STUDIOLO

Life is good.

2010-04-22T17:10:00.000-07:00

A wonderful stay-cation in Truth or Consequences with Mark. Thermal pools=Bliss.

April Fools Day

2010-04-06T19:45:00.001-07:00

Somehow Facebook seems to grab my attention and my little blog sits un-updated. So here is a quick message to report that the thermal pools in Truth or Consequences are doing fine. Life is great in Santa Fe. Winter is fading and the summer holds great promise (assuming Obama stops two wars and ends child poverty in the USA). Onward and upward.

Derek's Meat Ball Party and Revolutionary Salon

2010-02-07T14:34:00.001-08:00

After a tasty meat ball meal with Coca, Ethaan, Annie, Derek and daughter----Mark and I got into a marathon conversation about sustainability in New Mexico, water rights and use, birth rates and female employment opportunities, converting suburbs into community farming villages, sin taxes to pay for universal health care, and basically-----how Mark (as New Mexico's benevolent dictator) could save the southwest.

Treasures tucked away.

2010-01-01T12:30:00.001-08:00

It is amazing what one can find when doing a New Years Eve cleaning. Here we have the twins with Daddio in Anaheim, California--at grandpa's house. Dad must have been home for his yearly one week visit from Indonesia. Ain't we one interesting family?

A Blessed Life

2009-11-07T10:40:00.000-08:00

Three years ago I was just moving into my new home on Canyon Road--wondering what kind of life would unfold in New Mexico. I could never have dreamed how blessed my life would be---with a cozy home, excellent health, supportive Santa Fe comrades, and an inspiring career in public health. LIfe just keeps getting better.

November in Navajo Nation

2009-11-07T10:31:00.000-08:00

The fall has flown by with the focus on the Resiliency Corps--designing the online course and recruiting students. I feel incredibly focused and deeply committed to the next four years with the RESILIENCY CORPS initiative.

This week brought me to Gallup and a training for Navajo health educators. It was an honor to work with such committed people. With Mark as my driver/guide/guru we created an amazing road trip that took me from the El Rancho Hotel--- onto the Reservation and a visit with Mark's friends Jimmy and Gail---and back to SFe through Jemez Springs.

Ian Returns to SFe (for 48 hours)

2009-08-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

Ian takes a road trip from his new home in San Francisco to Santa Fe--with tires melting in the Mohave. A welcome bash is a raving success thanks to Mark's white sangria and special stew mix.

August Morning

2009-08-17T05:59:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful morning in Santa Fe. The patio (pictured) and guest couch are ready for those wanting a lovely get-away. Indian Market is almost here, along with a series of Saturday gatherings (Aug. 29th for sure), so book your trip and enjoy. Good coffee and lively debates on Obama's quest for health care reform are heating up. (One friend said, "If he drops the public option I am moving to Portugal.) It will be a memorable fall for Americans. (As for defining "fall"--well...let us see where Obama goes.)

Elizabeth's Birthweek Celebration

2009-08-14T11:19:00.001-07:00

Somehow the color scheme became red--red--red!

Luis Leaves for New York

2009-08-09T09:54:00.000-07:00

Studiolo hosts a party for comrade Luis--who heads off to Cornell Law School in Ithaca, NY. The day starts with Mark helping me get the patio ready. ( I see Mark sculpting a giant heart out of the ivy--setting the tone for Luis' send off--Mark says it's a random shape.)

Luis, his friends/housemates Al and Robert, and a host of characters make the evening a sweet celebration as our Luis gets ready to depart this week.

Atlanta!

2009-07-24T22:20:00.001-07:00

With a semi-functioning camera lens--I attempt to document an important trip to Atlanta. I presented "the Resiliency Corps" model at the Centers for Disease Control (thanks to Dr. Toomey and Dr. Ruth) and had a wonderful reunion with Lisa Frank at the botanical garden. Was it only four years ago I was strolling the streets of Paris with Lisa?

Canada Attacks!

2009-07-19T09:37:00.000-07:00

Last friday night I was in a hotel room watching TV (a rare experience since I don't own a TV). And on came the scary music and the frightening image of the Canadian flag. The narrator warned us that a "Canadian style health system is being brought to the US." We were warned of rationing and death (as the govt decided we weren't worth saving if we were too old or our treatment was too expensive). Those evil Canadians. God help us innocent Americans.

