Shake Some Action

I cannot begin to tell you how much fun I had today. These are the first, preliminary shots I took for the band Magic Christian (Cyril Jordan on the left and Paul Kopf on the right). We're scouting locations for a shoot when the rest of the band arrives for a gig here in September. They're recording their new CD and I'll be joining them to photograph the rehearsals, the show, and hopefully their new CD cover! (I told them if I don't have a job by December, I'll go with the band to Spain. Maybe I won't try too hard to find one...)


Long long long story short, Cyril is one of the founding members of the Flamin' Groovies, one of the quintessential 60s SF bands. His new band, Magic Christian (bonus points to you who know where that name comes from) will be touring in Europe this fall but they're playing here on September 4 at the Great American Music Hall.

You'll be hearing a lot more about this band, as we're all now pretty fond of each other. We had a blast driving around the city looking for potential photo shoot spots once the whole band is here in September. All of my meandering and walking has really paid off as they loved some of my locations, and we have more practice shots to take throughout the city.

I even got them to visit my Dog House! They loved it.

***

Here's a clip of Magic Christian playing "Shake Some Action," which is one of the Flamin' Groovies biggest hits.



And here is the original Groovies playing "Roll Over Beethoven" and Cyril is the dark-haired guy on the guitar.

Sometimes it takes so little...

...to make a person happy.

Sometimes I wonder why it is so hard for those of us who have so much?

Meet Chewie, Little Fluff and Patricia.

If you are around Polk Street @ California, you might see them on the corner. Give them a dollar or two if you can. Stop and pet the cats for a moment. They love company and a kind word.

More later but I'm so dog tired. I wish I had someone who could take dictation and type my blog for me. Any takers?

***

Long story very very short, I was in a boutique today with someone who will be featured in i live here:SF very soon. She said to the boutique owner that I'm a photographer and the woman said, "Hey, you want to have a show here?"

Just like that.

Could it really be that easy?

Yes. I guess it can.

More on that too if there's something to tell.

Chinatown, My Chinatown

"The United States of America and the Emperor of China cordially recognize the inherent and inalienable right of man to change his home and allegiance, and also the mutual advantage of the free migration and emigration of their citizens and subjects, respectively for purposes of curiosity, of trade, or as permanent residents." ~ Burlingame Treaty of 1868

I've taken a few photos in Chinatown, some from last Saturday and some from this morning that I'm really smitten with and glad I captured. I'm low on words right now, so perhaps these images will speak for me.

The rest of the burgeoning Chinatown collection is here.

Wherever your red shoes take you.

Hey lady, he calls to me from his seat on the bench. He squints in the morning sun. I like your shoes.

I look down at my filthy red sneaks and say thanks.

I hope wherever your red shoes take you, you have a great day, he exclaims confidently. Then he sees my camera.

And that you get some great photos today!

How did he know I already had?

***

I usually wake up between 5:30 and 6:30 in the morning. Even though I don't have a job to go to at present, old habits die hard.

I used to try to leave the house early before work so I could take a few photos before the boring grind of the office day began. Just spending even a half-hour outside the office felt like a very important time, even if I only got one good shot out of it. I felt like I had accomplished something important just for me.

So it dawned on me yesterday that I am literally wasting dawns. I could be up and using that amazing morning light and instead I'm lazing around.

So this morning I decided to change all that.

At 6:30am, I took the 71 Haight-Noriega all the way down Haight Street to Fillmore. Got off at Fillmore, walked to Oak to Laguna and then walked all the way back Oak, to Masonic, to Haight and through the park.

And here's what I saw. All that before the day began, and was I glad.

Early morning on an empty bus but still uneasy neighbors.

Thanks for the ride, 71.

I love the thinking about how many mornings these old houses have seen.

No one will steal your trike if you park it over your door.

This one's shy.

But now they're having a bit of a chat.

I loved the yellow bee man and his matching goldenrod taxi speeding by.

I call this the Dog House. This is the first time I've gotten a good shot of who's guarding the stoop.

I like that Tom Johnson, Sr. used so many tacks to keep his name on.

This is one of my i live here: SF postcards, which I stealthily leave around town. No one's contacted me yet, but I keep pretending they're like Golden Tickets in Wonka Bars, and someday someone will say they found my postcard lying around and thought it would be fun to see what my project's all about.

