Evoking Images Blog

The coffee shop at the Gadsden. I think Flo was ready to come over and take our orders for some glazed donuts & coffee. This has definitely been a week of being introduced to the "wild west" part of living in this area. I love it!  Yesterday, I met the lovely Julia in Douglas at the Gadsden Hotel. She brought along her two young un's, Daisy & Hank. It was quite the adventure wandering the halls and giant lobby of such a grand hotel. Italian Marble columns, gold leaf decorated carvings, restaurants, saloon, beauty shop, and a vintage front desk. Oh, and the 46 ft. of authentic Tiffany stained glass desert scene as the window...amazing! I took several photos, but will just post the most cool here. I'm still editing, and planning a return trip soon!  

Today I took a ride over to Tombstone with my good friend Kristine. It was a gorgeous blue sky desert day...perfect for a jaunt. We toured the Birdcage museum, which houses amazing historical objects from back in the 1800's when Doc Holliday, Wyatt Earp and the boys. Makes me wanna shout "I'm your Huckleberry!" (except for that I have no idea what it means).  

True story Tonight I had to do a couple of errands downtown after the sun went down. Nothing strange, really. I went to the co-op for a few items, then dropped off some broken down cardboard boxes for recycling. On the way home, I went to check my mail at the post office.  Well, during the day, Bisbee is bustling with people in motion, saying "hello" to one another, a variety of colorful characters for sure. But, nothing that ever makes me nervous or in need of fleeing to the safety of my car with the doors locked, or evacuating the general vicinity. Tonight, though, there were some very gangsta-like characters in front of the Post Office - their beat to shit car parked in one of the 20 minute zones with hip hop rap blaring so loud the windows shook. Maybe I'm missing something and this is more common after dark in our town. I just never saw it before. The strangest thing is, they were just standing there. C'mon guys - take a lesson from our pals Jay & Silent Bob....

Walk Like an Egyptian (do I hear an 80's music blog off in the making?) Actually, this is inspired by El Change O's decision to become Treefrog Isis...cool!

And, today, this is the song....go figure!

What can I say? Sometimes cheesy e-cards do say it best!

So, instead of the giant white square with my Facebook profile picture, I'm trying again with this link: (yes, Emily...you'll have to go into Facebook land to view the album until I figure out some other way...) http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2011630&l=bc0b3&id=1501150105 and http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2011637&l=64890&id=1501150105

On this momentous Inauguration Day, there is partying in the streets of our fair town. The Summer '08 Squad met down at Elmo's at about noon, after many watched the Inaugural speech of Obama's on tv together this morning. We had libations, played pool, danced and sang (gee, sounds like all our other parties) and went for lunch out at Bandito's and Lawmen.  And, now....we're all preparing for tonight's Inaugural Ball, "Bisbee Style" down at the Central School. All I can say is - for this day - Every little thing is gonna be all right! Party On!!!

Well, now that we've gotten beyond the big shindig out in Sierra Vista for Roka (whew, my legs hurt!) it's time for another major celebratory week. Yep, another one! Today we celebrate the amazing life of Martin Luther King, who is hopefully smiling down on us about the fact that tomorrow we will usher in a brand new era with the Inauguration of Barack Obama as our 44th President. Oh yeah! So, here are the Gypsy Singers - coming to you from an old 8x10 glossy I picked up in an antique shop in Sebastopol, California. What will they sing? This ought to be good...

A few days ago I found this colorful bag was left on my doorstep...Oddly, I noticed it just after Emily had come over for a visit. (Now that I think back, I realize Emily's visit and the bag are totally coincidental. I've been gifted with a visit from GIMPY! Now what do I do? Well, the Gimp had been out at the Rock Castle with Emily after Gretchen and Chew-Mee delivered him to her last week, and she adorned him with a cute hat and, well, a new appendage. As seems to be protocol, now that the Chain Mail Gimp has reached me, I am to adorn him as I see fit and pass him on. I haven't decided what to do with him yet, so, he's had to observe me being sick with a cold all week.  Gimpy is bored. Yesterday, I drove to Sierra Vista and took Gimpy along for the ride. We both needed some fresh air. But, after my errands, I decided to stop off and have some sushi. Gimpy waited in the car. I didn't realize when I was thinking aloud how I'd like some EEL after buying some SOCK...

