2009/11/30

Mysterious Ways

DaGoddess @ 00:43

There’s that old saying, “the Lord works in mysterious ways.” Yes, indeed.

I woke up not feeling terribly on my game today. Yesterday. Whatever. (It’s just after midnight and still “today” to me.) My back was doing very bad things. I was having odd pains. It just wasn’t how I wanted to wake up feeling.

I knew I had to do whatever it took to get to feeling better because I had a trip to the airport ahead of me. I also figured there’d be a long conversation or two coming up and I wanted to be prepared for whatever, how ever long it took.

I didn’t count on a few other things that happened though. Not by a long shot.

Like, what the hell was REO Speedwagon doing playing a gig for ice dancers? With Rick Springfield? On NBC today. What’s up with that? Insanity? A sign of the apocalypse? No, wait…the sign was the long haired male ice dancer (the blond) who started rockin’ out way too enthusiastically behind the band at the end. And Rick “wanna play my guitar with me, little skater girl” Springfield cozying up behind some skater babe. It was bizarre. In the extreme.

And the day only got weirder after that.

To start, I met a couple who used to live in San Diego. One of the first things the woman asked was, “are you into the blues?” I think my emphatic response was suitably convincing. And there were a few other questions she asked that made me smile, that gave me hope. One of the questions was, “how much do you charge for photographing a band?” Another question was one that was appended with an observation that kind of thrilled me. Nothing major. Nothing that really needs to be shared with the general populace, just something that struck a chord and made me smile.

I guess I should backtrack a bit. Okay. So, I drove to the airport — sans directions (I was feeling confident) — to pick up Buster. I made it there on time and without problem. He didn’t quite understand where I was parked, as I bucked his “system” and didn’t park where he normally parked, but we still found each other without fail. However, I wasn’t allowed to drive home. No, he wanted to take control. Fine, fine. Such a guy thing. Whatever. Anyhow, he asked if I wanted to go see a show because his friend had just texted him about this thing (he was performing and they wanted a good audience) and of course I said yes. I’m a show whore, apparently. Tell me there’s something amazing going on and I’m all over it. Anyhow, despite the jet lag, Buster was up for this as well.

So we get to the Hilton and find B’s friend (the guitarist) and they start talking and suddenly it’s all, “oh, there’s that bassist…” which led to us going over to talk to the guy who, in turn, ends up being one half of the couple who used to live in San Diego. That led to our discussion of a variety of things, which led to some possible work. Synchronicity, baby. Not only are they into blues, they’re also into jazz. He plays bass. She sings. She also acts. And I now have the names and numbers of about 40 different people I “should really know here in town for the kind of work” I do. Yeah. (See this? :D I’m smiling.)

Oh, the show? Fantastic! Lani Misalucha stars in “Voices”. This woman is phenomenal. I can’t think of any other way to put it. She has a beautiful voice, a fun sense of humor, and she’s surrounded by a lot of talent. It was simply one of the most amazing couple hours I’ve spent here. She sang everything from Britney Spears to “Nessun Dorma” (from Turandot). Her range was incredible. And she had a little “voice trouble”. If that’s her show with a little voice trouble…I mean, seriously, this woman has some major pipes. Anyhow, if you’re coming to Vegas, look up “Voices” at the Hilton. You won’t be sorry. (I kind of can’t wait to have LD here because I want him to see the show…somehow…some way…)

The mysterious ways…as if I needed something more beyond the great entertainment, followed by a very good light dinner, I came home to find a special something in the mail. After crying and hugging Buster and then crying some more, let’s just say that it was really one of the most significant pieces of mail I’ve ever received. Everything is much clearer. Everything is starting to make sense a little more than it did before.

Thank you, God. Thank you.

I can breathe a little better now.

P.S. The cat is ignoring me as I suspected.

2009/11/29

Will He Still Love Me Tomorrow?

