Art, Literature & Rollercoasters

It has been an event full weekend. There is lots of stuff rolling around in my head, news, the blues and beautiful views.

I saw the tail end of a movie recently and I am not sure when it came out or even the name of the flick (I am sure putting this out will solve that.) It was starring Steve Martin and Mary Steenburgen and the whole thing was about family and friends, life and death, chaos and calm, well, you get the idea. Anyway Steves' grandma (who lived with him and Mary) was in the kitchen and the couple were arguing about the fact that Mary was pregnant. Steve had just lost his job and was not too happy about the situation and yet you could tell, he really loved this woman, his wife. All of the sudden the elder grandma started talking about her relationship with her husband (all this time Steve is shaking his head at Grandma) and how life is like a "rollercoaster" and not a "merry-go-round". I will paraphrase here, "You start off pretty slow and then, ZOOM! you pick up speed, you have some fast ups and downs and you never know what is around the next bend." As grandma exits the kitchen, Steve remarks on how crazy she is and Marys character says, "I think your grandma is the wisest woman I know..." I know some wise women and that was pretty wise but you, dear reader are probably wondering where this is going...(I know, I don't use those dots at the end of sentences always correctly but for me they have meaning) The movie had one of those happy endings which I love but 'taint always so in this laboratory, lesson room we call life. Things always work out but not always as one wishes.

NEWS:

Jenni, my DIL is recovering well and quickly from her surgery. Her mother came down to Austin afterwards to help out and Noah took the week off. I am so proud of him for doing this as family should always come first. That boy is not a boy but a fine man even ifn' I do say so myself.

Cactus Mary loved her new earrings that I made for her with Karen's beads and little silver prickly pears. (I even thought they were perfect) Just a little thanks again for being there when I needed it. Let's hope she gets her wish of a new mini-van soon!

Lee Byrd stops by the booth at the FM (Farmers Market) almost every Saturday, usually trailed by her granddaughter. She of Cincos Puntos Press and a terrific writer, has a new book coming out this year about fire. Both her boys were terribly burned as children so she knows about fire! Son Johnny came by the booth too for a wonderful chat (he and my Noah are friends from gradeschool on...and all agree that John is one of the nicest people you could ever know.) She also commented that I write purty good so coming from her, I swole up a bit. Her daughter Susie is now my city council person and yes! we voted for Susie. Good luck with the book Lee. I will need an autographed copy. heh.

Billy (sorry Billy, I have a hard time remembering to call you Bill as I have known you since you were knee-high to a jackrabbit) strolled into my booth. He looks great and was with his mom and Lou. Aunt Judy is doing well, keeping the faith and recovering. Best wishes Judy. Daddy Bill went to see Uncle Mike and he is also doing well...has more kids than a cat but still kicking. Billy likes my art and always admires it when he comes around.

I found out that my article on Paul Reps, the haikuist, which was accepted and printed on the old Litkicks literary site (sigh...gone and revamped...I am not too crazy about tearing down old buildings and places that I love to build something new and "efficent"...sorry Jam and Caryn, but you already know how I feel.) I am now used as an "authority" on Reps (one of my heros) on a Hungarian Buddhist site. Unfortunately, they only credited "Buddhabitch" (my handle on Litkicks...ask Cecil, he gave me that nickname) and not my given name or SooZen Lee, a name I more commonly create or write under. I sent them an email asking them to correct it but no reply. Besides my Hungarian is a little rusty. Ah well, at least I can say I am published somewhere besides in the Litkicks Poetry anthology and the original article.

Karen (the beadmaker and leader of the band) has returned from her wanderings this summer...Canada, Ore-gone, Santa Fe and a Taos jaunt. Just follow her lead and you will have a great time! The matriarch of the Posse, she, as you may know, is known as "the Kid" because you better have your go-go boots on when she takes off. Welcome back Karen and thanks always for the sage advice!

Janice is finally getting back into the swing after the death of her mom. She is our "Princess" (pretty spoiled, rotten as we call it, but she is as pretty as a chestnut filly and full of life) and she claims I am the boss of her. I did teach her to bead and now she is the fastest gun in the west. Cute stuff too! Bought her some white sage to bless her and her families spaces. Heard Leon play the blues (he is a bass player, artist, school teacher and best of all, married to Jan) at the Civic Center Saturday nite...I had to sit outside and babysit Nathan's cup...you can't take it in and I would be in "do-do" with Nate if I threw it out. The boys went in for a close encounter and Jan brought me a Tecate, lime and salt and I enjoyed the music (the doors were thrown open) and the cloudview from my seat at the fountain.

