We had a nice time in North Carlina, met some of the in-laws – nice people – very friendly and fun. We went boating on Sunday and a storm came up – there was no way we could get back to the cabin since lightning was all around so we stopped at some friends of Mikes dad. They fed us of course, and we stood in the kitchen waiting for the storm to pass. I may have screamed like a little girl- I don’t remember, but there, on the refrigerator, next to little Suzies sunflower scribbles, was my artwork. These people had no idea who I was. Apparently, grandma had picked up a handful of Smokey Bear magnets from some national park somewhere and had about a dozen of them sticking to their fridge.

I didn’t think they weren’t using my Smokey artwork any more – too beefy – too hairy – the nipples – something – I don’t know why. This is the art that was on the magnet – they used it quite a bit back in 2000. I did 17 of them – there are a couple others on my other website. Seems like sooo long ago.

It’s an odd feeling seeing my work when I don’t expect it or in some strange out of the way place, it’s like seeing a ghost.

Until Tuesday. Hopefully can relax by the lake and take it easy. Been busy working on the September show – as well as following the Wilson/Plame/Rove spectacle…

Here is the Cricket cover I did last December. I’m a little late posting this – not sure if it’s still on the stands or not. The response has been terrific and I’ve heard from lots of kids and adults about this. Even my family seemed impressed.

JT posted some good pictures of the Seven show on his site.

The reception was great fun. I did remember to take a few photos – at least of the artist types. Lenny has a few more on his site.

Al Miner, Kelly Towles and Virginia Arrisueño

Margaret Dowell

Sara Pomerance and Matt Hollis

Candy Keegan

Mike and yours truly

Great response to the work, and had a few discussions about the Allegory painting. Very happy to see it getting another shot out there. It was originally painted for TAG’s “Too Queer” show back in ’99 at DCAC. This was right after the Matthew Shepard murder and it was a tough time. Except for a brief showing at the Warehouse during the run of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, it has languished in my studio. Allegory was the first of the Train Wreck Series paintings finished in 2002.