Final song of the show - Somewhere over the Rainbow...

Intermission until 10:21

Prepping for EYECONS and just had a hilarious conversation with Christopher Perterson about Joan Crawford's performance in Johnny Guitar.

Driving in NJ sucks and I'm riding shotgun.

I love the irony in seeing a man in a beat to hell pick up with no back windshield sporting a "Safety Is My Goal" bumper sticker.

On the road for a quick overnight to Philly/NJ. Fortunately going against the beach traffic.

"Compassionate Grounds" WTF??!!

Lockerbie Bomber Freed On Compassionate Grounds
by the ASSOCIATED PRESS

OK, this may prove controversial, but so be it. I have been against the death penalty for so many years that I can't remember when I made the decision and I do consider myself a compassionate person. However, just because I am against the death penalty doesn't mean that I am against punishment for people convicted of heinous crimes. This man was found guilty of over 270 innocent people - people that just happened to be flying to Europe or living in Scotland within the crash arena. It could have been anyone of us or our loved ones. This man, in my opinion, should spend every second of his agonizing and painful condition behind bars where he belongs.

In my opinion, if you really want to punish criminals guilty of a crime worthy of even consideration of being put to death, throw their ass into some hell-hole prison for the rest of their days. While most pro-death penalty folks like the "cushy life behind bars" myth, all it takes it to watch a few real-life documentaries about prison life to see what it's really about. There's a strong chance that some of these people may not leave the prison alive in any case, and I can assure you that that death would be much less compassionate than lethal injection..

Wow. Finally caughty up on sleep. This morniing has a good look and feel to it and I get to visit friends down Philly way to boot.

Julie and Julia

Last night, my partner and I went to the local theatre to watch the 9:10 PM showing of Julie and Julia. It's the first film that I've seen in a theatre in quite some time being that I am so turned off by the ever growing price for admission to most movie theatres, not to mention concessions which I avoid like the plague. I happened to have a gift certificate that had been given to me for my birthday just 3 months ago good for two admissions. Not surprisingly, the price jumped from 8 dollars a ticket from 3 months ago to 10 dollars now so the gift certificate had become more of a discount coupon in a very short amount of time. I wanted to use it initially to see the latest Star Trek flick which didn't happen due to a rather intense schedule that I was juggling at the time. Then, I wanted to use it to see the latest Johnny Depp flick ( the name of which escapes me for the moment), but again - scheduling issues and the fact that it seemed to screen here for about 5 minutes. Nevertheless, it still only costs 2 bucks to watch the film.

So, Julie and Julia it was. As we were standing in line, we watched the previous viewers exit the theatre as they have to walk en mass pass us yet to view the film. Most of them seemed enthusiastic and a few even did the old "thumbs up" gesture. The problem was, we realized that two separate films were exiting at the same time - the new harry Potter flick and Julie and Julia. So, which films were they thumbing up? This question became particularly prescient after one exuberant fellow bellowed "You're gonna love it!". The crowd was moving too quickly to ask in passing, "Wait! What will I love?" and by the time our line began it's procession to theatre # 2, we had abandoned the idea of trying to guess who had just seen what.

Julie and Julia turned out to be a gem of a film with just a touch of schmaltziness as is to be expected in many Nora Ephron films (You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seatle - though it's an interesting tid bit that she also directed Streep in Silkwood - one of the most brilliant films of Streeps careeer in my opinion). The film is composed of two stories melded together - Julia Child's journey from bored Paris based wife of a charming diplomat in the early 1950's into that of an internationally adored chef against Julie Powell's journey through the creation of a blog documenting her process of cooking every recipe in Child's cooking masterpiece "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" within the period of one year.

Of course, Streep is simply brilliant as Julia Child as is Stanley Tucci in the role of her husband Paul Child. Amy Adams as Julie Powell and Chris Messina as her husband Eric are enjoyable on film togther and "sweet", but frankly not as compelling in the film as the segments that focus on Julia's story in my opinion. In fact, I could have watched an entire film with Streep portraying Child and have been enthralled. Of course, I would be enthralled to watch her read the back of a cereal box.

Is it an enjoyable film? Absolutely. It's cheery, humorous, uplifting, and witty and very romantic. Could you wait to watch it at home on DVD? Yes. But, if you're looking for something romantic and sweet to do with your mate on a date night, or if you like big screen versions of perfect "chick flicks" then this is worth the extra money.

Just skip the popcorn and soda.

