From the Vault

Around Campus

2012-01-23T18:40:00.002-06:00

Back to the Buses

2012-01-22T16:30:00.003-06:00

Stay for a Bit

2011-05-08T15:23:00.002-05:00

Back in A2, and it is GORGEOUS outside. Cup o' tea in my handmade mug, smile crested on my lips, and beautiful people everywhere. Had a wonderful trip to Tennessee, ending last night at the Ottawa Tavern in Toledo. Rill Rill playing in my head, and New York on the brain. See the documentation of my recent excursions here; http://picplz.com/user/spiritofjerry/

-P

Moving Across America

2011-04-26T12:49:00.004-05:00

Two more weeks of soaking up beautiful Ann Arbor, and I'm off to the Big Apple. This city is growing on me. So excited for what is in store :' ]

Nighttime

2011-03-28T03:34:00.003-05:00

A lamp reflection emits a pale glow from my window. At night, the glass does not act in a normal transparent routine. I do not see the world I wish was awake outside. Instead, the window mirrors my light, and signifies my sole proprietorship of the night.

The window's chilly surface pierces my skin with a shivering force when I close the shutters. Colder than my heart when it is empty, colder than my head which throbs with salient memories of childhood fondness. And just think, tomorrow I will stare at the same black pit of glare, save it will resemble a street of soupy concrete, ready for my hand prints and stick-scrawled John Hancock.

-written 3/11/11

Circus

2011-03-24T02:29:00.002-05:00

Got My Camera, Yo

2011-03-18T18:46:00.002-05:00

Hoppity, Dub Dub

2011-02-11T21:35:00.000-06:00

Whuzzz.

Blissful Burgeon (Mashup) by djsauce

Shout Out: Riverside Disc Golf

2011-01-27T03:12:00.002-06:00

I wrote a story this summer about the history/impact of disc golf in my hometown of Victoria, Texas. Check it out.

The Walk To North Quad

2011-01-27T02:32:00.004-06:00

Settling In

2011-01-15T12:20:00.004-06:00

Ann Arbor, USA

2011-01-03T22:25:00.002-06:00

I was born in 1984. That makes no difference, but I would like to point it out.

Ann Arbor is my beautiful new home, and my house and housemates have welcomed me immensely. I am so lucky to be where I'm at, right now. School starts the day after tomorrow, and I'm excited about walking to class, peering at the old stone buildings through wind-whipped eyes in the sub-freezing temperatures. I love this weather! Call me crazy, I know. I think makes me appreciate the comforts of day to day living much more, and I live to be grateful.

Speaking of grateful, Jerry is making the rounds on the speakers of my fancy new netbook. "Reach out your hand if your cup be empty, if your cup is full may it be again..." Goodnight friends.

-P

For the Humans

2010-12-24T15:32:00.004-06:00

Promises kept are prejudices hidden,
Tucked away in a duffel bag,
Locked inside her antique armoire.

Little lies are bigger than greenhouse gases.
They pollute leaving no trace.
They may never have consequence.

This Christmas is only one day,
And we flourish and frolick.
And snow or no snow - I have made my amends.

I will not overcome the love I bear,
Like a single magnet harboring polar opposites,
Forever repelling, and always searching for an anchor.
On some refrigerator, in someone's home, to hold my picture, so you can remember.

Dusty Sockets to Sprightly Sprockets

2010-12-01T10:24:00.002-06:00

I am back at school today, this time filling in for first grade. Boy, I sure do miss my Pre-K class! I consider myself the luckiest man alive when I walk through the halls to the tune of "Mr. Paul, Mr. Paul!" Heck, the first graders knew who I was although I had never met most of them. Days like today are composed of the stuff that people like me live for. To affect only one student - to change his or her perception of himself or herself for the better - that is a grand accomplishment. I hear so many people reciting "God bless our troops!," and my rejoinder is "God bless our teachers!"

-W.P.

The Experiment*

2010-11-30T16:10:00.004-06:00

Each needle they insert into my arm reminds me of a voodoo doll - a little poke here and a little poke there and "Presto!," another quick fulfillment of proverbial justice, initiated be some necromancer from afar. The nurses elicit some strange brew from my arm. It is thick and crimson, almost velvety, as it coats the insides of their vials. How I ever managed to live and to experience the sensations of feeling while that syrupy stuff coarsed through my ever-constricting vessels stupefies me. It is, however, amazing and awe-inspiring that I am still writing. The serum inspires it.

The serum inside my vessels thickens every day, and my senses are inundated by excess. My senses are flooded with extra information that deceives even the most clever of my abilities. My sense of balance yearns for a palliative stability, forgotten as soon as the flood decimated its ability to regulate my step. Luckily, I can see without experiencing double vision. Though my vision, too, has been compromised as a result of my inability to neutralize the sensation of gravity.

It is most confusing to understand exactly how my body created the serum in the first place. How cells emerged from a sort of placental, ore-like strip within my bones. They differentiated, supplied, oxidized, and infected. They continue to do so. I can't fight them like I can fight you, but I can manage their onslaught. The mother ship sends wave after wave of warriors, who fight with chivalry and loyalty as young cells, and then defect to the dark side just before they perish. My hope is that, like the convert on his deathbed, I can alter the course of fate for these cells, and give them a proper eternal resting place.

I can propel the future, so long as I am endowed with loyal legions of healthy cells. I can fight for what ails me, but I cannot defeat or win anything. It is not a decision, it is a way.

-W.P.

*A fictional narrative.

