Petchitecture 11

This blog entry is all for Chippy-chan,
Poor Chippy didn't feel like going to the Ballthe cat, who had to stay home the night of the ball, of the biggest pet extravaganza of the year.

Petchitecture is the once-a-year event held by San Francisco community pet care and AIDS service organization, PAWS. When PAWS hosts this event, famous architects and artists
Matthew and the world's largest kitty house. What would Chippy say?are invited to create really elaborate dog houses -- with multiple levels, chandeliers, wireless dogbone access, and little doggie paintings on the walls. OK, just kidding about the wireless dogbones, but there was a ten-foot high cat box that looked like the Tokyo Tower.

Chippy!  We tried to convince you to join us, but you've never been too big on the idea of dogs.  Chippy-chan, this blog is for you – all of the photos are so you can see what fun Matthew and I had at the Petchitecture Ball!

John Lipp is one of your friends! 
John Lipp makes everyone feel welcome -- with fur and without!He's the Executive Director of PAWS, and he has a black kitty at home too.  Rex the Cat.  John said how much he would have liked it if you would have come along, Chippy, but, don't feel left out, Rex stayed at home too.

Do I hear $10 Thousand for the Kitty Tokyo Tower?!?The highlight of the Petchitecture Ball was that all those fancy dog and cat houses were auctioned off!  We're sorry to say, we didn't bring you the Tokyo Tower, but the auction raises the funds PAWS needs to take care of thousands of dogs and cats all over the bay area. 

Your friend Emily Scott Pottruck
Yes Chippy, Emily's dogs get along very well with black kitties! was there too!  (She autographed a copy of her book, 'Tails of Devotion' to you last month, and the King of Kook did a special entry about the book release.)  And to keep you up to date, the book is doing quite well!  Since all the proceeds -- every penny -- from the sales of the book go to support PAWS and other Bay Area pet care agencies, people are lining up for their copies.  You can be part of the fun and the love by checking the 'Tails of Devotion' website, and telling your friends! 

Bidding on lunch with Amy Tan -- the anticipation gives me butterflies!Although we didn't bring you a cat house, dear Chippy, we did bid on something at the auction!  One of the items in the 'silent' auction was a lunch with my favorite author, Amy Tan.  Even better, Amy's good friend, Emily Scott Pottruck will come to the lunch too!

Amy Tan, probably best known for her book 'The Joy Luck Club,' has really
I was too shy to take this picture! Matthew practically had to force me!  I guess that's why I love him so much.touched me personally with her writing.  She's opened up a part of the world for me I'd never have known otherwise.  I find her to be one of the most generous writers on the planet.  She's generous because it would be so easy for an author to write about Chinese experiences in an exclusive way -- so only those who shared the same experiences could understand.  But she writes so invitingly that even a farm kid from Illinois like myself can be a part of that world, becoming completely immersed in the world of stories she tells.  For me, it's like discovering the magical world of L. Frank Baum's Wizard of Oz series all over again. 

And, I'll dedicate a future blog to Matthew's and my lunch with Amy and Emily!  It would only be more fun, Chippy-chan, if we could bring you along too, but in the event that you turn us down for this one again (I don't know why cats don't like to travel much...) we'll bring you some tasty treats and maybe even a story. 

And, by the way, Matthew once again managed to post a much better blog entry than this one!  I couldn't even attempt to compete with his pictures of the doggie photo-session, the dog-mess clean-up crew, or you, Chippy, waiting so patiently for us to get home, and all we brought you was a dog treat.  So for the real funny pictures, check out 'Life in San Francisco!'

Flower Poems

What's the King up to now???

People have written such thoughtful comments about my flower painting, I wanted to share something new that I've kind of started doing in my morning ritual, especially since – the sun has come out!!!

Now, when I paint a flower, I've started jotting down a silly little poem about it too!  Matthew thinks the poems are especially silly, but he translated them in to Japanese so everyone can enjoy them anyway...

I wonder what the mail deliverer thinks, seeing these flowers and silly poems on postcards to Matthew every day? 

Here they are – I hope they're not too silly! 

The Poem of Where Apples Come From

 

Pretty white blossom
On the apple tree
Will you make a juicy red
Apple for me?

O my wonderful baby
You’re a handsome and clever guy
Now will you go and make me a
Hot apple pie?

林檎が実る場所

 
林檎の木に咲いた
キレイな白い花
きっと赤く熟れた林檎が実るかな？

僕の大切なキミ
ハンサムでカシコイキミだもん
アツアツのアップルパイを焼いてくれるよね？

Poem of The Wrinkly Iris

Folds within
    Folds within
        Folds within
            Folds

Folds within
    Folds or
So it’s been told
    The dress of
The Iris Queen

Anything goes
Into those folds
Within folds
Up top, underneath
Or between!

