On a Sunday Afternoon, Words by Andrew B. Sterling, Music by Harry Von Tilzer

I spent the better half of today trying to use my digital camera to photograph a painting I intend to put up for sale on eBay today. I’ve owned the camera for about 3 years. I bought it with the intent to use it only for photographing artwork that I could not put on my scanner. This painting is one of the largest that I have ever sold on eBay. The prior record holder was Dance Class. I remember the sheer horror I had in scanning that picture in 6 section. Then after scanning it I had to fit all back together like a jigsaw puzzle in Photoshop. After that painful fiasco I pledged that I would have to buy a digital camera to take care of my large works. I thought it would be easier quicker and simpler. Ha!! Anyway, I call the painting Glam Lady.

Also today, I decided to participate in the American Theatre Co-op 10 minute playwriting contest. The deadline is August 5, 2003. I really have to do this because as soon as I e-mailed for the application I got a reply back. You see I’ve got a Mac and my computer can not read PC documents. So in the e-mail I sent them I told them this and in the e-mail they sent back they acknowledged this and sent me a cut and paste document instead of the usual pc doc. thing my computer can’t read. They even sent me an additional e-mail asking if what they sent could be read by my computer. Who would have ever thought someone would be working in the California office of a theater on a Sunday afternoon?

The final writing prompt for June says; if someone were to write a book about your life, what events should they include?

Elementary School
Donna Summer
Kool & the Gang
Olivia Newton John
Abba
ELO
Death of Grandparents Bob and Maytime
Dealing with my brother’s nervous breakdown
Getting a Buddy L typewriter for Christmas
Getting a Barbie dream House for Christmas
Owning 67 Barbie dolls
Staying up late to watch Johnny Carson
Staying Up late to watch Saturday Night Live
My mother walking me to school everyday until 5th grade
Getting up early to watch Charles and Di get married
Father refusing to get me Star Wars action figures for Christmas
Pet-Sebastian the Afghan Hound
Pathological hatred for Scrappy Doo... I hate him!! He ruined my favorite cartoon, Scooby doo. Die, Scrappy Doo!! DIE!!


Middle School
Prince
Michael Jackson
Duran Duran
Billy Idol
Madonna
MTV
Dealing with my sister’s nervous breakdown
Being in the school band
Finally getting a keyboard for Christmas
Collecting Berke Breathed’s, Bloom County Comic Strips
Discovering the City Paper


High School
U2
REM
INXS
XTC
Bizarre obsession with Thomas Diffenbach
Staying up late to work on science fair project
Staying up late to watch Letterman
Getting up early to watch Live Aid
Wearing way too much eye makeup
Wanting to be a cartoonist just like Berke Breathed
Writing school cartoon, Goo Noo the cat
Listening to HFS

College
Pearl Jam
Nirvana
Grunge
death of Kurt Cobain
Dealing with my brother and sister’s drug addiction
Being Listed in Who’s Who Among College Students
Being part of the drama troupe
Running for president of the Science Club
Writing thesis paper about Artificial Blood
Cousin Kweisi Mfume being elected to Congress
Caring for my mother through her illness
My mother’s big toe amputation

Post College
My mother’s death
death of Tupac
Moving out of the house
Cousin Kweisi Mfume Head of NAACP
Trip to New York
Trip to Disney World with niece and nephew
Meeting Michael Turner...uber geek boy
Buying iMac Computer
Discovering eBay
Being an audience member on the Rosie O’Donnell Show
Being an audience member on the Conan O’Brien Show
Long Term Relationship with David
Joining the Baltimore Film Society
Going to Baltimore Symphony Concerts

30something Years
The Bush Stolen Election
9-11
Going to U2 concert
Getting cartoon published in City Paper
Having my quote cited on ebsq website
PCOS diagnosis
Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis
Meeting the writer Valerie Wilson Wesley
Going to the African American Heritage Arts Festival

Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home

I’m sorry, but I have no idea who wrote the song, Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home. I believe it was written by Pearl Bailey’s brother who ironically was named Bill Bailey. I’m too tired right now to look it up. Also the above picture is a painting I’m putting up for sale on eBay tomorrow. I'm calling it Piano Lady. Yes, I know it’s been 2 years since I put anything up for sale. But hey, 9-11, my Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis, coupled with my PCOS diagnosis really bummed me out.

For the first half of the morning I tried to add a comments page to this blog. I started off with haloscan but it did nothing but delete out my page. Then next I tried this company based in the uk called ennotation. It was perfect! The code and instructions they gave were a perfect match! I got it right the first time!!

Ms. Dumas did not show up for class today. When I got there my usual 15 minutes before start time no one else was there. There’s usually a throng of students waiting for her to let them in. This time there was no one save the guy who I told yesterday that I though Ms. Dumas was insane. He’s usually late for class. I asked him if he went back inside after class was over yesterday, he said, “No.” Then he made a call on his cell phone to the school. He got no answer. So we both assumed that class must have been canceled. I know next week there is a possibility that Ms. Dumas might get on us for not going back inside like that other students did.

I can only assume that she canceled the class in advance. You see yesterday before she let us leave early she ordered that we all wait outside for 20 minutes. The other student left there books and bags inside the classroom. I, on the other and did not feel secure leaving my bag unattended so I took it with me outside. When the 20 minutes were up I just left instead of going back inside. I can only assume that when the other students went back inside to collect there belongings she might have made an announcement that she was canceling class for the next day.

The writing prompt for today says to read one of your favorite books from childhood. Write a journal entry about why you liked it so much.

This one will be difficult for me to complete. My favorite books from childhood are all out of print. My favorite book was The Teddy Bear Habit by Lincoln Collier. He got old and started writing these historical books. My other favorite book that’s out of print is called Billy Bumbry’s Yearbook. It appears that the guy who wrote it went into hiding. I have been unable to find any information about him or any other books he’s written. Who knows maybe he had to go into the witness protection program....

Today I saw him again!!! I have no idea what his name is. All I know is he has got to be the handsomeness man I ever did lay eyes on. The above picture looks nothing like him. It's not meant in anyway to represent him. It's just another random painting. Anway..........

The first time I saw him was when I went to the Creative Alliance to drop off my artwork and to pick up a Sowebo poster. There was this older black guy there who was introducing him around to the people who worked there. I remember the old man saying saying that he was a student at Maryland Institute. I remember thinking to myself upon looking up at him, “Wow!!”

I saw him again at the Ahi 1442 Gallery when I was picking up my artwork from the Creative Alliance group show. He was sitting by the window in the gallery talking casually to the gallery owner. I just recall thinking that day after I saw him up close yet again, “Wow!”

Today, I saw him walking up Baltimore Street across from the driving school. I can only assume that maybe he’s working at Maryland Art Place and was on his way home from work. He was wearing this red print shirt and khaki shorts and a backpack slung across his shoulder. His hair was pulled back in a ponytail. I couldn't take my eyes off him. I just stared and watched him walk by. Ohhhh, what great eye candy he makes!!!

I’m not sure what his nationality is. He looks like he could be Asian, Latino, Native American, Hawaiian, or Philippino. One thing is for sure, he’s fine as hell. He truly is a beautiful foreigner. I would like to paint him or maybe photograph him all day. It’s like the world was is in black and white and when he enters it, it switches to glorious Technicolor. I know I probably have a snowballs chance in hell with him. He’s probably gay. Besides, most men like women who are talkative and pushy. I’m neither.

I don’t really want to know him or what his name is.... I’d like to keep him as this mysterious good looking stranger who occasionally enters my world and brightens it with his presence.

I’m not sure if I previously wrote this but I like to listen to the Out to Lunch radio show with Bill and Thrill on 105.7 I like the theme song that this rapper called Jake the Rapper came up with so I stupidly wrote on a message board that I liked it and thought he was stand up guy. I said this because he told Bill and Thrill live on the air that he would come up with a theme song for them by such and such a date and he did. All the other listeners and musicians who said they would come up with a theme song for the show never followed through.

