanta...didn't have my spots, didn't feel at home, and basically wasn't sure why I was here, but then *BAM* it all fell into place in a matter of weeks. Well, I'm sure it was a bit more gradual than that, but it sure does feel that fast! Since the last week of May I have been having the time of my life in this lovely city, and can't imagine the end being in sight. I've met a slew of amazing folks, fell in step with my musical muse and started recording my very first album, which is going splendidly I might add! Pat Brooks, the guy responsible for the Brock Scott recordings, is and has been the best person I've ever worked with on my songs. Seriously, the guy has an ear for music and just so happens to understand what makes my musical clock tick! I just can't explain in mere words how excited I am about this project. While we were recording three part harmonies the other day and I couldn't help but think: dreams are being realized! My heart has been racing constantly, and I have to admit that it's a kick ass feeling.

Oh and while we're on the topic of things happening. Do come to another show I'm in this Friday at Eyedrum! Three pieces of mine were selected to be a part of FORM-a book published through Williams & England Design that focuses on independent artists in Atlanta. Show starts at 8pm. Sweet!

Oh and my good friend, Jay Fox, had a solo show this past weekend and I wanted to share a few photos of his lovely work:

Simply gorgeous prints. Alright, that's it for me. Don't forget to come to Eyedrum this Friday!

you know it's been a great night when...

2008-06-15T12:35:00.005-04:00

I wake up still dressed, gum on my leg, all the lights on and music blaring. Now THAT is surefire evidence of Lindsay coming home a happy girl! And I will tell you all about it later.....gotta go record again!

It don't matter anyways.

2008-06-11T22:53:00.005-04:00

I found this website after my dad interjected in our phone conversation tonight, 'Honey, you know that 'anyways' isn't a word, right?'. Well actually, no, I didn't! Where have I been? And why hasn't anyone told me about this before? Needless to say, I didn't want to use it ANYWAYS. ;) This website is a kick though.

I love this entry:

Yea/Yeah/Yay! I think that's going to be my future band's name!

Like a ballon on a string

2008-06-10T22:41:00.003-04:00

This afternoon, I went to the airport to pick up my boss and realized that standing at the arrivals gate is one of my favorite things on earth. I just love seeing people happy...and am a staunch supporter of public displays of affection-especially in the most public of places! I think my heart literally floated away like a ballon in the sky when I saw a young man kissing his tiny baby. You could see in his eyes how he loved that little kid with every ounce of his being, and it did some serious tuggin' on my heart strings.

If only I could spend an hour every day at the arrivals gate...

Heartbeats on lips.

2008-06-10T13:31:00.006-04:00

Seriously. GLOWING. I feel like my heart is going to explode and send showers of golden fireworks everywhere.

Just Runnin' Around in My Little Whirlwind

2008-06-07T09:33:00.005-04:00

So last night in the midst of Young Blood's Indie Craft pre-party I ran into a friend of a friend who started asking me all these questions about my life goings-on lately and I realized that I've seriously done about a month's worth in only a week and a half! I could barely remember what he was talking about and the venture was literally less than two weeks ago. Insanity. Then he proceeded to ask me, 'what have you been in a whirlwind lately or something?' to which I replied, 'yes, yes I have. I have indeed been in a crazy little whirlwind'!! :)

So needless to say, the night moved in all directions: Manny's...bikin' to the Highlands...a run-in with Jesse in the middle of the street (sweet new bike w/ dragon eyes!), more bikin'...enter Little 5, where I totally wiped out on the curb by L5 Pizza, courtesy of my low bike tires-bruised up the ol' hip, shin, and hands (to add to my various injuries of this week: dragged my knuckles against a rock wall and dropped a litho stone on my finger at work), then after playing the worst pool game of our lives I was returned to my abode where I rambled on the phone for hours before passing out. Whew.

And of course I've been at it with the music. 2 new songs this week and counting...! And I've recruited Pat Brooks (responsible for the loveliness that are the Brock Scott Quartet recordings) to record my first full length album (!!) so we're about to embark on that adventure next week... CAN'T WAIT!! :)

And then of course it's off to the great state of Indian'r where I will spend a week hanging with the fam and friends galore-can't wait to see these guys and the Appel family homestead:

Of course it will be summer and hot as hell though. Consider these pho-toes little ice cubes. :)

Alright, signing off for now to go conquer the feat that is my laundry.

The ice cream song!

2008-06-06T10:21:00.001-04:00

So when I was out with some friends the other night, I had to bail towards the end and missed out on getting some delicious ice cream. So in return I promised to write a song for them. This is what happens:

My heart...

2008-06-06T04:26:00.002-04:00

flutters.

A Toast: to the new moon & more of those lovely blue moons

2008-06-04T17:09:00.008-04:00

The new moon last night played host for the most splendid BBQ I've been to in awhile. Funny how time works, but suddenly I've found myself completely immersed in some of the best friendships with the best people-as if a little spotlight up in the sky shifted its beam and now has me basking in the golden glow of love & goodness. All I can really say is YAY!! :) So here are some entertaining photos from last night's festivities:

Danny cuteness...this picture is seriously priceless.

Lucha cuteness! Look at all that grub:

Juan & Lucha cuteness! (That boy makes some damn good flan.)

Lucha & Manzana! I love that girl so much I can barely keep my eyes open from smiling so big.

The Fox and the hound = precious

And of course we took our family portrait:

So hurray for summer and good people and cute dogs and fires and photographs and basically everything that is NOW. Oh and hurray for miss Sherin Diaz's plantains! Good lord they were scrumptious.

This weekend

2008-06-02T23:55:00.002-04:00

was frickin' amazing. I have some damn good friends that make me smile-and when I say smile, I mean SMILE. Like the cheeks hurtin' can't breathe kinda smiling.

I can't help but be giddy about all the possibilities on the horizon. Things are a-sparking, and I can feel a part of me waking up. Not sure if it's an old or new part, but regardless, I'm sure glad it's here.

Life is good.

The print vortex.

2008-05-29T12:24:00.002-04:00

Sometimes I stop and think to myself, 'what is the real point of printing the same image over and over and over and over?' And as you might have guessed, sometimes the answer is 'there is no point', but then there are those times when you step back and realize that damn, it sure feels good to have done all that work by hand. And 15 prints all cleaned up and stacked is a sight to behold.

Needless to say, doing 11 plates in this fashion is now a bit daunting...but it ain't nothing that this girl can't handle.

Steady this beautiful.

