July 2006 Archives

The best of wishes to my brother, Joel and to my new sister-in-law, Ellen. May your marriage be a long and healthy one, full of happy times and lots of love. You are both great people and I am very honored to know you.

Life, Love, Happiness and Health!

(And check out my Flickr photo album for more pictures of the wedding.)

In my dream, aliens had invaded. They took the form of glowing bumblebees, clustered in a pretty Gothic greenhouse at the top of a hill (at least they did in my nocturnal neighborhood). Folks were fleeing, but my response was to make four hard boiled eggs and some biscuits.

Seemed like a good idea at the time, I guess...

July has flown by. My Tiki Love God Project is just about done and everyone in the family is getting things together for visitors and wedding-related activities. Saturday is the big day! My tux is ready (and I'm pretty sure I have my Best Man's toast memorized). I hope that it is a great day for Joel and Ellen. I certainly am looking forward to it!

I will try and pop back on here at some point during the week (though things will probably be a bit hectic until Sunday or so). I'll have pictures from the festivities up on my Flicker account as soon as possible (and probably some here on The Allurium, too).

Right now, though, I think I'll grab some snooze time. Lots of stuff to do tomorrow...

Well, it certainly is hot...

The sunlight, cast through the trees, pools on the deck (and these pages). It wavers there like water. Above, the sky is Robin's egg blue -- and the air is clear but dense. The heat gives it weight.

The weather-folk are saying that today might be the hottest day of the year, so far. I'm glad to be out in it, feeling it. I'm pretty sure that I felt the coldest day, back in Winter. This makes a nice counterpoint...

It feels good to draw sweat to the surface. And to drink cold water -- to replace that which blooms on the skin.

Finished The Harvest again. I really enjoy that novel -- and admire Robert Charles Wilson's skill as a writer. Back out on the deck, now, with a bowl of rice, topped with stir-fried soy steak strips. Tasty, if I do say so myself.

An ice-cold beer will be my after-diner treat...

It is nice to be away from the computer. Writing on paper. In the environment. Even if entering the heat is like slipping on a big fur coat.

The sun is lower now -- though the day is still bright. Those shimmering pools of sunlight have crept further across the deck...up the walls of the house. Sweat is once again blooming on my skin.

I am just leaning back, looking up at the blue, enjoying it...

"Don't blink, you might miss..."

..layers of lines: gray, thinning the landscape into vertical slices. imagine moving through that and erasing slivers of yourself, then rebuilding them, as you slip through the rain. A blink could stop the droplets in mid-air. All hazy green wetness and glimmering gems. motionless. maybe you could listen to some music, or look at a bunny, or play with some pictures during that space.

This Wednesday, in a flick.

The light waxes and wanes today, pulsing the day from sunny green to shadow. The air is a-flutter with birds and butterflies...

Just finished layer four of my "Tiki Love God Project". Tomorrow (if all is dry) I start the face!

Right now, I'm kind of unwinding and drifting slow toward a light meal and a smooth evening. I am still a bit amazed that the Fourth of July has come and gone already.

Seems the Summer has wings, too...

Just popping in to wish everyone who is celebrating it a safe, fun and very happy 4th of July. It is raining in Pittsburgh at the moment -- but maybe things will clear up and allow some serious "hammock time" at some point, here before the cookout hopping begins...

Happy Holiday!