アイリスの皺だってきっとなにかに役立つ…はず

たたんで、
　　たたんで、
　　　　たたんで、
　　　　　　たたむ。

たたんでたたまれ、
アイリスのクイーンのドレスはね、

上にたたんで
下にたたんで
真ん中にたためば
なんだってお似合い！

Poem of The Hungry Snapdragons

Flash!
Crash!
Mash!
Went the Snapdragon Bash!

Our teeth,
Our claws,
Would cut
Like saws!

But we need you to conspire,
Your hands to inspire,
Our terrible arsenal
Of roars and fire
Won’t you lend us a hand?
Come on! Come on!
A finger, a thumb...
Yum! Yum!

「おなかペコペコのスナップドラゴン」

 

ピカ〜ッ！
ガシャ〜ン！
グチャ〜ッ！
スナップドラゴンの一撃だ！
鋭いその歯、
きわどいその爪、
まるでノコギリのよう！
でもね、きみの助けが必要なんだ。
うなり声と炎の
恐ろしい兵器の倉庫。
ね？　助けてくれるよね？
ほら、ほら、
小指に親指・・・
ムシャ、ムシャ！

The Poem of The Bromeliad Queen

The Bromeliad Queen,
All dressed in green,
Went to the park to play.

Her hair was a mess
But she loved her new dress,
She said ‘Now I don’t feel so grey.’

「ブロメリアの女王様」

全身みどりのブロメリアの女王様が、
公園へと遊びに行きました。

髪の毛なんてグシャグシャだけど、
新しいドレスが気に入った女王様曰く、
「これで憂鬱な気分ともさよならね」

The Poem of The Lily Hair Day

The Morning Lily
Starts her day.

She washes her hair
In a very special way.

Splosha-washa -- Blum!
Splosha-washa -- Blum!
Splosha-washa --
Blum! Blum! Blum!

Now, she can go out to play!

リリー・ヘア・デイ」

モーニング・リリーの一日は、
トクベツな方法で髪を洗うことからはじまります。

スプラッシャ　ウォッシャ　ブラム！
スプラッシャ　ウォッシャ　ブラム！
スプラッシャ　ウォッシャ
ブラム、ブラム、ブラム！

さあ、これで準備オッケイ！
 

The Tulip Extravaganza

By now, it's doubtful everyone in
When they planned the tulip extravaganza in Mountainview Cemetery, they had no idea how cooperative the weather would bethe world hasn't heard of our torrential nonstop rain in the Bay Area.  This morning, Matthew looked out the window at the deluge and mournfully pointed out "Did you know it rained 25 out of 30 days in March?"

Not to be the pessimist, I turned on the Yahoo weather report, sure that I could find some reason for hope for my poor rain-weary boyfriend.  Sure that we'd see sun just around the corner, our faces got longer, and loooonnngggeeerrr, and lllllloooooonnnnngggggeeeerrrrr, as the 2, 5, and 10 day forecasts showed black cloud after black cloud -- all the way into mid-April.  For you Midwesterners who think no one in California complains about the weather -- you're wrong, wrong, wrong.

Well, cheer up!  Just when it seemed too dreary for words, Matthew had a great idea!  Going to the cemetery!

The Flower Boy and The Tulip Flower Show

Well, we didn't go to the cemetery just to be macabre -- this month, the Oakland / Piedmont Mountainview Cemetery hosted an extravaganza of tulip art right in the main chapel. 
Like a magical green Eucharist, Matthew's tulip arrangement delivers a floral mass at the Mountainview ChapelThe exhibit featured an arrangement of Matthew's that grew out of a wall of bamboo stalks and was suspended overhead like the canopy of an other worldly jungle.

About 10 other artists placed their tulips in everything from ikebana minimalism to Mad-Max-style metal-sculpture armature.

These are some of the visitors who don't float through the air and who show up on regular film...More impressively, hundreds and hundreds of people came to the exhibit every day (it was only up for viewing Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).  One day, the organizers told us they had 900 living people come by!!!  But I wonder, in my own Harry Potter way, how many MORE visitors floated by AFTER dark?

Of all the visitors, I think it was really exciting that some of the readers of Matthew's blog, Life in San Francisco, came to the show -- and even wrote about it!  Mika put some really nice pictures of the show on her site, Mikamuffin and Jaybagel's Tasty Life in California.

Flower Boy Inspires Tulip Painting!

Tulip painting in the rain isn't exactly as easy as tip-toe-you-and-me, but, at this time of year, parks and people's front yards are practically gushing with the Dutch pride.  I really admire anyone who can grow tulips, and hope they'll forgive me for taking shelter under their trees and leering into their front yard with my paint brush to paint a week's worth of flowers.

I was so proud of Matthew and his art exhibit -- I was inspired to paint tulips all week, even though it was raining, and got rain on the paintings!  I'd love to share some here -- I hope you like them too!