2008-05-23T12:46:00.002-04:00

A short writing from the other day:

A man sits in a car
with a single tear
and fluttering eyelashes
I steadied them across the lanes
wondered at the name
of the friend he'd lost
how he'd held his hands
as their last words were read.

The location was such a dreadfully beautiful thing.

Beautiful-as the sunset clings
like a slip to its form
the eye of bare boned emotion
within this swirling city

Dreadful-
as the miles of idling cars
nothing more than a stage
shadowy moving images
set to a score of these
roadside beggars.

nothing and everything all at once.

2008-05-20T01:40:00.002-04:00

Things are a'changing... This weekend brought a new perspective-a clearer look at my life in general, and now I'm left only with feelings of excitement and the promise of new stories to come.

Life speed

2008-05-16T14:06:00.006-04:00

So life seems to be picking up speed every day...I've heard my parents talk about this 'life speed' thing pretty frequently, but never knew it started at age 25. So needless to say, I don't have time to type so please enjoy the pictures:

-the most beautiful green grass at Lakewood Park.
-I made a practice coptic bound book with old topographical maps to cover.
-My hair is multi-colored! (love it too. thanks Julie @ Fresche!)
-Photographer Arno Minkkinen had a lecture at SCAD and then I went to see his show at Fay Gold Gallery. That's he and his lovely wife, Sandy, in the photo with me. They were truly fabulous people. That AND he convinced one of my favorite writers, Alan Lightman, to write an essay for one of this books!

Springtime

2008-05-09T09:32:00.003-04:00

It's springtime! Well, actually I think it's already summer here in Atlanta, but since I come from the north, summer is not allowed to happen until at least June. Time for picnics and flowers and colorful goodness:

I planted these guys last weekend:

My 'stowaway' tree finally got its own pot. It snuck into another plant's pot when they were on vacation in Indiana and is finally big enough to be on its own:

Oh and I'm also growing basil (my sister sent me some seeds for my birthday) and moss. SCAD had its scholarship gala last week and used moss to cover the table tops for its 'green event' and by the next morning it was waiting for the dumpster. Martha (the woodshop manager) and I just had to save it.

500 Songs for Kids-covering songs to make $$ for Atlanta childrens' charities

2008-05-05T10:22:00.002-04:00

So last night was the debut of Lindsay + band!! We had a blast and are already planning to switch gears and take our collaboration to my original tunes. Yay! I couldn't be more excited.

Thanks to everyone who supported the cause and to the new folks I met who were nothing short of super nice! And of course thanks to Jason (viola) and Pepe (on drums) for making it a little easier to cover R.E.M.

And that's O.K.

2008-05-01T18:45:00.009-04:00

A second to breathe is exactly what I've needed lately. Not that my life is in any way more busy than anyone else who's trying to pursue an artistic career, I've just come to learn than my life 'speed' is something I relish control of from time to time. I love that feeling of realizing the incredible and almost inconceivable amount of tasks on my plate, only to pause and say:

'Screw you.'

Yes, that's right. 'Screw you.' Even a college educated girl such as myself can find a reason to use less than appropriate words-both a guilty pleasure and an tipsy trend of mine. I just despise how the majority of our society has come to understand our lives as something other than just that. Our lives. So many times I've sat down with folks from generations past and heard them speak of all the things, or maybe just the one huge thing, that they always wanted to do and totally missed out on...

Well, I don't want to be that person. And though I completely realize and value the importance of many successive days of intense work, I've started to realize that I need a second to stop and breathe just as badly.

Take this for example: As I type this I'm sitting in bed, drinking a beer and eating a leftover samosa out of a bowl and listening to the sounds of springtime outside my window. Now what could be more perfect than that? Honestly. This little bracket of time probably wasn't destined to be in my schedule for the day, but dammit, I'm glad it is. Doing human things makes me feel more human, and I'll be damned if I spend the rest of my adult life like a robot-running around fretting over minute details, blurting out meaningless words just to fill spaces, and losing sight of everything beside the things that won't matter in thirty minutes anyways.
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That said, why is it that figuring out what we truly care about and want to devote the largest portion of our time to is the hardest thing ever?

I've spent a large portion of my days since the beginning of the year thinking about what it is that truly motivates me and makes me happy. Not anyone else-just me. And although I've come up with a handful of answers, I could never bear the thought of crossing one off the list to make more room for any of the others. This paired with my uncanny knack for falling in love with every new skill or trade I'm introduced to doesn't exactly make things easier in the 'determining the life path' department. So where does that leave me you ask?

I could move in any direction as long my next home is located near some sort of water. And frankly, with the general status of things in the US, I've been considering hopping on a plane and holing up in Europe for awhile. But without something to love and do and care for, what is location anyways?

So that takes me right back to the original question-what do I love enough to commit all my energy to doing?

In a general sense, I guess making things would be the answer. I love to work with my hands and am good at it too. It also makes me happy. But making things around people has always been difficult for me...I can't stand the looking over the shoulder feeling for any length of time, and I don't like to put my works in progress on display. So that narrows any life venture to a collaboration with only a certain few highly regarded folks around. But then how does one figure out how to combine his/her life passions if they aren't (un)fortunate to have just one love?

-Music
-Visual art
-Writing
-Cooking
-Growing and tending to things
-Building/restoring things

So those are my top 6 loves. Sounds simple enough, but lord knows that each one can be broken down into 10 categories of their own. Take visual art for example:

Visual art:
-photography
-printmaking
-painting
-papermaking
-ceramics
-film
-mixed media ventures

So now there are 7 more avenues, and this is why I've always been totally overwhelmed by questions like 'So what's your next plan?' or 'What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?' or 'Wow it looks like you do a lot of different stuff, what kind of music/art do you like the best?'. I usually stutter and blurt out something sort of educated about goals and dreams and the like, but what I really want to say is:

I HAVE NO IDEA.

Followed by:

AND THAT'S O.K.

Because it IS. And though it's taken me years and years to learn this, I'm still no better off. The questions still bother me and my answers do the same. The only comfort is the idea that there are other young artists out there going through exactly the same thing. They may not publish their inner rants online, but you know what?

IT'S O.K.

Busybusybusy!

2008-05-01T00:24:00.002-04:00

So I've been incredibly horrible about updating this blog...so in case y'all need a visual place holder to stay interested, here ya go!

A video from the Sopo Bike Show this past Saturday.

More details to follow!

My New Endeavor Is.....!

