Sonoma 2

Sonoma 1

Wintertime in Santa Cruz 3

Spent yesterday tasting some fine CA wine and walking the cellar of a
new small-batch winery near Holly's parents' house. I asked if he had
any of his own wine that he'd made in his famed garage. I tasted brand
new Zin, Napa Cab, mountain Syrah and tons of others. We must have
wandered for a couple hours, he and I.

I walked out with 2 2005 Napa Cabs of his that was made from expensive
grapes harvested around Thanksgiving that year! They ended up throwing
away 75% of what they bought. So I have a feeling that this will be a
very good wine.

Wintertime in Santa Cruz 2

Wintertime in Santa Cruz 1

New Hat/Shirt From Pax/Holly

Today

And it's back...

And just like that...

...the sun comes out.

In Absence of You

I'm quite proud of the album we just wrapped up. I produced Christine McCrudden's debut record, In Absence of You, and it's now available for download on her website here.

Some new wintertime music...enjoy. I mean, it's not a Christmas Album. But it's releasing just in time for your holiday drive. Oh, and order the whole CD since Holly did the art work.

Enjoy!

Hope For 2009

Christmas Card Photo

Sorry, we won't be sending out Christmas cards this year. So here's a
snapshot of our winter wonderland from the street.

Wet Floor

This afternoon I brved blizzard-like conditions to get a couple
cappuccinos. Looks like others had done the same.

Wow

It's really snowing outside. A couple inches sticking so far. And apparently it's supposed to last through the day into tomorrow.

Here's a shot Holly took out the window upstairs...

First Snow

Classic

One of my favorite SNL sketches of all time...

I, (not) Artist

I have been wondering these past weeks if I'm less of an "artist" and
more of a "sloppy engineer who doesn't respect rules if they are
binding."

I have been aware, for a very long time, that I am very left-right
brained. I'm an 8 who is locked up by empathy and people-pleasing. I'm
a walking paradox.

And this helps make sense of my feelings of fakeness around "real
artists" and of course around non-rule-breaking types as well.

I'm not talking about the definition of artist that says everyone is
one. Of course I know I am one in some sense.

But I'm not an Artist. Or at least I don't fit nicely into that
category. Which–as soon as I'm ready to pat myself on the back for–I
realize that it also means I hardly ever do anything way better than
anyone else. I'm not specialized or really uniquely gifted.

I'm not even particularly interested in reading artist (or even
musical) publications. I don't read books about business or branding.

I'm kind of a professional poser. Holly is a much truer artist than
I'll ever be.

This isn't some pity party at all. Just a strange semi-public
recognition that I make my money in a field that I only sorta swim in.
But it's a convenient category to slip into for some time while I get
my shit together.

Almost Done

One coat of clearcoat laid. One more to follow.

Neutralized

This morning they came to power washthe floor, essentially arresting
the chemical reaction. The clearcoating will enhance the colors even
more while sealing the floor as well.

Staining the Floor

Chris came back today andbput some Mustard Seed stain down. This
evening, we decided to add some Potter's Wheel. Should end up fairly
terra cotta-ish. Tonight this dries as it chemically reacts with the
cement. Tomorrow he'll rinse the floor with water and lay on 2 coats
of clearcoat. Mmm.