Dizzy Swallows

Little Bits for a Monday

May 30th, 2011 2 Comments

Happy Memorial Day chicklets! I trust we are all still enjoying a well deserved cold beverage and kicking up our feet, yes? We certainly have had quite the weekend thus far, and I have a big fat juicy blog coming your way on Wednesday about a certain something new. Today, however, I think we all need some little bits in our life.

Ben Harper’s latest album Give Till It’s Gone has earned nothing but praise. Though I have yet to hear the entire album, I must say my excitement at the return of a long-loved (musical) friend was dampened with the release of the album’s first single: “Rock and Roll is Free”. It is nothing short of appalling. And very un-Ben. I offered up prayers of gratitude, therefore, when I heard the wonderful track “Don’t Give Up On Me Now”. The video isn’t much to write home about but … Continue reading

Ratatat

May 27th, 2011

Happy Friday my darlings! Excuse the lateness of this post, I just got off a multi-continent Skype call with my closest girlfriends. Amongst other juicy bits and bobs, boys and jobs, I naturally needed the approval of The Council on my ink. Because, yes (Dad), tomorrow I am getting my first tattoo! Hurrah! I shall of course be posting pictures once it is actually on my skin, but for now here is what will be poked into mercilessly into my flesh:

From “Ode To The West Wind
By Percy Bysshe Shelley

If I were a dead leaf thou mightest bear;
If I were a swift cloud to fly with thee;
A wave to pant beneath thy power, and share
The impulse of thy strength, only less free
Than thou, O uncontrollable!

What do we think my sweets? The tattoo will be on my ribs in the beautiful Burgues Continue reading

New Painting: Oryx Skull

May 25th, 2011 7 Comments

It seems like forever and a day since I last posted one of my paintings, so here is my latest. I was playing with elements of trompe l’oeil in this piece, whose subject is the skull of a scimitar-horned oryx (remember those?) hanging in the ranch house in Texas. Ah, Texas, how I miss your tacos and your sunshine.

I am also delighted to announce that this (yet untitled) piece has already sold, but that I am considering making prints available for sale, of this and other works. Good idea? Bad idea?

This will at least give me an excuse to have many of my pieces professionally scanned or photographed, which will be a welcome relief. Hopefully then I can stop cringing every time I see the havoc digital transfer has wrecked on the subtler colors. The highlights look especially garish here. Ugh.

Lastly, for those … Continue reading

Happy Birthday Bob Dylan

May 24th, 2011

Chicklets, as you may already know, Bob Dylan turns 70 today! In honor of The Great One’s birthday I thought I would share 11 of my favorite Bobby D songs (because 10 is just boring and this one goes to 11). Enjoy and have a lovely day!

Image courtesy of Bob DylanContinue reading

Abbey Road

May 23rd, 2011

Darlings, have you seen the live webcam at Abbey Road? You can pan and zoom the camera as people recreate the iconic Beatles crossing. Without tire. Day and night, rain or shine. Blocking irate locals on their way to the pub. A fun Monday morning diversion for you.

Featured image via Lost attributed to Linda McCartney. Link via Design ScoutingContinue reading