I wonder where she went.

Life is UR canvas. U R the artist.
As seen in Golden Gate Park.

Wherever your red shoes take you.

***

Red shoes or not, I hope your feet took you somewhere interesting today.

This Space May Be Used For Correspondance

Locals will recognize this Islam Temple now as the Alcazar Theatre in the Tenderloin.

Addressed to:

Inspector C. Grant
Chief of Detective Bureau
Washington D.C.

July 16th, 1922

Dear Noble

This is a fine Climat. Winter Clothes.
No mosquitoes. No winged insects.
I hope you are well.

Chester R. Samson

***

I accidentally happened upon the Antique Paper Faire this Sunday in Golden Gate Park. I had wandered over to the park, looking for something to take photos of in the exquisite sunshine today, and boy howdy, am I ever in trouble now. I spent most of the day fanning through massive piles of old postcards of San Francisco.

I am completely hooked on these old, charming cards (those of you who know me realize that I went a little nuts reading them). As much as for the delightful images of the city's past, but also for the stories written on them. I purchased a few, and will be sharing them with you over the next days. I am enjoying these glimpses into the past so very much, seeing places in the city that I've only read about and others that are still around in another incarnation or looking just like they were at the time the postcard was sent. And mostly reading what others thought of San Francisco from many years ago. I hope you enjoy this time traveling tour, too.

***

The top of this card shows The Chutes, Tenth Avenue and Fulton St.
How totally cool was this water park?!!

Addressed to:

Miss Annie Burns
Los Gatos
Cal.
Lost Gatos Post Office

Sept. 11. 1908

Dear Annie

I received your post card long time ago and am most ashamed to say a word about it. I put off answering and then forgot. I am well and going to school every day. The circus is in town. I expect to go Saturday that is if my Aunt don't back out. Ma don't care for Circus it makes her anxious so she's out of the question. I hope you and your mother are well.

R.F.L.

***

Caption on this card reads:
Ocean Beach Pavillion and Pier from Cliff House, San Francisco, California
On the Road of a Thousand Wonders

Addressed to:

Mrs. R.R. Gillner
227 Chapman St.
Portland Oregon

June 29, 1910

Dear Fronie:

Motored out here yesterday, had refreshments at Cliff House, dined later with Hirschfelders, afternoon tea to-day with millionaires at The Fairmont.

Wish you & Rush were with us.

Having time of our life. Well & Happy.

Emma

***

Card reads Chinese Telephone Office, Chinatown, San Francisco, Cal.

Addressed to:

Miss H.M. Stener
200 E-52nd
Cor Taylor
Portland Oregon

July 30, 1915 (Postmark reads World's Panama Pacific Exposition in San Francisco 1915)

Dear Hilda:

We were down in this place yesterday afternoon. Very interesting. All the Central Girls are Chinese Girls.

Say don't any of you folks break an arm writing so many letters.

Rose

A Day of Mentions

Woke up to a mention in 7x7 Magazine and ended it with a shout out in Muni Diaries. That's very very cool. I have to remind myself that I've only been taking photos for a little over a year when I get impatient, which seems more common lately. There's still so much more I want to learn and things I can't wait to see and encounter and capture.

This is my favorite for the day. I call it my Robert Frank Tribute photo. I took it on Turk Street, walking towards USF.

I've been to see the Robert Frank exhibit at SF MOMA four times now. I really will miss not being able to see it again after August 23.

It's inspiring. It makes me think about what I want to take pictures of and why.

And right now, I'm also grateful to a lot of local SF photogs who have reached out to befriend a newbie, give good, solid helpful advice and include me in their photography journey. People like Plug 1, Thomas Hawk, emamd, jbellvilleart, Brad' aka citysnaps and B.S. Wise. And my local girl crushes, the effervescent Chipmonkey and my new flame, Kelly Rae.

So give them a looksee, and say hi from tangobaby if you want.

***

ps.: for those of you who have been so wonderful, waiting for info about K and the kids and the move, I wish I had good news for you today. I thought they would be moving today but they are not. It's been a rollercoaster of events and they're so disappointed and so am I. It's been hugely stressful. There's a problem with PG&E. I don't know when it will be resolved and won't go into the details here, but keep your fingers crossed that I only have good news from now on.