Geeze, what a mess. I see the insurance companies are up to their old tricks. Will our Democrats hold the line or prove, yet again, that we are a one party system?

To honor those civilized folks up north, I am posting an image from my last trip there---when I was living in Seattle. Yes, this is the pre-NYC Dom taken by my dear friend Shane (a product of the evil single payer health care system).

Lori visits Santa Fe

2009-07-18T22:11:00.000-07:00

After only a short break (of 30+ years), Lori arrives Santa Fe. A total joy to catch up.

the 4th

2009-07-06T10:29:00.000-07:00

Comrade Carlos comes over to discuss poverty and chocolate. Elizabeth and I share bratwurst and homemade lemon cake while pondering how the concept of "community service" is promoted. And fireworks explode as I keep thinking of my summer (three years ago) in Spain----enjoying the beach with Kristin while I mentally prepared to move to the city different.

Kathleen returns to Santa Fe

2009-06-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

Kathleen's worldly adventures takes her to Santa Fe (after Peru) and we enjoy a wonderful evening of catching up (we have 20+ years of history), brainstorming, and pondering our place in the universe. And Heidi (sculptor, gallery owner and bunny owner) joins the party, too.

Resiliency Corps is APPROVED

2009-05-29T16:33:00.000-07:00

After more than six months of planning, promoting, and partnership--my five year initiative THE RESILIENCY CORPS was approved by the Department of Health! Now the work really begins. (Details to follow.)

The Boom Boom Room Patio

2009-05-17T19:50:00.000-07:00

All around Mr. Fix-It and comrade Mark and I combine playday with workday as we cruise Santa Fe and my patio is made very private and party-ready--mixing Balinese style with a tiki hut boom boom room bar look.

Laura in Town

2009-05-16T20:19:00.001-07:00

Dear soulmate sister Laura (right) pops unexpectedly into Santa Fe---and with her visit comes an invite to the Waves and the Tamaya Resort---fab food, meeting her groovy comrade Joy (left), dialogue, shlock inroom movies, hot tubbing, and laughs follow

Sunday Spanish Groove

2009-05-03T20:05:00.001-07:00

Mark and I enjoy a fantastic Spanish meal at the Teahouse on Sunday--eating, drinking, and schmoozing to the tunes of DJ Pablo 77.

The Next Phase in SFe

2009-05-03T10:42:00.000-07:00

Work has taken one excellent turn as I begin work on my five year initiative: The Resiliency Corps, in conjunction wth the Department of Health's Youth Risk and Resiliency Survey. Imagine a county where every "best practice" in youth development and health promotion is implemented. Imagine an empowered community of youth, parents, educators and youth workers.

Cafe 8 Ball finally moves into production and my script (for my first live action film) Crazyland is now being reviewed by local reviewers to make sure that I have captured the eccentricities of Santa Fe in all its glory.

On the home front, Studiolo is looking mighty cool, thanks to comrade and builder Mark--so drop in for a weekend. And I'll see you at The Teahouse's new Spanish Groove Weekends where amazing food and tunes transport one to Barcelona.

Onward and upward as a summerish spring finally arrives.

The "Ian Project" Concludes

2009-05-03T10:34:00.000-07:00

After almost a year of mentorship, creative collaboration, and friendship, Ian moves to San Francisco as planned. He leaves with his completed "Blood Bath" script, as producer of the independent animatd feature length film "Cafe 8 Ball" (now in production), and as script supervisor on my "Crazyland" script. He also scored a comrade's couch in the heart of the City and a lead on one excellent job. The future is his to make and it looks mighty tasty. If you are reading this and have some interesting contacts in the Bay Area, please do share.

Birthweekend

2009-03-23T05:58:00.000-07:00

Screenwriting Amigo Leaves Pecos for SFe

2009-03-01T17:50:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day

2009-02-14T15:05:00.001-08:00

Leona's Big Santa Fe Adventure

2009-01-19T15:38:00.000-08:00

Ian gets ready to roll

2009-01-19T15:36:00.001-08:00

What a Saturday! Waves of laughter, packing, moving, dancing, and great food---proving that Pecos (and Ian and Juan Carlos) can provide one heck of a good time.

3rd Annual Eve of Eve Party

2008-12-29T16:45:00.001-08:00

Co-host Elizabeth cuts the cheesecake as the merry-makers arrive to share stories, resolutions, and dance steps (to Mambo #5).

