Have No Fear

The Butterfly Wrestler is here. This morning in the first two hours of waking I have created so many scenarios in my head. It is not even funny. But, the best one is I woke up thinking it was October 1st. And, I couldn't figure out how I was going to do as many things I had planned for this day. Then when I rushed to finish something, I was making and presenting in the afternoon. I wondered how and hoped it would dry in time. I walked over to my google home nest to look at the time. I realized it was not connected to the internet still. It has been at this screen for three days, now. I just didn't want to take the time, and try to fix it. I am hating things like this lately. Like, my ceiling fan over my dining room table. I bought five new light bulbs (which cost like $30...why so expensive???) last month. And, about a week ago the light switch won't work and I can turn on the fan. But, can't turn on the lights. I need the light to paint and to photograph things I am selling on Ebay. And, I had to take dark pictures using the morning light for items I am selling to Replacements in North Carolina next week. But, this morning I took the time to look at my google nest. I really missed it because, it had beautiful art work changing every minute or so. And, it is the only clock in my house. I put my glasses on, and it had a new message. Unplug and replug. Oh thank God. I thought I had to know my internet passwords etc. to get it to work. So, then I realized it was September 30th. I also, tried to do a Substack post. And, it looks a lot like the format I write here on blogger. But, I tried and I couldn't get any of the buttons to work for the template. It is probably because my computer is more then ten years old, now. I think I may have to bite the bullet to get a new one. I don't like writing on my ipad or phone. So, obviously this waking mind is not a reflection of this lovely picture taken of me. This picture of me is the Butterfly Wrestler, herself. A kind, patient, loving and calm version of me. And, you have just read a paragraph of the real scatter brain she is. But, that is the point of my story. And, how this year has been a work in progress for the Butterfly Wrestler. Because, I am learning how to frame my thoughts and flip the script. Because, my mind does not think of myself as a kind, patient, loving person. My mind beats herself up. And, as we start the last quarter of the year tommorow. I am realizing I will always be this way. But, I am still learning, growing and changing. And, that is a REALLY good thing. I LOVE October, sometimes referring to it as ROCKtober. I am ready to rock in this new month. Especially, because in the last hour I gained a whole day! Yay, I am actually gaining time by being a scatter brain!!! And, the MOST valuable asset I have gained this year is TIME!!!! Quote of the day: Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That is why it is called the present. Eleanor Roosevelt Song of the Day: The Good Old Days by the Rivivalists

The Art of Sea Hear Now

Since, I missed the first Sea Hear Now. I knew I could hear the music if I went to Asbury Park. But, I really wanted to be in there to see all of the art. There is usually a Art Show in the Carousel Buiding on the Friday night before. I have missed it because of working every year. I really didn't know if I was going to experience the inside of Sea Hear Now until that morning. I ended up hanging out in the Carousel Building for a long time in the morning. And, I ended up going back in the afternoon meeting an Artist and his lovely partner GG, GIGI or what I named her Double G. The conversation was easy, and a complete joy. They came down from New York City and she loves the Killers. I think of music as an Art. But, honestly I think it is harder to be a musician. Like if you hit a wrong note, how must you feel up there on stage. While Art in any medium mistakes are welcomed. And, you are told sometimes making a mistake s ends up the best part of a work. The Artist from New Jersey is:Dylan Egon The name of the work on Sunset Pavillion is Boombox Saint from 2016. When I went to NYC I have seen his works on walls all over the place. So, to meet him I was fascinated. I will be sharing pictures on my stories today of us at the Carousel Building. I will also be sharing all the featured musicians who displayed thier art in the Transparent Gallery (Danny Clinch)Art Tent. This is my last post for Sea Hear Now. But, I just want to conclude what an explosion of the senses this festival is. There is talent from Surfers, Musicians and Visual Artists all converging on Asbury Park for the last weekend of summer. It is a great way to celebrate local summer. I remember before Danny Clinch arrived on the scene, and Marilyn Schlossbach (White Chapel Project) spearheaded an Endless Summer weekend. Come to think of it, Marilyn's Event space in Long Branch is just as much an explosion of the senses. And, she has the food part of a sensory overload. I had the fairy tale fritters which were excellent. The fairy tale part of it for me, was feeling good about eating vegetables. Quote of the Day: To improve the golden moment of opportunity, and catch the good that is within our reach, is the great art of life. William Samuel Johnson. Song of the Day: Weezer. Buddy Holly I was not there. But, I saw a video shared. I love the roller skating video behind them. I find myself singing this song to myself all weekend!

