Artsy Fartsy Marfa, Texas

In the middle of nowheres-ville, smack dab in the desert, lies Marfa, Tx. On the never ending drive to get there, I wondered, ‘What the heck kind’ve destination is this?’. There was nothing, NOTHING, on the way to this tiny town. It looked like this for hours.

We kept hearing about Marfa from other musician types, artist types, and generally the artsy fartsy’s that we like to hang out with.

We experienced why people were drawn to Marfa. This town is a haven for artists and those who enjoy being a part of the art community-sans the attitude. Gigantic warehouses are found on every corner that are either displaying amazing artwork or are venues for live music.

The ‘Food Shark’ was THE place in town to eat. I am sure there are other places, but once you’ve had a ‘Marfa-lafel’, you will never be the same.

We would have tried this place, but it wasn’t open the day we visited. It looked pretty cool, but I can’t vouch for it. I just loved the clouds so much I couldn’t resist snapping this.

This town is old, by US standards. Established in the 1880’s, the charm of the adobe structures made me want to buy a revolver and strap it to my leg, stroll down the middle of the street and give bad guys the ‘stink eye’.

This straw bale house needs a little work, but I think I could turn it around. Right, honey? Honey?

I loved this sign advertising the ‘Thunderbird’ motel.

There is a grouping of airstreams that make up a hotel community-El Cosmico. (This hotel was just featured in ReadyMade magazine). I highly recommend you click on this link. It will blow your mind. Leave me a comment and tell me what you think of the place.

There is something relaxing, serene and inspirational in Marfa, Tx.

Marfa has a history.

Unique beauty…

And a little part of my heart.

Forgive me for twisted ways

Crap happens on tour that you have no control over. A sudden snowstorm can cost you thousands of dollars, a bad promoter can cost you more than that, and then there are the bands that you have to work with that have girly emotions and eccentric lifestyles. There is little that you can do about this.
Other than fight back in a weird way…

This lovely little skull was present for several of the tours we had recently been on. It irritates me for some reason. The stupid skull was connected to the steering wheel of the bus and stared at me every day. I thought the smug little thing should be decorated. I call this one Skull-a-haunt-us.

And here we have Skull-patch. The band hadn’t said a word about my decorations. Yet.
I found a cotton ball in a new bottle of ibuprofen. I had struck gold.

Why not get historical and educate the band with Skull-zart? Still no response from the band. However, they did remove it delicately and place it in the ash tray. That was thoughtful of them.

One of my favorites-Skull-stache. At this point, I think the band just thought we were weird. I had gotten past what they might think of us and realized decorating the skull had given me something to look forward to doing every day.

Skull-dito really made me laugh. Still the band was silent. But my little creativity was breaking up the monotony of driving, hotel rooms, show, shower, driving, hotel rooms, show, shower….It was what kept me going.

I pulled out all the stops for Mr. Skull-Muffs. I think Mr. Skull-Muffs looks quite distinguished. I wish I would have made a pipe for him, too. Or a monocle. The tour was over at this point, and it was perfect timing. I had run out of cotton and tape. And new ideas….
Maybe you have some ideas for me the next time I go out?

Weird Things Found in My Parent’s Basement

We stopped by my parent’s house for a visit. Per usual, I ended up in the ‘annex’ (the basement) looking through the strange treasures that have found their resting place. And for the first time, I began to question why my parents had certain items in their basement.

For example, a giant plywood cactus, decorated with Christmas lights.

Mom-‘Your baby brother needed it for something’.
Me-‘So, why do you still have it?’
Mom-‘He said he might need it again.’

This, of course was coming from a woman who was wearing what appears to be a mouse hat while beating on a drum.

And her weird entourage supported her statement. You can see why I feel incredibly alone sometimes.

I tried to come to grips with the fact that baby brother might still need this dragon mask.

…and this broken hula hoop.

… and this laser tag helmet.

But a snow white costume? This must have some explanation, I say.
Mouse Head-‘Baby brother wore it to school once’.
That was all the information I wanted to know about that subject.

Bagpipes. Yep. Weird.

The same could be said for the sombrero. Although it seems a little more normal.

But the duct tape duck? Definitely not normal, so I had to ask.
Mouse Head-‘That was for baby brother’s Duct Tape Birthday Party’.

Apparently, so were the duct tape chaps.

But this? A string of Rambo bullets? The Mouse Head shrugged.

And this construction barrel? Mouse head laughed and shrugged again. So I gave up wondering they ‘why’ of the situation and just enjoying the weirdness of it all.

I mean, look at what I am dealing with. It’s amazing I haven’t needed more therapy.

What the heck is a CDL?

You see a driver’s license that looks different from yours.
So, you ask “What’s up with your license?”
They reply, “I have a CDL.”
Oh.
So, what is that?

I have a Class B CDL with a Passenger (P) endorsement. There are three different classes a professional driver can have:  Class A, B or C. Without getting too technical, I’ll explain each of the classes with a link to fun elementary-type pictures. Because that’s how I learn best.

Class A: A combo of vehicles that weighs over 26,001 pounds either all at once or with something in tow. AND, what you’re towing has to weigh more than 10,000. Confused? This picture might help.

Class B: A single vehicle that weighs over 26,001 pounds. If you are towing something, it has to weigh less than 10,000. This is what I drive. A rectangle with wheels.

Class C: A vehicle that doesn’t fit into the first two classes, but carries a lot of peeps. Like a limo or a trolley. Below is supposed to be a limo. It’s the best I could do. Sorry.

That’s about it. There are a few other things, like if you’re transporting bombs or toxic stuff, you need to have another endorsement. But, I won’t get into the nitty gritty.   It’s boring, but it’s my life.