Andy Warhol, Eat Your Heart Out

Today Lydia had an eye doctor's appointment at the mall. She always asks me to go along with these things so that I can give input on which frames to choose. I always choose one and she goes with the one that she likes anyway! Why do I do it?

Well, Watson was sleeping in the stroller and Anna, Owen, and I were walking through the mall. I could not bare to sit and watch all of the children in that play area today- so we kept walking.

As we passed the GAP, I noticed that it has a new ad scheme which includes a number of Warhol prints and one giant self-portrait of him. I love Warhol! He was absolutely crazy and eccentric. Now if you know anything about his form of art, his prints often began in one of those photo booths. I got to thinking about all of the ones that I know are attributed to Warhol. There are many!

As we were walking and thinking about pop culture and overly commercialized art we passed a photo booth! I could not resist (and they take debit cards)!

Since Watson was sleeping I let him sleep. Anna and Owen had no clue what this thing was, but they obediently got in.

The first picture was a stunning experience for them- they laughed and laughed. It seems that the next three are the natural human response to the photo booth. Silly faces and kisses... is there anything better than that?

To My Critics

I have been criticized (in good fun) for wearing obnoxious ties and shirt/tie combinations to church. Rev. Lanning apologized to Owen for this and said that he would just have to deal with it because his dad was an art major. Owen will always have to put up with ugly tie/shirt combos. Huh.

One of my favorite obnoxious combos is the orange polka dot tie with a blue Oxford under a grey sport coat! Who wouldn't LOVE to wear that combo?

Well, the news has spread. I have started a new fashion trend amongst the rich and powerful. President William Jefferson Clinton wore this same combo to the Iowa Caucus today! Who would have thought that Billy boy and Nate had the same tastes?

So, to my critics: If President William Jefferson Clinton can do it... so can I!

Quiet Day

Lydia has been sick since Christmass. She is not feeling well, swollen throat, aches all over, etc. Not good. Saturday was deemed 'quiet day' by executive order of... well, me. I decided that Lydia needed a day to rest some. Now those of you that know Lydia... lying around resting is for those of lesser genetic makeup. Germans do not lie around!
It began with taking the kids to D&W for some groceries. Now I was not too excited about a cart full of kids, along with a list in one hands and a Starbucks mocha in the other, but we made it through. When I got home I noticed that I do not buy as wisely as Lydia or think family. I think like a college guy at the grocery store. I guess that is one other reason she is great! We then made arts and crafts for a good part of the afternoon. We made dolls and glasses and monster teeth and glasses and other fun things.
We colored and stickered and taped and glued. Anna bade this ballerina. I am not sure about the square jaw though.
Here are all of them in their crowns. They thought this was super cool!
Owen had me make multiple pairs of glasses in diverse colors. I cannot imagine where that comes from!
Watson got some new specs too, but they were a bit too small.

It was a nice quiet day. Lydia still does not feel well, but she will not get another quiet day- unless she hires someone to do it!

Meet Wyatt and Hannah

Anna and Owen have been playing with their cousins all day. They really love to have other kids to play with. Hannah lost her head at one point, but Anna got it reattached. The moral of the story? If your parents won't take you to see your cousins, just make them out of construction paper.

Anna's Creepy Art Work

As you may know, artsy-farsty is in the blood of Union Avenue. I am not sure from whence it came, but it is here and it effects the way that my mind works. Unka Shawn and I talked about this as we were cruising through the Catskills last week. We decided that the tension is good as long as logic is used as well.

I believe that this syndrome has been passed to both of our children. Owen walks around all day singing and seems to be obsessed with music. I am not sure if Anna is as musical as Owen may prove to be, but she does have the tendencies for artsy-farstiness.

Today, while moving pictures onto CDs I found these two portraits that she took of her Barbies. If these were in the Detroit Institute of Art people would label them quality post-modern art.

Alice Liddell: as in Liddell weird

We are watching Alice in Wonderland right now (well, I am 'studying' for an Ecclesiology exam). I did some grade A Google research on Lewis Carroll and I must say that I am quite creeped out.

This picture is Alice Liddell, the namesake of the movie. It seems as though our Opium addicted writer proposed to her when he was in his mid 20's. She was 11. The relationship did not work out because of another relationship that was going on with her mother at the time.

Another strange point is that he became some sort of recluse in his old age and was an Anglo-Catholic priest in a small parish. I have also heard that there may be a connection with 'Jack the Ripper', but who knows? I am still a bit creeped out by him.

How Many Pancakes Can You Eat?

Today Anna, Owen, and I made pancakes. Both of the children love to eat pancakes for breakfast and would eat them everyday. Now, the normal pancake is just that- a cake fried in a pan and then you slather butter all over it and pour corn syrup that tastes like maple all over it. We are not in favor of this.

We made whole-wheat pancakes that have 4 grams of fiber per serving. We may have overdone it though- because we made 180 of them! They went into containers and into the freezer. No more wasting time flipping jacks in the morning for the kiddos!