Needless to say Jake the Rapper saw what I wrote on the message board and then wrote me back saying that he liked my artwork and wanted to meet me. This of course frightened me,.....then again everything does. I have autism after all. I like to use my computer because I find it’s easier to communicate with people on it than face to face. It’s almost like I’m more in my element. I’m afraid that if I met him he wouldn't like me very much because I’m not very talkative and do not smile and giggle a lot like other females. I’m sure that 99% of the people who meet me think I’m probably a snob because I don’t say very much. The thought that I have autism never crosses there mind. I look and dress normal and I like to wear makeup. Also I feel uncomfortable because Jake is 23. I have a niece that I practically helped to raise who is 23! Besides what would David think?

Also there’s this guy I met on an e-mail list. He also wants to meet me in person. He’s into mail art and he’s got me interested in it as well. Again this frightens me. I’m more comfortable in the cyber world. I’m sure that if I met him in the real world he would find that I don’t talk very much and would read that as not being interested, hostility, or passive aggressive behavior. Also since I don’t smile very much he would probably think I’m an angry person or overly serious when the opposite is true.

The truth is I’ve never really had true conversations with people. I don’t know how to do small talk or shoot the breeze. I feel that the reason I have more male friends than females is that they don’t mind if I ask them 1,001 questions about them or there favorite subject. Women on the other hand would become very suspicious of this.

Truth be told in a sense I view people as talking books. If I want to know something about r&b music from 1960-1989 I know that Richard is the guy to ask. If I want to know about cars, just as Nick. So conversations for me are just information gathering sessions. When I get my information I’m done. This I’ve learned through studying my disorder is normal for people with the form of autism I have, Asperger’s Syndrome.

Today, Ms. Dumas was late for the driving class. She was in a bad mood. She told us she wasn't feeling well and that she would let us leave early. This was both good and bad. Good, because of course I got to leave early. Bad, because she barely taught us anything. We ended up doing the quiz together. So we all got 100’s. I noticed that half the material on the test she didn't cover in class. I’m worried because we have a final exam in two weeks and I’m afraid that I’ll fail the section that she was supposed to cover today. I guess I could ask her to go over it tomorrow or next week.

Also today, I confided in a fellow classmate that I felt that Ms. Dumas was nuts. He just laughed.

Personally, I do feel that she is certifiably insane. She’s erratic and makes frequent loud outbursts to the class and starts to laugh for no apparent reason. I don’t know maybe she’s on the very of a nervous breakdown...or maybe she’s like that all the time. I just don’t know. All I know is that her erratic behavior makes me feel very uncomfortable. Again, I feel that this is an effect of my autism. We like order and recognizable patterns in or world.

Todays writing prompt says to think about the most memorable summer you had in childhood. What makes this summer stand out from the rest?

First off my family never went anywhere for the summer. Every summer we just stayed put on 529 Robert Street while other families went to Disney Land or visited relatives in Virginia or some far off place. Nothing spectacular or exciting ever happened during summer. Except this one year....

I believe I was seven because it was the summer that Elvis died. Hues Corporation’s, Rock the Boat was very big on the radio. I believe the movie Which Way is Up?, came out that summer too. Anyway, these white holy rollers moved up the street from us. This was unusual because we lived in the ghetto. It was a whole group of young people maybe in there twenties. I remember every evening they would do these shows for the kids. They’d roll out this red carpet on the sidewalk and all the children would sit on it as they told bible stories. I remember it was fun and very dramatic. They were creative and would act out the parts and stuff, sometimes there would be singing and dancing. This was the closest I ever came to going to church on a regular basis. Something tells that me that if you go to a regular church they aren't going to dress up in costumes and act out bible stories in a Broadway-esque manner....

I couldn't go to the mall today because I have to go to my driving school class. Today Ms. Dumas, was her nasty old self again when a new student showed up for class. Why does that woman always have an attitude? Also I hate that she talks when we take our quizzes. It’s as thought she can’t stand one second of silence.

As far as her class goes I got a 100 on the latest quiz. I hope and pray that I pass the Maryland Driver’s Test. With the attainment of my license I would be able to travel the outdoor art festival circuit on the weekends. This would of course mean more money for me! :)

The writing prompt for today says to look up your name in a baby book or on the internet. Does your name match your personality? If you could rename yourself, what name would you choose? Why?

I tried to go to the movies at the Towson Commons to see Bruce Almighty. I decided to take the number eight bus. The bus took about an hour and half to get there which made me miss my movie which had a start time of 4:45. I thought the bus would take about 20-30 minutes to make it into Towson. I know that if I drove there instead of taking the bus I know I could have made it there sooner. Oh, well better luck next time....

So instead I stayed on the bus and went downtown. I hung out at the Gallery and ate spaghetti and Caesar salad for dinner at Sbarro’s. The counter people at Sbarro’s were acting funny like they didn't notice that I wanted to order something. I don’t know it could have been that he didn’t speak English. I only got service when the black guy came out from the back.

The writing prompt for today says to write a story about the creepiest place you’ve ever been.

The high today got up to 92’. As I have wrote in previous blogs I live in a tiny apartment that does not come with air conditioning. I also cannot put air conditioning in because there are bars on my windows. So I spent the day at Security Square Mall window shopping and staying cool. I wanted to see a movie but nothing interesting was playing. Also I noticed that they moved the bus stop closer to the movie theater, which to me is a godsend. The main reason I head out to Security is to go to the movies.

The writing prompt for today says what would paradise be like for you? What would you do there?

American Bandstand (Theme Song to American Bandstand), Words by Barry Manilow and Bruce Sussman, Music by Charles Albertine, @1954 (Renewed) CHERIO CORP.

As everyone knows the theme music to American Bandstand was originally written in the 50’s. Barry Manilow added words to the music sometime in the late 70’s, early 80’s. I guess if you add words to a preexisting melody the copyright date doesn't change from the melodies original inception date. This is the only explanation I can come up with as to why the above song has a copyright date of 1954.

Today was simply wonderful! The sun was out all day! I ran into Starlinda Babb, she’s an old schoolmate from my elementary and middle school days. I ran into her at the bus stop downtown on Fayette street right across from the First Union building. We fell out of touch after we graduated from middle school. She went on to Western and I went to City. Today’s unexpected meeting was almost like synchronicty or something because I was thinking about her this weekend. She was the only other black girl I knew that liked listening to rock and roll music besides me. Her favorite group back in the day was Hall & Oates. My favorites were the Go-Go’s, The Cars, and The Police. We also shared a love of The Edge of Night, especially the character of, Skylar Whitney. Skylar was this rich handsome debonair millionaire who solved mysteries along with his wife, the ever tempetous Raven.

I have to say it was odd seeing her after all these years. She was the same yet different.... She still had the habit of calling who ever she’s taking to “darling”. Physically, she’s chubbier and her hair is beginning to gray. I found this very alarming because she’s the same age as I am!! Like me she isn't married or has kids so why the graying hair? Anyway, from what she’s told me she seems to being doing fine. She works as a secretary for the City. I was afraid to ask her about her mother. Mainly, I was afraid that she would tell me that her mother was dead. This would make me feel sad reminding me of my mother who was also dead. Mrs. Ruth Babb, Starlinda’s mother, was one of those very dedicated parents. She participated in many PTA events. I think she was in school so much that they eventually gave her job there.

Today, I hope to work on a brochure of black and white drawings. I figure I could just print it up inexpensively on my printer and it wouldn't take up too much disk space. I want to do this because I noticed that some of the markets in the 2003 Children’s Writer’s & Illustrators Market book only use black and white artwork.

Today’s writing prompt says basically, In the summer months, vacationers escape to tropical beaches and relaxing locales. What would paradise be like for you? What would you do there?

Love in Bloom (Theme Song to the Jack Benny Show), words and music by Leo Robin and Ralph Rainger, @1934 (Renewed 1961) by Famous Music Corporation

Today, I mostly just looked up markets for educational children’s books. One thing I’ve noticed is that the children’s book publishing world is very small. The 2003 Children’s Writer’s & Illustrators Market book has a listing of only 800+ markets. I had 500 postcards made to be used as samples. When I look in the book I noticed that some companies only want to deal with artist who have agents, or client list’s, and brochures. I may have to cull leads from my 2002 Artist’s & Graphic Designer’s Market. I’m not sure if this is a good idea because the book is a year old. However, the book has 2,100 listings which is more than in the Children’s Writer’s & Illustrators Market book. From the other book I think I may send out stuff to record companies. I want to do this because I noticed that a majority of the record company listings say they want you to send them postcards of your work. And, well hell, I’ve got tons of them!

