It’s a 4 minute and 20 second clip of a bunch of odd, dark and ghoulish figures–made of clay, feathers and other materials– in various stages of movement. Some sway back and forth, some change facial expressions, some dance and do much more. All set to the relaxingly beautiful Scott Walker tune. It’s a really, REALLY astonishing piece of work! It took Allison 8 months to create “Mound;” and, in my opinion, it was WELL worth it! Take a look below:

My favorite part is around the 2:45 mark.

Betchu can’t watch it just one time…

This was probably the second to last exhibit we saw on the tour, and after it was over, I rounded right back to ZieherSmith–where they had the video projected on a wall, playing repeatedly–to see it again.  I couldn’t get enough of it. Part of it was the music…the tune really sucked me in and catered, quite nicely, to my mood on that particular day. But more than that, I was transfixed by the images, and rendered immobile. I just didn’t want to be anywhere else. So I stayed and watched. For about 45 minutes. I took a nice lean against a wall and camped out.

As it turns out, I happened to catch the exhibit mere hours before ZieherSmith was scheduled to take it down. I got to it just in time. How awesome is that! Sorry y’all had to miss seeing it in person, lol, but you can definitely have your fill above.

Go on and watch the video again…you know you want to. And, also, you can peep the New York Times article about “Mound” -> here.

The [unwritten] rule ’round here is that you can claim you’re from New York after 5, 7, or 10 years; depending on who you talk to. But today I’m officially and undoubtedly asserting that I am a full-fledged, betta-not-f*ck-with-me, New Yawkah! From Brooklyn (put ya lighters up).

The past 10 years have been filled with many ups, downs, and all-arounds, which have benefited me greatly, and helped mold me into the person I am today. I can honestly say I came here a boy, and now consider myself a grown-ass-man. Reading the journals from my first year in New York, it was clear that I knew NOTHING and was scared of EVERYTHING!! Although I had a job, I hadn’t the slightest clue how to search for an apartment, hail a cab, or go out and meet people without the benefit of a college dorm/student group. Also, I was out of the closet, but not yet fully comfortable with my sexuality; which resulted in me doing things like looping the block two or three times before summoning up the courage to walk into a gay bar, coffee shop (remember the Big Cup?) or even the LGBT Center. I was a mess!

Though I still have a certain naivete about me (which I LOVE), and am continuously pushing toward breaking out of the shell of my insecurities; I am not the timid, wildly gullible and easily manipulated young pup I was back in 2002. Papa’s seen some things and mastered some rules. I can get a NY apartment in a week, walk into any gay bar or establishment without a second thought, can recognize when someone’s tryin’ to play me, can hail a cab with the best of ‘em, and am definitely more comfortable now with starting random conversations with strangers. My New York life has certainly been a blessed one, fostering tremendous growth in numerous ways. And I can’t wait to see what’s next!

From where I sit, I’m a “lifer.” I’ve got my laptop, my comfy apartment, and a handful of friends and acquaintances whom I love dearly. I ain’t goin’ no where. Just call me Carrie f*cking Bradshaw! Looking forward, however, I want to EXPAND! I’ve got a really great foundation under my feet, and I’m now ready and beginning to build UP, both personally and professionally. There are still soooo many cool places I’ve yet to visit, and sooo many interesting people I’ve yet to meet in this vibrant and eternally exciting city. Professionally, I’ve been blessed enough to work for companies here that many would kill to be a part of, and now I want and am working to create, launch and build a viable, successful and lucrative business that I can call more of my own. Oh, and, let’s not forget…I’m still looking for love (where you at, man?). I am determined to take full advantage of this next part of my New York journey. The first 10 years have been nothing short of amazing; and I am fully confident that the best is yet to come!

Happy 10-year New York Anniversary to me!

I made Cornish hens stuffed with wild rice & sausage, candied yams, greens, ham, cornbread, and sweet potato pie. I went in; and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I really love cooking, and it was very nice to spend those few hours in the kitchen connecting with a passion while thanking God for all he has done for me. I invited over a couple friends who otherwise wouldn’t have really had a Thanksgiving dinner and we feasted abundantly. The greens came out a little salty (twas my first attempt at making them), but everything was still really good- at least to my taste.