2008-04-10T18:09:00.003-04:00

Customizing bike frames! Here are some photos of the frame I customized for the Sopo Bicycle Frame Show/Auction which has been up at Radial Cafe since April 1st. The show will hang until April 26, at which time a closing reception is in order (during which yours truly will be providing a bit of musical entertainment as well!).

It's funny because my existing bike's frame is practically a twin to the one I chose to make over. They're brother & sister! Alright, have a look see:

Recap: Richmond, Virginia.

2008-04-03T19:43:00.016-04:00

So last week I traveled to Richmond, VA to take part in the Southern Graphics Council conference-the largest gathering of printmakers in the country. This was my third SGC and since the funds were low, I stayed with some old friends of mine who moved down from Chicago about a year ago to start their own mobile printshop. Being on the outskirts of the downtown gave me a better picture of the city and allowed me to soak in more of the Richmond flavor, thanks to their generous bike tours and eatery recommendations. (thanks Andrea and Kevin!). It was a damn good trip. Here are some pictures to prove it:

Crossing the state line looks like this out the window...

Soaking in the sunshine in the backyard.
Richmond is very bike friendly which made me a happy girl.
The houses are unique. Richmond-ites also apparently love the color red.
The trees were a'bloom everywhere.
We rode around until we found a hill and a good view of the river.
Then we found a bamboo patch! It seems the wind had carried bamboo seeds up from the Japanese gardens down the hill.
Bamboo is beautiful. Especially up close.
Then Travis tried to climb the bamboo.
Then we found the bridge that takes you over the railroad tracks. The light was amazing there.
Found it! The James River.
I love being outside, especially when I can stand on a rock in the middle of a stream.
My affection for all things dirt continues.
I fell in love with this bag caught in branches underwater.It was vaguely reminiscent of a jellyfish.
I love this photograph.
We walked further upstream to Texas Beach, and as we rounded the bend we stumbled upon a man made fort!
And the remnants of a late night fire...
The river had sculpted beautiful circles into the rocks along its shores.
Then we biked back to the house and I took photos of the light in their apartment while everyone else slept. I'm calling these my 'faux, impromptu' still lives.

And then the night life/conference began:

In a nutshell...
-girls at the SCAD rendezvous/reunion in Richmond
-the best pizza ever with Andrea & Kevin (our splendid hosts)
-my opening at Artspace Gallery
-Gallery 5's Repressed III opening (Travis and Kevin's work included)
-drinks at Bamboo Cafe with old and new friends. very awesome.
-Open portfolio at Landmark Theatre.
-Last night in Richmond: drinking at an English pub with a marvelous patio where I got to see my SCAD printshop partners in crime, Miss Lee and Miss Jenkins.

Now that was exhausting. Thanks Richmond for being a wonderful city to visit.

April Fools...?

2008-04-02T23:27:00.003-04:00

I've always despised April Fools Day...well, except for the April Fools I spent in the US Virgin Islands with my family during which my siblings and I had the bright idea to make the Tang with salty ocean water. Now THAT was good stuff. But seriously, being a gullible person makes April 1st the worst day of the year. And this year it was a horrible day filled with bad feelings to begin with, so ironically I found myself embracing the wretched 'holiday' and wishing that it was all just a joke. Unfortunately, it wasn't.

However, I've always been one to look on the bright side of things...so I resisted the impulse to write all about it and called my dad instead. (Alright, all together now: AWWWWW.)

Thankfully things are now picking up on the positive end. And before I forget-this weekend was actually really great too...Richmond, VA is a beautiful town with tons of interesting nooks & crannies to be explored. I promise to post photos of the places I did explore asap.

For those who don't know, I'm taking 2 classes this quarter at my workplace (SCAD-Atlanta) on top of my regular 9-6 workload. So far it's been great...not sure how I can get actual artwork produced and completed yet, but I've already learned a lot about letterpress and have started working on a photo lithograph in an attempt to conquer that process as well. Here are a couple shots of my in progress mylar drawing:
Yep, I was working at my desk.

Close-up.

I'll be exposing several plates and using different layers of drawing/photographs/color to do this one...wish me luck!

Speaking of being incredibly busy, I should sleep while I can. More photo updates soon!

As promised...

2008-03-26T17:35:00.003-04:00

Here is the print I purchased at Flatstock during SXSW. I just love it!

I also really like this one...

And here are a few images that have caught my eye online and in books over the past few months:

I leave for Richmond in the morning and should have a jam packed weekend courtesy of the Southern Graphics Council conference. I'll spend some of my time checking out the event's goings-on, but plan on devoting most of my time to scouting out galleries and experiencing the city of Richmond. There is also a rendezvous or two with old friends on the agenda... As usual, my life is running away with me!

Up in the air.

2008-03-24T13:03:00.002-04:00

Not sure things could get any more bizarre. My relationship is up in the air, I threw my wallet away this morning, there was a car fire in the parking garage, it's snowing, and lord knows how I'll have everything done before I need to leave for Richmond on Thursday.

This year March came in like a lamb and is leaving like a lion.

Perfect.

Austin has it.

2008-03-20T23:46:00.021-04:00

Yes, I'm totally hooked on the fair city of Austin, TX. I returned to Atlanta yesterday after a five day journey, and all I can seem to do is talk about how much I love Austin! So this blog will continue in that vein...

My flight was set to leave at 7am Friday morning, but of course the security line was worse than during the holidays, so I missed it completely. Delta got me out to Houston relatively quickly though, though I missed my connection in Houston, so that led to waiting around for 4+ hours at the Houston airport trying time and time again to get on flights via standby and failing. This led to making a slew of 'standby friends' at the airport-I learned that this tends to happen when you try to get on 4 different flights together and have to run back and forth as the gates keep changing. When we finally all got a flight, I literally cheered.

I arrived in Austin. It was 85 degrees-sunny and gorgeous. Cactii were growing beside the highway and I was instantly in love.

PREFACE: Since there were many things seen & done, I won't be able to recount the whole trip, but I will summarize as best as I humanly can.

FRIDAY: Taxi to my friend Ashton's house. It was lovely and it was great to see her! She has two adorable cats who I spent a lot of time with while sleeping on the couch. Their names are Stella and Maxine and they LOVE laser pointers and cuddling.

We ate at Torchy's-a taco stand in an airstream trailer. I had the most amazing Ahi Tuna taco-no lie. Then we met up with people and ate pizza at HomeSlice and toasted to my arrival. Saw a few bands that night, basically just walked around and soaked in SXSW:

And then had wine & a cheese plate on the beautiful patio of Hotel San Jose.