Got to meet Silas (27), Patricia's boy and had a very nice visit with him at the FM. He's got all his frontal lobes clicking and talking about finally getting hitched (they've been together 10 years.) and having children. Now I have met all of their brood including her beautiful daughter and grandson Carter. Silas lives with his girl in Austin and looooves it there. Patty looks great and recovered...that's another story. I have some project in mind for hubby Fred for my display. He is a master carpenter...you should see Patty's house!

John and Cathy (my boyfriend, Cecil's girlfriend) just celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary! Geeze, how do you stay married that long? Hah! I only have 34 under my belt. Old and dear friends (we have known each other longer than dirt knows earth), John asked me to create something special for Cathy for "the day". I must say I was inspired and musta channeled Cathy because the results were spectacular. Richard (Karen's "old man"...her words) is an amazing bead artist master and when I saw this set in their studio, my jaw dropped and I had to have them. I just knew they (the beads) were for something special. Ona (another of the clan and Johns' sister) and her "old man" Bob (my words, sorry Bobona) came out to the FM to say Howdy. I love this family dearly! Kids and grandkids are all good and plenty. Cathy is dealing with her aging Mom but I know she will deal well.

Sue, sis Cheryl and mom Julia are loving Nashville. As you may remember, Sue is the mother of Nathan's best bud, Jake (also Down's.) Got a nice letter from Sue and from Julia and both are very happy in the trees and greenery. They have a big spread now and Jake has a riding lawnmower (gasp!) and with a little instruction, he is mowing the big lot and bit crooked but what the heck. Good on you Jakey boy! We'll make a farmer outta him yet. He misses Nathan and the feeling is mutual but we are on the rollercoaster and moving... Haven't seen hide nor hair of Julie (Sue's daughter who stayed in Phar Lepht but that means she is fine and dandy.)

Robyn and John just returned from Californica after attending his brothers' wedding. Had a great phone chat with Robbie last night on the deck. They are both retired and unretired. John is still driving a cab in Ruidoso (what a place to retire!), he was in the educational field forever and Robyn is pushing bags at a leathergoods store (she pushed me to start Candlelighters and was the driving force for that organization for children with cancer. They lost daughter Jenni when she was eight to a brain tumor.) She pushes my 'purse jewelry' too, and for that, I am grateful. Besides, I get a discount and as a result two new bags grace my shoulder (no, one at a time!) The girls (or 'squirrels' as Robbie has monikered them) Amber and Ananda are going great guns, volleyball, school stuff and boyfriends. You have to admire these two folks for what they do...I know I do.


Bob and Sharon are still trying to move to Meheeco (Mexico) but things are still up in the air. Their son Greg is also an old childhood friend of Noah's but that is because we met them first. I miss them already, if they move, it will only be a tryout until they are sure (are we ever sure?) it will work for them. Barbara (Bob's sis) and Alex have gotten a new computer. When I was down there in San Antonio, it was bucking and acting up so they went that route. I wish you luck...this contraption throws me too, occasionally. Sis Beverly has a new grandbaby, Issac. His daddy Jason is also a childhood friend of Noah's but that is because we were all 'with child' together and raised 'em up together. Congrats to Jason and Karen!

Sadly, a few of my friends are dealing with "issues" with their children, some quite heavy and distressing, and I am not naming names or situations but I wish you peace and a swift resolution. Nathan (always something with that boy!) has also got some health issues that may or may not be serious that I will have to deal with but more about that as it evolves.

My friend Danelle's new husband has an advanced stage of cancer. Karisha (her daughter) came by the booth and we shed some tears. Danelle has already lost one mate and now this...her ride is without a seat belt. I am thinking of you Danelle and wishing you peace.

Claudia and mom Verda keep me laughing...I love those two artists. Claud (her words) has a cynical but joyous sense of humor and Verda keeps the goats herded, if you know what I mean. I always get a hug from Verda and Claud just when needed.
Thanks kids!

Finally called my Mom as I haven't heard from her in a long time. Hoping I hadn't offended her (I did forget her birthday one year and I will never forget that incident) but no, she had gotten my long "chatty" letter and was playing Gin Rummy with bro Alan and SIL Sher. You don't really want to play games with my Mom, she will whip your ass. Anyway, playing Scrabble is out of the question and she has the luck and logic of a fox in any other board or mind game you want to play. Dad is doing well and still "on this side of the dirt" (his words) although I miss his emails and tibits of wisdom and where is his blog? Life is busy when you are retired.

My Pop (my father by blood) is having a time with the arthritis but I enjoy talking to him through email. He seems to be a happy man and that is all well and good. He has some grandchildren through marriage and they give him heck about Nascar and Tony Stewart as he too, is a Little E fan. Hang in there Pop...don't let them pass! Haven't heard from his sister and one of my favorite aunties, Helen, in forever. Patty, my cousin writes occasionally...Hi Patty...! (note to Patty: just know Bush will be out soon as he has plenty of rope and a lots of trees.) My cousins were "horsey-girls" too and we had many wonderful times together as children.