I hope I don’t end out having to send my postcards as Christmas cards next year. I need 500 client leads!

Also today I started work on a play that was inspired by a listing in the 2003 Writer’s Market book. It was on page 870 amongst the listing for playwriting. It appears that my beloved Center Stage wants no... “Plays about bourgeois adultery, life in the suburbs, Amelia Earhart, Alzheimer’s, mid-life crisis, ‘wacky southerners’, fear of intimacy, Hemingway, Bible stories, backstage life, are unacceptable, as are spoofs and mysteries.” Also it lists Charlotte Standt as the resident dramaturg, I could have sworn a thousand times over that her last name is Stroud not Standt. Oh, well.....

The writing prompt for today says to make a list of words that evoke happy feelings from the reader:

Here’s my list:

sunny days..........money
sunshine..............millions
rainbows..............power
smiles..................hero
laughs..................blue skies
orgasms...............toned abs
ecstasy.................oral
tickles...................a puppy
giggles..................music
apple pie...............dance
snow days.............freedom
vacations...............The way Bob Barker says Brand New Car
free love.................ladies night
free sex..................babies
free beer.................bubbles
childhood................playground
pets.......................cats
hamsters................the ferret from that TV commercial
pizza......................ice cream
diamonds................jewelry

Mister Ed (Theme Song to the Mister Ed TV Show), Words and Music by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans, @1960 by ST. ANGELO MUSIC and JAY LIVINGSTON MUSIC, Copyright Renewed, All Rights of ST ANGELO MUSIC controlled and Administered by by MCA MUSIC PUBLISHING, a Division of MCA INC.

Today, I got one of my postcards back. It appears that I forgot to put a stamp on it. I just put a stamp on it and sticked it back in the post box. I hope that they will send it to the intended address and not send it back again to me. You see it was stamped saying postage due. Usually, when I get something like this back I would just put a new envelope and stamp on it. Since this is a postcard that I spent a lot of my own money making I would hate to waste it. So I just slapped a stamp on the postage due labeling. I hope that it makes it’s way to Richard C. Owen Publishers, Inc.

Also, I went to my driving class. I got a 100 on my quiz. So far so good! Ms. Dumas again let us out early. This is good because the class is supposed to end at 9:15. Personally, I do not want to be hanging around outside at night in that neighborhood which is just a hop and skip from Baltimore’s infamous Red Light district, better known as The Block.

The writing prompt for today I found hilarious, Here it goes, It’s officially the beginning of summer! Head outside today to find writing inspiration.

Right now it’s cold wet and rainy outside. When will this bloody weather end!

June 20, 200

Roll along
Wagon Train,
rolling over prairie where there ain’t no grass,
rolling over mountain where there ain’t no pass.
Sitting on a board, eyeing in the weather
praying to the Lord, we stay together, side by side
on the Wagon Train

Wagon Train (Theme Song: (Roll Along) Wagon Train), Words by Jack brooks, Music by Sammy Fain, @1958 Northern Music Company, Copyright renewed, Northern Music Company is an MCA Company

I have the day off today for the First Day of Summer which is actually tomorrow. Despite the change in season the weather is still cloudy and crappy...

Toady, I watched my soaps (The Young and the Restless, The Bold and the Beautiful, As The World Turns, One Life To Live, and General Hospital) live and in person not taped and went to my driving class. This time we didn't have a quiz because we are doing part one of a two part lesson. Ms. Dumas, decided to let us out early because of that. We get a quiz tomorrow after she finishes up with part two of lesson two.

Also, today, I went through my 2003 Children’s Writer’s and Illustrators Market book and printed out markets to send my artwork to. My target for this mailing were companies that did multicultural picture books. Next time my target will be publishers who specialize in educational material. All in all I mailed out 33 postcards today! I hope I get a sale!

The writing prompt for today says to visit a thrift store pick out an unusual object and write a story about where the object has been.

June 19, 2003

Today I starting driving school at the Pro Drive Driving School on Baltimore Street. I was a half an hour late. I thought that the class started at 6:30. Ooops! I will now try to make in there before the 6:00 start time.

The instructor is a woman named, Ms. Dumas. She talks very loudly and seems very stern. I have a feeling that most of the students in her class are terrified of her. I on the other hand find her mildly amusing. I guess this is because it’s been years since I’ve been in a classroom situation. I can almost predict what she will be yelling ‘er complaining about next before she even says it. Besides, it’s for only three weeks.

The driving class is small. There are seven students in her class including me. Also sadly it appears that I am the oldest student in her class. The class is primarily composed of males who appear to be in there teens or early twenties. The other female in her class is a tiny teenage girl. I think that the only other person in her class who is closest to me in age is a man who appears from his accent to be African.

So far things are going well. After each lesson she will be giving us a quiz. I got a 95 on my first quiz.

The writing prompt for today says to make a list of your birthdays, starting with the first on you can remember. How was it celebrated, what gifts did you receive, who was there?

I come from a working class black family. They never gave me presents for my birthday. I rarely had birthday parties. I would just have an occasional card or cake that, is if someone remembered.

This wasn’t because of money or anything like that we weren't exactly poor, struggling, and on welfare. My parents owned there own house and the mortgage was paid up already. It was just a case of being born 11 days after Christmas.

Here’s My List:
Age 6... birthday party with cake, Tony the next door neighbor was invited.

Age 9.... saw the movie, The Wiz, at the New Theater. It starred Diana Ross , Michael Jackson(when he was still black), Richard Pryor, Nipsey Russell, Ted Ross, Mabel King, and Lena Horne. It was snowing outside. My brother and cousin Kip went there with me. When we got back they had a surprise birthday party for me. Again, Tony, the next door neighbor was there. The cake tasted just like bubble gum. :) I swear to God it really did! I have no idea how my mother did this. Unfortunately, she’s dead now and I can’t ask her how you to make bubble gum cake. I think my grandniece would really like it.

For that birthday my brother gave me these white rabbit skin gloves with a matching hat and scarf. This was good because the snow that was coming down that evening would soon result in a major snowstorm that would shut down school for a couple of days. I think we got 11 inches of snow.

After this memorable party it was pretty much hit and miss. I would just get birthday cards if someone remembered. It’s sad I know that my family and friends haven't thrown me a party since 1980, that’s how life is if you’re born close to Christmas. The people at my various jobs have thrown me parties, but it’s not the same as when family and friends are there.

June 18, 2003

We had overtime today at work. I decided to do it. It’s been a long, long, time since I’ve seen the sun... Right now I feel like my life has turned into a New Order song where there’s this line that goes.....”I never thought my life would depend on the morning sun.” I believe the name of that song is True Faith.

The writing prompt for today says to practice your writing dialogue. Take one of your short stories and rewrite it into only dialogue between characters.

June 17, 2003

I’m very depressed today. I just got finished listening to a book on tape called, Never Change by Elizabeth Berg. It really bummed me out. It was about this nurse who cares for this terminally ill patient whom she’s adored from afar since high school. He asks her to help end his life. She agrees and decides that she will also end her own life too. He told her during the story that he loved her and wanted to marry her. She felt that life wouldn't be worth living without the man who loved her. The ending was meant to be uplifting but I was still saddened by the suicide in the book. By the way the nurse decided at the last minute that she didn’t want to die. The book overall was depressing and oh, so sad....

Reading this book plus the rainy dreary weather outside helped to push me into the depths of depression. I will now make a solemn vow to NEVER pick up a sad book to read on a cloudy, sunless, rainy, dreary, day.

Oh, by the way I have a new blog devoted to book reviews of things I’ve read. I call my other blog GJ Willis' Book Notes.

The Writer’s Digest writing prompt for today says to write a story in a genre that you’ve never tried before. For example if you write horror, then try your hand at writing romance.

I am greatly distressed because I can not upload images to this page. My mojo is gone. Maybe it shall return tomorrow.....

In other news I just finished completing three postcards that I intend to mail out. This will be my first foray in mail art. Unfortunately, as you have read I can’t post the images. I can’t even post a link to the bloody cards! I always thought that blogger was a reliable service. I suppose I thought wrong.....

I’m upset and I don’t feel like telling you what the Writer’s Digest writing prompt if for today.