Hot Shot for a Day

Well, it's just for a day, but it's still cool.

My photo was the Daily HotShot for 7x7 Magazine in the online issue. That's a welcome Friday morning surprise...

Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters

I hope J.D. Salinger would approve.
Photo taken in the Tenderloin with Plug1 as my accomplice in sneaking around.

***

It's a week of happenings. I know you know that. Looks like K and the kids move on Friday and I promise to keep you in the loop so you know what I know.

It's been the longest week in the world already, and it's only Wednesday. But I have the feeling that wonderful things are being built. They're just not ready to share yet.

Happy Wednesday, friends.

xoxo

The path of violence

I don't see the heroic here, just the terror.

***

"...I think about every client who has come through our doors and their horrific stories of abuse - I cannot help but cry when I think about what the loss of our services will mean to victims. Those who walk through our doors have suffered through broken bones, beatings, strangulation, food deprivation, arson, torture, genital mutilation and unspeakable sexual violence. They have been thrown down flights of stairs, have been victim to violent physical attacks during pregnancy and have even faced the prospect of murder. Victims seek our services to escape incredible violence aimed at them and their children." ~ Executive Director Nicole Shellcroft, The Domestic Violence Center in Santa Clarita Valley

***

Our disaster of a governor has cut 100% of Domestic Violence funding to create his Frankenstein budget. Forget about the kids that won't have healthcare. Forget about AIDS.

I'm trying to remember what was so horribly, terribly wrong with Gray Davis, that a duly elected official was recalled from office.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is to California what George W. Bush was to the United States. Only the kicker is that California citizens now suffer because of both of them.

***

On the eve of K and the kids moving to their new home, I am heartsick to write this post. You know as well as I do that our fair city was unable to give this family shelter due to domestic violence and housing issues.

You know as well as I do that the only reason this family remained intact was because of the kindness of strangers.

But they are just one family. I am so fearful for the women and children who will die because of this budget cut. Domestic violence affects us all. It truly truly does.

UPDATE 11:07AM: If you are a CA resident, please please please sign this petition to restore funds for California's domestic violence program. If you're not a CA resident but have friends or family in the state, please send them this link. I don't have to tell you that lives are at stake here. Please do what you can to raise awareness of this and get these funds back to help fund the shelters that these women and children need desperately.

***

Photo I took yesterday of the statue of Jeanne d'Arc at the Legion of Honor. What I wouldn't give for a strong-willed woman with a sword to take some of our officials to task right now.

The end of one thing, the beginning of another

summer's last rose

***

It is a grey, windy day. I walked over to Golden Gate Park which is positively overrun by people going to see the Tutankhamen exhibit at the de Young museum. The cars clog every sidewalk curb and jam themselves like puzzle pieces in the small intersections.

I went to the park to see what I could find. Actually, I needed to find something for a project (for lack of a better word) and then I saw this little rose, just hiding next to a curb.

I gave this blossom a story: that it was either waiting to be discovered or waiting to crumble.

Next week, K and the kids are moving to their new home. I can't even tell you how much drama there has been this week in their little lives, all of it through circumstance, and it seems like an unfair punctuation mark to a story that has been so sad, even though the move is going to happen. I just wish their last days here had been easier or that I could have done more.

And then it dawned on me that I won't be seeing these faces again like I have been, every week, for months. It feels like yet another loss, not so sad because I know that they are moving on to bigger and better things and the way they're living now is so unsustainable and difficult, but it's still a loss all the same.

I will miss them. But unlike this little rose that no one else will notice, I hope that K and the kids know that they are noticed, and just as beautiful.

I hope you all get some carnitas today.

Happy Friday, friends.

If I could take pictures like this every day,

I'd have the best job in the world.

Meet Kate over at i live here: SF.

But MY Red Velvet Cupcake recipe kicks ass!

And I wasn't invited!

Were you invited to the Board of Supervisors' Baking Throwdown?
What, is someone at City Hall trying to get a show on the Food Network?

