THANK YOU

Thanksgiving has passed so has Holloween and many other exciting events and I'm very sorry about not updating this blog quite as often as I'd like to but I've been on Mom status101. Or as my son would say.."mum mum mummy". Anywho, thanks for following up and taking the time to read my ramblings.

B GIRL BE

All in a day's work. Unfortunately, 10pm was paint-over. Heart awesome people.



Caught the beautiful sun creeping out it's own cloud on the way in to the city.



Just a quick update should be back shortly to continue my rambling.

Hey Young World

This song is one of my many favorites. I haven't heard it in a long time. I remember when I first heard this song.I reminisce.

Hey young world... the world is yours
Hey young world... the world is yours
Young world young world... the world is yours
Young wo-ah-huh-huh-huh-urld
This rap here... it may cause concern its
Broad and deep... why dont you listen and learn
Love mean happiness... that once was strong
But due to society... even thats turned wrong
Times have changed... and its cool to look bummy
And be a dumb dummy and disrespect your mummy
Have you forgotten... who put you on this earth?
Who brought you up right... and who loved you since your birth?
Reward is a brainwashed kid goin wild
Young little girls already have a child
Bad company... hey, now youve been framed
Your parents are hurting... hurting and ashamed
Youre ruining yourself... and your mommy cant cope
Hey, little kids dont follow these dopes
Heres a rule for the non cool... your life, dont drool
Dont be a fool like those that dont go to school
Get ahead... and accomplish things
Youll see the wonder and the joy life brings
Dont admire thieves... hey they dont admire you
Their times limited, hardrocks too
So listen, be strong, scream whoopee-doo
Go for yours, cause dreams come true
And youll make your mommy proud... so proud of you too
And this is a message... that the ruler rick threw
And its true
You know, you know what, you know what, you know what?
We like to party, like to party
Hey young world, the world is yours
Hey young world
Yo peep this

Hey mr. bigshot... hey, dont you look fly?
But you dont have a nickle... ohhhh, my my my
Youve been fightin again and, you forgot why
Hey kid, walk straight, master your high
Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.... because you make your family cry
And all jokes aside, are you in good health?
Hey little boy... now have you really checked yourself?
Youre a disgust, you know someone that I cant trust, youd
Steal moms welfare... and youd run and buy some dust, and
Plus, a must so... bigshot youre not
Your friends are talkin and Im hearin that your girls are what?
You didnt know? go steal and rob
And while youre at it... go get a suit for a j-awhh-ob
You see youre actin like this urge is demandin
Cmon, wake up... have some understandin
Societys a weak excuse for a man
Its time for the brothers... rap is trying to take the stand
Believe it or not, the lord still shines on you deep
Guides you... and he watched you as you grew, plus
Past the age of... a little child, thats true
But folks your age dont act like you do, so
So be mature... and put the point to a halt
And if youre over eighteen... I wish youd act like an adult
Dont live in a world... of hate hate hate
Pull yourself together... and get yourself straight
Men dont steal... hey, most dont borrow
And if you smoke crack... your kidsll smoke crack tomorrow
So be more mature... and kids do your chores
Make your own money... hey, be proud thats yours
You know why, cause thats a man... thats brains no spite
Stayin out of trouble... when it comes in sight
And a man never loses a fight... in gods sight
Cause righteous laws are overdue
And this is a message that the ruler rick threw
And its true
You know, you know what, you know what, you know what?
We like to party, like to party
Hey young world, the world is yours
Hey young world...
Yo peep this...
Mc... ricky... d...
The grand wizzard...
And his partner...
And his and his and his partner...
Say what?
La-di! da-di! la-di! da-di! (repeat 2x)
La-di-da-di...

Happy Birthday!

