Finished!

Then never finished…

Post on blog before you forget how to…

Write thank you notes on new thank you note cards…

Pick up check for clinic supplies…

Finish the project Nonnie asked me to help her with 4 months ago…

Make new Elevation t-shirt creation…

Get car fixed before you kill yourself or someone else…

Birthday gifts for Mom & Tony…again…every year…vicious cycle, like laundry but less often…

Email volunteer team with next Sundays schedule…

Sketch out Fiber 1 ideas for Project 1…

Clean your stinky room…

Drink more water…

Sleep…

It has been brewing.  Not thick like coffee or tumultuously like a storm.  Maybe not brewing at all but rising like dough.  The ingredients have been mixed perfectly, the timing is in line, the temperature is just right…God is baking and it smells amazing.  I’ve been living, experiencing, failing, loving, working for the past 27 years.  Sometimes slowly meandering towards nothing, other times hurdling with break-neck speed like a dart at a cork board.  But now, I’m floating in the current.  I feels like God’s perfect timing.  Everything around me seems to be challenging yet fulfilling.  Fast paced yet comfortably manageable.  

The Lord has put something on my heart that is both exciting and scary.  I’ve learned over the past 6 months to listen when he tugs at my heart cords.  I can feel my inner belltower ringing and so I prepare to make a move.   

I have decided, at the prompting of some dear friends and mentors, to start an informal seminar entitled “The Sessions”.  They will be a series of gatherings slated to discuss several topics covering the loaded question “What is Art?”.  Such a broad and enigmatic subject, I feel, requires a group set in discussion rather than lecture.  One person’s opinion alone is subjective and incomplete, while the shared experience and perspective of the group can be incredibly insightful.  It’s my goal to bring a group together periodically to visit galleries, go on field trips to different events and local cultural hot spots, & invite guest speakers on various topics.  From art history, to pop culture, local culture, & art as a life experience.

There will be two main focus’ throughout the series.  One of them a straight forward look at art.  Its definition and an expounding look at what that means in contemporary culture.  The other a more ephemeral examination of art in our world around us.  How it both effects and defines us.  This second portion is what I’m most excited about.  The subjective side to any discussion is where the fun is.  I want any participants to feel free to express their opinions on what society deems “art”.  Whether or not they agree with it.  And specifically what they find beautiful and/or artful.  I’m not sure how long the series will run.  I’ll judge that by the response and interactivity of those who attend.

Session 1

The initial gathering will be held at the McColl Center this Saturday @ 11am.  The resident artists of the MC are graciously opening their doors to the public to allow us insight into their art and private studio practices.  We can also check out the three floors of current exhibition which include “Launched” (the annual NC undergrad juried exhibition), “True Grit: Frames, Fixations & Flirtations” (in conjunction with the artist in residency exhibition), & “Drawn: Crossing the Line”.  If we feel the need to discuss afterward we can adjourn to Dish or Penguin or any nearby restaurant for lunch.  I’ll keep it fairly low budget.  Anyone that has a healthy desire to understand or discuss contemporary art and adjacent topics is welcome to come.  I’d love to have you.

McColl Center 721 N Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202
(704) 332-5535

http://www.mccollcenter.org/site/nav.cfm?cat=16&subcat=75&subsub=58

I’ve decided to take charge. 

I’m poor all the time and I’m tired of it.  Tired ,not so much the poor part (I’ve reconsiled that as a way of my life as an art student), of being irresponsible.  It’s the feeling of helplessness that attacks me on a fairly regular basis.  Usually that 5 day period before my next paycheck.  Then when I get paid, I throw caution to the wind and spend like mad.  I’m not saving regularly and while I’m tithing, it’s definitely not as often as I could or should. 

I’m tired of allowing myself a passive role as the steward of my own finances.   So today I made a pact with myself.  I’m taking control.  I’m stepping up and demanding  results.  I’ve constructed a budget and I’ve signed up at mint.com.  It’s a free personal finance software that helps with online money managment, budgeting, & finacial planning.  It rocks!  I can see what I’m spending and track my budget’s progress.  It’s a sad state of affairs but that just means that I’ll have large strides to make. 

I recognized my weak areas then set goals and ways to meet them:

Generosity versus Buying People’s Affection

This is a hard one to own up to.  I love to give to people.  But I also love to give people what they want.  Somewhere in between the two there’s a line that separtates healthy and destructive behavior.  I want to be generous but I need to find that line and stick to the altruistic side…not the side that is motivated by the desire to be liked by others.  This extends far beyond simple finances…but I think it’s a good place to start.  I seem to have this sick desire to buy peoples dinner.  I habit that I need to ebb.  Keep it in check at least.