SATURDAY: Ate at a yummy cafe and headed over to the poster show at the convention center. I figured this was the least I could do to support my visual art tendencies in the middle of a huge music festival! All in all it was pretty sweet...definitely not the spectrum of art I was hoping for, but still great for a printmaking show based solely around music posters and selling merchandise. Ashton and I bought the same poster because well, we have good taste in art, I guess! (I'll post a photo later.) I also bought a nice proof from a guy out of Chicago because it reminded me of Travis's work (will post photo of that later too). Here are a few photos from the show.

This guy (Jason Munn) had absolutely fabulous designs. Check him out at http://www.thesmallstakes.com/.

After the poster show, we trekked over to Mohawk to catch a few bands for free at the 'HotFreaks' show. The first was an insane Japanese act who can not be accurately described in mere words. Ashton took the photos during that show, so I'll remember to post some when I can wrangle those away from her... My favorite 'song' was the one called "Y.Y.Y.". As the title states, it was a tune that involved the chanting of "Y.Y.Y." over and over again, as instructed by the guy in the green power ranger-esque suit holding the "Y.Y.Y." sign. Classic!
The next band was called The Islands. I haven't done my homework yet, so I have no idea where they're from or what they're all about, but they vaguely reminded me of Margot & The Nuclear So & So's simply because a) they had 7 or so people on stage, b) they had strings, and c) the lead singer's voice was comparable. One of the best parts of the set involved a guy who materialized on stage to rap while stealing the mic from the lead singer-I think he should've stuck around for awhile, but alas, he disappeared as quickly as he arrived:

Then we asked a guy to take our picture:

And then drank more beer:

Then the SXSW people kicked us all out of Mohawk so they could prep for the night's festivities, so we got sushi, were followed to the sushi joint by a crazy guy, and eventually ended up at the park to see the stages there. Saw part of the Breeders set:

And then went to a gathering of Austin friends before getting some rest-ola.

SUNDAY: The sun went away. :( But that didn't stop us from having a wonderful brunch at Mother's...I ate kiwi pancakes for the first time in my life, and have to say they were pretty delicious! Then we drove around and stopped at Barton Creek, which was surprisingly all dried up! Still beautiful though:

After a bit we gave in to the grey mood of the weather, and watched girly shows on TV and drank tea. It was marvelous to have the opportunity to just sit and do nothing for once! Then we made our first attempt (3 in total over my stay) to see 'In Bruge' at the theatre you can eat food in. I forget the name, but we didn't get to go that day anyways. So instead, we ate some of the best Indian food I've ever had at a restaurant called Clay Pit. Seriously, go here if you go to Austin. And get the mussels.

MONDAY: Ashton had to work, so I spent most of the day playing tourist and shopped on South Congress. My favorite store by far was Parts & Labour, a little shop devoted to showcasing handmade works by Texas crafters. I spent a good bit of my paycheck there, so that alone will tell you how much I love them! I also had fun poking around all the thrift stores and dog watching as I sat at the coffee shop down the street. (I'm still experiencing a bad bout of dog withdrawal. 2 years and counting!) Then we had mexican martinis in celebration of Texas and St. Patty's day-not really on purpose though. Tried to see In Bruge AGAIN, and it wasn't playing (luckily) so we ended up having some of the best Italian food I've ever eaten at Enoteca Vespaio. Once again, if you go to Austin I definitely rate this place a must-do. The cheese plate was amazing and the Raviolini was scrumptious. Seriously, I could've died a happy girl after that meal.

TUESDAY: Decided to bum around the house more than usual-the weather was crappy so I wasn't overly inspired to go out, but eventually I took Ashton's car for a spin and visited the Blanton Museum to pass the time before heading over to Flatbed Press. I thought the modern art collection was pretty interesting and took a few photos. This installation was my favorite. It incorporated pennies, wafers, cow bones and black fabric, and was a comment on wealth, the consumption of natural resources and faith within our society. It was entitled 'How to Build a Cathedral'.

Absolutely beautiful.

The Museum had a cool bathroom too, and I figured I looked sort of 'Texas' that day so a photo was in order.

After the downpour, I sped over to Flatbed Press to have a look see and meet some of the folks working there. I stayed for a few hours and had a blast chatting with the women who were there that afternoon. Not sure if I'll end up in Austin any time soon, but I like to create connections wherever I go, and wanted to see how they've got their printshop running. It was refreshing to see ink and ferric acid on every surface...made me feel better about how great the SCAD shop looks...only to realize (once again) how insane some of the goings-on are over there. I guess that's why I've always got my eyes set on the future...maybe due in part to my family's history of psychic abilities, but a part of me has always known there are greater things awaiting me in the future! Here is a photo of one of the prints in their gallery. I love the rough quality of this lithograph...the color is absolutely delicious!

But I digress...Austin...amazing-ness...ah yes. We finally got to see 'In Bruge' at the 'eat and drink while you watch movies' theatre, and it turned out to be a satisfying flick. The humor was off kilter (which was a good thing), though it did seem inappropriate during a handful of scenes...but eating while watching a film is great, so I really can't complain!

So Wednesday was the last day of my stint in Austin. Ashton and I had breakfast tacos (!) and stopped by to check out her work and then I was off to the airport. Thankfully I didn't miss any of my connections this time, so that part of my journey was smooth sailing. It was funny though, while I was riding in the cab to the airport I actually turned around to watch the Austin skyline disappear and felt a bit sad. I usually don't have this sort of immediate connection with a place, but honestly, it started to feel a bit familiar over those short 5 days. I didn't really want to leave! But there is much to do and finish in Atlanta, so here I am. I'm opening for The Eyes tomorrow night at Kavarna, and have much work to do in preparation for spring quarter at work and our trip to Richmond next week.

Signing off for now.

Where to begin?!

2008-03-09T23:47:00.000-04:00

So, since my last post I have:

a) had a birthday party thrown in my honor
b) gone to Alabama and back
c) gone to see Jose Gonzalez in concert
d) finished customizing a bike frame
e) done a photo shoot with said bike frame
f) gone to a museum I'd never been to
g) had another birthday hang out
h) went to more gallery openings than I can count on one hand
i) misc. things (this is a place saver for all the cool things I did but can't remember)

And la, la, la, la the list goes on. Honestly, I can't even remember last week. So this coming post will basically be a picture story with captions. Enjoy! (That is, if I ever get around to it!)