Les is still building fireplaces of stone in NC...he likes to get my goat and occasionally, let's say rarely, he manages. Les is a gnome, working with stone and rocks to build wonderful pieces of art. (we flew him to Phar Lepht to lay the tile in our kitchen and sunporch) We kinda raised up this boy and although he claims he is a Republican, he is just a smarty pants, very smart this boy, and most of his arguments are based on economics but we'll see how things work out on this ride. (Sorry Les...I think of you as another of 'my' boys. We have ongoing email discussions. I won't call them arguments...Hah!)

Phil is well and still living in San Fran. He is a navy buddy of Cecil's and just as eccentric as Cecil is. I love talking to him as he is a fount of info. Howdy Phil, say hey, if you ever hear from him, to bro Jeff.

Dear judih is back in Israel with her family after a jaunt to "Canaday" and the States. I so wish that we could meet in person and I am grateful to the universe that I met her on this 'puter. Hi jud, welcome home.

Anemone, my black forest of Germany friend, is quiet but I have a great, good surprise for her...ssssshhhhh! Besides, she is always peeking out of my pocket.

Alan (same spelling as my brother) is holding court in England. Got your postcard buddy. I have intentions of sending you one soon but you know about intentions. Alan wrote a book on Jethro Tull (the great band, Ian Anderson on flute) which talks history, he is a history buff and a very interesting guy besides being a great poet. I will never forget his poem about a squirrel...blew me away and I knew I would like to know this fella. Hi bud!

Charlene may come to Phar Lepht to visit on her way back or through her vacation to Meheeco. We have a room for you dear.

Ted is wrestling with lawyers and I see probate in his future...(yikes! I know all about that number.)

All my friends on Studio Eight are still jamming...howdy and smacks to you all. One of the things I wish for is time to do more writing and poetry jamming with the amazing writers I have met and communicate with there. Refugees and a rag tag group from the old Litkicks along with some new and talented writers, Doreen and Clay (Lightning Rod) have created for us a space I call 'home' and I bless them for it. Doreen is a whizz and LRod is a wizard.

Jamelah and Caryn are still 'raising cain' and frequently make my day and sometimes make me gasp at their adventures. Jam's really getting into the beading and has a great affinity for wire, her new stuff is killer. Hi kiddies! Jam, tell yo momma Anniefay to get blogging! I miss that woman!

So now, it is time for me to say that I like all these folks, family and friends. They are all different, different beliefs, different lives, different intent but they make my life full and at least I am not on this coaster alone.

RANT:

By the way, here is a fact I just heard, most people under forty don't buy art. They don't even look at art. Of course, my people are the exceptions. My DIL Jenni knows who Miro and Chihuly are, she is an art major but that is really an exception now days. Every one of the people I just talked to and about either make art or buy art or live a creative life. It is what makes you smart. Cutting art from our schools, reducing funding for our public TV and radio stations...all of those so called cost cutting things that our politicians are doing is stifling our ability to think rationally. A huge percentage of college entrance-aged children are not literate enough to fill out an application, we are falling behind in the sciences and math fields in comparison to the rest of the educated world and I think I know why. We don't support, emphasize and celebrate the arts enough and hence we squash our kiddies minds, their abilities to read, and think on their feet. Thank god my Mom and Dad were artistic and loved art! It is truly sad that we spend a billion dollars a week in a tribal country that has no clue as to our form of democracy and our young people in the military are paying the high cost as well as the population of that country. A billion dollars... that is ONE THOUSAND MILLION DOLLARS!!! a week and yet we are cutting the arts as quickly and surgically as possible. Create your life, ride that rollercoaster to the end and make it an art and please, support the arts for it is our best hope for sanity.

Note: Google (that is like coke or kleenex, a slang for the whole kit and kaboodle of search engines) Cactus Mary, Studio Eight, Buddhabitch, Mtmynd, Cincos Puntos Press, Outta My Gourd, Litkicks, Paul Reps, Action Poetry (the book), sage smudging, or just click on the names of the folks that comment on this blog to know more...

Another Note: Cecil and I argued (discussed) about my apostrophes in this long-ass blog. I sure do use a few too many but wrongly, it seems. He wins. I hope I corrected most of them.

If you have gotten this far, bless you and thank you for your patience in blogging through. I may be quiet for awhile again as the ride is getting intense at this stage and a lot of shows are just around the bend. This breather is brief and off we go! Salud! and Vaya con Dios...and as Roy Rogers and Dale Evans (more of my heros) sang, "Happy Trails to you until we meet again..."