the Kansas - Oregon trail

White Christmas

2008-12-26T00:12:00.008-06:00

Okay daddy, I'm sitting still (sort of). In my beautiful new "little red riding hood" coat and dress sent to me by my auntie Margaret.

Did you say you wanted to open presents as well? I know I heard that.

...because I can't sit still when there's presents for me over there. C'mon!

Finally! Geez, Dad.

What do we have here?

I think I see something (notice they are backwards).

A little tea-time with Granny and my new baby doll.

Popop is kicking down some Grandpa k-nowledge for me.

When Violet went down for a nap. The big kids took Ruca for a walk down to the park and did some plastic bag sliding on the snowhills.

Wendy and Ruca making the hike back up the hill.

Sandy catching some air on the jump.

When I woke up, I directed the gang on what I needed from them on the big heist. Two of them to create a diversion, a capable driver and a couple of people with guts to go in the front door and make the loot with me. They'll never notice us in these hats.

All plans are going according to schedule. Happy Holidays!

cabin fever

2008-12-24T23:16:00.005-06:00

snowed in up here in Portland, OR.

the sundeck

brrrr.

worked from home for the week.

tough getting around in town not used to blizzard conditions.

icicles.

still a good time for popsicles.

and giggles.

poutface.

window kisses.

re:Active in Portland

2008-10-29T23:48:00.004-05:00

pushpins obsessively arranged.

to make a statement.

perhaps just the ad world version of those cubicle adorned, motivational posters with cats or wide open panoramic vistas meant to inspire hope.

or just internal punishment meted out on oneself for having OCD? but why can't I shake the picture in my head of Bart Simpson here, with a hipster moustachio and white, skinny jeans...

Some of the Caldera staff and volunteers taking a break.

because they are in charge of 70 teenagers for the weekend intensive in Portland.

guns and ammunition!

above us is a "nest". it is where we held our kickoff for the youth magazine.

groovy digs for some teenage angst.

please come again.

we will start in January. We probably won't teach in the nest, but it seems like an auspicious beginning. We'll see...

Caldera Arts + re:Active

2008-10-27T00:13:00.012-05:00

Enter Caldera

... a space dedicated to artists in eastern Oregon, on the other side of the Cascades from us in Portland.

this is one of the "A-frames" that are home to the artists in residency during the winter and staff, etc. during the summer.

this is the view from the loft where we slept

the facility's main purpose is for artists' that are just coming into their voice

...to encourage and facilitate that voice.

it is truly an amazing place.

built by Dan Wieden (of Wieden and Kennedy fame) for that express purpose.

to encourage the artistic pursuits of the youth in underserved populations across the state

i sat in on one of the photography intensives that had them create an "alter ego" to shoot. Thinking conceptually and shooting in a two hour session. It was great. Can you see how it will fit in with re:Active? We are teaching the magazine class with these kids starting in January. Caldera is now our fiscal sponsor - meaning they take our donations and do the administration/accountancy of the funds.

Here some young people wander through the area that is starting to regrow after a massive fire that almost took out the building four years ago. They are collecting ambient sounds on video for a project.

On our walk Wendy saw a bear (lucky for us) and wrastled it to the ground handily.

no cell phone reception. no tv's.

just poetry and art and exploration. I am so amazed by this place. We are lucky to be a part of this community.

These are tee-pee stands that are dormant now, but filled with young people during the week-long intensives that are held here throughout the summer.

I look forward to those times ahead.

get on the bus, gus...

2008-10-19T19:44:00.007-05:00

Dropping Violet off for school is one thing...

...but this is another thing altogether. Twice a week they get on this bus to go to the farm or to gymnastics. They sit so politely and wait. Happy as can be.

They are pretty adorable. When we walked away, her friend Liam here and her were holding hands with interlocked fingers waiting for the ride to begin. I couldn't get the camera out fast enough.

Welcome to Portland, Granny Liz!

2008-10-18T22:13:00.004-05:00

Welcome to your new home, Granny!

This is a very happy grandmother. Rain? What rain?

Out on the farm

2008-10-13T22:34:00.012-05:00

Every Thursday, the children at Violet's pre-school go to the CSA farm over the hills.

We were invited as parents (and grandparents) to come to family day, last Sunday.

The farm looks like this...

and this...

Turkeys.

Violet's new friend. She has been fascinated with the pigs, finding them very funny. Perhaps it's mutual.

On a mission to get to the sheep.

Grannies in heaven.

This man is the farmer who has all the kids over. He made really wonderful pizzas in his oven.

Mother Hen and her little chicks.

..and her little chicks.

Violet and her new friend, Lucy, watch the boys play football.

A very good day at the farm.

This is how we walk on the moon.

2008-09-13T15:39:00.003-05:00

This is a company picnic breakaway.

It was a good picnic, but it was nice to get out and explore.

Watching her walk in these parks, forests and open spaces makes me feel good as a parent.

That's How I Escaped My Certain Fate

2008-09-11T22:27:00.002-05:00

All ready to go to school (preschool I should say).

This one is back all the way.

Better than before?

Gotta go. Elmo.

Punk rock just won't bring home the bacon, so we sold out!