Good news!

2008-02-28T12:55:00.007-05:00

So this week has been full of great things happening!

#1: A piece of mine was selected for an exhibition in Richmond, VA! The Gallery is called Artspace, and the opening of the exhibit will coincide with the Southern Graphics Council conference, an annual printmaking conference which relocates every year. This will be my third time at SGC, and it promises to be one of the best. Travis also has work being shown that week, at Gallery 5 as part of the Repressed 3 exhibit. We'll be staying with old friends of mine from Savannah, who now run their own non-profit printmaking studio called Art on Wheels.

#2: The printshop talent show! A slew of us gathered in the shop last night to celebrate those among us who are talented at other things besides printmaking. There was a Korean song & dance, an MC, a string duo atop the Takach press bed, and a cheer leading lift demonstration outside on the front lawn! (Video & photos to come!!)

#3: I finished another composition from my NY mattress series. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, take a look at Dark Sky Magazine and you'll find one up until 3/2/08. Here's a small version of one for blog purposes-unfortunately you'll have to come to a show or visit me to see all the lovely details!

#4: I was asked to open for Atlanta area band, The Eyes, on March 21st @ Kavarna. Should be a great show so come hang out!

#5: My birthday is coming up! That's right, on March 3rd I'll be turning twenty-five years of age. I don't feel nearly that old, but a part of me has definitely grown wiser throughout the years & travels. Now that doesn't mean I won't be partying it up, so expect to see some birthday photos in a few days! There's a wee shin dig tonight and more b-day fun in store.

And your fun fact for today: My dad and I share the same birthday! 32 years difference, but the same day-good ole Pisces.

My drive to work Wednesday morning.

2008-02-27T17:33:00.005-05:00

Yep, that's frost on my windshield.

Atlanta is always more beautiful when it's cold outside.

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This new series is tentatively called 'What Lindsay sees out of her sunroof as she drives to work'. [These photographs will also demonstrate how many times I have to stop along the way.]

*Seriously though, aren't they gorgeous??! Water works wonders.

Last week(end) in a very small nutshell.

2008-02-26T17:27:00.008-05:00

I watched the eclipse with friends-it was a gorgeous burnt red at the best point:

I played a show at Javamonkey with Jackass Flats. It was fantastic! The place was packed and the guys from the band were genuine, fantastic people who were very supportive of my music and my ability to 'hold down the fort'.

I had a meeting at Whitespace Gallery (such a beautiful space) and should be helping them out in the near future... Then off to another recording session-worked on 'Holiday', one of the new tunes. Ate a huge platter of sushi with friends. On Sunday I finally escaped to one of my favorite thrift stores (Last Chance in Decatur) and made the most of the cheap prices and my girly mood. Basically, I bought a lot of fun clothes and found some splendid books.

This title is great and needs to be used on my album:

I love this print, but couldn't justify spending $14.99 on it!

And then there was girl's night, which you'll find a video for 2 blog entries back.
*Phew* I'm tired just remembering all that.

Featured on Dark Sky Magazine again!

2008-02-26T15:18:00.002-05:00

Check it out! DarkSky Magazine

As promised, I've been included in another edition of DarkSky Magazine! This time the focus has shifted to my photography work that exists outside the realm of printmaking...photo compositions of sorts. Also, do check out the 2-D category as well. Adrienne, the girl I've been in contact with has posted a little note about her grandfather who recently passed way. If you follow the link at the end of the text, you'll find a story her friend Kevin wrote about him that is downright heart strings pullin' beautiful. Seriously, everyone should read it.

This weekend...

2008-02-26T15:01:00.003-05:00

A few of the ladies I know via work (SCAD-Atlanta) wanted to get together and have a hang out. So we brought a bunch of old bits of work and collaged it together between sips of wine in Susan's laundry room. What could be more entertaining?

Damn good.

2008-02-20T18:09:00.011-05:00

So after going through a battle with the sinus infection and flu bugs last week, the weekend was a great relief. Saturday I spent most of the day working on my music, and took a break in between to scout out photo locations for the Machete work. I didn't take many photos because I was more interested in picking through all the cool things left on the site, but here are a few token items that caught my interest:

Yep, that's right. Windows, dirt and grass. Gotta love it. Well that and watching the pigeons dive bomb from the remnants of all the graffiti laden brick walls....

Then Travis and I decided that since I was feeling better, we should celebrate with a late afternoon picnic in the park complete with wine, goat cheese (!!), olives and a CREAM FILLED COOKIE from the co-op next door. It was amazing, until a wandering puppy caught me off guard and stole the rest of the cheese!

One of the most entertaining spectacles was a man teaching his daughter how to shoot off a rocket. Only in Atlanta!

The sky was really beautiful too...

I like taking pictures of people who don't like having their pictures taken...

And then we completed the wonderful day with a 'dinner date' at Desi Spice-one of our favorite spots to eat delicious Indian food. This is us being excited in the car on the way there:

So that was Saturday, and then I spent most of the day on Sunday recording with my friend, Jim Combs. He's offered to help me record my first album and I can be nothing but excited about that! We talked over my songs, and had an interesting coversation concerning my music and its visual connotations. I can't really describe it, but afterwards I felt as if something had clicked into place-or that I'd reached an understanding of this art that I've been producing for many years...

This week has been busy....we had a late night lecture at work, I had a late night hang out with friends last night (we watched the eclipse), and I've been slaving away at organizing my visual art documentation. I have an interview at Whitespace Gallery this Saturday too... Yikes. So much going on all the time. I wonder what I would be doing with my free time if it weren't consumed by art and music? What do 'normal' people do after work anyways?! I'm baffled by the thought of living without a constant 'art' agenda...I just don't think I could ever be satisfied by stillness.

Lindsay captured on film.

2008-02-20T13:43:00.004-05:00

Title says it all! This was my debut performance in Athens (1.25.08), and as if moved by the theme, I debuted one of my new songs called 'Holiday'. It's a bit rusty, but what can you expect from this combination: sinus infection + new song not really finished?

Well I think it turned out alright, so have a look see:

Come one, come all!

2008-02-19T12:20:00.005-05:00

Should be a really great show! And though I don't have time for a massive blog update just this second, I will be attempting one later today. :)

No Country For Old Men.