Scenes from Santa Fe at the end of the year

2008-12-26T20:09:00.001-08:00

Jerimiah

2008-12-18T17:56:00.000-08:00

Meanwhile, as the world turns upside yet again, Jerimiah reports in from the Riodoso area on some interesting projects and insights.

the Train arrives

2008-12-18T17:50:00.000-08:00

Snow Day

2008-12-15T17:06:00.000-08:00

Snow falls and falls. And by 6pm it's pitch black. It's time to hang out with the cupcake trio at the Teahouse.

43 Days

2008-12-08T16:20:00.000-08:00

T-Day

2008-11-28T11:14:00.000-08:00

A great week leading up to Turkey Day celebrations at Dionne's. After creating her wonderful shrine to Obama at the Teahouse, Dionne hosted a fabulous dinner and disco house party (where newbie John-- "who put the 'dance' in Provi-dance RI" --showed up). All is well in Santa Fe (while the world turns upside down).

Turkey Day is close

2008-11-25T19:52:00.000-08:00

Crazy times. Crazier governments. Craziest world.

Teahouse goes groovy

2008-11-19T21:16:00.000-08:00

The world turns upside down every seven seconds but the ginger soy latte matchas at the Teahouse remain a delight.

Something's happening.

2008-11-09T19:27:00.000-08:00

He's a doll!

2008-11-09T19:26:00.000-08:00

Pondering the future

2008-11-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

Post-Rebirth of USA

2008-11-08T11:44:00.000-08:00

A wild few days joy and hope. Now back to working on CAFE8BALL, reading friend's scripts, saving civilization in the land of enchantment, and lots of lattes at the Teahouse.

OBAMARAMA NIGHT of NIGHTS

2008-11-06T19:42:00.000-08:00

It was fantastic! Finally, the 8 year nightmare is over. Let the healing, big dreaming (and hard work) begin.

Albuquerque Calling

2008-11-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

A day of work in Albuquerque with comrades Gil and Peter.

Happy CAFE8BALL day

2008-10-15T17:28:00.001-07:00

Amid global and national manmade disasters---comes good news---we are moving forward with chapter 1 of CAFE8BALL. Stay tuned for details since this revolution needs a good social satire, no?

Meltdown vs. Soak

2008-09-21T10:10:00.000-07:00

WOW. Amid a crazy and chaotic national debate on crashing (and socializing of?) financial markets, housing market crashes, an economy-draining and inhumane war in Iraq, and a presidential election (with the intellectual scrutiny of a high school prom queen contest by the mainstream US media)--it's enough to make a guy go nuts. This is why we have Ten Thousand Waves. Next time you have an existential meltdown-come join me for a soak.

Cafe 8 Ball update

2008-09-21T09:58:00.000-07:00

My independent feature film CAFE 8 BALL moves forward. After all, as the world turns upside down every 7 seconds we might as well have fun, right? To that end, the film's producer Ian (pictured) comes to the rescue. We have reviewed the completed vocal track, the character's designs, and the storyboard for Chapter 1 (out of 8 ten minute chapters). Now comes the animation tests for the 2-D characters. For details visit: www.cafe8ball.com

SFe Railyard Opens

2008-09-14T09:04:00.000-07:00

Amazing. After more than ten years in the making (some say more like 35 years for the train service idea)--the RAILYARD OPENED. It was a delight in many ways. I actually felt, for the first time in SFe,that I was in an urban center. Tons of folks in the new Farmer's Market, lines around the block to get into the new REI (lots of nature/adventure types here). Comrades Anne and Norton joined me for lattes and people watching and green pepper buying. And the train tracks and station are awaiting the train service to Albuquerque in Dec---so it's really going to happen. Who needs a car when the train rolls into town?

They also opened a new park, amid new art galleries and a state-of-the-art youth center (where they teach animation, web design, etc.) Very nice promo was also presented- on going solar and zooming around in an electric car-from China (check out www.mileselectricvehicles.com). Suddenly, at least in our little village, the future looks hopeful.

--For a fun event I ended up watching THE WIZARD OF OZ on a giant screen on Sat. night with Dionne.

All in all---a great addition to the city/village.