The Odd Couple (Theme Song to The Odd Couple), Words by Sammy Cahan, Music by Neal Hefti, @1968 by Famous Music Corporation

This was another theme song I found the lyrics for. However, I can see why the words were never sung. They put a whole new subtext on, The Odd Couple. It makes them appear to be a gay couple. Which kind of makes me wonder if the original intention was for Felix and Oscar to be gay. Who knows maybe Neil Simon told the great lyricist Sammy Cahan his true intent for the show and he ran with it. The networks most likely were horrified and afraid that they’d loose sponsors. Thus, the instrumental version of the theme song was used. This is all pure speculation on my part. However, one thing is for sure, Felix, was definitely the most effeminate or queer acting of the two.

There appeared to be a problem with blogger earlier this morning I tried to upload pictures but no dice. I hope they fix the problem. I hope that I’m not single handedly maxing out the server with my need to show the pretty pictures I made. Well no one from Blogger has written me an angry letter saying, “Cut it out!”

I saw a car yesterday were the owner was asking for $500 for it. It was pretty old. The only thing wrong wrong it that I could see was that it needed a paint job. It was a BMW from the 80’s. I don’t know much about cars all I know is that I’ve always wanted to own a BMW since I was kid. I remember telling my brother that one of my goals in life was to own a BMW. If I got it I’d like to paint it purple or pink. I guess now I’ll have to wait to get my license and see what repairs are needed on Arlesia’s car. My dad said that he feel that it wouldn't cost more than $100-200 to have her car fixed. If the repairs on Arlesia’s old car is greater than $500 then I’ll just sell it and buy the geriatric BMW.

My nephew, Little David wants to get a computer. I told him I would be willing to contribute on getting him one. He said he’s not too particular on the type of computer all he wants to do is burn cd’s on it. He saw a Compaq in the newspaper on sale for around $400. I’m kind of leery about it. $400, sounds a wee to cheap to me. I don’t want to get him a computer and it breaks down five minutes later or the day after the warranty expires. Besides, I recall hearing a while back that Compaq makes lousy computers. Personally, I’d rather he get an eMac. I’m a bit biased on this because I love Macs. In fact I’m writing this blog on my ancient lime green iMac. To appear fair and unbiased I have a question for all you computer experts out their, “Can you give me the name of a good cheap computer that has a cd burner on it?”

The writing prompt for today says to write a children's story where all the characters are food items.

The Real McCoys (The Song to The Real McCoys), Words and Music by Harry Rush, @1958 by Bregman, Vocco & Conn, Inc., Copyright Renewed and Assigned 1986 to Harry Ruby Music, Administered by the Songwriters Guild of America

Today, I went to the movies to avoid the heat. When I made my weekly trek down to Lexington Market to buy my weekly supply of fruit, I was shocked. Yes, shocked to learn that according to an announcer on WYPR that it was already 89’ outside at 11 AM. One though came to mind and that was that if it was already 89’ so early in the morning it could only get hotter. My only choice of recourse was to make an executive decision. My decision was to go to the movies.

I didn’t really care too much what movie I saw. Right now there is no must see movies playing. There are just three movies that I have a vague interest in seeing, Bend It Like Beckham, The Italian Job, and Bruce Almighty.

I want to see Bend it Like Beckham because it’s gotten rave reviews and I have an interest in movies about cultural differences. Besides, I don’t know too much about Pakistani people, despite having a lot of Pakistani co-workers and classmates in college.

I have an interest in seeing The Italian Job again. because of the reviews. I also want to see it because of the cast. I’m curious to see what Mos Def does with his role. My interest in him began with his starring role in the Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway play, Top Dog/Underdog. Also I like Ed Norton. I feel he’s a very talented actor. I’ve seen him in a number of movies and have never been disappointed by his performance. My only gripe about Norton is his insistence that he’s from Baltimore. Norton is from Columbia, Maryland, the suburbs, albeit a very nice affluent one. The only drawback for me about seeing the movie was Marky Mark Wahlberg. I have never really liked Marky Mark Wahlberg. I’m still angry at him because of the racist comments he made to one of his black bodyguard during the filming of Planet of the Apes. I still do not understand why he was ever chosen to be a Calvin Klein model. He looks very plain and ordinary. Heck, to further emphasize it Wahlberg looks like he’s from Baltimore.

I want to see Bruce Almighty because it’s in the Top 5 grossing movies for last week. Ok, ok the real reason is because I’m a closeted Jim Carrey fan. I will never, I say NEVER admit this to anyone in my life. I feel so ashamed for admitting that Jim Carey makes me laugh. It feels so out of character for me a vegetarian, NPR listening, Ralph Nader voting, tree hugging hippie to admit. I’ve based my entire life on being unique, following the road less traveled. My personal motto has been that if 1 Million Elvis fans like it then avoid it at all costs.

The movie I ended up seeing today was The Italian Job.The main number one reason I went to see this movie was because of Ed Norton, Mos Def, and Seth Green. I also was surprised by Chalize Theron in the movie.

As usual Ed Norton pulled in a stellar performance. I was absolutely stunned to find out during a plot twist that he was the villain. I got to say he had me convinced that he was a ruthless killer. Mos Def’s character was barely there. I wish he had more lines. Seth Green played a computer hacker. I would hardly call Green’s character a major acting stretch for him. Charlize Theron also was better than expected. I’ve never seen a movie with Theron in it. All I know about her is that she appears in a lot of glossy magazines wearing really nice clothes and showing off her body. I was surprised that she could actually act. However, I still vehemently hate Marky Mark Wahlberg.

Todays writing prompt is to reread one of your favorite books then write a poem from one of the character’s point of view.

Star Trek (Theme Song Theme To Star Trek) Words by Gene Roddenberry, Music by Alexander Courage, @1966(Renewed 1994), 1970 by Bruin Music Company

This goes into the Believe It or Not category. Yes, I was just as shocked as you were to find out that there are lyrics to the Star Trek theme. It appears that series creator, Gene Roddenberry, was also a lyricist, not a great one, but a lyricist nonetheless.

This is one bit of Star Trek trivia that I wonder if my ex-boyfriend, Michael, knew about. Michael, was a Trekkie but hated being referred to as such. His entire apartment was dedicated to all things Star Trek. He owned the uniforms, had ship replica’s, posters, autographed trading cards. He could even tell you stats on the various classes of ships. He took me to my first star Trek Convention at the Marriott in Towson. I’m more of a Star Wars fan than Star Trek fan. Therefore, I found his ability to quote Star Wars and Yoda endearing. After a while it became annoying. But still I found his ability and knowledge of different sci-fi genres mesmerizing

Come to think of it the majority of men I’ve been involved with or have had crushes on have been geeks. I don’t believe I’ve ever dated any one who was an alpha male. David is the only one who comes closest to being normal. David has never seen Star Wars, hates sci-fi, does not own a computer, and does not collect comic books. In fact we don’t have very much extracurricular interests in common, yet, somehow we work.

Nothing terribly exciting happened today except that I received a card from the woman who bought my poster at the auction for the Sowebo posters. She wrote that the poster is now hanging in the teachers dining room at the Learning Bank on Baltimore Street. I hope one day to visit my poster.

Don’t get me wrong I’m very excited to hear where it ended up at. In the back of my mind, worse case scenario I pictured it as never being bid on and sitting in a closet somewhere or in the trash never to be seen again by human eyes. It’s only acquaintances dust bunnies and rats. It’s nice to know that it is hanging somewhere and was not abandoned and all alone.

Today’s writing prompt says to write a story in which a horrifying chain of events happens to the main character, Happy Friday the 13th!!!

77 Sunset Strip (Theme Song to 77 Sunset Strip) Words and Music by Mack David and Jerry Livingston, @ 1959 PolyGram International Publishing, Inc. and hallmark Music Co., Inc.

Today, was a banner day for me despite the rain. I paid for my driving classes at the downtown Pro Drive Driving School and I found out that someone bought my Sowebo Festival poster.

