Celebrations And Solstice

I am oftentimes the first adult that one of my high school art students comes out to. Boys, girls, non-binary or transgender, gay, lesbian or bisexual… I’ve heard and seen it all. Every person’s story, truth and timeline is different but they all know that however they identify, I’m a safe person. I’ve had friends, colleagues and social acquaintances ask me how to talk to their kids when it appears that one of them is LGBTQ. I always say that once you’ve set the table and tone, a kid will decide when they’re ready to talk. All you have to do is be present and make it clear that you accept them and their truth. This formula doesn’t apply exclusively to kids. I’ve found that it has also allowed other adults I know to confide their own private feelings, thoughts, desires or identity-related questions to me. Being a trusted sounding board who is taken into confidence isn’t something I take lightly. Apart from holding these conversations sacred, I’ve been given a greater understanding of the many hues on each of the manifold spectra we call our “identities”. At any age or however you identify, the freedom to be clear about who you are in every aspect of your life is liberating and empowering. When you offer a friend, family member or loved one the latitude to be who or what they need to be, you have opened a door that holds space for their truth… whatever that may be. Never underestimate the power of that priceless gift, which is just as beautiful to give as it is to receive. Happy Pride, everyone… and I mean EVERYONE.

When you get called "Saved By The Bell" all day long

at work... Not by students but by other faculty members. 

I celebrated Prince's birthday with the brand new 3 LP purple vinyl / 2 CD / Blu-Ray box set of Prince And The Revolution Live (1985). Formerly available only on VHS and a substandard 1 to 1 DVD transfer, this restored document of the iconic Purple Rain tour is nothing short of spectacular. For those interested, the deluxe box set contains all physical media, a download of the audio, a poster and a comprehensive tour book. The Prince Estate has done it again and given fans another beautiful archival release to enjoy.

Metropolis

...And that's a wrap on Year 22

ADIOS!

Is it pronounced "gy-ro" or "hee-ro"?

I have now read the memoirs of three Go-Go's: Belinda Carlisle, 

Kathy Valentine and Gina Schock. All we need is for Charlotte 

Caffey and Janie Wiedlin to write one (with an audio book from Jane). 

Some of my favorite 2022 graduates

Didn’t have a “Running Into Mark Harmon” square 

on my flea market bingo card but I ain’t mad at it.

My favorite record vendor let me hold this extremely rare and valuable album by The Chirping Crickets from 1957 featuring a young unknown named Buddy Holly. It goes for approximately 800 dollars however to Bobby it’s priceless. Believe me. I get that.

Father's Day fun at Mom and Dad's house...

Happy Father’s Day To My Genetic Blueprint

I’m about to sit down to work on the first of the 36 final illustrations that will compose my next book. Earlier today, as I often do, I visited the park only to be surprised once again by my sometimes elusive blue heron friend. Mindful of the undertaking I’m about to commence, I knowingly smiled upon seeing him, noting his significance. The blue heron symbolizes self-reliance, self-determination and the ability to evolve and progress. I always seem to be met with totems, messages and cosmic signs at key moments in my life without asking for them to appear and well, this was a big one. Many thanks to my majestic feathered friend, the elementals and all of my guides. Everything is available to all of us if we are open to receive. Stay illuminated. Love, CDM

Volume Number 130 of my diaries and some quick notes.

Always noting, transcribing, compiling and composing. 

So much work ahead but it will all get done. It always does. 

Wishing joyful Summer Solstice and

a beautiful season of prosperity to everyone.

Town And Country: Summer Sights, Sounds & Streets

Catching up on some June / July imagery...

1960s Corvair in Wind Gap, PA.

Flea Markets (as always)

Above and below: Sweet vintage scores.

This is my new friend. 

His name is Seamus.

This is a Luna Moth.

It parked itself outside my house for three days.

RIP Sylvia Miles.

Father's Day

Dad doing Dad things.

I said goodbye to more alumni (for now).

A mural for my workplace has been completed.

Create Your Own Path And Light The Way For Others

Acrylic on canvas. 66 by 89 inches.