2 YEARS!!!!

2008-09-07T11:01:00.000-07:00

I made it. And what a two years it has been in Santa Fe. Seems like only yesterday I was leaving NYC for Bali ( to work on the book Prime)--- getting ready to move to this little village. Now I enjoy my home/studiolo, work full time on education projects with the State Dept of Health, produce my film Cafe 8 Ball, and take time to enjoy a soak at Ten Thousand Wave's communal hot tub under the stars every week (on wisdom Wednesday as comrades like to call it). It's a good life as the world turns upside town every seven seconds.

5 years to go

2008-09-07T10:59:00.000-07:00

2 out of my 7 years in Santa Fe are completed (with good health and spirits). In honor of this accomplishment I planted ivy in front of my home. Will be interesting to see what my fence looks like in 2012 when I move on (and the world ends according to the Mayan calendar).

Vocal Track for Cafe 8 Ball

2008-09-07T10:55:00.000-07:00

Yes, the vocal track for CAFE 8 BALL is done! Finally. Our characters are also looking mighty ready for animation. Actor Cynthia Ruffin records the voice of reporter Kristin.

The Teahouse on Canyon Rd.

2008-09-07T10:50:00.000-07:00

Dionne at the Teahouse continues to add a dash of madness and merrymaking to my life (along with soy ginger matcha lattes on the weekend).

Viva La Revolution

2008-09-07T10:49:00.000-07:00

A few weeks from our historic presidential election. Which way will our country decide to go?

Fiesta in Santa Fe

2008-09-07T10:47:00.000-07:00

OBAMARAMA EVENT

2008-07-06T21:48:00.000-07:00

Chris and Katia join me for Obamarama at the Ross Hahn Gallery.

Obama-Rama Event

2008-06-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

My t-shirt design, along with many other designers, will be showcased at the OBAMA RAMA event at Ross Hahn Gallery on Canyon Road. If you are reading this blog and live near 87501 then come on down to the gallery Sunday the 6th from 4-6pm for friends, fun, fundraising (only if you want a groovy t-shirt--no pressure), and the premiere of the new OBAMA RAMA tea (designed by Teahouse owner Dionne). Stop by the event promo at the Teahouse on Canyon Road and say hi to Max and Kelly (pictured), too.

Katia Cooks

2008-06-26T21:05:00.000-07:00

Katia makes, yet again, a fabulous meal for Max and me.

My new home

2008-06-22T20:32:00.000-07:00

I've decided to go super minimalistic. Stop by the school bus for tea.

Taos

2008-06-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

Another day trip exploring NM includes Taos and Daniel's farm.

Road Trip continues

2008-06-22T17:42:00.000-07:00

Visiting Philene at Window Rock. And Dom drives a car for the first time in 23 years.

Katia in Navaho Nation

2008-06-22T17:39:00.000-07:00

Katia arrives from Berlin. Our big road trip takes up to Navaho Nation.

Anne & Ethaan's SFe Pre-Wedding Reception

2008-06-08T20:02:00.000-07:00

A week before Anne and Ethaan head down to the Bay Area for their wedding, Studiolo throws a party celebrating love forever.

Fab Faith

2008-06-08T19:55:00.000-07:00

A great time had by all as fabulous Faith celebrates in Santa Fe. Dear friend Cathy Kodama joined the reunion (from the 1986 San Francisco "Summer of Love").

Ethaan=B-Boi

2008-05-27T14:25:00.000-07:00

Sunset

2008-05-27T14:23:00.000-07:00

One amazing sky. This is why I am living here. And why you should be visiting.

ABQ

2008-05-27T14:00:00.000-07:00

I chaperone the kids (Anne and her finance Ethaan) as they shop for wedding attire (and pre-wedding reception party outfits for the gig at Studiolo) in Albuquerque.

Ready for Visitors

2008-05-10T14:59:00.000-07:00

It's time for Santa Fe. Studiolo welcomes you--so think about booking a trip this summer. You are welcome.

Spring Comes to Studiolo

2008-05-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

Mary Ellen (comrade and the wonderful editor of the Ten Talks book series and Prime) - and family --come to Santa Fe (which means three trips to Ten Thousand Waves, of course). This is followed by the building of the coyote fence at the Teahouse (with Dionne and friends), and the zen-rocking of my patio (with Ethaan). Yes, spring is here and I'm preparing for a special birthday celebration (of fabulous Faith), a wedding reception (for Anne and Ethaan), a documentary project (with Katia from Berlin), and politically-minded parties (as issues and candidates and campaigns become part of my life).

