Brushing Away The Cobwebs & 4th of July Recap

*Gently taps screen* Hello! Hello! Anyone home?

I've been neglecting this blog a lot lately. I don't have a lot to say at the moment, but in an effort to get back the groove of working on my many projects and interests, here's a glimpse of how we spent our 4th of July in a fairly non-traditional, but oh-so-fun way in Echo Park.

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Echo Park 4th of July, left to right, starting at the top:

1. Machine Project's members-only Freeze-B-Q. Everyone brought food and beverages and we experimented freezing them with liquid nitrogen. I now think I know how the marshmallows in Lucky Charms get their texture! Not everything worked, but a blended mix of fruits with a little rum thrown in seemed to turn out great.
   
   
2. Machine Project from the street.
   
   
3. In the evening, a group of musicians lead folks in a sing-a-long. Lots of traditional songs. It was bizarre and fun. People really go into it and I felt like I could sing out in my out of tune voice.
   
   
4. Independent (*ahem*...illegal) fireworks over the Echo Park Lake. Downtown L.A. in the background. Every year, lots of people put on their own displays of fireworks in Echo Park for hours and hours. We walked down to the lake, which was interesting as we walked right by some fireworks being shot off. I'm a little twitchy about that sort of thing. It was lovely until the po-po kicked us out of the park for "trespassing." It was bogus because it was only 9:30 and the park is open until 10:30, but arguing with the LAPD never seems like a wise idea.

We topped the night off with dinner at one of our favorite Thai restaurants.

Wanted: 1 Nap

This past Friday, I posted a list over at L.A. Metblogs of free, or inexpensive, fun activities happening this weekend in Los Angeles. I knew other events were happening, some of which were mentioned in the comments, but I specifically noted things E and I were interested in doing. Also, I didn't include anything that cost over $5.

Surprisingly, between the two of us, we hit each gathering even if only for a short time. I enjoyed Classic Eats #5 with fellow Metblogs authors and readers, while E went to the Santa Fe Art Colony Open Studios and the tail-end of BarCamp. (Oh, and I picked up what dregs were left over on Free Comic Book Day on the way to Classic Eats).

Today, I headed downtown for Unique L.A. I pretty much hung out with JustJenn and didn't see much of the enormous, somewhat difficult to navigate show. For one thing, I hadn't seen Jenn in a while and wanted to catch up. Also, I didn't want to spend any money and I have some kind of very painful foot injury and couldn't really walk around. It was all good fun until I was unable to locate my car in the underground garage. It took me 20 minutes to find it. I wish I was joking. All the while, E was learning about Circuit Bending at Machine Project.

I then swung over to Echo Park, picked up E and we geeked out in Pasadena at the JPL Open House. After gawking at Mars Rover replicas, we both went to the art colony and hung out with friends who were displaying 3D goodness in front of one our buddy's space. Then I dropped E back at Machine for another lecture and came home to do laundry, etc.

All in all, a great weekend. The panic of Sunday night has set in though as I look at all of the things I didn't get done. I guess they'll be here tomorrow.

I've got a secret and I can't explain...

Last night I went to the exclusive members-only event at Machine Project. I've professed my affection for the alternative art space before and it was indeed a great time! I'm bound by a sacred promise to not reveal certain details, but I can tell you there were very yummy tamales, a photo booth, and beer delivered up through a hole in the floor.*

The highlight of the evening was the tour of the hallowed space below Machine's main gallery. And here is where I have to be really careful in what I tell you. What I can say is that we gathered behind a big screen where we took the oath. Complete with hands raised & speaking in unison.

From there, we _____ through an _____. We proceeded _____ the _____ holding on to the new _____. Upon arrival below, we encountered a _____ full of _____. We gathered around _____, who began to reveal several mysteries. The first hidden gem we saw was the _____! Wow! The description included an invitation to enjoy it, which is quite exciting.

