Farewell and New Beginnings!!

A grand thanks to all that have followed this blog over the years -- but the time has come to retire this site and focus on the band's new site. But worry not! If you still want the inside peek into my mind and musings, they can be found at my new tumblr page, LilLizaJane.tumblr.com. I'd love to hear from you there and gosh darn everywhere, so please stay in touch. I'm out and about and will catch you 'round the bend. Much love and many cheers, Liza

Memories -- Early Work

My mother's abstract, bold and beautiful paintings started with simpler exercises. While she may be known for her particular style now, I remember fondly one of her very first paintings she approached in her early painting career. It's a bowl of pears. I knew she hated painting pears, but to this day it remains one of my favorites for its purity and play on tequnique vs. personal style. Here's a piece by Olle Baertling, a Swiss artist known for abstract works, but this early gem stands out as my favorite still.

Pet Post -- Tai Shan Tribute

I have been in shock and sadness all afternoon over Tai Shan's last day at the DC Zoo before he is sent back to China. From watching his eyes open for the first time live on the pandacam, to stepping on kids at the zoo to see his 1st birthday cake, to watching his games and smile over the years...oh man will he be missed.







Story and video from the Washington Post here

Memories -- Little Liz

I just had to post this to prove that at one point in my life, I could rock bangs. It was brief, glorious and fleeting-- but it did exist. And MAN did I love triceratops!! Still do. Just wish I still had this awesome sweatshirt...

Memories -- Going Home

These were the roses my granddad gave me when I graduated high school and the wishing rocks my grandmom gave me... I just love coming home and seeing them there by my bed.

I also found this sweet gem of me (age 16?) and my first bunny, Melvin. What a guy. Oh, the things I come across in old drawers!

And of course, 1/8th of my brother and my Garfield collection that gets me so pumped no matter what. Such an awesome greeting committee.

Coming back soon, DC. Missin' you!

Image Inspiration -- The Economy of Words

I found this treasure in my journal today and it lifted my spirits like you wouldn't believe. No, not just because of my 31yr old brother's hilarious handwriting, but the story that came with this note. He had to write a speech for his best friend's party and said to me, "Sis, I'm just gonna buckle down and write it." When I came to check on him an hour or so later, this was what was on the page: "Thank you. I am honored to be part of this joyous event." And it wasn't because he couldn't find the things to say -- it was that he cared so much that he wanted it to be perfect. I just love that about him.

And now, the less crazy Dylan...

I still have this photograph on my wall from when I was in middle school. I can't believe I'm seeing him live TONIGHT!!

Ps. Do you have this album? With that one song Jolene:
"Well I found out the hard way, I've had my fill
You can't find somebody with his back to a hill
Those big brown eyes, they set off a spark
When you hold me in your arms things don't look so dark
Jolene, Jolene
Baby I am the king and you're the queen"

Goal Celebration Fail

"Brothers don't shake hands -- brothers gotta hug!"

via failblog

NCAA Tournament - One Shining Moment 2009

Always makes me cry...

Memories

Carlo sent along a picture from one of Oh Liza Jane's rehearsals... one of my favorites of all time. Nothing like singing the blues in the grass!

Memories

Puppy Maggie left to her own devices...

Reading List

I wonder -- How come royalty has such a flimsy spaceship?! I can just hear Babar say, "Come on, babe. Hop in my big pink sandal and we will travel to galaxies afar..."

Oak Bluffs Houses

Martha's Vineyard's famous houses by the beach -- small wonders indeed! Grab a rocker and stay a while...

Memories

Cousin Jack and me on Martha's Vineyard. Check out his yellow shades!

Memories

A card I sent to my brother years ago! I love the idea behind this pranksters game here. Sort of looks like Dr. Evil, no?

Memories / Pulse

I remember when I was obsessed with Ani Difranco in high school and now when I hear her songs, they resonate with such overwhelming nostalgia for that specific phase of my life that I can't even hear the music for what it is anymore. But today I thought of one tune in particular and it was just what I needed for this moment, as a gift for the one I love:

"i would offer you my pulse
if i thought it would be useful
i would give you my breath
except
the problem with death is that you have
some hundred years and then they can
build building on your only bones
100 years and then your grave is not your own
we lie in out beds, and our graves
unable to save ourselves from
the quaint tragedies we invent
and then undo from the stupid circumstances
we slalom through
and i realized that night that the hall light
which seemed so bright when you turned it on is nothing
compared to the dawn
which is nothing, compared to the light
which seeps from me while you're sleeping beautiful
and grotesque resting cocooned in my room
that night we got kicked out of two bars
and laughed our way home
and i held you there thinking
i would offer you my pulse
i would give you my breath
i would offer you my pulse"

(to bits xoxoxox)

Memories

Ah, Melvin the Bunny. I found this in an old sketchbook and realized that if he was still around, he'd be 13 years old today! But I know he's hoppin' on clouds now-- and still having a nice time.

Memories

My friend sent this to me and it turns out to be the exact Gregory Crewdson photograph that I worked on in Pittsfield, MA during the summer of 2004. If you really squint, you'll notice that the woman inside the car is actress Jennifer Jason Leigh. And I'm somewhere on a side street with the smoke machine boys, going crazy. Oh how I miss those mountains!

Memories

Today's 'Memories' post is dedicated to Lauren Andrews.
Congrats, girl!

Memories

It seems like just yesterday when my brother and I partied in Vegas with Scarlett Johansson...