 
Red Tulip

Red and yellow tulip 
White tulip

Tulips 

Tails of Devotion

A San Francisco Story with Paws and Tails

I'd like to dedicate today's blog to all our most devoted friends and companions; to our pets.  I think this is a great time to talk about the dogs, cats, and the other feathery, furry, and scaly creatures that bring us love,  because a new and very inspiring book about San Francisco pets is just off the press.

Last Wednesday evening I had the honor of attending the release party for 'Tails of Devotion; A Look at the Bond Between People and Their Pets,' a book by Emily Scott Pottruck,
At the Tails of Devotion release with John Lipp, PAWS executive director, and writing partnerwith a forward by Amy Tan.  Not only is this a great book, featuring more than 50 families and their pets, but the 100 percent of the proceeds actually go to support nonprofit organizations working to make the world a better place for our pets -- not just the profits but every penny.  This is a huge difference from traditional fundraising books that donate profits or a percentage -- these authors are really putting out something great and selflessly sticking up for all our pets..

The neatest thing about this book is that it's really written by pets.  The story on each page is told in the very words of the doggies and kitties (and sometimes reptiles...) featured in the book. 
What would Chippy say?Now I know that Fluffy actually never held a pen in her paws, but pet owners all know deep down what pets want to say.  For 'Tails,' the poems, pictures and declarations are written (by owners) as if the pets are holding a conversation with their humans, and telling them what is really on their minds.  (There are really great sample pages of some stories at the 'Tails' website.)

For example, Matthew knows well what his kitty, Chippy-chan would say.  If Chippy was featured in 'Tails,' here is what his page would be:

While watching TV may sound mundane, Chippy is seriously dedicated!  His favorite show is Mr. Lizard.  Photos of Chippy and me watching 'Mr. Lizard' are actually featured on Matthew's blog, 'Life in San Francisco.'

Why This Book Is Special

What makes 'Tails' extra special is that the authors are donating 100 percent of all the proceeds to some of some of the most influential local pet care agencies.  These are the agencies that care for our pets, and find homes for adoptable pets.  For example, the San Francisco SPCA, which is one organization receiving funds from sales of this book, adopted a policy to make San Francisco the very first city in this country to 'GUARANTEE a home for every adoptable dog and cat.'  (All the agencies with links are listed in the 'Tails' website)

One of the agencies that is dearest to my heart is PAWS (Pets Are Wonderful Support).   Started in the darkest days of the HIV/AIDS pandemic here in San Francisco, PAWS realized that people were living longer, healthier, and happier lives if the health and well-being of their companion animals was ensured.  PAWS ensured that thousands of terminally ill people didn't have to suffer the loss of their pets by picking up a leash and taking action!  PAWS supported our pets with walks, grooming services, delicious food, and all kinds of exemplary advocacy and services, too numerous to mention. (Again, PAWS has a wonderful website.)

We all know how close our personal bonds to our animals are, and when we need our companions the most, when we aren't feeling well, is when our pets really cheer us up and make us feel better.  For many people, keeping their pets really made the difference between life and death.

Like many inspiring agencies, PAWS really seems to attract great artists.  One of the people I met at the book opening was  Bay Area pet photographer, Lori A. Cheung.  For everyone familiar with PAWS posters and photos, Lori is the wonderful photographer who takes the most endearing pictures of warm, happy pets.  By specializing in animal portraits, Lori has really developed the ability to create the environments, the poses, and the expressions that reveal a deep, and even 'personal' level of every animal.  Lori shows us an animal's personality that truly supersedes what most people think of as 'anthropomorphism.'  To anthropomorphise an animal is to simply see it as a little human being.  Lori's pictures pierce the Hollywood stereotypes of talking ducks and dancing dogs to show us the true, complex, animal souls of our companions.  I'd love to post all her photos, but it would be impossible to choose a favorite, and it's not really appropriate to borrow another artists work from their site, so for more, see for yourself at The Pet Photographer.

Really, the main person I have to thank for the evening of celebrities and their star pets is John Lipp.  John and I started a children's book writing group (called Writers Anonymous) about 3 years ago, hoping that our lives' paths would quickly lead us to be successful published authors.  What actually happened was that after only a few meetings of Writers Anonymous, John was approached by PAWS for the position of Executive Director, and my illustration business in San Francisco started growing at an alarming rate!  As the director of a major San Francisco AIDS Service Organization, John has put in long hours and made some really sound changes, including moving the location of the PAWS headquarters.