2008-09-09T09:46:00.004-05:00

The spacemen landed at MFNW Saturday night. Tin foil hats ruled the place. The crowd either loved or hated it. As always, I guess. It was so much fun.

There were so many good bands playing, it was hard to know where to go. I have to say, being a father I didn't really get out to many of them, but it was a lot of fun when I did and good to see how good the music scene is up here in Portland. I caught a 5:30 show by No Age because it was on the way home from work. Now, that's old guy flavored show.

Flipper played at 1pm on Saturday.

Yep, that Flipper, just with Chris Novoselic playing bass now. They still confounded people like they always did. Creepy and intense, still. Frustrating aural landscapes that are less music than art and comment on consumption. At least to me. They were LOUD and angry. Such a fun night.

Trillium Lake salamanders

2008-09-01T18:49:00.003-05:00

These photos are from a little while ago.

They are from a lake near Mt. Hood (as you can see in the background).

It seems fake - all this nature.

Some little boys were on the hunt for salamanders and brought one over for Violet to see.

All right!

Happy (belated) 2nd Birthday, little girl!

2008-08-31T13:06:00.003-05:00

Violet had most of the family here for her second birthday. She was beautifully outfitted in a traditional Hungarian dress from Grandpa.

We were dealing with a heatwave and an impending surgery, so we had an early morning "birthday waffle".

The loot.

The Grandfathers hard at work doing Grandfather business.

Happy Birthday little girl.

Powerless

2008-08-26T21:25:00.005-05:00

Violet went into the hospital for a scheduled surgery on the day after her second birthday. Her upper trachea was too small, causing much of the lengthy colds that all turned into croup. The procedure was called an anterior cricoid split. A horrifying name to start with, but it went well. The difficult part for us was the recovery which required seven days of her being under so that she could heal.

This has been the longest week we've had as parents. So hard to see.

The definition of powerlessness.

Delirium has set in.

Violet is going to be okay. We'll see about the parents. We couldn't have done it without the Grandparents. Thank you so much. We are all coming home tomorrow.

summertime films

2008-07-27T10:49:00.008-05:00

The other side of Los Angeles. The brighter side.

The EPFC. Where re:Active first got it's legs and start.

Paolo doing what he does. Bringing the magic of film-making to the youth. Free of motive, he is a true educator and activist.

Paolo and Lisa came into Portland last week in their brand new mobile film bus and I got a viewing. Congratulations on getting the dream up and running.

Powered by veggie oil, this buggy brings movie making joy to remote parts of the country. Especially underserved areas like Native American reservations. More info here.

The Echo Park Film Center is the heart of a community of like-minded people (including teachers, artists, community activists and general misfits and malcontents) that has come to define the positive side of L.A. The anti-L.A. if you will...

Done for the pure joy of doing. Here we have a screening on a summer night of films from around the world in someone's backyard. Micro-cinema is alive and well and coming to your town, soon.

Vamos a la playa!

2008-07-20T12:04:00.004-05:00

Sandy was in town a week ago.

The girls made the best of the Oregon summer and went hiking to the beach - near Tillamook.

Sandy dunes...

...and an amazing view.

It's so good to have family to explore the world with.

Sweeter as the years roll by...

2008-07-16T22:35:00.004-05:00

Violet got geared up for a visit from her Granny.

It was a mutual love-fest.

Paul and Taryn came down to complete the family trifecta.

lots of visitors, lots of things to ponder.

Be Honest

2008-07-13T14:25:00.005-05:00

I pass by this piece of art every day...

on my commute to work.

Kim was in town for Wendy's birthday. A big surprise that we were able to pull of without Wendy guessing. I love seeing them together. Good friends mean everything.

Kim giving Violet tips on how to simultaneously adapt to and stand out in your environment.

So much to explore.

happy belated berfday my love!

2008-07-06T22:48:00.004-05:00

My lurvely wife (atop the Space Needle in Seattle) turned 30 a few weeks back.

We had our first night alone together in almost two years.

a hip hotel in Seattle...

a mini-tour of chocolatiers in the city...

and we felt like adults in love, again.

Happy Birthday, my love.

Dead-end door, re:vealed

2008-07-04T23:36:00.002-05:00

Last weekend brought the culmination of re:Active magazine's latest student effort in a launch at Family - the amazing bookstore on Fairfax Ave. in Los Angeles.

We had a great turnout.

Amaris, Eddy and friend look through their work for the first time in print.

Julius from 826LA, the man who brought the whole thing together.

Jose reads some of his work.

A huge success.

Ana and Ara helped teach he design end of the publication. Art Center and Fishwrap made a great connection. These two did such a good job. Thank you, guys.

Since we were near, we all met at Canter's for lunch beforehand. Mmmmm.

"Dead-end Door, revealed" reActive magazine launch

2008-06-21T14:20:00.003-05:00

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It is time, once again, for the launch of the newest re:magazine from re:Active. This year's magazine is a collaborative effort between re:Active, 826LA and the students of LA High titled "Dead-end door, re:vealed" and it's a beaut.

We will be at Family bookstore (436 N. Fairfax) from 4:30-6:30 on Sunday, June 29th.

Please come out and support youth voices in the city of Los Angeles.

re:Active website
826LA website

hope to see you there!

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another birthday, Oregon style.