First off I’d like to thank my wonderful niece Arlesia, who gave me her old car. The reason for this is that she has recently bought herself a brand new car and does not want the old one anymore. I feel that the real reason she is doing this is as payback. You see when she was younger I took her on her first shopping trip to New York and I also took her and her brother David, to Disney World. Back then (the late 90’s) I could afford to play the role of the pseudo rich eccentric aunt. I also wanted to take her younger sister Alexis as well, but I can’t get into the long winded reason why she didn't go....That’s for another Blog.... So I’ll give you your own pick of reasons who Alexis didn't go:

A.) Do to Legal Reason She Couldn't Leave the State of Maryland
B.) She Didn’t Want to Go
C.) To Punish Her, Her Mother Refused To Give Permission

Thanks Arlesia! Thanks Arlesia! Thanks Arlesia! Thanks Arlesia!

The driving school I will be going to is called the Pro Drive Driving School. I have no idea what there reputation is. I chose them because they were close to where I live. One thing I got to say is the guy who was in charge of registration, Mr. Law, has got to be the slowest man on Earth. He’s like the Black version of the guy on Win Ben Stein’s Money. I kept fighting back the urge to yell, “Speed It up!!” This I felt would be a bad thing to say while registering for driving classes.

My classes start next Thursday evening and will run for three weeks. The majority of students registering for the evening classes I noticed were older. This would mean I would be taking classes with my peers.

I hope the instructor for my classes will be a much livelier person than the aforementioned Mr. Law. In just three weeks I may be driving a car, Not Just any Car, MY CAR! Wish me Luck!!

Also today I got an email from Scotty Stevens. Scotty wrote that someone bought my Sowebo Festival poster. Wow, I still can’t believe it! Since I’m not a well known area artist I felt that no one would be interested in it. Looks like someone was interested in it after all.

The writing prompt for today is to research an exotic remote destination and use this setting for your next story.

I Love Lucy (Theme Song To I Love Lucy TV Show), lyrics by Harold Adamson, music by Eliot Daniel, @1953 (Renewed) Desilu Music Corp.

Yes, boys and girls those are the lyrics to the Lucy Show. I believe Desi sang them once in a show where he was playing at the Havana club or was it the Copacabana club? I don’t have cable so my classic TV memories are kind of fuzzy. The lyrics are genuine I again got them out of the Classic TV theme show piano book

It’s time I admit my inconsequential lofty cyber artist goals for 2003. My lofty goal is to beat TeAnne on Wetcanvas for most Projects completed. Currently, TeAnne ranks #1 with 253 projects completed that averages out to 70% participation. Right now I’ve completed 16 projects. So as you can see I’ve got quite a way to go. I figure that if I can complete 5 or 10 projects a week I might be well on my way to at least making Top 20.

I know that this is a stupid goal. As far as I know you don’t win a prize for completing most projects on wetcanvas nor do you get a write up in major art magazine, or an interview on NPR. I just think it would be neat to be ranked in the Top 20 just by merit alone. It would almost be like getting Girl Scout Merit badges. Growing up I always wanted to be in Girl Scouts but my parents could’nt afford to it.

Today, nothing earth shattering happened. I went to the downtown Enoch Pratt Library to return some books. I looked through other Baltimore Blogs and wondered how is that some of them have links to each other. Is there some sort of Baltimore Blog club I don’t know about. If so how do you join?

The writing prompt for the day says that if you could revoke one celebrity’s stardom, who would it be, and why?

The celebrity stardom I would revoke is the Pauly Shore. I know he’s washed up. But I still can’t over the fact that he ever had a career. He’s an unfunny talent less hack. The only reason he ever got jobs in the Industry is because his mother is some big time comedy club owner.

Dobie (Theme Song to The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis), Lyrics by Max Schulman, Music by Lionel Newman, @1959 (Renewed) by Weiss & Barry, Inc.

Finally, against all odds know to man. I turned in a sketch from my sketchbook to Artscape. Above is the sketch I submitted. I did it in the fall of 2002 after I won a set of Holbien oil pastels on eBay. I chose this one because it’s one of my favorite sketches. It was done with oil pastel. I love doing sketches with oil pastel because in my opinion it gives you an idea of how the colors will look in the final painting. It gives you the opportunity to play with the colors and get an idea of the problems you might encounter before you tackle the actual painting.

I do not know if my sketch will be among the final selected for display at Artscape. However, you can bet your bottom dollar that I’ll be hoping and praying real hard that it will. If it’s not selected then I can assume that they were looking for more avant garde experimental sketches or things sketched with traditional media.

Anyway, also so that you will know I also sent in the two entries that I wrote for Writer’s Digests monthly contests.

The writing prompt for today says to take a scene from an earlier short story and expand it. Describe the colors, sounds, scents, and feelings.

Hogans Heroes March (Theme Song To Hogan’s Heroes), words and music by Jerry Fielding, @1966 ASCO Music

Ha! I bet y’all didn't know that there were actual lyrics to Hogan’s Heroes. I found it one of my many music books. I did mention that in addition to being an artist/writer I’m also a closet keyboard player. Meaning I can play the keyboard/piano but I’m too frightened to play in front of a real live people other than friends and family.

Today, I am suffering through the aftermaths of a cold. I’m sure I got infected on Friday or Saturday. Friday seems suspicious because I wore damp clothes to work that I had to iron dry. I was sneezing a lot all of that. Also Saturday seems likely because it was raining that day and when I got home later that night I found that my socks were still wet. Also my throat was getting sore.

I took the day off from work today. I barely got any sleep last night because of my stuffy nose. Whenever that happens I become afraid that I might die in my sleep and end up not falling to sleep at akk. Besides, I didn't want to go into work half sleepy and make a million errors and have everyone mad at me. As of 12 pm today I have my decongestant and throat spray and now I’m ready for action! All that’s wrong with me now is a runny nose and sneezing. If I’m still stuffy tonight I suppose I’ll be too drugged to notice.

Also I got an email today about a call for artist for the local Pigtown Festival. I think I may do it. However, I won’t do it unless I can con.....‘er, talk my nieces in joining me in working the booth. They both have had experiences mining a cash register. I have none. That’s my primary hesitance in doing art festivals on a regular basis. I’m afraid I might mess up someone's money who hands me cash. I was never that good at math. If there was a guarantee that all transactions must be charge. Then I’m there baby. I suppose if I do the festival I would have to invest in a credit card machine. I know that not all customers are willing to charge their purchases some people still actually carry money.

The writing prompt for today is to send in my entry for the Your Assignment portion of the magazine. This is a monthly contest that the magazine holds. Top prize is $100 worth of Writer’s Digests books.
Also they have another monthly contest called, Your Opening Line. The top prize for that contest is a a copy of the 2003 Novel and Sort Story Writer’s Market. Just for kicks I think I’ll do both assignments and turn them in.

Your Assignment Entry:

Writers: We make things literal!

Opening Line Entry:

Even though my journey began 365 days ago, I still cannot believe that I am literally shrunk down to the size of Natasha’s hamster!

All Apologies, words and music by Kurt Cobain @1993 Virgin Songs/The End of Music BMI

I was shocked today when just for the heck of it I did a Goggle search on my name. I thought I’d try it because I learned recently that if you add quotation marks to the search it makes it more precise. So I searched, “Gail Willis” Baltimore. In addition to my Amazon book reviews I could not believe what I came up with. I’m listed among the artist exhibiting at Artscape. I have yet to turn in my page for the exhibit. It’s due June 15, 2003. I’d better get hopping. I wouldn't want to let down my public down. :)

I feel bad for missing out on the Sowebo auction that I thought was held at the Carriage House last night. It turns out the auction was held today. Anyway, I just couldn't bare it. I was afraid that if I went there no one would bid on my poster and if I did go there what if no one bid on my work at all? I decided that I’d have one rainy miserable night on my own without worrying about if my poster sold or not.

I spent the remainder of the day browsing at the inner harbor Barnes and Noble book store. I went there after the play to pick up my new favorite art magazine, International Artist. While there I toyed with the idea of buying a book I’ve always wanted, the The Complete Italian Vegetarian cookbook. However, the damned thing is huge! It has no indication of fat, calorie, or fiber content. By the way I’m still following Weight Watchers and I need to know that information. To top off all the negatives the book costs $35. I still want the book so badly I can taste it. Oh well, maybe next time.

Today’s writing prompt says to write a story where you appear as the bad guy.

