Ode to spring: tow me, jack me

For months and years, Piotr and I discussed hiking up Mt. Cardigan. It's located close to my hometown, and I would hike it often as a lad. Home from university during summers, I'd hike up 2-3 times a week before work. It's a nice half day hike.

Since he was in town for his PhD graduation from Harvard Divinity, we carved out time to finally go. The morning of our adventure, I was to pick him up, and we would proceed on to NH.

About 2/3 the way to his place, I thought, "why is my car riding funny?" and then, "what's that odor?" Fish-philes know I do not have an acute sense of smell, so will not be surprised I didn't recognize it as "burning rubber." Parking at his place, I saw I had a flat tire.

Piotr called AAA, and who shows up, but this wiry but muscled late-20s tow boy. He really had to work to get my tire off, and his black undies were cheerfully exposed by his baggy jeans.

It sure took the edge off the misfortune.

We couldn't go hiking due to the timing, but we managed to go on Monday. It took several days to get a new tire, as well, since my car is so old, they no longer make the tire for it. So they had to hunt one down. Sigh.

Ode to spring: anyone up for Mickey D's?—let me grab my leatherette hot-pants

I was headed to the Shaw's grocery store, when a remarkable sight caught my eye. So remarkable that I had to change direction and head into the neighboring McDonald's to confirm what I thought I'd seen.

There she was, in line, rifling through her giant purse. Crazy top, brown leatherette hot-pants, black undies hanging out the pants' leg-holes. Over-sized boots...they looked like winter boots actually.

I actually had to take a photo for reference. What I didn't even see in real time, but in the photo, was the woman in front of her in line. She was tall, thin, wearing spandex pants, and a green bikini top. She had the build for it, but I was still shocked at what the patronage of McDonald's looks like today.

Though I really haven't been into McDonald's more than maybe thrice after I worked there for a summer when I was 16. Yes, my first job was working the quarter pounder grill. Eight with eight on the turn. If you know what I mean, I feel sorry for you, too.

Ode to spring: pretty girls in unexpected places

Not highly unusual or anything...just unexpected.

My dad recently had shoulder surgery, so I've been up north a bit lately, after my trip to Montreal.

One trip home, there was this totally pretty indie chick working the toll booth. The NH toll takers are generally pretty friendly...but let's just say to find a knock-out is an anomoly. Ok, ok, she wasn't a knock-out, but she looked pretty cool, the type of gal I wish would be my friend.

A few days later, I saw a girl on a bicycle, casually commuting along. Not in cargo shorts or biking spandex, but her snug jeans and polka-dot top. She had a very "Amsterdam" air about her...her pace, her look, and all while bicycling. She was pedaling at a very modest pace...but as I had hurt my back the day before, I didn't have the giddy-up to pass her, hence the detailed observations.

Since I stopped taking the subway and started biking exclusively to work, I observe so fewer people. I kinda miss it.

Ode to spring: sweet child of mine

Welcome to my ode to spring!

In the past month, it's rained maybe 28 days, up until this past weekend. So, any poking out of sun brought people out like crazy. Or, brought the crazies out. Your call. I've captured a few of them, along with a few others who simply caught my eye.

First up, ...um, ...not sure what to say here.

But he was working his trench-coat, top hat, out of control long hair and beard look crazily well. He kind of struck me as Slash from Guns N Roses gone wrong. I dunno.

Keep checking back this week for daily posts!

Drawings inspired by other people's drawings: the next unicorn

When I was in Montréal, I was enamored with Serge's 4-year old daughter's drawings. Children's drawings are great. There is no way adults can draw in the same style, with the same imagination. Even when an adult tries to draw in the style of children, it doesn't quite look the same. Maybe because adults are too mired in "reality" I don't know.

This creature in particular held my attention. I couldn't tell what it was! Serge said, "I think it's a unicorn."

So there you have it. Sort of a Barbapapa-unicorn with a crazy fairy jockey riding it. Here, I've drawn my take on Sofia's work: the fairy flitting about the B-unicorn, who is excited for the ensuing cantor.

Drawings inspired by other people's drawings: A Stranger's Tale

At our charming haunt in Angoulême, Café Chaud, the party before us had left some random drawings on the table (like many place during the International B.D. Festival, the café encourages doodling on placemats, etc.).

Most were poorly drawn and without imagination, but this one page was pretty amazing. I believe it was a jam sketch. The drawing was bad to Ok, but the variety and composition really struck me.

So I gave it the ol' Tim Fish treatment. Indie witch carrying a basket of Easter eggs, a vampire-like diety, and little flying aliens. Nice.

Oh, Angoulême, how you torment me so. I was all set to NOT go this year, but Xavier and Jeff laughed that idea off. Now, of course I want to go again in 2012!

I'm always torn...love to see my friends there, love being at the festival, always inspired by the comics there. But there are so many other places I want to see, as well! And with no new book, it's a pricey annual jaunt. If only money and vacation time weren't an issue. Le sigh.

On the note of travel, Xavier asked about my travel sketch book idea...I'd still love to do it, but am not sure how wise it is to publish. And, I'd still like to get to Brazil and Argentina before I'd go to print...thoughts?

Old lady

Xavier deploys his umbrella at the slightest drop of rain, or mildest of zephyrs.

But, the weather totally sucked on Saturday. We walked around in the rain, going to a few comic and furniture galleries.

Later, out to eat and then bowling. In New England, we still have Candlepin bowling, but I was fascinated by the lane we visited. I have since learned it's Duckpin bowling. Its squat lightweight pins were knocked over as if they were made of marshmallow. And then, somehow were lifted up (perhaps magnetically?) to the pin clearing mechanism.

The next day I headed home, in terrible rain. Not a fun drive, especially solo. Plus, I was all hopped up on sadness and anger. On the way home, my '97 VW GTI (VR6) turned 100,000 miles. Fun!

Oh...I was also bummed out that I couldn't find any postcards on my journey! I bought the Canadian stamps, but no touristy cards to mail.