Happy New Year Wishes From the Muse

So 21013 is almost here folks. Woo hoo!!!! 2012 was very good to me, and I have reason to believe 2013 will be even better

What can I say about Museworthy except that we had a terrific year of blogging. Art, music, modeling tales, stories, laughs, poetry. All the usual goodies. And it’s going to continue, you can count on that. The support and enthusiasm of my readers keeps me motivated and inspired. It truly is a privilege to blog for all of you.

A New Year’s Nocturne, New York, 1892, Childe Hassam.

And I haven’t forgotten that today is Monday. So the last day of 2012 brings the last Music Monday of the year. What song is more fitting than the classic “Auld Lang Syne”? Here is a memorable version of it

A happy, happy New Year to everyone! Be safe. Be joyous. Enjoy your evening. I’ll see you on the other side.

Halcyon

The noise, the noise. Must block out the noise. The voices. The incoherent words and tortured logic. Dipshit talking heads on television, opportunistic politicians, and an assortment of shrieking jackasses. Oh, you have all the answers? Forgive me, I must have forgotten that I’m supposed to capitulate to your unfailing wisdom. Because I love being lectured. LOVE IT!!!

As the human race continues its descent into soullessness and depravity, earth’s last uncorrupted souls remain in god’s other creatures – the animals. For a bit of sweet serenity during a tragic, painful time, this is Jessie and Calvin having a cat nap in my garden.

I’ll be back very soon, friends.

Jessie and the Moon

Ehhh . . . grrr . . . moods. Perturbation. Agitation. Disquietude. Anxiety. Unease. Confusion. Bewilderment. Angst. Yes, it’s been a bothersome 36 hours. Mind cluttered, thoughts preoccupied, a little tense, a little sad, worries that are both real and (possibly) imagined. In other words, I don’t know what the fuck is going on. That pretty much sums it up in a nutshell.

But we pass through these things. Always. It’s important to know that. And the passing process can be facilitated by some strategically made choices. In my case, those choices usually involve receding in some way. I am a Cancer, which means we are crabs who will retreat into our shells if circumstances require it. We hide, and we like it dammit!

So on Tuesday I had only a morning job at FIT and promptly left Manhattan right afterwards. No shopping, no lunch, no walking around, no museum visits. I just hightailed it back to Queens, fleeing the noise, the chaos, the throngs of people, and the infernal police/fire sirens of midtown. Sure I still moped when I got home but at least I was moping in peace, and in private.

In the early evening I stepped outside to get some air, looked up and noticed the moon – a white half pearl nestled in the blue sky, underlined with a wisp of clouds. Pretty! So I went back inside, got my camera and took a picture with my Canon Powershot:

A short while later I checked on the moon again as the night started to fall. This time I had my good camera. The serious camera. My big Nikon. As I stood on the steps outside my kitchen door and prepped my settings for the picture, I suddenly felt warm, affectionate rubbing on my legs. It was my girl, the goddess, Jessie the cat, trying to divert my attention. And it worked. I knelt down and snapped her picture:

Yes, I’m wearing grey sweatpants, the official uniform of a depressed, leave-me-alone mood. Not very attractive or stylish. But at least we have beautiful Jessie. Here she’s thinking, “Can we go inside? I’m hungry. Open the door.”:

So because I have a Dr. Dolittle complex I spoke to Jessie and told her, “Just a minute, baby. Let me photograph the moon then we’ll give you food.” The clouds had long drifted away, the blue had gotten deeper, the moon was a lonely dot:

Jessie wouldn’t leave me alone for a minute. She kept purring and pacing, slinking, and rubbing all over me. This picture, well, just had to be posted

“Come on, man, I’m hungry! Where’s the food?”.

I’m sure many of you know what it’s like to deal with a hungry cat. They are tenacious. But I just needed one last shot of the moon. Why? I mentioned earlier about my zodiac sign of Cancer and how we are prone to moodiness. Well, most astrological signs have a planet as a ruling force. Cancers don’t. We are ruled by the moon. The moody moon. We are moonchildren. No wonder I was so drawn to it at that moment.