Looks like the HCA is being rallied to a cause! At first I thought this was shenanigans, but, it seems it's the real deal! Well, folks, I'm a proud card-carrying (okay, I don't have a card...a tattoo maybe? stay tuned for that) member of the HCA and I say "I'm In"! Perhaps this is one idea? This is what I'm gonna wear!  http://hillaryclintonarmy.blogspot.com/2009/01/keynote-speaker.html

http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/magazine/2009-inauguration-gallery/index.html I love this photo essay of Obama's new staff. We've got quite the exciting four years ahead of us! Fresh, interesting, intelligent folks. Go OBAMA! (And, yay that Hillary is with them!)

I want to thank all of you for participating and voting (for me, that is...) in the 70's blog-off last week. The contest was just the jump-start I needed to get me truly into some blogging, and you'll be seeing more as time goes on. For now, though, I just want to say that if you see Louise near me and I haven't spotted her yet - please let me know! And, for the record - Louise and Chew Mee - this would not have been the challenge it was were it not for your participation. You both were AWESOME!

I love Roxane and Gretchen's show idea about a "parks and recreation" theme. But, before the morning light, I got to thinking about moonlight songs instead. There are plenty to choose from, but, after last week's escalation into hard rock, I just felt like a "lighter" mood kind of song. So, happy Full Moon (in Cancer) everyone! More posts to come. The contest of last week has brought out a bit of the blogger in me. And, I thank all my fellow contestants for that.  What's next?

You are cordially invited to the official, pre-inauguration opening of The George W. Bush Presidential Library The following rooms will be dedicated: THE TEXAS AIR NATIONAL GUARD ROOM where you don't actually have to show up THE HURRICANE KATRINA ROOM which is still under construction THE ALBERTO GONZALES ROOM where you won't be able to remember anything THE WALTER REED HOSPITAL ROOM where they don't let you in THE GUANTANAMO BAY ROOM where they don't let you out THE NATIONAL DEBT ROOM which is huge and has no ceiling THE TAX CUT ROOM (Admission is restricted to the wealthy) THE AIRPORT MEN'S ROOM where you can meet some of your favorite Republican Senators THE ECONOMY ROOM which is in the toilet THE IRAQ WAR ROOM where, after you complete your first tour, you go back for a second...a third, a fourth... THE DICK CHENEY ROOM i n an undisclosed location, complete with shooting gallery THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION ROOM still empty, but warm...and ge...

Well, folks....it's been an amazing journey. I don't want it to end! But, I need some rest now. My cold has returned and it's knocking me out.  The memories this has conjured are amazing. The "competition" has been a blast. I don't know who will win, but, I truly believe that all of us have done a stellar job. I think we should continue with some other challenge. See where we all go with it. Anyway, for now, we have a Louise Slut Monkey to catch. Zongo wants her dead....plenty are completely pissed at her. And, she laughs........ Til tomorrow, y'all - Rock On!!!!

I'm thinking that Louise is not having a tough time of it tonight as she stays undercover (damn, I wish THAT song was recorded in the 70's)...but, that's a subject for another day.  For now, I think she has caught the interest of this band playing in a roadside club on this quiet, but, full moon Friday night. What do you think?

I have to wonder what Louise is doing tonight as she hides out. She's such a social party animal that I can't imagine her spending a full moon Friday night somewhere in the desert holed up all by herself. Not to mention the fact that she's probably not aware (but suspects) that Zongo is on her trail now. If I were her, I'd stay long gone. But, I'm not her. In my imagination, I kind of see her at Big Nose Kate's in Tombstone, dressed incognito....drinking the leftovers of people's drinks when they aren't looking, making a general nuisance of herself, and flirting with EVERYONE....no exceptions.  She's truly pissing some people off right now. Well, no one said she was smart. Just stoned....

Recruiting a posse around these parts has proven to be quite the challenge. Everyone on the posse knows Louise and has either partied with her, been ripped off by her or had sex with her (or all three). So, I'm not really sure if their hearts are into actually capturing her. We're truly dangling in the air over this and having to trust some pretty questionable characters. Louise is probably laughing her stoned little red ass off right now. The slut! Meanwhile, Cisco Kid (was a friend of mine.....) is the "do-gooder" of the group. But, he drink whiskey, and his sidekick Pancho drink da wine. This might work in our favor, actually, if Louise is anywhere near she will attempt to steal it from them. If they're not passed out, they might even have a chance of nabbing her.  Stay tuned all....and, send your good thoughts and suggestions! The hunt is on full force!

The posse has come down from Tombstone to aid in our search for Louise. That Sock Monkey Slut has blown away her last vodka pump. She's gonna get hauled in! And, I've got somethin' else to say. If I am declared the winner of this 70's song-off tonight, my prize is to see Louise clean up her act. She's gonna head straight to the next AA meeting and we're all gonna hide the drugs & booze from her and see her walk the line. Gee, maybe Sally & Rod can take her home with them for awhile? Sally did offer. Next thing we know, Louise will be crocheting doilies and singing hymns. Can you dig it?

