May 24, 2013 · 12:52 PM

Sometimes You Win…

 

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Yesterday was one of those days that just did not seem real. It still doesn’t  Maybe the morning coffee hasn’t kicked in yet, or maybe its too early in the day and yesterday is still touchable from my morning seat. Either way I will need a few days to absorb and let it all sink in. It was a case of the sum of ones day in small parts creating one total day that was a hodge podge of things getting to where they need to be. I can’t go into specifics at this time (soon enough these things will be open to the public) but it was refreshing to see a full circle develop. To start to see challenges overcame. To be able to stop and look back and see where you were at one point, where you wanted to go and the journey that has gone along with it. Then one day durring multiple calls, sending multiple emails and mixed into the joy of the everyday minutia you look into it all and see these things all creating an actual realization of your vision.  To be able to stop and see it right infront of you is something everyone should be able to experience. 

I think what makes it all more fulfilling and exciting is to be able to say I helped get it done on my terms. To not compromise my values, to stand up for my vision, and to not allow doubt or fear of failure to get in my way, or at least let them defeat me.  I know all of this is vague but I also know you probably have had times where you just had to tell someone something, even if you couldn’t tell them exactly what. Anyway folks, moral of the story is to keep banging away at what you hold true. To examine what and why you do something, and allow yourself the opportunity to sit back and enjoy the things that make you happy.

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March 20, 2013 · 4:58 AM

LIEBSTER AWARD

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The good folks over at Piaffe Photography gave me the nomination for the Liebster Blog Award for the Photographic companion blog to this one (http://thevastgallery.wordpress.com/) , so that is awesome, and a big thanks to them!!!!!

What is the “Liebster Blog Award?”    

This prestigious award honors up and coming bloggers and reputedly began years ago in Germany. “Liebster” is German for “favorite”, so in a way this award is the “favorite blog award” as another blogger put it.  You receive this award from a fellow blogger that feels your blog is both worthy & important to them. I am supposed to take this time to recommend other  bloggers, but truth be told, I dont really read any others so I wont. I will just say go and explore the blog world and imagery world and discover things that catches your eye, tempts your fancy, or just plain blows you away…..

QUESTIONS

When they nominated me for this, they gave me a list of questions, so here they are with my answers as best as I could answer them…..

What makes you truly happy? My daughter, my ladyfriend, my family, hockey, my friends, travel, and a good glass of wine. 

What’s your special hidden talent? Well if I told you, it wouldn’t be hidden now would it?

If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?  If it was to be with friends, I would have to go with Marseille. Honestly, I love seeing and discovering all I can regardless of its 5 miles away or 5,000 miles away.

If you could only bring back ONE special souvenir, what would it be? A memory card full of great images, or a bad ass tattoo.

What person do you admire most in the world…famous or not, living or dead?  There are a shit ton of humans out there who are full of love, compassion, selflessness, over come obstacles, find and know inner peace that humble me on a daily basis. I dont think you can limit it to one person. There are too many good ones out there.

If someone was going to give you both good news and bad news, which would you want to hear first? Bad news. Always go out with good news….

If you have to take a test, do you answer the easy questions first or the hard ones? Usually the easy ones first to knock them out. Then go back and spend time on the harder ones. Makes sense to get the points you know you can get, so you dont sacrifice them if you spend too much time on the hard ones…..

Tell me what the bumper sticker on your car would say about you? “If it aint broke, break It”

Share a secret desire. Nope. They are more fun as secrets….

Acronyms are my pet peeve.  Make up a new meaning for one of the following: MMP, IRD, NBC, NASA, MTM

MMP - Morbid Mother Phucker……IRD - I Rage Drastically.….NBC - Never Buy Crap…..NASA - Need Another Seven Astronauts.…..MTM - Metal To Metal 

Tell us a time (real or imagined, but preferably real) when you met or saw a celebrity – Due to my work its not an irregular thing, but one time in Vegas, after standing in an impossible bar line, I got two drinks as I didnt want to wait in line again, I turn around and BOOM – A Big bright light in my face to which I reply “What the fuck?” and its Downtown Julie Brown from MTV doing some shooting about Las Vegas.

She said “Ohhhh Double fisting are we big boy?”

To which I replied “I hear you are into that. Double Fisting. Two fists…”

All she said was “Dick” 

“No, fists. Two of them” I reminded her. 

That was the end of that conversation and I never made it on to MTV. Oh well. Fuck it, I now have a Liebster!