Golden Jam

For today’s Music Monday, I am posting a video that I have fallen so in love with I can’t even estimate how many times I’ve watched it. With over five million views on YouTube, this is musician Drew Arcoleo jamming with his friend’s dog, a golden retriever who clearly digs the music.

If this video doesn’t make you smile, then you must have a defect or deficiency in your personality. So watch and enjoy as an adorable Golden Retriever gets its groove on Thanks to Jonah Goldberg of the National Review for posting this on his Twitter.

Prince and the Birds

I came home from work this afternoon to find that a huge flock of migratory blackbirds had invaded my property. What a commotion. They were squawking and yapping, flying and flitting, poking and scavenging, strutting on the ground and perching up in the treetops, flaunting their shiny black feathers, and effectively taking over my garden like a gang of pillagers and plunderers. It seemed like there were hundreds of them. They were everywhere! It was something out of a Hitchcock movie. Naturally I wanted to take a picture of the noisy, marauding band of birds. But the second I opened the window they took off – every last one of them, in unison, flying away in the direction of the park. Boo hoo

Disappointed, I started to put the lens cap on my camera when I noticed my cat Prince nestled in his favorite spot by the flowerpots. He’s really camouflaged in that corner, and he must have been there the whole time during the bird flock craziness. “Prince! I see you there, baby!” Off came the lens cap. I figured if I couldn’t get the picture of the birds I could at least take pictures of another living creature who was a regular garden resident. But I don’t think Prince was in the mood for a photo session. I can read this cat’s mind. So here are his thoughts accompanied by my pictures:

“I’m trying to chill out here. First those crazy birds were making all kinds of racket, and now you’re pointing a camera at me from the house. Can I be left alone please?”

“Oh, so now you’ve moved over to the bedroom window, is that it? Trying to get closer and disturb my quiet time even more. Can’t I get a moment’s peace?”

“I’m not liking this one bit. You’re literally hanging out the window taking pictures of me! Not cool. Not cool at all.”

“I’m stretching my legs and then I’m outta here. Fuck you.”

Music At 400

Before I get to “Music Monday”, I want to ask if anyone happened to watch “Great Migrations” on the National Geographic channel last night? And if so, were you as blown away by it as I was? Oh man. It was absolutely incredible. I’m a nature show geek anyway, but this one was so stunning, so moving and utterly fascinating I was thinking about it all day at work today. Couldn’t get it out of my mind -the monarch butterflies, the sperm whales, and those crabs! Wow. Just wow. The most powerful and dramatic segment, I thought, was the wildebeests crossing the river. For those of you who missed it, you can check it out at the NatGeo website.

It turns out that this is Museworthy’s 400th post! Cool. I didn’t even notice it until recently, so I haven’t planned any special commemoration. I think just the fact that I have the capacity to babble on and on and on for 400 blog posts speaks for itself

So rather than try to be clever or cute, I’m just going to post a music-themed painting I like and accompany it with an audio file of music for which I have a deep fondness.

This is Arcadia by American artist Henry Siddons Mowbray. Lovely ladies, lovely instruments, and lovely composition. Loveliness all around!

And this, my friends, is possibly the most beautiful piece of symphonic music ever composed in my opinion. It is the luscious, poignant, exquisitely-crafted third movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, “Adagio Molto E Cantible”. It swirls and rises, gets elegantly tangled and untangled. It has always, to me, sounded like love. It’s 16 minutes long, but I hope you all give it a listen. Here’s to 400 blog posts! :pops champagne:

Jackson Up A Tree

So the past few mornings I’ve had to will myself out of bed. If I didn’t have all this art modeling work I’d probably stay nestled under the warm covers, possibly for hours, sleeping, moping, isolating myself like the dejected little baby that I am these days. But after a couple of sleepy hits on the snooze button of my alarm, I finally pulled myself out of bed this morning. I rubbed my eyes and looked out my bedroom window to find my cat, Jackson, way up in the dogwood tree. It certainly put a smile on face. It was so cute in fact that I got my camera and went out there, with bed hair and sweatpants, and took a picture of his crazy cat ass:

The boy is completely nuts, and I love him for it. And his little white nose. There’s a backstory to this. A roaming tomcat is harassing the other cats in the neighborhood, and an all-out turf war has erupted. I’m pretty sure Jackson was chased up the tree by the tomcat thug. From what I’ve observed there seems to be some bad blood between those two. Ah, cat drama.

