Polly's Birthday Breakfast

Today is my Goldfish Polly's birthday. I have had her for a year now! I remember picking her out from the tank with hundreds of other fish. She was hanging out alone in the back and seemed to be scared and not comfortable with the other fish so I chose her. And Gus, but he died and it was better for Polly that way. Sorry Gus. Polly and I have been through a lot together. We were homeless for a while when she lived at her Auntie Bug's house, and she lived through being in the Hurricane Irene while I was gone and nobody was home in the house to feed her for 2 days! She is a survivor and we help each other make things ok. Today Ted (my awesome roommate) and I shared a breakfast in her honor and I wanted to share my beautiful and amazing fish with you. Happy Birthday Polly!

Occupy Wall Street: NYC 10/12/2011

We went straight to the heart of the action today to see what's going on down on Wall Street. Occupy Wall Street is happening. There are people there. They are doing a lot of things. It was cool..........

I don't know. ?

Green Poncho lady in the community kitchen wins. Meditation corner for quiet time. Tarps. Saxophone. Signs. Drums. Red bandana guy......nails it.

Don't know what I'm talking about? Oh, watch this video I made:




I think there is a lot of action and support happening behind the scenes and via internet that I don't understand and wasn't visible at the actual HQ. I am in no way judging the movement or have an educated opinion on the matter. I think anytime there is a person dressed as a nuclear war mime waving a rainbow peace flag with a heart, then something is happening right in the world. You can go to their website for more information. The site is pretty inspiring, people around the world are reacting to this. But there just ain't nothin' like a good ol' fashion drum circle yo..reminds me of home.

(Top image is from adbusters)

Project Lazer Cake Photographs of Rad

So...like a week ago my friend Robby of band Lazer Cake contacted me and was like
"I'm doing a photo shoot for my upcoming EP and I want you to be in it and be an evil alien in striped spandex who chases me through Coney Island on roller skates and shoots lasers at me through your eyes.." I was like, "you had me after the first five words. yes." So we did all of that. And I met the lovely Lisa (my co-striped alien) and Chris (who took this rad photo at Robertas after shoot feast and all the others too) and we all made something together. Of course I will share when it's done and I am allowed to see it, but in the meantime be teased by this little video I made:



It was such a fun day! And check out Lazer Cake's music here.
Also, join Chris here on his "field trip through time..."

Miss Bartender

I was at work last night. Been grinding it out behind the bar pretty much nonstop since I got back from holiday. Anyway, Tribeca is weird. It wasn't a very busy night, but was super sexy, the lights were perfect, the music, service, etc... This group of banky suity dudes came in and were pretty loud and drunk. At first I was like, "oh, hell no, this blows" but then I just started rolling with it. One of them was having lady troubles and his friends were telling him that he is too nice and letting this girl walk all over him. Then they wanted to ask my opinion. They asked me what my name was and I just said to call me bartender. So then I was Miss Bartender. Apparently, this chick calls him and goes out with him and he likes her a lot, but she says she just wants to be friends. "Miss Bartender, don't you think he's being stupid? (they all had Indian accents by the way)" I went to a few places with these guys. I almost said "dude, this chick will act this way as long as you let her, if she really liked you you would know it and it's stupid to even have this conversation, ditch her." I almost said "I don't care about any of this, you guys are drunk and bothering me and I want you to leave." But in the end I said, "man, you know what feels right in your heart. If you like her and want to spend time with her, it doesn't matter, even if you do get hurt, just be true to your self. And nice guys do not finish last, they just need more patience." His friends didn't get it, but he did. We had a moment. Then we all took a shot of Chardonnay and I told them they were cut off and it was time to go. Then they left.

Just Checking In

This is me being contemplative. No, it's me at Athens airport in the midst of a 6 hour layover, not really sure what to do with myself and then letting my mom take a picture of me. But for the sake of this post, it's me being contemplative.

It's been a while. I have a lot on my mind and feel like sharing. Have just returned home from some time in Europe. People are having a hard time out there, it felt good to make some connections and hear some other languages and learn some new words and see some beautiful things. Travel is good, it is a necessary way to make the world better. I believe. My cab dropped me off back here in Brooklyn the other day and my building was blocked off by Police tape. The officer at my front door informed me there was a shooting in my building about an hour before I arrived. There was also multiple shootings and people getting murdered all through labor day weekend in my neighborhood. I'm not sure how this news should affect my behavior or how much worst talking about it makes everything. I have always felt safe here and want to continue to do so. You just never know. Shit goes down. People are hurting, people are bored, people are stupid. I don't want to add to the hype or stress of whatever happened, but man, that sucks. It's so sad. I gonna maintain. Love you all, take care of yo selves.

Guitars Visit in NYC

If any of you have been reading this blog here for a while, you know I am a fan and friend of what was a Brooklyn band, but is now an other places band Guitars. They recently came to visit in New York and played a show, which was great, but what's even better is I got to hang with them for a little bit in the East Village apartment they were staying at and record an exclusive performance just to share with all y'all. We sat around for a bit and talked about being homeless, which set a really uplifting tone to rock out on. Wah Wah. But in all seriousness, it was a welcome opportunity to let a little music make us all feel better about some of the things we've been dealing with, hopefully that same healing will pass on to you. It makes the choice of song all the more fitting as well.

Here's Guitars with a very special stripped down performance of their song Guru Bob's Unvarnished Truth:



Guitars are out and about and you just might have a chance to see them play wherever you may be! For more of their music, free downloads (ummm, do that), and music videos (I'm in one!), go to their blog and be glad you did: Guitars.....

Family Time

I was recently in the small town of Bellevue, Iowa to celebrate my Grandmother's 90th birthday. Her family has been in this town for many generations and it was really humbling and eye opening to meet extended members of my family as well as the friends she has in her life and the strength you create and nourish in a true community. The birthday party was a blast, ham sandwiches, potato chips, and lots of cake. My father and sister sang to her and it is quite the tear jerker, I am honored and touched to share it with you:



You are your family, no escaping that. Keep in touch with them and hold them close.