I have so much to be thankful for this year. For starters, I have my life and my health. The past week has been rough after having a slight medical episode last Friday; and it only made me realize how precious life is and how we should cherish and maintain our health and each moment we are given. I’ve vowed to start taking better care of myself- exercising more, eating better, and watching what and how much I put into my body.

Additionally, I’m surrounded by family and friends whom I love and who love me; and for that I am truly grateful. Somtimes we forget about the love that surrounds us. We all have people in our lives who care about us and love us to death. I, for one, am going to make a better effort to show my appreciation for those people on a more regular basis.

Finally, I am grateful and thankful for all that I do have and all that I am. I may not be who or were I want to be, but I am constantly growing and am leaps and bounds past who and where I once was. It’s only by the grace of God that I’m allowed to lead such a joyful life- even though I may not always view it as such- and I am so thankful for all he has given and offered me. I really do live a great life. It’s high time I start recognizing that for real.

As I begin to look to 2010 I’m really pinpointing the things that I want to work on and accomplish. I want to be more patient and live for the journey as opposed to the destination. Much of 2009 was lost for me out of my concentrating on and complaining about where I wanted to be instead of appreciating the process of getting there. I also want to start acknowledging myself more- stop puttin’ myself down so much and start giving myself credit for all that I accomplish, small and tremendous. I also want to foster better relationships with my family and friends. I don’t get along very well with my family. I’ve secluded myself from them because I’ve always felt uncomfortable around them. I’m hoping to change that.

All of this will take work. Hard work. I’m a stubborn individual, who lives an incredibly structured life; and it’s gonna take a lot for me to relax, stop taking life so seriously and enjoy the journey, while pushing myself out of my comfort zone to create the life of my dreams. I’m dedicated to not live in my 30′s as I did my 20′s. I’m thankful for the clarity this year has brought me, and I’m looking forward to the challenge that lies ahead. I realize now that it’s up to me to make this growth happen. Not anyone else.

I hope you all had an enjoyable turkey day and will take the time to reflect and be thankful for all that you have and all that you are. Lots of love, hugs and kisses to you! Happy Thanksgiving!

my friend, jashiro, and I spent this past sunday afternoon in the park eating, talking, laughing, and eventually, dancing the evening away:

there’s one more music festival left this summer: august 2nd. i highly suggest, if you’re in the area, that you come out and get your life as well! definitely a good time.

tickets for beyonce’s “i am” tour go on sale this monday. while usually ecstatic and jumping off the walls upon hearing such glorious news, this time around i find myself in a bit of a pickle. you see, when i went to see “the beyonce experience” i went both nights it played in madison square garden. i had 7th row seats for the second night and treated my friends to a free show both performances. i lived! i consider myself to be a beyonce “dan.” you know, one of those normal people, who really love beyonce. not crazy or fanatic… just chill.

anyway, last year- actually today last year- i lost my job and am now looking at this news with a bit of doubt in my heart. tickets for the june 21, 2009 show go on sale on monday, and it disturbs saddens me to know that this time around, it’s possible i may not see it. so now, universe, i come to you. there’s no need for me to go all out as i did the last time, but i would thouroughly enjoy 2 tickets for a friend and myself. i would love to be treated to beyonce’s show, but am also willing to work for it.

universe? can i please get 2 great tickets to “i am?” i mean…it’s beyonce!

damn, i had some good seats! lol

last night, i took in a delightful little movie by the name of “calendar girls.” it stars the wonderfully talented helen mirren, julie walters, and a host of other british actresses who you more than likely know by face only and not by name (or maybe that’s just me). i first came across “calendar girls” as a trailer in a movie i netflixed about a week ago- apparently, it came out in 2003. i absolutely LOVE movies set in brittain (it’s the scenery and accents), and the movie itself seemed cute as all get out, so i immediately added it to my queue. i’m happy to say i was not disappointed.

helen and julie play two free spirited women living in napley, england who belong to a fund raising social group of middle-aged housewives called “the women’s institute.” after losing her husband to leukemia, julie’s character, annie, decides she wants to do something for the cause- specifically, to better the hospital’s “relatives room” in which she spent many a day and night supporting her husband. as the women’s institute’s annual calendar fundraiser approaches, helen’s character, chris, becomes inspired by an erotically suggestive calendar hanging in a local auto shop, and comes up with the idea to do a similar calendar with the members of the group to raise funds for annie’s cause. i won’t give away the rest of the movie, but what ensues is an hour and a half of witty and sweet hilarity!