John has really managed to stay true to his passion throughout all this.  His dedication to writing has not only been steady and strong, but has also inspired and kept my own passion for writing and art alive.  John is the writer I've been working with to put together
Sample illustration from Aunt Imelda's Dinosaur Stew, painting by Kevin Woodsonthe first picture book for children on the subject of AIDS.  Over the past three years, John and I have been preparing an illustrated manuscript of 'Aunt Imelda's Dinosaur Stew, And Other Things AIDS Doesn't Stand For.'  Just this month, we finished off an extensive book proposal package, and John has begun circulating it to publishers and agents.  Like the 'Tails' book, our vision has always been to donate 100 percent of the proceeds to some of the most leading-edge AIDS Service Organizations we know (such as PAWS, Project Open Hand, etc.).

As I was feeling bruised and jostled by the crowd toward the end of the night, John tried to console me that, well, 'One day soon, there will be a similar opening night for Aunt Imelda!'  I smile when I think that we could possibly have as considerable an impact as Emily.  But, like 'Tails,' 'Aunt Imelda' is a book that John and I believe is really needed, and has been needed by our children and by the world since the very first cases of AIDS in the early 80s.

As people began to file out, I joined the exodus and left the party to find a quieter space.  John
Smiles all around! Amy Tan, Peter, Marty, and John Lipp at the 'Tails' releasestuck around with his partner Peter, and their Italian Greyhound, Marty.  As I left I thought 'What a great skill for an Executive Director to have.  John stayed at the party and talked to everyone until the end.'   Well, now I'm kicking myself.  Apparently after I left, one of my favorite authors, and the writer of the 'Tails' forward, Amy Tan appeared and stopped to chat with John and his family.

You go John!  I'm really proud of you (and admittedly a bit jealous).  I think many authors achieve success after walking life's long path.  What a great affirmation that we're on the right course! 

The Best Birthday Ever!

And a Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Well, I know over the past few weeks,
Matthew's Birthday Card -- handmade with paper and flowers! The best card I ever got.Matthew and I have been trading back and forth birthday entries.  It almost seems like the entire month of March is taken up by turning another year younger.

I know lots of people who's birthdays are around Christmas, and they get totally forgotten.  Everyone has so much to do in December that December birthdays just don't seem to matter.

Growing up I always gave thanks that I was born in March. 
Matthew's best present was the most beautiful ikebana vase. He made this ceramic piece himself and used it in many jaw-dropping arrangements. What a wonderful present -- now I'll need to keep it filled with flowers!It's springtime, with flowers blooming and all the good feelings that come with the weather warming up, and somehow, the passing of the years seems to make sense now.

In my situation, Matthew and I have two birthdays, in the same week, so we have no choice but to outdo all our previous adventures with each passing year. (and for people who are wanting us to get off this subject already, the good news is that's it for birthdays for the entire year!)

Teatro Zinzanni and the Best Birthday Ever

For years now, one of my favorite
At Teatro ZinZannithings has been the Circus.  I love every show that comes to town, and even when traveling, I really love seeing what circuses are performing, and going to as many as possible!

Ever since Teatro Zinzanni, a Circus Dinner Theater opened here in the Bay Area, I've really meant to go, but for some reason, I just never got around to it.

With all the circuses I've seen, I've never been to anything quite like Zinzanni before. 
Madame ZinZanni. My favorite! In another life, I want to be her!At the door, we were greeted by a hostess in a corset with the most enormous bust I've ever seen.  You can do wonders with gaffer's tape, I know, but impressing gay men is a real feat.  With a coy smile, she winked and asked Matthew and I "Are you shy, or are you... NOT shy?"

When I answered that we most definitely were NOT shy, especially around CLOWNS, she smiled again and wrote up our seat assignment.

Later I also deduced that her job was to search out the gay men and seat us all at one table by center stage, for, what else but a target for all kinds of clown jokes.  With her chest as an accurate barometer of who was gay (straight guys are still recovering from meeting her), she had her pink table filled in a hurry. 

We were seduced by the Drag Queen Clown, Cookie, heckled as Gay-zelles in the 'jungle' scene, and visited multiple times by Dick, the 'Professional Entertainer.'

The evening's revue was flawless -- a show that featured singing, dancing, juggling, contortion, trapeze, divas and clowns.  Matthew put together a wonderful photo montage on Life in San Francisco -- he did a much better job than I could ever do, so check it out, even if Japanese isn't your primary language!

What surprised me most was that, talking to other people who have been to Zinzanni, they change the show almost from week to week.  Apparently, star artists of all varieties just 'parachute' in for a stint, and whatever part they play, they do flawlessly.  I think that is partly to do with why the energy was so fresh -- such talented performers would get tired doing the same show week after week.  But they've really found the way to have the best of both worlds.  (And the food was surprisingly good too!) Bravo!

Well, that's it for
Already planning next year...birthdays for the year, but I'm sure there are all kinds of adventures awaiting us to experience and write about!  Thank you Matthew, for the best birthday ever, and may each year just go on getting better!