2008-06-03T17:11:00.005-05:00

This is Detroit Lake. A little over an hour from us. We came out near here for my birthday last Friday.

These are the cabins at Breitenbush.

A welcoming gift.

The most amazing pool in the world. Hot mineral springs fill this pool and the view is so beautiful it almost seems fake.

trekking with the sun shade.

arranging the elements into a pattern that only Violet understands.

hard at work.

"divining" for water?

all in all a great birthday surprise.

Happy Mother's Day

2008-05-13T15:35:00.000-05:00

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spring now

2008-04-15T08:50:00.005-05:00

Springtime has come tentatively.

Cherry trees light up the streets.

"Can we go outside, Daddy?"

That's Kurt in the background.

A big Happy Birthday to our new friend, Sara, shown here discussing the finer points of meshed metal utensils with Violet.

Growing up.

let's go hiking

2008-04-13T19:42:00.004-05:00

My friend Kurt Porter was up here this weekend and it was the first sunny and warm weekend we've had in awhile.

We headed out to the Columbia Gorge and took in the sights.

Enjoying a short hike to the only non-tourist infested falls in the area.

Horsetail Falls.

Someone named Violet thought it was pretty amazing to be under the falls.

This view is out toward the Columbia. This is about 25-30 minute drive from home.

We can hardly wait until summertime.

Cold day in the Sun

2008-04-05T11:57:00.006-05:00

Hello.

It has become so much fun to introduce Violet to the world. Everything is so exciting to her.

Violet, This is the world.

World, this is Violet.

We could all learn something about seeing things anew, I imagine.

High times

2008-04-01T14:32:00.004-05:00

Someone has been really sick. Here she is taking her breathing treatment like a trooper. She is so good about it.

As a father, I have to say that she is not going to Santa Cruz for school, or Eugene for that matter. It looks like college in the 90's here. Anyone for hacky sack and Pearl Jam?

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"Punk is Dead, Punk is Everything"

2008-03-15T10:34:00.006-05:00

I forgot if I ever mentioned that the book I worked on designing for so long has come out. It is a beast of a book at 288 pages of punk flyers and ephemera.

My favorite review is this:

"We need books like this to serve as the inscrutable evidence of the losers and the drunk, hopeful teens with their best bad ideas in full flower....
To remember punk as it really happened."

Jessica Hopper - Chicago Tribune / This American Life

on seaward monsters

2008-03-02T14:10:00.006-06:00

Violet and Wendy took a trip out to the Monterey Bay aquarium while they were out on their California tour.

creatures.

It is really amazing to watch her excited about the world around her.

re:Active and Dwell magazine

2008-03-02T13:39:00.002-06:00

Dwell magazine did a short article on re:Active

The world of design has experienced a watershed of change in recent years, transcending its former role as refuge for cultish hipsters and uptight academics in favor of a more meaningful and democratic movement. Creativity is being recognized as a powerful tool for change, and quite possibly the answer to important social issues such as third-world poverty and inner-city violence.

Exhibitions at national museums exploring the phenomenon have received more than their fair share of the spotlight. Much has been made about logos created by notable names and forthcoming manifestos predicting eminent progress. But grassroots organizations already tapping the vast potential of the creative mind haven’t garnered much attention. Michael Etter, who is the director of an organization doing just that, had the revelation back in 2003.

reActive is Etter’s non-profit opus, an organization dedicated to harnessing the energy, ennui, and inspiration of disadvantaged youth in the gritty Echo Park neighborhood of Los Angeles. Kids have the opportunity to get their work published in the program’s magazine, and in the process are given an outlet for the troubles that often characterize their coming-of-age experience.

Since being launched in 2004 with friend Kristin Mehus-Roe, reActive has released magazines showcasing the impressive writing, illustration, and photography of its contributors. The talent, like the subject matter, is quite real. Not coincidentally, so is the change.

2008-02-18T22:08:00.004-06:00

A January trip to SF. Charging through the City.

Taking in the sights at Caffe Trieste. Making friends, apparently.

A little trip to North Beach and City Lights never hurt.

Sorry, Portland. Sometimes you gotta get out.

Vesuvio. An old favorite.

Vegetarian Delights...

Sandy and Violet enjoy the SUN. Nice sun.

Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning

2008-02-17T14:29:00.006-06:00

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Violet and Wendy took a trip to California for a little break from the weather up in Portland these days.

Granny Liz got a few good moments in with her granddaughter.

Same with the Grandma and Grandpa Kemptner. There are more photos coming, sorry about the delay.

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under the spell of a flower

2008-01-06T22:50:00.000-06:00

Someone got hold of her mother's underwear while I was folding laundry and turned it into a cape. Everything becomes a scarf/cape right now.

We went to the zoo with Joe and Kelly the other day. Such a good zoo here. I found a pink fuzzy thing running amok and befriended her.

By the way, this is a photograph of my meal this evening. Kale and polenta cakes with caramelized onions and potatoes and some shaved parmesan. yeah, wow. Wendy said there wasn't anything to make and then this came out of nothing.

I'll take some more of nothing much, please.

bloom on demand

2008-01-03T22:01:00.000-06:00

We got away for the weekend to the coast.

It was a great way to celebrate the end of a long year for the Etter family.

To reflect on how far we've traveled recently on our path, and to connect with old friends.

