For Celeste.

I have some very sad news to share.

I am still processing the loss of a friend's girlfriend. It was a freak, fucked up accident and it has taken her life. The hit-and run by a stolen car on a Saturday early afternoon in Oakland that took the life of artist Celeste while she was walking to her studio were devastating shocking news.

There are no words. Writing and sharing with others has helped a little bit heal in various ways in the past. It is a continuing work in progress.

Below is a picture of Celeste I took about year 1/2 ago when we celebrated Brian's birthday at the ballpark.
I will always remember her awesome smiles, beautiful presence, kindness and that sincere and light air to herself that was contagious. A very peaceful approach to everything.

She was a fellow CCA [Formerly CCAC when we attended] student, and we took a class together many years ago. She had become an established, awesome jewelry designer.
Our thoughts and our support are with Brian during difficult time.

--
I'd like to think I chose to remain an optimist and cherish in absolute bliss moments in the present surrounded by nature and family, and friends.
Sometimes life makes it very difficult to do so, but the sun will come up again tomorrow.
Here we are, trying. Observing.

Life is brutal, and precious. and a mysterious ride.
Meli.

× | SFChronicle: Artist killed in Oakland hit-run remembered as 'beautiful soul’

Author talk: Girl in a Band by Kim Gordon w/ Carrie Brownstein at the JCCSF.

This past Wednesday, alongside lots of women, I attended an author talk: Girl in a Band by Kim Gordon w/ Carrie Brownstein at the Jewish Community Center here in San Francisco. I am such a space cadet for buying tickets and forgetting, only to remember once they sell out, that I made the effort to get them last November.



I sketched them both, it was a bit too dark so I didn't want to force my eyes too much, but did capture somewhat a few lines and quotes. Kim's energy is just like her art and music - short words, direct description and that punk attitude of well, and so what, that carries through no matter the stage of life. She is 61 and I can't wait to finish the book soon.

Her glittery boots, such rock star. you can see her wearing them here: LINK

Carrie Brownstein was a great mix of fun and sharp humor in interviewing her, their camaraderie they have is palpable. They both had matching red lipstick. Too cool.

The JCC is great for lectures, the tickets are by row and number and all is pretty organized. Before the lecture started, they played a slideshow of upcoming events but was glad to snap this one right spot-on before the lecture started:


They sad no pictures, but I'm sure many of us did quietly. I took just a quick sneaky one without raising my phone and its annoying glare for people behind you to see. Not bad for taken from the belly, but needed a quick reference point to finish my drawing later that evening. Guilty.


Green Apples had a pop-up booth in which they sold her book, then the author signing happen next to it. After the lecture I had to use the ladies room, and because this place was filled with rad women, one guided the last ones in the long line, to the additional stalls in the second floor. Nice view!


Swoon.



Outside this cool 90's specialized bike made me smile.


The JCC is at Presidio and California. The event's video will probably be up-loaded later this month, but you can check out past lecture videos and information jccsf.org/arts-ideas

× M.

An evening with Armistead Maupin, at Kepler's Books and Magazines in Menlo Park.

Last week Diana and I attended Armistead Maupin's talk at Kepler's Books and Magazines down in Menlo Park.

If you are familiar with his work and narrative style, Armistead is just as effervescent as he is in print (and characters!) with rather timeless and fun engagement to anyone listening. Diana and I were some of the youngest in the audience of enthusiastic readers from all walks of life.

At the end of the author talk, we lined up to get his book signed the last Tales of the City installment “The Days of Anna Madrigal” I asked him if he'd be so kind to also sign the sketch I've done of him through the lecture, he LOVED it — I was over the moon.

He looked through back entries of my journal, and said, “Oh maybe I shouldn't” I, being equally curious completely understand. I quickly said “Oh, no” wanting to say “Oh, no problem” I was just so excited to meet him :)

The author talk was alongside NYT columnist and SF resident Scott James and their conversation was easy to hear and follow. I hadn't been to Kepler's in ages and didn't know their new management had such a great author series. Worth a quick trip down to Menlo Park, a Caltrain ride away (They are right next to the Menlo Park stop).
On our way out, Diana and I met the manager of Kepler's and he asked how our evening was. It was so well organized, I was so impressed and pleased. We'll definitely be back!

I've briefly mentioned Maupin before on this blog, and I began reading his material in my 20s. I started re-reading him in my 30s and, as most things in life, it made so much more sense.

It was a complete delight to finally meet Mr. Maupin, and listen to him read us a sneak peek of his memoir, was just so touching. Thank you.

--
× Some pictures from the event:





Arrived a bit early. There were approx 250 of us in the audience, seated comfortably!


Here is Maupin from where I sat, alongside Scott James, while I sketched.


Thanks Diana for coming along :)
M.