Meet Me in the Library

More work around The 602 has begun. The next room to succumb? The library.

The previous owners could not let one single room escape their obsession with wildly patterned wallpaper. Although not covered in the 'floral vomit' pattern throughout the downstairs, it is still quite dark and un-library like. Soon though, the paper's grasp will be released from the walls of this stately room, and it will take on an air more accustomed to our liking.

The built-in bookshelves anchor one wall in entirety. And rather than the shelves being open to the room, all are enclosed behind doors. Along the bottom, the doors are of wood panel, and the tall doors above are all stained-glass. On the opposite side of the room and tucked into one corner is a lovely fireplace, surrounded in green tile and topped by a wood mantel.

It's the kind of room that one would expect to find a moose-head hanging over the fireplace, a tufted leather couch... maybe even a bear skin rug. (I'm working on the other half to make all that a reality, but I don't know if he can see it just yet...)

When it's done, I do know that it will likely be my favorite room in the house. I'll be sure to make before and after photos to post here.

School Days Are Here Again

My re-education has been jumpstarted. Last Thursday evening was my first back in school in several years.

Q: How does it feel to be the oldest student in the classroom?

A: It feels great!

At least the instructor has a good 10+ years on me. And, lucky for everyone in that class, our instructor is energetic, funny and engaging... and this is Accounting? Okay, one class can be checked-off as enjoyable. The true test will be whether or not my Business Law class will be just as pleasant. I have no fear that I will be interested in the subject matter, it is the instructor that I have my doubts about. He's a judge. A judge that I have stood before years ago. About 6 years ago, and in fact just happens to be the judge that ruled in both my separation and divorce hearings.

Ahh, life in a small town... Do not worry, I will in no way intentionally remind him of how we last met. I wonder if in his absence, my ex-father-in-law will substitute for him? They are very good friends, and, well... oh, just forget it.

My pursuit of a college degree has been a multiple launch effort. My last attempt, ten years ago, while hoping to someday be admitted to dental or medical school. Just days after beginning that term, I (we) discovered that a third child was on the way. (Somehow I still think that was intended as sabotage on her part... but I think that is a possibility with all three pregnancies.) And so, even though I finished that semester with a 4.00, I never attempted to reach for my goals again. Until now, that is.

In no uncertain terms, my life partner has been nothing but encouraging about this new pursuit. I had toyed with the idea of going to culinary school in Little Rock, and even though I know I would enjoy the subject matter immensely, I realize that the job security in that field is not as solid as I would like.

Upon being visited by our friend Jerry from El Dorado, Arkansas, I discovered that a degree program in his occupation, and one which I had been interest in as a much younger person was now being offered at the University of Arkansas campus in Hope. Prior to that program, one would have had to attend a school out of state with the closest being in Dallas.

The degree program is in Mortuary Science.

Sunday Mornings are good for reading...

I have not been my blogging self lately, nor have I been my usual blog-reading self. Today though, I've been milling through my blog-roll, and happened upon a story I had read some time back. The author, Joe of Joe My God, recounts his experience of losing an acquaintence/friend back in the days of the gay scourge... the gay plague. Anyway, Joe has reposted the piece on his blog, as the original date of the posting has high significance.

I urge you to follow the link and experience it:

http://joemygod.blogspot.com/2008/08/ricky-loved-madonna.html

Also, I cannot believe that Madonna just turned 50.

Sick

First, it was Joe. He called on Monday afternoon asking if I knew where he might could find a copy of his proof of insurance for his car. He had been rear-ended on Central Avenue, and could not find a copy in his car. Since he was on-duty, and to make sure any injuries were to be covered by workman's comp, he would have to go to the doctor for blood work and exam. While there, the Doctor diagnosed him with bronchitis.

By the time he got home, he could not speak and was delirious with sickness. On top of it all, he was sore from the auto incident, too. The bag of prescriptions that I fetched for him raised pharmacy staff eyebrows significantly, as it not only included narcotic cough medicine, but also vicodin and muscle relaxers for his muscles.

Needless to say, within an hour of arriving back at home with his meds... he was toasted.