Wants Versus Needs

I think we as a society forget that our NEEDS are fairly simple.  It’s a short list: Food, shelter, clothing, transportation, & companionship.   My list of WANTS seem to quickly and dangerously explode every 1st & 15th of the month.  Do I really NEED to go to Restore for that home item?  Do I NEED two boxes of cereal or can I get by with one for the week.  It’s not just about what I’m buying but also quantity.  I seem to have mastered the art of excess.  Last week I spent $20 on $1.99 VHS tapes @ VISART, I’ll let you do the math.  Now, I will admit that I haven’t gone to the cinema in a few weeks, and at $8 bucks a pop I think the video purchases will go far…especially since I’m not investing in cable at my new place.  My roomie and I are gonna survive off DVDs, VHS, Books, & Comics for next year.  So some purchases are definitely worth it.  But the death of my financial success can be summed up in one word:  TARGET.  It’s glossy red logo and promise of cheap and hip products are my achillies heel.  Target is the little red marketing dude sitting on my shoulder, whispering in my ear that I NEED that awesome boardgame, that Wii Fit is the fastest way to living healthy (regarless of the price tag),  that a silicone spatula will put me on the path toward Betty Crockerdom…my will power is crushed by glossy red paint and bad daytime TV ads.

So, I vow to ask myself at every purchase the following: Do I need this?  Is this about instant satisfaction or a long term investment?  Could I get it cheaper if I waited or bought it online or at another source?

The Aimless Wanderer

As Romantic (and I mean Romantic with a capital “R” referencing the artistic movement not the pink, fluffy butterflies in your tummy) as the idea is to wander like the faceless hero of a Friedrich masterpiece, it’s too freakin’ expensive a lifestyle to entertain if it involves driving your car.  Cause when I wander, I love to cruise.  I drive for the sake of cruising around with a great soundtrack and the wind in my hair (yeah, ok, I don’t have A/C but I still enjoy my one arm tan).  Maybe head to Manifest to check out the lastest album I read about or head down Queens Rd to experience the loveliness of the Myers Park canopy…but unless you’ve been in outerspace or had your head stuck in the sand you’ve already said to yourself “Geez, what is she?  A moron?”. With gas prices the way that they are, “cruising” is one step off from burning cashola just because you’re in the mood. 

I will not drive unless I cannot get there by bike or by my own blessed two feet.  And I will only go if I must. 

NoDa Gallery Crawl

6pm FREE! E. 36th Street & N. Davidson Street

There’s nothing official about this event except the where & when it begins.  Since it’s conception, it’s only gotten bigger & better.  The galleries are more interesting, the stores are more numerous, & the food more scruptious.  Speaking of food, I read about a new place called Marguerite’s French Bakery.  It’s supposedly a heavenly blend of French and American receipes.  I haven’t had a moment to check it out but I promise I will soon!  And I’ll let you know the verdict.  But until then, I encourage you to beat me to the punch…

Also, there’s a new shop on the corner of N. Davidson & 35th I think, called Niche MKT.  I’ve been in once and I was sold immediately.  Anyone arguing that C-town is lacking in urban culture needs to up-shut and take a walk…straight through this establishment’s front door.  It takes Juxtapoz artists and artwork and translates it into a FineArt subtext (and if you don’t know what Jux is then you shouldn’t be talking urban in the first place http://www.juxtapoz.com/ ) .  Awesome T-shirts, clothing, & even totally chilly wierd dolls. Not to mention their totally sweet pupperuski mascot (see blow)!

You can check out great art & then gradutate to one of the chill pubs on the block and if drinking isn’t your thing then the fire breathers and drum circles are always an easy distraction!

The Retro Film Series

Ok, Ok. I know I skoffed at going to the movies but it’s a different experience if you’re revisiting an old movie that you’ve seen a million times before on your dinky TV set and now you have the opportunity to really appreciate it on the GIANT screen!  Ballantyne Village Theatre is still in the middle of their Retro Film Series.  This weekend (4th &5th) is Pulp Fiction.  Next Week: Taxi Driver.

$5-$7

Redrocks, Whitewater, & Bluegrass!

The US National Whitewater Center is hosting this family oriented event.  Aimed to have a family feel but still fun for anyone less nuclear…Climbing, hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, and drinking (…also a fun outdoor sport).  There should be music as well but I’m not sure who’s playing. Dont’worry if you don’t have any experience @ any of the previously mentioned activities, the staff is amazing and trained to help you have the best experience possible with your level of skill.