POWER WALK

I am glad to say that I have returned to my morning 2 mile power walks after a brief respite. I can't accent enough the benefits from them. When I say power walk - I mean, sweat dripping, leg grinding, move your ass power walk. Of course, I use some motivational music on my IPod Nano to assist in my task. Here is my current Power Walk music list -

1. "Ain't No Other Man" - Chirstina Aguilera Simply one kick-ass song that no normal person can resist moving to. Love this tune! Love it. Once it kicks in after the first few seconds, it doesn't stop. Added bonus - it's dripping with sexiness
2. "Bang A Gong" - T. Rex A classic. Sexy. Great beat. Great lyrics. T. Rex. Need I say more?
3. "Can't Get The Blue Monday Out Of My Head" DJ Kris Extended Club remix - Kylie Minougue vs. New Order While I don't have a link to this remix version posted, you can still see why this is easy to move to. As soon as Kylie's "nah na nahs" begin - you're hooked.
4. "D.A.N.C.E." Justice Mstrkrft Remix. My brother Nick turned me onto this great tune. First, it makes you move. Second, I love the sound of the British children's choir singing the lyrics a la Brick In The Wall only with a beat and pure fun. Watch the video and you'll be hooked too.
5. "Don't Leave Me This Way" George Benson - Pure disco genius with almost orgasmic sounding lyrics a la the divine Thelma Houston. Possibly my favorite disco song next to and maybe ahead of Shame.
6. "Electric City" Black Eye Peas Sound selector activate your transistor... Another great get off your ass tune.
7. "Flathead" The Fratellis Oh what a great song with a super kick back to my post punk days with a heavy dose of the Violent Femmes tossed in for good measure ( think - Day After Day)
8. "Love Hangover" Diana Ross - dance remix - There are a million remixes available to this fantastic and super SEXY song. Pick your favorite. The one I have a link to here isn't the one I use, but it's not bad. Not bad at all...
9. "I'm A Believer" The Monkees A throw back to my childhood? Yes. Great to move to. Absolutely.
   
10. "Paint It Black" The Rolling Stones. A throw back to my childhood? Yes. Great to move to. Absolutely.One of my favorite R&R songs of all time. Without. A. Doubt.
11. "Poker Face" Lady GaGa Hot Woman. Hot Song. Hot Video. Easy to move to.
12. "Renagade" Styx Some may think this is an odd choice - but after the intro vocal this kicks into high gear and stays. Another kick back to my childhood? Yes - but more like my early teens. Classic rock song.
13. "Shut Up And Drive" Rihanna Oh this song is HOT. Great to move to! Now shut up and drive.
14. "Somebody Told Me" The Killers Again - such a great song to pipe into your ers when working out. Great beat. Great lyrics. Great hook. Great chorus.
    
15. "Stamp Your Feet" Donna Summer Love this diva and am so glad that she is still making music. This carries a steady beat for power walking. Uplifting lyrics - and come on... it's Donna Summer.
16. "Talk To Me" Peaches - Oh do I love this song. Sexy. Great beat. This makes me want to shake my money maker - whatever that is. Seriously - it has a great beat to power walk to and feel good about it at the same time.
17. "What I Like About You" The Romantics. A true classic from the 80's. I remember thrashing to this in the clubs in the way back machine. I wonder if my friend Helen still has those high tops that she had them sign after the show...
    

Don't you hate it when....

This just happened 2 minutes ago. I pick up my phone to call a close friend that I was to have heard from by now.
Dial number.
Phone rings.
Friend answers.
ME: "Hey man, how's it going?"
FRIEND: (with a very stressed out tone in voice) "Terrible...I just lost my - oh crap - I have to call you back."
CLICK
end of conversation.
Man, I hate it then that happens...

I love this joke CP does as Bette Midler...

Backstage at Christopher Peterson's EYECONS

Freakish Animation

Not sure why I created this, but I did. It's based on late 1950's early 60's era photograph. It's just a simple gif animation. Quarky. Unsettling, and oddly fun...

I am in the freakiest tire repair shop in the world...

Peterson is doing a kick ass Tina right now on stage...

Eating a giant Snickers bar backstage...

Lewes Pizza. Took 1.5 hours to arrie. It was cold. It sucked and it cost 20 b

Whacked Wigs!

Whacked Wigs!, originally uploaded by sprouseart.

Only effective when viewed in large scale so follow the link...

Scatter Perm

I'm not going to leave any words about the passing of celebrities that I never knew beyond the back lit flickerings from a screen both big and small, or the sounds emanating from any number of music output devices. Though, as a true Generation X'er (born bewteen 1961 and 1974) I can honestly admit that both of the passing pop icons brought me enertaining joy.

I first posted this 3 years ago and it popped bak up in my memory this moring so her it is once more...

Welcome to Delaware!

Like ít or not, some people are simply too old to drive

My life at the beach eradicated the horrors of DC rush hour traffic...alas.

Heading home w/ art

Hey peeps - not txting while driving . Passenger. No stop over in DC. Daytrip to Rmd. 4 art pickup.

15 +mile back up 95 N 75 miles outsiide Richmond.

Driving to Richmond is never an easy task...

Crossing the Bay Bridge...