Joe and Kelly came up from California for a visit with their kids, Riley and Robbie (and George).

The Barrios family rules.

Riley rules ten times over.

Violet had a word with Joe about the way things should be run.

Robbie rocked the house with some karaoke. He's 2 and half years old. Violet had a little crush on the cool, older boy.

Riley took such good care of Violet.

Ruca loved the beach action.

...and so did George. The rain came down in the late afternoon, somewhere around 4:20 or so.

What a beautiful way to spend the vacation.

May the new year bring many joys and successes, whatever that may mean to you!

christmas in the new home

2008-01-01T21:10:00.000-06:00

This was our first Christmas in Portland.

and in our new home.

Paul and Taryn came up from Eugene. We also had Ashley and Trevor by, but I forgot to take pictures. You'll just have to take my word on that.

I also should have taken a photo of the wonderful meal that Wendy made, but I was so caught up in watching someone else named Violet. It was so nice to have family and new friends join us.

Next time I'll remember.

Bedding down post-Xmas time

2007-12-28T11:46:00.000-06:00

The post-christmas slow-down is in full effect.

We have done very little since then.

Besides spending a lot of time with Violet.

Two baths in a row with Dad and she's still alive.

Christmas was great. We will get pictures up, soon. Thank you to all of the grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends and such who made her second christmas day delightful.

through the forest to grandmother's house...

2007-12-26T09:45:00.000-06:00

We were given a traveling pack for Christmas by Wendy's parents.

Now we can explore the forests our new home offers, making for happy parents and daughter.

...and away we go.

one giant leap

2007-12-25T09:09:00.000-06:00

to the coast

2007-12-25T08:03:00.000-06:00

We took a ride out to the coast.

It's only an hour and twenty minutes from us...

and so beautiful. This whole coast is amazing.

Feels like coming back home.

With a little encouragement...

she's off.

Violet is on a mission. It's almost hard to imagine her not walking now.

It's cold, but what a beautiful day.

We found this near the beach. We're back to the land of misfits and freaks. Reminds me of a car we used to drive around in named "Mr. Yuk". We'll call this "Mrs. Yuk".

returning home...

these silent nights

2007-12-25T00:29:00.001-06:00

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We are still here.

There has just been a lot going on as you might imagine.

All well and accounted for.

Like I was saying, "We've been horribly busy around here".

Merry X-mas!

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this is not goodbye

2007-10-25T21:07:00.000-05:00

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Ms. Violet and I just arrived in Portland. It has been a long day. I just got an e-mail from a friend with these pictures. It was harder to leave Kansas than I thought it would be when we got there two years ago. So many amazing people took such good care of us as a new family in strange environs.

we are truly grateful and hope to see you all in oregon, soon...

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Adventures Close To Home

2007-10-13T17:33:00.000-05:00

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This is one entrance to Forest Park - an amazing series of trails that are cut through the biggest park space inside a city in this country. I am about 15 blocks from it at work.

decompression.

I can just hear the squeals of disgust and delight from a certain little miss when we come across these, and other forest creatures in the near future...

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If my heart were a car...

2007-10-13T04:42:00.000-05:00

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here is the edited version of the rest of my drive...

starting with the open expanses of eastern Wyoming...

...and into Montana...

...through the northern realms of Idaho...

finally coming into the columbia gorge from eastern Washington...

Here the Gorge becomes amazing and what you expect to see in Oregon. Green and majestic.

Portland.

and most importantly, around the corner from our new home.

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home

2007-10-13T04:16:00.000-05:00

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this place definitely feels like home to me already.

we just signed a lease to move our family into this vessel.

The Etter family will call this home for at least a year. It's very nice. More pictures, later.

Come visit us.

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clap your hands for the prairie flower

2007-10-02T22:18:00.000-05:00

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she's just about to walk on her own. I asked Wendy to tie her feet together until we are together to allow me to be there. I can't tell if that's abuse or just plain silly.

sorry about the non-posting, things are a little hectic. job is good, but looking for a place is not. hopefully, soon. the house sold at least, and i love portland - so those are good things.

stay tuned...

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Let the cool goddess rust away

2007-09-14T01:23:00.000-05:00

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lots of driving, today. many gas stations along the way...

might as well see what you find, right?

this is what you find...

...and this...

...and this...

...and this...

...and this...

...and this. My god. It's endless.

had a buffalo burger at the bar next to the motel.

the Badlands of South Dakota.

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Some of us left for heaven, without warning

2007-09-13T09:11:00.001-05:00

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headed out on the oregon trail yesterday morning. it's tough to say goodbye to Lawrence and all of our friends, but change is good and we have to keep changing to stem the tides of stagnation. onward, we ride...

hair farmer.

getting started, neckercheif and all.

my other baby has been taken to the farm, so to speak. she is in the hands of a farmer and his wife in western Missouri. I hope she likes the farm life. we've been together for ten years.

our home as i left it. a lot of work went into it and there are a lot of memories tied up in there...

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etcetera

2007-08-30T11:37:00.001-05:00

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yup.

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driving

2007-08-30T11:21:00.000-05:00

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To operate a vehicle, such as a car.