I’m sorry to have missed a music post this week. Hope you all forgive me. If it’s any consolation, it’s not solely my mood that’s put me out of synch. It’s a really busy work schedule plus organizing for my mother’s 75th birthday next week. A lot of fun stuff in the works for that terrific, auspicious occasion and my brother, sister-in-law, and I are busy with those plans. So it’s really a very good time

Hang in there with me, my friends. I’m here, I’ll be fine, I’m still blogging. And my cats will probably still run up trees

Pet Commandments

My mother’s friend Karla, who is coping with the gradual health deterioration of her beloved 16 year old dachshund Sparky, sent out this wonderful email. I’m sure it is giving her some comfort as she prepares for the inevitable. Since many of my readers are pet owners/animal lovers, I thought I’d share Karla’s mailing here – the pet commandments. I was sobbing by the end of it

A Pet’s Ten Commandments:

1. My life is likely to last 10-15 years. Any separation from you is likely to be painful.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial for my well-being.

4. Don’t be angry with me for long and don’t lock me up as punishment. You have your work, your friends, your entertainment, but I have only you.

5. Talk to me. Even if I don’t understand your words, I do understand your voice when speaking to me.

6. Be aware that however you treat me, I will never forget it.

7. Before you hit me, before you strike me, remember that I could hurt you, and yet, I choose not to bite you.

8. Before you scold me for being lazy or uncooperative, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I’m not getting the right food, I have been in the sun too long, or my heart might be getting old or weak.

9. Please take care of me when I grow old. You too, will grow old.

10. On the ultimate difficult journey, go with me please… Never say you can’t bear to watch. Don’t make me face this alone. Everything is easier for me if you are there, because I love you so.

An extraordinary piece of writing that was of great comfort to me when our family dog Gracie passed away was Eugene O’Neill’s “Last Will and Testament of an Extremely Distinguished Dog”. He wrote it upon the death of his dog, Blemie. Another tearjerker.

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one’s soul remains unawakened.”

- Anatole France

Frida Kahlo hugging her dog:

Have a terrific weekend, everyone. And I’ll see you back here for the first installment of “Music Mondays”!

Claudia

Brotherly Love

Whew. I’m tired. Two hectic days can really knock you out. Between Flora Giffuni’s memorial and my mother’s birthday and an art modeling double at Spring Studio today, I’m pooped! And I have FIT in the morning. I think I need to take bigger doses of ginseng or B vitamins or something. Maybe espresso administered through an IV? I’m home unwinding right now and hope to get a good, restful night’s sleep. That’s what I really need.

Back in June, I posted about the two adorable kittens who were born in my garden to their feral mommy, Punk. Thought some of you might like an update on those siblings. You’ll be happy to know that they are doing really well. Maturing and getting big. And they LOVE having their pictures taken! So ladies and gentlemen, I present the two brothers, Prince and Jackson

Humane Pursuits

What a marvelous two days I just had, and neither art nor art modeling was involved. Instead I was immersed in my other passion, animal rights advocacy. It began Tuesday night with an event I had marked down in my calendar with felt-tip pen inscribed stars, underlines, arrows, smilie faces, and other enthusiastic adornments. It looked like something you’d see in a fifth grade schoolgirl’s notebook. Why such giddy anticipation? Gene Baur, the co-founder of Farm Sanctuary, spoke at the mid-Manhattan branch of the New York Public Library, and what a terrific turnout! Gene is an inspiring, compassionate, dedicated man and I’m so happy I finally got to meet him. He signed my copy of his book, Farm Sanctuary: Changing Hearts and Minds About Animals and Food, and it was an honor to shake his hand

Then last night I attended Farm Sanctuary’s August activist meeting, another terrific experience. It felt so good being among like-minded people, who came from all generations and walks of life, yet shared a common ethical and humane philosophy regarding the treatment of animals in agribusiness and the factory farm system.