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November 18, 2012 · 11:28 AM

Lets Get This Show On The Road…

Its still dark. Heather is still asleep. South Philly is quiet and the house is still. Hell, there isn’t even any coffee brewed yet. Its just past 6am on the day we hit the road for a Thanksgiving week with my mom, some gigs, and seeing some of my very oldest and dearest friends. It almost has the feelings that we are taking one part Kerouac and Cassidy outings of seeing whats out there, and mixing it with a classic holiday travel to family romcom. It will be equal parts of wild freedom delicately blended with introspection fueled by genuine nostalgia.

As mentioned in the previous post, it is something I am looking forward to sharing with my lady-friend  whose life, influences, and roots have been shared and shown to me since we first met. We were talking yesterday and it was interesting to summarize that I have 9 days to show her what she has shown me over the last two years.

I am looking forward to connecting with people who helped shaped me, and help me be the man I am today. I am looking forward to reconnecting with my passion of music. Its not that it ever went away, but it became more personal, and less business and I am curious to see how that plays out when I stand behind those turntables in public to share the way I see and hear and feel this music I know so well and with so much love and understanding.

I know its going to be one hell of a ride, so lock and load ya’ll, its tine to get this show on the road….

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November 2, 2012 · 2:21 PM

Home Sweet Home

Halloween has come and gone, and we are now two days into November and I have started to slowly get amped up about the anual holiday season. Traditionally it has never been a major deal or time for me. My immediate family has always been close, but not in proximity or in time spent together compared to most here in the good old USA. Since I have become a father however, that is changing and the understanding and need for my daughter to be around her bloodline and kinfolk is more and more important in a way I have never understood until now. As my ladyfriend (Happy Birthday HKB!) and I grow closer and closer and continue to build our home and family, the sense of family and the understanding of home is becoming more important as well. It is turning out to be quite a great thing that I was never too overly excited about in the past, and am glad this is changing.

One of the challenges of living so far from where I grew up, but dating someone who lives 10 minutes from their childhood home is that my friends of my youth, and some of my longer running friends are not near by. There is no point of reference to where I am from and the things that have helped me become who I am today.  There is no connection to the stories of my youth. No recall of smells and sounds and sights of the things that motivated me. No way to show how growing up around such an international melting pot of Ohio State University helped to fill my mind with wonder and curiosity about all the places on this planet outside of an All American city like Columbus, Ohio. No way to connect how spending hours on rainy days exploring the Village Bookshop or The Book Loft in German Village and the way the smell of all those old and rare books were (and still are) an intoxicating smell and also helped push me to understand and explore this rich planet. However, there is also no way to explain the way I needed to get out when I did. The need to break out and use those motivators to grow and excel and be as triumphant and pure in my undertakings as I could after nineteen odd years in the great Buckeye State. That is all about to change…..

For the first time in almost ten years, I am spending the holidays with my family. That statement can conjure up all sorts of emotions in just about anyone, but let me be clear about just how excited I am about all of this. There are so many things for me to be excited about.  First off, spending Thanksgiving with my mom, and my  ladyfriend in Ohio and the eight day road trip surrounding it is going to so much fun. Showing her my old stomping grounds, introducing her to some of my oldest and dearest friends, and it goes without saying introducing her to the glory that is Donato’s Pizza and UDF Chocolate and  Peanut Butter milkshakes. Getting to play music (details to follow) with some of the coolest cats I know, and being able to order a Red Cream Soda without anyone giving me a weird look. This has brought up a large amount of thoughts about why we have such an attachement to our regional foods and treats, but that is for another day. This  road trip will take us through Columbus, Dayton, and Pittsburgh with a few other side trips here and there in the mix for good measure.  I expect there to be many great photos to with this journey, which you can see in the photo stream on the side bar on the homepage of The Vast Parlor.

After we get through that, we will be taking my daughter to Texas for a Christmas gathering with my brother and his family, our mom, and the three of us. I am not quiet in the Christmas mood yet, but will share some thoughts on that as we get a little closer to that time….

For now, its time to get ready Ohio…..I’m coming for you and I am bringing the HKB with me. You have been warned….

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June 2, 2012 · 4:42 PM

Bowery Stan and the Hammerfish

“You still got room? Where you got room? Lemme see. Lemme take a look” He said, wanting to get down to it. It was twenty past noon on a warm, bright, sunny Saturday afternoon about an hour south of Tampa, FL. I was anxious as well to get this show on the road.