Charlotte Knights Game!

I know for a fact that some of my friends are going to check this event out!  I’m bummed i’m missing it.  It’s the Charlotte Knights against the Durham Bulls!  Imagine: Warm weather, good company, hot dogs, lukewarm beer, & the all-American past time!  Not to mention the fireworks show to follow that I hear is supposed to be pretty spec-tack-a-lack!  I can’t actually say that I’ve been to a live baseball game since I was 12…All the more reason I’m aching to go this friday! 

$7-$12 6pm Knights Stadium 2280 Deerfield Drive, Fort MIll SC

In other news:

I just read this and got extreemly excited! If you like Car Talk on NPR and animated stuff…you might understand

http://www.charlotte.com/436/story/693918.html

One sang about putting our distractions aside

The other said “I will go anywhere, I will do anything”

The lyrics really hit me for some reason and I began praying about my own distractions… the things that keep me away from Christ’s plan.  I narrowed them down to five things.  Five failings that I have GOT to figure out how to counteract.  But they’re not things you can just snap your fingers and fix.  So I’ve come up with a game plan.  Identify them & exactly how I fall prey to them on a daily basis, then pray on them and devise a course of action.  Action being the key word.

*PRIDE*

This. Is. The. Worst.  I know, hands down, that this is what I struggle with the most.

I’m pig-headed & stubborn & I hate being wrong.

I know this probably sounds common place but it’s something that I struggle with more than anything else.  At the risk of sounding like an arrogant jerk, I really do like the woman I’ve become.  I know that it has nothing to do with my efforts and everything to do with Christ’s hand in my life.  But it’s easy to say that from a generalized bloggers perspective.  It’s quite a different thing to do it internally, everyday.  I’ve always had trouble discerning the fine lines between confidence and arrogance.  Between taking pride in what you do and taking pride in yourself.  Believe me, I’m humbled on a daily basis (I’m convinced this is the reason I was born a klutz)…but I grew up believing that it’s imperative that a person have a strong knowledge of their capabilities.  Both Strengths and Weaknesses.  Understanding both, arms you with the tools you need to harness those strengths and patch your shortcomings.  What I want to know is where does healthy confidence lead into a humanistic self-arrogance?  I know I have to figure out a way to rein in my pride and give God all the credit. 

I am grateful for the Lord’s mercy & unconditional love.  I am flawed and inevitably headed straight for failure.  Only b/c of his will and guidance do I succeed in anything. 

*Secular Buy-In*

I think to a certain degree we all struggle with this.  I’m just now coming out of the haze of a secular outlook and while being free from its clutches is refreshing, it still haunts me.  My identity was so wrapped up in secular ideals that I’m having to redefine myself all over again.  Especially from a social point of view.  I feel like I have the ability to witness to a non-christian population b/c of my friendships and artistic ties outside the church but I still worry that I could be lured back into that lifestyle.

I’ll remind myself on a daily, hourly, minute by minute basis that the world around me is flawed and backwards.  That it is quicksand.  And I am afloat in it b/c of the grace & mercy of Christ…and not b/c of any efforts on my part.

*Complacency*

I once told my Mom that I hated my tendency to be lazy.  And she fired back, “You’re not lazy, your just not motivated”.  She was right because I know what I’m like when I’m passionate about something and it’s anything but lazy.  But when I’m not driven to do something, I do a lot of sitting around, a lot of acquiescing and that leads to apathy= something that I’ve recently begun to abhor.  So how can I counteract the tendency to be complacent in my down time between passion attacks?

I will give 100% of myself to the activities that I involve myself.  Whether it’s setup for church, staying focused at work, or simply staying disciplined while I grocery shop. 

*Doubt*

 I doubt my future.  A lot. I question my abilities to take on certain projects, even projects I feel called to do.  I question whether or not I have what it takes to be the things that I want more than anything.  Mainly: Leader, Wife, Mother, Teacher…maybe these are normal doubts.  Maybe every woman fears that she’ll never meet a man that could appreciate how strange she is.  And if she isn’t able to navigate her own life successfully, what right has she to lead anyone else?  But while asking questions can be good, entertaining doubts about your role in the Lords plan is in essence failing to trust him and his absolute power. 

I won’t fear my own short comings.  I’ll put in everything I have and know that Christ is leading my efforts toward something spectacular.