2 gr8 tastes that taste gr8 2gethr - Pep. Farm Drk. Choc. chip cookies & Drk beer.

I'm watching Benjamin Button for the first time and am very taken with it.

Back into Rehoboth 2 meet some new friends for dinner. I love Sundays like this...

Must get used to the fact that people only show up when Im eating lunch

George. Chinese food. Wine. Friday. Fun.

Couple with a young female spirit

Couple with a young female spirit, originally uploaded by National Media Museum.

Wonderfully creepy!!!

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Wednesday, June 10, 2009, originally uploaded by sprouseart.

4.5 hours of sleep and a gallon of coffee...
I was also just informed that my Uncle Dick died this AM. R.I.P. Uncle Dick. You were a good man and the world will be a lesser place with you. Cheers.

Levitating hopefuls

38 Years ago Today, originally uploaded by ricko.

I may have posted this once before - but I love this wacko retro-image. Who says levitation isn't possible - it's all about the motivation!

Rosalyn Kind tonight ( Babs sis )@ Milton

What the hell was that?!

My monster sized cat leaped upon my head in the middle of the night after being startled by some nether-creature's unearthly sounding lament that seemed to come wafting from the woods that borders old cemetery behind the old African American Baptist church directly behind my house. Mixed with the howling wind and distant thunder, it made for one Edgar Allen Poe kind of night...

Adam rocks.

Truth b told - I don't really care about Idol, but since I've to watch it anyway, I say go Adam.

Frankie Goes to Hollywood's Relax is playing over the sound system @ the Rehoboth SuperFresh.

I'm having a fatty patty melt for lunch @ the Frogg Pond on a very wet and dreary Wednesday...

http://ping.fm/p/BpHqU - OK I will admit that I live with two females...

I'm about to speak before 150 AARP members.

I'm watching A Shot In The Dark on TCM. What a genius Peter Sellers was.

http://ping.fm/p/ZEBcp - I'm having a studio day and feeling the urge to draw...

And here is my second test with Ping as I am SMSing this text msg. Fingers crossed.

Well - I have just stumbled into and have leaped blindly into Ping.fm. I'll keep my fingers crossed...

Have a great weekend folks!

Plotting Felines...

0330091752a.jpg, originally uploaded by sprouseart.

Hmm...
I'm not sure as to whether I should trust these beasts when they look at me like this or not...

Men In Belted Sweaters

Men In Belted Sweaters Back Cover, originally uploaded by moxie-girl.

These are so hideous that I momentarily lost my breath upon first glance. If I ever found myself wearing the ungodly yellow thing in the upper left corner, I would run screaming into the path of the nearest metro bus. The chap in the lower right corner looks as if he may toss his floppy hat up into the air at any second a la Mary Tyler Moore with a happy-go-lucky giggle. I was in first grade in 1971, and I can't remember any man wearing one of these monstrosities.

WTF??!!

Here is another news bit that seriously frustrates me, so, yes, I am one of the people who ponder "why are these guys getting free cars and free gas when the American taxpayer is paying for it?". This is something that deserves a WTF.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=102316176&ft=1&f=1014

Deadly Spider hmmm....

I had a feeling that the "deadly" spider wasn't as deadly as initially implied by the overtly dramatic "spider expert"...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090320/ap_on_re_us/deadly_spider

Adiós Winter...

Today, at 7:40 AM eastern time, Winter ends and Spring arrives which makes me want to shout Hallelujah!

In Memoriam...

Natasha Richardson, originally uploaded by sprouseart.

Natasha Richardson
May 11, 1963 - 18 March 2009

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

My Mother's maiden name was Maureen Veronica O'Brien and she was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage. We moved from Massachusetts to Kentucky in 1969 at a time when there were very few Yankee Irish Catholics to be found in that area. As she was registering us for school the first time, when she came to the section of the form asking for "nationality", she wrote the words "Irish American".

Bored and at the office on a Saturday morning...

D.O.A. Ladies - 1946

D.O.A. Ladies - 1946, originally uploaded by sprouseart.

I'm not sure if I have ever posted this image on my blog before or not. Someone just added it as a favorite on flickr so i revisited it and decided to post it here.

This came in a box of a few hundred vintage photos that was given to me a few years back by an acquaintance of mine who found them in an abandoned house.

I love finds like that and I love them even more so when they are offered to me for use in my work.

8 of Pentacles

pents08, originally uploaded by sprouseart.

Maybe it's time that I pulled out my tarot decks again. I've not used them in close to a year, but, in my opinion, they are like riding a bike - a skill that stays with you once mastered.

I've been reading tarot for 31 years now and am considered by some to be quite adept at it. Of course, 31 years of practice will make a person quite adept at anything I imagine.

In any case, after my particularly trying day yesterday, I decided to pull one of my decks from my drawer and pull a random card for clarity for the day.