2008-02-03T20:52:00.002-05:00

So I finally made it to the movies again last night. I think I've gone to the theatre a total of 2 times since I've lived in Atlanta....some of you may think that's outrageous, but I just don't have the motivation to shell out the mula on the majority of new films. 'No Country for Old Men' was definitely an exception though, and the Cohen brothers didn't disappoint. I was completely immersed in the story the whole way through, save brief moments that featured the elderly mother-who, in my humble opinion, did nothing but disrupt the flow of the film. But that aside, you know it's a winner when I can maintain my interest (and stay awake!) through a midnight show.

Of course this all caused my 'secret' desire to be a film maker resurface...only to be followed shortly thereafter by the realization that I just don't have enough time at this stage of my life to take on another media. Maybe soon I'll stumble upon a film making friend who I can achieve my 'film maker cravings' through vicariously. The offer is on the table.

Besides that, I'm hard at work on my bike frame for the Sopo Bicycle Auction and I have to say it's looking great! I'm pretty thrilled about the way it's turning out....and may even have to make one for myself after all this is over. I'm also going to be featured in Dark Sky Magazine, a DIY online magazine out of Charleston that I stumbled across one afternoon. They'll have some of my artwork up on their site in about 2 weeks, so be sure to check back for more info.

On the music front, I started playing with my new loop pedal this afternoon and soon realized that I need at least another cable or two to get the ultimate experience...and then my damn headphones broke...so I just went back to playing/singing in normal Lindsay fashion. I'm happy to report that 'Holiday' is near completion (in fact I debuted it at my Athens show last weekend and improvised the end), and my other 2 new songs are shaping up. And I discovered a band today: Margot and the Nuclear So & So's...they're really great and everybody should check them out.

Anyways, back to real life.

What if...?

2008-01-27T23:35:00.001-05:00

Today I found myself wondering what life would be like if I weren't an artist...how all aspects of my current life would be running in a completely different manner. And then I thought of relationships, how every single one of the people I've met along this path have directed it in some way-whether it has been through simply the choice to venture out on the weekend, or something on a more drastic scale such as my relocation to another town or city. It's hard to break it all down and really decide whether being an artist has caused my life to be more or less of any one thing. I know it's helped me to arrive upon understandings, but I also feel that this declaration of artistry is responsible for my restlessness, desire, and never-ending bouts of self examination and heavy handed critique.

But then again, maybe that's just me.

Sundays, MLK, rump shakin' and puppies.

2008-01-21T14:30:00.001-05:00

I guess it's easy to tell when I have more time on my hands-I post more blogs! Well, and I basically do more fun stuff in general. If only I wasn't a slave to the 9 to 6-just think about the possibilities!

So over the past 2 days I've done many great things that I normally wouldn't have time for:

-made swedish pancakes and a berry sauce for breakfast one day, and then bacon, egg & cheese biscuits the next (so much better than cereal!)

-downloaded 'Rump Shaker' by Wreckx-N-Effect for my apartment dance episodes
Musical progress:
-wrote final verse to song #1 (called 'Holiday' at present)

-wrote music (on piano) for song #3-a rock n' roll, bluesy tune

-wrote lyrics for song #2 (inspired by Band of Horses)

-bought a rockin' t-shirt on Etsy
-planned out upcoming HeyHeyMachete (aka Travis & Lindsay) project
-bought a slew of feathers online for the upcoming HeyHeyMachete project

(SIDE NOTE: I know this all may make me sound like I had a consumer-happy weekend, but know that I'm really just making up for all the time I don't usually have to purchase things for my life activities.)

-oh, and then I looked up puppies for sale on Craig's List (my guilty pleasure). Unfortunately my landlord won't allow pets of the canine variety, but the picture viewing helps get me through the rough spots:

Well, I've gotta continue on with the 'music progress' category, and have tickets for the DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist show later this evening, so that's it for me. Happy MLK day!

Snow day!

2008-01-20T19:11:00.000-05:00

It snowed yesterday for the SECOND time this week! And luckily our 'snow day' fell on Saturday, so the whole day was spent scampering about Little 5 with friends-and did we have the time of our lives! I seriously can't remember the last day that was this awesome. Seriously.

It started with omlettes in bed. Then I found my old earmuffs (!!) and made the biggest snowball Georgia has ever seen.

Took pictures while waiting for friends.

After playing outside, we walked to Best Buy and bought a camera, played RockBand and then bought toy helicopters at Target. Threw snowballs on the way to Ali Baba's:

Ate yummy falafel wraps on the patio and smoked rose tobacco in the hookah:

Then we took a break indoors to fly the helicopters and make warm whiskey drinks, which Travis then carried to Freedom Park.

We found a snowman in the park and took pictures with it:

And then we finished the outdoor portion of the day with skateboard 'snowboarding/sledding':

Unfortunately, I don't have pictures from the morning (before we got the camera), but good lord it was a lot of fun.

Snow in the south=good times!!

On another note, I've started 3 new songs this week! It's lovely when inspiration collides with actual time to practice... The first is almost completed and the other 2 in the beginning stages (I've even written a violin part and a guitar based rhythm part for one!).

Hopeless at summarizing.

2008-01-13T20:02:00.002-05:00

Yes, it's true. I've never been able to pass up the long version of a story, which is why it's hard for me to play catch up with things like this. My last 'real' post was before the holidays and so much has happened since then. It really is impossible to summarize, but fortunately I also possess that endearing 'stubborn as hell' quality (which will be bailing me out of this slip of my blog resolution).

Moving on...

So the holidays brought many things-time with family, time with extended family, time with other people's families...well, at least it seemed that way! I definitely realized my need for alone time, and am still hoping for a good dose of some in the near future. I was also reminded (again) of my love for the north-of snow, and manual vehicles, of wide stretches of land, and Carhart overalls, running around at night in the middle of a sleet-ish snowfall with friends...there's something lovely about northwest Indiana. Here a few photos from my travels:

The Appel family homestead sits on a hill across the pond.

Our neighbor's homestead.

Our dog (appropriately named Fluff) runs across the yard.

My horse (appropriately named Tuff) says hello.

My dog Taye (named Taye for the hell of it) is pretty damn cute.

Causin' a ruckass with the pups. (It was only 10 degrees out!)

Walking around the pond...