“How about here?” The man asked with hints of good ideas in his tone as he ran his right pointer finger back and forth up on the back of my right arm.

“Seems like a logical place to me. He will be hanging out with the Rocktopuss and the bloody Great White on the same arm.” I eagerly answered all but sealing the deal with my enthusiasm.

“OK fine. I like the way this is all moving along.  Have a seat. I’ll get the rest of everything else ready now.” He said as he took a step back and gazed over the whole station making mental notes of what he needs to do.

“So uh yeah. Have a seat and this show will raise its curtain in no more than five minutes” He flashed a funny and warm grin and then went about his business.

That was how my tattoo session with legendary tattoo artist “Bowery” Stan Moskowitz started. One of the remaining “Old Timers”, Stan is not one to be fucked with. He has seen it all and has no problem speaking his mind, and that mind is still sharp as a tack at 80 years old. There is the infamous story of his first day as a professional tattoo artist back in 1948 in down in New Yorks Bowery at his families tattoo shop.  It involves a ballpeen hammer and Stan sending a message to any one who thought they were going to be able to take advantage of him.  Soon after the iconic Hammerfish came into being.  An image to serve as a reminder to not mess with Stan and that the even the little fish can pack a punch. 64 years later, Stan is still showing us why he is the man.

I remember seeing that Bowery Stan and Philadelphia Eddie were going to be at the Tampa Tattoo Fest when I started planning the three thousand mile round trip road warrior jaunt for work , but I didn’t think Stan was going to be tattooing. I thought that maybe he was doing promo work for his tattoo ink brand or maybe had a new book like Eddy did. When I heard Stan was doing tattoos, I knew I wanted in and did not want to miss the chance to collect a piece from such a legend.  When I made it to the show Friday evening, my friend Terry Brown, who perfectly enough is an amazing tattooer who did my shrimp, was getting the iconic hammerfish done. I had been met by his fiancé when I got there and she had walked me over to the booth. Stan was fast at work, while Philadelphia Eddy was dressed to the nines in one of his trademarked suits and grinning ear to ear.  I made sure right then and there I found out when he was going to be free so I could make an appointment.

“Hows about noon tomorrah?” Stan asked

“Ill be here at 11:59” I eagerly replied

“hmm. Ok. I will try to be too but no promises” he replied with a laugh as he turned to get back to Terry’s leg.

I thanked him and got back to my booth at the show and was happy knowing that had been all sorted. Fast forward to Saturday afternoon around 12:30pm and we were getting it all underway.

Stan had on his Lowes Home Store apron, a modified Jonesey machine and tube in hand, and the iconic stencil applied to the back of my right arm. I have a feeling Stan could have probably done the whole thing freehand and not have missed a detail. We had a great talk about the old Bowery in NYC, stories about Jonsey and his dad, and the evolution of the tattoo game in the America and beyond. I was expecting this grizzly older tough man, but in reality Stan is rather soft-spoken, funny, warm, and very excited about the new breed of tattooers and some of the new school art.

“Well ya know, every generation has a look. That’s how all this mess moves forward ya know? He said.

“Hey Stan, take care of this kid. He’s from Philly. 4th street even” Philadelphia Eddy came over and said half way through. He gave me a wink and looked over the progress, smiled and went back to talk to some people who were lingering around the booth wanting to buy some of his books. Next thing you know Stan was cleaning up the new tattoo and snapping some photos on his pocket sized digital camera. He laughed a little bit and shook his head.

“What’s up Stan?” I ask

“From ballpeen hammers and computer chips. Life is fucking funny” He replied.

“Very true Stan. Very true.” I said as a smile creeped on my face as I took a look at my own small piece of history now on my arm.

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May 13, 2012 · 6:40 PM

The Parlor Is Getting A Bit More Vast

From an early age I loved being outside. Wandering all of the concrete suburban landscape has been a lifelong pursuit. It could be one of the elements why I didn’t drive for sixteen years. Being from Ohio, I couldn’t imagine a spring or summer with out traipsing on foot and bike through some winding creeks, wooden paths, and dirt hills made for jumping your bike. All I needed was my red hooded zip up sweatshirt and my pro-keds. Preferably the ones that were made of blue woven nylon with white leather detail. If I happen to be rocking Underoos on one of those outings, I knew I was going to be unstoppable on that days quest. It was those great days of wild and free exploration and sense of freedom that  has had me up until recently always a touch envious of people who had an apartment or house with outdoor space. Some place that was all yours to sit back at either days end or the right from the start morning to have a sit, look out to the sky, and just exhale. A place of no celling. The one place you feel yourself and the day and world meeting on neutral ground. This was split among all parts and not one part was unsatisfied being there.

