Why Do I Bother?

Local artist Andre Knaebel’s web site, The Scooter Chronicles, showcases his art and his obsession, the scooter. His drawings remind you of a page torn out of an old magazine, perhaps an ad featuring images of carefree and satisfied people all on scooters. I must say I have never seen an artist devote so much attention to the scooter, but why not? It is perhaps a more worthy subject than a bowl of fruit or a vase of flowers.

I was introduced to Andre’s work through my wife. Here’s an excerpt from his personal site in his own words:

André was born in Brazil, raised (mostly) in Mexico, and is of Puerto Rican and American heritage. He went to school at Colorado College, graduating with a degree in Romance Languages and a minor in Art & Music. Upon finishing school he spent several years working at sea on an environmental tour ship that traveled from SE Alaska to Mexico.

Climbing the hawse pipe from deckhand to 2nd Mate, he traveled and worked on his art pursuits. Having lived in Ireland and Mexico during that time, André decided to unpack his bags in Portland, hoping to spend more time pursuing his art goals. Portland’s growing art scene and well-established music scene, the progressive values, and the nearby ocean and mountains were all strong incentives for the move.

He is currently a Certified court interpreter for the Oregon Circuit courts, working for Oregon Judicial Department’s Court Interpreter Services. He also continues to pursue his second profession as an artist. Since moving to P-town, he has participated in some group shows in local galleries and is preparing to exhibit new works in one or two solo shows this year.

Andre works as a spanish interpreter presumably to avoid the “starving” aspect of the artist’s path, but art is clearly his passion. Mel says he is a quiet man. When I asked him what he might like me to include in a review of his work and his site he simply said that he would leave it up to me, “I enjoy seeing what kind of reactions the work gets”.

If you like art or if you like scooters I encourage you to go visit Andre’s site. His work is really very good and is quite reasonably priced for original artwork. Tell him I sent you.

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Tags: Reviews by Jeffrey
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I promised I would review the book that I read on my vacation. I’m keeping that promise. Kurt Vonnegut promised he would never write another book. He broke his. I win.

No matter what you think about his politics, Kurt Vonnegut is an amazing writer. I remember reading “Galapagos” when I was in high school. I highly recommend that book as well. When I was younger I thought of myself as a writer, I admired people like Vonnegut who could paint a picture in words. I learned a lot from him and others, but alas, I am still a bit of a hack when it comes to writing. Here’s some advice on writing from his latest book, “A Man Without A Country” which has nothing to do with writing.

“Here is a lesson in creative writing.

First rule: Do not use semicolons. They are transvestite hermaphrodites representing absolutely nothing. All they do is show you’ve been to college.

And I realize some of you may be having trouble deciding whether I am kidding or not. So from now on I will tell you when I’m kidding.

For instance, join the National Guard or the Marines and teach democracy. I’m kidding.”

“A Man Without A Country” is Vonnegut’s gift to us. Reading it is like sitting down to have a conversation with him over a cup of coffee. In it he is remarkably transparent and honest about his thoughts on current politics and the planet Earth. Vonnegut is 83 years old. What does he have to lose?

“Can I tell you the truth? I mean this isn’t the TV news is it? Here’s what I think the truth is: We are all addicts of fossil fuels in a state of denial. And like so many addicts about to face cold turkey, our leaders are now committing violent crimes to get what little is left of what we’re hooked on.”

This will not be the best book you ever read, but it may be the most honest. It is a window into the mind of a man who has seen much more than most of us. I read the entire book, all 146 pages, in 2 sittings. There is so much more I would like to quote from the book for you. I’m sure I have not chosen the 2 best excerpts, but you will have to read for yourself. When you do, come back here and tell me what you thought.

Technorati Tags: book, Kurt Vonnegut, Vonnegut, writer, A Man Without A Country, politics, Earth

Tags: Reviews by Jeffrey
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Sadly, we have returned from our weekend at Breitenbush Hot Springs. If you live anywhere near this area at all, I really recommend that you take a weekend and go. They have cabins for rent that we have stayed in on other trips, but this year we stayed in a cabin nearby that is owned by some friends. Thanks Keri and Greg!

There are so many wonderful things about this place that I don’t know where to begin. Maybe with the food. Everything is organic and vegetarian. I never dreamed there could be so much variety in vegetarian cooking. One night we had tofu fritters over braised asian greens that were amazing. On another night we had a pear and blueberry puffed pastry that made me wish I had skipped dinner to save room for dessert.

There are hot spring pools for soaking. I love the pools and would make the trip just for them. The place was a little more crowded than Mel and I expected which detracts from the enjoyment somewhat. When the pools are heavily used it tends to stir up whatever organic material has settled on the bottom between cleanings. There’s also the whole “human stew” factor that Mel likes to remind me of. Clothing is optional in the pools, but I have rarely seen anyone choose this option. I am quite comfortable with nudity, but if you are planning on going it is something to consider. There are sometimes children present, although I have rarely seen any children older than about 5 or 6. Mel and I took her mother one afternoon a couple years ago and we wore swim suits to honor her modesty. I have never felt more naked.

The Breitenbush River is swimable in the summer months. It is beautiful and calming to watch in the winter months. The entire Breitenbush Hot Springs Resort is powered by a hydroelectric system in the river, and by geothermal energy. You can get a tour of the facility that explains how everything works. This place is truly off the grid.

There are many trails for hiking in the area, including the one we took into an ancient old growth forest. Breathtaking. I have included pictures below which are beautiful, but do not really do it justice. The picture above is also from the same hike. There is a great picture of Mel in one of the pools, but she won’t let me post it. Go figure.

Mel and I each got a 90 minute massage as well. You have to arrange this in advance, but there are some skilled massage therapists there. If you have never done this, you will not regret it.

The best thing about the weekend however, was the time that Mel and I got to spend together finally. We talked, we read, we held hands and walked, it was a much needed retreat. Even the time we spent sitting near each other and reading was healing and repleneshing for our relationship. I read a whole book in two sittings that I will review in a later post.

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Tags: Love and Marriage, Reviews by Jeffrey
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This weeks renter is “Just Expressing Myself“. Those of you who frequent BlogExplosion may know her as “coffeebarchick“. She describes herself as a 40ish female New Yorker who loves to express herself. Please visit her site and let her know you got there from here. You won’t be sorry.

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This weeks renter is 3T’s blog, “Stumbling Through Life With Grace“. Her blog is the story of a mother of 3 on her 3rd marriage. 3T paints an incredibly transparent picture of her life with her husband. The good and the bad is there for all to see. It’s a story of transgression and of forgiveness. Read it for yourself, and tell her I sent you.

Technorati Tags: transgression, forgiveness, blogexplosion

Tags: Renters, Reviews by Jeffrey
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Misc Karen is my blogexplosion renter this week. The first thing you will notice when you click over to visit here is abig blue box counting down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds left in George Bush’s presidency. Already I am excited. The next thing you will notice is her terrific blog design. And now I am jealous.

Misc Karen writes about her life, her boyfriend, and her family. She has a brother in Iraq which gives her an interesting perspective on the war and on politics.

I encourage you to visit her site and let her know you came from here.

Technorati Tags: blogexplosion, renter, George Bush, blog, design, Iraq, war, politics

Tags: Renters, Reviews by Jeffrey
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