A few other things happened while I was home as well:

-Travis got to see snow for the second time in his life and throw his FIRST SNOWBALL!!:

-I forced Travis to endure the Appel family Christmas (really not that bad, and actually pretty awesome) and got to see a few of my lovely cousins:

-And drumroll please...my dad played Jesus at the family talent show:

So the holidays were good. Busy, crazy, and a little nutty-but still good. I spent New Years in North Carolina and have since been swept up in a whirlwind involving winter quarter starting at SCAD (my workplace), planning the recording of my first album this February, the preparation for Travis's solo show at Eyedrum (will post photos soon), and basically feeling a bit overwhelmed with possibilities and the lack of time in which to pursue all I'm passionate about. If anyone knows an individual whose resolution was to play benefactor to a deserving artist please don't hesitate to call!

Before I forget..

2008-01-03T10:52:00.002-05:00

Here's the video PhotoAwesome made about the 'Word of Mouth' show I was in at Art Basel.

Check it out!

Coming soon: The scoop on my holiday adventures!

As promised...

2007-12-20T00:30:00.001-05:00

Here's a token photo of my new jazzy colors. Thanks to Julie at Fresche (in Oakhurst) for playing with my hair and making it look super fun.

Now I'm off to bed. 6am comes mighty early...but it means I'll be in my hometown by nightfall. Can't wait to get a bit of snow action!

Sick (but trying not to be)

2007-12-19T12:49:00.002-05:00

So that sore throat I was talking about earlier hit home and has left me with a full blown cold. :( Luckily, the trip to Savannah and Variety performance took place beforehand, but there have been a few things I've had to attend in my less than jolly state. Speaking of jolly, look at what Travis and I stumbled across on our way home from Variety this Saturday:

Guess L5P decided to have a Critical Mass-esque Santa walk..funny, I'm not surprised.

Anyways, after finishing up Christmas shopping on Sunday, we went to a really splendid holiday party hosted by our friend, Susan, who's also a photo grad here at SCAD. She had brewed up some spices beforehand and her house smelled AMAZING. There were many great people milling about, and on top of that she had those crunchy sesame snacks wrapped in nori-I was in heaven. Monday was a work blur...and yesterday consisted of driving back & forth across Atlanta running errands, more sickness, Papi's (I love that place), a big nap, and then off to the Thrashers game for our impromptu department Christmas party. In the midst of everything, I somehow managed to get my hair chopped again AND had my first hair coloring experience. Julie, the super fun girl at Fresche who's been cutting my hair, was amazed to find out that at age 24 I still held my hair color 'virginity', so she kept it basic this time-but of course there is already talk of copper and chocolate brown in the future! Alright, that's enough girly talk, but be on the look-out for some cheesy photos to come.

Slow day at work...but tomorrow I'll be hopping in the truck to mosey on back to Indiana. The Appel family Christmas party is taking place on Saturday, and I wouldn't miss it for the world! I've lost track in recent years, but there's gotta be around 23 cousins, 12 uncles/aunts, 2 grandparents, and various boyfriends, girlfriends, etc. It all equals out to one FULL house! (This will be Travis's first time meeting most of them so keep him in your thoughts!)

Anyways, that's it for now...still hoping to get around to posting those Savannah photos tonight.

Reflection.

2007-12-16T10:06:00.000-05:00

I know it sounds corny, but sometimes even the most un-corny people can get caught up in thoughts of the past... Lately I've been feeling a bit antsy about the progression of events on my 'accomplishments timeline' as I always do when I'm forced to rest (aka recovery from wisdom teeth pulling), and in order to counteract those feelings, I've been rewinding through my time here to justify said rest. It's always been hard for me to pull away from the moment and see things clearly when the subject is myself (and have always been one to support the 'I am my own harshest critic" theory), but comments from those around me have eased my worries during the past few months...

It's been:

-1 year and 2 months since I arrived in Atlanta.
-9 months and 6 days since my first musical performance in Atlanta (thank you Aurora/Atlanta Songwriters series)

Since then I've:

-Played 22 shows at 14 different venues
-Played at 3 festivals (Johns Creek, Moonshine Fest, and Echo Project w/ the Spencer Durham Band)
-Participated in 2 charity events (500 Songs for Kids, Winter Soulstice)
-Advanced to the semifinal night during Open Mic Madness
-Booked my 1st show in Athens (January 25th at Flicker Theatre!)

I guess it all came clear when I was on stage at Variety Playhouse last night as part of the Winter Soulstice event...the sound was crystal clear, I was standing where so many amazing musicians had stood (and will stand in the future), and I all I could think was wow, I can't believe I'm here.

Now I don't want to reduce it all to numbers, but after reviewing the figures I'd have to genuinely say that I'm happy where I'm at. Atlanta has been very kind to this girl, and I can only imagine that more is just around the bend...

--------------------------------------------------------

On a side note, I travelled to Savannah this Thursday for a 2 day stint back in my old stomping grounds and had such a great time! Sometimes I forget how much fun I had there during my college years, but it's all brought back after a bike adventure across town, the drive out to Tybee, silly antics on the beach, and basically just bumping into old friends everywhere-even after 2 years of being away! It's just such a beautiful town, and I daresay that I do miss living in a smaller place. If only Atlanta had spanish moss and an ocean.

I plan on posting some of the photos soon, but for now I'm off to nurse a sore throat which is progressing into a lost voice (and I still have some damn Christmas shopping to do!). Seriously, can the human body handle a 40 degree shift of temperature within a few hours? Good thing I made it through my first Variety experience last night!

Film is good.

2007-12-12T00:10:00.000-05:00

What the BLEEP Do We Know?! I just watched this documentary and was definitely impressed. Never before have I felt that people understood what was going on inside this crazy head o' mine, but now I know that I'll always have quantum physics professors to lean on during those hard moments. Seriously though, wow. The mind is such an insane thing...half the time I can't believe that our bodies even work correctly-there's just so much going on in such a tiny amount of space! I wish I could go have coffee with each and every one of the folks they interviewed...especially the blonde eyeliner woman. She put a smile on my face everytime that crazy inner energy of hers made those eyeballs wiggle.

And what about those watercrystal experiments by Masura Emoto?! Such a beautiful thing.

On a side note:
Yesterday I decided that I needed to bake a cake to make up for my lack of cake baking since moving to Atlanta. Chocolate with buttercream frosting! It actually ended up being one small cake and 6 cupcakes due to my lack of cake pans.

And I took some random photos around the apartment on Sunday. Here's what it looks like outside my bedroom window:

My work was shown at Art Basel!

2007-12-10T12:40:00.000-05:00

Check it out!