It seems like just yesterday when I was carrying my little baby boy in my arms too careful not to move his head because his neck wasn't yet strong. Too careful not to make noise because I was just watching him sleep.This is a mother's blog and well I will be motherly every now and then. I don't feel like creating any other blog although it would be cool. Ethan is now going to be one and since he and his dad share the same birthday it is going to be fun.His fathers age, will be disclosed till further notice. So it's been a year and from here on down time will just fly and my boy will keep growing and I will just come to sense with myself and life realizations that only a mother can experience. Although I know some mothers out there chose not to come to conclusions with themselves, their kids and life in general I love to discover things and solving life's puzzle.I'm sure I'm not the best mother but I definitely like to think I give it my all. From bouncing home to work to him, to playgrounds, toy stores, running errands and an occasional spray here and there I try my best. Whoever, brings me down is just not worth my time because the only thing I worry or care about is my small family. Although it's just us three we have little bits of each other and we will one day take over the world. Happy Birthday to my usual suspects!

Another July has-been

Ironlak smells so sweet but can definitely knock you out especially after not painting in a long while. Painting with ironlak for the first time in the rain wasn't so great. Friends coming through with Burger King after getting soaked in the rain while painting,priceless. This is the first piece of the year and first project since the Toronto aftermath. From lying on a hospital bed with aches pains and inexplicable awkward joy, you best believe I enjoyed it. Don't be easily fooled by my lack of emotion. Sometimes being able to endure pain comes with a hefty price. I smile occasionaly who doesn't? Smile at this because you know it's fresh!

September here we go......

While in Old Town, just outside of Windy City Ink I took a few shots that came out not so good and a few shots that I was satisfied with. It is saturated with light on that strip of Town right by the Greens. The Godfathers were writing a meticulous script that was finished that same night. While Ethan was home asleep with his oh so caring babysitter my husband and I enjoyed a night out with the boys. I thought the shoe might have been left behind by April O'neal who was trying to catch up to the mutants that jumped in to the city's underground. The trains run under that street. It's an interesting part of town it's definitely not what it was a few years back when I rummaged the streets for good spots to climb or just paint to get the adrenaline cooking. Speaking of cooking I am mighty hungry. It's the first of the month and rent has to get paid so hopefully everyone took care of their business! September is going to be fun!

America's Fortgotten Tragedy

While on my normal routine here at work I was taught a little bit about my Chicago history by one of my older customers. She is a very interesting lady, Esther is her name. I don't forget it because that was what my mother was going to name me when I was born but her and my father agreed to my name now "chicagloe" ha ha Im kidding, but yeah it was supposed to be my name because one of my older sister's name is Ruth. Hence,Ruth and Esther for those of you who know the books. Anyway, Im never too cool for school so I let my friend/customer go off on a tangent of the Chicago River tragedy or what is called The Eastland Tragedy. It is one of the most down played and overlooked tragedies in American History. It happened on the Chicago River while the boat had not yet left the dock. There were a couple thousand passengers on board on their way to go to a company picnic. There were families and employees of Western Electric on board. The boat was headed to Michigan City Indiana to where the annual company picnic was being held. Many of these employees were immigrant workers. And to this day it is hardly remembered or spoken of. I am surprised that our homegirl Oprah has never made a show of this because these bodies were all lined up for identification around what is now the Harpo Studios. I never knew about this and I was a bit perplexed. Thanks to Esther now I do.I have yet to really dig into more information on this subject but it is definitely something I never knew about. The Titanic had happened three years prior and this tragedy was the biggest in America up until 9/11. Next time Im on the Clark street bridge I will try to remember, July 24, 1915.