The position or operating condition of such a mechanism: “He put his car into drive and started home”

The means or apparatus for transmitting motion or power to a machine or from one machine part to another.

to move along or advance quickly as if pushed by an impelling force.

A strong motivating tendency or instinct related to self-preservation.

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home is where...

2007-08-25T22:07:00.000-05:00

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we are preparing our home for the next inhabitants. it already contains a lot of memories. it will be hard to leave, but who knows what Portland will bring? a great place for little ms. to grow up and explore the world from.

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Little Angel, Little Sister

2007-08-22T10:10:00.000-05:00

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So now the Grandparents have been gone for a few days and we were so glad to have them. Violet has been really sick since they left on Saturday.

coincidence?

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year of days

2007-08-18T10:45:00.000-05:00

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Someone knew it was her birthday, today...

with a fancy hat and grandma K around it was going to be quite a party.

let the festivities begin.

Sabina got in the spirit with another hat. She is becoming so grown up. walking around and everything.

The time everyone waits for is here...

Violet didn't really seem to care all that much about the cake, but played with it for a little bit.

She did like all of the little bags and papers and presents even. We could have given her paper wrapped in paper.

She "read" the cards.

...and wants to say "thank you" to everyone.
We can't believe it's been a whole year since she was born. What an amazing life.

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heading to Portland

2007-08-06T21:31:00.000-05:00

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we're heading to the land of bridges (maybe not the best time?) I've taken a job with a company in downtown Portland, OR. We will move in about six weeks or so...

these pictures are from the trip out for the job interview. stumptown coffee is pretty great...

Taryn's parents were also there that weekend. They brought a gift for Violet since they look at the blog a lot. It was nice to meet you guys, Wendell and Jeri. Hope to see more of you.

This is my friend Tim and his new wife Anna. They were married yesterday and I wasn't able to make it, but we will live near each other again, soon. You lose some, you lose some.

Tim's palace.

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today holds a decade for my love

2007-07-31T23:43:00.000-05:00

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violet's favorite little friend is a duck.

beets rule.

morning looking for wabbits out the window.

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365 days with bean

2007-07-28T22:36:00.000-05:00

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it was Sabina's one year birthday, today. She was the wary center of a lot of attention. I apologize for the quality of the pics. kinda low light, but you can see how much she's grown up.

Violet had her share of attention and affection. She is a few weeks away from being one year old as well. We met Jeff & Thea at the birthing center and they have become a really strong reason to stay in Lawrence.

ladies sharing stories. I can see glimpses of the future, now.

while the men retired to the garden for some heated games of washer-toss. i started out strong and kinda petered out, but it was a good day.

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Golden Age

2007-06-24T22:22:00.001-05:00

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the one and only Martine Syms came to town a week, or so, ago. She just finished school at the Chicago Art Institute and was in the Kansas City area with some friends. We went out and had pizza and hung out.

She and her boyfriend are opening a book/art store in Chicago named Golden Age. I wish her the best. She was the first art director for re: magazine. How much can one person rule?

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belated birthdays

2007-06-20T00:38:00.001-05:00

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there was a surprise 40th birthday party for me at Cha Cha Cha in Los Angeles. I knew we were eating there but didn't know how many people were coming.

it was really amazing to see everyone. people from many significant areas of my life thus far.

and the most significant was in rare form.

entertaining the whole crew. thanks, dawn for the cake. it was breakfast the next day as well. yum.

for the next birthday surprise, I pulled out all the stops and

did it up in style.

i took my wife to a little known place in Kansas City that I'd been waiting to bring her to...

it was nice to be alone together after so much commotion recently.

happy birthday, my love.

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dia de los vendedores - Venice, CA

2007-06-08T22:22:00.000-05:00

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sorry, I know these are always there, but they are too amazing.

Venice waking up, early morning around noon.

buff men hugging together for a cause.

...and of course that guy. he was wheedling away on his axe and articulating the need for shelter from the aliens that will be her shortly - who isn't yelling about that these days?

grandma and grandpa Kemptner bought Violet her first wooden blocks. Hours of fun.

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re:Active magazine launch - re:Birth

2007-06-06T07:18:00.000-05:00

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the magazine launch was a huge success. The space was great and it felt like a big party.

A lot of people showed up. A good mix of youth and their families,

friends and supporters.

some of the young people were only represented by their art

... but some came out and read their work - strong and vocal. It was a really strong showing of young voices with increased confidence. This young woman, Victoria, is what it's all about for me. So excited and empowered by her success. I hope she continues with it.

Moms's row.

Shirlania tearing the house down with her emotional stregth and open heart.

Darleezy showed up and brought much strength and wisdom as she does.

Elijah and Heavenly looking on. Designers and poets of the future.

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your eating heart

2007-06-05T12:09:00.000-05:00

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We were just in Los Angeles.

It was a great time full of so many friends and family that is became a little overwhelming to keep up. Certainly a good problem to have. I've had worse.

The food was our secondary focus.

The best burrito in the Southland. Tacos Villa Corona. May the powers that be always bless this place.

Paru's Southern Indian on Sunset. Idyllic.

Pho - vietnamese noodle house.

the birds next door to the burrito place were of much interest to a little girl.

as well as the birds at National Forest Design.