“Mr. Jacobs’ what’s the matter?”, said the little boy.
“She’s coming to town. I can feel it.”
“Who’s coming?”
“That Willis woman that run’s those Bad Men back up in Miller’s Creek.”
“Oh, no! I heard my Ma and Pa talking something awful about her. I’m scared Mr. Jacobs!”
“Go home to your Ma and Pa, son. I’m sure Sheriff Milo will gather up a posse to run her and the Bad Men out of town.”

The little boy ran as fast as he could out of the General Store. He ran so fast that he forgot to pay for the candy that was in his hand. Mr. Jacobs, the owner of the general store took a drag on his pipe looked out the window and said, “Yep, she’s coming.”

Just then Sheriff Milo came into the store. “Jacobs, you hear all that wild commotion up there on the hill. I think that Willis woman and her Bad Men are fixing to come here and terrorize our town again. We gotta do something!” “I agree Sheriff. I’m more than willing to join a posse to run her and her gang out of this town.”
”Jacobs, are you sure you’re up to it?”
”You don’t think I’m up to it do you? Just because I’m a little gray on top doesn't mean I can’t still be useful. My sight ain’t so bad that I can’t see to shoot a gun.””Sheriff, what are going to do?”, said Mr. Jacobs, “Everyone is afraid of that woman and her gang.”
”I guess the only thing for us to do Jacobs is to go and set up in another town.”
”Sheriff, you can’t be serious! We can’t let that woman and her Bad men run us away! we’re stronger than that! Why we can’t just up and run when things go bad. What kind of lesson would that be teaching our young'uns?”
”It’ll be teaching them how to stay alive!” Sheriff Milo ran off towards the jail packed his things got on his horse and galloped away.”Cowards, they’re all cowards!”, muttered Mr. Jacobs as he looked around at all the town folks scurrying away gathering up their goods for a hasty retreat. “Don’t they know they’re all damned cowards! Stand up! Damn you and fight! Fight!!” No one was listening to Mr. Jacobs in the sea of the commotion to leave the Oxen Hill settlement.

Just then a shot rang out. The sound of the heavy thunder of horse’s could be heard drawing closer. “Oh! No! They were closer than we thought!”, someone shouted out. Just then a throaty female laugh pierced the sky. “People of Oxen Hill. We’re the new law in town!” Then the other twelve bad men joined in the evil throaty laughter. They began to shoot their guns at the townsfolk in what seemed a random sport. The settlement of Oxen Hill was now at the beck and call of that Willis woman and her gang of Bad Men forever more.

One More Night, words and music by Phil Collins, @1984 Phil Collins Ltd., Published by Hit & Run Music (Publishing) Ltd.

Ironically enough, it was raining today when I saw The Rainmaker at Center Stage. The play was excellent. I laughed out loud a million times. The Rainmaker is now tied with Ain’t Misbehavin as my favorite play for Center Stage’s 2002-2003 season.

I was saddened to find out that this is the last play that Tim Vasen will direct for Center Stage. Tim Vasen was in his fifth and final season as Center Stage’s Resident Director. The Rainmaker definitely goes down as one of his most memorable directorial achievements. Of the plays he has directed my favorites in no particular order have been, The Woman in Black, Dinah Was, and Short Plays by Thornton Wilder. I never saw the two plays that he also got raves for, The Glass Menagerie with Robert Sean Leonard, and Blithe Spirit.

The Rainmaker


By N. Richard Nast


The Cast

Matthew Boston
NOAH CURRY

Tom Ligon
H.C. CURRY

Kevin Wheatley
JIM CURRY

Katie MacNichol
LIZZIE CURRY

Jeffrey Ware
SHERIFF THOMAS

Thomas M. Hammond

DEPUTY FILE

Kevin Isola
BILL STARBUCK

THE SETTING
In a Western state during a time of drought.

Henry “H.C.” Curry has some problems. There is no rain, his ranch is suffering, and cattle are dying in droves. His elder son, Noah, manages the ranch and frets, trying to run the family like an orderly business. Jim, the youngest, is either tuning in faraway places on his crystal radio set or scooting off with town flirt, Snookie McGuire in her new car. Daughter Lizzie, the sensible bedrock of the family, has them all stumped in their best efforts to get her married off. She just can’t talk to a man without scaring him away. Maybe Deputy File, the town’s most eligible bachelor (seems a widower from way back), can be lured over with a promise of supper? Or maybe the smooth talking Starbuck can help, the stranger who just rolled up in a wagon, promising to bring rain-and-hope for a flat fee. Can all his fancy stories and all his magic bring a downpour to the dry places inside and out?

The play was an enjoyable magical mix of a comedy as well as a romance. The stage set gave you a feeling of a drought. It was designed on a very extreme slant. I know that almost all stage plays are on a slant of some kind but this one seemed more extreme than usual.

The stage floor had the look of parched earth or stone. I thought this was neat because it gave the feel of a drought. Also the backdrop was a painting of the sky with a series of telephone poles doting the landscape. This gave it the feel of the open spaces you find in the Mid-west.

My favorite standout performers in this play are Kevin Wheatley, Tom Ligon, Katie MacNichol, and Kevin Isola.
Here’s my brief summary of each individual actor’s performance.

The man who played Deputy File, Thomas M. Hammond was an absolute dead ringer for Harry Connick Jr. I half way expected him to break into song any second. His performance was also very laid back like I’d imagine Harry Connick Jr.would be if he had this role. I found it difficult to believe that this guy(Deputy File) was passionate about anything. He seemed to be sleepwalking through life. I still can not believe that Lizzie chose him over Starbuck

Kevin Isola who played Bill Starbuck aka the rainmaker was very energetic. He kind of reminded me of the way Fonzi played the role in that Happy Days episode I vaguely remembered from long ago. Despite his energy he was shorter than the woman who played Lizzie. In the back of mind I kept thinking he’s a miniature man! Why I could just put him in my pocket! Overall, he gave the right tone to a character you could call a dreamer despite his coning ways. I honestly felt he believed the lies he was telling. I also felt sorry for him when Lizzie chose boring unimaginative Deputy File over him.

Tom Ligon who played the part of gruff, H.C. Curry, seemed vaguely familiar to me. When I looked back at my play book during intermission I knew why. He has a lot of TV and film credits. His noted TV credits include, Alvin Wood on Oz, and Lucas Prentiss on the Young and the Restless. In the movies he played Piney Woods in Bang the Drum Slowly (in which he sang the title song), and Horton Fenton in Paint Your Wagon. Paint Your Wagon was a movie oddity which I loved. It is the only musical to feature, tough guy actor, Clint Eastwood singing and dancing.Ligon was absolutely the best person for the part. I have no criticisms what so ever.

Matthew Boston who played Noah did an adequate job. There were times when I felt it seemed like he stumbled through his lines. Also it seemed like he was mumbling half the time. I don’t know, his characterization just did not seem strong to me.

Kevin Wheatley as Jim did an excellent job. I really did feel that he was stupid. I couldn't discern any miscues or stumbling or mumbling like I did in the guy who played Noah. There was absolutely no over emoting. He had his character down pat. I hope to that Wheatley makes it big.

Two returning actors for this show were Katie MacNichol and Jeffrey Ware who played Lizzie Curry and Sheriff Thomas respectively.

Katie MacNichol’s performance was good. However, there were times when she seemed to over emote and I could tell she was “acting”. I did feel a little creeped out in the scene where she pretends to be the town flirt with her father and starts to tickle him and then he tickles her. In the back of my mind I thought, incest? However, I know that this wasn't Nash’s intention when he wrote the play in the sexually innocent 50’s. It was my cynical 21st century mind working overtime. Overall, MacNichol’s performance was good. I really did believe she was Lizzie.

However, the actress was beautiful despite her character’s insistence that she was plain. It kind of reminded me of if someone like Nicole Kidman was in this play. I imagine that audience goers would role their eyes every time she said she was plain. This was how I felt watching the play. When her brother Noah said she was plain I was shocked and felt like crying. I mean look at this woman! She’s a knockout! Are you blind!!

Jeffrey Ware is another returning actor. Overall, Ware’s performance was adequate. It was not the center standout role like he had in The Investigation. The character he played kind of reminded me of Barney Fife. I didn't hate him. I didn't like him. My feelings are neutral on his role because it was so small. I do know that he can deliver the goods and create a connection of emotion like he did in, The Investigation.I believe I gave him raves for his standout performance as the vicious Nazi Fredrich Boger in that play. Also earlier in the season he read Eliahu in the First Look workshop of Mott Lerner’s, “wonderful, incendiary” The Murder of Issac, both directed by Irene Lewis.