I used my Golden Tarot deck , which I am very fond of, and I pulled the 8 of Pentacles ( coins in the Golden tarot deck). It was truly a very appropriate card to have synchronistically been pulled from the deck.
You may read about it here - http://goldentarot.com/mico08.htm.

By the way, if you are interested in the tarot, I highly recommend the Golden Tarot deck for it's artistic beauty, elegance, and ease of use.

Not a nice Monday....

Though the weather was lovely today for an early March day at the Mid-Atlantic shore, I had a particularly rough day at the office, but I won't go into detail, because, frankly, I find the whole affair ever so tiresome.

I must add this little thought however -

I wonder if the man realizes how truly despised he is.
No, of course he doesn't. How could he? He's too arrogant, motivated only by greed and selfishness. It seems as if I've known, or have known of, people like this my entire life, and no matter how I try, I just can't find anything about them likable. They are barren, cold hearted, empty, soulless and joyless creatures who purposefully choose to look away from anything beautiful in life.

How awful it must be to be the kind of man that if the majority of people who knew him found out one day that he had dropped dead, their reaction would be either happiness or indifference.

La Strada

La Strada, originally uploaded by sprouseart.

Once or twice a week, we get together with friends and watch a film or two. I was finally able to get my comrades to agree to watch La Strada, one of my favorite Fellini films.

I hadn't seen it since the mid-80's so it was lovely to view it again based simply on fuzzy memories. Of course, it's a magnificent timeless film that doesn't age badly or become dated.

It's such a perfect film on so many levels that it's difficult to describe and best experienced in my opinion. There are moments when it is as sweet and gentle as a delicate baby chick, and then others when it reflects ugly brutality in such a way that it still leaves a shudder even after 55 years.

A wikipedia excerpt contained this mention of a review which I found prescient, "On La Strada’s release in France in 1955, critic Dominique Aubier wrote in Les Cahiers du cinéma that the film “belongs to the mythological class, a class intended to captivate the critics more perhaps than the general public. Fellini attains a summit rarely reached by other film directors: style at the service of the aritist’s mythological universe. This example once more proves that the cinema has less need of technicians - there are too many already - than of creative intelligence. To create such a film, the author must have had not only a considerable gift for expression but also a deep understanding of certain spiritual problems."

La Strada won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film in 1957 and is available from Netflix.

ART PR

Here is a little television interview that occurred a couple of days ago featuring info on the new studios that I am spearheading...

Click on the little gold camera icon above the photo to the left to see the video.

http://www.wboc.com/Global/story.asp?S=9954444&nav=MXEF

A SHI T

0305091906.jpg, originally uploaded by sprouseart.

I was enjoying a glass of wine at a friend's house last night when I saw this scene appear on his big screen television in the other room. Vanna was posing awkwardly in front of this uncompleted puzzle and I just had to snap a quick pic with my phone. Juvenile humor yes, but did it make me giggle a bit? Absolutely.

Requires No Manure!

fun & profit, originally uploaded by miss mouffette.

Why that certainly does look like a satisfied mushroom farmer to me!

At the Houses of Healing in World War I (c.1915)

At the Houses of Healing in World War I (c.1915), originally uploaded by postaletrice.

Wow. What a phenomenal find this is! The imagery in this card screams for a narrative. Perhaps a short story or play!
Hmmm....

Scraggles plays fetch

0620080631.3g2
Originally uploaded by sprouseart

This is an exercise both fun and and sweet that my little black kitty , Scraggles, likes to partake in on occasion when she isn't hiding in the shadows waiting for the sun to set...

Sleep

Sleep, originally uploaded by Ariel (wingsinthewater).

I have come to the conclusion that I don't have trouble sleeping, I just have trouble staying asleep. What a strange, twilight, world one's kitchen becomes when the moon and the sun quietly creep pass one another.

Better than digging a ditch...

Monday - February 16, 2009.

Clearly, it's been one month since my last addition to the Sprouseart.blog. I've been so terribly busy that I mentally placed it one some shelve with the words "and I'll get back to you in just a bit" and then proceeded to forget it completely as I weaved in and out of the many "projects" (as I like to refer to them).

At the theatre, where I am the Associate Director, there is a never ending list of "to do" items that each demand certain amounts of attention and expertise. There are always press releases to be formulated and then submitted, online portals for posting of events to be completed, contracts to review and document, emails and phone calls to be made or returned, and much more. It keeps one on one's toes so to speak.

On Valentine's day, we had a soft "opening" of the Celebration Studios. Overall, for an unofficial event, I think it went well. Most of the artists were in attendance, and they were well received by the public who dropped by in general. There are a few loose ends that need tightening up, all of which should evolve on their own however.

