I found this footage on my camera from my January road trip. Did a little editing and this is the result.
The story behind this is that the tank of my car was reading "empty" for longer than we cared to know about... There were NO gas stations for a very large stretch of road. By the grace of my GPS, we managed to get off the highway and find one way out in the boonies. Fun times.
Tomorrow I am off to rehearse with my cellist. We are prepping for the Viper Room show on April 10th. Are YOU?
good night,
porteR
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Finally, Phoenix
"She's just terrific." =)
Don't you just love script?
These are from my latest trip down to the Southwest. How fun is this?
Thanks to DRAGONFLORA for posting these!
THE LINE
NEW LIFE
The irony is I didn't end up playing the show it's advertising, but oh well.
bestest,
porteR
Don't you just love script?
These are from my latest trip down to the Southwest. How fun is this?
Thanks to DRAGONFLORA for posting these!
THE LINE
NEW LIFE
The irony is I didn't end up playing the show it's advertising, but oh well.
bestest,
porteR
Monday, March 30, 2009
WorldFest 2009!!!
I was invited to play at another GREEN festival. They going to be solar-powered, and mainly focused on Animal Rights.
Yippee!
It's May 16th! Come and join the cruelty-free fun!
blessings,
porteR
Yippee!
It's May 16th! Come and join the cruelty-free fun!
blessings,
porteR
Perception of Lines and Arcs
My roommate and I had a potluck on Saturday night. It is going to be a monthly event. A meeting of creative minds.
Some people brought food, others Japanese train tickets, others brought friends.
Luckily, I had made enough food to feed a raw vegan army. Though there probably aren't many of those, huh?
Four of us ended up having a sleep-over, where not much sleep was had at all. A very long conversation tapered into the wee hours of morning. I got to see a glimpse of sunrise before my head finally hit the pillow.
One of the guests (let's call him "Roman") had a much needed rant about his childhood and current situation, his attempts with Buddhism, and his understanding of his path.
It made me think of something I had learned in Math class in high school. And this was the last time I ever took a math class, it must be said!
My favorite teacher, Mr. Ballantyne, was explaining the idea behind integrals. That in order to calculate the area under an arc, we had to approximate it with rectangles, and then even smaller rectangles where space was left, and so on... In other words, we would never know the actual area, but we would get closer and closer, as we zoomed in further and further, making smaller and smaller geometric shapes.
It seemed to me that this is exactly how we conceive reality. Hoping that a serious of sophomoric approximations will somehow form a truth.
And look how we trust in our interpretations, especially when they go unchecked by other members of our faith, community, and family.
Just some examples:
People should use silverware.
French people are rude.
We need a certain amount of protein in our diet.
The color red is loud and angry.
I used these because they are mostly verifiable. Eating with your hands in messy. If you go to France, you are sure to be treated rudely by someone. Etc...
But what we forget is that these are merely the rectangles under the arc. Is messy bad? Aren't there rude people everywhere?
We live a curve, not a line.
And no matter how many tiny lines we string together, they will never simulate a perfect curve (though they will fool the eye and mind, no doubt).
When we try to measure something flowing, free, and intangible with a series of "facts," we are only approximating the truth.
And what I found so fascinating about this concept, is this:
Being open to other view points, other cultures, other reasonings, is important because it gives us many small rectangles to fit under the curve. The more stories, explanations, and interpretations we listen to and come up with, the closer we get to the true sum under the curve.
What's more, we can understand that none of these explanations will EVER ever get us there...
But they free our minds from stagnant, repetitive thought, and that in turn allows us to be open to experiencing the area unde the curve. For it must be experienced, not reasoned.
When we try and reason our life, as Roman did, as a series of events and reactions, we only approximate the truth, for we are using the wrong tool. OUR MIND, which thinks in rectangles.
OUR HEART is all that is needed to channel and know the infinite wisdom of the universe. It communicates in curves.
But sometimes it's fun to play around with the puzzle pieces of the rectangle.
much love,
porteR
Some people brought food, others Japanese train tickets, others brought friends.
Luckily, I had made enough food to feed a raw vegan army. Though there probably aren't many of those, huh?
Four of us ended up having a sleep-over, where not much sleep was had at all. A very long conversation tapered into the wee hours of morning. I got to see a glimpse of sunrise before my head finally hit the pillow.
One of the guests (let's call him "Roman") had a much needed rant about his childhood and current situation, his attempts with Buddhism, and his understanding of his path.
It made me think of something I had learned in Math class in high school. And this was the last time I ever took a math class, it must be said!
