Watch out for that hurdle!
Last month I got an email from the lovely Deb over at The Laughing Doll, letting me know she had selected me for an art/ blogging prize. It's taken me a long time to spread the love, in part because things have been so crazy (have I mentioned I'm moving this Sunday??? Probably not because I think I'm still in denial.) But also because I have a rather ambivalent relationship to prizes...I think it all started when I was in grade two and I was forced to participate in the annual school track meet (everyone was) and I knocked over every. single. hurdle. In front of the entire school. My heart sunk as I heard each one fall behind me and I still feel a little sick to my stomach when I remember the humiliation. I was then "awarded" with one of two cheezy, synthetic 'participant' ribbons, the other three people placing either first second or third. Did they really think that because I was only seven, I didn't know that 'participant' really meant ...
Since then I have lost some prizes, and won some as well, but it's the ones I lose that linger and give me that sickening feeling...I guess my seven-year-old self still hates that fact that for some to win, someone else has to be excluded. Now, obviously this is a very well-intentioned prize (for one, the winners didn't even know they were up for it, so it comes as a pleasant surprise!) so I must push past my terror of prizes and pass it in on in the spirit in which it was given. So thank you to Deb and thank you to everyone whose blogs I read - you inspire and entertain me, and I love being able to see your artwork in process!
From the original post: "This prize has arisen from the daily visits that I dedicate to many blogs which nourish me and enrich me with creativity. In them I see dedication, creativity, care, comradeship, but mainly, ART, much art. I want to share this prize with all those bloggers that entertain me day to day and to share this prize with those who enrich me every day. Doubtlessly, there are many and it will be hard to pick just a few, the people I will name today deserve this prize, as do the very long serious list of bloggers I enjoy to read, but I will name the first 6 and will leave the rest of the work to all the bloggers that visit other's blogs and are nourished by them." So without further adieu...
Nostalgia Video la Deuxieme:
Some of you might remember that a few weeks back I posted a Kate Bush video absolutely oozing with 80s-ness. Well, looking for that video sent me on a bit of a nostalgia whirlwind, and I found this very early, hilarious (but still sexy) video by U2. U2 was such a huge part of my childhood - my mother was basically obsessed with them and she saw them at the El Mocambo in Toronto!!! I know that won't mean anything who's not from Toronto, but suffice to say it was a serious dive and the band was not well-known at all at that point ( 1981, I think) and some woman at the show hand-cuffed herself to a nineteen-year-old Bono on stage! My mom also wrote them fan letters and someone (a woman named Ann) always wrote her back. Pretty crazy when you think about what they've become. Below is the cover of their first album, Boy.
This one's for you, Mama!
I can relate to the forced sports participation thing and the humiliation that goes with it. Ugh I can feel the pain, you have no idea. I've had that happen many a time.
Thanks for including my work among the other wonderful artists. You are one of the first blogs to inspire me to get one started and selling my dolls on Etsy. I look forward to each post and every new doll that comes out of your wonderful imagination!!
U2..ahh! I love U2 specifically old U2.From 1984-87, I use to listen to them everyday on viynl, so anything pre-Jtree just brings back memories from a difficult time period in which I escaped into music. Your mom is so lucky to have seen them back then. The Ann lady who wrote her was either Ann Louise Kelly (management) or Larry's girlfriend and partner with who he is still with and has kids.
Even if they get more commercial, they wil always be my fav. band.Thanks for the video treat.
~Christine
p.s. I should send you a picture of that "U2 Boy",Peter Rowen. He's all grown up and was acting and a professional skateboarder last time I checked. Some of his brothers were in the Virgin Prunes and even though they are disbanded they're into music and Guggi is an artist.Ok I'll stop before I go on about the History of the band..haha!
Posted by: Du Buh Du Designs (Dolls) | March 26, 2008 at 10:16 AM
OH MY!! I am touched to the core of my being!! You are one of my beloved artists... So, I am putting you on the list too. Even though, it is your list and, you know, well, I am doing it anyway :)))) Oh U2.. My heart... My aching heart... Can you believe how young everyone was????? WOW... And you mom, how fab is that?? Hahaa!! Oh, this was sooo much fun!! Thank you!! xoxoxo
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | March 26, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Wow! Thank you for that! You're awesome! :) All these other artists you picked are some of my favorites too!
Where are you moving? How exciting! You mentioned before that your husband builds houses so maybe that is it?!? If so, how wonderful!!! :)
Oh, and U2, they are so great of course! My aunt is a HUGE fan! I've seen them live about 6 times, she always drags me to shows with her!
Posted by: Beth | March 27, 2008 at 03:25 AM
Thank You SO much!! How perfectly sweet of you! :) I'm so glad you enjoy visiting my humble little nook of the web! :) I really enjoy your comments and I love visiting your blog,too!
Your dolls are oh so lovely and your blog is so inspiring! Thank You for sharing your magical world! :)
Posted by: marjorie | March 28, 2008 at 07:40 AM
thankyou very much! i was quite surprised to see that picture of my weird self here, haha!
as for prizes, i am much the same, but to receive one is quite a delight in this manner!
and good luck with your house move - the most exciting, the most stressful venture ever!
xxx
Posted by: lou | March 28, 2008 at 08:02 AM
Your whole post transported me back to my pre-teen years...where I couldn't jump a hurdle or climb the rope in gym or do a chin up...oh the humiliations!!! But listening to U2 was always a great escape;) this is a fabulous list of wonderful artists!! Have a great week!! xox...jenn
Posted by: noodle and lou studio | March 31, 2008 at 11:23 AM
Just thought I would let you know that your link to DuBuhDu Designs is linked to Marmee Craft.
Posted by: morgen | April 12, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Miss You.
Posted by: Susan | April 21, 2008 at 04:50 AM