Dear Readers (assuming there
are any left out there),
Sorry for the delay but I’ve
been busy. I have sold all my
residential property and would in fact be homeless were it not for the kindness
of …the new owners of the townhouse here in Rochester who are allowing me, my
husband and two dogs to remain through the winter and early spring. By May 1,
2013, we hope to move lock, stock and over-a-barrel into the house that we
expect to build between now and then.
Unfortunately, there are a
few minor scrapes to clear up before we start.
One involves an “un-discharged mortgage” on the property. Another stems from years of construction
debris dumped on the site. Regrettably, full disclosure was not the practice of
the seller’s agent who leaves us feeling quite sad and alarmingly distrustful
of the entire profession of real estate agents. (I’m sure there are some good,
ethical ones out there. This one is not a member.)
Chip and I will be working as
our own contractors; we have 40 years of remodeling experience and hours and
hours of “This Old House” time logged.
This should be a challenge we can master and in the next few weeks and
months, I’ll write plenty, insert some pictures and if anybody is still reading
this blog, you have every right to become bored and sign off. Meanwhile, I’ll toss in a few art thoughts,
discoveries and generalities.
First, the Otterness
“Tinky-Winkies” are installed at our very own art museum (see earlier blog
discussion) and they are insipid but also REALLY REALLY WHITE! I can’t believe
that some animal lover/art hater didn’t douse them with red paint Halloween
night. But wait!
Who is that? Why, it’s a
full-time guard posted on the museum corner – we’re talking 24/7 here – to
prevent just such shenanigans. Is this the way art dollars should be
spent? There is SO much wrong with this
scenario that it’s hard to know where to start so I’ll let you fill in the
cartoon words.
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The paintings are by
Portland, Oregon, artist Stephen O’Donnell by way of my friend Nancy. He says
this group of work is all about “sight” and how we see ourselves. As I look
over the five paintings, I have two immediate responses.
First, have you ever seen
that reality show “Say Yes to the Dress”?
Brides … paper dolls in 3-D...even though this woman is probably not a
bride….too much bare shoulder. Yikes!
Next, it’s back to the
observation about our collective fascination with all things turn-of-the-last-century.
I wonder why that is? And how much longer will it last? What is this nostalgia
saying to and about us? This is your homework assignment. I’m off to review blueprints.