My favorite teacher, Mr. Ballantyne, was explaining the idea behind integrals. That in order to calculate the area under an arc, we had to approximate it with rectangles, and then even smaller rectangles where space was left, and so on... In other words, we would never know the actual area, but we would get closer and closer, as we zoomed in further and further, making smaller and smaller geometric shapes.
It seemed to me that this is exactly how we conceive reality. Hoping that a serious of sophomoric approximations will somehow form a truth.
And look how we trust in our interpretations, especially when they go unchecked by other members of our faith, community, and family.
Just some examples:
People should use silverware.
French people are rude.
We need a certain amount of protein in our diet.
The color red is loud and angry.
I used these because they are mostly verifiable. Eating with your hands in messy. If you go to France, you are sure to be treated rudely by someone. Etc...
But what we forget is that these are merely the rectangles under the arc. Is messy bad? Aren't there rude people everywhere?
We live a curve, not a line.
And no matter how many tiny lines we string together, they will never simulate a perfect curve (though they will fool the eye and mind, no doubt).
When we try to measure something flowing, free, and intangible with a series of "facts," we are only approximating the truth.
And what I found so fascinating about this concept, is this:
Being open to other view points, other cultures, other reasonings, is important because it gives us many small rectangles to fit under the curve. The more stories, explanations, and interpretations we listen to and come up with, the closer we get to the true sum under the curve.
What's more, we can understand that none of these explanations will EVER ever get us there...
But they free our minds from stagnant, repetitive thought, and that in turn allows us to be open to experiencing the area unde the curve. For it must be experienced, not reasoned.
When we try and reason our life, as Roman did, as a series of events and reactions, we only approximate the truth, for we are using the wrong tool. OUR MIND, which thinks in rectangles.
OUR HEART is all that is needed to channel and know the infinite wisdom of the universe. It communicates in curves.
But sometimes it's fun to play around with the puzzle pieces of the rectangle.
much love,
porteR
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
VIPER ROOM
I'm so excited that I have such amazing helpers for my music now.
I've added some cool members to my team.
The UNIVERSE is infinitely giving. Ask and you shall receive... sometimes is takes some patience. =)
love,
porteR
I've added some cool members to my team.
The UNIVERSE is infinitely giving. Ask and you shall receive... sometimes is takes some patience. =)
love,
porteR
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Good Morning
Twas a good weekend in Arizona. I had to put it to a premature close, but it was good while it lasted.
Thanks to everyone I met!
bestest,
porteR
Thanks to everyone I met!
bestest,
porteR
Friday, March 20, 2009
Leaning in Tucson
Ok. First off, this is the trail I just walked on:
Yeah, I know!
:: MY ENTRY FOR TODAY ::
I was outside Whole Foods today in Tucson (yeah, it's like there's a homing beacon on WF stores, I don't know). I saw this man who was walking very upright. Absurdly so, actually.
I felt a part of me inside wanting to label this "bizarre," but then decided to observed my automatic reaction instead.
I realized this reaction stemmed from ignorance.
I'm used to seeing people lean forward mostly--sometimes, lazily back--but never have I seen someone (who wasn't a ballerina on stage, which he wasn't) not lean.
So, my thought for the day has been:
I think leaning is a clue to a person's state of consciousness. Lean back you're in the past (laziness), lean forward you're in the future (stress).
Right now I am leaning into my computer. ;)
I'm trying.
Oh, this is from Thursday (uh, yesterday... wow... time flies!). This is my keyboard at the News Channel 12 studio in Phoenix. I'm getting a copy of my performance, so expect to see that soon. Yipee!
Yeah, I know!
:: MY ENTRY FOR TODAY ::
I was outside Whole Foods today in Tucson (yeah, it's like there's a homing beacon on WF stores, I don't know). I saw this man who was walking very upright. Absurdly so, actually.
I felt a part of me inside wanting to label this "bizarre," but then decided to observed my automatic reaction instead.
I realized this reaction stemmed from ignorance.
I'm used to seeing people lean forward mostly--sometimes, lazily back--but never have I seen someone (who wasn't a ballerina on stage, which he wasn't) not lean.
So, my thought for the day has been:
I think leaning is a clue to a person's state of consciousness. Lean back you're in the past (laziness), lean forward you're in the future (stress).
Right now I am leaning into my computer. ;)
I'm trying.
Oh, this is from Thursday (uh, yesterday... wow... time flies!). This is my keyboard at the News Channel 12 studio in Phoenix. I'm getting a copy of my performance, so expect to see that soon. Yipee!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Shedding Automotive Weight
Do you recognize the weight you need to lose in this form?
I do. This is my car (dyed red).
I spent a part of my day on bike today, and I realized something about my car:
IT'S A MOVING HOUSE.