Luckily for Joe, he was able to call-in sick for two days and was able to rest and heal. I, on the other hand, became ill the next day, and could not take off work at all. Apparently, the person that stands in for me when I am ill or on vacation was already filling-in for staff in our North Little Rock lab. In other words... I was shit out of luck.

"Just go home as soon as you get all your work done" says my boss. Seemed simple enough, but after having already gone to the doctor yesterday morning prior to work, my meds had kicked-in too... and I was doing good to complete my work at all without grinding off my fingertips with the dental drill.

So, yesterday I got to leave a whopping 5 minutes earlier than usual. Today was a bit better though. I got to leave much earlier. Much, much earlier! 2:00!!!!

Gee whiz, maybe I'm just pissy b/c I'm sick... or maybe I just want a new job.

I'm thinking it's both.

?1915?

Our neighbors, Ron and Leigh Linton, brought over this photocopied photo of The 602. I am thinking that it is probably around 1915.

The Black Friday fire of 1913 that destroyed much of downtown, the courthouse and the east side of the Quapaw-Prospect neighborhood also damaged The 602. When new(1887-1892), she was a grand Queen Anne Victorian covered in gingerbread trim, a tall hip roof, and I'm certain that the rondelle had a pointed turret, too.

Well, as evidenced by signs of fire in the attic, I'm thinking that the roof either burned off ... or was damaged to the point of being replaced. And the house underwent a total renovation, not only to repair the burn damage, but to also add indoor plumbing and electricity. It was at that time that (according to the version of the story we've been told) that Dr. Collings decided to make the house as fire-proof as possible. Hence... the stone facade & the Craftsman/Prairie inspired lines that she carries through to this day. Notice how prominently the large Frank Lloyd Wright inspired porch planter stands out on the corner of the front porch.

The lines of the Queen Anne aren't completely lost, though are toned down significantly. I can imagine lots of lattice work for the house's underpinning... lightning rods on the tips of the turret and hips... and lots of scroll cut trim work... all cut to perfection and painted 10 different colors. Can you see it??? Nevertheless, she's still a grand old home. A hybrid of sorts...

Perhaps a Craftsman Queen??????

Makes My Blood Boil

I know many of you have seen this already, but I thought it worthy of a post.

Think Cool Thoughts

It's July in Hot Springs, and it is indeed hot. Joe and I tag-teamed yard duty this morning, and even though we started just before 8:00 and finished just after 10:00, it wiped us out. Even the Scots are bushed after walking back with me from the groomers. As soon as we walked in the door, Wills laid himself out on the slate floor in the kitchen, where he still remains some 40 minutes later. He occasionally lets out a groan for us to hear. I totally understand what he means and how he feels.




The photos above were taken the day of our last snow this year. I made sure to capture it, as I knew it would not be around long. Snow in Hot Springs is not nearly as common as one might think. I've seen winter here pass without seeing a single flake. However 2008 gave us snow on two occasions. What made it even more uncommon was that both snowfalls occurred during the same week. March 3rd and March 7th. The first two photos are of home 'the 602'; then, looking up West Mountain; next, the tan Victorian on the next corner on Hawthorne St. (we don't know them very well, b/c they are assholes); and finally, our dear friends Danny and Janine-owners of Prospect_Place_Bed&Breakfast just around the corner from us.

Doesn't it look wonderful? I feel cooler already.

Neighborhood Elements

It Rained on Tuesday...

Proper timing is absolutely crucial when photographing nature...

Shirtless Yard Man

Sitting in my office, looking out my little window to the world...

I spot this across the street.

Two thoughts crossed my mind:

1. How much would he charge to mow our yard, and

2. Would Joe approve?

Uh, YEAH! And only if he works without his shirt all the time.

(I must have some kind of awesome camera, as this guy was not only across the street, but was down the block, too. I did not realize how tight I could close-in on subject matter:-)

Not Until Autumn

I'm finished. Through. The outside projects around the house will have to wait until the next solstice draws near, as it is far too hot, and I too easily succumb to the effects of heat and humidity to make it all worthwhile.

The effort I put into the project over the past weekend has rendered me into an achy, moany, grouchy old poot. So, the decision for me is to only tackle regular outside duties: mowing, trimming and watering as needed. Period.

I am sure the decision will please the mate to no end, as we've finally begun the ominous job of staging and decorating the old Victorian that we call home.

