Flea Market Halloween Finds!

Old Torrance flea again.... Bought this "Satellite of love" TV then later that day heard the news that Lou Reed had died. Must be a hug from the heavens.

Picked up some old die cast cars (I think mainly from the 80's) Got this huge old plastic supermarket Richard Petty Stock Car for 5 bucks!

Got an old Madballs plastic lunchbox which found a home at my shop as did the plastic figure cup of The Rock.

Went looking for stuff to paint, but left with toys mostly. That's always the way it goes. You find what you weren't looking for every time. We had a good time. Sharon picked up a red bake-a-lite domino bracelet which she was stoked with. Good to get out a walk around for a bit. When I got to work I was sleepy, but happy (then bummed when I heard about Lou, but I did get a nice TV and I painted a memorial tribute bottle to remember the day.) Such a perfect day.

I love to watch things on T.V.

Bumming out on the loss of Lou Reed. I sat at my shop and painted a memorial bottle to mark the sad day. I love that Pixies song that says, "I like Lou Reed..." because I do like him too. Never mind that the Velvets changed music forever.... or the power of Rock and Roll Animal, the Classic radio hit, "walk on the wild side" Lou was a real original. My uncle Don once interviewed him for his fanzine Back Door Man at Trader Vic's and he said he would not answer any questions unless they bought him drinks, and after they did he gave vauge one word answers. He had a reputation for being a real prick, but that was who he was. I was talking to my eye glass guy who had him sign his lp long ago, and he said he took his marker and made a slash mark on the cover. Lou helped write the now classic and often considered the worst Kiss lp "The Elder". Many Metallica fans hated his "Lulu" collaboration and Metal Machine Music? We will never get another guy like this. He made his own rules. I love the passion he sang with. I loved all of his work. Sad for Laurie Anderson too. We lost an American Icon. Rest in peace, Lou Reed. You were great.

What is sobritety? What is normal?

I have led a pretty much drug and alcohol abuse free life for about 22 years. I lost a few friends and family members to it. Many of my closest friends live fairly sober lives. I am not preaching sobriety, but the friends that never let me down and that I can depended on at least try to keep sober (or they are). What does being sober give you? Eventually you will learn what love is (possibly, if you open your mind to the world not being just about yourself too). You can still enjoy your black metal and pagan thoughts too. You may learn to find balance between good and bad (or Heaven and Hell... you know what I mean.) You still need to vent stress now and then (for me I like some good hard rock music now and then and some good art books, but that's just me.) Food remains my big challenge now, but with small steps I am finding balance, but I am very sure I will never be Normal. That does not make me special. I am not alone in being abnormal. (and that is good.) I have a few support groups and therapists to get me in this healthier, happier direction. This help works if you trust in others and open up to the idea (again) that it is not just about you, and that others have the same feelings and problems you do, and that is a group or with others you heal better than just on your own. Don't give up the fight. Rage against the dying of the light! Peace be with you. (Maybe I am Normal? Nope, I am Scott Aicher.)