Melting ice...I'll take it! Continue reading

Dear Friends, August is upon us. Let take this moment, to reflect on the glass half empty/half full dichotomy of this month… As we all know, one of my favorite mantra’s is “ehh- life’s short…!” but it wasn’t something I fully understood until a wise man retorted with “yes, but it’s not always that short….” (Felix, circa 2009, Old Town Ale House, wee hours of Sunday morning)…. I was completely flabbergasted; who has such audacity to contend with my New Orleans bred carpe diem song?! I realize now, after 4+ years in Chicago, what he meant. Winter. We blindly fall... Continue reading

Volcanic Disruptions give new light...errrr, more like dark ash...to "Home." The added twist is wind (literally) of another volcanic cloud coming through northern parts of Europe. So, I sit here, in the lovely Londontown , indefinitely, with the headache of a stolen wallet, and a slight fear of job loss once I finally reach the states.... but I can't help to smile...I've been here before! My days (6 months) wandering the huge state of Texas, post Hurricane Katrina, with no access to bank accounts and only the pair of cut-off jean shorts I left New Orleans with, proved to be... Continue reading

I heard a whisper, and then a murmur. So I walked in the opposite direction. Outside on the patio, away from the lights and sounds, with my head hung over, fumbling about my purse for a smoke. A man interrupted my rummage, holding a cigarette in my vision. He offered a light and after two sentences were exchanged, I realized this was the subject of all the whispers inside. The Proverbial Candy. I stood guarded, alternating puffs with inquisitive stares. Accidentally smiled. Moments swirled by and distractions abound. I paused for a piece of cake. As I took in one... Continue reading

How can I be expected to work on a day like this!?! For the first time in a long while, here in Chicago, the sun is shining!! I’m shy a normal layer of coat, and my only complaint is that I need sunglasses!!! Oh, but to sit at the office!!!! Too much to ask, indeed! So I’ve set foot to the streets and dug through the trenches of the internet to quench my crackling nerves. What did I find? Mostly… I’ve much more exploring to do… but for one lunch hour, I present: Dinosaurs, flowers, picnics, music, and more!! 1)... Continue reading

Love! Continue reading

Download 01 Before I Knew I'm surprised it's taken me this long to introduce you to my "concoctionary" pursuits; my most infamous past time. A brief stint with poverty taught me the true meaning of creativity: necessity. Your cabinets only contain can of beans, molasses, pepper, and some old rice? No problem!! If fact, not even close- you're in for a treat! Okay, so I can see that look on your face. We're going to have to take this one slow, aren't we? Okay, fine. I'll go easy on you this first time. But let's get a few things straight:... Continue reading

If you do just one thing today, please, oh please, make it the viewing of this short film: http://www.youtube.com/user/fanferret#p/a/u/0/jfMJEcrCP3A A step by step on Lavender Hearts to come.... Oh, and don't let me forget! Updates on Project Band-Aid, The Newly Discovered Up and Light Side of Practicality, A Valentine's Day Train Ride, and Hope: Painted & Reupholstered....Oh my, loads to do!! J Continue reading

Download 03 I'll Be Your Man So, with the full moon in Virgo, I'm all keen to make lists the past few days. Mostly things I’ll manage to do over the course of a week, crossing out “Monday,” and scratching in “Tuesday,” and so on…. I did already make it to the grocery, or I “made groceries,” as we say down in New Orleans, so I can toss that list. But, still have to work out, do laundry, conquer the world, save the world, and do something entirely different (tbd). Oh, and speaking on New Orleans, most definitely adding “Watch... Continue reading

http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/full-list-of-stuff-white-people-like/ Continue reading

To all of my fellow BAM members, or those suffering the winter blues: 1) Grab shot gun 2) Light cigarette 3) Click here ! Now, go. Off! Enjoy your weekend!! -J Continue reading

via dicksieland.typepad.com The Charlie Chaplin (in making), I told you about earlier... One of my favorites...enjoy! Besos! -J Continue reading

Saints are going to the Super Bowl!! http://www.nola.com/saints/index.ssf/2010/01/new_orleans_saints_win_nfc_cha.html I know, I know... I know what you're thinking, "since WHEN do you care!?" Well, a New Orleans native, I am... a sports family, I grew up in, and a certain Drew Brees, I find deeply attractive. And plus, first ever!! How can you not be excited for that!!? Who dat!?!? Okay, on a more characteristic note, totally enjoying Vampire Weekend's new release "Contra." Uninhibitedly introspective and brilliantly happy. I think you’ll like, check it out! Happy Monday. -J Continue reading

But wait, there’s more!. Continue reading

But wait, there’s more!. Continue reading

Project Band-Aid So, I had an idea last night. I’m calling it “Project Band-Aid.” Here’s how it started: The Setting: 2 Years ago. Chicago. At work. Wee hours of the night. Middle of winter. The Incident: Two other coworkers and I assembling packages like mad, in attempt to meet a hot deadline. Paper cut. Of all things! We searched through the first aid kit, buried somewhere in the supply closet, for a band-aid. Much to our entertainment, opening the kit revealed the largest band-aid you’ve ever seen! It vied for size rights with the likes of your average post card,... Continue reading

Sleeping on the futon of my sister’s one-room studio, has obvious peculiarities and significant reason for skepticism. In fact, I’ve decided, at the root of sharing a single bedroom after childhood, lies some sort of crisis, financial, personal, or both. One’s own alarm is enough to cause panic every morning, but certainly enough to snooze by. Add in another, unfamiliar and shrill melody to your immediate surroundings, however, and you’re certain to reach unparalleled levels of anxiety each morning. But back pains, suitcase-wrinkled clothes, and cabin-fever issues aside, I want to discuss something else; the ever-handsome, Robert Redford. After unplugging... Continue reading

Download 03 Spreadin' Rhythm Around (Lady Bug I knew it was going to be one of "those days" after I smiled and said "no thanks" to the barista who offered my an extra Americano that another patron left behind, but little did I know that the apparent short circuit in my brain was more than an attempt in moderation. Typos and misunderstandings plagued my work all morning, urging me to venture off for more caffeine. Finally back under the sweet song of the starbucks' siren, I purchase an iced coffee to celebrate the sunny day in the park. On the... Continue reading

Sir Douglass, my bebe brother.... has named me clairvoyant, so I name him now, the next Charlie Chaplin; a master of story telling, and relentless advocate of joy. Please check him out: http://www.youtube.com/user/fanferret Now, to get him in a top hat and fake mustache.... J Continue reading

Download 01 Honeysuckle Rose 5 more working days, till a much needed break. In the meantime, I listen to this, and displace to a summer night, fireflies, lemonade cocktails, a glitter hat, dancing the charleston. Did you know fireflies are beetles?! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firefly J Continue reading