It's also a protective suit, shielding me from the outside world when I go into it.
Notice how you probably wouldn't flip someone off, or become confrontational if someone stepped on your foot in person. But if they cut you off in their car, they are suddenly evil. It's so much easier to dehumanize the person and the situation.
We assume it's personal. The guy is obviously a jerk.
Of course, we couldn't see his wife in the back in labor, the sweat on his forehead as he rushes to the hospital.
We also couldn't recognize that we too have committed the unforgivable sin of cutting someone off without awareness of the potential inconvenience for the other person.
It's also the socially accepted version of putting a blanket over your head.
And look at the lengths people go to create even bigger barriers, even stronger shields: Hummers, Xterras, Explorers...
We have an entire industry that designs armor for a war we aren't even fighting.
Heck, compared to a bike, a Prius is an odd, socially construed barrier, and a blight on the Earth. I like to see things like Aliens would sometimes, don't you?
These things do weigh us down.
IT WAS FREEING TO RIDE A BIKE.
Bug nagging at me was the thought that I had forgotten something in my car...
... something I would need!!!!
... and then I'd have to bike back!!!!!
It's that unbearable lightness of being. We continually find ways to "ground" ourselves by making ourselves heavy, rather than by making ourselves conscious.
HEAVY vs. GROUNDED
To me, heavy means comatose. It's actually the direct opposite of grounded.
Grounded is conscious, which is still light.
Lightness often gets a bad rap as "spacey".
So, on one side of the spectrum we have disconnected from source because we are not aware of our connection with our body, and the natural gravitational force that physically pulls us down (too light).
And on the other side, we have disconnected from source because we are no aware of our spirit and the Energy that we are bathed in--and, in the eternal words of George Harrison, the life that flows"within and without you"--(too heavy).
Yoking the two (mind and body), and specifically, yoking our awareness of the two, is the task of yogis, and other spiritual crusaders. Indeed, Yoga comes from the word yuk, to yoke.
I am going to consider it a personal challenge and task--let's call it a revolution resolution--to be light.
Actually, it was kind of neat, because I've been having these thoughts for a few days now. Last night my friend PC introduced me to one of his friends who didn't even get to her name before she exclaimed "wow, there's such a great lightness about you."
I was quite touched.
Just goes to show how important it is to pay attention to the things you want more of.
I do. This is my car (dyed red).
I spent a part of my day on bike today, and I realized something about my car:
IT'S A MOVING HOUSE.
It's also a protective suit, shielding me from the outside world when I go into it.
Notice how you probably wouldn't flip someone off, or become confrontational if someone stepped on your foot in person. But if they cut you off in their car, they are suddenly evil. It's so much easier to dehumanize the person and the situation.
We assume it's personal. The guy is obviously a jerk.
Of course, we couldn't see his wife in the back in labor, the sweat on his forehead as he rushes to the hospital.
We also couldn't recognize that we too have committed the unforgivable sin of cutting someone off without awareness of the potential inconvenience for the other person.
It's also the socially accepted version of putting a blanket over your head.
And look at the lengths people go to create even bigger barriers, even stronger shields: Hummers, Xterras, Explorers...
We have an entire industry that designs armor for a war we aren't even fighting.
Heck, compared to a bike, a Prius is an odd, socially construed barrier, and a blight on the Earth. I like to see things like Aliens would sometimes, don't you?
These things do weigh us down.
IT WAS FREEING TO RIDE A BIKE.
Bug nagging at me was the thought that I had forgotten something in my car...
... something I would need!!!!
... and then I'd have to bike back!!!!!
It's that unbearable lightness of being. We continually find ways to "ground" ourselves by making ourselves heavy, rather than by making ourselves conscious.
HEAVY vs. GROUNDED
To me, heavy means comatose. It's actually the direct opposite of grounded.
Grounded is conscious, which is still light.
Lightness often gets a bad rap as "spacey".
So, on one side of the spectrum we have disconnected from source because we are not aware of our connection with our body, and the natural gravitational force that physically pulls us down (too light).
And on the other side, we have disconnected from source because we are no aware of our spirit and the Energy that we are bathed in--and, in the eternal words of George Harrison, the life that flows"within and without you"--(too heavy).
Yoking the two (mind and body), and specifically, yoking our awareness of the two, is the task of yogis, and other spiritual crusaders. Indeed, Yoga comes from the word yuk, to yoke.
I am going to consider it a personal challenge and task--let's call it a revolution resolution--to be light.
Actually, it was kind of neat, because I've been having these thoughts for a few days now. Last night my friend PC introduced me to one of his friends who didn't even get to her name before she exclaimed "wow, there's such a great lightness about you."