Pizza, Ketchup and Brick Roads

Ever since I could remember I've loved brick roads. I've had the brick road fascination since I was a little girl visiting the museum. I don't remember quite well what exhibit I saw, it had to have been 20's or 30's based. I remember jumping on one of the old school rides you see in old gangster flicks. my child hood memories are vague. I managed to re-collect those things that interest me. Some things I like but can't remember how I got to liking. There's a story behind everything but there are times where things don't seem to have any kind of attachment. Its like ketchup and pizza. I mean not everyone likes it but how did it come to be? I just so happen to like that crap? I started liking it at some point. I remember walking through the barrio down the alleys to catch the little sights of brick roads left in the city. For a young lady to walk home through alley ways was not the smartest thing to do in the mid-nineties. Even now it's dangerous. As kids we don't realize the danger in things but then again I guess it all has to do with the way we grew up. I was scared when I heard the loud pops of bullets from a chamber or pistol. In the neighborhood where I grew up they echo pretty loud. There were only a few instances where as a kid I had to dodge bullets while playing soccer, jumping rope or simply just hanging out on the front steps of the house. How can you be scared of anything in the world if the scariest things are as close as your doorstep? I was never really scared of anything and have always loved adventure. My inner-city kid adventures weren't the smartest I guess. I'ts funny how the brain works I have all these thoughts and memories when something as simple as brick roads comes to mind. As I got older I discovered a bigger world outside the Little Village entrapment that can sometimes leave a first generation child clueless of what the world really is. I started riding trains and buses. Started getting home extremely late just because I was in the safer parts of town or running away to a different town, in bright lit areas. Society leads us to think that because there is a lot of light, we are safer. That the police lights gleaming from the top of the cameras assure us how safe we really are? A little less than half of the incidents I've seen as close as two feet away from those cameras are enough to put those idiots with the street camera idea to shame. Bring back the brick streets Chicago.

Fun Times!

Here was my attempt to execute the battle's word and theme. Estria traveled to Chicago as well as other cities around the U.S. the winner of each city will be flown out to finalize its competition in Oakland. The word and theme was EARTH. I sawaw some neat ideas and pieces. Celebrated my anniversary later that night with all our close friends and family! Good times.

New Beginnings

I had been longing to paint and teach and paint a little more. I got just what the doctor ordered and everything seems to be unfolding preciously. I got reacquainted with old friends who are inspiring brilliant and warm hearted if nothing else. If all goes well I will be teaching once a week and enjoying every second of it with gratitude. Matli is the organization these awesome girls have founded. The little I know is that they helped with getting a space for us when we were eager to teach a screen printing program. Unfortunately, I backed out in the end of that one because I had to choose between paying my bills or just enjoy what I love doing for the time being and stay without a job weeks later. Now is my chance and it is perfect timing. The organization provides intense and quality dance programs to the community with out necessarily getting paid most of the time. I love it that is raw dedication. I am at that point in my life where I know I can venture away from such decisions and made myself the promise to get involved with projects that bring positivity to my life.None the less this is a process and it will be challenging. There is absolutely nothing wrong with challenge and I will embrace it. Nothing is easily mastered if it is easily dissected. Along with some of these great blessings that have come my way I have recently met a new artist whose work is great. She is the lead artist of a mural my husband and I have had the opportunity to lay hands on. It is a great collaboration of artist and the mural is a mixed media mural unlike any other in this city. Anyway I'm going off on a tangent of scatter brain thoughts. I will leave this one and slap it with the city skyline minus the usual center focus of the Sears or what is soon to be the Willis Tower. Taken on our first time out to the Zoo. Enjoy!

Carol's Garden

These are just a few of the flowers in Mom Carol's garden. Took these late May? or early June? I lost track of time and trips. These were some of my favorites. She's now growing other goodies such as peppers tomatoes and watermelon!!yum.

5th Annual Printer's Ball

I love this flyer!

5th annual Printers’ Ball on Friday, July 31, 2009, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the landmark Ludington Building, 1104 S. Wabash Avenue in Chicago. This year’s Printers’ Ball, founded by Poetry magazine, will be co-produced by Columbia College Chicago and the Center for Book & Paper Arts. Printers’ Ball is a free celebration of the printed word, including magazines, books, and broadsides. There will be activities throughout the evening, such as readings, live music, papermaking, workshops, and letterpress demonstrations. Free literature from more than 100 literary organizations will be available

www.printersball.org

Letterpress demos! I wish I had a letterpress machine. Getting a machine is my ultimate goal in this life time. anyway this should be cool hopefully I can make it. It's been a while since I have gone to Columbia's functions. Literally seven years.