Justin and Steve cracking us up. They are doing such good work and enjoy it so much that it is infectious. They will be guest illustration instructors for next year's re:Active magazine. the kids are lucky.

...back to the food. somewhere in Venice.

a happy young lady.

Dan Monick's studio is adorned with new delights. We were picking up the old magazines and distributing them around the city.

The queen and her child. So beautiful.

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Rockin' Chair

2007-05-17T07:14:00.000-05:00

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Wendy finished the high chair for Violet. It looks great.

Of course, the girl that goes in it is pretty cool, too.

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tornadoes and moustachios

2007-05-15T22:44:00.000-05:00

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These are some pictures from the week before. They are of the day before the tornado that took out Greensburg.

This was an actual tornado from not that far away. I couldn't see the funnel, but we were at work and the sirens went off throughout the city. This was from about 20 minutes after it was alright to come out.

...and in even more tragic news, I spent the weekend terrorizing Wendy with a bad moustachio. I'm not sure what's worse. a bad moustache or a near miss...

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Have you seen your mother, baby...

2007-05-13T21:21:00.000-05:00

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This was our first real mother's day. I felt so proud. Such a beautiful wife and daughter.

I let Wendy sleep in until ten and got up with Violet.

We found stuff to do.

What could she be thinking about?

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announcing the arrival of re:Birth magazine

2007-05-01T22:54:00.000-05:00

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the files for the new student publication, re:Birth are at the printer. We will be having a launch of the magazine on Saturday, June 2nd at Equator Books in Venice from 4-6pm. Come out and meet the kids and see Violet, too.

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power ballad baby

2007-05-01T13:56:00.001-05:00

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Violet has been sick with bronchiolitis for over a week. Can you tell?

Wendy has been documenting her illness (in all her spare time) and put together an amazing video.

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When You Smile

2007-04-27T14:26:00.000-05:00

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fishwrap 4 scent sweetens with age

2007-04-24T09:38:00.000-05:00

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Fishwrap magazine has won two more awards; I.D. Magazine's Design distinction Award (in some serious company) - link below.

id online.com

...and is included in the (2005) 365: AIGA Year in Design 26 annual under Editorial Design - link below as well.

aiga design archives

not that it's the reason I do what I do, but it's nice to be recognized in your field. definitely.

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re:Birth(ing) process

2007-04-23T09:48:00.000-05:00

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re:birth magazine is almost out the door to the printer. it is the new magazine created with the artwork of the students of La Vida H.S. in Inglewood, CA - a school of pregnant teens and young mothers and fathers. more info later on the launch of the 'zine. it will be in Venice, CA on June 2nd at Equator books. we're really excited about how the collaboration with the Street Poets has worked out.

a major storm was threatening all day. tornado watch and all that, but it never materialized.

I took Ruca out for a walk on our usual route.

we walk behind the Native American college - out to the medicine wheel. Haskell college is free for people of native descent.

I implore the medicine whell to reveal it's spiritual secrets, but am apparently not ready for the information, or already enlightened.

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The Butterfly Collector

2007-04-20T07:33:00.000-05:00

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I can't believe I forgot this one from a few weeks ago. That's Alex. Our friend John's son.

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all the same to me...

2007-04-18T09:15:00.000-05:00

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lucero.

kelvin before the show.

they are from memphis and remind me of old replacements if they were from the south instead of minneapolis. a lot of uncle tupelo and whiskeytown influence with a little arena-rock dynamics thrown in. must be a southern thing. it was great.

the third song they did was "kiss the bottle" by jawbreaker. yeah.

the bass player was wearing a merle haggard t-shirt that said "love it or leave it" and had a tears for fears sticker on his amp. awesome.

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help keep media free

2007-04-17T17:12:00.001-05:00

Save Small and Independent Publishers like re:Active magazine

Postal regulators have accepted a proposal from media giant Time Warner that would stifle small and independent publishers in America. The plan unfairly burdens smaller publishers with higher postage rates while locking in special privileges for bigger media companies.

In establishing the U.S. postal system, the nation's founders wanted to ensure that a diversity of viewpoints were available to "the whole mass of the people." Time Warner's rate increase reverses this egalitarian ideal and threatens the marketplace of ideas on which our democracy depends.

Thank you,

the editors

I saw my baby (getting sloppy)

2007-04-16T07:21:00.000-05:00

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first person who can identify the title of the blog wins (kurt?).

mother and daughter relaxing.

our friend and neighbor, lacey with little v. she is moving to korea to teach english for a year. reminds me of ten years ago. have fun.

just sitting back, posing, looking cool with her little, pink, checkered vans on.

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down by the water

2007-04-11T07:06:00.000-05:00

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nothing to say, really. just that our little flower is sitting up really well and still enjoying the bath.

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marc jacobs stole my girl

2007-04-09T17:19:00.000-05:00

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it says "violet" on it for my blindish friends.

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baby, you can drive my car...

2007-04-08T11:59:00.000-05:00

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violet drove us down to her second swimming lesson on saturday.

they are really more like group splashing and bobbing around lessons, getting them used to the water.

we had so much fun this time and even went completely underwater for the first time.

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guess who?

2007-04-05T07:28:00.000-05:00

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little violet is back online. we got a new card for our broken camera finally.

spring is also here.

this is the newest project - well phase one. the sidewalk is being replaced because it was destroyed by these roots. we are going around them a little bit and the forestry service is going to "stump them down a little bit to try and save the tree.