I was quite touched.
Just goes to show how important it is to pay attention to the things you want more of.
Rooms for Mommies AND Daddies
Impressive progressive at it's best:
The Family Room.
I haven't seen this since New Zealand, where it was called "Parent's Room".
Why aren't these catching on?
Kudos to Phoenix! Viva modernity!
The Family Room.
I haven't seen this since New Zealand, where it was called "Parent's Room".
Why aren't these catching on?
Kudos to Phoenix! Viva modernity!
Playing Ketchup
I would first like to defend my reputation as a blogger by stating that even though I haven't been great about writing a new blog DAILY (as promised in my bio!), I do technically update this daily.
My twitter updates are posted to the right, and they are fresh off the tree DAILY. Sometime more than once, twice, three times...
Anyway...
What I've done in the past 3 days.
Tuesday:
-trained at my new AWESOME job at Euphoria Loves Rawvolution
-met with my new awesome manager, Chelsey Wright -- brainstormed promo for the Viper Room (April 10th!)
-went to bed early-ish
Wednesday:
-went for a run
-took my CD to Santa Monica College radio, and KCRW
-drove to Phoenix
-went to an open mic at the Phoenix Arts Center
-saw "Black Carl" and "The Yellow Minute" live (and free!)
-went to bed a tired girl
Thursday:
-woke up a tired girl
-did taping for News Channel 12 - played "the line" and "New Life"
-drove to Tucson
-biked to Club Congress to drop off CD
-biked to Grill to check it out for tomorrow night
-THE DAY IS NOT DONE YET! (but I'm very sleepy!)
So, you see, I've not been lazy and not blogging... I've been very busy and not blogging.
No one has accused me of being lazy however. I suppose I'm just excusing myself to myself.
I am about to write 2 more blogs. Brace yourself!
My twitter updates are posted to the right, and they are fresh off the tree DAILY. Sometime more than once, twice, three times...
Anyway...
What I've done in the past 3 days.
Tuesday:
-trained at my new AWESOME job at Euphoria Loves Rawvolution
-met with my new awesome manager, Chelsey Wright -- brainstormed promo for the Viper Room (April 10th!)
-went to bed early-ish
Wednesday:
-went for a run
-took my CD to Santa Monica College radio, and KCRW
-drove to Phoenix
-went to an open mic at the Phoenix Arts Center
-saw "Black Carl" and "The Yellow Minute" live (and free!)
-went to bed a tired girl
Thursday:
-woke up a tired girl
-did taping for News Channel 12 - played "the line" and "New Life"
-drove to Tucson
-biked to Club Congress to drop off CD
-biked to Grill to check it out for tomorrow night
-THE DAY IS NOT DONE YET! (but I'm very sleepy!)
So, you see, I've not been lazy and not blogging... I've been very busy and not blogging.
No one has accused me of being lazy however. I suppose I'm just excusing myself to myself.
I am about to write 2 more blogs. Brace yourself!
Monday, March 16, 2009
Everyone Is Just Another Human Being
So, I had a girl crush.
It was the kind where I fall in love with the idea of being that person. She had perfect skin, silken hair, worked at a really cool cafe. It seemed like her life was totally perfect. Couldn't I just be like her?
Then I met her.
She was so sweet and kind. But she wasn't perfect. She was human. Like me!
I mention this because I've been having this epiphany about many "stars." They're just normal people whose persona has grown larger than they can truly take credit for.
Everyone is just another human being to someone.
This also puts my own career into perspective.
I will never live up to my perception of what successful people's lives are like. In other words, a successful career will never make me impenetrable, immune to the effects of living life as a human being. Do you know what I mean? The gloss only exists when we see it in print. Underneath is the person.
I think of Alanis Morissette. She is a regular at the Bodhi Tree. She is in a loving relationship. She seems to have everything worked out. AND, She came out with one of the most original albums of all time (in my opinion).
But she's just a girl.
To someone, she's just a silly friend.
To her husband, she's just his true love.
She has all the experiences of a real human being. She gets stressed. She gets stuck in traffic. She gets thirsty. Also, she's a well-known singer.
I guess I'm just starting to realize how our willingness to deify certain people as "STARS" gives us permission to think we are an unfinished version of what we could be... if we were perfect.
We start to live our lives in the "when" and "if." When I lose the extra pounds, when I'm more confident, when I'm better... THEN I'll be perfect too. {This is just perfect for the advertising industry by the way.}
I recently saw a Henry Rollins show with special guest Death Cab for Cutie. The band name is ubiquitous. A household name practically.
But what struck me was that the lead singer was just a regular dude with a guitar. I could picture him in one of the open mics I used to go to, and he wouldn't have stood out.
