Of Groundhogs and Grammies

I had to nap periodically during the day, as I got up early to watch the silliness that is Groundhog Day in Why Are We Even Here PA, and stayed up late to watch as much as I could of the silliness that is the Grammy Awards. Trust me, the latter was far better than the former. Lots of amazing music, enough to make this Boomer really excited about the current state of things and even contemplating purchasing some of the tunes. The silliness was mostly sartorial in nature - I mean, Will Smith's son wore a miniature house on his head (a miniature horse would have been better methinks), and every other woman wore a "cutout" outfit, meaning clothing featuring barely any cloth, but it's the Grammies so it's probably expected. And again, I'm a Boomer so you know, probably a prude. Trevor Noah has been a bit too ingratiating and insincere as usual, but inoffensive enough. All in all a very good showing.

Spiralling Downward

It does feel like it, at least to me. Personally I'm handling January as best I can, the roof of my mouth is today's weird pain but this too shall pass. I'm more concerned for my fellow citizens, not only in the Los Angeles area but in the entire country, because I'm a human being who understands and tries to praactice empathy. And my heart goes out to the latest slew of fans who found out another idol of theirs is cavalier with feet of clay (the Chabon reference is deliberate as that's one circle in which the accused author travels). Stop idolizing famous folks just because they write well, or make good music, or pass compassion legislation. Power tends to corrupt, and if the seeds are there in the first place it enables them to bloom unrestrained by propriety or common sense or (there's that word again) empathy. Enjoy the work if it's done well and realize the person who made it is a flawed human being like all of us, only more so because power and money tend to do that. I think part of the disappointment is rooted in the stubborn belief so many have that riches imply moral righteousness, and we know from the evidence of our own eyes now turned towards our nation's capital that this just isn't so. I give as big a virtual platonic hug as I can manage to all those who feel betrayed in one way or another, and remind you that there is still, always, work to be done.

The Da Vinci Cold

I dunno, maybe it's the occasional smoke wafting through the area due to wildfires, maybe it's the changing weather, maybe it's the time of man. But I'm struggling to feel healthy lately. I suppose it doesn't help that I probably ate all sorts of things I shouldn't have during our office's pre-Thanksgiving potluck today (I schlepped in two big containers of bean salad, which nobody seemed to want even though it's mighty tasty, so I had to schlep it all back and I'm seriously sore now). I'm back on the exercise bike at least on non-Manhattan days, but I'm not sure how well that's going. We've been watching Ken Burns' daughter's 2-part Leonardo da Vinci documentary these past couple evenings, and I just gave up on part 2 because I couldn't keep my eyes open. So it's blogging then bed. Pretty sure the master dies at the end.

Silly Site o' the Day

Not a good day for either of us muscle-wise, so I'm glad there was nothing on the agenda. Rob's back is acting up and my shoulder is still bad. Isn't getting older fun? At least I have confirmation that my blood test order is in with the lab, but I don't think I'm going to get there until maybe next week given the state of our bodies. Shopping is going to be interesting enough without the extra trip! And I think one of the haircutting places I've used in the past is open again, but that's not a big priority either, especially as people are taking "opening up" to mean "let's act stupid and pretend COVID isn't around any more" rather than "proceed with caution." I'm progressing with the art book, through the first three chapters and drew some really godawful stuff as expected. Going to be a long while before I can re-create paintings with stuff lying around the apartment. If, you know, ever.

Silly Site o' the Day

White Rabbits, and ow, my left shoulder hurts. I think I strained something on my second exercise day, it started hurting in the evening and has been extremely painful all day. I had plans for this week but they've mostly gone by the wayside while the shoulder area heals a bit. I have started the art instruction book, so that's something. Just don't expect any miniature sculptures on pencil heads, is all I'm saying.

Silly Site o' the Day

So at long last, I'm ready to be a student again, and I have the best teacher in the world. Robin's going to teach me how to draw. Tonight was lesson #1 and I think I grasped the theory reasonably well. Not sure I'll ever be ready for this, though.