Don't leave your butts behind!

Well, kinda. Instead it was wine with (host) David Shine. Saturday night after “Discovery Green”  we returned to he and Harlene’s beautiful home and had a long and varied converstation on mice and men, art and archetecture, the rapture (that didn’t happen) excitotoxins, radioactive countertops, research, stories and people we would love to adopt, stepford wifes (the woodlands) “East Jesus” and what dreams may come. Time effortlessly flew as we sat on out on his “tree house” veranda, refreshed by gentle breezes and enlivened (even at the late hour) by scintillating conversation.

H.B and I scrambled to relocate before the “sneak peek” and were graciously received into Dave and Harlene Shine’s beautiful house in Montrose. H.B. was beyond happy that there were plenty of lizards, carpet, (and no homonally enraged cats!) We had just enough time to spruce up the bug (thank you Nicola for Armor all!) and head off for sneak peek held downtown Houston. Allison (Sashimi crew) decided to ride with me and we caravaned downtown, chatting merrily. Consequently, I completely forgot that gas was on my list of “gotta gets” and when we pulled up to “Discovery Green” the  bug was bone dry (and she had to be pushed the last 20 feet to her spot!) Thank goodness we ran out there but I was more than a little embarassed to have committed such a faux pas. It was a beautiful night however, blues, public art “pods” soap bubble play for the kids and a very steady crowd of enthusiasts to survey the dozen “select” art cars parked on the esplanade be entertained with terrific blues and an excerpt of documentary: Art Cars- the movie. Again Sashimi “crew” to the rescue when they called Stein who had (co-incidentally) just filled 2 gallons of gas for his mowers and brought them along 🙂 Incredible.

H.B. and I are going to shift to Dave Shine’s (Sashimi Tabernacle choir) house in Montrose to ease inter species conflicts at Natali’s loft. I have so enjoyed being here, in her element and her effortless genius and art but Cat and Dog will be much more peaceful this way…

The Art car ball was held outside at the Orange Show this year. 50 cars made it in early to be on display. Dragons and Smoking seemed to be a trend (with 3 variations of each.) Marlborough cars by Alex Herra (an ex smoker) and a political/ pro- smoking car by Kentucky artist and me. A huge array of wonderful cars included: Santa Claus car (Brian Taylor) Shattered Vanity (Nicole Strine), Jet car and scooter (Isaac Cohen), Barbeque bicycle (Conrad) the Chicken (Smitty Ragula) The Scout (Erika Nelson) Chewbaru (Rex Rosenberg) De Coupe (Paulette Perlman) Heaven and Hell car (Chris Hubbard) Optic Illusion (Queen Becky) the Ant car (?) and many many more!

“Cat”  gave birth to 6 mewling, squirming bundles of love late last night. Mom and babies are alright, hidden in Natali’s closet. Natali came home in time to see the last 2 born. Honey Bun is curious but has now been banished from the area in which I slept. We may have to figure out some other arrangement to keep all our furry friends relaxed… I saw one of the fathers while taking H.B. for her morning walk and gave “big headed orange boy” my congratulations. He was surprisingly blase about the news.

Took time to enjoy some art yesterday. Was pleasantly surprised to find much free art and museums here in Houston. Went to Houston center for contemporary craft (Lisa Gralnick: the Gold standard) The Lawndale art center (“Measured” by Hillerbrand +Magsamen) with d.i.y. loveseat and family photos of a different sort and “into the sunset” photos of old Texas “strip malls”(Leigh Merrill) then on to the Museum of fine arts where I decided to pass on their giant “impressionist” exhibit and saw instead some amazing photographs from early 20 century: Henrich Kuhn, optic color art by Carlos Diaz, and an exceptional array of tiny clothes and assundry items by Charles Vidray (?) “work, work, work, work, work.” Clothing and the “common man.” Contemporary arts exhibit by “Stan Vanderbeek” a cultural intercom. left me a bit cold (too deep for me.) Stopped in the Jung center for a peek, found it open but unattended. Hopped in the bug, took a couple spins around the fountain (in front of Plaza hotel.) and headed off to the “Orange Show” for Art Car Ball.

Completed repairs to bug today Yahoo! Despite ominous  sky-there was only spitting drizzle. Glad to have those butts behind me and sealed.

Visited studio and workshop of Isac and got to see his amazing wooden cars. Incredible work, and such a sweet man. He got a “lifetime acheievement award from Orange show for his work- no wonder! Amazing cars all finely done.

Getting ready to hit the rack now after long and stinky day. Hipster neighbors showing obscure film in warehouse next door starring James Taylor (in his youth). Beautiful night, great breezes and train horns nearby will lull me into welcome sleep. Will put finishing touches on Bug (and another couple coats) tomorrow and ready myself for “Art Car Ball” and lots of amazing art car artists/ costumes and merriment tomorrow night.

Staying at Natalie’s warehouse space which is a collection of workspaces owned by Isac (who makes amazing and incredible wooden cars) as well as car restoration etc. Natalie is the only working artist here in this industrial setting. Behind the gate and concertina wire, Honey bun is quite brave and her big dog comes out. After staring down some roving mongrels, she fancied herself a “yard dog” and grew approximately 2 inches. Those 2 inches vaporized once she met “Cat” again who promptly, and repeatedly, put her back in her place.

The hunt for repair materials began after trip to hardware. Foraged for butts along interstate, parking lots and fellow art car artist Paul McRae (Dragon car) delivered a baggie o butts and took me to an especially squalid area of downtown Houston where the “ragged people go” and Simon and Garfunkle rang in my ears. Noticed compassion on the faces of the Mexican day laborers who looked on, seeing a white woman having a more despicable task than they and was offered tobacco by a crack ho who thought I was going to smoke the filters. She who had little, was there to offer what she had. Spent several hours on repairs, til sun and glue ran out. Took a long and welcome shower then headed out for a cold one to the “Dark horse” to meet some fellow art car artists. Was honored to be asked to line up at the parade “sneak preview” viewing area Saturday evening (where press and vip will look at the most exceptional cars.) On to more foraging, gluing and sealing….

Upon arrival to Natalies H.B. was in for a big surprise. Hormones raging and claws flying, Natalies (very pregant) stray Siamese made H.B. regret she was born a dog. After many hours of cooing, calming and begging we think the cat is going to let her live afterall. H.B. really misses Minou now!