As a group, with I as ringmaster so to speak, decided to go forward with the soft opening in order to coincide with the "Love Letters" performance at the theatre. Hugo, during his pre show introduction, spoke about the studios with the suggestion that the crowd drop in during intermission. It worked well. Well enough that I have a better idea of what went well, what didn't, and what more needs to be done.




Also since my last visit, was my acceptance as the Secretary and Marketing and Advertising Director of the Delaware Charitable Music, Inc. We' re a non-profit working to "honor and promote jazz and blues, the two original American music forms, and to educate and support young area musicians and allow them to interact with some of the world's finest performers in a professional concert atmosphere."

Pretty cool, huh? There is the logo that I designed for our big event in March at Dover Downs - The First State BluesFest featuring Dana Fuchs and Sonny Rhodes. Much more can be read about the BluesFest on our web site ( which I designed as well) at www.demusic.org.

Overall, I'm pleased that the reason that I've not been able to drop by here for the last month is due to my being busy with creative projects and not because of some other occurrence much less inspiring. All of the projects that I am involved with currently involve tremendous amounts of work and dedication, most of which I am either under compensated for or not compensated at all. But, I am working in the arts, and as an artist, I appreciate that. Besides, the networking is great and with each new thread I form in the web, the stronger it becomes.

Besides, as my dear departed mother was oft to say, "It's better than digging a ditch".

Dare I?

I have the opportunity to attend a phenomenal late night Inaugural After Party at a very exclusive nightclub in Washington, DC from 11:00 PM - 4:00 AM which will truly be packed with Hollywood celebs....
Hmmm...

Your followers...

Just when you thought I may never appear here again, it is I, after a 3 week hiatus. To be fair, there has been much on my plate as of late keeping me busier than usual. I found this online this morning and felt the need to share it - make of it what you will.




I think it would be fun to have seen the original. The bucolic scene surrounding Jesus and his companion present lush rolling hills of some rural area, dare I say, possibly, somewhere south of the Mason Dixon line. Of course, they could also simply be strolling about the countryside of some Midwestern locale deep in the heartland. In the background to the left is the hint of either an old farmhouse or church. More likely than not however, it is a church - at least in my opinion. I mean, really, Jesus is there strolling about with his much shorter friend.

While the chap on the right is smartly dressed, he's certainly no style match for Jesus. There is a very popular and chic salon here in town where a man's haircut costs $32. Last week, I was almost certain that I caught a glimpse of Jesus ducking in the spot trying not to be noticed, now I'm certain it was him. His stylist does a fine job in any case. In fact, he looks like a strapping combination of Charlton Heston, Mel Gibson, and Al Pacino.

I must admit that I am a great fan of this type of humor, though I'm not sure what it's called. It's Monty Pythonesque in the sense that an image is manipulated and then used to convey an entirely new meaning, usually humorous and ironic, as is the case above. In fact, this reminds me of my very first post in this blog a few years back which documented a very odd encounter I had at a local tire repair shop:

http://sprouseart.blogspot.com/2005/04/let-he-who-have-no-tread.html

I'll have to research a bit and see if I can discover the name of this mode of humor.

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Socks the Cat

Socks the Cat's Cancer Battle



Poor Kitty. Somewhere out there there is a photo of me holding Socks taken during a private tour of the White House that I was invited on during the Clinton administration. At that time, he was a big and friendly act that leaped into my arms and purred.

Party Machine

Shake Your Tail Feathers baby!

Another cool discovery...

Have any of you noted as of late all of the great archaeological finds that have been discovered recently? I, for one, find all of this very exciting...

4,300-year-old pyramid discovered in Egypt
2,000-year-old gold earring found in Jerusalem
New Bamiyan Buddha find amid destruction

Gotta love this!

For those of you who have been concerned that I may be abandoning my blog, fear not. I've just been busier than I have ever been in my life working with several new visual and performing arts projects connected to my work. I'll still be posting, but probabbly not on an every day occurance. Though - I'll do my best.

With that being said - I ran across this new item online which brought a smile to my face...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20081110/ap_on_re_us/wwii_photo

It's the day after Halloween

It's the day after Halloween. I had a big night last night.
I now feel like 14 hells.
I just can't party the way I used to anymore.
Alas.

Happy Halloween Folks...

NRSC = Freaks

I am not from Minnesota nor have I ever been there (though I would love to visit one day and probably will as I do have friends there). I know that there has been a rather heated campaign between Minnesota senate race between Republican Norm Coleman and comedian Al Franken
raging throughout the state which I have been following somewhat from a distance.

I also want to state that I have been a fan of Al Franken for many years. I was first introduced to his unique comedy when he would appear on SNL in the late 70's as part of the Franken & Davis show. Years later I watched him as a celebrity contestant at a taping of Jeopardy and found him not only hilarious but articulate and very intelligent.

Then, several years after that, I became hooked on his radio talk show that aired for a couple of years on Air America Radio.