And School Year 19 is DONE.

As always, hanging with my buddy Steve.

Judy Garland left us 50 years ago. It has been widely reported that Judy’s death sparked some of the rage that fueled The Stonewall Riots (77 blocks south of her memorial at The Campbell Funeral Home on June 27th). There are many others who disagree. However, what remains clear is that she was a singular, if not troubled talent and a gay icon. Her popularity with gay fans was mocked in Time Magazine in 1967 and even The Village Voice, which reported that The Stonewall Riots were a result of “Sunday fag follies” filled with “limp wrists” and “forces of faggotry”. In the early morning hours of June 28th, after 20,000 mourners (many of them gay men) had lined up for blocks and filed past Judy’s body as it lay in state, there was a raid at The Stonewall by the NYPD. At the time, public displays of homosexuality and “cross dressing” were criminal and grounds for arrest. Raids on gay bars were common... and legal. Something different happened, however, at The Stonewall raid that night... THE GAYS FOUGHT BACK. The myth of the two events being related was created by those who were present at the funeral and later descended upon Stonewall that night as well as the news media. Garland’s funeral was mockingly cited by some reporters as having precipitated the riot. This may or may not be entirely true but the fact remains that Judy’s death and a significant event in the LGBT equality movement are forever linked. So, do me a favor, folks... whether or not you subscribe to the “Judy Garland Started Stonewall” story just remember: Had the events of June 28th not occurred we would not have the culture of LGBT equality that we have today. While you’re congregating with friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives, lovers and strangers during World Pride celebrations take a moment to remember all those who fought back and payed a heavy price to challenge an institutionalized culture of bigotry and hate. Also, let’s raise a glass for Frances Ethel Gumm... aka Judy Garland. THANK YOU JUDY!

Hanging with Steve and Tatyana...

Influencer? Nah... I'm a pizza model.

37 years into her recording career, Madonna is STILL using her music and videos as a platform to expose, highlight, provoke conversation about and comment on our culture. Her newest single and video God Control is perhaps the most astounding and brutal statement she has made about our culture of violence since American Life in 2003. If there was ANY question about her “relevance” (ugh, I hate that word) as an artist and provocateur at age 60, I encourage you to listen to her barrier breaking album Madame X. Much like her albums Erotica and American Life (which had fans and critics split with strong, polarized opinions about the artistic value of each) this album has a far reaching tapestry of sounds woven together in smart and sometimes shocking ways. I definitely believe that like those aforementioned titles, Madame X will later be heralded as having been influential on the way popular music is created and produced. What lies at the root of this album (and ties all three together) is Madonna’s intellect, her ability to tell stories, her insight into music as an omnivorous feast and her capacity to remain inspired and ignited by the world around her. And while we’re at it... Okay, I’m speaking to my gays here. Are you listening? I’d like to remind those of you who throw shade at Madonna’s age, outfits, music and creative choices that she was one of the first public allies the LGBT community had in the 1980s. She was at the forefront of AIDS awareness, education and research when we had a president (Reagan) who had yet to say the word “AIDS” in public. Do you all remember the booklet with facts about AIDS prevention that was included inside all of our copies of Like A Prayer in 1989? The same woman who placed that booklet in your hands is STILL creative, vital and not going away anytime soon. Thank you, Madonna. 

More flea market and antique shop moments...  

Make America Prince Again. 

Age 5 and ALREADY all about freedom. 

Two murals on 14th Street (above) and in Chelsea (below). 

Got a new car... OF COURSE I took it right to Rita's. 

Swipe up for Steve's OnlyFans page. 

Season 3 was the best yet. 

46th Summer - No Filter 

Send for me in Summer... Forever. 

I was walking, as I often do. I was feeling the beauty around me, as I often do. I heard that gentle, knowing voice say, “Stop and take a picture.” And I did. The photo above was the result. Thank you to my guides and thank you Spirit. I know you’re watching and listening to me. I’m listening to you too. 

Stay illuminated, friends... Love, CDM