The wandering wanderer.

This is one of the song from Los Amigos Invisibles latest album “Commercial”

The weather is again changing and this time around, it’s hot as hell. Sometimes I just cant believe I’am complaining given the fact that I am from a place not too cool either or not too cool at all. So i guess its late spring early summer. The semester ended with somewhat of a bang. I am waiting for one more grade, but from the looks of it its going to be a good one. Although I have to admit, the last semester took a toll on me, it was undeniably the hardest semester ever. I am technically on a break and enjoying it,  but I did have a class last Wednesday it was alright but absolutely weird.

Why weird? Well because its missing one awesome component, my best buddy Martin. I am sure if you’ve read my recent shout-out in my friendster and my facebook page, you’ve already known about it. He left last Tuesday for home sweet home in Argentina. Because our schedule is so tight, we don’t hang out like best buddies do in high-school or in undergrad studies. The three of us Andy, Martin and I do it when we can. Usually with a road-trip to somewhere. And I enjoy that because we get to chill by escaping for a couple of hours,  from our crazy schedule. Sometimes we would also hang out with other friends in an instant party , whenever i find the need to enjoy some alcohol and play the wii. We also did some traditional American get together, Thanksgiving, Christmas and Halloween and that was all fun too.  I am also pleased that we were able to meet the love of his life Alessandra and actually spend Christmas with them.

So why is it such a bummer when he left? Well, for the longest time, I’ve been staying away from labeling someone my best friend. La Toya is an acception. She is my best friend because she is always there when i needed her and always support me in everything i do. She takes me for who I am and appreciate what we both share.  I’m a strong believer that one earn that label and not because I have a bunch of requirements like a crazy interview session or anything . I just believe that  labeling someone your best friend should be something that comes out of a conscious mind or heart, a sincere proclamation or an honor that you bestow to someone. Not trying to be an uptight but I’ve been disappointed many many times by people who I used to consider a best friend. It’s draining and tiring. I realized, it shouldn’t be hard work because if someone is meant to be your best pal everything comes naturally and fluidly. The funny thing was, I never considered  the word best pal until I saw that little note in the comic sketch he gave me and Andy before he left. That woke me up from my dazed and confused state of mind. I have a best friend and I am happy about that. I know this sounds very childish, but sometimes a reminder of your childhood or your youth is a good thing. It let you know that time passes by like a magnetic bullet train shooting away out of Shanghai International Airport to downtown Shanghai. It makes you more aware of your surroundings, and appreciate the people as well the things that you have. It reminds you to give yourself a pat on the back for the things you’ve accomplished.

We live in a society that move in such a fast pace. Constantly worrying about what is to come when the next day rolls in, constanly dwelling into the superficials, trying to be the next best thing, a somebody that everyone looks up to because in our mind that is the zenith of one’s life. But in doing so we sometimes forget that the simplest thing in life like having a buddy, is one of the greatest thing to have and appreciate. So think about it.

It’s been a week since the announcement about me going to Bass Concert Hall to see Ave Q. Despite the drama of too much to do and to get done, that week, I managed to pull myself together and go see the show. It was well worth it. Ticket is a bit pricey but it is to be expected when it comes to Broadway shows. Bass Concert Hall recently got a facelift so there are a few minor changes, here and there like the facade of the building, acoustic in the hall and new paint job. One thing i don’t like is why the hell can’t they just build a bigger restroom. People stand was standing in a mile long line (exaggeration needed for the dramatic effect) just to go wee wee, the line is so long it looks like a scene during the depression where men of all ages lined up to get their daily food ration. Sad sad sad!

The show itself was amazing the cast s were all wonderful. Like i said last week its a bit of a muppet show, Sesame’s Street vibe show with a mix of South Park language, basically a satire to children show. The music is very sing along, which I would not recommend humming or singging in public unless you are toatlly confortable singging about PORN and being Racist and not shy about GETTING DOWN JIGGY (the stuff that adults do) LOUDLY. There are 2 TV panels on the side of the stage that ascends and descends and its showing one of those memorable Sesame’s Street like wordplay and the Yaaaaaaay cheer after every word kind of thing. Its cute and funny. Although the audience was a bit blah I wish there’s more audience interaction or reaction for crying out loud. Its not that they’re not laughing or anything but you know what i mean, just want them to be raved up a bit.  Some rah rah would be great! Iam a rah rah guy so i like that but too much.

On another subject, 2 weeks to go before the semester is OVAH! What am I going to do? I have no freaking idea. Most probally paint and i think I’ve come up with a good research topic for my final thesis; Global Issue in Technicolor. That means I need to have at least five 18 by 14 canvasas to work on and some detailed explanation of my work. That’s a plan though, I will keep you guys updated. At the meantime, my tummy is rumbling which means I need to go not to the loo but to eat and make some loo :). Have nice day y’all!

