Stuck in a Loop

James Fogle, Drugstore cowboy, 04/08
Originally uploaded by elliotedizioni

Yesterday, I was catching up on the news when I read that writer James Fogle had been arrested. Again. Mr. Fogle is probably best known for his novel, Drugstore Cowboy, which was also made into a tremendously good movie starring Matt Dillon and Kelly Lynch. Based on his experiences as junkie in the Pacific Northwest, the story chronicles a fumbling band of thieves and addicts who roamed the Pacific Northwest in the 1970s stealing drugs and money from pharmacies. Fogle was in prison when the critically acclaimed film was released in 1989. He was also on a brief stint in the big house when the book was released.

Writers are strange characters. As a writer, it is difficult not to become very personally acquainted with rejection which is perhaps why many develop such a thick hide, anything to overcome the loneliness and rejection that is so closely associated with the profession. I've met writers who are compulsive organizers, drinkers, gamblers, womanizers. Some have lives that are so boring that they are drawn towards their secret worlds as a refuge. Who am I talking about here, I wonder?

But Dude, really? Knocking off drugstores? At your age? What up?! I've been stuck in a loop, too, but this is ridiculous!

I want to suggest to all of you - writers or no- who are doing the same thing over and over and over and unable to unstick the needle from the record to do the following: Change. Things. Up. Go for a bike ride. Walk in the rain. Walk backwards for a mile while singing a Rogers and Hammerstein tune. But try to change. Embrace it, even. You'll be amazed at how freeing it can be.

BANKSY!!!

This week I spent an invigorating - yet appallingly short! - two days in New York City. The purpose of the trip was quite simply to get away for a few days and boost my artistic engine, so to speak. I saw two plays (Fences at the Cort Theatre and Bloody, Bloody Andrew Jackson at the Public) went to a few museums and galleries and ate food that was off the chain. Refueled? Why yes! Mission. Accomplished.

I also had the opportunity to see something that I have been mildly obsessed with for the past few years. Not too far down from the hotel I stayed at in Chelsea, I was able to actually see a work by the incredible graffitti artist, Bansy. Bansy's identity is unknown but what we do know about him is that he is British, was probably raised in Bristol where his first artworks appeared and is a cheeky monkey. His works are often satirical pieces that reflect politics, culture and ethics and are known for their distinctive stenciling technique. He doesn't sell photos of his works and has mentioned several times in his posts online (ww.banksy.com) that his art is for the people.

Radical, huh?

When you go away, you can find inspiration in the most pedestrian of places. I found mine on a walk on the Highline, the newest addition to New York art firmament. For those of you unfamiliar, the Highline is essentially, a beautiful landscaped walking concourse that was developed over 10 years on an abandonned rail line. It opened last year, stunning in its construction and was a great way to see both the New York and New Jersey skylines. As we walked along, the saw these placards jutting out from the grasses that formed its borders:

THAT, my friends, are words to live by, non?

Man Shops Globe

So I am officially hooked on a new reality show. And thank goodness because there was a gaping hole in my schedule, what with Project Runway and Amazing Race being over now. Champagne problems, huh?

The show, Man Shops Globe, is on The Sundance Channel on Wednesday nights but I caught it on a Sunday night at 4:30 in the morning because I had insomnia from too much Mother's Day love. Regardless of when you catch it, it is awesome viewing all the way around.

Each episode follows Keith Johnson as he makes his way through select countries across the globe in search of amazing finds. Johnson, who is charged with giving Anthropologie stores (one of my faves. Holla!) their eclectic flair, is always searching – mostly with friends – for the most intriguing decorative objects, furniture, and textiles he can get his hands on. He enlists, along the way, the help of local experts and artists who springboard much of his inspiration. Each episode is centered around a specific location, beginning with Paris where Johnson heads to flea markets and antique stores (where he notes there is frantic competition for many of the best finds and, of course, finds that price becomes an issue), in order to get his hands on large-scale furniture for existing Anthropologie stores. Can you believe?

The whole time I'm watching I'm thinking, Damn! I don't remember my guidance counsellor steering me towards this career choice. Oh. Well.

School Concert

Kinners School Concert
Originally uploaded by Sujal Parikh

Dear School Concert,

Thanks for being over. I mean it.

Sincerely,

Laura

Kid Talk

Every Thursday morning from 9 AM until just before the lunch bell, I participate in a french language reading program at my children's school. Aside from it being a wonderfully rich and rewarding experience personally, it is also a great way for me to observe the children (my own included) in their natural habitat. Children will show you who they are if you pay close enough attention and because I am an adult, they often forget that I am even in the room about 10 seconds after my presence is acknowledged. This is when my needy, childish wounded-child side is most put out and my selfish, self-interested writer side is best served.

That's where you come in, dear reader.

Here are few excerpts from some overhead (okay, eavesdropped) conversations.

Convo #1

Girl #1: How come we have to read these books?

Girl #2: So that our parents can feel good about making us learn French all day.

Girl #1: Yeah. I thought so.

Convo #2

Boy #1: I am going to Colorado Springs next week.

Boy #2: How far is that from Florida.

Boy #1 (sagely): About 2 Nintendo Games away.

Boy #2: Right. Why are you going there?

Boy #1: My dad has a conference call. (pause) He's the President of the United States

This is the part where I butt in like an interrupting cow because I can take it no longer.

Me: So your dad's Barack Obama, huh?

Boy #1 (without missing a beat) Yup.

Me. Tell him I said, Hey.

Boy #1: I will. (pause) Does he know you?

Dinner Anyone?

Someone told me once that you could make anything on a barbeque (Okay, maybe not a baby). Guess what?

It's true 'cause I made a pizza on one. Crazy........

Old Pipes

old sewage pipe
Originally uploaded by TTL!

Today is my birthday which means I'm getting old. Here is an example of the attitude that I can look forward to from the young people.

Benoit (my son): Look at my guns, Gaga!
Gaga (my mother-in-law): What are guns?
Benoit: Arm muscles! Daddy has guns and Mummy has pipes.
Gaga: Oh, I see. (pause) What does Gaga have, then?
Benoit: Old pipes.

Sigh.