PUMPKINS, THIEVES, ETC.

The Pumpkin Thieves II.

I AM BOOK.

First off, thanks to Sharika for the Echo Donut Lounge recommendation! Been there twice now; love the space and the people
Second, my mom came up with the great idea, while we were coffee-ing and donut-ing, to each choose a book on the shelf that best described us. We approached this task with thoughtfulness and careful deliberation.

ROSE CITY COMIC-CON.

The mutual respect of superheroes crossing paths.

Go be incredible and design your own capes.

Happy day, Dudes.

A time to carry others,
and a time to be carried.
What it means to be human.
Or, to be a humanistic superhero.

CHILDHOOD ORACULAR IN MONO, BACKWARDS.

Childhood. A time of glorious experimentation and directionless play, where ideally you can figure out a bunch of life without somebody telling you exactly what to do and how to do it at every turn.

Yeah, I guess I've just kind of dragged childhood right into adulthood as well, now that I think about it.

Happy day, all.

LIFEGUARDING 101.

LEE LONG PICASSO.

"Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."

- the famous observation by Mr. P. Picasso

Which is why it's important that children are surrounded by adults who have not forgotten the essence of childhood. (once-a-year mixed sports metaphor coming up): There's a time to be a fan, a time to be a cheerleader, a time to be a referee, and equally importantly, a time to be a player. Get in the ring and play hard. Show the little twerps how it's done. 

The Lifeguards (you'll be in good hands).

FOUR: in which I speak to my son about minotaurs and meat.

Post by Joseph Long.


THE CONVERSATION (HOMAGE TO COPPOLA).
Totally not starting a rumor or putting on any pressure,
because I would never ever do that,
not ever*,
but if you had one photograph to determine whether 
someone could potentially be a superlative dad,
what might your thoughts be on this image?
____
*maybe once in a while, but hardly ever

QUESTION: Favourite rainy afternoon tunes?

Post by Joseph Long.

____

Are you married to someone who brings home hot chocolate & whipped cream, speaks Pirate prolifically, and casually references Iron Maiden in conversation?

I am. Happy weekend, all. Already is for me.

____

IS THIS LOVE?

LOVE, EVERYWHERE.

MT. VERNON.

Rainy Day Selfies

Desolation of The Prince Bride & Elves.

COUNTESS AND SON.

I don't care for the phrase 'a picture is worth a thousand words,' because it infers that a visual image is more valuable than language, and maybe it is occasionally, but I love books and Kurt Vonnegut way too much to support that notion in totality; however, if I was to put a price tag on this photograph I'd estimate its worth at right around a billion dollars. So yes, it is for sale. Cash.

I suppose there's a place in my heart for both. Also, a place in my heart for the two travelers in this image.

TRIO OF UNCLES WITH DUO OF ELVES.

In case you weren't aware, Anthropologie always has complementary cookies and punch around holiday season. Just in case you didn't know. Now you do.

And they are very nice to children, and uncles. Thanks.

PERSONS OF INTEREST.

FIVE SONGS I WILL ALWAYS ASSOCIATE WITH MY BROTHER JONNY.
1. Faithfully / Journey
2. I'll Be Your Shelter / Taylor Dayne
3. All My Life / K-Ci & JoJo
4. You're the Best / Joe Esposito (from the Karate Kid soundtrack)
5. Any power ballad that requires a voice able to reach the upper-upper octaves; a feat Jonny is usually willing to attempt in a sing-along. Respect.

Adorable, both.

Taking joy in living is a woman's best cosmetic. 
- Rosalind Russell, actress, who was also one of seven children.
____


(look at these people. man. they are beautiful. they must use the right cosmetic.) 

Merry, jolly, tuba-listening Christmas buddies.

FIVE THINGS That Made Me Smile This Weekend (Vikings, Robots, and Apple Crisp)

1. My children arguing about who is more left-handed. Reality: neither one, unfortunately. I have rarely been more proud though, for their simple
DESIRE to be southpaws. I am so sorry, children, that our genetics failed you. 