The main topic of last night’s meeting agenda was the 2009 Walk For Farm Animals event. We are pysched!! The New York City walk will be on Sunday, October 4, but there will be walks held in cities throughout the United States: Los Angeles, San Franciso, Phoenix, Santa Monica, Denver, Hartford, Miami. Atlanta, Chicago, Minneapolis, Cleveland, Buffalo, Portland, Philadelphia, Austin, Richmond, are just a few of the cities participating. Our Canadian supporters are holding walks in Toronto and Vancouver. Any of my readers who are interested in this event can check for their city on the locations page.

And I’m not done yet. Next week I have another meeting with my other group Mercy for Animals. The midwest-based organization has now opened a New York headquarters and has already organized a network of supporters and volunteers. We had a launch party last month, and it was a blast!

I’m back to work tomorrow and throughout the weekend. I anticipate that my fall schedule will be pretty full and active, wonderfully integrated with art modeling and animal campaigns. No problem. Its easy. Nude one day, activist T-shirt clad the next

Peace and love to you all . . .

As long as humans continue to be the ruthless destroyer of other beings, we will never know health or peace. For as long as people massacre animals, they will kill each other. Indeed, those who sow the seed of murder and pain will never reap joy or love.

- Pythagoras

“The Cove”

To all Museworthy readers; if you have the opportunity, if a theater near you is showing it, I urge you to go see the movie “The Cove”. I saw it yesterday here in New York at the Angelika, and I am still stunned, heartbroken, angered, and profoundly moved by what I saw. I can’t even fully describe what I’m feeling. I just bumped my planned blog post to put this one up instead, that’s how strongly I am compelled to get the word out.

You know how most movie trailers make a movie look better than it really is? Well that’s not the case here. This is harrowing, impassioned filmmaking. Check out this trailer.

If you care about the earth, animals, and the environment, if you want to know the ugly truth beneath the surface and the deceitful actions of government, or if you just appreciate extraordinary documentary films, then you must see “The Cove”.

Check for screenings and read reviews at The Cove website.

Cat in a Box

You have not truly lived until you have witnessed a cat in a box. If you haven’t, then you are missing out on one of life’s most profound experiences. Problems at work? Look at a cat in a box. Marital discord? Look at a cat in a box. Named as a defendant in a multi-million dollar lawsuit? Ah, forget it. Just look at a cat in box

This is the secret to life right here. My boy Monty, IN A BOX!

His BFF, known as Punk, IN A BOX!

My blogging friend and fellow artist’s model Waverly made the wise suggestion recently that I publish a cat post to lift my spirits out from the evil beast. I told her I would follow her advice and with a “surprise”. So here it is. When Punk showed up out of nowhere last year, I assumed she was a male but with no actual proof. It turns out she is a female, and has graced my garden with two precious creatures. Congratulate me everyone. I’m a grandmother!!!

Here are Punk’s twin babies, IN A BOX!!!!!!

Monty is NOT the father. The father is some strange roaming male who was harassing Punk for a couple of days and has never been seen again since knocking her up. Typical male! Only cares about sex

Punk and one of her troublemakers hanging out by the hydrangea bushes:

I’ve already spoken to my local vet. They told me that they do spay feral females and that I can bring Punk in as soon as the kittens are weaned. She lets me pick her up without too much resistance, so I’ll be able to place her in a box – um, “carrier”.

Monty again, ON TOP OF a box. He broke it from doing this. It collapsed right under him after I took this picture:

If you’re wondering what came in that box, it was something beautiful for my garden. Here he is:

Because I’m totally obsessed with this, here’s Monty one more time, IN A BOX!!!!!!