Tio Domingo's Birthday

2008-03-23T20:49:00.000-07:00

A wonderful time with friends at the Teahouse on Canyon Road.

March Arrives

2008-03-15T21:23:00.000-07:00

The weather turns and blue skies and warmth arrive Santa Fe--just in time to keep me from going crazy. Canyon Road was filled with living dead during the gallery walk on Friday night (illustrating how young people here don't have lots of options for fun). And to prove that I am not a shut in--I hung out with the gang on Saturday night (but was promptly in bed by ten pm).

Launching CAN WE TALK? NEW MEXICO

2008-02-21T18:46:00.000-08:00

CAN WE TALK? NEW MEXICO is real--finally, after ten years of setting up other CAN WE TALK? sites--I get to have my very own program to grow---so exciting. The upgrades and revisions are done----so check out the new online courses--www.canwetalknm.org.

Snow falls in Santa Fe as the revolution continues.

Teahouse Reinvention: Completion!!!

2008-02-02T13:43:00.000-08:00

After a month of working with one lovely cafe owner, a graphic designer, website programmers, cushionmakers, painters, woodworkers, electricians, plumbers, and delightfully eccentric waitstaff, rethinking room themes (do we name it "The Tio Domingo Studio" or "Chai Chai Chai" room? Do we want a library or a Tea Vault? And what about t-shirts?)--it happened. The Teahouse on Canyon Road is officially reinvented. See you there for a ginger soy matcha latte, amigos.

Teahouse Reinvention: 4 Days to Go!

2008-01-27T19:40:00.000-08:00

The race is on--to stain the new TEA BAR--then set up the equipment and 100 teas, hang pictures in the CHAI CHAI CHAI ROOM, make and hang framed chalkboards in the TIO DOMINGO STUDIO, get urns for repotting the plants in the BLUE FLAME ROOM, and totally repaint (the former Tea Bar) and stock with books--the awesome new LIBRARY. And then there is MADAME MAXINES REST ROOM. Can we say, "vanity lighting?"

Will we make it in time for the GRAND REINVENTION PARTY on Feb. Friday the 1st at 7pm?

Will our friends arrive with books to donate to the LIBARARY?

Will there be a run on the Teahouse's fabulous strawberry shortcake?

You bet!!!

10 DAYS TO TEAHOUSE REINVENTION

2008-01-22T20:46:00.000-08:00

I decided to try my hand at coaster and t-shirt design. Mr Ethaan and I collaborate on some crazy ideas that some teahouse somewhere might love.

Teahouse Reinvention: 12 Days to Go!

2008-01-20T21:14:00.000-08:00

The crew hard at work. And most importantly, the koom-bi-ya table is history.

Teahouse Reinvention: Two Weeks to Go!

2008-01-15T21:13:00.000-08:00

Painting, ripping, building, and Tealover Shrine designing.

D for Doglover

2008-01-12T20:09:00.000-08:00

A "woof" moment with Eloise.

A for Albuquerque!

2008-01-12T19:54:00.000-08:00

A fantastic weekend in Albuquerque--- finding a (fiscal agent) home for CAN WE TALK? NEW MEXICO. Now the fundraising can begin. Then a fun evening with Chris and his friend Judy (and other assorted characters at a gathering). The quaint custom of a woman sitting on my lap was very new to me yet I tried to oblige. (NM has strange ways but I do try to fit in.) Sat. followed with a fantastic conference at University of New Mexico on Media (where I scored big time in finding animators for CAFE 8 BALL).

Teahouse Change #1 (In series of 50)

2008-01-10T18:44:00.000-08:00

Ethan paints, I project manage, and Teahouse staff laughs. The reinvention process is going great. Stand by for total reinvention Feb. 1.

Manhattan Memories

2008-01-10T09:53:00.000-08:00

Was it really back in 2000 that I was wearing ties, promoting books (and conflict management), and hanging with groovy editors and Oprah? Nope, that had to be a dream. And was it really healthy for a 6'3" man to weigh only 165 pounds? No way.

Studiolo's 2nd Annual Eve of the Eve Party

2007-12-31T07:25:00.000-08:00

Old comrades and friends came from near and far to celebrate the beginning of something new--a year filled with high hopes, dream projects, and romantic and revolutionary potential. We doubled the party guests from last year producing one very fun night in my casita on icy Canyon Road. Co-hosts shy Bob and groovy Katy and the farolito committee are given many thanks.