You weren't worried about the city budget anymore, were you? I guess that whole budget thing worked out just fine. What were we all so upset about? And they had enough money left in the budget to make that special Cake Cape.

ps.: I'm sorry to sound like such a spoil sport. I'm back on the low carb thing again and it's making me really bitter and hateful of city politics. I even lied about the cupcake recipe: I don't have one. I suspect that this bakeoff is dredging up (flour pun intended) my long-buried childhood pain from never having an E-Z Bake Oven when I was eight... oh, but I digress...

Thanks to Emamd for sharing this little bizarre petit four of SF politics with us right before bedtime. I wonder if anyone wants to accompany me Thursday to Room 256 to see this special event. I'm unemployed so it's not like I have anything pressing to do.

Goodnight, Fog City. May visions of coconut cupcakes and tall angel food cakes fill your dreams tonight, without any calories.

now I have to think of something to say

Being blonde was my hair's worst nightmare, I think.
I'm so glad that's all over.

***

I know this is cheating but why waste a good meme? I've become pretty much an antisocial, anti-meme/tagging person but when Pomegranacat on Flickr tagged me, I thought it might be a fun exercise in amongst my Flickr circle since they probably don't read my blog anyway.

You guys already know all about me, don't you? But since I'm apparently not writing anything lately, if you're really hard up for some tangobaby nonsense, you can read stuff you already know about me on my Flickr page.

***

ps.: I have to go to a baseball game today.

Is baseball like mushrooms, where you really don't like them for years and then all of a sudden, you find them to be delicious? I am waiting for my baseball tastebuds to mature. But the Pirates are in town today, which means The Boy must go, which means I'm the sidekick. I go for the bratwurst but I'm so paranoid about getting hit in the head by a foul ball or a splintered bat. Is that just me?

saying goodbye in our way.

My three girls together: my sister, Little Curly Girl, and Little Helen.

***

I never thought I'd laugh as often as I cried. But I did laugh. We all did.

We laughed a lot. We told stories. We still burst into tears at different times, depending on the person, but it wasn't all crying all the time.

When my mom and I went to the funeral home to iron out the details for the service, we couldn't help abhorring the depressing Muzak playing throughout the dim blandness. We resolved to bring our own tunes, music that Little Helen liked. We brought Harry James, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw.

Before the service, Little Curly Girl wanted to dance. So I picked her up and put her on my hip, and we danced to Glenn Miller's "In the Mood."

LCG giggled as we danced and whispered in my ear: "Dip me." She likes to be dipped.

"Which way, front or back?" I asked. We dipped both ways.

Little Curly Girl went up to the coffin a few times, sometimes with her mom and once with me. She said to me, "I want to see her inside." I told her we can't do that but that Grammy's resting in there. LCG looks at me all serious and says, "I'm pretty sad that Grammy died." Nods her head. "I'm pretty sad," she repeats solemnly.

I said, "I understand. I'm pretty sad, too."

***

During the service, the rabbi had all of us go around the room and say who we were and perhaps share a story or memory about Little Helen. I really did not think I could do it. I was one of the last people to have their turn, and everyone kept saying, "Well, I met Helen through..." to start their story.

When it was my turn to speak, still not sure what I would say, it came to me... I said, "I met Helen through my mom." And got a room full of laughter. So then I could tell my story, too.

***

I didn't realize how long it's been since I really could remember my grandma in her good and sweet humor, her chubbiness, her funny way and how I used to tease her. When someone's sick for a long time, you can only focus on what is immediately in front of you and it's hard to keep it happy. I was so glad to recover the lady that I loved so well, through our shared stories, through our shared laughter last week.

A friend said to me, funerals are for the living. I didn't really understand what he meant until now, but it's true. That togetherness is what makes the loss and sadness bearable. It doesn't make it go away but it makes you realize that you will go on, and that others care.

***

One of my favorite songs is Kitty Kallen singing "It's Been a Long, Long Time." It just about killed me when I heard it played at the service, but when I got home today, I realized I wanted to play it here in this post. I found some old photos of Little Helen, ones that I had forgotten I had, photos of when she was young and voluptuous and lovely and newly married, and perhaps she danced to or sang this song.

Of course I cried my eyes out just putting these photos to music, but it also felt so right and sweet that I'm glad I did. And it is such a perfect song.