DaGoddess @ 04:57

The cat lurves me mightily right now since I’m the only one here with him. We’ve spent countless hours amusing each other. But I have to wonder, will he still love me this much when Buster gets home — not tomorrow so much as later today?

It’s been a bit weird to rattle around a big house all by myself. In some ways it’s been nice. In other ways it’s been a little lonely.

I did manage to go out for a bit last night…er…the night before (damn this writing at 3am crap). After a stop or two elsewhere, I ended up at a local restaurant/bar where the bartender is friendly (and cute, but that’s really beside the point) and I’ve discovered he’s from Denver. He’s familiar with many of my old haunts — even the ones long since out of business. We’ve spent plenty of time recalling distant desserts from one establishment, shot menus from another, and crazy pub antics at yet one more. It sounds weird, but even though I’ve not lived in Colorado for 15 years, it’s comforting to meet someone who’s in the know and it makes me feel not quite so alone.

Alone. Lonely. Damn. I miss the kids. If I can’t figure out a way to get home for Christmas, I may scream. That was one of the few things I was counting on and it’s not looking good at the moment. But I can’t dwell on it or I’ll go crazy. Gah! Okay…no more of that. It’s too much. I should be stronger…I should be able to do this. I can do this. Can’t I? I can deal…I have to.

Time to hit the hay again. Or maybe tackle a little project I have going. Or tease the cat about his girly meowing. I get the feeling I’ll be promptly ignored when his daddy gets home.

2009/11/27

Easily Happitized

DaGoddess @ 20:58

Despite feeling low because I’m away from the family, I’m easily cheered. Go figure.

First, as I was putting fresh sheets on the bed last night, the cat decided that was the greatest thing in the world and he went absolutely nutso. He was running around the whole upstairs. In circles. (My cat Lindsay used to do that, too, but not over bedmaking.) He was meowing up a storm. Thoroughly enjoying himself. At one point, he decided he was worn out and plopped himself down on the comforter. I needed to move it and I picked it up with him snuggled in the folds. I set him gently on the floor and he just looked up at me and meowed. I giggled. I’d been giggling the whole time he was being silly. It was amusing. Then, when I finally crawled in bed this morning, he decided he wanted company and did the typical kitty purr/rub/meow thing until I scratched under his chin and behind the ears. He misses Buster, that’s for sure. Okay, I do, too. But if I’m going to have to rattle around in a big house alone, I’d rather do it with PJ by my side, under my feet, etc. Easily amused, indeed.

A huge smile crossed my face when I realized the premiere of Six Generations of the Blues was tonight. Unfortunately, we don’t get the channel. But it’s online! Woo hoo! Why is this such a big deal? My friends are featured in this documentary. Yep. During part II, at 23:25, there they are. Plus, it’s an all around great look at the blues and has my darling Honeyboy in it. Anyhow, Chris James and Patrick Rynn are two of the best contemporary purveyors of traditional Chicago blues. Yeah, sounds like a contradiction, but these guys are the real deal. Basically my age and yet you could plop them down in the late 40s, early 50s with Muddy Waters and they’d fit right in. They’re better than good, they’re great! (If you go watch the doco, the song they play — “Mr. Coffee” — at the 23 minute mark on pt. II is my favorite.) Also performing is the equally great Bob Corritore. I don’t know their drummer in this setting. Anyhow, I am so pleased the guys are getting some attention because what they do is so incredibly special. They are special. So deserving. By the way, Mr. Coffee is their dear friend Tomcat Courtney.

I thought I’d be going out late last night to a local jam, but ended up having too much fun with the cat (see first paragraph). However, my hair ended up looking fabulous. Woke up with it still looking fabulous. Kind of a shame to let it go to waste with just me staring at it in the mirror. I may have to find a jam tonight. Or not. Depends on how I feel in a couple hours.