Juicy Burger

A big fat juicy burger is what I want right now. These pictures are a collection from one of my walks with Ethan during the hottest days we had back in June. Really, this entry and many others to come should have been posted under June. It was a busy month though and it's better late than never. the first picture is that of Cove's character. His characters are my favorite amongst the few people who do characters in this city. I love the originality and the stance of this one and many others I unfortunately never documented. I took the walk from that wall (Blue Island & Western Ave) to Pete's not so Fresh Market. On our way we saw this truck which I thought could have been painted a little better but is still cool in it's own way. I ran in to an old friend that day. I must have chatted for a long time. Long enough to catch a good flick of the sunset before we got to Pete's. Western Avenue on that stretch can be very interesting. I saw a few homeless people under the shade of the Tire spot across Fairlplay. I was going to take pictures of them too but I decided not to. I thought I had more to say about these pictures but I guess I don't? Or maybe I just have a block. Anyway for those few people who take the time to check out my humble blog; hope you all enjoy them!

Chicago Estria Battle

Just a little something to tickle my fancy.....

JAM'S JAMMIN B-DAY!

Come and join Jam One as he celebrates his birthday with special guests and great performances. This guy is the bomb-ziggity! There is a capacity limit at the venue so be there or be square. The only profit will be made at the door to pay off musicians and performers. This will be a birthday celebration you would'nt want to miss.

Problem Solved

Mario's Italian Ice

Mario's Italian Ice is one of my favorite summer spots. There's nothing like a nice cold Italian Ice on a eighty degree May day. I wish I had one right now. I took this shot after our family outing at Lincoln Park Zoo. Mario's is on Taylor right passed Racine in University Village.

Cinco de Mayo at our doorstep

The Cinco de Mayo parade made it to the front of our home. To no surprise Toronto found it enthralling. He was curious about the people, horses, cars motorcycles and the school bands that played their loud drums in a rythmic beat. He skipped his nap but later slept like a log. This boy is so beautiful and curious. This is one of the many shots captured of the first real horses he's ever seen.

Route 66 (Romeoville)

It’s been nearly two months since my last update. What’s new in my world? I’ve been randomly picking out things for my “super” rummage sale. I told a few friends about it and well I had to set aside a few things and have not even gotten to take pictures of all my junky treasures. Aside from that I’ve been hanging out with my two favorite guys. Enjoying walks in the neighborhood, weekends with the family, shopping, and craiglisting my butt off. And yet another WDATA masterpiece has been finished as of two weeks ago. He started a mural for the town of Romeoville a while back and was set back a few days because of the fresh April Showers. Check out the website www.artofwdata.com. How does this guy manage to get on so many front pages of papers? He’s just that good. The Romeoville Bugle has also published one of my many pictures of the mural which is featured on the front page. After all the days of Super Donuts, coffee, and long rides to the town we actually got to know the town a lot better. If you happen to be taking the old route don’t hesitate to stop and check it out. It is right off of Route 53 slightly passing Normantown Rd.

CAPE TOWN ANTI-GRAFFITI PETITION

we are facing a new anti-graffiti by-law in cape town which takes away the house owners rights to give permission for any artworks on their walls besides a house number.

The new, proposed graffiti by-law makes no distinction between vandalism and public art that is done with the permission of the owner of the property.

