the rock show

When I was in college, I looked forward to the annual celebration of youth and the silliness of American Culture known to us at WKU as The Rock Show.  Set near Halloween, this concert/dance party featured costumes, body paint, and eccentric behavior.  A group of man-boys would come together as a band and create a set list to inspire every type of dancer.  This involved such favorites as Bon Jovi and AC/DC.  Their outfits were usually the most intense - with the wearer embracing their character most seriously.  Usually these costumes were ultra tough (or tuff, if you will) and tried to get at the heart of Rock'n Roll personified.  As seen below, Dusty Wood was so tuff, he can't even afford to look straight at the camera.  Who said that modern America is void of Warriors?  Seems to me, they are alive and take'n names.

This is an image from the archives...it was shot with my Nikon N65 in 2005 and printed by hand in the WKU dark room. 

under the street lamp

Under the street lamp last night, sat a monster of chrome and leather covered delicately with a dusting of snow.  This machine holds a romanticized image in my mind; something I am sure is true of many woman.  Are we subconsciously connecting this vehicle with the image of a mysterious, dangerous, and strong young man - enticing us, James Dean style?  Do we flutter at the thought of wrapping our arms around a leather clad chest?  Is it the rush of wind through our hair, the feeling of increasing speed, or the possibility of spontaneous getaway?  The tinted color of the snow that night and the classic style of bike, took my imagination to a time gone by, where innocence prevailed and adventure waited around every corner.  Maybe someday a boy with a twinkle in his eye, slicked back hair and tight jeans will come pick me up for my getaway...

everybody dance now

Here is the dome back with the bass
The jam is live in effect and I don't waste time
Off the mic with a dope rhyme jump to the rhythm
Jump jump to the rhythm jump
And I'm here to combine beats and lyrics
To make you shake your pants take a chance
Come on and dance guys grab a girl don't wait make the twirl
It's your world and I'm just a squirrel
Trying to get a nut to move your butt to the dance floor
So you what's up hands in the air come on say yeah
Everybody over here everybody over there
The crowd is live enough as I pursue this groove
Party people in the house move 

-c&c music factory

A little bit ridiculous?  I know...but the opportunity presented itself...so we had fun with it.  This here is a little photo shoot we did with Matt Jackson aka DJ GlitchInMyHeart aka DJ Jake Chillinhall.  The "we" includes me, Margie Briggs, Brian Ott, and Jordan Elliott

alone at the zoo

One of the best things about living in St. Louis was the many cultural and educational places one could go for free.  I lived a bike ride away from Forest Park, which held not only a free spectacular art museum, but also a most magnificent free zoo.  I would go see the animals when I was lonely or bored.  Being alone at a zoo brings a wonderful feeling-  like you and the animals can relate better to each other, being in the same, lonely boat.  I especially enjoyed sitting in the primate house, watching the monkeys play, doze, and eat.  My heart also holds a special place for the reptiles all alone in their small aquariums, meandering their way through the same plants and waterholes day, after day.  I did not find Louisville's zoo as interesting as my old friend in St. Louis, but I was still able to spend some quality time with some beautiful animals.

Cincinnati on a Saturday

 

 There is a grocery store in Cincinnati that defies all expectations for what a grocery store should be.  You can find isles dedicated to cheeses from around the world; a room full of only Swedish foodstuffs; tiny bottles of balsamic vinaigrette priced at $175 in locked dusty cabinets; rows and rows of every flavor of marmalade you could think of sold under a British flag;  ostrich, camel, and caribou meet at the butchers.  I was overwhelmed and ecstatic.

southern kentucky snow

This year we had a white Christmas.  Waking up to snow at the house you grew up in, somehow, will always be more special then waking up to snow anywhere else.

 

portraits: week 16

Kelsey Klingenfus is one of those people that can find something special or good in anyone.  She will always find something to compliment you on or she will bring up something you like to do and ask you about it.  She always looks you in the face, calls you by name, and genuinely listens to you.  Those qualities are rare.  Not only is her character outstanding but her beauty as well.  She is tall and thin with a pretty face, great hair, and a sweet smile.  I think the compliments should be on her.

portraits: week 15

Growing up, I found it hard to be really good friends with a lot of girls.  Girls were passive aggressive, dramatic, jealous, superficial, prissy.  It was just so much easier to be friends with boys. If they were being a jerk, you just told them straight to their face - none of this petty gossip, loaded questions, or backhanded comments.  I liked playing sports.  I liked having intelligent, non-emotional, filled conversations.  I liked being forward with my friends. (side note - this does not mean that I didn't have a few really great girlfriends....Marissa, Bet, Alicia, Loren etc.)

Well, after growing up a bit, I have found that I actually really need some more girl friends in my life.  Girls that could be like sisters - that I could be straight with, that I could have intelligent conversations with, that I could share my troubles and sorrows with.  Girls that are cool, that are fun.  I did not think that it was possible, but I am pretty much sure I have hit the jackpot here in Louisville.  Recently, I have become friends with so many awesome women - who are not petty, or dramatic, but chill, caring, and interesting.  Stephanie Whonsetler is one of those girls.  I am so very glad that we are friends.  I mean, she is just plain awesome.

so this is the new year

My feelings about New Year's Eve have always been conflicted.  I tend to have moments of joy-that I am spending time with good friends- but I also find myself getting sad - that another year has passed and that I am just as confused about my life as ever. I have never started my year thinking that I finally have what I want...my life is going the way that I want it.  It always feels like I am missing something - direction, stability, love (mostly love). But this is all silliness.  I really do have so much (one thing being the biggest love of all).  I need to just stop worrying, stop wishing for more, stop forgetting what I have.   We all are so blessed in so many ways, we just forget sometimes.  So Happy New Year.  I hope that you find joy this year.