Ivy Be Gone!

I have had a love/hate relationship with the English Ivy growing about the fence that separates the front lawn from the pool area. Granted, it gives the needed privacy from the street, and it graciously covers the hideous chain-link fence with the white metal privacy sleevy inserts woven into it, but tends to have an invasive nature. Over time, the small strip of ground between the fence and the pool deck has become thickly woven with the gnarly shit, and frankly, I just got tired of trimming it back to the edge of the concrete.

So... I ripped it all out. Yesterday.


I had done a small area weeks prior, just to give a glimpse of how that might look. I liked it. It pleased me. But I didn't have the gumption nor the energy reserves to tackle the entire 50' stretch, especially since the area is in direct sun by 9:30 until 6:00. I knew it would be a project that would have to commence early on a weekend day, before the area succumbed to full sun.



Yesterday morning, I arose at 6:00 on the dot, and I began my dreaded task at 6:30, equipped with shears, rakes, shovels and a pot of darkly roasted coffee. My luck would have it that the early morning sun rose... then disappeared behind a heavy bank of clouds around 8:00. I'll take 90% humidity and overcast instead of 90% humidity and sunny, any freakin' day.



All told, the entire project to completion took about 12 hours. I think I burned at least 10,000 calories.... With the ivy gone from the strip of ground, the remaining ivy on the fence was given a 'high and tight'. (I had no idea I would haul so much of it away, and thank goodness the city will pick up at the curb.) I also removed two large holly bushes, and the two that remained, were given a bonsai-type treatment. (Who in the hell plants holly bushes by a pool, anyway? Please, would somebody tell me the logic in that?)With all of it now out of the way, I then proceeded to cover the area in hardwood mulch. Three miniature roses were planted, a large metal sculpture was set, protective reflecting orbs placed around the roses, and the palm trees on the far end of the pool were trimmed of their deadness.


Pictures to enjoy(clicken to embiggen)....
























From our bedroom deck above.





















































The roses with their protective reflecting orbs and, well... rocks.























The palms, all trimmed and fresh. I wintered them in the sun porch, and they lived!






















Inviting???




























Joe and his late friend Gary bought the sculpture in Sandwich, IL. It was an original fixture in a bank in Dixon, IL. I saw the maker's mark on the bottom when I was moving it... but I've forgotten what it said.

I will eventually look at it again, but it won't be anytime soon. That fucker is heavy! So is the stone block it sits on. They don't really go together, but I married them, and I think they look right smart.

********************************

I remember. It's a Horvath. Gene Horvath (1927-1995). He was a well-known abstract metal sculptor in the upper Midwest, and there are many public works of his in Rockford and Rock Island, IL and Davenport and DesMoines, IA.

From the looks of his other work, I bet this one is very early. Guessing late 1950's.

Not Today, Please.

To see the positive side of a difficult situation is a quality I've been able to put into practice on most occasions. It is not a difficult task to bear a majority of the time, but I am only human, and today has proven to be a day in which I am not up to carrying the burden. I'm tired, and I reserve the right on this day, to roll around in my own self-pity. I don't allow myself to do such on most occasions, but today, yes. Poor, poor me.


No calls on the phone
No cards in the mail
No glimpses of my kids
No sticky melted ice cream kisses...
No Happy Father's Day wishes.


Just bear with me and I will get over this. I've had to deal with so much more. I just hope they know how much I love them...
And when they're grown, I hope they will want to still know me.

*******************************

Well, I did finally receive that all important call. And even though it came at 9:30pm, it changed my mood tremendously. It was so nice to hear those sweet little voices.

Come Saturday...

Endora should be sitting in our driveway!

New Toy

I'm a sucker for old classic cars. Recently, we've been serious about tracking one down to actually buy and enjoy. It just so happens that on Memorial Day, I actually had the winning bid on this lead sled. A 1971 Cadillac Eldorado convertible. She needs a little attention, but nothing too drastic (I hope).

I had mentioned naming her "Divine", but that was more fitting of another car we spotted... a 1967 Buick Electra 225, and Joe happened to come up with a more fitting name.

We will name her "Endora".

I will also post different pictures of her. I stole these from the E-bay listing...

