I Promise I Did NOT Fall Off the Face of the Earth.

I'm busy working on a new segment and trying to catch up on Fashion Month!

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Nothing Gold Can Stay.

Andy + Edie

Ah, the golden duo. I cannot have one without the other. Essentially, they are the same person. I mean if you heard "silver coif clad in skinny black" you would not know the difference either. They are the epitome of glamorous. Sex, drugs, rock and roll. Oh, art, do not forget about the art! The glorious art I have loved all my life. The giant silkscreen portraits, the birth of the indie film, and well be Andy Warhol and Edie Sedgwick is an art itself. Oh what I would give to be a member of the Factory!

Andy was born in poverty, Edie was born to old money. Andy's mother nurtured him and encouraged him to pursue the arts, Edie's father abused her and pushed her into an inescapable black hole. Andy prospered, Edie fell. In the end, neither of them got their "happily ever after."

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Andy Warhol was a certified mama's boy. After being diagnosed with St. Vitus (a nervous system disease which caused Andy's skin to blotch - hence the painted white skin) Andy was often bed ridden. He would stay home from school where he would draw, listen to the radio, and eat the soup his mother so lovingly made for him. In the late 1940's he moved to NYC where he freelanced to magazines and advertising agencies. He received his big break when a department store featured hired him for a window display - the arrival of the ever famous ink drawing of shoes. More famously, he began to work with silkscreens and is credited in influencing the pop art movement. He constructed his masterpieces in an aluminum foiled warehouse dubbed "The Factory." The Factory housed many other eccentric characters dabbling in art, film/photography, and music. In 1968 Andy Warhol was shot, he survived only to meet death in 1987. Andy has always mesmerized me. He always seemed so unreal. He once said "Everything's plastic, but I love plastic. I want to be plastic." I think he succeeded in his wish. Andy had a certain quality about him - he was a sheer genius.

I first heard about Edie Sedwick when my Aunt Tara sent me "Edie: American Girl." She thought I might like the story. She was right - and then some. I fell in love on the first page. Born in Santa Barbara, Edie seemed well off when really she was quite the opposite. Edie and her seven brothers and sisters were kept on the family's oil ranch, with little outside contact. Her father was abusive, and her mother, a bipolar, pretended he wasn't. Because of this, Edie and two of her brothers were admitted several times throughout their short lives into mental hospitals. Through her life Edie suffered bouts of bulimia/anorexia and a severe drug addiction. In 1971 Edie died of a drug overdose. Besides being obviously beautiful and having and even more beautiful style, I had always wondered why I was so in awe of her and continued to draw inspiration from her. Yes, she is beautiful but she had a screwed up life. But that is the answer itself. I find everyone hides their problems and attempts to maintain a perfect life - which is impossible. Sometimes what is screwed up, can be very beautiful indeed.

pen and watercolor

Pretty Bird.

I am dedicating this post to my dear friend Sarah Anna Cera, most simply because - without her, I am sure that my days would be rainy (even though the sun shines everyday here in Phoenix.) Some odd years ago, Sarah came into my life. Upon meeting, I knew she was special and that we would become very good friends indeed. Two summers ago found Sarah sleeping on my floor (I tried to get her to sleep in the guest bedroom.) This was somewhat of a godsend seeing as how I was in a very dark place. Sarah thought I was helping her, but little did she know just how much she was helping me. I would go to work in the morning and as I walked out at the end of the day - Sarah would be there waiting. We would walk to Starbucks, catch a movie, or simply follow our hearts. This usually led to a trip to "The Cave." A secret hiding place where we traded the real world, for a wonderland. Eventually we would grow hungry and make our way to some fast food chain, then back to my house to watch a movie. Everyday was much like the day before but I was starting to smile more and forget about those demons that haunted me. At summer's end, I had to say goodbye. For the first time in my life, I cried for someone other than me. We are 300 miles apart and we don't get to talk as often, but our friendship remains unchanged. Later this month she graduates from the Los Angeles Film School, I am proud that she gathered the courage to move to LA by herself and conquer her dreams! I think the world needs more Sarah's. Btw - I hope you like puppet movies!