2. My son's discovery that his beloved scimitar (a type of curved sword) fits perfectly in the waistband of his underwear, particularly if unencumbered by pants. It
Is difficult to be in foul spirits when an elf warrior wearing a Viking helmet is chasing you around with a scimitar stuck down his underwear begging you to swordfight with him.

Vader vs. Viking (shot by Countess Becca)

3. We hit the open road in our automobile this weekend, and in a rare moment of generosity I would like to publicly give my wife an A+ for her travel snack pack she assembled. All bought with love and a few dollars from Trader Joe's.
A. Chopped yellow and red peppers.
B. Black and green olive hummus
C. Snap peas
D. Vegan trail mix cookies
E. Thai chili and lime cashews 
F. Grape tomatoes 

4. Watched An American Tale. Know how old it is? TWENTY-SEVEN YEARS OLD. Feels like my first brush with mortality. Wow...anyway, it held up well, considering it's been decades since I last saw it. It feels like one of the last traditional, sincere animated features. Not in a good or a bad way; I enjoy the snappy, self-aware, cultural referencing of today's animated films, but it's also enjoyable to experience that classic sensibility of earnest humor that exists more in its own universe, rather than acknowledging and referencing others. I think it would make a fine double feature with Ratatouille. 

5. I guess it's football season. I used to love football. I used to know a lot about professional sports. Matter of fact, I still do, as long as we're discussing the period from about 1985 to 1993. I've been planning to get back into the sports. In fact, I told my wife I'm going to be picking up a new hobby next year: sports or video games. I think she's very excited for me. Matter of fact, I already bought a game. Pacman. Goodwill, three dollars, plugs right into the telly, coolest thing ever. And I've already made it to the third level. Or maybe it was the second. No matter. I think she is quite excited for me. She played Pacman also, but she is not very good.

Also, I watched Pacific Rim (directed by Guillermo del Toro), and I enjoyed it, but it is nowhere near the movie that his Pan's Labyrinth was. THAT was a film from an auteur; someone out to make a different kind of film than anyone else. Rim, despite some moments and impressive robotics, was still more of a Transformers for adults, by way of Aliens. 

Also, my sister made some killer apple crisp. I had seconds, and thirds, and breakfast. 

Jolly weekend end, all 

The Great Pumpkin Caper / The Pumpkin Thieves

LEGO, Lincoln Logs, Convo and Summer Here Kids

Every once in a while, I feel especially cool. It is a strange feeling. But I feel this way right now because I have spent a night engaged in conversation with people who, instead of shoegazing at their phones while talking, have been busily building LEGO constructions. Seriously cool. And then I looked down at what I have been building and stopped feeling quite so cool.

LEGO parties. Good stuff. Next up: Lincoln Logs.
____

Summer Here Kids

...What are you listening to these days? (Fun. Of Monsters and Men)

...What did you listen to as you were cruising down I-5?

I asked Micael Serrano.

- Fun. And Of Monsters and Men.
He said.

Oh. What songs?

- Whatever the ones are they play on The End.
He replied.

We Are Young?
I inquired, though it was just a guess. A wild guess.

- Yeah.
He said.
That one.

Oh. 
I said.
Becca and I have some crazy dance moves to accompany that song. We'll have to show you.

- Alright.
He said (or something of the sort).

We forgot though, and started eating cookies instead, I think.

Let Not Your Spirit Be Stifled, and Other Thoughts Involving Crocodiles and Children

Let not your spirit be stifled, and your soul shall grow strong. Also, don't turn your back on rogue waves, crocodiles, or five-year old children.

Micael & Leanna //// April 6, 2013

Portrait of Father in Conversation with Daughter's Boyfriend (Oh, There Are So Many Other Captions I Want to Use)

Chief & Micael / November 24, 2012

In a rare moment of introspection, I will go on public record as stating two things about Micael:

1. He makes incredible enchiladas,
2. He has the loyalty and affection of our family. 

He is a good guy, a unique fellow, and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know and hang out with him. Amidst a group of people with strong personalities and opinions, he has managed to both survive and thrive. Cool cat.

Okay I'm done.