Thursday, November 12, 2009

Rothko Moment


This my Entry. I took this photo from the couch, capturing the green of our living room, the 60's bubble panel, the coral of the dining room, and the hall to the kids room with an 19th century school house clock. Our house is far from minimalist but I do love the quiet calm of artists like Donal Judd and Mark Rothko.
I'm about to journey to Texas to spend some time with my Grandfather, Jimmy Smith. He's been in a nursing home since September after breaking a hip. The news has worsened in the last week as he seems to be wasting away. My Grandfather is an amazing man. He flew B24 Liberators during WW2, the only Captain on his Squad to complete every mission (54). He flew all over Europe, stationed in Norwich, North Africa,and Italy. He took over my great-grandfathers furniture business, a thriving company, contrary to the rough post-depression south. He's always been an inspiration to me, always giving me advice, sneaking cash. My favorite memory is he took me on "The Zipper" at the Cattle Trade Fair in San Antonio when I was about 4 or 5. The zipper is that awful rickety fair ride where you are caged in a little metal compartment and when it takes off, it goes around REALLY fast. I flipped out big time. All I can see is my Grandpa screaming at the fair operator and when it didn't stop he started bashing in the door with his massive cowboy boot. That was pretty much the coolest thing any dude has ever done for me. So Im off with a heavy heart to say goodbye. Wish me luck.