Jenny Lewis

I also have Sarah to thank for introducing me to Jenny Lewis. Sarah loves Jenny the way I love most other things I mention in this here blog. I don't want to say too much because I can imagine writing something bizarre and Sarah laughing and saying "no, that is not ok." Sarah tried several times teach me the ways of Jenny Lewis, but I did not get it until I visited Sarah down in LA and we went to see her at the Orpheum Theatre. I am not sure if it was the beautiful, intricate architecture of the old school style theatre or well just because Jenny Lewis is damn amazing - it was hands down the best show I have ever been to (okay, second best. You can't compete with Elton.) After that, I was hooked. I was on a Jenny Lewis high. A child star, Jenny grew into her own fronting the band Rilo Kiley. You may recognize her as the female vocalist from the Postal Service. But it is her solo project that gets to me.

My absolute favorite track by Rilo Kiley is "With Arms Outstretched" featured on the album The Execution of All Things. It is probably the best song to sing along to with the windows down. If only the weather would cool down. My second favorite track off this album would be the title track. It's a great song for driving in sunshine, actually, the whole album is great for this. Maybe I am just itching for autumn, which to me, means brisk weather, which means - driving with the windows down! If you are into dating guys you should probably not be dating More Adventurous is the album for you! With lyrics like "baby your bad news" and "my friends tell me to leave you" "Portions for Foxes" will be your theme song! In "Does He Love You?" Jenny croons about being in love with a married man, this song is for those who are really adventurous! I find that I identify most with "I Never." Jenny sings about being wary of falling in love, but it is her range of vocals that really make the song. I want to say "Ripchord" is about someone committing suicide, but do not quote me on that. The lyrics are beautifully tragic but the ukulele strumming along, with whistles and "ba da da's" make this 1940's radio program melody quite pleasant. Take Offs and Landings an early EP of the band, features a song titled "Pictures of Success." I once spent a whole day with my friend Hannah (the missing link to Sarah and I's friendship) listening to this song on repeat, screaming the lyrics "Mexico can @#%*ing wait." We probably had some angst built up. The latest album from Rilo Kiley is THE best breakup album. Every time I say goodbye to a boy, Under the Blacklight goes in and never leaves until I have found a new boy to love. With a fresh wound you will want to play "Breaking Up" how appropriate, right? "oooh ahhh feels good to be free!" Jenny wrote the title track (and I'm guessing the whole album) after breaking up with lead guitarist Blake Sennet. It also features one of my favorite lines "like a black widow, I'll be crawling." Another favorite line of mine "I never felt so wicked when I willed our love to die" is from "Silver Lining" which is also my favorite song on the album. To me, it represents finding yourself after you have been lost with someone else for so long and you're realizing that you are so much better off and that that one person will never find anyone better.

Right around the time Under the Blacklight came out, Jenny Lewis branched out onto her own and released Rabbit Fur Coat. The title track is a hauntingly beautiful memoir and I like to listen to "Rise Up With Fists" at full volume when I am mad at the World. Jenny's second solo album Acid Tongue is the best thing she's ever done if you ask me. I bought the album a year ago, in October, and I promise you - it has never left my CD player. I first heard the title track in Sarah's car. I do not remember what we were doing but it was the middle of the night and I was tired. I let the cool wind blow in my face and Sarah and I stayed silent listening. I remember thinking it was the most beautiful song I had ever heard. Of course at that time the album was not out so I could not buy it anywhere and I went crazy. "Trying My Best to Love You" is a sweet song that I have mentioned before in my Valentine's post. I like to imagine that Jenny Lewis sat on Hollywood Blvd. people watching while she wrote "Sing a Song for Them," and it makes it that much better, because you know what she is saying is true. My favorite song (that no longer works because I've worn it out) is "The Next Messiah." It is seven minutes of pure genius. I wish she would put out a live album version of Acid Tongue, it has a very raw sound, much like concerts in the 50's when Johnny Cash and Elvis just started touring - and believe me, this album is best heard live.

Take another little piece of my heart.

