7 random things from today

OK, so you want to get a little confidential with me? Tagged by my friend Jeanette, who surely has more energy than is legal to get from drinking merlot, the quest is on for  7 random things that might pass for a personal glimpse.

1. Let's start by noting that today is a gloomy gray grouchy grungy sort of day here for some people, but not for me -- because I love to walk in the rain! Well, not pouring rain that inserts itself down your neck and then some other places, but gentle rain that somehow enhances the deep coloring of everything, picking up the blue tones that are otherwise so subtle in nature.  After my walk late this afternoon, a warm shower felt especially refreshing, aided by the branch of eucalyptus hanging in the shower.  If you haven't tried that, I recommend it! 


2. It's also the perfect day for full-volume stereo, a treat for when I'm home alone. As a violinist, I enjoy my extensive repertoire of violin recordings, and playing at full concert level right now are several CD's by the young Joshua Bell, including "Voice of the Violin" and "Romance of the Violin" and "JB plays Tchaikovsky with the Berliner Philharmoniker."  Did you see the Washington Post article about his playing in a DC metro station in April?  I admire this orchestra, too, from the five years I lived in Berlin and took pleasure in attending their many offerings.  Also in the CD changer are Il Divo, terrific voices for caressing your soul on a gray day, the Metheny Mehldau Quartet, and Lee Ritenour's "Smoke'n'Mirrors".

3. While working in my studio space, like many of you, I require a simpatico atmosphere, not just organization. In less than two weeks, I'm off to attend Silver Bella (happy music on their site), with all the glittery Bellas, like Teresa, Kim, Amy (go see her new button trees!), Hope, Tammy (who has promised me a treat when we meet), Donna (who created my "Spooky" sign below), and so on.  So today I've brought out a few more acquired glittery things to start setting the mood on my desk. Now I need to go buy more tulle, pompoms and ribbon to soften the edges, fairy glitter dust, and . . . Wait, who's cleaning up after I do this?


4. It seems like, well actually it is, many decades since I was a President's Fellow at RISD, but even after all those years of painting and exhibiting in various countries, it is still what I'd choose to do.  But I envy those whose careers can now take advantage of the ease which the web provides. My printed exhibition catalogs, where every color photograph was precious, seem so hard-won compared to the instant gratification of posting one's work online.

5. Due to the workings of my 3-D mind, most of my paintings have been constructed and layered, using mixed media and an architectural drawing style.  Still, there is also room for an obsession with pattern, like the ubiquitous and unending tile patterns of the Middle East, which have imprinted themselves onto my personal art history after several years of living among them.

6. My favorite dessert is fresh strawberries, with or without the cream.  I've made sure I know how to order this dessert with champagne in many languages.  When I studied on scholarship in Paris and in London, in spite of my student's stipend, I managed to dine at many exclusive restaurants by ordering only this dessert. Wherever I travel, I continue to test this rite of exclusivity, and am always pleased to find so many willing co-conspirators among the wait staff in the best places.

7.  There are two motorcycles parked in my driveway today. Neither is mine, although I first learned to ride a Harley on the madhouse streets of Philadelphia. Lots of stories there.

Who will continue this tag?  May I call on Amy (returning the favor, my dearie), Candice (whom I'm also looking forward to meeting at Silver Bella), Michelle (too close to the CA fires), Donna (my recent swap partner), Tammy (so kind by email), Korie (such admirably inventive talent), and Vanessa (whose fanciful twist I so enjoy).  Here's to you, ladies!!

Oops -- Here are the rules which must be posted on your blog if you are tagged:

1. Link to your tagger and post these rules.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself: some random - some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post and list their names - link to them.
4. Let them know they've been tagged by leaving a comment at their blogs.