SO, you can imagine my disgust when I read about the recent low-down low-brow smear tactics that the National Republican Senatorial Committee has taken in a pathetic attempt to bring him down.

See for yourself here:

http://www.americablog.com/2008/10/norm-coleman-mails-rape-comic-book-to.html

And thus begins a new chapter...

It's an early Monday morning in late October.

In synchronistic fashion, yesterday afternoon was the very last day that I will ever set foot in my previous house in New Jersey while today is the day that I "officially" begin my new position as Executive Director of the Celebration Studios and Gallery here in Rehoboth Beach. I use the word officially in quotes only because I have been working more or less in the position for the last 2 weeks or so, but today is when it actually begins..."officially".

Of course, I'll still be responsible for many of the duties connected to my position as Associate Director of the Theatre for quite some time, the role has just been expanded into a wider scope of possibilities. I'm very pleased about taking on the new role, and the new work.

Make no mistake - there is much new work to be done. Much. But you see, this isn't so much a "job" as it is a life role that is played. It was the same way when I was the owner and curator of eklektikos gallery of art in Washington, DC for 10 years. The role becomes part of your psyche, thus, you are always "working", but it is more akin to always keeping the vision alive and prospering.

If you've ever been involved in similar projects, you know what I mean.

Perhaps that's an even better term, "project". Working on a "project" has always seemed more attractive to me than simply "working". "Working" seems mundane, rote, tedious, like an unpleasant necessity while working on a project seems creative, invigorating, collaborative, fruitful and pleasant.

So, with that in mind, let me reword my first paragraph—today is the day that I begin working on my new project—as Executive Director of the Celebration Studios and Gallery.

Here's to new chapters.



Zoom. Zoom.

Arrivederci New Jersey

Good morning. As I press down on my keyboard, it's a bit after 6:00 AM, E.S.T. I've been up since 4:51 AM, which, as of late, is quickly becoming the norm for me. But this morning has a rather odd aura about it for this is the last morning that I spend here in this particular house in New Jersey.

For a variety of reasons, each either too tedious or too personal to list, my partner and I listed our house here in New Jersey sometime around last May. To condense an extremely long story, we finalize the sale to the new owners on the 30th, exactly one week from today.

For those of you with absolutely much too much time on your hands, it may indeed be possible to research much earlier postings in this blog to discover that we purchased this home almost 3 years ago to the date. I remember moving in less than a week before Halloween and being concerned that I hadn't had time to pick up candy or carve a jack-o-lantern because of the chaos, a thought that, in hindsight, I now view as completely absurd.

Initially, I was very pleased with the decision. It was, and still is, a lovely old home a top a small hill looking over the quaint main street confines of a charming bedroom community of Philadelphia. However, as the months flew from the calendar like faded leaves from a branch, the events that I had envisioned occurring did not. I became disillusioned and ready for change.

Now, the change that I requested from the universe was delivered to be in abundance. Since moving back to the beach on a full time basis last May, my life has indeed taken on a new level of involvement that I find stimulating, challenging, rewarding—and most importantly—that allows me to enlarge my creative horizon on a daily basis.

So, it is not with sadness that I notice the fact that this will be the last 6:46 AM that I spend in the Butterscotch Castle. It seems that the older I become, the less wistful I become as well. The past is the past and I've learned that attempting to dwell in it, as well as regret it, is futile to say the least. Upward and onward with myself.

However, there is an oddness about knowing that one particular moment is the last moment. It's a tad bit haunting - the finality of it all, and as such, it seems that my morning is composed of a very long stream of final moments.

Halloween is just around the corner...

Gotta love it...

In Memorium...

To a brilliant talent and an amazing humanitarian...


Paul Leonard Newman
January 26, 1925 - September 26, 2008

Return of The Dame

Some of you may not know that the Nick Sprouse referred to in this article is my brother. He had been the talent buyer for the famed "Dame" in downtown Lexington for many years.

However, last June 22, the Dame was closed after its lease was bought out as part of a move to clear businesses from the block to make way for construction of CentrePointe, the proposed 35-story high-rise hotel and condominium tower.

That decision proved to be controversial to say the least and it left the future of the Dame, as well as that of my brother's career, in limbo.

I'm very pleased to learn this morning however, that a Phoenix has risen from the ash.

http://www.kentucky.com/211/story/523969.html

Funny

Busy, Busy, Busy

In case you were mislead by the title of this post, I have indeed been busy, busy, busy. The majority of the time that has past since my last post, has been devoted to my work at the Rehoboth Beach Theatre of the Arts and my exhibit which opens on Friday the 12th at the Philip Morton Gallery in Rehoboth Beach.

