La Recessionista Files

Today I was reminded again of how much I love SF. I took Chance to one of his fav dog parks that boasts some of the best views of the city. I was already enjoying our time at the dog park on this clear, crisp Fall day when some guy started busting out jazz tunes on his horn.  At first Chance was puzzled and he tweaked his ears and turned his head from side to side (you know, the way dogs do). Ultimately I think the music put an extra spring in his step. I hope the guy and his horn become regulars.

Little sis is about to turn 32 so we celebrated with a night out. The theme - 1977. The destination - a sleepy pub in Potrero Hill complete with views of the bay, pool tables and a juke box. Feathered hair & bell bottoms. Best dressed of the evening were Bward sporting the peach levi's and Alex in his Richard Simmons shorty shorts & afro.

                 

After dinner Derek was picked up by his company car (a limo!) so we had Aunt Nelda pose for a few pics. And yes, those are leather pants.

The limo driver took a shine to us (perhaps it was the cake and coffee we served her) and she took us all for a joy ride. Aunt Nelda was the first to stand up thru the moon roof, followed by mom and I. Giggling and screaming like a band of wild teenagers we roamed the streets of Gilroy.

We topped things off with a taste of almond-infused tequila that Aunt Nelda brought back from a recent trip to Cabo. Suprisingly delicious. All in all - a very exciting evening.

             

There are some people in this life who are born to entertain. Great Aunt Nelda is one of those people. She makes each and every person feel so welcome and at home while she puts out a huge spread of delicious food (everything made from scratch) as if there were no work involved.

Like all hostess from her day, dinner starts with cocktail hour and "pickies" our family's term for appetizers. Aunt Nelda's famous cheese ball, marinated mushrooms and baked brie were yummy. This dinner was extra special as we were celebrating Philip's birthday.

During cocktail hour Derek busted out his paraffin wax system. It works like this; dip your hands or feet into melted paraffin and wait a few minutes while your skin soaks up the moisture, then peel off, re-sculpt and find ways to entertain yourself and others with your discarded wax.  I can't even show you some of the pictures.

                   

Here is Jay selling her furry, feathery and leathery creations at the Indie Mart in SF. It was hot n sunny in Potrero hill - a perfect day for outdoor shopping. I tried to buy one of her radical vintage fur collars w/ vintage chain detailing and was finally refused. It seems I stumbled upon my upcoming birthday gift. Yippeeee. Can't wait.

You can find PreenYourself on Etsy  and on Facebook.

       

I love the dia de los muertos celebration. It blends the tradition of remembering those who have passed with a semi-raucous parade, spontaneous performances and candle-lit alters all done in a beautiful, dark aesthetic.

Taking part reminds me of the importance of honoring those who are gone, to truly appreciate the people in my life now and to feel how precious my own life is. Dancing down the streets with marching bands, performers and hundreds of other revelers is a great way to work out the simultaneous feelings of joy and sorrow.

We made an alter for Heather and it was unexpectedly therapeutic to talk to interested strangers about who she was. I think those Aztecs were onto something when they came up with this tradition (at least I think it was the Aztecs).

As you'll see - the 12 Galaxies guy is also a fan. The Apocalypse Puppet Theater was delightful (even though I'm officially over steam-punk style)

If you've never been I encourage you to check it out. Here is a clip of this year's festivities:

                             

The entire night was fun, but I'd have to say the Black Sabbath cover band, Bob Saggeth, was just what the doctor ordered. The band was tight and the lead singer Merren had the crowd in her hand.

Heavy metal takes me right back to my rebellious youth where I just can't help but indulge in some good old-fashioned head banging. Miraculously, my Marie Antoinette wig stood up to the test. It weighed about 5 pounds and held 3 wigs (sewn together), a bird & it's nest, miles of pearls and oodles of ostrich plumes. My favorite mental image from the show has to be Jessica, who is  regal in everyday life and looking every bit the part of the royal Egyptian on this evening, singing along and banging her head. Then there is Deanna the rock n roll elfin goddess, Trystan the punk and Jay working her rock dance moves as a matador. Hard to choose a favorite.

The other highlight of the evening was simply walking the streets of the Mission (it is impossible to get a cab) with our large posse of costumed friends. Actually, it was more like our own private parade. Just watching the crowds go by is a blast. Next year i'm bringing lawn chairs to Valencia St.

Check out a small moment of the genius Bob Saggeth performance:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAYxYkSOdkQ

               

I'll go on record to say that Halloween is SF's best holiday. People in this city are full of creativity and Halloween is a perfect excuse to showcase costuming skill.  It is my favorite season, better than Christmas (sorry Santa).

There is one word to describe our Halloween this year: epic. The excitement started early in the week with various friends stopping by to raid the costume closet. We have 12 foot high ceilings in the attic which made it the obvious destination for our rather large costume collection.

Halloween afternoon started with a short-stack of mini trick or treaters - neighbors Asher and Molly and Ella. Oyyy - so cute. I should have taken pics. Later the glitter, lashes and hairspray flew in full-force as revelers met at our house for make-up, hair and cocktails. Bward stopped by as the pervy priest - classic. We had a big agenda - cell space to see Extra Action Marching Band, Amnesia for a Black Sabbath cover band and a warehouse party in SOMA to hear Bass Nectar.

             

With all the excitement about town it was hard to wait until Halloween to dress up. Last night we checked out Oscar Myers (no relation to the hot dog magnates) and Steppin at the Boom Boom room. I liked them - I guess you'd call them a funk-blues band. We got there for the end of the second set, by the third set the smell of herbaceous cigarettes filled the room. Not surprisingly the third set was filled with those long, jazzy, lyric-free songs that always make me realize how little rhythm I actually have.

Alex and his friend from South Africa were great sports. They dropped by to pick up a Halloween costume and I talked them into dressing up and going out. And this is where a star was born : Alex in his role of "Pimp Daddy". The guy is hilarious, always a show-stopper and he ruled the dance floor.

All is well that ends well, and we ended our night with a trip to Taqueria Cancun. Delish.

               

Dia de Los Muertos is just around the corner. Sunday I had friends over to make alters and offerings in honor of Heather. Spent a quiet, heart-wrenching / heart-warming few days prior going through Heather's digital files. Toughest are the videos...her voice, her laugh...her entire way of being is so distinctive, so memorable. So missable (is that a word, because if it isn't is should be). Because goddamn I miss that girl.  She is supremely missable.

It was great catching-up with old friends. We made art and talked about Heather. Chrissy deemed it "art therapy". So true.

Heather held famous enchilada parties so we followed the art therapy with some spicy enchiladas. Franchesca (Heather's mom) sent out some spices and pinto beans from their family ranch in New Mexico. She also sent along one of Heather's aprons which helped channeled her culinary genius to create our delicious meal.

Neighbors Molly and Asher modeled hats and tried out some new dance moves. Baby Melisse was the most sought-after guest. All in all, a great Sunday and a beautiful way to remember Heather.