Born on this day...

Clockwise from top left:

David Boreanaz(1969), Liberace (1919), Debra Winger (1955), Gabriella Sabatini (1970), Janet Jackson (1966), Tori Spelling (1973), Henry Fonda (1905), Richard Page (1953), Pierce Brosnan (1953), Mare Winningham (1959), Tracey Gold (1969). Center: Moi (1969) w/Joe.

Aren't we a lovely and talented bunch?

Something Has Clicked

Several years ago, in a galaxy far, far away, I was a very slim and svelte young man. A young dad, two jobs, college classes at night, and yet I still had enough energy to arise every morning at 4:30 to exercise. When I was my slimmest, I averaged a weekly total of 30 jogged miles, and as many or more walked or hiked. I remember the endorphin rush each and every day, and the high would last me long enough to do everything I set my sights upon.

Me: 1998

Age: 28

Height: 6'2"

Chest/waist: 50/34

Weight: 220

Hair: Yes

Well, life situations changed (life actually became a living hell), and my "hot young daddy" body fell into disrepair. Fast forward a few more years, and I was basically living off of a diet that consisted heavily of vodka & mtn. dew, and lots of other 'junk'. I had experienced a very nasty divorce, which in actuality was not as bad as the 7 year marriage that preceded it. The quality of my life had become over-run with obstacles that I could no longer maneuver. Finances were spiraling out of control, job security waxed and waned with the moon, and in all my good judgement, I had decided that I would now finally come out of the closet. Little did I know that some of the biggest challenges of my life wre yet to come, despite feeling like finally living true to self would set me upon a road to happiness.

My life was upside down, and my health was taking a very serious turn for the worse. It was Easter of 2003 when I got my real wake-up call, and it was this photo taken of me with my sisters:

In four short years, the person who looked back at me in the mirror was a complete stranger. Seventy pounds can squash just about any person's will. Problem was... my will had already been through so much, that I simply didn't have the energy to do anything about it. All I could think of was the fact that not too long ago, I had been near single digit bodyfat percentage... without worrying a thing about what I ate! But the bigger kicker was how embarrased I was about myself at a time when I was very vulnerable, and still learning the ropes of this new gay world.

Looking back at all of it now, I feel I have come full circle. I joined a gym this spring and have been enjoying it tremendously. I haven't quite been able to completely quit smoking yet, but I do now watch what I eat, and do not really drink that much anymore. As of this week, I finally am beginning to feel like I did many years ago. I again, arise before 5 am, and make my way to the gym. I love every moment of it. In fact, I'm heading there now. All this week, I've gone back for seconds in the afternoons. I am trying as hard as I can, as hard as I am able, to find that "hot daddy" body again. I know I'll find him. In fact this time, he will be even better than he was before.

Damn, this has been one long-as-hell road to get to this point, and I feel as if I've paid my share of dues along the way. But I'm glad I am here again. I don't quite have as much work ahead of me as I did in the fat picture, but I know I can do it again. I had doubted it for so long.

I love my life again.

Taking Jesus to Town

Amazing footage, but a corny song. It's great they wanted to save such a pretty old building.

Kyle Farnsworth Gets Dressed

80's Moment - Depeche Mode

"Shake the Disease" Supposedly about an infactuation, but for many, an all too familiar memory for what was happening around all of us. There was only one real disease then, and it was swallowing up hundreds every day.

Today is my very good friend Bethanie's birthday, which also happens to be lead singer David Gahan's too.

It's fun to look back on culture through music videos. This was 1985. I was in high school, and remember all too well the bleached hair, mascara and lipstick wearing Brit boy musicians of the day...

Look at what I've cooked up now.

I have lately called into question the level of satisfaction I enjoy with my current job. It now seems that I yearn for something new and different with increasing intensity each passing day. I must say that I do indeed have an 'easy' job and get compensated well, etc. But I know I need a change. I have worked in the dental field for over 10 years now. I'm sick of whiny patients. I'm sick of the drama that ensues in each and every dentist office I have dealings with. Most of all, I'm sick of dentists. I do enjoy working with a few, but for the most part, they tend to make my stomach turn and my head ache.