So, speaking as someone with little free time, I found this article of interest.

http://www.dbtechno.com/health/2008/09/09/study-shows-exercise-helps-people-beat-their-fat-gene/

Imus admit that I laughed aloud with a cynical guffaw when I read the last two lines which read

"Those in the high activity group who did around 3 to 4 hours of moderate exercise each day burned 900 more calories than the low activity group.

This shows that with exercise, you truly can beat your fat gene."

Huh??!! 3 to 4 hours of exercise A DAY?! What person has time for that? Say someone works an average 9 to 5 job, and let's say that they wake up on average around 7:30 AM to get their morning ritual underway. Now let's figure an average of 30 minutes to get to work and another 30 to get home. In order to have 3 to 4 hours of exercise a day, they would need to rise at 3:30 AM and leap into some exercise routine groggy eyed with morning breath, or exercise from roughly 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM each and every night.

Welcome to Fantasy Island...

Freakin' back pain...

Though I don't think that I have mentioned it here during this last week, I had one of my infamous "back throw out" sessions last Saturday night while at the "Almost Queen" show at the theatre. I can't really pinpoint any one thing that may have led to the "lumbar strain", but nevertheless it occurred.One moment, I was fine, the next - I was in severe pain and unable to stand up properly. Trouble is, here it is one week later, and I still have tightness and pain in my lower back. Not like for the first few days thankfully, but I have been experiencing some level of or pain ranging from mild to extreme for the last 8 days now.
And that doesn't make me feel like doing much of anything at all.

Refreshingly Honest...

After I left the theatre yesterday afternoon, George and I made plans to get together with our friend Michael, eat some dinner and watch a movie. Though as loosely made plans often tend to do, our schedule changed a bit when we all decided to dine at a local and hip little diner within walking distance from Michael's home.
We were in the mood for something "homey" food wise and once our server arrived the following conversation took place:
Michael K : "So, how is the meatloaf? Would you recommend it?"
Waitress : "No. Personally, I think it's disgusting. But if you're into that kind of thing..."
After a brief second of raised eyebrows and quick smirks, George than asks,
"Hmm. Well, what about the spaghetti and meatballs?"
Waitress: "You know, you're better off going to an Italian restaurant."

Thanks to her refreshing honesty, we all had Patty Melts.

And they were delicious.

Thank You honest waitress.

Howdy friends and neighbors

Originally uploaded by superbomba.

Imagine that you decide to host a "Get to Know Your Neighbors" BBQ/cocktail party on some sunny Saturday afternoon.

The doorbell rings...

Many thanks to superbomba and her phenomenal photo collection.

Leslie Jordan....

Guess who's coming to the RBTA?

(http://www.thelesliejordan.com/)

Busy Times

I have been so busy in my new position as Associate Director of the Rehoboth Beach Theatre of the Arts, that I've not had the same amount of time as I had been used to to partake in such activities as updating my blog on a regular basis. I'm not complaining, mind you, as I truly thrive on the challenge and excitement of it all. It's such a new project that there is, understandably, quite a bit of action always going on behind the scene.

I've performed in and/or have worked backstage with enough theatrical productions to have seen times of total chaos backstage. In fact, I've been in the middle of several just within the last several weeks as backstage manager with our current production. What's wonderful about working with such stage professionals is that together we ensure that the audience is blissfully unaware of any situation/s behind the curtain.

Of course that is exactly how it should be. "Suspension of Disbelief" is the term I believe...

The best toast I ever tasted...

This just struck me as so bizarre that I just had to post it. Not only can the toaster create the best toast you'll ever taste, it seems to be able to defy gravity as well. Either that, or the young woman enjoying her "coffee" likes to live life on the edge, or at least likes her toasters on the edge of the table.

Of course, judging from her glassy eyed "I hear you but I can't seem to comprehend a word you're saying" stare, she may mistake the toaster as her purse at any moment and slide her hand into it looking for her lip stick. In any case, if my breakfast conversation revolved around debate about whether I just finished "the best toast I ever tasted", I would think of other more practical uses for the toaster, perhaps as an accompaniment to a relaxing bath...

Hidden Face..

I love little stories about little surprises like this...

Hidden face uncovered under Van Gough painting...

Oddly enough, one of my well known works, "Marilyn"



Published in this : "Marilyn In Art", has an entirely different painting underneath it entitled "The Prophetess". I'm not sure if I have an image of the original work. But if I come across it, I'll post it here.

By the way, when you get a chance, check out this blog - www.rehobothbeachtheatre.blogspot.com.
This is the new blog for the equally new Rehoboth Beach Theatre of the Arts where I now serve as Associate Director.

Got to love the O.N.N.

Bush Tours America To Survey Damage Caused By His Disastrous Presidency

Heap Big Silly Drink

0722082033.jpg, originally uploaded by sprouseart.

There I am on the right sharing a loving cup of a mini-mexican hat shaped punch bowl filled with god only knows how many different kinds of booze at a place called Mango's in Bethany Beach last night as we celebrated the birthday of my friend Michael. Fortunately, I didn't sip as strongly as I could have knowing that I had a full day today.