Not that he isn't good, but sometimes it takes a little hype for people to actually listen to what you're doing. Then the persona grows, and hopefully the confidence that is its product fuels the art--though it has the power to put out the fire just as easily.
So it goes, the yin and the yang of gloss. It's good to be propelled by a wave of enthusiasm, but I personally hope never to confuse the frantic rush for the purpose.
It was the kind where I fall in love with the idea of being that person. She had perfect skin, silken hair, worked at a really cool cafe. It seemed like her life was totally perfect. Couldn't I just be like her?
Then I met her.
She was so sweet and kind. But she wasn't perfect. She was human. Like me!
I mention this because I've been having this epiphany about many "stars." They're just normal people whose persona has grown larger than they can truly take credit for.
Everyone is just another human being to someone.
This also puts my own career into perspective.
I will never live up to my perception of what successful people's lives are like. In other words, a successful career will never make me impenetrable, immune to the effects of living life as a human being. Do you know what I mean? The gloss only exists when we see it in print. Underneath is the person.
I think of Alanis Morissette. She is a regular at the Bodhi Tree. She is in a loving relationship. She seems to have everything worked out. AND, She came out with one of the most original albums of all time (in my opinion).
But she's just a girl.
To someone, she's just a silly friend.
To her husband, she's just his true love.
She has all the experiences of a real human being. She gets stressed. She gets stuck in traffic. She gets thirsty. Also, she's a well-known singer.
I guess I'm just starting to realize how our willingness to deify certain people as "STARS" gives us permission to think we are an unfinished version of what we could be... if we were perfect.
We start to live our lives in the "when" and "if." When I lose the extra pounds, when I'm more confident, when I'm better... THEN I'll be perfect too. {This is just perfect for the advertising industry by the way.}
I recently saw a Henry Rollins show with special guest Death Cab for Cutie. The band name is ubiquitous. A household name practically.
But what struck me was that the lead singer was just a regular dude with a guitar. I could picture him in one of the open mics I used to go to, and he wouldn't have stood out.
Not that he isn't good, but sometimes it takes a little hype for people to actually listen to what you're doing. Then the persona grows, and hopefully the confidence that is its product fuels the art--though it has the power to put out the fire just as easily.
So it goes, the yin and the yang of gloss. It's good to be propelled by a wave of enthusiasm, but I personally hope never to confuse the frantic rush for the purpose.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Little Miss Remiss
I haven't written since Wednesday! I want to turn myself into the blog police.
I haven't been twiddling my thumbs though.
Here is something I learned about shows on the Sunset Strip: carpool!
After you've payed $15 to the Roxy (for example), $5 to ticketbastard, and $8 to park your car, you remember why it's often tempting to stay home and read.
Now, as per my last blog, I've admitted that I am willing to spend the money on an AMAZING show that enhances my life and makes my skin glow for the next week, but last night's fell a little short... to say the least.
No hard feelings, but I'll do a bit more research before I jump at the opportunity to go to "any show" in L.A. Apparently, YOU TOO can play on the Strip.
On the other hand, there are some killer acts that I've seen that aren't getting nearly as much press or audience attention. Music is in some ways a popularity contest. And we remember from high school that it's not the best candidate that usually gets voted into class President, but the one whose parents aren't home on weekends.
I like that I live at the beach... out of the madness!
I haven't been twiddling my thumbs though.
Here is something I learned about shows on the Sunset Strip: carpool!
After you've payed $15 to the Roxy (for example), $5 to ticketbastard, and $8 to park your car, you remember why it's often tempting to stay home and read.
Now, as per my last blog, I've admitted that I am willing to spend the money on an AMAZING show that enhances my life and makes my skin glow for the next week, but last night's fell a little short... to say the least.
No hard feelings, but I'll do a bit more research before I jump at the opportunity to go to "any show" in L.A. Apparently, YOU TOO can play on the Strip.
On the other hand, there are some killer acts that I've seen that aren't getting nearly as much press or audience attention. Music is in some ways a popularity contest. And we remember from high school that it's not the best candidate that usually gets voted into class President, but the one whose parents aren't home on weekends.
I like that I live at the beach... out of the madness!
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Stretching Your Dollars
In my humblest of opinions, these "troubled" economic times are forcing us to become supremely aware of what matters the most. Do I need this AND this? No, just THAT. It's a spring cleaning on a global scale. Take out the trash.
In these times, we want our dollars to stretch as far as possible. And, dare I suggest, we seek something bigger than funds to fuel our daily existence, and make our lives seem worthwhile and meaningful.
I was pondering my own purchases, looking at what I deem acceptable use of my limited funds...