We also read Eric Carle's book Pancake Pancakes while we made them. The book is about a boy who wants a pancake for breakfast so he goes to the field and cuts some wheat and takes it to the miller. The book walks the reader through the entire process of making a pancake. Fun!

Lego Man in a Post-Lapsarian Age

Anna has had a great day of artistic expression. She painted me five beautiful watercolors that put most modern and post-modern art to shame. Her use of color and stroke was genius! She also decided to begin sculpting. Her first creation was unveiled today as she exclaimed to Lydia, "Look mom, I made a man!" Not bad for a three year-old. I am actually very hopeful for my children's artistic development.
Owen was less than interested. He fell asleep during the exhibit (more punch and cookies for me!). He missed out on one of life's greatest artistic lessons tonight: the true use of art.
Ah, Lego Man- how you encapture the struggles of personhood. The stiffness and the inability to move, even with will-power, wonderfully reflects man's inability for God glorifying in the post-lapsarian age. If only our Arminian and semi-Palagian friends could gaze upon Lego Man in the light of holy Scripture! Thank you, Anna for your anthropological insight.

Creepy Artsy People

I see a lot of creepy art at work. I am not obliged to discuss it due to laws of confidentiality- but you could use your little imaginations.

The creepy artwork that I would like to share is that of my 3 year-old daughter. I suspect that we have an artist in the making. As one with latent tendencies, I see reason to fear.

The piece below is called mad mom. Clearly that is a rip off from our last trip to Meijer Gardens. That is the name of their newest piece. Notice the tongue hanging out!
This one is a foot and a penguin. The foot has 6 toes- clearly a relative from my dad's side of the family. The penguin started as a hand- but it is better as a penguin.
This one is a lady with big lips. I think that it is supposed to be her aunt Shannon personally. Notice that she has bangs and long hair.

Popcorn and a Movie

Popcorn and a movie was always a staple in my home growing up. Actually when we went to my grandpa and grandma's house as a child, my siblings and I would be allowed about 4 ounces of beer with our popcorn and movie (but that is for another time).

A favorite of Anna and Owen is to have popcorn and to watch Anne of Green Gables. Any of the three in the series are a fine choice for them. Anna thinks that the third is a bit tiring and over-the-top, but it is still good.

Anna also thinks that the drama is great and that Gilbert is a swell guy.

At times Owen gets annoyed with Anne of Green Gables because of her feminism.

Feminism! Anna exclaimed to Owen- explain yourself, as her face sunk in disbelief!
I guess that Owen thinks that Anne is a little too career focused and that she should be honest with Gilbert about her feelings for him and quit trying to be the strong independent type.

Owen likes the strong women, don't get me wrong- but he would prefer a little bit of honesty- he says that integrity is far better than bravado.

Owen, you have so much to learn!

Highschool Art Class

This is a picture that I came across from an old highschool friend's MySpace account. Wow! What memories soar back into my head. (Some of which must be repented of.) I am the fat guy in the middle with the Venus of Willendorf apron on. I remember this picture quite well. It was right after a haircut when my hair went from beyond shoulder length to right under the ears. Notice the side burns.

These were the creme de la creme of the Corry art scene at the time. At least two of the girls in the photo went on to become artists by trade. One in fine arts and the other in commercial art.
Of the guys in the front row- the one that is laying across the others, that is Jason Hepler- he was one of my best friends in highschool, but we have lost touch over the years. I know that he is secondary school teacher. The guy leaning into me is Jason Miller. He sells cars in Erie, PA now and has recently settled down according to reports. His parents were one of the first 'real' Christians that I ever met. I am the next guy, and you all what I am doing- still in school- working on that Master's of Divinity- oh so far from where I thought that I would be.

I was under the impression that I would continue to mess around with hallucinogenics, listen to classic rock all of my life, go on for a PhD in art history, all while living alone in a studio apartment while popping antidepressants. Wow. The life that the Lord Jesus Christ can make out of someone. In the words of Jerry Garcia- what a long strange trip its been.

The last guy in the row is Steve Vancise. Steve was (is?) a brilliant thinker. He went off to college and then found his way back to Corry, PA to own and run the local Dairy Queen. (If he reads this I hope that he sends me coupons- or one of those funny visors that he makes the girls there wear.)

Does anyone have any other old highschool pictures that they can send me? Or does anyone know what has happened to the rest of these people?

Anna's Blog III

From time to time, we here on Union Avenue, like to show off Anna's blogging abilities. We are sure that she will aspire to be a fantastic blogger. She may not be a blogger to the likes of Drudge, but we are sure that she will have something entertaining to say.