*Impatience*

Veruca Salt.  Imagine having a child like that and fighting with her on a daily basis.  Think how exhausting that would be.  That’s exactly how I view my impatience…as a spoiled little Veruca Salt.  Constantly screaming in my ear “I want it NOW!” There’s a continuous battle raging inside me most days.  My impatience has latched onto something and she won’t shut up until she gets it.  I want to go shopping, I want a boyfriend, I want to play, I want God’s plan to happen NOW! She really encompasses all of my crappy sides: impatience, selfishness, greed, irresponsibility…

I pretty much have to slap her upside the head everyday, tell her to shut it, & pray like mad for discipline. 

Pride, Secuarism, Complacency, Doubt, & Impatience. 

Lord I lay them at your feet.  First and formost I admit I cannot begin to fix anything without your aid.  I beg for your strength to fight each of these distractions in turn so that I might truely give you everything I have and go anywhere that you desire for your will to be done. 

Tonight’s my birthday party!! Yea!  I haven’t really celebrated my birthday significantly in three years, not since I turned 24 in France.  (See attempted video post below)(uh…ok that didin’t work. Try going here: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=507302020887 )

I was so determined to have a great birthday I decided to plan it myself.  To heck with modestly waiting for some thoughful friend to plan it for me!  27 is a great age to be.  I’m loving growing up and getting older.  26 has been full of important growing pains…and to celebrate my antisipation of the year to come, I’ve invited ALL of my friends.  This is the first time that I have ever attempted to cross my friend barriers.  Secular meets the Faithful.  Arty-Farty meets Outdoorsy.   Roommates meet all the people I’ve mentioned all year long.  And a lot of vice versa. (and P.S.- if you’re reading this blog and you know me and you didn’t get an invite…you’re officially invited…no formal paper-by-post invitation neccessary.  Jeff’s Bucket Shop.  Karaoke.  Not required to sing.  18+.  Just show up and be kind to those who grace the stage)

It could all go horribly wrong…but I choose to feel it’s potential.  & it’s gonna rock.   

Low tech is FUN!

Post Paint applicaiton production…

The original camera phone photo.

Smokey Joe’s Cafe
Presented by Central Piedmont Community College
Friday, June 27 @ 8 pm
Saturday, June 28 @ 8 pm
$17-$21
Halton Theater
1206 Elizabeth Avenue
Charlotte, NC

Join CP Summer Theatre at Smokey Joe’s Café and listen to the music that defined the Rock n’ Roll generation. Leiber and Stoller, as much as anyone, virtually invented rock ‘n’ roll and now their songs provide the basis for an electrifying evening of entertainment that illuminates a golden age of American culture.

The Metropolitan Mixer
Wednesday, July 2 @ 7 pm
$5-$7
HOM | Feast | Liv | Play
116 W. 5th Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

The Metropolitan Mixer is a blend of Explosive Fashion, Exquisite Music, and Fresh Art providing exposure to a diverse community of metropolitan professionals in the Charlotte Metro.  Come mingle with the city’s who’s who over cocktails and enjoy the artwork of two fresh Charlotte artists, and then prepare to be entertained with a heart pounding fashion show featuring designer Nod Norkus.

Tosco House Party
Wednesday, July 2 @ 8 pm
$3
The Evening Muse
3227 North Davidson Street
Charlotte, NC 28205

OPEN MIC! Enjoy a relaxed environment where new and covered music is performed in an intimate setting.

An Evening with Gil Scott-Heron
Presented by The Sol Kitchen & Creative Loafing
Thursday, July 3 @ 8 pm
$20-$25
Neighborhood Theatre
511 E. 36th St
Charlotte, NC 28205

Don’t miss an evening with legendary poet and musician Gil Scott-Heron. This event will not be televised!

Side Show
Presented by Queen City Theatre Company
Thursday, July 3 @ 8 pm
Friday, July 4 @ 8 pm
Saturday, July 5 @ 8 pm

Wednesday, July 9 @ 8 pm
Thursday, July 10 @ 8 pm

$28
McGlohon Theatre
345 North College Street
Charlotte, NC 28202

Under the direction of Glenn T. Griffin, Queen City Theatre Company is proud to present a spectacular staging of the musical Side Show (Broadway, 1997).
Based on the true story of Siamese twins Daisy and Violet Hilton, Side Show is a moving portrait of two women joined at the hip whose extraordinary bondage brings them fame but denies them love. The show follows their progression from England to America, around the vaudeville circuit and to Hollywood on the eve of their appearance in the 1932 movie Freaks.

Charlotte Pop Fest
Friday, July 4 @ 4 pm
Saturday, July 5 @ 4 pm
$12
Alley Cat
314 N. College St.
Charlotte, NC 28202

Charlotte Pop Fest is a 2-day “power pop” music festival and Beatles tribute, mainly featuring local and regional artists and bands.