9 Moons Ago

Have just scanned 2 new portraits, drawn from old family photos:

To see the rest of the photostream, just click here:

Buttons McTavish’s aka Amy Lehr’s Flickr

I’ve started keeping a small sketch journal. This is my first drawing, in pencil and two with digital alterations. It is based on a 1916 portrait of Marie Rapp by photographer Alfred Stieglitz:

There are a few more variations on my flickr account.

While I’m at home in my own little corner (my own little room), back here in my parents’ house in the U.S.A., recovering from a relapse of my bipolar disorder and some other life-changing events, I have found myself once more smitten with R.E.M., just as badly as when I first saw them on a video in 1991, and sat bolt upright at the edge of my parents’ bed, watching MTV back when MTV played music.

I have been following all the latest press (what I can without being too silly abt. it) and today I heard the whole new album on iLike, which I recommend highly. It gives you a chance to preview the tunes, see if you want to purchase them..and is up till the album release I think, on April 1. I’m going to buy the CD on April Fool’s day, because, although I use my iPod, I like the tactile nature of an album in the hand! Plus, I can listen to it in the car.

I think the album is tremendous. I’ll admit I wasn’t as thrilled about their last two albums, though I really liked the songs. This album is different…It’s got a really good energy behind it, and the messages are strong, positive and invite change, be it political, or personal.

So, though I am perpetually smitten by John Michael Stipe -as you probably already know- I am falling head over heals for this new album and ALL the musicians behind it. (Mike’s vocals are a welcome return!) Please, go have a listen and decide for yourself. My opinion? It ROCKS!

Yesterday I was out in the yard playing ball with the dogs when I noticed two flecks of brilliant red in the grass beneath the clothesline. There was movement, and the dogs seemed to be oblivious, so I decided to put them inside the house for a few minutes before they wised-up. Then I went outside again to observe the Crimson Rosellas pecking away at the ground for food. I actually got pretty close before they flew up to a nearby branch to perch. (Teefy, I thought you would especially be interested in these brightly colored “chickens”!) Pretty amazing!:

(click on picture for a larger view)

(click on picture for a larger view)