When it was brought to the table, the center of the hat was aflame. Fortunately, the birthday boy knew to blow out the wee fire so as to not burn away the alcohol of the rum.

Busy busy busy

Would it help to state that I have been working like a mad man? A little over 2 weeks ago, I took a position with the Rehoboth Beach Theatre of the Arts located, of course, in downtown Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. That position, as back stage manager, has now grown into backstage manager and publicist for the theatre. I'm very happy doing both as I feel as if I am in my "element". Of course, I also am spending as much time as possible in my studio as I have a solo exhibit in September at the Philip Morton gallery.

Needless to say really, but this new schedule has taken a large bite out of my regular schedule, leaving me less free time for, say, this blog. But fear not, I'll still be popping in and out frequently, but perhaps not daily.

Also, I'll be posting links here soon to the blog that I will be creating for the Rehoboth Beach Theatre of The Arts. If I could figure out how to use my groovy new phone for blogging, then you'll find even more dynamic content here. I'll let you know, or am very open to ideas on how to do that.

GO CAROL KRECK

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/07/11/mccain-campaign-had-prote_n_112255.html

BUSY Saturday!

It's 5:59 AM here. Why am I up so early on a Saturday morning? Well, I may have overlooked the information that last week I officially started working as the Assistant Stage Manager for the Rehoboth Beach Theatre of The Arts. (If you happen to be in the area during the run of our current production of "Broadway Fever" I urge you to catch a performance as it really is spectacular - if only I could get the words from Seasons of Love out of my head -



However, I also have to drive back to NJ this AM ( two hours) so that I can jury an Figurative Art Competition for the Annual Haddonfield Fine Art and Crafts Festival . I have to finish there by about 3, then high tail it back to the beach for tonight's show.

Truth be told, if I stay attentive and "in the now" it should all be wonderful!

Cheers

Follow the money....

I believe that I have made it rather clear that I intend on supporting the Democratic candidate for the presidency of the United States, however, I'm not a fan of blindly following anyone or anything without keeping an inner-eye open. It's not an issue of not being able to trust, it is actually more of an issue of trusting greatly, trusting my inner-voice - the voice of my essence, some would call it intuition. It's the same voice that wisely suggests that I not allow any experience to take me over completely because that's when people begin to make mistakes. I believe that history has shown repeatedly that blind trust in anything has ultimately proven to formulate as costly mistakes.

That being said, let me now question why BHO voted to pass the FISA Bill. This is the same bill that he strongly opposed in 2007 with a statements coming from his campaign like "To be clear: Barack will support a filibuster of any bill that includes retroactive immunity for telecommunications companies" and "Senator Obama unequivocally opposes giving retroactive immunity to telecommunications companies and has cosponsored Senator Dodd's efforts to remove that provision from the FISA bill. Granting such immunity undermines the constitutional protections Americans trust the Congress to protect. Senator Obama supports a filibuster of this bill, and strongly urges others to do the same".

This issue is deservedly getting all of the attention that it should. It seems to me that his decision to support this Bill after so vocally promising to vote against less than a year ago, was truly foolish and I can't see how it can be spun it any positive light.

Here is a very astute quote from an article by Bob Ostertag that sums it up quite nicely: "Here is another level on which this whole thing stinks. It is one thing for a presumptive nominee to adjust policy positions to reach out to constituencies he wants to bring in to his coalition which were not part of his primary victory. We have seen Obama do that with evangelicals, for example. Warrantless wiretapping has no constituency. There is no sector of the American population that just might jump off the fence and get behind Obama if he only agrees to give telecommunications corporations retroactive immunity for illegally collaborating with the Bush administration's spying. He is not courting votes here. Either he is caving in to pressure from the giant telecom corporations, or he has really bought into the idea that American actually needs warrantless wiretapping. Either option is equally unpalatable to many activists."

And here is a very compelling video produced by the American News Project.

July 6. 08

It's been over a week since my last post. Summer is actually a rather busy time here at the beach and it's easy to overlook such things as the "blog". I bet if one were to study my posting habits over the last few years, it could be seen that as summer progresses the span of time between my posts follows suit.

I've also been thinking of new ideas that I want to incorporate into this blog as well as my personal site as a visual artist. Truth be told, by ideas about many things have evolved recently, thanks in a great part to this.

In fact, the longer I sit here and stare at the keyboard, the less motivated I am to spend my current moment typing out what my very well be nothing more than my opinion of something. I've been finding myself critical of that same behavior in the media over the last year or so (basically - op-ed pieces being labeled news stories), and I really don't want to be guilty of the same behavior on my on blog.

I'm not sure how this new mind set will transform these digital pages, but I feel that it will occur, in fact, perhaps it has already begun.