Hmmmm, two consecutive season at Center Stage, how unusual. I wonder if they’re thinking of making him an Associate Artist. Making an actor an Associate Artist in my opinion is a huge complement because then they are a part of the staff. It means in short that they really, really like you. Currently, there are seven Associate Artists at Center Stage they are, Wiley Conley (a deaf actor and playwright), Judy Dennis (casting director), Robert Dorfman (an actor that does broad comedic roles), Karen Hansen (musician/composer), Danny Hoch (actor/playwright who does one man shows where a he talks about his life as a white boy who’s into the hip hop culture), Marion Mclinton (director of African American plays), and last but not least, Laurence O’Dwyer (lovable elderly actor).

The writing prompt for today is to write about what you avoid doing more than anything else and explain why.

The one thing I avoid doing more than anything is washing my underpants at the laundromat. The reason for this is that I’m still creeped about a time long ago when I in my teens and in a rush to leave the laundromat. I was in such a rush that I left my blue underpants in the washing machine. As I was leaving out the door a man held up my underpants and said, “Miss you forgot these.” I was horrified to have a strange man touch my wet underwear. I vowed that that would never happen again. Who knows where his hands had last been? To this very day I wash my underpants by hand to avoid the possibility of a stranger coming in contact with them.

Happy Trails To You (Theme Song To The Roy Rogers Show), words and music by Dale Evans, @1951, 1952 (Renewed 1979, 1980) by Paramount-Roy Rogers Music Company, Inc.

Today, was my company’s annual cookout. I wore my newly bought company t-shirt to work to show my team spirit. We had to pay for our t-shirt out of our own money. This wasn't too bad as the shirts only cost $6. Basically, the cookout was just free food on our lunch break then we had to go back to work afterwards. The food was served by the high muckety mucks upstairs. I have no idea what their names are or what they do. All I know is that they make more money than I do and drive nicer cars.

Also today, I got on a brand new bus. I immediately hated the interior design of the bus. I hated the gray colored seats. Couldn’t they have come up with a brighter cheerier color like the previous blue interior. The ceiling to this bus was so high that I almost felt that it was meant for giants. I hated that there were steps **inside** the bus towards the back but non leading inside. But most of all I hated the old fashioned yellow line pulls. In the example photo I gave of the interior design of the bus you can see it if you look closely behind the guy in the wheelchair. You can see a bit of it by the window where his head is. Line pulls are simultaneously inconvenient and old fashioned.

I found it inconvenient if you’re standing up and you have to ring the bell to get off. This is convenient for those who are sitting down to ring for their next stop but shear hell for anyone who’s standing up. I feel that the previous design was a lot better for people standing up on crowded buses. The previous design had a section of stripping that was convenient for those who are standing up to ring for their next stop without having to ask someone sitting down to do it.

I suppose the reason why they pulled this bus out today was to justify the recent price hike in bus fares. This bus was not a justification it’s more an example of wasted money. Don’t they realize that the average MTA rider is female and not a 6’5 basketball player?

I later found out through my search on the web that the buses were made by a German company called Neoplan. Therefore,this bus was meant for tall Germans not a 5’3 American woman. I found out this information through my . It’s a website run by a guy who works for the MTA. I’ve often gone there when I could not find any detailed information on the official MTA website. Adam Paul is very helpful and seems to really, really, really love his job. I like this section on his website that I stumbled accidentally on. It’s a section on the people and personalities of the MTA. I found it both funny and enlightening. I think I actually got on the bus once with the preacher man he describes.

The writing prompt for today is to think back to a time when you were passionate about a political issue. Then write a story in which the main character is affected by this issue.

Howdy Doody (Theme Song To It’s Howdy Doody Time) words and music by Edward George Kean, @1956 (Renewed 1984) Living Music Inc. All Rights Controlled and Administered by EMI Blackwood Music Inc.

Today was pretty good the sun came out at intervals. Seeing the sun helped boost my spirits.

Right now I’m agonizing over whether I should tear out a page from one of my many sketchbooks or to design a page especially for Artscape. The deadline for submissions is June 15th. So I know I’d better hop to it and reach an executive decision soon.

I’m also giving a lot of thought to opening up a cafepress store on the web. I have always wanted to sell prints of my work. Having an online store through them would definitely make it easier.

Cafepress has two store options you can either open a free store or a premium store. The folks on ebsq suggest that the smart thing to do would be to open a free store first then order a few of my own to judge the quality before ponying up money for a premium store. Quite a few of the artist on ebsq are knowledgeable on this issue because they have cafepress stores of their own. Next I suppose I’ll be anguishing over what to call my store. Then next I’ll be anguishing over how to handle my taxes. Is my art a business or a hobby? I know the answer to that but I ain’t saying.......

If I haven't said it already I have Asperger’s Syndrome. Thus, I’m more of a people observer than interacter. My circle of friends is extremely small and is usually limited to geeky males. I have one female friend but all she wants to talk about is her damned kid.

I’m positive that the people I went to school with thought I was cold and standoffish. The number one question that people have asked me throughout my life has been, “Gail, why are you so quiet?” I never quite knew how to answer them. I’d usually just shrug my shoulder and say murmur, “I don’t know. I just am.”

My quietness and lack of verbal communication was never deliberate. It’s just how I’m wired. I have autism for Christ sakes! We’re not known for being stunning conversationalist. Our motto I guess you could say would be something like, “Just the facts, ma am.” or “A little less talk. A little more action.”

Please don't cry for me because I have autism. The richest man on the planet,Bill Gates, has Asperger’s Syndrome and I doubt that anyone feels sorry for him. The form I have obviously is mild or I would not have been capable of graduating from high school and college or building four web sites and composing stuff to put into this here blog. So don’t cry for me Argentina. I view my autism more as a blessing than a curse. Besides, I’ve had it all my life and I haven't the foggiest idea what it’s like to be an NT.

The writing prompt for the day is to write about your last day of school experiences whether it be kindergarten, high school or college. Why are these all starting to sound like a school writing project? Hey, I should be going to therapy to forget that I ever went to school.

I’m doing this on the forgotten years...aka Middle School at Booker T. Washington Middle School.

The one that stands put in my mind about the last day of school at old Booker T. was the heat. I can remember the day as if it were happening now. I was late for school as usual. I rarely was on time school as a kid. I was usually 10-15 minutes late on average. That day, however, I was a full hour late. I didn't care it was the last day of school. I hated the last day of school it was pointless. Grades had already been determined and all you did was sit around and do busy work.

In the 80’s like other Baltimore City schools we did not have air conditioned classrooms. I did’nt want to go because I knew it would be a day spent in heat. I could have stayed home in air conditioned luxury but my mother was adament about my not missing any time from school. The only thing I can recall about the day was sitting on the floor in the dark as a fan blew hot air on me. It felt as though it was the longest, most pointless day of my life.

Hazel (Theme Song to the TV show Hazel), words and music by Howard Greenfield and Jack Keller, @1965 (Renewed 1993) Screen Gems-EMI Music Inc. and Careers-BMG Music Publishing, Inc.

The above picture is a painting I’m currently working on. The changes I’m thinking of making are to: lengthen the table a little more, change the color of the table cloth, highlights to the woman’s arm to reflect the glow of the crystal ball, and even out the base of the crystal ball. I’d also like to define the floor a little more. Right now it looks flat and cartoonist. I’d also like to brighten the area up around the candlesticks to create a glow.

Thankfully, today I didn't have to bust a cap in the ass of those feathery goons. I had the fan on (brrrr) and thus a peaceful nights sleep (zzzzzz).

It’s hard to believe that the first day of summer is two weeks away. The weather we’ve been having lately has been cold and gray with intermittent showers. It’s felt more like Seattle around here than Baltimore in the summer. We had a little relief this Monday when the sun finally came out. Oh, well, I suppose this is better than going through a draught.

Todays writing prompt is to imagine you’re a speech writer for any president in the history of the United States. Write a speech for him to give during an important moment of his presidency.

