magic.rox

It’s been an extremely long time since I’ve posted, and there’s a very good reason why.  I haven’t had much free time at all lately.

I took on a paper route, then after getting the kinks out and finally getting it down pat I started a new job as a Handyman for Morgenstern Home Services.

Between the two, I barely had time to sleep, let alone all the other responsibilities I have.

I’m currently in Chicago, IL.  Rachel has a conference tomorrow, and we used it as a reason to get away for a few days.

We’re staying at the Club Quarters Hotel located in the Mather Tower.  It’s the first time I’ve ever stayed in Chicago, and I must say I am enjoying it!

We’ve done much, I’ll list the highlights here:  Wicked the Musical, Chicago River and Lake Michigan Boat tour, Millennium Park, Buckingham Fountain, The Art Institute, Navy Pier, The John Hancock Center and “The Magnificent Mile.”

Pictures and more posts are sure to follow.

This break has given me an opportunity to find a replacement for the paper route.  She called me tonight asking about inserts for the Sunday paper.  I no longer have to worry about that 7 day a week commitment.

Now I have time to concentrate on various projects, such as our upcoming trip to Oklahoma to see my aunts.

After almost 2 years in our home, we have things on the walls.

We have, at my request, an art area.

We have family pictures abound.

And we have a nic-nac corner.

Now if we could finish the rest of the house and yard…

There are many creative minds at work at the CSR.  Many of us enjoy the video production/editing fields.  There are 2 ladies with Ph.D.’s, a jewelry maker, and the list goes on from there.

For most of us, the CSR is just a stepping stone.  I hope it is for me, as I’m tired of assembling NSSE survey packets.  It’s mind numbing work, and when you’re scolded for speaking, it’s just that much worse.

A fellow co-worker makes his own music.  It’s electronic and kind of a mix between new age and techno.  It’s the best thing I’ve heard or seen in a while, so I thought I’d share.  I think with the right exposure, this kid and his music could really go places.

He’s a little leery of allowing it to be downloaded so I have a selection of his songs setup for streaming, but I have been made aware of some issues.  This will only work with IE, as it’s setup with Windows Media to stream.  I’ve personally tried Safari and Firefox with no luck.  So you are warned!  I am currently working on a way for all platforms to play, but I don’t have it in place yet.

Listen Here: Music by Luc

If anyone out there has any better ideas, please let me know!  I tried last.fm, but to add one of their “playlists” you have to have a minimum of 15 songs.

Yesterday we spent a wonderful evening with my brother and sister in-law.  She works at the IRT (Indianapolis Repertory Theatre). One of her benefits is free tickets to each show.  Last night it was Our Town.  I have to say it was quite moving.  The play revolves around life and death in a little town named Grover’s Corners.  The cast was great, I really enjoyed the performance by the “Stage Manager.”  If you haven’t seen the show professionally done, please do so.  It’s one of the best shows I think I’ve seen.

We then capped the evening off with dinner and drinkx at the Oaken Barrel.  A nice microbrew pub/restaraunt.  It makes me think of Btown’s own Upland in a way.

Rachel and her sister got to do a lot of talking, as sisters often do.  I believe a lot of issues on their minds were finally resolved. 

We haven’t had a night out with them in around 2 years.  I hope we can do it more often.

It’s my new desktop.  It took a lot of time and patience to make it this way, but I enjoy it very much.  My favorite artist Van Gogh is featured here with his painting “A Night on the Rhone.”

Changing the taskbar was interesting to say the least.  I used a brazillian “theme.”  It changed EVERYTHING to spanish.  So I had to change it back without knowing anything about that language except for “si.”

To get the full effect see the full size.

I previously wrote about how I am trying to get my hands on a piece of John Mellencamp artwork, and how I adore Cherokee indian art.

I purchased my first piece of Indian art way back in 1996.  I had it framed a few years ago.  It’s a beautiful print from Cherokee artist Ben Adair Shoemaker.
Someone very special read that post, Shoemaker’s grandaughter.  The strange part is that she is applying to come to the IU school of law!  I just might end up with some more interesting pieces from this fine artist.

Still no luck on the Mellencamp front, but I’ll keep plugging away.

I received a message from a person who works for John Mellencamp.  He asked John if he would like to sell the painting mentioned in Mike Leonard’s article.  John told him to tell me that he’s “really happy with this one and will probably keep it.”  He also said that “I should wait for another one of his paintings in the future.”

I replied to the persons’ message asking that I be informed when a painting becomes available.

So not now, but hopefully sometime.  To look on the bright side of things, I do have a contact now.

Just the thought of owning a Mellencamp painting makes me excited.

I have always been a fan of the arts.  Whether it be performing, creative, or without a title.  One problem is that I do not have many “pieces” of art.  I purchased a print while in Oklahoma many years ago.  It was created by Ben Adair Shoemaker.  The artwork itself and the artists’ name struck a cord deep within my soul, as my family lives in Adair county, Oklahoma.

I feel as if I might start on a new path with art due to an article I read in the Herald Times.  My favorite writer (except J of course) has always been Mike Leonard.  He always writes very interesting things, about interesting subjects.

In his latest article, he wrote about a recent meeting with John Mellencamp.  As you may or may not know, John is also an accomplished artist.  John recently completed a 10′ x 10′ painting, and asked Mike if he’d buy it.

I have been a fan of Johns’ work, both music and painting since I have known about them.  I would like to have a piece of his, but have not been able to find a way to do so.  Hopefully, with Mr. Leonard’s help, I will have a chance.

I emailed Mike asking if he knew someone to contact regarding purchasing a painting from John.  He replied stating he would contact John’s manager.  I hope things pan out.

-Interesting note:  My mother auditioned to be a backup singer for John back in the early to mid 80’s.  From what she has told me, everyone loved her voice, she was just too tall.

My mom is 6′ tall.