The circle of Rock

I have been finding a string of great photos that were taken by the lovely and talented Dara Blumenhein, waaaaayyyyyyy back in 2001 at Cherokee Studios. It reminded me of something I wrote back in February 2008:



The Circle of Rock

If you didn't know of it- It was music in time. A University. A Palace of Rock N Roll. The bathrooms whispered stories and the halls felt their spirits chill. Cherokee Studios was one of the oldest recording studios in Hollywood. A dinosaur that now has become extinct. Leveled. One with the earth, as rock should be.

I worked there. A lot of us worked there. Most times for free, because it was just so fucking cool to be there. An Artist in the L.A. music scene could ask for no less. Studio Time. Free. Yep that is why most of us worked there, because we would fill our belly's with recording time.

I met most of you there... and if I didn't then somehow, someway it still goes back to Cherokee. It is kind-of like our own musicians Kevin Bacon game. It was a great time all of us had. Lots of stories to make a young girls toes nails curl.

I replaced Rachael. How is that? She let me know it was a lot of responsibility to be 'The Girl' at Cherokee. I was scared shitless. The next day, Adrian walks in and tells me Tom Petty is coming in to record the next day. I know I pooped my pants then... ((( And then there was the time when we surprised Ilse with Gene Simmons. I called Rach. She called Ilse. She stopped by unknowingly wearing a KISS patch. I have never seen her eyes get that big.

That was Cherokee. You got used to it, and learned how to hold your own. Then you have a party one night and you meet more musicians that are just like you... And you realize that you have a family. A rock family to call your very own. We all took everything we could soak up from that place and went out into the streets and stages and learned how to use it all.

They leveled the place, I don't even know when. Just one day I was driving down Fairfax and it was gone. I had to look again. But no, it was gone. I talked to Adrian the other day and he told me about Dee.

So here is to you- the Brothers FOREVER three... Thank you for the lessons in rock Robbs! And Susan and Gramps too.

I will be forever grateful of your kindness through the years.

B
Tommie V

Pee

Don't cha hate it when you have to pee and there is no restrooms anywhere

Mums the word

I love the little tubes, such a pretty site on my table.

Pretty things

Urban Outfitters-

The creative process...

It all starts with an idea... For the cover we really could see so many different looks.. but what I really wanted is for- at a glance, the common person to be able to look at my book cover and get a feeling of what was inside. Of course I don't want the book to have my face plastered on it because this book is fiction and it is not about me, but a wonderful character; Frankie Spencer.

So in creating the cover art for a single book and then in a series, we had to think in three's... Sure the artwork stems from me, but in doing the empty silhouette, people can envision their own selves in the photo.

Here is a little sneak peak at the creative process we have been messing with over the last few weeks.. AND a look at the cover art for the second book 'This Roll in My Soul'.




























Another fun thing we did, was to create the back cover art for the first book. This is a look at what 'Frankie's' work space may have looked like from one time or another.

My wish to you for 2012...

this beautiful art was created by an amazing lady- Angela Grimes Christensen

The last year on earth

What if it really was the last year of earth as we know it? What if it all was going to end? How would you live your life? Would you make a 'Bucket List' and just go balls out and go for it? Go for anything and everything that you ever wanted to do or create in your life?

I see so many heartbreaking stories of people, children with terminal illnesses that do outstanding things and change the lives of so many around them. They are an inspiration to the lives of the living. But still so many people will walk through their lives in a daze, blaming everything but themselves, that the deck of cards they were dealt are crap and always will be just that- crap. Sadly they will never know, nor even want to change, because it is just too much trouble.

But let's just say, for fun I mean, that this is the last year. What would you do differently?

Now, let's just say, that you actually begin living the life that you always dreamed of, become the person you always thought you would become, and that you enjoy every moment- like it was your very last.

I say let's go out and get that mother fucker. Together. Sound good?