La la love you

Ten years ago, I had given up hope that I'd ever get to see one of my favorite bands live. Late as usual, I discovered The Pixies after they'd broken up and started solo acts such as The Breeders and Frank Black. I was left to imagine what they might have been like back in the day. But at least their music lived on and would always resonate loud and clear in my soul.

I was thrilled that I got to see The Breeders at Lollapalooza in 1994 (even though they stopped playing after a few songs because someone threw a shoe onstage) and later here in Vegas at the classic Huntridge Theatre. (I miss that venue!)

So when they reunited in 2004, I was beyond overjoyed. I had just given birth to my first child and when they came remotely close to my vicinity, I bought a ticket for Coachella and actually entertained the idea of bringing my 3 month old to an outdoor music festival in the desert. Uh... yeah. I didn't get to go. I honestly don't know what I was thinking!

But by November, I had a 10 month old and a sister that lived in Detroit, where they had two shows scheduled. My sister was willing to babysit and my brother in-law agreed to be my chaperone for the evening. The show was amazing. I was right up front, singing and jumping and staring at Black Francis, in awe that the group was just feet away from me. I'll never, ever forget that night.

Never.

This is going somewhere. I promise! In fact, I'm going somewhere. Seattle, to be specific. Almost exactly 5 years later, I get to see The Pixies live at The Paramount TONIGHT with my friends, Gang of Peanuts. Although it might be the shortest trip I've ever taken, I am so excited. I finally get to meet the hilarious Juangrande, his hermano Jim, and of course, the adorable Peanuts. I mustn't leave out the lovely Alphamommy who I've been missing terribly since her visit this May. They were very kind to invite me and I hope they know what they're getting themselves into...

There's a good chance I'll be fist pumping, jumping, screaming and slamming into anyone within a 10 foot radius of me. I cannot wait!

And with all that excitement I'd better go pack. Check out this gem from 1991.

Dove Va?

Vatican Museum, Rome, Italy

If September was sorrow

and October delivered sweet motivation -

November brings an ironic homecoming;

the true definition of 180|360,

translated by the parody of time.

From blonde to brunette,

a reunion of sound -

revisiting old haunts in an unknown town.

Connecting the seemingly disjointed pieces

with a willingness to be taken apart.

To new land, a different perspective

and an expectation of a wild ride.

Where are you going?

Tardy

After being teased with a freakish cold spell, we're back to our typical autumnal weather here in Las Vegas. It's sunny and blue-skied, just perfect for biking or lazing in the garden.

Ahhhh.....

I love this time of year.

Fall here is the equivalent of summer pretty much everywhere else. It's the moment where we finally step out of the extremes and are given a chance to bask in temperate living. We deserve it!

Today, I'm pretending to be in my husband's home turf -- England. On any given sunny day in the UK, there's a good chance someone is indulging in a Pimm's Cup.

If you can't find me, it's because I'm lounging in the garden drinking one of these buggers. And if you're wearing wooly socks and your favorite pea coat, then save this one for summertime...

Pimm's Cup

Combine in a pitcher:

1-2 parts of Pimm's #1

2 parts British Lemonade (Other substitutions: Tonic, Club Soda, Ginger Ale)

A handful of Strawberries

1- Cucumber (sliced)

2 of each fruit cut into half moons- Lemons, Limes, Oranges

Handful of Mint (semi-crushed)

Ice

optional- Splash of Gin

Portrait of the artist as a young man

Nothing brings me greater pleasure than watching my children blossom into little artists. One of my favorite measures of artistic growth is the evolution of the human form captured by little hands and young minds.

I'm so happy that my children seem to be artistically inclined. Ava wakes up and immediately wants to draw and ever since Max started school, he's been surprising us with one art project after another. (As I type this, he is asking me what I'd like him to sketch in his notebook! A refrigerator, a bicycle wheel, a rat with big teeth.)

Even though he started drawing people a few months ago, this was his first family portrait. Isn't it sweet?