Holi-DAZE

2007-12-22T19:44:00.000-08:00

Snow, slumber parties, and soulful reflections take up the end of the year. Soul sister Susan Donatucci and hubby Derek are making sure I'm included in festivities Santa Fe-style (which include cookies, hot tubbing at Ten Thousand Waves and schmoozing with artist-types over the last week of 07). Oh joy!

The Teahouse on Canyon Rd.

2007-12-16T09:13:00.000-08:00

What to do with the down time at the end of the year? I have an idea! About once a day I stroll up the road to get a ginger rice latte or something warm and wonderful. I also get to chat with fellow expat (from NYC) waiter/comrade Max and the always enchanting/stunning Dionne -- who runs the place (in pic). I've been talking with Dionne about reinventing the Teahouse with bold colors and so much more (based on some great bars in Berlin). She is game. Stand by for details on what could be a super fun project to support--with the help of Ethaan (pictured in Teahouse) and our groovy friends who are metal and fabric artists.

Madrid, Snow, and Geekfest

2007-12-15T11:13:00.000-08:00

A trip to the tiny village of Madrid (about 40 min. from Santa Fe) brings me to the Mine Shaft. It's a funky burger joint with a cool mix of transexual waitstaff, bikers, tourists, old hippies with grandkids running around, and yuppies opening up galleries. Then came the snow and Santa Fe got slushy and cold. What better time to host a Geekfest? Friends and sci fi movies on a Friday night make for one good time, no?

First Snowfall in Santa Fe

2007-11-23T12:58:00.000-08:00

Snow falls on my patio. And surreal Santa Fe becomes even more serene.

T-Day Brunch

2007-11-22T11:29:00.000-08:00

The gang drops over to Studiolo for waffles and a little bubbly. And there was a bunny siting in my patio--a good omen so I am told.

Last call at Anne's Birthday Bash

2007-11-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

Anne is all 'growed up' (now that she led the famous New Mexican circle hat dance to the tunes of Prince's "Rasberry Beret.")

Mexico City

2007-10-26T12:30:00.000-07:00

What an amazing city-streets lined with sidewalk bistros that reminded me of Paris, palm pilots and laptops everywhere, public art, political protests, world class museums, beautifully art directed book stores, and great coffee with a public life that is vibrant and welcoming. Think Madrid meets LA (only walkable).

The sky was blue and clear, the Zona Rosa (where I stayed) showed Mexicans enjoying their gay pride (Mexican same-sex couples can become legally partnered). Their sex education in the schools is ahead of most school districts in the States. I saw a love of children, a respect for elders, and a thoughtfulness in all interactions. The Mexican City middle class (which is huge) is enjoying a lovely lifestyle. Add in the works of Frida, Diego, and my fave Miguel Covarrubias-and you have a left leaning, art lover's paradise.

They way things are going in the USA, we might all wish to start thinking about immigrating to civilized Mexico. My guide/amigo Manu was the best so if you plan a trip, he is the tour guide to book.

Scenes from NYC

2007-10-09T09:14:00.000-07:00

A grand time in NYC-starting with a reunion with Cynthia on Central Park West, a Korean spa experience with Laura, waterfall coffee with Carolyn, cruisen 72nd Street Station, recording CAFE 8 BALL's voices with actor Deb and sound designer Tomas, hanging in Steph and Mark's village studio, and ending up in Hudson in Fred's country home.

Cafe 8 Ball now in pre-production

2007-09-15T16:35:00.000-07:00

One Year in Santa Fe

2007-09-07T10:01:00.000-07:00

How the year has flown by. And what adventures and accomplishments: Getting PRIME (by the wonderful Dr Pepper) into print and onto Oprah, buying my first home (on a street with 100 art galleries, no less), growing my CAN WE TALK? RHODE ISLAND project, working with the Attorney General's office of NM to explore development of a new public education program SAFETY AND THE LAW, starting my first feature length animated social satire CAFE 8 BALL, working on my first documentary THE SCHOOL UNDER THE BRIDGE (with friends/filmmakers Katia and Pao), working to set up CAN WE TALK? ARIZONA (if the grant proposal works), joining the political movement for UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IN NM, and making a wonderful set of new friends and comrades.

