Melissa on the Porch

This is a self portrait Melissa took during her photography class years in the late 1990s.

Kathleen in Out Mag

Back in the late 90s I subscribed to Out Magazine. I remember coming across the below photo and article in, I guess maybe, the Summer of 1998. I had no idea who Kathleen Hanna was, or knew of Bikini Kill, but something made me tear this page out and put it in an album. First off, her face is perfect, like a China doll's, and I loved her heart-on-the-sleeve tattoo and the sexiness of her underarm hair showing. I guess me at twenty-two wanted to save this pic for me at thirty-nine to discover again, scan, post on my blog, and then cut the picture out and add it to my home's "office" bulletin board. For inspiration. Because Kathleen Hanna inspires me in so very many ways.

Boatwright Road

Snapped this photo out the car window while leaving the University of Richmond. Boatwright still remains one of my favourite roads that I ever got a chance to drive. No clue why, I just thought it was beautiful and winding. It also led to a gorgeous campus and my childhood BFF, Amy.

By the Way...

Everyone's nasty comments about Rachel Dolezal? Yeah, that's bullying. I think we all agree of late that bullying is wrong, so stop making cruel jokes about someone you don't even know. Sure, you can absolutely have an opinion about her, but stop tearing down someone who is living their life in their own way. She is a human being. A person. Someone with feelings and the world does not need anymore hatred. What happened in South Carolina showed us that. Being mean isn't funny or clever or winning. It's pathetic and it is not making the world a better place. So just effing stop. STOP.

Apparently, I'm the Best Sister Ever

(It's kinda true.) My oldest brother, Wayne, recently purchased his first home. When we met up in Center City on Saturday to see The 7th Voyage of Sinbad at The International House, we chatted after the film about favourite classic TV shows. I shared my obsession with Hart to Hart and Wayne mentioned wanting to go back and watch Dallas. So, as a housewarming gift, I went to Amazon and had seasons one and two sent to his new abode. Here is his response:

 

Aunt Helen and Uncle Bud

Simeone with Jaeden

In my quest to see more of the City of Brotherly Love, Jaeden and I went to the Simeone Automotive Foundation Museum yesterday afternoon. Just a stone's throw from the Philly Int'l Airport, I got Jaeden in Fishtown and we were at Simeone in under twenty minutes. I had no expectations, just a hope to see a Maserati and I was not disappointed - it was exquisite. Jaeden had a blast and took pictures of every single car so that he could post them on Facebook and make his dad jealous.

Thankfully the place wasn't crowded at all and we could leisurely walk a few paces behind the fellas in front of us and take our time checking out the cars. I'm no gearhead, but I can definitely appreciate a beautiful automobile, and this place had plenty.

1951 Allard J2

1931 Bentley

1926 Bugatti Type 35

1933 Auburn V12 Speedster

My absolute favourite was the 1938 Bentley Coupe in a shade of green both hideous and gorgeous with red rims that are to die for. I could be a World War II undercover agent or a gangster's moll in this baby. Scratch that, I could be the detective posing as a gangster's moll and then bust the whole lot of them and be on the front pages of every newspaper in the country. "Extree, Extree - Federal Agent poses as mob mistress to take down the Suggins Gang - read all about it!!!!"

1955 Mercedes Benz Gullwing

 Jaeden, goofing off in front of the 1966 Corvette Stingray

The scary side seat on the 1922 Paige Daytona Speedster left us perplexed. Who on Earth would ever choose that seat? I mean, run along side the car before you take that option. That passenger is just asking for a face full of bugs and a couple whacks in the puss with some low hanging branches. Yeesh!

1956 Jaguar D-Type - so funky and space age!

And I got to see my Maserati (1956 300S) - what a beauty...

1962 Ferrari 250GT

1936 Bugatti 57G "Tank"

The next time I go I think I'll plan ahead and bring my big ass Nikon and take better photos. For now, these will have to suffice, even though nothing beats seeing these incredible vehicles in person. If only I could sit in one...I know, I know, fat chance. But a girl's gotta have dreams!