The days grow short, the nights are gone. Since Louise challenged me, I must rock on. I searched for songs, to no avail, now I search YouTube when the night winds wail. And I cheat the hangman, cheated him many times before. The Gimp that tolls the hour has turned sweet lips to sour. Yes, I cheat the hangman and even when life has flown away I leave Louise, Chew-Mee and a Gimp behind.

On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air Up ahead in the distance, I saw shimmering light My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim I had to stop for the night There she stood in the doorway; I heard the mission bell And I was thinking to myself, 'This could be Heaven or this could be Hell' Then she lit up a candle and she showed me the way There were voices down the corridor, I thought I heard them say... Welcome to the Hotel California Such a lovely place (Such a lovely place) Such a lovely face Plenty of room at the Hotel California Any time of year (Any time of year) You can find it here  Photo by Savannah Spearitt

But, she's not gonna do it..... Hot damn! Louise has challenged me to a last minute upgrade to the 70's song off! A western theme. Sheeeeit howdy! What's a girl to do? Play the game!

Well, the Devil went down to Bisbee, he was lookin' for a soul to steal. He was in a bind, cause he was way behind and he was willin' to make a deal. It was Halloween Night and the town was right for findin' willing souls. So, when he met Chew-Mee and Louise Monkey he was ready to start that roll! Louise did the talkin' and the devil did the offerin' for a fiddle made of gold. But, if they lose the devil gets their soul! Well, the deal was struck and I stepped away from the fumes of sulphur and beer. But, I have a feeling the deal is still reelin', cause the Gimp is about to be devoured!

I worked, I got home, I even put in a load of laundry.....but, watch out you two! I'm baaaaack! This duel has been so much fun....I'm really not so competitive as I am excited. But, I'm gonna shred your asses anyway!  Stay tuned!

But, you can count on my return this afternoon! We only have a few hours to go!!!! I've got to catch up to the witty entries by Chew Mee and Louise!

Something just flew by my window. But, I think it more looked like a sock monkey Gimp rather than a bird. I may be wrong, or maybe just Hypnotized, I'm not really sure. Have any of you ever had that happen? 

At the end of the 70's, I found myself in San Francisco. Suddenly, the music of the Summer of Love and then Rockin' 70's were replaced by a strange phenomenon....Disco...I definitely danced my share in the discos (and even worked in a few as a cocktail waitress). What can I say? Bands like The Village People were so out there you just had to stand up and pay attention. Or do the hustle! I thought I'd just include a shot I took last fall at the Folsom Street Fair in the City. These guys baring their asses in leather chaps were looking for Louise, who had just picked their pockets and stole their stash. I don't know if they caught up with her. There was a flogging contest I was about to watch.

In response to the insect kick we've gotten on for the moment - check this out http://www.sundancechannel.com/greenporno?go=watch

Yes, that's what I said - Live in a swamp and be three-dimensional - put a live chicken in your underwear - go into a closet and suck eggs.  Hey, did Louise run into this guy while in Cambodia doing an Eel Dance? I think he might've gotten some of his material from her.... Steve Martin was the first comedian I saw who just blew me away with his genius and hilarity. Even to this day, he still has a presence that just astounds us who have followed his career. Now, let's all hum along to the banjo strumming and sing a weird song!

I'll get on the "more SNL references" that BB has requested. But, I just had to post this one from Grease. What a classic!  Louise, you know you love it!

Bet you weren't expecting this! (I saw Steve Martin in concert in Sacramento in the 70's when he was doing this act and many of his classics.). So, if you wanted more rock music and feel disappointed...well EXCUUUUUSE ME! 

Oh, don't look back!

I know that just pisses Chew-Mee off so bad! Ooooooh! Dynamite with a laser beam - guaranteed to blow your mind!

So, I thought Careful With That Axe, Eugene was only on Pink Floyd's "Relics" album. Turns out the band has been playing it live since 1968 and first released it on "Ummagumma".  So sue me! Well, this one came out in 1970. Those cusp of the decade songs are a little tougher to figure out. Just get down and dance to this and blow it off! Yeah!

Louise sent one of her friends to my house to do some repair work I needed done. I should have known not to ask that slut monkey for a referral. I got this bizarre character who looked like a cross between Sasquatch and Charles Manson. But, because he was Louise's friend (stupid me) I let him in.  Funny, I keep having to tell him to be careful with that Axe. And, he keeps making these odd sounds like he's communing with whales. Does anyone else know Eugene? I'm a little concerned......