My most worthwhile purchases this month have included the $10 I spent for a show at the Whisky, a $10 cover for a show at the Troubadour, and a $15 CD by Lisa Hannigan.
I get more mileage from that CD than any other purchases I've bought. A dollar well stretched, if you ask me.
Is it frivolous to invest in art in times when you have to count food items in your head at the grocery store?
My opinion: no.
We need more than food.
Look at some of the "necessary" costs in your life and examine how much they truly serve you.
A cup of coffee from Starbucks can cost somewhere in the $5 mark.
5 times a week, that's $25.
In a month, that's $100 on coffee!
COFFEE!
Now, if coffee were actually feeding your body or soul, I would say "dollar well stretched!" But, coffee is the opposite. For $100/month you could get 2 massages, 7 yoga classes, unlimited walks on the beach with amazing sunset-viewing seats, 40 bunches of organic kale, 100 bunches of local organic lettuce, 15 books on half.com, etc., etc...
For $100 a month, you could buy a piggy bank and not spend it.
I think it's neat how this time is forcing me to look at what is necessary in my life. And what I find interesting is that it's not the yoga, the concerts, or the music that I am widdling off, it's the average-mediocre stuff that doesn't feed me. To me, a yoga class, or silk climbing class is a dollar well stretched. Pun intended.
Out with the drugs, in with the love. Out of your mind, into your heart.
blessings,
porteR
In these times, we want our dollars to stretch as far as possible. And, dare I suggest, we seek something bigger than funds to fuel our daily existence, and make our lives seem worthwhile and meaningful.
I was pondering my own purchases, looking at what I deem acceptable use of my limited funds...
My most worthwhile purchases this month have included the $10 I spent for a show at the Whisky, a $10 cover for a show at the Troubadour, and a $15 CD by Lisa Hannigan.
I get more mileage from that CD than any other purchases I've bought. A dollar well stretched, if you ask me.
Is it frivolous to invest in art in times when you have to count food items in your head at the grocery store?
My opinion: no.
We need more than food.
Look at some of the "necessary" costs in your life and examine how much they truly serve you.
A cup of coffee from Starbucks can cost somewhere in the $5 mark.
5 times a week, that's $25.
In a month, that's $100 on coffee!
COFFEE!
Now, if coffee were actually feeding your body or soul, I would say "dollar well stretched!" But, coffee is the opposite. For $100/month you could get 2 massages, 7 yoga classes, unlimited walks on the beach with amazing sunset-viewing seats, 40 bunches of organic kale, 100 bunches of local organic lettuce, 15 books on half.com, etc., etc...
For $100 a month, you could buy a piggy bank and not spend it.
I think it's neat how this time is forcing me to look at what is necessary in my life. And what I find interesting is that it's not the yoga, the concerts, or the music that I am widdling off, it's the average-mediocre stuff that doesn't feed me. To me, a yoga class, or silk climbing class is a dollar well stretched. Pun intended.
Out with the drugs, in with the love. Out of your mind, into your heart.
blessings,
porteR
Monday, March 9, 2009
TAXI review
Imagine my surprise when I get positive feedback...
With all the submissions I send in with NO response, it's a little off-putting to get such a glowing response from such a reputable source.
See for yourself:
"Porter - I really like your music. The classical influence is very natural and doesn't sound at all pretentious - it gives you another flavor that makes you even more unique.
The vocal performances are strong - you have a lot of personality that is charming and 100% believable.
The musicianship is solid - the tracks are tight and there are some very creative and unexpected parts."
My mouth dropped.
But there's more.
About "pre-loved"--
"These are the most unique and interesting lyrics I've heard in a long time."
About "the start"--
"You are a really brave lyricist. You're not afraid to go really far to the left or to be really straightforward when that's what's needed. I think that your unique approach on some lines enables you to go to really familiar territory without sounding at all corny."
With all the submissions I send in with NO response, it's a little off-putting to get such a glowing response from such a reputable source.
See for yourself:
"Porter - I really like your music. The classical influence is very natural and doesn't sound at all pretentious - it gives you another flavor that makes you even more unique.
The vocal performances are strong - you have a lot of personality that is charming and 100% believable.
The musicianship is solid - the tracks are tight and there are some very creative and unexpected parts."
My mouth dropped.
But there's more.
About "pre-loved"--
"These are the most unique and interesting lyrics I've heard in a long time."
About "the start"--
"You are a really brave lyricist. You're not afraid to go really far to the left or to be really straightforward when that's what's needed. I think that your unique approach on some lines enables you to go to really familiar territory without sounding at all corny."