Moving along to the _____ _____, the group got a first hand look at Machine's new _____ _____ _____. Impressive stuff, folks. Very impressive. Of course, most people got the biggest kick out of the unveiling of the _____ _____! "So _____!" someone exclaimed.

We ventured back to the _____ _____ for a hands-on _____ _____ and _____ lesson. There was confusion and laughter, followed by great satisfaction. Everyone _____ _____ and listened to _____ _____ who performed _____. Thus concluded the adventure and each of us _____ our _____ and went _____ _____ _____ to return to the party.

Sorry. I just can't fill in the blanks for you. But, if your curiosity is piqued and you are in the greater L.A. area, why not stop by machine project and even consider becoming a member. And who knows, then the secrets of the mysterious basement may be revealed to you as well.

*If you've attended any machine project event, that may not be new to you.

Welcome my son, welcome to the machine. Where have you been?

It's no secret to those who know me that I love a little place in Echo Park called Machine Project. I truly believe it is one of L.A.'s treasures. Describing Machine is not necessarily a simple task, partially because it sort of becomes what you make it based on how you participate. Over the past few years, we've attended art openings and participated in Dorkbot events, including Dorkbake, which E and I happened to win. We've listened to lectures on knot theory, followed by me cheering E on in a speedcabling competition. We've sung along with pirate songs and learned how art and biology can come together. E gave a lecture on 3D, along with some other experts in the field, in collaboration with Dorkbot (#22). E has learned how to pickle, while I've opted for amigurumi crocheting and basic sewing classes. And that, my friends, does not even scratch the surface of what Machine Project has to offer.

In a recent high profile event, Machine Project took over LACMA for a day. Unfortunately, I could not attend. Interestingly, I was holed up at home sewing and crocheting projects, using the skills I learned at Machine, for Felt Club the following day. (I actually sold quite a few too!)

Last night was the 4th annual Fry-B-Q fundraiser, which was a total blast. Machine Project relies on donations to stay in operation. There is a fee for classes, but their events are nearly always free. I learned the sad news this weekend that a major grant fell through, which is devastating to an organization such as this. I immediately signed us up for memberships. It would be a tremendous personal and community loss if Machine had to shutter its doors. I really can't think of anywhere else where art, technology, craft, and deep fried foods ranging from filet mignon to cherry pie to McDonald's hamburgers all come together. If you've never been there, go! And please consider a tax-deductible donation to keep them open.

He Loves Me, He Loves Me Knot (+ Cosette Update)

We attend many cool events at Machine Project in Echo Park, and have even been known to participate from time to time. Last night was no exception, as E was one of eight semi-finalists in a speedcabling competition. There was also a lecture on the mathematics of knots, some of which I followed and some of which went clear over my head. We were also treated to a talk by Jason Brown that was as entertaining as it was informative. If you've never heard this guy speak, you are missing out. Not only did we learn about the man for whom Wilshire Boulevard was named, but we participated in a "Rainbow Connection" sing-a-long that was accompanied by the theremin. Pretty awesome stuff.

E did not progress to the speedcabling finals, but he had fun. It was an intense contest and, as someone else proposed, possibly the most athletic event that has occurred in the space that attracts nerds and geeks.

On a completely different note, thank you for the comments, emails, and phone calls regarding Cosette. It's been stressful, but she is doing better. While she still has a head tilt, it is not nearly as pronounced. The nystagmus (back and forth eye movement) is also better. We've been keeping her confined, initially in her crate and now in our hallway that is blocked by doors and a baby gate. She is still unsteady on her feet and wobbles and circles, but is falling less. The plan is to keep her safe at this point though, so I carry her outside in her crate every so often so she can potty and lie in the grass, which she really enjoys.

02/08/08

It's a relief and a good sign that Cosette's personality has remained intact. She was definitely more "out of it" two days ago, but never lost her appetite and has been quite affectionate. Today she returned to being downright feisty, which I could not be more thrilled about. She's just frustrated at not being able to go wherever she wants to right now. I keep telling her, "It's for your own good," but I'm not sure she's buying it.