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her day in the sun

2007-03-11T21:07:00.000-05:00

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Wendy took Violet to the beach for her first time up in Central California, today, with the Grandparents. What a beautiful Mother and daughter.

I miss them so much it is crazy. I will see them Tuesday.

Are you kidding me?

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into God's country, AR

2007-03-11T20:27:00.000-05:00

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I spent the weekend driving south through Missouri into Arkansas.

The home of Walmart and the Ozark Mountains and other contrasts bordering on paradox.

I was really charmed by most of it. It's definitely like being in another country for me. A study in contrasting elements. White trash by the pound and still some of the nicest people I've met recently. Unapologetic and laid back.

Some of the most desperately poor living conditions I've seen, drowning in a throwaway culture (even though no one seems to throw anything away, just out in the front yard) with Wal-mart sized disrespect for beauty, the environment and the future all co-existing inside this jewel of amazing country.

This is the town that I stayed in, Eureka Springs. A little old 1800's German town built around some hot springs with supposed curative mineral qualites. You can still feel the history of the quacks selling "the cure" in the air (and typography) - just now mixed with a little cow town and a lot of southern hospitality. This place rules.

These guys were so good. I usually don't stop much for buskers but they were so into it it would have been harder not to. so were the little kids. good way to waste an hour, for sure.

Had some great Indian food in this little cafe and heard some really good guitar and harmonica playing from a young girl from Fayetteville who called me sir, in the only way I've ever heard that sounded alright. must be the southern charm. great place. really warm and easy.

Cheers, I'll be back for some catfish and cornbread, soon.

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shotguns, bibles and ballet

2007-02-27T20:33:00.000-06:00

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This is the center of a flag that hangs at the Free State Brewing Co.. I covet it. I look at it every time I am there to see if it is real.

This is a photo of the Studio promotion for the ABT that I worked on. It went out to dance studios to promote the launch of our co-branded effort. I posted the tradeshow booth work previously.

Wendy and Violet are in Los Angeles for two weeks. I am already bored.

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guess who?

2007-02-25T00:47:00.000-06:00

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bunny ears and elton john glasses? this could only mean one thing...

yes, Sandy was in town this last weekend.

with Tyler, even though I didn't see them that much since I've been so sick.

They all went to Cabela's Hunting Outfitters without me and introduced Violet to some fish that even I'm a little scared of. She seemed to like it.

Violet's new outfit from Tyler's Mom is coming in handy. She also got her second tooth this weekend.

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American Ballet Theatre hopefuls

2007-02-15T22:28:00.000-06:00

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what are they thinking? are words even necessary? or are they inevitably bound to be misinterpreted anyway...

getting ready for the American Ballet Theatre, perhaps?

This is the first time I saw the tradeshow booth I've been working on in full effect. I have done a lot of work on the co-branding of the two companies and this evening got to have dinner with some lovely young girls that are part of the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis school of Dance at the ABT in New York. Most have been dancing since they were three... and some left home at between 10 and 13 to pursue their art.

A lot of work is represented here. If you look closely you can see a book I created, and the shoe packaging and logo as well. This rolls out in 1200 stores over the next few weeks.

You've still got time to decide what you wish to be. Giggling little monkeys is a good start. Holding the little monkeys is Thea - who has been an angel in caring for little Violet while Wendy has been starting to do some freelance work downtown a few days a week. Thank you, Thea.

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a weekend of firsts

2007-02-12T07:19:00.000-06:00

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Violet Elizabeth had her first taste of solid food today. It was a delightful rice cereal mush. yum.

this weekend also marked the breakthrough of her first tooth - so we had a lot of fussing going on. poor little thing. she's doing very well.

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through a friend's lens

2007-02-07T11:30:00.000-06:00

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some images have come to surface taken by my esteemed colleague, kurt porter. please dig, if you will...

the eery lightscapes that give objects a sense of their glowing with another meaning...

...or a great take on Burroughs home. I wish we had a picture of the person that came out and took a picture of us - even more surreal.

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rockfest buns

2007-02-04T15:45:00.000-06:00

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these are some pictures from the morning a few days ago. no street. no desire to leave. quiet.

a good time for a "forced attendance" rockfest. good times had by one and all.

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grandma and grandpa come to town

2007-02-02T06:36:00.000-06:00

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Grandma and Grandpa K were here for the week. Providing much needed rest for the two of us and a lot of extra lovin' for someone.

They also did our jobs.

... and Grandpa jobs. This is the beautiful wooden high chair we found made with Amish hands. It's almost that time.

Are you kidding me? They bought an outfit or two for Violet. She's just getting more fun every day.

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pictures of violet

2007-01-28T14:30:00.000-06:00

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derek and taylor and real snow

2007-01-23T06:36:00.000-06:00

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my good friend derek was in town this weekend, he brought a lot of laughs and his girlfriend taylor. they were a lot of fun in the snow storm. he is the guest photographer for this installation of the blog. he's good.

taylor playing with ruca.

we went into Kansas City for lunch and it started coming down.

we didn't go here, but will return. the sign that we didn't catch says, "eat it and beat it". that's right.

hanging out with my love outside the coffee shop.

the ride home wasn't much fun. tensions ran high and visiblity was low but we got home driving 35-40 mph. the joys of weather.

they're off into Oklahoma and Arkansas to the Ozarks right now.