The shed sits idle and solid in the back right corner of the concrete slab that is the back yard. It has a locked door that sits unbreeched since I first toured the house in the spring of twentyten, and thats not on purpose. I had been in the house for the first time as the owner the night of the closing for no more than fifteen minutes before I found my way out the back door and into the backyard, flood light bright and exposing shining all over all things, ducked under all the clothes lines and made my way to the sheds door. I have the master key ring from the previous  owner in my grip and select a key that looks like it may work, but having no background on these keys to even make an educated guess, it truly was a shot in the dark. I slide the key into the lock. It feels right. It slides just so and into the grooves. I turn the key and with a normal follow through my hand, fingers and grip of the key keep twisting to the right, spinning over along with the curve of the brass deadbolt. SNAP! Clean break of the key flush with the surface face of the lock. Another key or gadget has yet to reopen that door, and this back patio has been on the back burner for almost two years. That all started to end yesterday.

The fact that it took this long to get set in motion is a bit lame, but in life sometimes things that can simmer and get ready for just the right instance can feel just so good when they are enjoyed. Think about that autumn pumpkin soup you first tried and understood its richness and complexity. Or any good soup for that matter, that soaks and sits, and brings in a richness that only the passing of can time can flavor. This wonderful Saturday was to confirm the realization it was time  to act on this yard in waiting. It was time to transform this walled and gated back “yard”. It sits about twenty feet (4.5m) by about thirty feet (9m). It was filled with 4 clothes lines, an old wooden work bench, a garden hose, a faded yet sturdy webber grill that has probably seen its better days but has enough in it to keep grilling on while we keep expanding the Parlor.

There was much sweeping, scrubbing, hosing, plant arranging. Commander Boyd was steadfast and focused on getting things to a certain level of newness and transformed this space into a new being. We still have a long way to go before we get done, but it is a project I am rather looking forward to no question. I can admit that I am looking forward to having a new garden and sitting and relaxing part of the Parlor. Next up…Sledge hammers, gloves, goggles, and estimates to haul away a broken down shed.

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April 7, 2012 · 1:55 PM

Head South

It always starts out so organized, put together and on point. Lists are made and appointments are set. The cooler is stocked with grocers to save money along the way. The sun is bright and the promise of the open road and the soundtrack assured by that tranquil hum of your tires rolling across that asphalt just for you. The car is packed full and complete. The music is ready to go. You triple check everything in the house. The windows are shut and locked. The heat is turned off. The major electric appliances are turned off.  Every thing is right where it belongs. You make your way to pick up your first cup of coffee and its go time. The first destination is loaded into your GPS.  You are ready to get this going.

When making plans to go full on into a new territory its a good idea to sort the first few stops along the borderline of familiarity with sure fire wins where you know your going to close the deal. You want to start off with that paper in hand and the wind at your back. It is a huge leg up to walk into virgin territory with a bit of a swagger that knows it can win these people over. To have that is clutch and it sure feels good. Don’t let yourself be fooled for a second though. Its not all winks and handshakes. It is a tough way when you are war driving and doing drop-ins and cold calls. It will for sure make you ask your self if you are too old for all of this shit. Why are you still chasing that closed deal that is still on down the road just after the next visit? Is this really the best use of your time and resources? How many miles and empty road nights do you have left in you? The answer is usually something like “Well, your knees deep in asphalt, hotels, and the open road now to go getting to philosophical about that.  Keep your eyes on the prize and save the therapy for the coffee shop recap you will surely do after this is all said and done.” Then you hit shuffle on your music player and step on the gas.

I know going into it that this outing is going to cover almost three thousand miles. It will take me to see known and unknown towns and stores. It will be full of the sights and sounds of Americas Southern coastline.  Taking me to such places as Richmond, Virginia Beach, Raleigh, Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, Charleston, Palm Coast, Orlando, and Tampa and then back all the way up I-95 to Philadelphia.  There will be whiskey, wine, sand, sunsets, calls home, random hotels, and a wide variety of food.  There will be new tattoos, dolphins, singing of classic rock and 80’s tunes at the top of lungs while roaring down the roads of the South. All of this and more playing partner to the task at hand, selling some clothes and opening new accounts. This is the life I have chosen for the last sixteen years. I know the routine well. Ring the fucking bell…

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