Ok, here’s where I am at. I am currently working on a 15 pages long paper on revolutions that is due on the 25th. Next week, I’d be working on an eight pages long paper on sexuality and a 15 pages analysis on terrorism. So basically I am swamped before the end of the semester which I am looking forward to.

Last night at the sexuality class session, a burst of artistic inspiration came to me like a lightning bolt. I started scrambling and doodling away in my little supposed to be class note book, a painting concept on the topic discussion on marriage equality. I am kinda excited about it, but I also think about the series I am working on or supposed to be working on, which is not entirely completed. So that might go on the back burner for the time being.

Friday, the eve of my revolution draft deadline, I will be out on a date with Avenue Q. Yes Broadway is in town again. I’ve heard about the show, mostly good reviews. The show itself revolves around puppets like the muppets, but with a South Park lingo. So it is very adult oriented show which, is my cup of tea. It is also a tony award wining show.

I’ll save the details until I actually see the show. Meantime, have a good one and ciao!

source: www.avenueq.com

I am just going to type away as I wait for ITunes to finally get all my Duncan Sheik song collection downloaded. It’s sunny outside, winds blowing in chilly temperature so its a good and a bad thing. Wanted to take the dogs out for a walk but if its chilly like, it wouldn’t be as fun. The semester is winding down and I have have 3 more research to get done with. Running a bit in a panic mode but I’ve done this before and I sure can do it again g’dammit. I think the new neighbor is moving in this week. Sadly, I don’t think they’ll be as cool as our previous neighbor who was for about 8 months the coolest neighbor in the whole entire world. We’ve got free good seat tickets to watch an exclusive Ballet “Don Quixote.” To top it off, he was the star! It’s fabulous. He is moving up the chain and living a great newly engaged life. Speaking of engagement, my friend Trish is getting married the end of this year I am sure the party is going to be awesome. Sister is getting married too and I am sure that will be grand. Too bad i can’t be there to witness it, I hate that :(.

Everyone is getting married these days, is 2009 the year for marriage? Cause it sure does sound like it. What the heck, I’m enjoying life and that’s the last thing I should be worrying about. Looks like the download is done. I am penning off for now but be back soon I hope, not promising anything. Have fun and have a great day y’all!

First of all Yay for Iowa! Damn time passes so quick and we are now in 2009. Incredible, I am barely awake and aware. SO not ready for another year and another age, but here I am typing away on a Saturday morn, the clouds lingering outside my window, trees swaying side to side, listening to Matt Kearney singing away strumming his guitar showing his licks as I sail away in my thoughts. It’s been crazy for me this several months, barely have time for myself to relax, worry free and just enjoy life. My work load is ridiculous at times, I’ve been shoving tons of books in my head. Part of me (my brains) is kinda showing signals or symptoms of burning out which I am fearful off. I know I can pull this of, but a break is necessary before i break myself! I have painting series that I have yet to complete. The bad part about that is, the paint that i applied last December is drying off as we speak. That’s bad news for me because it will only complicate the whole process, in terms of getting the right color combo and tones, darn it and i thought it started so well! Double darn it! For for those of you who are unaware of my other side, I paint for fun, mainly oil painting because i could never figure Acrylics out, they dry too fast for me to deal with. I tried pastel but the dust ain’t making it for me so i decided to stick with oil. I hate watercolor! Anyways here’s my first ever oil painting I did for one of my class at St. Ed’s. The title of the painting is “Justicia Confinada” or Confined Justice. It’s a response or satire kind of painting to the Mexican/American border issue. I try to stay true to Mexican folk art especially from the Pueblo region, after a lot of research I decided to go with the “Tree of Life” concept. To blend in the Northern states I used Lady Justice replacing Lady of Guadalupe which explains the ray of light behind her. She is not blind nor is her scale balanced to show injustice which is up for viewer’s interpretation. I want the audience to see and think for themselves. Around the painting are depictions of crime in the presence of beauty of cultures represented by vivid colors. Again I leave that to personal interpretation. And the bordering around the painting and Lady Justice are bits and pieces of Mayan Indian art. Kinda paying a homage to the beauty of the ancient art. The second painting is the painting i bragged about earlier. It is suppose to be series of paintings but I haven’t even finish this one. It is a mask painting, New Orleans mask to be precise. I took pictures of the mask 2 Decembers ago and decided to convert them into oil on canvas painting. We’ll see how it goes. I am hoping that the coming summer break would provide me enough time to finish it up.The picture below is the painting I’m talking about. On the left right is the picture i took and the left my painting work. At the mean time I am just working towards gaining more expertise dealing with my camera and my photography skills. Couple of weeks ago I did some human anatomy shots/body shots, a buddy of mind threw himself in to be my muse. Pics are a bit to risque for some so I wont have them published here at least. Anyways, that’s about it for now. Y’all take care and talk soon.