i really enjoyed this movie. i laughed and smiled (in my sangria-drunken stupor) almost the entire way through. what touched me so was the sense of aliveness and excitement that entered into and spiced up these women’s otherwise mundane lives by way of posing nude for a calendar. it was also a very jovial reminder that you’re never to old to try something new; and that sometimes taking a risk and allowing opportunities for growth to enter your life can not only be fruitful, but extremely fun as well. especially when you have the support of your friends to keep you going and root you on. given what i’ve been going through recently as far as taking risks and trying new things in my own life are concerned, i couldn’t have come across this flick at a more perfect time.

i highly recommend adding “calendar girls” to your netflix or movie rental queue. it’s light-hearted, fun, and will leave you feeling good about life and inspired to take a fruitful risk of your very own. two thumbs up!

i decided to make it a starbucks day, so i got myself a hazelnut hot chocolate with a little nutmeg, and headed to central park. the rainstorm outside was wearing me down- turning my life-sized umbrella, ella inside out, and spilling a decent amount of my lid-covered drink on my jacket with it’s force. i thought about heading home, but coco chanel was calling my name… and she wouldn’t be denied.

i proceeded to and reached the container shortly thereafter, where i was met with about a dozen hot models donned in all black, with channel umbrellas standing all round the outside of the pavilion. when i reached the entrance i was asked for my ticket (of which i had none), and then informed to wait in the “stand by” line. i was a bit taken aback, but the it was way short because of the rain. only minutes after i went over, i was not only boosted in line for being alone, but was handed a ticket as well. WOOT! and to make things even better, my straight girlfriend, “brandy, my love” (who i’d totally forgotten works for the agency that put the exhibit on) was right at the door! she gave me a huge hug- which i (secretly) really needed, and then gave me instructions for my tour.

ok… everyone needs to get their ass to central park at some point in the next two weeks, and see this exhibit! it was seriously, the best art exhibit i’ve been to in nyc in years! it’s an audio-guided tour, narrated by coco herself, that takes you through about a million different visual and audial experiences that spark the imagination, and inspire your creativity. in a city that’s so chaotic and obsessed with fashion, it was really incredible to be able dissapear into your own little bubble, all the while treated to visions of beauty and the voice of a genius.

*note: i’m not posting pictures because i want you to experience it blind as i did*

at the end of the tour, chanel introduced me to the “wish tree,” and asked me to write a wish on the paper supplied, and string it to the tree. “take your time and be careful what you wish for,” she said. i really thought about what she said, what i want, and where i want to go, and then wrote down my wish, found a really secluded part of the tree, and tied my wish to it. i don’t think i’m going to share it here, though. kinda want to keep it to myself and see what happens.

get to central park, people! go!

i found a drive-in theater!

do u have any idea how long it’s been since I’ve been to a drive-in? forever! i didn’t even think they existed anymore, lol. i picked up some weinerschnitzel (another favorite from los angeles) and am now settling in for some beverly hills chihuahua. this is so awesome!

ok, gotta go… the previews are ending and my movie’s about to begin. i know u wish u were me right now. but you’re not; so there!

neener, neener, neener!

i must say, however, that i am really enjoying the peace and quiet that comes with being in such a remote and isolated area. aside from the mosquito bites, my walks to the dumpster down the street are filled with a certain peace that i just can’t get in new york. i am a tremendous fan of the outdoors, so i’m loving the open country complete with wild horses and long stretches of land to stroll down. all i need now is a patch of clear night sky for star-gazing and i’ll be set.

another plus to this trip has been the driving. driving is one of my all time favorite pastimes; and lucky for me, my mom prefers the passenger seat. i almost never get to drive in new york, so best believe i’m taking full advantage of the sweet pontiac g6 we rented. it drives amazingly well. if i wasn’t so hellbent on purchasing a pasaat as my next car, i’d seriously consider the g6.

good times. thank God for silver linings!