Well, I'm not going home to California....but, it's incredible how many great songs are written about it. Joni Mitchell is beyond even trying to describe. Genius, beautiful voice, enduring talent that has thus far carried for decades. It does make me feel just a little homesick.....

Ok, Stevie Wonder has to be one of my most favorite musicians of all time! Every time I hear him I want to sing along and dance. I wore out several vinyl records and cassettes over the years.  Can they Knight American musicians, too? If so....You rock Sir Wonder!

So, what is the appeal we girls had for the drug addicted, leather clad, long haired rockers? I don't know, but, I know I had it bad for Jim Morrison. The Lizard King was so alluring with his talent and looks. It was sad to see him go....

I'd Love to Change the World..... So, this contest has brought back so many memories of the 70's for me. Protesting the Vietnam war, expanding our consciousness and embracing new ideas, breaking away from the "norm". I knew I would leave the city and move "back to the land". This kind of song was one of my big inspirations. More on that note to follow. I truly am on a roll here. It's a catharsis!

but, I'm talkin' bout Shaft! Right on......

In fact, kung-fu fighting with Louise and Chew-Mee could be a little bit frightening. Those cats are fast as lightening!

How do you do it, Louise? You're the epitome of style, personality and ever-transforming art. All this and your breath has the aroma of creosote and aged lumber. It's marvelous. You simply astound me and I stand in awe. 

Handsome young James met his demise while driving that Spyder on a remote California highway the same day I was born into this world. I always kind of romanticized that fact. I feel some sense of awe that such an icon and I share an important date in history. 

Wow, I guess when you're a young rock & roll pup in your twenties, 60 seems ancient. Personally, I still intend to be able to hike up "B" hill when I reach that milestone. 

Oops....that last post had the wrong video in it. So, I'm just gonna post this one. I saw Earth, Wind & Fire a handful of times over the course of the 70's. Awesome funky dancing amazing group. I still love them!

Ok, TRUE STORY here...I went to middle and high school with Roger Voudouris in Sacramento. We were in the school band together and he was such a show-off. His talent was obvious and he had high aspirations to get famous. Actually, he really did do well for himself and just after high school he cut his first album, which was not as disco as he eventually became.  I remember him playing an awesome blonde wood bass in the school...he used to spin it around and then jam on it...even picked the whole thing up once and started doing a Jimi Hendrix playing it with his teeth imitation. It sort of seemed that he had a crush on me, but, being the silly 16 year old I was, I just sort of didn't get it (and had a boyfriend already). But, Roger used to zip around the neighborhood in a little Opel GT car and constantly rib my best friend Deb (also in the band) and I.  Who knew? I think he looks pretty hot here (in a 70's sort of way). Last I heard, our dear Roger died in Sacramento at the age...

So, when I was an innocent 15 year old sophomore at McClatchy High School in Sacramento, a friend of mine named Homer started singing this song while we were hanging out by his huge Lincoln Continental at a Dairy Queen. I was astounded at what a rich voice he had and at first also though he made the song up himself. It was just about disappointing to find out it wasn't his own original. But, I LOVE the Kinks and may post more from them.

Ok, I really could be sitting at this computer all day now that I've been put to the 70's challenge. Just couldn't help responding to Gretchen's comment of "think think!" You can do it!

I went to high school in the early 70's (Sacramento, California to be specific). It was such a strange decade, having just emerged from the 60's era with the new and amazing rock bands and into a decade that couldn't quite decide how to define itself. Many of these bands I saw at concerts and clubs since so many bands toured or are simply from California. Many many awesome memories. Supertramp actually emerged later on in the 70's and I love them. I was just hooked on the title for the blog here. But, now my memory banks are practically over-full with all the ideas and memories.  Stay tuned....the next song could pop up here within the hour!

What a night! My first New Year's celebration in Bisbee was mostly spent working up in the Starlight Room at Roka.  But, at about 11:50, I broke away and walked down the main street with Gabe and Coco blowing horns all the way  and ended up at City Park for the end of the Flam Chen performance. WOW! I took a few photos of the amazing event. Before heading home, I saw the lights on at Ken Wallace's house (of the Bisbee Bicycle Brothel) and enjoyed a few shots of tequila, heard a bit of wonderful music from Ken's vast collection before walking up the hill to my home at about 2 a.m. I love Bisbee! Gonna get some sleep now......