I don’t know what I would do during these difficult weeks without the wonders of nature and animals. They provide immeasurable joys and smiles. You were right Waverly, thank you.

My hydrangea bushes in their blooming glory:

Love in the Afternoon

Radiant midday sun. Melting remains of a three day-old snowfall. Neighborhood birds chirping in the trees. And two feral cats. Nuzzling, rubbing, purring, doing a friendship dance, displaying affection, protection, companionship, and never leaving each other’s side. They are Monty and Punk, and they have bonded beautifully over the past couple of months. They are the best of friends, and they love each other! This particular show was a sight to see. As corny as it sounds, I literally felt like I had not a care in the world as I watched these two express their feelings and contentment. It was both entertaining and endearing

Monty and the Punk

My first post of 2009 and it’s not even about art or art modeling. Instead, it’s another cat update about Kate, Monty, and the feral crew of 32nd Road in Queens. For those of you following this saga, the elusive Kate is now returning to my property on a sporadic basis. Yes, the gorgeous little diva has deigned to cross over to the south side of the street. Slumming, I guess She spends a little quality time with Monty, so I assume they’ve reconciled their relationship.

Monty, however, has a new little friend who I have named “the Punk”. The Punk is young, frisky, and rambunctious, a wild, undisciplined, immature adolescent. Monty loves him, but like all adults with youngsters, he’s not always in the mood for the Punk’s high energy antics, mischief, and insatiable need for attention.

I caught the two cuties having a moment the other day. A very cold day. And I’ve provided captions which communicate Monty’s thoughts. He is the striped boy on the right.

“Hi Punk. Please find a way to amuse yourself because I’m not in the mood.”

“Did you hear me, you silly child? I need my space. You look like a crazed maniac. Go stalk birds or something”

“Please, just let me sleep!”

“Oh no, what’s he doing?”

“Just a few quiet moments to myself. Is that too much to ask?”

“He’s behind me isn’t he? Oh joy. I’m gonna get pounced any second. I’m feral, I’m cold, the lady who feeds me is sticking a camera in my face, and I now I have this little Punk on my ass.”

Ahimsa for the Holidays

Ahimsa. A beautiful word with a beautiful meaning. It’s a Sanskrit term for “nonviolence”. More specifically it means abstaining from killing, harming, and/or injuring another living, sentient being. Hence, nonviolence.

Those of you who visit Museworthy solely as an art blog are good to tolerate my occasional “love and compassion toward animals” posts. I sincerely thank you for abiding my digressions. If it were not an issue for which I have profound feelings, I would gladly spare you these off-topic posts. But my feelings are profound, and I am compelled to share this heart-rending, thought-provoking video with all of you.

In spite of the many vocal animal rights groups out there, society’s treatment of animals still remains a topic we’re not allowed to examine in depth. Nor are we allowed to re-think our eating habits, question the ethics of the factory farming system, or fully chastise the animal agriculture industry. Moreover, we are expected to deny our innate sense of interconnectedness with all living beings. We are taught, instead, to value cheeseburgers and hot dogs, mock vegetarians, and insist incorrectly that animals “have no feelings”. The indisputable truth is that animals are conscious and aware. They feel pain, grief, fear, loneliness, sadness. And they are defenseless against human cruelty.

To anyone who has read John Robbins’ books Diet for a New America or The Food Revolution, I’d strongly encourage you to extend your enlightenment and read Dr. Will Tuttle’s incredible book, The World Peace Diet. I just finished it myself, and I haven’t been so affected by a book in a very long time.

This video is from the Farm Sanctuary, an organization I’m proud to support. The narrator’s voice is that of Farm Sanctuary co-founder Gene Baur. A friend of mine said that the first half of this video was one of the hardest things she ever had to watch. But I assure you all that the second half – starting at 2:44 – is worth enduring the horrors of the first.

During this holiday season, remember not just the struggles and suffering of humankind, but of all our friends on earth -our fellow mortals – whose instincts to love, inhabit earth, and live free are equal to ours. Ahimsa for all.

Claudia
xoxo