So again, Anna's Blog III: (Remember that she cannot spell yet, so she dictates to me as I type.) I call this one View of a Great obstacle. These couches can be terrifying to someone that is under three feet tall. From time to time Owen and I fall off of this thing only to get a carpet burn! You adults find these things to be great comfort; we young folks see them as a challenge. Have you ever seen a two year old attempt to climb onto a couch?
I call this one Mom Gets No Input. The reason that I chose this title is that the central object in the composition is the light fixture. Now this fixture perfectly adorns my parent's 1927 English Cottage. When my parents bought the house there was no fixture there, but Father knew that there was originally because of all of his research. He hunted for almost three years for the perfect fixture. When he found it he was filled with joy at the sight of it! Perfect he exclaimed! He put it up with the help of Opa. Mom hated it. She still thinks that it is pretty ugly. I won't say the things that she says about it...but let's just say that she did not get any input concerning this house sometimes!
I call this one Hospitality's Chore. I chose this title because while watching my mother cook and prepare and make things look beautiful I feel exhausted for her! Hospitality takes work. Everything has to look right and be aligned properly, ahhg. I attempted to capture these feelings by focusing on the inner kitchen area and leaving the dining room a slight blur. This is how it is sometimes. All of the work is done in the kitchen and it is hard to tell how all will work out...hence the blur in the dining room. Mom always has things perfect though. It makes dad really proud to be married to her.
This one is entitled, The Little Touches. When you go through neighborhoods of new homes there is one central theme: garages. I cannot stand when mama and papa take us driving through these new developments. Garage, beige siding. Garage, taupe siding. Garage, off white siding, Garage, grey siding. Garage, beige siding. Garage, taupe siding. Garage, off white siding, Garage, grey siding. Garage, beige siding. Garage, taupe siding. Garage, off white siding, Garage, grey siding. Garage, beige siding. Garage, taupe siding. Garage, off white siding, Garage, grey siding. The details of old homes, where did they go? Does not aesthetics mean anything to people anymore? Practicality should never replace beauty, that's what I always say! Old homes have the character that I love, that is why when I see a house that I love, I always make sure to let mama and papa know.

This last one intrigues me. I have called this one Amber Waves. Have you ever taken the time to look at the grains in hardwood floors? Fascinating I tell you! I believe this is the reason that some children take longer to walk than others- they are absorbing all of the great detail that makes up these floors. Imagine all the years represented in these floors through the grain. Man, that really makes you think about how quickly time passes. From Acorn to floor. And the floors were laid 80 years ago! How long did the acorn need to develop into the tree that supplied these floors? It really makes you take inventory of what you do with your life. Time. It is a precious gift.

Make sure to stop by my archives and take a look at my earlier work. God Bless! ~Anna

Anna's First Blog
Anna's Second Blog

A Vacation Would be Nice.

We could use a holiday. Some do not seem to be worth the price despite being fans of the Impressionists.

Anna's Blog II

For those photographers that frequent Union Avenue you can learn about angles from my little Anna. (Maggie, eChuckler, and Manda listen up!) Anna has decided to show us some of her work as well as the commentary which she dictated to me as I transcribed the material: Enjoy! Notice how in image 1 the artist is just below the subjects. This adds an effect of elevation on the part of the subjects. This can be used to show height, either physical or emotional.
This close shot into the subjects hand and chest give a sense of centrality and balance. Notice the use of light in balancing out the piece. Even though the subject is placed right-center, the use of darkness on the left and the lower-right aide in the balance.
This is a candid shot, but taken from a distance looking up. This can give the feeling of the subjects being out of reach and takes the equilibrium out of the piece. These are fun as well as perplexing for the viewers.
This still-life gives the effect of being grounded. There is a real sense of safety in this image due to the amount of floor space that is present. Notice the secondary-subject to the right. The use of the linear repeated in the ground cover as well as the secondary-subject draws your attention to the primary-subject which is the chair in the upper-center. But with careful consideration it is brought to the trained eyes attention that the subject matter is not really the chair-primary, nor the table-secondary, but the comfort of simplicity that is central.

Thank you for allowing me the space on the blog Papa. I hope your friends have learned something.

~Anna Grace

Anna's blogging abilities

So Anna said to me the other day, "Papa, blah oh-poo." Which is being interpreted as, "Papa I would like to open my own blog." I said to her, "Anna, you are only 22 months old, maybe you should wait until you are two." She responded, "no two." I thought, "what a persistant little creature." She then pointed at the digital camera and said, "mine"! I knew that she was going to have to prove that she was not quite old enough for her own blog. I said, "Anna, why don't you post a few on Life on Union Avenue and see how you like it? You know, blogging is not for everyone (Such as your mother, Justin Pickering, and Gretchen Johnson), you can try a few on papa's site." She agreed....here is the results of Anna's first blog post on Life on Union Avenue.
Klos-oo (Closet)
Car-poo mama's (Mama's carpet)
fl-oh (the floor)
nigh-nigh (bedroom, or place to sleep)
say-oo nigh-nigh (Sedgwick is sleeping)
tv off (please shut off that blasted devil box and remove it from my home before my brain rots into mush just like 90% of the mindless droids that come out of the public school system.)
toes (toes.)

Well, there you have it, Anna's first attempt at blogging. She is trying to get Owen into it as well, but he is more of a hard-copy sort of guy. He prefers the smell of a seventeenth century tome to the flicker of an LCD monitor. I do not think that Owen will be doing it...at least until he's two!