Sunday in the Park with Porter
Do you ever just feel the time is right and you're ready? I've been feeling of late that a flood of AMAZING things is about to come at me (or is coming at me) and I'm not quite ready to receive. I'm pacing myself, but I'm trying to be more open.
I wonder whether these sort of thoughts translate well, or whether they just seem coherent to me.
Today I walked along the Santa Monica and Venice beaches. The weather was perfect. I was present. The weather was a present.
Great weekend.
good night,
porteR
I wonder whether these sort of thoughts translate well, or whether they just seem coherent to me.
Today I walked along the Santa Monica and Venice beaches. The weather was perfect. I was present. The weather was a present.
Great weekend.
good night,
porteR
Saturday, March 7, 2009
The Need to be Perfect
For the record: I am extremely flawed. It's beautiful. It's mediocre. It's OK. I'm alright, even though I'm not sometimes.
I often feel the need to maintain a veneer of "I'm GREAT" so people don't feel uncomfortable by my discomfort. It's a terrible habit, but I have a feeling I'm not alone.
I often feel that it will make other people (specifically those who know me and love me) uncomfortable if I fall short of being happy. I only just realized this and it's a whole lot of pressure to put on myself.
Tomorrow's resolution is to feel OK when I'm not OK. Accept it, embrace it, be it. Move on.
Anyone else feel the need to put up a front?
I like you even when you are not OK.
bestest,
porteR
I often feel the need to maintain a veneer of "I'm GREAT" so people don't feel uncomfortable by my discomfort. It's a terrible habit, but I have a feeling I'm not alone.
I often feel that it will make other people (specifically those who know me and love me) uncomfortable if I fall short of being happy. I only just realized this and it's a whole lot of pressure to put on myself.
Tomorrow's resolution is to feel OK when I'm not OK. Accept it, embrace it, be it. Move on.
Anyone else feel the need to put up a front?
I like you even when you are not OK.
bestest,
porteR
Friday, March 6, 2009
Old Like Me
So, apparently I am nearing the "over the hill" portion of my life. That is, in terms of pop music. Since I'm not a pop star (and don't want to be one), I'm not sure I should be too worried. But it's still a little sad to think that about. Hannah Montana may be young, but what else does she have to offer?
I remember watching a great documentary on the rise of KT Kunstall. I was returning home from France via Dublin and Air Lingus was screening a special presentation between movies. KT was saying how it was impossible for her to get any industry attention because she was "on the wrong side of 25." Then she was invited to play a last minute gig on national tv, and ended up winning a competition. She had labels knocking down her door.
The moral of the story? What does the industry know? How to play safe.
Industry variables are based on what has worked before.
What do we know about ingenuity and brilliance? It's ingenious and brilliant because it's new. I think the music industry is kicking itself in the foot by using old models to evaluate potential new successes.
In an age where technology is evolving faster than laws that prevent abuse (read: illegal downloading), you'd think the music industry would try to be up with the latest trends. Or, even better, creating some trends! You would think that, as a machine, it would realize that it is in it's best interest to take some risks. Without risks there would be no Beatles, no Stevie Wonder, no Bob Dylan, no Joni Mitchell.
Is Hannah Montana going to be the symbol of the talent and art that we created in our decade. If so, I think the 80s can step aside, for we will definitely win "the decade with the least amount of taste" award of them.
In short, get out of the box and let me build you a new one!
I certainly don't want to have to lie about my age, but, if 25 is the new 40, then I might as well say I'm 40 and look SUPER young for me age. What do you think?
peace,
porteR
I remember watching a great documentary on the rise of KT Kunstall. I was returning home from France via Dublin and Air Lingus was screening a special presentation between movies. KT was saying how it was impossible for her to get any industry attention because she was "on the wrong side of 25." Then she was invited to play a last minute gig on national tv, and ended up winning a competition. She had labels knocking down her door.
The moral of the story? What does the industry know? How to play safe.
Industry variables are based on what has worked before.
What do we know about ingenuity and brilliance? It's ingenious and brilliant because it's new. I think the music industry is kicking itself in the foot by using old models to evaluate potential new successes.
In an age where technology is evolving faster than laws that prevent abuse (read: illegal downloading), you'd think the music industry would try to be up with the latest trends. Or, even better, creating some trends! You would think that, as a machine, it would realize that it is in it's best interest to take some risks. Without risks there would be no Beatles, no Stevie Wonder, no Bob Dylan, no Joni Mitchell.
Is Hannah Montana going to be the symbol of the talent and art that we created in our decade. If so, I think the 80s can step aside, for we will definitely win "the decade with the least amount of taste" award of them.
In short, get out of the box and let me build you a new one!