The Ocean Avenue Stompers

>The Ocean Avenue Stompers may be my son's band. So, they could be my favorite for that reason. But, there are so many other reasons to love them. They are multi-faceted. They do it all. They can play your favorite nostalgic romantic music for a wedding. Or play jazz each week at their residency at the R Bar on Main Street(free parking) in Asbury Park. Or they can do a second line at a funeral, neighborhood block party or music festival like Sea Hear Now. And, this year at Sing Us Home in Philadelphia. So, each time I have seen them this year I have been surprised. Surprised and excited because I never know what to expect. I witnessed a tremendous amount of energy and growth. And, most of all, the smiles, showing a really good energy of their accomplishments. I have met many fans who rave about them. Of course, I couldn't agree more. But, this weekend. It is Thursday, and I saw them perform on Saturday. I am still waking up each morning in a fuzzy reality. Did that REALLY happen? Did I really see them on stage with Brandon Flowers of the Killers and Nathaniel Ratecliff and the Night Sweats? I filmed it all, so yes it really happened. They are the two biggest bucket list bands I have wanted to see in the last five years. I still can't get over it. And, when they did second line on the boadwalk they were joined with Jake Clemons of the Estreet band, the Night Sweat horns and the most popular tuba player ever. Ben Jeffe is the creative director of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band. I followed the band into convention hall. I was basically walking on sunshine already, after the electicfying performance of Tenth Avenue Freezeout. I was late and walked up and was dancing next to Danny Clinch's wife. I was dancing too and was caught up in the crowd and their response. All the smiles and EVERYONE singing along. It was magical. And, when I walked up the ramp is when the tuba player turned around was when I saw the Preservation Hall tuba. I had no idea while they were on the boardwalk who joined in. I was behind the tubas and couldn't see much more through the sea of people. So, I was stunned speechless and Ben's response to me was so sweet. He went on how it was a surprise for Ian, too. I don't even know what I was saying at that point. But, he gave me the sweetest hug. I am honored and humbled to have witnessed the amount of talent who graced the beaches and bars of Asbury Park this weekend. It was a sea of smiles. I keep calling it a Love fest. I heard SO many musicians exclaim their hearts were full. Imagine how we all felt as the audience. Asbury Park makes me feel alive and I am so thankful for what it brings to our lives. Quote of the day: In 50 years, I don't think you're gonna look back at 2006 and say, 'The good old days.' Brandon Flowers Song of the Day: The Good Old Days. The Revivalists

The March of the Medusas

Today in my stories on Instagram and Facebook I will be sharing the actual parade. I really wanted to film some good footage. And, so many of the film I took was in slow motion. I would hit the video and hold the camera to the side to see where I was walking. So, the framing is not as bad as I thought it would be. But, I had no idea it was slow motion. I kept one that is 2 and half minutes. But, pretty painful to put on social media to watch. But, I think I might start a you tube channel and place it there. It is really awesome how it features the murals along the Casino building and the slow motion of the big puppets is pretty cool. I really liked wearing the mask in the parade. One of the things I am dealing with is I don't like to get attention or the thought of people looking at me. I think the biggest struggle with this was my wedding day. How do I look happy, when this really doesn't give me a good feeling? I find now being alone magnifies these parts of my personality, which have been hidden from myself and others for years. My biggest take away of this project was putting myself in the Creator's shoes (Mural Artists, Gallery Owners and Musicians). How must they feel after this is all done. What sense of accomplishment is this giving them? I really hoped to ask these questions, but I really didn't get the chance. But, I can tell you it gave me a sense of power. It made me feel anything is possible. After I wrote my blog post yesterday, I changed my profile picture and cover photo. As, I looked at them it really changed my attitude. I got the bad news the night before that the claim I put in for my car wasn't going to come to a decision to pay for the work for at least two weeks. A lot of time was spent on the phone the whole week. I quickly put on a dress (gives me confidence) gathered all my invoices from the last year of my car, mailed three ebay orders, and twelve thinking of you greeting cards. As, I drove to the dealership I was determined to walk out of there with a working drivable vehicle. I was there for five hours. I have noticed lately when I stick up for myself, I can't do it without tears. I get so mad at myself. Anyway, I told them my story (which they already knew part of). But, I framed it a different way. I told them I was writing a book about this year and I told them it was going to be called "The Butterfly Wrestler". I said it is all about freedom. But, freedom still doesn't come easy. This is like a cinderella story and overcoming obstacles. And, Cinderella needs a carriage! So, the salesman listens to my story and asks what car would you like? And I said a Carnival. Because, life is like a Carnival and I want to live that life. But, also bring friends and family along for the ride. He told me he had chills. He said they have been trying to get that car on the lot, since it was first produced. I said I was aware of that, because when I would get my car fixed I would ask if there was one to look at. And, he said not until last week did they get the Carnival in stock. Then he remarked this is kinda crazy and I agreed. We took it out for a ride, and it drove like a Soul, but had more power. I loved my Kia Soul. It was Navy Blue with a White top and had mood lighting inside that would coordinate with the music. So, I am now on a fixed income and I want a luxury car.....this is crazy. So, now comes the finance part. I am asked what I can do? This is the part that scared me. So, I put the ball in their court and asked what they wanted from me. When he came back I could in no way do what they were asking for. I said I would have to see how much to fix the Soul or get a new one. I had given a number for the deposit and the most I could pay for a month, but he wasn't coming close, so I had to settle for a more practical car. But, then he tried again with the manager. And, he came back and said well consider this a gift. You can drive this car today for what you said plus thirty dollars more a month. He was looking down shaking his head. I was asking if he really said what he said. He said he told the manager the story and he said I was meant to drive out of the lot yesterday with a brand new Kia Carnival ( I leased it) and not a Soul. Woah!!!! I am a new person. Driving that car home yesterday made me feel like a million bucks. I have had this idea in my head for a long time. But, yesterday I made it happen. This is changing my whole outlook on the future. Sometimes real life can be really magical or dare I say enchanting. The dream I have been having is taking people on Artist Dates (they are supposed to be solo according to Julia Cameron's book). But, I would love to take couples or groups to Grounds for Sculpture, Longwood Gardens etc. Not as a business to profit from, but to help pay for the vehicle. So, this is very exciting. I was starting to feel pretty hopeless. And, this is just what I need to live the kind of life I want. Quote of the Day:A dream is a wish your heart makes When you’re fast asleep. In dreams you will lose your heartaches. Whatever you wish for, you keep. Have faith in your dreams, and someday Your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving, If you keep on believing, The dreams that you wish will come true. Song of the Day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rl2qZvQg3Lc