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cold

2007-01-17T06:51:00.000-06:00

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It's cold out. Below 0 when I wake up. This is more like ice than snow, but it looks good. Isn't that what's important?

It doesn't seem to bother this one, one bit...

Visions of the future...

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coldfire and our one year anniversary as Kansans

2007-01-14T17:13:00.000-06:00

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That is Kurt Porter. We used to make a short-lived but fun, cable-access program together in the early nineties. It was called "By the Banks of the Mighty Santa Ana" and it documented the local music scene in Costa Mesa, CA.

Flight time.

America.

there's this barn on the way home that I've always wanted to stop at and take a picture...

and now I have.

these fine ladies and gentlemen are just across the street from said barn.

This place we stumbled across is from 1870. There is a large stone above the door that says that. The stone fence below is from around 1860 from the westward expansion. The Santa Fe, California and Oregon trails all passed right through here.

It's been really cold for the last few days out here.

The two specs up in the tree are bald eagles. you'll have to take my word for it. they are beautiful. We've been here a year, as of two days ago, and have not seen any of them until now and then we saw three. Kurt must bring good luck.

We warmed up last night by the fire. There was a christmas tree burn up at some friend's of friends' house in the country.

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new friends

2007-01-07T09:47:00.000-06:00

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squat, stand lakers mom

2007-01-04T06:53:00.000-06:00

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doing her best interpretation of an old man - pants up to her chin.

almost standing... well leaning, really.

lakers girl.

motherhood.

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prospero ano y felicidad

2007-01-01T18:00:00.000-06:00

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what is there to say? this is the most amazing thing to happen in 2006.

that and our marriage. the rest is gravy.

went for a walk around the campus with the dog and baby. clearing the head for the new year. beautiful day. best to all in the new year.

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first Christmas

2006-12-26T07:23:00.000-06:00

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This is our daughter in her new hat (from Paul and Taryn). It's a little big, but it makes us laugh and she seems to like it.

We spent the evening over at the Cottin's home enjoying Lasagna and such. Violet was held by everyone almost. Merry first Christmas little ladybug.

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100th post just in time for christmas

2006-12-21T20:06:00.000-06:00

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Happy holidays to everyone. This is the one hundredth time I have put pictures and silly words up. Thanks for looking at them. It's been a long year. Lots of great things have happened and it's nice to share it with you.

Surprise! She is the best of the great things that happened.

Have a great Christmas, let us know that you like the pictures. I mean, all the cash that you are sending is great, but it really runs on encouragement, mostly. Have a good new year.

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catfish shak & standing time

2006-12-17T08:21:00.000-06:00

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El Dorado, Kansas - the Catfish shak.

this is the bed and breakfast I stayed in on press with the American Ballet Theatre book in Parsons.

Too bad I was only in there to sleep.

Violet is now standing up all the time - with our help, of course and she is a little wobbly... but determined.

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no war on christmas here

2006-12-12T21:02:00.000-06:00

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Sandy, Wendy's sister, heard that we weren't going to have a tree this year and sent one through a local farm. It is beautiful. Thank you, ma'am.

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god guns and guts, my mistake

2006-12-08T23:09:00.000-06:00

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I took a trip down to SE Kansas, almost to Oklahoma yesterday to go on press with a small book for work. It really snowed down here last week. I loved the drive and got to go through a small part of the flint hills on the way back.

I found what I had been looking for... I believe that they got it wrong, though. I believe the phrase is :God, Guts and Guns, made America free... I'll fight to keep all three". I have proof that it was real, at least.

...and not just my own strange dreams.

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winter is here, politely

2006-12-06T07:36:00.000-06:00

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we had our first real snow/ice fall last week. I woke up and felt like a kid. So good to not grow up in some ways.

I guess that in a few years I could get bored of it and driving on ice is no fun, but for now...

especially at night in the full moon, the place looks amazing.

we went to the KU basketball game against USC. Our friends gave us the tix and babysat for violet to give us a little break. It's a very caucasian experience to see a college ball game in the midwest. I feel like a tourist in some other country that I don't understand the customs. Very polite, in a cable-knit sweater and holiday fruitcake kinda way.

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co-conspirators

2006-12-01T06:48:00.000-06:00

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Violet's little friend (or arranged friend at this point) loves being around her. They had a conversation of sorts that was very interesting.

wife, friend, lover, doctor, co-conspirator and mother to our new daughter. i love you.

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downtown small town

2006-11-29T18:50:00.000-06:00

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downtown Lawrence is all lit up as well. We took a little walk down through the lights. Feels like the season is supposed to. That's new to us Californians. It's really nice.

some of Wendy's photos that turned out really well. She's getting bigger and more aware. So much fun.

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TV time has begun

2006-11-28T07:15:00.000-06:00

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our little girl is sitting up (in her little helper chair).

she watched some baby einstein videos today.

we don't have cable, but the fascination with and indoctrination into the society of the spectacle has commenced. we're just doing our part as good consumers to prepare her for the world. let's shop!

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