Please can you assist us in our efforts to amend this by-law by signing the petition and forwarding it on...
As we need to present it to the council during the public participation process.

thank you, here is the link and below are the details of the two points in the by-law that we would like to amend.

http://www.petitiononline.com/art4all/petition.html


To: The City of Cape Town

The new, proposed graffiti by-law criminalizes all forms of public art and violates our personal right to freedom of expression on private property.
It makes no distinction between vandalism and public art that is done with the permission of the owner of the property.
The by-law will soon be presented for public discussion and these are the two main issues that we feel need to be addressed:

1. The definition of ‘graffiti’ under the by-law is too broad. It classifies ‘graffiti’ as any inscription, word, figure, letter, sign, symbol, sketch, picture or drawing. There should be a clear differentiation between ‘graffiti vandalism’ [e.g. gang tags, scratchings] and public art that is done with permission from the owner [murals, colourful characters and positive, inspiring messages].

2. The by- law removes the legal right of the private property owner to paint anything other than a house number on his/her wall. We strongly believe that the private property owner should maintain the right to determine what to paint on to his/her property without permission from the City.

if you agree with these two amendments please sign the petition on the link above
and hopefully we can adjust the by-law to become a more inclusive one and thus limit the damage it can potentially do to the creative growth of our city.

TAKE A HIKE!

The best way to welcome color in the Forest is by being it’s loyal friend. Toronto, Will and I took our second moderate hike. We had grandma and tia Harley come with us this time. We went to Apple River Canyon and did a two mile hike. Canyons have formed here from the longevity of the river’s exsistence. The glacial sweeps left most of its area unscratched. The cliffs are high. It is fairly dangerous to peek down to see the stream that flows quiet and endlessly. All the peaking I did was arm’s length allowing me to see what the view finder happened to snap. Will and E went ahead of us. I tried to envelop as much as I could of the surroundings. They love being together. They are like peanut butter and jelly it just naturally goes together good. We found nice little slopes within the huge cliffs and were very careful crossing through the man made stepping bridges to get to the next side of what was the next adventure. Hiking up hill was like being on a mud slide! It was fun! A bit of adrenaline kicks in when you feel you are about to slide down.
It is awesome to know that E loves the outdoors and gets smiley-happy all day long. It is amazing that nature can tickle his brain. He got to see real duck’s for the first time in his life. We headed back to the picnic table to have lunch. Once, on the blanket, E went straight to sleep. He fell asleep with the squint look the face makes when the sun is too bright. My little bear had skipped a nap to enjoy it all and gave in to the serenity of the land. We ate grandma's delicious sandwiches and organic red juicy apples. After, Will, Harley and I went by the river. While Will navigated himself a bit ahead we just stayed behind and began to try to pile up some rocks. Only that the current was way stronger than what it seemed. It made most of the rocks tumble away. Harley was trying to make the double and triple ripple effect that the smaller rocks make when you throw them in a semi sideway toss. They barely skim the sparkly water. She picked up a bigger rock from the short shore and discovered a black centipede. It looked pretty cool it was definitely not your average centipede. It had a nice shine to it and moved fairly slow.
Grandma stayed at the picnic area to relax. E just slept away to dream about the Woods. We ended up leaving but we still wanted more. So instead of taking the busy road back to Grandma's she took us through the beautiful scenic back road. We were a bit hesitant to cross the three ton limit bridge on the four to almost 5 ton truck. We are obviously still alive.
We got home and everyone except the minors enjoyed a few bottles of fat tire. It was like a day at what I would imagine a Spa retreat to be like.

Upcoming Artist

Brenda is a good friend of mine, we go way back. She grew up watching me paint. She is a great student and I'm very proud of her achievements. It goes to show that with dedication and confidence we can accomplish great things. Job well done.

