Stretching forth. Beckoning the sun.
Simultaneously reaching - anchoring down into black, rich, nutrience.
Awakening from elongated slumber, growing stronger with every slow and deliberate inhale.
Sloughing away the darkness - soaking in the light.
Grow. Grow firm yet flexible. Be strong.

Spring has sprung.

Hello Daaling

So you know the feeling when a good week goes by so fast that it feels like only a couple days? or when a bad week draaaaags on so long that it feels like your entire pimply seventh grade year? Well this past seven days for me were a great, relaxing, meandering vacation despite the fact that I actually got a ton done this week. Someone between a nap and another nap I managed to take advantage of a last-minute invitation to see Prince, shoot photos at several locations with my new lens (yeesssssssss), yard work (uummm yah?) and a dozen other things that are all now a blur. Here are a few visual higlights from the concert. These were taken by a friend of a friend. Prince was all I'd hoped he'd be. His talent, energy and warmth came across super concentrated. He couldn't possibly play as long as we wanted him to. We could have screamed, sang and danced all night.

Get Real

Tonight in the actor's studio, Bradley Cooper spoke to a captivated audience that included first and second year actors about the joys and challenges of being an actor. He caught my contemplative fancy when he spoke about endeavouring to be authentic -  not to act but to be ... authentic. I'm not sure if that concept is flowery or stripped down. As I think about it, it makes me squint and look to the side in my "wait, I'm thinking" sort of way and hover over that thought for a minute. Being authentic. He's trying to be sincere and genuine in the most fabricated of moments. Cameras, and people and cubicles of space feigning reality.

I hope I invest just as much energy into to being authentic and genuine and sincere in my day-to-day existence. Sometimes we can be dolls and action figures restricted to the Matell box of purchase. Put on a shelf and protected from the elements. From jelly coated fingers of ridicule and hard plastic scissors of criticism. After all we'll be worth something some day. To someone. Somewhere. Maybe. 

I don't know about you but I'd rather get that permanent haircut and the Sharpie tattoo. Beats the high shelf any day. I want to be authentic too. And hopefully the audiences will approve.

I realize I should be ticketed for mixing metaphors so shamelessly but that's what was on my mind. Blame it on being authentic ;)

SIDE NOTE: Columbia, SC

- Prince will be performing in Columbia, SC on March 21st ..yes, that Prince ...  tickets go on sale March 15th ... yes, tomorrow ... More info at wis.com

Strike a Pose There's Nothin to It

Tonight I had the pleasure of joining The Contemporaries for Photography 101. Photographer Pat Wright, of Pat Wright Photography graciously agreed to lead us through the Who Shot Rock and Roll exhibit through the perspective of the photographer's lens. It was an exciting perspective especially for someone like me who who love to one day shoot a museum-worthy shot. I look forward to maybe going on one of his photo safaris in the near future. Life has such fluid moments. I want to freeze as many as possible for posterity-for two seconds from now!

On another note there's so much going on in my little zone this weekend. If you know me well, you know I love the idea of being being able to enjoy a few cities without much effort - Columbia, SC - Charleston, SC - Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC ... I really hope to one day add Greenville,SC. It's SUCH a nice place! I just never go there ...

Okay so a couple things going on this weekend ...

Queen City - Charlotte, NC

This weekend the NCII (N C Double I) will , as I understand it, converge upon the Queen City with an unignorable force. This year is the 65th annual Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association Basketball Tournament. It started on Feb 28th but if you're in the 704 and you don't know it's there now I'm sure you'll know tomorrow. If I were going to be there I'd be finding the hotel that's hosting Doug E Fresh, Bizmarkie and Nicki Minaj...

The Holy City - Charleston, SC

Tomorrow starts the first night of the BB&T Food and Wine Festival in Charleston! So much to eat so little time! Top Chef Challenges ... Sip & Stroll ... Tasting Tents ... so so much ...

Those are a couple options for the weekend  - both are sure to be a blast! Of course it's just the middle of the week so enjoy the rest of it! Don't wait for the weekend to have a good time!

Happy Hour Homeroom

courtesy CMA

If only there was happy hour in highschool; I might have done much better.  But no fear; now that we're adults it's not too late to learn a little something while taking back a cold one and a whole lot more ...

The Columbia Museum of Art is now hosting a drink-and-learn on First Fridays  (that's my term, not theirs)...and no, I'm not an alcoholic... but I just may get hooked on these First Fridays ... I suggest you definitely check it out while the Who Shot Rock and Roll exhibit is still at the museum. It's a great exhibit - but then I'm partial to both photography and rock and roll ... Here's the info:

Arts & Draughts: Art, drink and be happy!

03/04/11
Doors open at 7:00 p.m. / Performance begins at 8:00 p.m.

Arts & Draughts is a new series designed to be an interactive party on the first Friday of every month at the Museum.

At the March Arts & Draughts the Columbia Design League will present a special lecture and Q&A session with SVP for On-Air Design and Off-Air Creative, MTV and MTV2, Jeffrey Keyton at 7:15 p.m. Keyton oversees the award-winning design teams at MTV and has been instrumental in defining MTV’s distinctive visual personality for the last 20 years.

Guests also take a unique perspective tour of Who Shot Rock & Roll with Free Times music editor Patrick Wall, indulge in a beer tasting from America’s first micro-brewery, Widmer Brothers Brewery Company, view featured works by Devine Street Tattoo artists and rock out at 8:00 p.m. to performances by Mo' Betta Soul Sounds Familiar Records Showcase featuring Dayclean, Fayth Hope and Preach Jacobs. And while you’re here, create your own mini canvas and watch a live painting by artist Thomas Crouch.

Brought to you by Inspired Communities.
Sponsored by The Whig, Free Times and Earth Fare.

Cost: $7 / $5 for members/ Free for joining or renewing at the event.