Oh, and there’s another thing that has me smiling. I caught a sneak peek of the show Meet the Natives on the Travel Channel. It’s totally delightful. The premise is interesting — send a group of men from an island to the U.S. and let them have the American Experience. Each man is special and has his own charm, but I, of course, was quite taken with Kuai, who is called “The Happy Man”. As described on the Travel Channel website: “His job at home is simply to generate love and happiness, and as he says before leaving for America, ‘I will make them happy! It’s great!’ He hugs, smiles and giggles his way around America, connecting with everyone he meets.” How’s that for a job? I love it!

So there it is. I was down in the dumps and I just happitized myself. I wish I could do that all the time. Guess this “new life, new attitude” thing has been good for me.

Now, please, everyone go watch Six Generations. Make me even happier.

2009/11/26

Protected: Shot to the Heart (email me), Now with Update

DaGoddess @ 17:34

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Happy Thanksgiving!

DaGoddess @ 04:00

First, let me thank all of you for making this year so special. If not for you, I don’t know how I’d have made it through.

Y’all helped me keep my wits about me when I thought I was losing it. You encouraged me to keep going when I felt like giving up. You hit the tip jar to help keep a roof over our heads or pay bills. You supported my favorite charities. You loved me when I felt unlovable. You know, all the stuff that some take for granted but that I find absolutely remarkable and wonderful beyond belief.

It’s been a crazy year, hasn’t it? I don’t know how we powered through so quickly to get to the end of November, yet here we are. Things aren’t perfect, but they’re so much better.

I’m missing my family today. Absolutely. Little Dude and Mojo especially. But beyond my blood relatives, I’m missing much of my extended family — my friends in San Diego, my friends scattered about the country. All of you. The whole stinkin’ bunch of ya. Still, I can’t feel too terrible when I think of how much love and support I’ve received from everyone. It buoys me through the sad moments and reminds me how much I have to be grateful for.

I hope when you all sit down and count your blessings that you find you have many more than you originally imagined, just like I did. And I hope your Thanksgiving is full of love.

From me and a depressed furball, Happy Thanksgiving!

Now go this and smile.

2009/11/25

Today’s Accomplishments

DaGoddess @ 13:11

I dropped my friend off at the airport and found my way home all on my own. Okay, so he drove us to the airport and I drove myself home. Whatever.

And that’s my accomplishment thus far today.

No, wait.

I talked to my mom. Then Little Dude called. He wanted to know where I’d put his CDs. Apparently two of his favorites are cases only…the CDs are in a CD holder in storage. D’oh! Put that on the list of things I need to get out of storage.

I miss that kid. I miss Mojo too. Sigh.

Anyhow, this flurry of activity has left me exhausted. I’m going to take a nap. (Don’t laugh…I am actually going to take only my second nap since I’ve been here.)

2009/11/24

Hennessey’s Jam

DaGoddess @ 10:00

Part of my ongoing refusal to edit this set any further than I must. This was a quick resize and logotize and I was done.

Hennesseys Jam

Actually there are photos I will edit to be their best, but most are okay as they are. Only the ones for my drummer get edited right now.

Last Night

DaGoddess @ 05:02

Quite literally a quick grab of a shot. Not edited beyond a swift crop and resizing.

Fremont Street East

In the past two weeks, I’ve been down here twice. This was the first time I took a photo. There’s much more to see and experience, but there’s time for that. No, last night was a different shoot and there are more photos to come.

2009/11/23

Slow Learner

DaGoddess @ 05:15

Sometimes I could kick myself for overlooking the obvious. Then I realize that my poor little brain is often working overtime and I can’t be expected to get everything right all the time.

So it’s not totally unexpected that it’s basically taken me a week to figure out that I could use the closet in the spare room (which is supposed to/will be my office) would be the perfect place to store my suitcases. Duh.

The last two weeks have been both easy and difficult. Major life changes. New adventures. Exciting and daunting at the same time. It makes my head spin mightily. It’s kind of difficult to get my bearings. I see a world of possibilities in front of me, and yet I feel somewhat adrift at sea.

