Picture of the Week #148 "For The Love of Shoes"

Picture of the Week # 148 "For The Love of Shoes" Venice, Italy 2011 Signed and Stamped

I just had to take this picture in the middle of the Venice Carnivale earlier this year. With everyone in exotic costumes parading through the canal lined streets, I must have needed a respite from the festivities. This image is so simple, clean and sexy all at the same time. Stylish too.

Walter

One of the saddest days in the neighborhood. Our LOVED mailman of 25 years is retiring. Mail will never be the same and he will be sorely missed. As he once said: "I don't have a job, I have friends". Best of everything Walter.

Picture of the Week #147 "Don't Even Think About It !"

Picture of the Week #147 "Don't Even Think About It!" Arcadia, California 2011 Signed and Stamped

Yesterday my wife Ann and I were taking her 99 year old mom Clara out to lunch. Clara lives in an assisted living facility run by her Church. When I was looking for a spot to park while Ann was getting her, I saw this unique image. I have no idea if whoever placed those statues was aware of the No Parking sign, but I found it funny. Once again, I couldn't help myself as I am drawn to humorous pictures.

Picture of the Week #146 "Ticking Artist"

Picture of the Week #146 "Ticking Artist" Tokyo, Japan 1989 Signed and Stamped

I had a show at a Museum in Tokyo. Other artists from all over the world joined me at the Harajuku Festival. The artist shown above was named Neil. But sadly I don't remember his last name. He also came from America. We never stayed in touch. I used this show to launch a trip around the world. The Museum and Shiseido gave me $10,000 for per diem and J.A.L. gave me a First Class round trip ticket from L.A. to Tokyo and back. I traded it in to go in one direction around the world. It was $500 cheaper so they gave me that money as well. Remember it was 1989 and a different world. But those two latin words, "per diem" are still my two favorite words in any language. I so miss flying on someone else's dime.

Picture of the Week #145 "Wooden Shoes of Vollendam"

Picture of the Week #145 "Wooden Shoes of Vollendam: Vollendam, Netherlands 1966 Signed and Stamped

I was producing & directing a series of commercials back in 1966 for Ogilvy & Mather Advertising. I don't remember the product but I know I traveled around the Netherlands on my own after shooting with Joop Gesink who was considered a dutch legend. He had built a scale model miniature version of Amsterdam and was known as the Walt Disney of Holland. I think it is still in existence today. I went to Vollendam and Marken on my time off and felt I was transported back in time as not much had changed in centuries. These wooden shoes were very much in use by the locals and not something I ever saw back in New York doorways.