Fuck - I own a puppy!

She is eight weeks old, I have no idea what I'm doing and we still don't have a name. I was thinking Betsy... something super gay.

Any ideas?

The Universe of Keith Haring

'I knew he could hear me, even in his state. I said to him - don't worry your legacy will live on. He stopped shaking and then he died...'

Oh sweetie, one has just finished watching TUOKH, it finally got delivered, and once again another must see documentary.

For starters it was so strange hearing him speak, when you read so much about someone you create a voice in your head so when you eventually hear theirs it always comes as a shock. Secondly he reminded me (scarily) of someone I used to work with... take a guess?

I enjoyed watching because, for me, it answered a lot of questions. Also, after reading the coffee table book it was nice to hear and see people who had been mentioned talk about Keith and the impact he had and still has on their lives and many others.

A very amazing, oddly attractive, artist that was one of a kind.

Books. Past, present and future.

Past: I finally finished ready 'The Secret Life of Bees' and f**king loved it. A sweet, sad and funny tale about a girl named Lily who lives in South Carolina in the mid 60's. Two words my friend - READ IT.

Present: 'The Birth House' is the book I have just started. It was given to me by my gorgeous friend Sacha who recommended I read The Secret Life of Bees.

Future: 'Annie Leibovitz at Work'. After watching a documentary about this amazing woman I automatically added this to my Birthday list. One has already had a peruse and I look forward to picking this one up as soon as my current read is done.

Grey Gardens

I should have seen this film a long, long time ago.

Beautifully engaging, remarkably funny and undeniably one of my new favorites. Once ended the first thing I wanted to do was rewind, and lose myself again in the world of Grey Gardens.

Here are two of the best quotes;

Little Edie - "'Course, I'm mad about animals, but raccoons and cats become a little bit boring. I mean, for too long a time."

Little Edie - "You can't have your cake and eat it, too in life."

Big Eddie - "Oh yes, I did. I had my cake, loved it, masticated it, chewed it and had everything I wanted."

Red Velvet Cupcakes

These have become ones signature cupcake. This time I added vanilla seeds to the cream cheese icing to give it a little something extra.

Film: The Color Purple

I am completely and utterly ashamed to admit that I, a gay man, watched The Color Purple, for the first time EVER, yesterday.

I cried so hard I could barely breathe, it was like watching the Coronation Street Christmas special on the biggest come down of ones life. 

Oh Miss Celie... 

SONG: Pacific Rhythm by Quiet Village

I fucking love this song. Go to video bar on the right hand side and sit back, relax and enjoy. 

Kitchen - The morning after.

The party was fun, everyone got drunk and stoned, people fell over, cried, got high from the helium tank, ate, drank more, broke things and generally had a good time. 

This photo I took in the morning, before the clean up. 

My Manhattan themed Birthday party!

Henry asked me to leave the house 5hrs before my party started so he could prepare/decorate. My man went to town.  

There were two 4ft canvas with I 'heart' NY, and I 'heart' MD painted onto them. Helium balloons matching the American flag colors. To snack we had pizza and pretzels and the cocktails du jour were Manhattans and Cosmos. NYC Cheesecake was what ones candles arrived on and my gift list included a new book by Annie Leibovitz, lots of alcohol, a big bag of weed and a pipe, a photography book on India and vouchers. Treats is all I can say. 

Film choice - The Universe of Keith Haring

Two things: I have yet to watch this, but it is in the post heading this way. One will review at the end of the week. 

Finally quit smoking...

... and now have a cold. 

So sweetie, after hearing the news that most of my friends have quit smoking, I made a personal decision to follow suit and stop. 

I have only reached the end of week one, but by the time this god awful cold has gone it will be two weeks and I will be well on my way. 

If only we could of had one of these, EACH, for our days at G.A.Y

MILK!

Got round to seeing the movie this weekend.

I'm still trying to get my head round a few things.

Without a doubt a fantastic film, even brought a tear to this hard-faced-rock.

There was just so much information and i felt a little embarrassed that i didn't know about him and all his work before this movie.

What's you thoughts my love?

Artist: Hussein Chalayan: Design Museum

Finally got there this weekend!

Amazing! You would have loved it. Some really crazy clothes but some incredibly beautiful and considered clothes to hold it all together.

The dresses in the picture were made from moulded poly foam. 

I've spoken to the press office and ordered the 2 on the left for you. Size 2 right?

Self Project

Nothing complete as yet due to my living at the studio but i am half way through a pattern for a wool felt bomber jacket  I'm making.

Sound a little strange but it's gonna be hot, watch this space.

Film

So, i watched 'In The Mood For Love'. Absolutely amazing!

Starring Maggie Cheung and Tony something-or-other. Really beautifully shot and the soundtrack is so slick!

Must see this one, Mr.

Last entry - your turn

Hey sweetie,

I've chosen to discard fashion, men & women, out of this first information swap as one has nothing to report... NOTHING (American Apparel is fashion over here). I'd be most thrilled for you to take the lead on this one. 

I require key, staple pieces that one can mix and match... hated writing that. I'm attending my first gay wedding a week on Saturday and need to wow the crowd - WAVE DARLING, WAVE. 

Also, have you seen Milk yet?

I'm signing out. 

Movies.

Last Chance Harvey - Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman. I'm heading to see this later - I will review on my next entry. 

The Universe of Keith Haring - DVD Release March '09.

The Last Dragon - 80's Classic.

Year of the Dog or Superstar - Molly Shannon stars in both.

Or

Weeds - Season 4. Download it sweetie - fucking hilarious.

Books:

'The Secret Life of Bees' By Sue Monk Kidd. A New York Times bestseller.

I recommend reading this before seeing the movie. One is completely aware that said novel was acknowledged numerous times whilst visiting the homeland over the festive season. However I still suggest you READ, READ, READ this book.

'Keith Haring' By Jeffrey Deitch, Suzanne Geiss and Julia Grue.

Absolutely essential. 

Self project: My first Carrot Cake

I baked this on Saturday for a friends Birthday. It was a little stressful as I only had one cake tin, but besides that it ended nicely and got good reviews. TASTY. 

I took a photo of the 'Last Slice' as proof that I made it. 

I currently have my first chili on the stove which we won't discuss right now... 

Self project: Photography

Title: Unknown

Song: Stevie Wonder - 'Lately'

Complete and utter classic. 

Artist: Christo

Wrapped trees

Riehen, Switzerland

Artist: Christo

Installation: Central Park

Welcome sweetie, so I have set up a blog for our weekly information swap. It's easy, accessible and simple. Oh I feel young again. 

So here it is - enjoy.