Showing posts with label Eugene Delacroix. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eugene Delacroix. Show all posts

Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Putting the Valley to Sleep

After ten years (and multiple stop and starts), the Valley must rest as I create a new writing platform.

Reclining Odalisque or Woman with Parakeet by E. Delacroix (1827)


This was the Blog that toppled a Congressman in my district (by proving he didn't live here); It was here I engaged in debates about media bias', anti-semitism on the Left (still going at KPFK), neo-conservatism, Paulbot madness and Winning in Los Angeles and California. 

This is a Blog where I promote unique Muses (i.e. Goths) and discuss personal issues.  But sometimes, you must let the past go to create the new.

I still want to work in DC or Sacramento  (State Senate too) doing Policy work.  But, add London (House of Commons) to that dream as well. I know (and can work IRL) Appropriations and Process. With a touch of public relations.  Hire me. 

Again, I will be a Delegate to the CAGOP.  Soon, I will be writing a nonfiction (and fiction) book.  

The Valley will always be here.  The author is moving.  When I have the new Blog (still deciding upon name and platform), it will be linked here. 

The show ends with Film (short and long) and Music. 

The short film is called Sundays, which questions the Nature of Reality;

The Long Film is Six-String Samurai (1998) a cult favorite

And we finish off with Moby, "Flower" which mixes in a Gospel Spiritual with techno. 

Exeunt Stage Right









Thanks RS, Smitty, Wombat, Pam, Dan and Insty!

See you at the NEXT Blog!


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

The Lonliness of the Long Seeing Politico Goth

[This is a personal post, if you want to know the thinking behind the Blogger, keep reading.  However, this deals with some internal Soul and Heart issues.  Curious? Read on! If you are not interested, read the next post. Thank you for enjoying the Valley -- JSF]

Neil Gaiman's Sandman -- Dream (L) and Death (R) 








If you read the Valley consistently, I'm sure you figured out that I'm a Goth, a Politico and a writer (Topped off with a bit of the genius/madness gene) -- so internal drama is my life.


Lately, in this Summer of Ra (as I jokingly call it), I told my friends that I will be taking a small break from the Goth scene for a month or so.  This post fleshes out that reason.

It has nothing to do with the music or the prices, just some "Internal Drama,"

At my last trip to Ruin, it seemed as if there was a reverse musical chairs that had stopped.  Most people (especially some of the Muses whom I liked) had settled in with partners for the summer.  Others are married or engaged, and as a BIG believer in Karma, I will never break those bonds -- my own honor system forbids it.  As the music ended, I felt on the outs.

This year, I was infatuated with someone I'd call a Chasing Amy situation.  (Think of the Kevin Smith movie.) She has all the qualities I like in a Muse, smart, beautiful and pragmatic about politics.  I don't care about her day job (suffice to say, NSFW here), because I respect her.  I'm a Social Libertarian, as long as everyone is adult and consenting, I don't care (nor should Government).

As long as I'm couch surfing throughout the basin (and waiting to start work at the CRP), it's hard to build anything lasting.  In this Summer of Ra, I cannot go around the basin and interview people for my book until the brakes and a/c are fixed (Hit the Tip jar if you can).  I've already decorated my future apartment, I just need to get the finances for one.  Since I'm somewhat Old fashioned (Goth and Blogger, not so much Old School), I believe in having the job and apartment first before I have the wife and child.  

But I can still look for a short (very short) term relationship or longer, whatever happens.  Life without a Muse makes it hard to write.

As a writer, I believe in putting the words out into the Universe of what I want, and maybe it will come to pass.  Trust me, the work I did on the Southland Fundraiser opened many doors, same rule applies here.

So, what does JSF look for in a Girlfriend and/or Wife?

1)  Smarts -- I cannot date someone who I cannot have a conversation with.

2)  Loves to smile -- Life is a happy journey, we all have our ups and downs, but whereas I remain a cynic, I need a Yin to my Yang.

3) Pragmatic when it comes to Politics and Policy -- Think James Carville and Mary Matalin; They understand how to get votes in the Country (or in my case: Los Angeles and California) and on Capitol Hill.  Idealists scare me.  One issue idealists scare me even more.  A pragmatist would understand "The Great Game," (as I call it) and understand the professionalism behind it.

4) An independent life -- I believe women can do anything or everything (Hence my support of Palin); And I can't stand clinging.  So, if she has her own business' or interests, more power to her!

5) Worldly -- A Muse who understands the world; One can be a Provincial and worldly at the same time.  Think of Return of the Native in Los Angeles (without the sad ending).

6)  An Artist and Lover of Art  -- In the Land of Creatives (and as a Creative myself), I hope to meet someone who can do some type of Art.  Paint, draw, write, sculpt, whatever -- Artists are awesome.  And I enjoy going to museums (and looking for the Eugene Delacroix paintings); It's cooler to have someone to enjoy it with.

7)  A Politico Girl who can Go Goth or a Goth Girl who Be Political -- As the ONLY Californian Conservative Republican, Social Libertarian, Appropriations Policy Understanding, Jewish, Goth Activist (TM), yeah someone who can dance in the dark is a plus.

And the way to a good marriage is to have a good friendship (my parents were married for a long time, I saw the whys and hows they succeeded).