While wandering around on the internet one day (at work), I came across a particular specialty school that is new to Arkansas. Years earlier, I had often thought of entering such a program while I lived in Memphis, but it was during a turbulent time in my life and I had neither the funds nor the support of my parents in attempting such an endeavor. I have come into a chapter in my life though, that will enable me to pursue this once lost dream, and do so with enthusiasm and energy. I have Joe's blessing too, and with that, I know that it will be an exciting new change.

The program into which I will enroll at some point in the future, is Culinary Arts, now offered by Pulaski Tech in Little Rock. I will also enroll in classes to better educate me on the finer points of running my own business, as I will plan on working for myself eventually. Perhaps a couple of years of experience in a big commercial kitchen, such as The Arlington or The Embassy Suites hotels will be helpful, but my goal is to work for myself as soon as possible. The idea I've had of a business model does not include a restaurant, per se, but rather a retail shop that will have deli-like offerings for lunch, a cold case, gourmet items, kitchen and party accessories, with the heart of it all centered upon a catering business.

I've even thought of the name I want to use for the store...!

I'm Procrastinating

Here I sit, in front of my blog, pasting videos from youtube onto it. I should be at the gym, already halfway through my hour long workout. And yes, I've obsessed with video posts today, but I hope they are enjoyed.

I will write, soon. I promise.

This Is The Last Time, Ya Hear...!?

Keane is a wonderful current group out of England. Love em, and hope they make a lot more music.

80's Moment - The Mighty Lemon Drops

I have the extended version of this song on my i-pod. First heard them in college and they're among my top faves. Only a very few bands were in the genre that was called "Jangle Pop"...and they are (were) one of them.

Last Night Was a Movie Night

The Dying Gaul. Excellent! It was first a stage play, premiering at the Vinyard Theatre in NYC (I'm on their mailing list...) and wonderfully adapted to film. Peter Sarsgaard typically plays a deviant, or character with challenges, and he always pulls it off SO WELL! Didn't that last line in the trailer kind-of give you goosebumps? "I feel you!"

Watch it. Soon.

I've Been A Slug This Week

Yep, that about sums it up.

What's that I hear?

I promised, some weeks back, to make mention of The Valley of the Vapors music festival. Sorry for the delay, Bill! But, it does start today and runs through the week. Sounds fabulous & everyone can read more about it here!

That is one cool Capone alteration, I must say!

Cold Turkey... Day Four

I've been good. Up till now. I want to eat a cigarette. I tore into that box of nicotine patches this morning as if I was Charlie Bucket, looking for a Golden Ticket inside. And the instructions... the instructions, dammit! Tell me to ask myself "why" I want to quit at the back of the bloody instruction manual. Tell me where to put the bloody patch on my body on the first friggin page, and let me worry about the rest later, dammit!

So it says to place the patch on a non-hairy area of skin on the upper body. Okay, so does that mean I have to put it on my forehead? Because I'm telling you what, there's not much of an area on my upper torso that is not covered with hair of some sort (...okay, TMI & so sorry), but it is the truth.

My solution... my bicep. And now I'm feeling SOOO much better. I love you all. Have a wonderful day!

A Night at the Symphony

I was able to smuggle-in my camera to the Symphony concert last night. I had remembered that my camera took video, so I originally shot this with the intention of sharing it with my kids. They were in Hot Springs on short notice, and the fact that we already had tickets for the symphony was a bit of a sore topic. Had there been no plans for the evening, the kids would have had the treat of sleeping over... and they haven't had that opportunity in some time.

A couple of months ago, Joe purchased both of us these tuxedos, and Gay Lynn suggested we all dress to the nines and go out and have a good time. We certainly did! It was our first opportunity to meet Gay Lynn's good friend, Candy, and we all looked smashing... if you ask me!

Don't they look fabulous?!?

And.....They're Off

Our neighbor and friend Terry dropped by yesterday and left us two day passes for Oaklawn Park. Seems she has a co-worker that owns a horse that is racing today. I only work a half-day on Friday, so the 1:00 post time will not interfere. Last time we went, we took Joe's mother and a family friend of theirs. We all won 'something'... except for Joe. (Of course he was betting long shots all day). So, maybe today he will strike!

I'm already craving one of their reuben sandwiches and a beer.