In the darkness, a melodic voice cries, it is echoed by even more voices chanting the same magical words of the African wild caroling the birth of the future king. The light shines brightly on Rafiki and the choirs of animals. As the light spreads the animal kingdom reveals themselves to the amazement of the audience, all accompanied by glorious tune. As all animals of the savannah walks up the stage, dancing, jumping and celebrating in joy, the audience roared, raising the hair behind my neck. It is hard to describe the feelings I had, euphoric is probably the best word I can use to describe it. That my friends, is why I am a big fan of Broadway show. It has been almost a year since I last saw a show here in Austin. The UT Bass Concert Hall was under renovation but it is now completed. That could only mean something, Broadway is back in town and I am welcoming it with wide open arms.

According to the papers, Wicked, Spring Awakening, Rent, Spamalot and many others are coming to town for a show at the concert hall and I am 100% sure I’ll be going to see at least 5 of them. Yes it is expensive but the experience from it is priceless. I am lucky enough to be able to see the Full Monty (my first ever Broadway experience), Jesus Christ Superstar (part of my research on performance art) and my favorite ever Broadway show The Lion King which by the way is the introduction to this particular blog.
Watching a Broadway show is definitely something that everyone who has an eye in liberal arts and performance arts should experience at least once in their lifetime. It evokes emotions, it makes you smile, laugh, sad and angry because unlike a lot of other shows out there, audiences are actually active participants much like the actors, designers, the singers and the whole crew. That to me is what makes it more appealing to me. It takes you to a place, out of reality, in a world where people just spontaneously jump out in songs and dances. It plays around with your childhood fantasy. Most importantly it makes you feel like a little kid watching old fantastic movies.

So, if you have the chance to see a show, don’t hesitate, give it a shot and live the experience. Then, you can come out and tell someone sitting next to you that you’ve had a Broadway experience. Oh and just for the sake of it, here is a clip from the 2008 Tony Award hosted by Whoopi Goldberg, the clip is a performance from the Lion King Broadway Show. What you see in the clip is exactly how the whole show was when I saw it. So enjoy your day and go break a leg (a saying for stage performers like Good Luck).

Just click on the tittle below:

The Lion King

    Its been crazy hot here in Austin and adding to that heat is the intense summer session for graduate studies. Everything is still well and pretty much the same with me,  in case you are wondering. Missing some friends but otherwise, like the desert in West Texas, it is just dull. I need to do something, add some color in my life. Have been doing some road trips here and there, but to same old, same old location and it gets old really really fast. I am starting to get tired of taking pictures of the country side.
    But anyways, here are some pictures from the latest road trip. Enjoy

These  pictures are of Pedernales falls which is about 45 minutes drive from Austin.

The following pictures are taken in Johnson City, the birth place of former President Lyndon B. Johnson. The flower field is actually located in his family ranch which is now a state park. It kinda remind me of countryside Bavaria.

Another picture of a church in Johnson city and the City Hall of Johnson city:

I enjoy taking pictures of landscapes and architectural structures of any kind. The best part about going to little cities is the complete privacy and freedom to take pictures without being stared at or stop by securities. You can take all the time in the world to get the perfect angle and lighting. I guess thats it for this edition. More will come. Have a good one!

Hey Aunt Irene, thanks for your comments. As requested here are some more pictures of the house backyard and front porch. Thats all I have for now.

View of the neighborhood from the back patio.

Picture of the Backyard. The trees are not dead. its just winter.

The front porch.

Picture of the neighborhood from the front porch.

Anyways, thats all. I hope to see you guys soon. Take care and regular posting will resume shortly.

OK, I promised y’all that I am going to post some pictures of my new pad. So here it is! I kept my promise, might have taken me a long time to but i kept it!

Front

Side (Front)

Living No. 1 and Dining (Open Floor plan)

View from Kitchen to Dining and Living No. 1

Dining from Living No.1

Living No. 1 from Dining

Living No. 2

Kitchen

My Bedroom

Bathroom

Bathroom

Master Bedroom (Andy’s room)

What is missing here is a picture of the Gameroom, Laundry room, Bathroom no. 2, my study room, garage, powder room, patio, backyard and neighborhood pictures which i will have them posted soon. So enjoy the pictures and don’t say I never wanted to share!