OK, I'm feeling better -- back to the Political world. 

And now some lyrics to one of the songs I dance to, ever looking for a Muse:

I thought that I knew it all
I'd seen all the signs before.
I thought that you were the one
In darkness my heart was won.

You build me up then you knock me down.
You play the fool while I play the clown.
We keep time to the beat of an old slave drum.

You raise my hopes then you raise the odds
You tell me that I dream too much
Now I'm serving time in a domestic graveyard.
I don't believe you anymore ... I don't believe you.

Never let it be said I was untrue
I never found a home inside of you.
Never let it be said I was untrue
I gave you all my time.
 
Enjoy the song!
 
Dead can Dance, The Ubiquitous Mr. Lovegrove  





My question: What makes a good relationship?

Friday, May 08, 2009

Eugene Delacroix with a dash of Chopin

I have always been a fan of Eugene Delacroix. His paintings inspire my writings.

When I first started the Valley, back in 2006, I did Friday Postings of paintings by Eugene Delacroix.

Do you want it to start again?

While you think about that, Enjoy this video with Delacroix's paintings and Chopin's music:




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Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Happy Birthday Valley of the Shadow!

Please join in the Valley of the Shadow Annual Fundraiser. We are raising $7,700. Please hit the Tip Jar here to contribute. Thank you.
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Rather then sing "Happy Birthday!" Let us sing "Spirit Journey Formation Anniversary!"

One year later, this is my original post. I stopped going to the Church, re-read The Great Game and, I now work with an Ad Agency that deals with the Movie Studios here in L.A. My goals and dreams can be seen from this Blog.

This Blog started from the Althouse Vortex (look up to your right and start your own Blog from here) and grew from a Blog about Eugene Delacroix and the Dead to Politics and Policy.

One day, I hope to achieve everything I shoot for.

If you want to help, send me an email.

Thank you for reading. There is more to come.

Sunday, May 21, 2006

A Musical Interlude....

Last night, I hung out with my friend Toni who took me to see the LA Philharmonic at
the Walt Disney Concert Hall. I heard two Beethoven pieces and a new piece by Anders Hillborg.

I heard Beethoven's Symphonies 8 and 5. The last time I saw classical music live was when I was in Junior High during a class trip to Lincoln Center. Now, I love rock music, blues, Jazz and techno, but I forgot how, in the hands of a Master Composer, music can flow and live.

Some Saturday nights, I visit a Goth club where some bands play. In the midst of that music, you can hear the hints of the Old Masters (occasionally, it can show in a Moby or Blue Man Group piece). Growing up in NYC, you learn how to appreciate Art.

If you haven't noticed the paintings on this Blog, take a look. What makes Delacroix my favorite painter is his passion. If you learn nothing else from this piece, understand:
Passion + Creativity + Audience = Art

Back to the Valley


Friday, May 12, 2006

Delacroix Post #8


The Blog is back! If it's the weekend, that only means one thing: Delacroixpalooza! This painting, Arabian Horses Fighting in a Stable was painted in 1860. You can find it in the Musee D'Orsay in Paris.

Thursday, May 04, 2006

Delacroix Post #7

I am still battling with the Blog (It is Verrry slow from Post to Publish -- Hours slow). Since it is the end of the week, here is a new Delacroix Post called Arab Horseman attack by Lion. Eugene Delacroix painted this 1849-50. It can be seen at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Saturday, April 29, 2006

Delacroix Post #6

Sorry for the belated post, but I have a new gig in LA (while I am waiting to hear from DC) and I am learning the ropes. Speaking of the District, this picture, Arabs Skirmishing in the Mountains was finished in 1863, the year he died (Godspeed) and can now be found at The National Gallery of Art.

Friday, April 14, 2006

Delacroix post #5



In honor of Holy Week. This picture is called Christ on the Lake of Gennesaret. It was painted in 1853 and is being hosted by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC.

Thursday, April 06, 2006

Delacroix post #4



It's Friday, and no matter what else is going on in the world -- it is time for the Delacroix post. This Self-Portrait was painted in 1837 and can be seen in the Louvre.

Friday, March 31, 2006

Delacroix post #3


Another Friday...Another Delacroix painting. This is a drawing by Delacroix during his trip to Morocco. The title of this drawing is called: The Jewish Bride of Tangier. This was drawn in 1832 and you can find it at the Louvre.

Friday, March 24, 2006

Delacroix Post #2


It's Friday...so that means another Delacroix post. This is Entry of the Crusaders into Constantinople on 12 April 1204. Painted in 1840, this can be seen in the Louvre.

Friday, March 17, 2006

Delacroix post #1

In 1830, Eugene Delacroix painted Liberty leading the People. It's vision of revolutionary vigor proved too much for the French Government, that the painting was bought, not to be displayed. Until the reign of Napoleon III, the public could not view it. Delacroix is my favorite painter; I will try once a week to publish his painting and try to bring some culture to this blog. Since I am just getting my feet wet this week on How to Write a Blog, this painting is for my entertainment as well as yours. Hopefully, I will stand with Liberty (Delacroix painted himself on the upper left from Liberty) as I venture into the political waters. Please join me as we venture forward. And, of course, enjoy the view.

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