Just found out this morning that my entry for the 'Word of Mouth' show hosted by Gallery Diet was chosen to be on display at the Bridge Art Fair in Miami! This was all part of Art Basel. Here's a blurb about it for those who are unfamiliar:

Art Basel Miami Beach is the most important art show in the United States, a cultural and social highlight for the Americas. As the sister event of Switzerland's Art Basel, the most prestigious art show worldwide for the past 38 years, Art Basel Miami Beach combines an international selection of top galleries with an exciting program of special exhibitions, parties and crossover events featuring music, film, architecture and design. Exhibition sites are located in the city's beautiful Art Deco District, within walking distance of the beach and many hotels.

An exclusive selection of more than 200 leading art galleries from North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia and Africa will exhibit 20th and 21st century artworks by over 2,000 artists. The exhibiting galleries are among the world's most respected art dealers, offering exceptional pieces by both renowned artists and cutting-edge newcomers. Special exhibition sections feature young galleries, perhttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifformance art, public art projects and video art. The show will be a vital source for art lovers, allowing them to both discover new developments in contemporary art and experience rare museum-calibre artworks.

Top-quality exhibitions in the museums of South Florida and special programs for art collectors and curators also help make the event a special time for encountering art. And every year, a greater number of art collectors, artists, dealers, curators, critics and art enthusiasts from around the world participate in Art Basel Miami Beach - the favorite winter meeting place for the international art world.

75 degrees in December!

2007-12-09T15:01:00.000-05:00

Who would've thought?! But I have to say this weather's growing on me after a few days of it... Yesterday the partner in crime and I went down to Eyedrum to scout out the front gallery for his solo show in January. I think we both had that giggly, excited feeling and the whole moment felt like it was foreshadowing good things to come in 2008. Then bloody marys were had on the rooftop balcony of 6 feet Under...and the afternoon felt beautiful and reminiscent of leisurely travels in foreign countries (hopefully soon!). The night also found us at East Side Lounge for my friend, Linda Costa's, display of work in the Urban 30 show. Luckily we somehow escaped the cover charge (thanks in part to my naivety), had a drink while a random girl surprised us with a dance show (some people are STILL unaware of personal space), thankfully bumped into Linda and talked about her lovely work before hustling out the door bound for other places.
You really must check out her work: http://www.lindacosta.com

This morning I had brunch at Ria's Bluebird, one of my dearly loved places in this crazy town. It's blue and bustling and makes me very happy. Oh and their food is really, really good! (If only they would put that goat cheese omlette on the permanent menu!) And now it's 75 degrees in December...what else can I say? It's weird and lovely and I'm on my way to write music.

6 Teeth Shy of a Mouth Full.

2007-12-06T00:34:00.000-05:00

The past week has been one long blurrrrrrrrrrr. Unbeknownst to most, I had wisdom teeth surgery last Thursday (the 29th) and they decided to pull out a few more while they were at it. Seems my mouth just didn't have the room for 'em no more, and *poof* there they went. I'm usually not one for sitting at home being lazy so this was quite a change...I felt alright, except for the wooziness from the pain killers, but had been advised to rest-and rest I did. This consisted of mainly lounging around in my Pjs, watching films, and realizing how much I dearly missed crunchy food.

After the weekend, I have attempted to pull off the 'work' thing (and have been there physically), but my brain feels like it's floating 6 feet above my head-1 foot for every tooth they yanked. Not sure what it is, probably just my inner longing to be away from work materializing into an elongated dizzy spell, it's definitely knocked me off track. I spent most of the day pondering how I'll ever be able to sort through the amount of information at my fingertips to find the 'pearls' I seek, or rather, that my inner compass needs, to find my way through the mess of media and material society. I always drift back to memories of the time I spent in upstate New York and yearn for the clarity I experienced during my days within the mountains. I still worked a ridiculous schedule (sometimes even 13 hours a day), but had the space and solitude I require just to breathe..and express myself creatively. And honestly. I yearn for that quality of life like I've never yearned for anything, anyone, or any place. Funny thing about finding yourself, you never really know it's happening-all movements seemingly make sense and therefore pass by unnoticed. What you notice is when things change again, in my case, back to a way that works, but not the kind that I truly want to live for.

Now this may sound melancholy, but it's not meant to be. Just some thoughts about thinking that I've strung together on my fifth of December necklace.

A photo from my Indiana trip: My brother's pup, Rascal, all curled up with his corn cob.

Headin' home to Indiana!

2007-11-20T15:16:00.000-05:00

I'm officially heading home for Thanksgiving tomorrow at 8 a.m. Having not returned to my great home state of Indiana for T-day since 2001, I figured it was time to remedy that and shortly after booked a flight out of Atlanta. Can't wait to see the fam, my dog, possibly some snowflakes and drive a manual truck again! Gotta love the midwest.

That said, anyone around during Nov. 21-26 should definitely e-mail (stranglehorse@gmail.com) and/or call because I know I'll have a bit of free time during the evening hours. Oh and I'm making pumpkin bisque...probably one of the most delicious things on earth-leftovers are highly sought after.

Happy holidays to all!

Show tonight broad casted live @ 8pm EST

2007-10-04T10:27:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note to let you all know that my show tonight in Hiram, GA will be broad casted LIVE via the internet! So this is the perfect opportunity for those of you who never see me to get a bird's eye view into my world. Talk about voyeurism! Anyways, here's the link:

http://ustream.tv/channel/cylindrian-grace-live

Grace Buford, the lovely lady (and singer songwriter) who is playing alongside me tonight, is using her little piece of the internet for broad casting purposes. Anderson & The Would Be Thieves, another local Atlanta band, will also be sharing in the fun, so please have a look-see if you can't make it to the show. The live feed should be in place around 7:30pm EST...

Well, I'm here.

2007-09-29T13:16:00.000-04:00

The ending of my latest journal has served as my vehicle into the electronic realm. I've always been curious about the 'blog' and am now here to give it a go. So in celebration of all things new I'm going to provide links to:

a) Matter (the super hip company whose 'new location' party I attended last night)
b) Jim Combs (local electronic musician, and favorite person of mine who works at Matter) and
c) Luke Chandresinghe, an amazing draftsman who I discovered today via Pingmag.

Matter --> http://www.matterco.com/

Jim --> http://www.sensitivechaos.com/

Luke Chandresinghe article: http://www.pingmag.jp/2006/04/14/luke-chandresinghe-successfully-dreaming-architecture/

Alright, it's a beautiful day outside-time to take some photographs!