I certainly don't want to have to lie about my age, but, if 25 is the new 40, then I might as well say I'm 40 and look SUPER young for me age. What do you think?
peace,
porteR
Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Cat in the Case
This is Hacovat. Hacovat likes to leave his fur everywhere. His new favorite home is my guitar case. I think this says: "Listen Porter, it's not like you're using it." He's so trenchant.
True, I should practice more.
True, I should practice more.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
after the fire
I went to the Whisky tonight. The first time I went I was 15 and saw a friend of a friend's band called WAFFLE. What ever happened to Waffle?
Anyway, tonight I saw a San Diego artist, Tori Roze, who has a beautiful voice. She shared the stage with a guitarist, a flutist, and a trombone player. She plays trumpet as well as sings. Cool show. Expect some San Diego shows in the future as me and Tori do some exchanging...
As for the burns, I am recovering nicely. The bandages are not very pretty, and don't go well with outfits, but at least I still have arms!
good night,
porteR
Anyway, tonight I saw a San Diego artist, Tori Roze, who has a beautiful voice. She shared the stage with a guitarist, a flutist, and a trombone player. She plays trumpet as well as sings. Cool show. Expect some San Diego shows in the future as me and Tori do some exchanging...
As for the burns, I am recovering nicely. The bandages are not very pretty, and don't go well with outfits, but at least I still have arms!
good night,
porteR
Monday, March 2, 2009
Even God Rested...
... on Sunday.
I, however, was not resting. No, failure to post yesterday was due to a freak kitchen fire accident, and the emergency room visit that ensued.
I am sitting writing this blog with two bandaged arms, a blistered bottom lip, and a sense of enormous gratitude!
We have one of these old stoves that you have to light with a match as you turn the gas on. I had forgotten this as I went to heat my tamale. (As an aside, I can't tell whether I'm being told to microwave more, or eat more raw vegetables). My roommate, the ever sweet Katherine, came in and commented that the kitchen smelled like gas. Oh, silly me, I thought, I forgot to light the pilot in the oven. So, I strike the match, open the over door, and am pushed 5 feet back to the adjacent wall by a huge ball of fire. It singed the hair on my head, burned the bottom of both my arms, and lightly burned my lips and neck. Thank God for cotton! Katie told me if I had been wearing polyester I could have caught on fire.
Anyway, I can't help tell this story without a little pride. Why, you ask?
Well, last night I had 2nd degree burns. They offered me two motrin, and a prescription for vicadin. And, even though I was in AMAZING pain (the likes of which I have never ever known), I declined. Yes, they thought I was nuts. My drug of choice: deep breathing, rest, and of course, some salve and bandages... oh, and a little roam through CVS trying on make-up. A little appeasement for 2 hours in ER and having to buy over a $100 worth of bandages. No, I'm not kidding unfortunately.
This morning my skin didn't hurt a bit and when I replaced the bandages today the burns looked no more serious than over-exposure to the sun. It is times like these I am SO glad that I eat the way I do. Yes, it requires some discipline, but there's no wealth greater than good health.
good night,
porteR
I, however, was not resting. No, failure to post yesterday was due to a freak kitchen fire accident, and the emergency room visit that ensued.
I am sitting writing this blog with two bandaged arms, a blistered bottom lip, and a sense of enormous gratitude!
We have one of these old stoves that you have to light with a match as you turn the gas on. I had forgotten this as I went to heat my tamale. (As an aside, I can't tell whether I'm being told to microwave more, or eat more raw vegetables). My roommate, the ever sweet Katherine, came in and commented that the kitchen smelled like gas. Oh, silly me, I thought, I forgot to light the pilot in the oven. So, I strike the match, open the over door, and am pushed 5 feet back to the adjacent wall by a huge ball of fire. It singed the hair on my head, burned the bottom of both my arms, and lightly burned my lips and neck. Thank God for cotton! Katie told me if I had been wearing polyester I could have caught on fire.
Anyway, I can't help tell this story without a little pride. Why, you ask?
Well, last night I had 2nd degree burns. They offered me two motrin, and a prescription for vicadin. And, even though I was in AMAZING pain (the likes of which I have never ever known), I declined. Yes, they thought I was nuts. My drug of choice: deep breathing, rest, and of course, some salve and bandages... oh, and a little roam through CVS trying on make-up. A little appeasement for 2 hours in ER and having to buy over a $100 worth of bandages. No, I'm not kidding unfortunately.
This morning my skin didn't hurt a bit and when I replaced the bandages today the burns looked no more serious than over-exposure to the sun. It is times like these I am SO glad that I eat the way I do. Yes, it requires some discipline, but there's no wealth greater than good health.
good night,
porteR
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