The March of the Medusas Workshop

I am here pictured with Pork Chop and Dennis McNett known as Wolfbat. The art community completely embraced the town of Asbury Park this week. Thank you to Jenn Hampton of Parlor Gallery and the Wooden Walls Project for sprearheading this huge undertaking. Also, thank you to Madison Marquette for providing the use of the Carousel building. I could go on and on about spending time in one of these iconic, historic buildings in Asbury Park. We are SO lucky they are here and being used. Wolfbat traveled to be here (not so sure from where). But, he has brought his Large Handmade Puppet parades to cities across America. I was supposed to go to all the workshops held each day leading up to Saturday. My car is dead, and needs a new engine. So, by the time Wednesday came Ian was ready to send me an Uber. I called my good friend Zandra and asked her if she would like to take the workshop and join me. She thought it sounded fun, so we were able to at least get to one of the workshops. The masks take six hours to make and I was able to join in watching my son Ian make his mask. He had a full week of shows, and getting ready to play both days at Sea Hear Now. Dennis was very attentive and helpful not only to Ian, but to the community who were at every table. Zandra and I each painted one of the masks supplied to us. It was great to see the community of all ages join in on the fun. The sun started to set, and a beautiful colorful light started to shine through the Medusa windows. Some sweet young girls were getting their pictures taken with their masks. They formed a conga line and danced their way out of the building. Thanking everyone as they left. All the supplies were free, and they had light snacks for all. Jenn Hampton was a lovely hostess making us feel welcome. I have always loved Asbury Park and it's comeback. But, this experience really sealed the deal for me. We are extremely lucky to have this Art Community and recieve what they are giving to us. Public Art is not to be taken lightly. It is a reflection of many Artists working for your love. To witness all the hugs, smiles, sweat and tears that went into this project was truley Magical. You can get to know more about these truley talented Artists here: Pork Chop designed Ian's New T-shirts. Ian plays every Monday Night at the RBar on main street in Asbury Park. New Long Sleeve shirts are available with the RBar logo at the restaurant. Dennis McNett is Wolfbat who made the giant puppet used in the parade. They were also on display all week. He showed the community how to make paper mache masks. He also supplied prints to paint. And, the prints were also used to decorate the masks. I have silk screened in college. So, I realized the immense amount of work that went into this project before this week. Along with the whole week devoted to the project and parade. Jenn Hampton has been a force in Asbury Park since before I opened a store (Greetings from Geralyn 2010-2016 in Convention Hall and Cookman). She features amazing Artists in Parlor Gallery on Cookman by the Showroom movie theatre. Also, she is part of the Wooden Walls Project which features Artists from all over the World. The Wooden Walls Project can be found here. The Carousel building brings special memories for me. It held a merry go round I rode as a child. My friends and I would sneak there when we first started driving. We would try to get the brass ring. And, I did. Also, on occasion I wear a necklace with a brass ring from the carousel that an Artist who is not on social media gave me when I closed the store. I did get a brass ring when I had a store in Asbury Park. Asbury Park is a gift that is rich in experience and memories. Long live Asbury Park, which was once referred to as Asburied Park.