The day of celebrations start with breakfast at The Teahouse with neighbor/comrade-- the artist and sculptor Antony Corso. Other activities included cheesecake at Antony's gallery, a coffee date with Susan Donatucci at Melo Velo Cafe/Bike Shop, a bike ride around the plaza, Thai iced tea with Max back at the Teahouse and more. LA-based English artist Peter Bowles drops in for a cameo appearance (and a copy of Prime for his friend). The day is crowned with hanging at Ethan and Annes--then dinner at Cafe Pasquals.

Puerto Vallarta

2007-09-04T07:05:00.000-07:00

A last minute vacation to Puerto Vallarta yields relaxing results. Off season--the little village is quite lovely. My buddy Leonardo runs the Cyber Smoothie Shop (where one can use the internet, sip on a banana smoothie, catch up on the latest gossip, watch the locals and gringos pass by, rent an apt., or book a massage with the charming and sweet natured Leo). My apt. had a patio with a view of the village's rooftops where I could watch the clouds pass by and sketch---pondering what my first year in Santa Fe had been all about.

And what a fantastic year is was.

God Love OPRAH (Again)

2007-08-27T17:57:00.000-07:00

Back in 2000, my book Ten Talks (co-authored by Dr. Pepper Schwartz) made it onto OPRAH. A life changing event in so many ways. Now, seven years later, Prime by Dr Pepper has been chosen by Oprah's producers to grace the show this September. My two years of hard work as Dr. Pepper's editorial consultant is paying off---BIG TIME.

Oh-thank-you-she-who-makes-magic and bestsellers-happen.

Santa Fe Life

2007-08-27T17:55:00.000-07:00

Cafe 8 Ball's First Script Reading

2007-08-27T17:46:00.000-07:00

Donatucci, Derek, Anne, Ethan and Catherine (who felt reclining gave her reading of Aunt Nicole more style) gave Cafe 8 Ball it's first reading. This feature length film is really going to happen!

FLAN

2007-08-27T17:43:00.000-07:00

Catherine Comes to Town

2007-08-27T17:29:00.000-07:00

Dear old friend Cath (I met Catherine when I was 21 years old partying in San Francisco on Polk Street) came to Santa Fe for three fabulous days. The Opera, The Teahouse, The Plaza, Cafe Paquals, and the four hand massage at Ten Thousand Waves were great fun. Catherine says, "Massuer Pascal is a god."

Indian Market & Family Night Dinner

2007-08-20T07:21:00.000-07:00

An amazing weekend of art viewing as I attended my first Indian Market. For those of you reading this blog, make sure you make it to Santa Fe next year for this one of a kind event. I bought a print from Ronald Chee, a Navajo artist living in both Costa Mesa, California (where I grew up) and Santa Fe. His print shows the twin Navajo Gods.

After day of a strolling the plaza and the hundreds of Native American artists' booths-- Studiolo hosted a family style dinner with Ann, Ethan, Donatucci and hubby Derek. Donatucci became obsessed with finding landscape architects (hence the phone book), I explained how deals were to be found by buying last years Indian Market bags (in bold red), and Lenny the wonder dog behaved himself as he munched on apples falling from my tree.

Cafe 8 Ball's plot knocks creator off chair

2007-08-20T07:12:00.000-07:00

I mapped out the convoluted plot of the feature length film Cafe 8 Ball for Anne and Ethan. The next thing I knew, I was on the floor. I blame the chair, while others point to weight gain. Does this mean no more nightly flan?

Cafe 8 Ball rolls into pre production

2007-08-17T17:33:00.000-07:00

Met with animator Steve from Taos. It's official. We begin pre-production on the feature length animated social satire CAFE 8 BALL this week. Get ready for a view of Santa Fe that will amuse, disturb, enrage and delight my fellow Santa Feans. Who would have thought that "the city different" would hold so many dark secrets and evil conspiracies.

Ghost Ranch

2007-08-12T19:14:00.000-07:00

Yarrott and I visit Ghost Ranch. An amazing retreat center set amid some of the most beautiful landscape I've ever seen.

North American Premiere of Buddha's Lost Children

2007-08-04T15:26:00.000-07:00

A fantastic film experience.

Paris Apt for You/Vous

2007-07-30T18:16:00.000-07:00

For those of you thinking of visiting Paris, my dear friend Kristin is in the final stages of furnishing her new rental-a very cute, serene, zen-ish place an easy walk from the Marais. It's where I will be staying from now on. For the ultimate deal, just tell her that "Uncle Dom" sent you.