The inauguration speech of George Walker Bush

My fellow Americans I come here today to admit to you that the rumors are true. I am not the rightful president of the United States. The election was fixed. I know that what I did was wrong. However, there is nothing you can do about it. So you better all just sit back and shut up because there’s a new sheriff in town.

I’m on My Way, words and music by Charlie and Craig Reid @1988 Warner Bros. Music Ltd. Admin by WB Music Corp. (ASCAP)

The above picture is a painting I did called Dance Class. It's one of my all time favorite's.

I wonder if it’s possible to place a hit on a chirping bird? For the last two nights I’ve been awaken by the sounds of a bird that apparently does not know it’s still dark outside. The tweeting appears to start around 4-5 am I’m not sure. Usually, around this time of year the sound would not have come to my attention because I would have had the fan on blotting out all outside noises. Lately, it hasn't been particularly hot or cold outside. For all I know this bird could have always been happily chirping away for the past four years without my knowledge. Anyway, to avoid waking up earlier than needed I’ll have to bite the bullet and turn on the fan. I’ll be sure and bundle up good tonight.

The Writer’s Digest writing prompt for the day is to randomly select five words out of the dictionary and use them in an opening paragraph to a short story. Hmmm, here goes nothing.

The five words I will be using are skydiving, forage, tatami, citizen, and analysand.

Corporal McNally sat on the dull well worn tatami on the floor of prison he was being held in. He had always wanted to visit Japan but not in this capacity. All in all, he thought to himself, he’d rather be skydiving than here. This thought made him chuckle because he had a life long fear of heights. McNally thought back to happier times. He smiled at the memory of visiting juke joints in Mississippi on steamy Saturday nights. The thought of being back home on his family farm feeding the cattle forage made him smile. This memory most of all warmed his heart. He so loved the animals there. He also thought back once again on how he, Corporal Newt McNally, son of a tenant farmer, ended up in a Japanese prison. It was a wild twist of fate that started his adventure into the nightmare he was now in. Just like all the able bodies men in his town he signed up for the war because it was the right thing to do for a law abiding patriotic citizen. Little did he know that this simple act would start his descent into madness. He would be for ever more a patient, a mere analysand to a sinister psychoanalyst.

Still The Night, words and music by Sammy Llanas and Kurt Neumann aka The Bodeans

I thought I’d start this blog off with me favorite Bodeans song in it's entirety, Still The Night. I could not find the name of their publishing company or the year that it originally came out. I got the song lyrics off the internet. The version that I have is the live one off their best of cd entitled Slash and Burn, Best of The Bodeans.

I have a Writer’s Digest magazine for the month of June. I think it would be fun to do the writing prompts and publish them here. I can’t quiet start on the prompt for today because I haven't finished reading the books I selected to review. The books I’ve chosen that were published this year are Evenings at Five by Gail Godwin, Just Like a River by Muhammad Kamil-al-Khatib, and Welcome To Fred by Brad Whittington. I selected these books because they were short. I didn't want to have another fiasco like I did when I tried to get through Jacklyn Susann’s, Valley of the Dolls. The prose was overly flowery and tedious. I just couldn't get into it. Also the reason why I selected three books as opposed to one was in case one of the book’s was painful to get through. I figure the odds are small that all three would be painful to complete. On or before June 30, 2003 I’ll have my book review of a new book posted to this blog.

I’ll start off on the exercise for July 1 which is to write a letter to your favorite high school teacher and to be sure and send it. I won’t send it I’ll just post it here.

Hmmmm, I have two choices I could either write a letter to my favorite to look dreamily at, Joel Tallman or I could also write a letter to the teacher whom I consider to be the most influential, Allen Rosskopff.

Lets start off with Joel Tallman who by the way was never my teacher. He was just this good looking guy that I prayed would be my English teacher. The closest I came to Joel being my teacher was his stint as my homeroom teacher during Senior Year. Joel as you’ve probably guessed it was a very good looking man in the 80’s but not quiet in the Ingo Rademacher, born of angels drop dead gorgeous, too perfect for words, fall all over yourself in a puddle of drool kind of way. Heck, if he looked looked like Ingo Rademacher I doubt if I would have been able to think straight after that much exposure. I’d have to say that the celebrity he most resembles is Paul Walker, the blonde haired guy from The Fast and Furious movies.

I still can still vividly remember the first time I ever saw Joel. I was staying late to make up for some I work I missed in my freshman English class. I do not recall the teachers name whose work I was making up that day. I do recall that she was a tall black woman who was from originally from New York. It was late in the afternoon she had earlier turned the lights off and the shades were drawn to deflect from the heat outside.

Then as I was doing whatever I was doing I noticed that she was having a very animated conversation with someone. I looked up and noticed a very handsome blonde haired man in a tan suit who carried a briefcase. I assumed he was her boyfriend or something.

I still can recall the conversation that they had. She revealed that she was taking guitar lessons. I didn't think anything of this because she was something of a flake. Then the conversation drifted over to One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest. They both agreed that Jack Nicholson was a great actor and that they were considering showing the movie next year to their students! Gasp!! THEIR STUDENTS!!

Then I remember thinking in horror, Noooo! Nooo! Nooo! That gorgeous man can’t be teacher!! Is he insane!!! Half mad! Why people who look like that ought to be modeling or working as a young hot shot attorney, or a young hot shot business exec, maybe even a young hot shot test pilot!! Basically, any glamorous profession that you can think of that you could prefix with young hotshot. I remember thinking to myself he’s wasting his talents, whatever they were.

Later I learned that there was just a 6-7 year age difference between us. This of course made my young brain reel. He was young handsome and dangerously close to our age. For all I know Joel could have gone to seed by now. He could be this chubby, balding 40something with a major flatulence problem.

My letter to Joel would be brief:

Joel baby,

Remember me I was in your homeroom class at City? Black chick with the glasses? How’s it going dude! First off three question, are you married, in a seriously committed relationship, or gayer than a Disney cow? No! No! I’m not trying to get with you. Just curious is all. I gotta say back in the day you was one fine ass mother. Mmmm, Mmmm, Mmmm! Later, Dude.

My other favorite teacher was Allen Roskopff. Mr. Rosskopf was like Papa Smurf. I could never bring myself to refer to him as Allen, he’ll always be Mr. Rosskopff to me. Unlike Joel he wasn’t anywhere near our age. He was an adult. He had a wife and a grown daughter and stuff. I’m not sure is Mr. Rosskopff is still alive and I wouldn't want to insult his memory, however no kidding the celebrity he most resembles is ,Charles Manson without the swastika on his forehead. One day someone bought in a picture of Charles Manson and we noted in horror that he was a dead ringer for Mr. Rosskopff who happens to be Jewish.

He was the one teacher I had that encouraged my writing. He was also the only person I met who openly admits to be a sadist. Trust me he could be one tough bastard if pushed. He also told wonderful stories that could last the entire length of a class period. This would mean that we had no class work or test that day if someone could get him off and talking.

I had brief contact with him a couple of years ago through my stint as a telemarketer. I learned that he was no longer teaching at City and that he wanted us to take him off our list.

If I wrote him a letter I’d ask him if he went to school with my idol Marc Steiner. This is under the assumption that Mr. Rosskopff and Marc attended City at the same time. They both roughly appear to be around the same age.

My letter to Mr. Rosskopff :

Dear Mr. Rosskopff,

My name is Gail. I was a former student of your’s at City College. I used to write that Goo Noo the Cat cartoon. Anyway, since I know that you are an alumnus of City as well, I just wanted to know if you went to school with my idol, NPR talk show host, Marc Steiner. I feel that Marc Steiner is a local treasure and I want to learn more about him. Do you still keep in contact with him, if so can you pass my name along to him? If you should see him tell him I think he’s the greatest!

Sincerely,
Gail

p.s.
Say hello to Marc for me!!

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Ahem, Back To Art Notes...........................................

As far as my art goes.... That’s right I’m still a visual artist with a day job somewhere in Hunt Valley who wants to trade that day job for another in Biotechnology or any other research type. Anyway, I’ve started to do some sculptures in polymer clay for fun. I intend to turn them into pins. The kind you pin onto your clothes. Also I’m getting together a page from my art sketchbook to submit for an exhibit at Artscape. The exhibit would consist of pages from various artist’s notebooks. Wish me luck hopefully mine will be among those chosen for the display.