Grandma Karen

This is my maternal grandmother. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to meet her, but that does not mean I love her any less. I believe that she was once the loveliest lady that had ever lived, as proved by this photograph I stole it from my mother. I used to keep it in my pillow and I would clutch it as I spent nights crying over teen angst. This picture now hangs in a small frame on my wall, next to my pillow. I find myself talking to her, usually when I am upset but I think she likes to hear good things too. I do not know much about her but from what I hear, well, you know what they say ... the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. I credit her for my love of all things 60's. I thank her for bringing Janice Joplin into my life, the idea of VW Bus trips across America, and most of all - my mother.

I had a very nice relaxing weekend! Saturday, on the account of a rare rainy day I left my front door open (yes mother, the screen door was locked,) I lit some candles, and dove into Voyager (the third installment of the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon.) I do not normally read romance novels but after hearing my Auntie Tara rave about it and seeing my mother and stepfather fight over them, my curiosity was growing. It was Stepgirlfriend (who is obsessed with the series, she has two rows on her bookshelf dedicated to Gabaldon including First Editions, both paperback and hardcover, and signed copies) however that finally got me to actually open Outlander. As much as I hate to admit it, I am enjoying it. I think that it actually deserves its own blogpost, so I will stop right here.

Last night, after work I drove over to the west side of town and spent the night at my mothers. Today we made a great decision to watch movies all day, a rather mini vacation if you will. Of course we had to press pause and run out to Paradise Bakery for a veggie sandwich and coconut chocolate chip cookie.

Also, today my iPhone decided to take up scuba diving! It dove right off my mother's ottoman right into a nice tall glass of ice water. Who do you think won? I am rather bitter about my phone's decision, seeing as how my life was stored on my phone, including the list of 72 things. I suppose it is quite alright. I can compose a new list. Which actually is not a bad idea, seeing as how my life has changed drastically since I birthed it.

I'm just like your mother.

The Dead Weather

I guess if I had to describe the sound of the Dead Weather, I would say add the bagpipes and raw garage sound of the White Stripes plus the soulful thrashy blues of the Raconteurs and you would have the Dead Weather. This only seemingly fits seeing as how Jack White fronts all three bands. Although this time, Jack is joined by Alison Mosshart (of the Kills and OMG do not get me started or I promise you I will not stop) as co-front (wo)man. The band also boasts Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age) and Jack Lawrence (the Raconteurs and the Greenhornes, also the original cool nerd) as members. Is this not the most prodigious collabo ever??? I have not been this excited about a collaboration since Erin Featherston jumped on the Go International Collection for Target bandwagon. Holy moly that was a mouthful. I first heard of the Dead Weather when Nylon (where I find most of my music) ran an article about them. I skimmed over, making note to listen because, duh, Jack White is a certified bad ass (although to be fair I give all bands mentioned in Nylon a chance.) As I was saying, I skimmed through the article, unaware of the little gem I had just stumbled upon. Somewhere in the near future my good friend Mat posted a bulletin entitled "the girl I'm supposed to marry resembles the girl in this video." Well I did not really care about the video, I was more interested in seeing what this girl looked like. I played the video and my ears perked up at the sound of the familiar bagpipes, I focused my eyes on the little man dressed head to toe in black walked through a field behind a suburban neighborhood. My mind started racing...

"Is that Jack White??? Nah. It HAS to be him! It is Jack White!! Awesome Possum!!!!"

Then the girl walked onto the screen. I have never experienced love at first sight - up until this moment, that is. She was beautiful, and I wanted to be just like her. I told you if I start I will not start. I will just show you.

Is it not just amazing? I wish I had bullet holes in my body that the sun could shine through. Maybe not, I just realized what I just wrote. See what I am driven to?? Craziness.

So, I am all about moments (Jason Schwartzman's character Jeremy in Shopgirl will know what I am talking about.) Last Friday, I was in the midst of a happiness high when I walked into the living room and discovered the Dead Weather playing Jimmy Kimmel. Well since I was in private (not in a Walmart aisle) I was able to have a legitimate freak out. Luckily, I was with my good friend who understood my love and not only let me freak out, but freaked out with me (luckily for her, I did not punch her. This has happened one time due to extreme excitement, I am still sorry Caron.) They were playing "So Far From Your Weapon" and it was awing, and thus creating the perfect moment.

This post is already going on and on so I won't go through the track listing of Horehound. It is more something you should discover for yourself. Not to mention I am in between classes and should probably be doing homework...