Thanksgiving this year will be spent alone. My friend is heading east to spend time with family (after I insisted I’d be fine on my own…and I will be). There are many things I can do to fill that time and I’m sure I’ll survive. I’ll just miss my kids, my family a lot.

I also have an interview/orientation session coming up for a non-profit women/children’s shelter here in town. They do good work and I would love to be able to help somehow.

I’m getting to know different photographers in town. Looking to set up sessions with them (hopefully soon!) and get in there, get my hands dirty. And all this means I need to rework my portfolio and tool it to represent the work I enjoy doing, the work I’d like to be doing, and still show my range. I need someone willing to sit down with me and spend a day going over every image and telling me which is a contender. Cuz I’ll find a distraction or 58 along the way (right, Anyone heading to Vegas and feel like going through all my photos with me? We can work in my new office! lol

Okay, I’m slowing down. It may be due to the hour (4:11am). The podcast with Syl Arena is winding down and it seems the perfect time to call it a night. morning. whatever.

Also, if you live in or near Vegas, or if you’re going to be visiting and you’d like to book a portrait session, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Blog readers get a discount and you get to be famous amongst my eleventy-ten readers. No, seriously. You’re in town? Let’s do this! I will capture your beautiful family or yourself. You’ll get a great discount and we’ll all have a blast!

For now though, snooze time.

2009/11/22

Sunday Silliness

DaGoddess @ 04:00

vices.

In the immortal words of Forrest Gump, “and that’s all I have to say about that.”

2009/11/21

Last Night I Dreamed I Hated You

DaGoddess @ 14:23

Don’t you hate it when you wake up from a vivid dream and you’re angry at someone? You know, because in the dream they did something so terrible, so mean…you reached new levels of “can’tstandness”? It’s especially difficult when you dream about someone you genuinely care for.

Wanna know what my solution was? In the dream, I mean? I put tuna salad in their pockets. Yeah. Juicy tuna salad. In a dress coat. And I expressed my anger verbally through clenched jaw and I’m sure more than a few tears. All while watching ducks. And a roller coaster. And…it was a weird dream.

The funny thing was, as soon as I woke up, I tried to shake it all off. But my heart was thumping. I was trembling. I was really angry when I woke up! And then I wasn’t. I started laughing as I recalled the tuna salad trick.

If only life were as bizarre as dreams. Can you imagine settling an argument with tuna salad?

I think it’s inspired.

2009/11/20

It’s So Easy Being Geek

DaGoddess @ 19:13

Okay, not really. Most of you know I’m the biggest technotard on earth. I make no secret of needing help installing blogging platforms and dealing with plugins. I look at a lot of tech things and my eyes cross. My head hurts. I curl into fetal position and cry “Mama!”

Except tonight.

That’s right.

I set up the wireless network in the house!

Woo hoo!

Or would that be “woot!”? Yeah.

So anyway, please allow me my moment in the sun glow of the Internet coming through my computer on a secured network that isn’t piggybacked off someone else’s signal and that I totally set up all by my bad self.

Yes. That feels good.

And of course, this means that I can resume blogging. (Unless you were really glad I was gone, which means you’d have to then pay me to stop. Big bucks. Seriously. $25k and I’m done. But you’d miss me. I know you would.)

Anyhow, here I am, all set up and ready to rumble ramble.

Aren’t you glad?

2009/11/17

Showering With A Friend

DaGoddess @ 07:46

I thought I was going to bed after I got home from the workshop last night. Nope. Ended up in the middle of the desert under a blanket and bundled in heavy coats, watching the Leonid showers. Beautiful.

We came home and made hot chocolate.

Now it’s time for bed.

Perfect end to a great first week.

Attempt 2

DaGoddess @ 04:00

Powerlifters are all about the fashion.

fashion statement

2009/11/16

Attempt 1

DaGoddess @ 15:55

Trying to see if I can get a photo posted. Wish me luck!

Brendan lifting 523 plus pounds

This was just before a bench of almost 525lbs