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April 29, 2009

Big Bird of Paradise

  DNJ Gallery at 1541/2 N. La Brea had an opening last Saturday and I purchased a Jane O'Neal photograph titled BIG BIRD OF PARADISE just before the opening. It's going in my new digs atop Red Mountain in Birmingham. DNJ will ship it to my local framer,David Wheeler (who has done all the restoration work from my fire in DEC '08.)  The show runs into June and has a group of accomplished artist's work beautifully installed.  My "Bird" may be gone soon (only 7 in this printing)  but if you are on the ball there is superb installation of Jane's work as well as a host of other fine artist's.  I would not dawdle if I were you and are able to get to DNJ in L.A in the next month OR go to the website and reserve a prize like I did.  Website is www.dnjgallery.com  Pictured below is my prize I bought ahead of the opening.
 

 
 
  Shopping on line and on site for the furnishings of my new home.  Found a bed in Dallas that suits me nicely.  Strongly encourage wise collectors to hot-foot it to DNJ or view the pieces on site.  Great folks to deal with and so much to view and choose your present/investment.  Wait until you SEE Jane's work.  Be sure to read her artist statement on the DNJ site.  Got no horse in this race, just a heads up to friends...
 
  Otherwise just another perfect spring day down south with one more Democrat to re-build our last administration's messes.

April 27, 2009

Real Estate

 

Real Estate is a relatively new area for me.  In 2007 I bought my first house, a beautiful Queen Ann Victorian with turrets, a wrap-a-round porch, 12 columns and, even though built in 1887,  (magnificent gardens sitting on 3 lots ) it had been beautifully restored and maintained.  I had a deal set and it was mine within three days.  Then, after moving all my earthly belongings in and making it a home a furnace malfunction caused it to go up in flames Saturday morning Dec.13,2008.

 

After three months living with family I decided to give my family and myself a break and amicably moved into a nice residential Hotel, I did a massive search with the help of my first real estate agent, (Wanda Abney at Realty South)  It's, granted, a buyer's market. That being said I had narrowed the search and still had to look at a dozen prospects in person as well as hundreds on line. Last Tuesday,April 26 I found my new home.  It had everything I needed and wanted and the perfect location.  From a quarter of a million four years ago Wanda hard balled $100,00 off the price and set the deal and made me the happiest home buyer in Birmingham!  With my orthopedic problems, the year round indoor pool will a big plus.  All the other amenities are just wonderful bonus' and I look forward to my June 1st move in date!

 

 Still on the look out for a space in Los Angeles but have to have my home here furnished, and, since the fire I have to purchase everything needed to set up housekeeping.  Lots of shopping ahead.  Digs in Ca. will have to wait.

Here's hoping 2009 will be a much better year for Nine Moon Productions!

 

April 21, 2009

Miss California

Miss California and the outdated contest she represents ( Now held in Vegas) is the perfect voice opposing  Gay marriage.  Says she'll pray for the poor sinners "afflicted" with this "disorder'.  Good to have the right people against any cause.  She seemed to me to have knobby knees (from the photo I saw) in the bikini contest but I'm sure Jesus gave her that "disorder" for a good reason--like when the Savior whispered into Bush's ear that destroying Iraq and killing tens of thousands of innocent lives would make America SAFE.  I never cease to be amazed how Jesus is used in so many ways that directly contradict his words..Sunny April Day down South!

 

 That's my lovely mom above.  She's been a great support since my surgery, but last night I checked into a lovely hotel to have a change of scene and enjoy the spring with a great view and lots of fine service.  I deserve a break!

And that's how I am today.  Man we had tornadoes junping all around us over the weekend.  It's a crap shoot down here when an F5 might wipe out thirty miles in two minutes, so Live for Today!

April 20, 2009

Whoa Madonna!

Had a great weekend working on the site with Gary.  I am considering a producer's offer concerning a Home and Gardens Channel show I might co-host with a two time Super bowl Ring pro footballer. Now that would be quite a contrast to moi.  Worked on a Bio Tale that is featured starting NOW on the main page. Off to see Dr. Angus McBryde this morning to X-ray the ankle and change the splint.  Thinking about putting earnest money down Wednesday on a beautifully renovated Mountain Brook Townhouse built in 1925.  Spectacular real estate deal and a gorgeous place to live atop Red Mountain with a view of Birmingham below.  (Still have the California considerations and a real estate agent there.)  We shall see.

Now to Madonna.  I don't publicly speak often of my relationship to Ms Ciccone.  We first met through a certain wonderful caustic lady comic whose name escapes me (it'll come to me soon) and Warren Beatty when Club Louie (a late night private dance club that the famous, late Herb Ritts rented for invited guests the first Friday of each month) back in 1989.  I later worked with Warren and then Deb Mazar ----both close to M---- and we exchanged emails and I visited her Los Feliz home several times.  When she married Guy Richie I was seduced into adopting Conchita, Rosita and Evita, Madonna's three Chihuahuas. 

Miss M wanted to assure me that Evita was not Rabid.
Miss M wanted to assure me that Evita was not rabid!

I do love the woman, but if she reads this (she's at the Paltrow's in NYC recovering from her SECOND fall from a horse) I hope LISTENS to what I have to say:

I grew up with horses. Trained in English equestrian (preferred western trail riding to showing but did both), owned two horses growing up and had my last ride in 2004, against my better judgement (and I paid a price).  It was with friends on Shades Mountain at an upscale Appaloosa breeding ranch and both my horses (Bama and Apache) were Appaloosas.  Had a nice trail ride through mountain trails on a frisky young mare and all went well until we were returning and Starburst saw the barn and surprised me--the experienced horseman (I thought, and WAS)-- and broke into a run up the hill at an angle and I held on until she jumped a small knoll and off I went soundly to the ground with a thud.  I still have nerve damage in two fingers on my right hand and I was very lucky.  In the South, Ladies traditionally put up the saddle at 50.  Bones break so much easier and we must remember Chris Reeves.  SAVE your daring for the stage---hell, in your case, THATS dangerous enough. Anyway, this is your second fall and I want you causing major trouble for decades to come. I KNOW you'll listen to me about as much as you would a teenage Manhattan cabbie, but I feel better for suggesting enjoying Lola, Rocco, and David and other kids mount the horses. And for God's sake, don't blame the paparazzi when you get  thrown. No, not even if it's God's truth. Missed the tour, but look forward to seeing it when whoever you deal it out to gives it a showing.  Just don't go breaking that tough but vulnerable neck of yours. Enough of that. I do adore you still!

Four more weeks and I get my walking boot!  Ah, to be able put away these crutches forever.  Orthopedic surgery (I've had SEVEN in my life) is no damn fun.  (It's a damn miracle I'm ambulatory at all come to think of it.)

On a political note. GIVE OBAMA , angry folks, a break or at least keep the protest civil and not full of the ugly racial posters and names used by the Fox Network sponsored "Tea Party" over the weekend.  We are hardly facing taxation without representation.  I seem to remember an, uh..ELECTION recently.  But do have a nice Monday all !


April 16, 2009

Recovering

Not a whole lot of blogging going on......Had ankle surgery and am on the mend.  Have real estate agents in Al and  Ca looking for my next nests.  Mostly watching a whole helleva lot of TCM and Netflicking my way through this down time. Still adding new portraits not previously seen from the 1990 and 1985 CLOCK SERIES. Hope you'll take a look.  had a fine birthday and thanks to every one for the cards, gifts and well wishes. I'm 57 and happy to still be here!!!!