Earth's Best

Sunday afternoon with Toronto and Will was an amazing day. E.T. was full throttle out and about in the middle of the Forest. He also met Whiskey at the “Little Red School House”, what a crazy bird. He saw a falcon munch on his prey (two tiny mice), the eyes went first. It was wonderful we enjoyed one of the nicest days of March in the semi-wilderness we call a Forest Preserve. My little guy was enjoying nature for the very first time and it was an amazing journey for him. He starred at the water that moved in the stream, and was just curious of the many noises the Forest offers. He broke off a few small branches and squinted as the sun rays crept into the forest’s dome. He kicked his legs to and fro as Daddy carried him in the baby pack. The only noises I was able to hear were tiny shrieks of happiness, and excitement surrounded by the calm sounds of earth’s best. Our nature hike was by far a huge stimulation to his ever growing brain and imagination. Now that spring is slowly becoming tangible I can’t wait to see and help him grow. I got to feed my son in the middle of the Forest. We had a mini picnic set up. I even changed his diaper! Believe it or not that was fun. While he lay on the sleeping bag he immediately began to reach for the once green foliage. It was like a cool toy for him. It crinkled in his hand and felt different than what his usual textured toys do. The sun started going down as soon as we finished our lunch. It all happened in perfect time for E.T. to get back into the car and start snoring.

My date with Coraline

So V day has actually been more than a half month past us but I never shared my date experience. My day started with a long long long very long line at the Secretary of State, all just to meet the amnesty deadline. Tickets suck and so does Chicago sometimes. Then, I got home and went out for breakfast at a over packed overrated downtown brunch spot. It was a great breakfast. (name of place will not be disclosed) Seeing as to how my husband and I havent joined each other in any mischevous acts I quickly thought of one without even mentioning it to him. See it was not planned and it definitely just quickly became an idea. After seeing the line to pay I saw a great opportunity to just walk out and as my husband gave me the "hey the..." I looked at him and smiled and he smiled back. We are definitely like a match made in heaven. We are so perfect together. Sometimes theres just no need for verbal communication. It was a little cheap thrill. A sixty dollar breakfast? free! fuck yeah! God forgive me but I had too much fun. So after, Toronto needed some attention and as soon as he fell asleep we went to watch Coraline. I was like a kid again. I loved everything in that movie. The story was great the visual effects were awesome and the company was the best. And I almost forgot my favorite actress does Coraline's voice! yes, Dakota Fanning she's the best. Watch it I definitely recomend it.

Faith-The Restless Debt of Third World Beauty

Faith-The Restless Debt of Third World Beauty from Rowan on Vimeo.

I got a link through my friend's website.(http://faith47.com/) She is truly someone with a big heart. Follow this link http://raakwys.wordpress.com/ and get involved.

After all the contemplating of whether or not time is necessary to keep on going with art I have figured out what I can get accomplished with my little monster in the picture. He is definitely a huge inspiration in my life and has made my motivation levels go sky high. So, to kick off a jump start to painting again I decided to submit two pieces for this show.

Green

Green is good. My husband and I have started the fast or detoxing diet or whatever you want to call it, in efforts of starting out with a healthy body in this new year. It is not by any means a resolution. It is something we have done in the past but couldn't do while I was pregnant. I admire his courage because through it all he is also not smoking. How stressful can that be?after so many years of being addicted to that nicotine. I know it's all mind over matter but your mind can sometimes try to confuse you and play tricks on you..Being healthy is going to be one thing but quitting smokes will be a definite triumph. At times it has seemed inconceivable but this time around I have more faith than I ever had. Maybe next month I can write a speech of homage for him quitting.. Anyway, the purpose of this "fast" is to be healthy; mind, body and spirit. I feel better than I have in months, both physically and mentally. Water, fruit and veggies is all it consists of... and might I add alot of determination. Let's see how well we do, there are three weeks left in the fast. I am aiming for success but we are only human so who knows we may twist it up a little. Mind over matter spirit over flesh.

My 35 Revolver

JK. I mean my 35mm Canon camera. I am picking it up after ten years of not having used it. I love digital but I think I prefer my antiquated gadget. All I need now is a dark room. Anyway, this picture was taken at 2am on the day the first snow blizzard hit us. My main attraction here is K.T. aka Korin aka QWAIL.Dec. ?? It's a cool hobby that I can actually enjoy with Toronto. Stay tuned for more flicks....

Happy New Year!