Goodbyes Are Never Hard

2010-11-18T13:33:00.006-06:00

That's how I wish it was. I wish I could cut around memories like drawings, saving only the impression and discarding the outlines. The biggest solace is knowing that the limits of our character are never defined. On the long and winding road of life, you can't see the mile markers ahead from a standing distance, and we certainly aren't looking backward to see where we were (at least not while we're moving forward). Regardless of my understanding that connections degrade and the cyclical nature of life devours and regurgitates, I'm here bawling my eyes out while I write thank you's to the professional staff that has guided me and my students for the past two months. Humanity never ceases to amaze the tears out of me.

ScreenZen

2010-11-14T20:53:00.002-06:00

The absolute pulsating knowledge at the throttle of a search button clearly delineates my love my OS, my browser, and my prioritized web widgets.

Vault 10.16.2010 - The Kiss

2010-11-07T19:36:00.003-06:00

Vault 11.06.2010 - Cadi

2010-11-07T12:07:00.004-06:00

A New Year

2010-11-01T12:31:00.004-05:00

To save a life it must be destroyed,
When utterly destroyed, one dwells for the first time in peace. -Zenrin

100-odd miles, a sore knee, and a handful of remarkable conversations later, I find myself at the beginning of the universe. Right smack in the middle of an oasis of life, teeming with illustrious notes de amicitia, there is a preternatural aura of purpose that envelops each and every human being. To find it, one need only to sit quietly, and do nothing. For as Dharmadatu said, "Let everything be free to be just as it is. Do not separate yourself from the world and try to order it around."

100 Miles Later

2010-10-29T13:42:00.002-05:00

This weekend, Mike C. and I are taking a bike tour through Bastrop and Buescher State Park areas. We depart from Austin, fully geared, in a matter of minutes. Can't wait to soak up that beautiful fall air along the way....

An Elephant Never Forgets

2010-10-27T08:59:00.003-05:00

I could pretend it wasn't so special
A day as today, when I can recall
Someone as special as special can be
When special did nothing so special, you see.

An elephant remembers, but what makes it special
Is giving a wish when notice comes due.
And because I have noted that's special to me
I can easily tell that's special to you.

Special is different, and happy, you see
and special cannot remain special to me
However unique, and syllables three
Your name, you know it, dear .........

Happy birthday.

Vault 10.16.10 - Brandon and Jessie's Big Sha-Bang

2010-10-18T19:30:00.005-05:00

I consider it fate that I have met these two wonderful humans. The following pictures are just the black and white develops - there are many more digital pictures to follow. Brandon and Jessie, I wish that your separate ways coalesce into one fastidious union that withstands every test of time. Much love, always.

Vault 10.14.2010 - Kickball

2010-10-15T20:06:00.001-05:00

Vault: Brushin' off the Decks

2010-10-13T18:19:00.001-05:00

Digital decks, I mean. Here is my fist-ever live mix. Check it:

straightupelectrodub by djsauce

Zen Tuesday

2010-10-12T12:33:00.005-05:00

Those who know do not speak;
Those who speak do not know. -Lao-tzu

In my continuing studies of Buddhism, I am constantly amazed at how well the philosophies of the East resonate with my life. In contrast to the omniscient, controlling premise of the Western conception of God, I find my life influenced more by the need to observe the world than to classify everything in it. One can learn much more from listening to nature than by hopelessly trying to construct it. Alan Watts, in paraphrasing Nagarjuna (c. A.D. 200), notes that "nothing in the universe can stand by itself - no thing, no fact, no being, no event - and for this reason it is absurd to single anything out as the ideal to be grasped." In this sense, learning to let go of our conjectures to see worldly situations "from a peripheral vision" is important for the attainment of inner sanctum.

Walking Home

2010-10-05T13:25:00.005-05:00

Intuition guides my legs
O'er the gentle Earth.
I do not tarry home
With my bundle of wood,
Nor do I hurry -
Every now is,
And every then was.

Vault: Early Reckonings

2010-10-04T13:00:00.003-05:00

The kids are napping all around me, and I'm here at the computer thinking about what transpires outside of our school bubble of life. No day could be more peaceful than today - the sun is shining bright, smiles abound in the hallways, and I am content with the world. A little green tea and study now, a short story for the kids when they wake, and a swim after school sounds just about perfect.

Vault: More Drawings

2010-09-24T17:06:00.004-05:00

Vault: Drawings

2010-09-14T14:34:00.003-05:00

Here are some pieces I managed to salvage from 4-5 years back. Enjoy.

Vault 07.28.2010 - KBAR-B-Q

2010-07-28T16:56:00.007-05:00

Here are some from last week at the third-annual KBAR-B-Q cook-off. I had the opportunity to hang with the R.D.G.C. crew, otherwise known as the "Chain Smokers." This year, the Chain Smokers took second place in the "brisket" category.

Vault 07.24.2010 - Disc Golf Trio

2010-07-24T21:02:00.002-05:00

Vault 07.19.2010 - Mondaze

2010-07-19T15:17:00.004-05:00

That about sums it up today. Not that I haven't accomplished a lot in one day already - I put in job applications, I worked at the library for an hour, I'm going to the gym in a moment, and I should get a hair cut at some point - but there's just something about starting your week on rainy day, when you've had two full days to rest preceding it, that just doesn't equate a happy mood. It doesn't help when you start your day on a rather gloomy note, having read this article and witnessed the photograph of a rhino cow that was poached first thing this morning. Awake yet?! Happy?! Ugh.

Now I am about to go read all the gloomy headlines that drift past on LCD screens in front of the exercise machines over at the gym. You know the routine, FOX and MSNBC and CNN all raving it up: "Oil spill could reach East Coast," "Senate divided on critical issue," "American abducted in Middle East," "Soldier's family mourns loss," "2012, we all die," etc., etc., etc. It's the television news media, spouting the same old terrors, that really flips my switch to the "off" position. I wish I could type a happy story and work the treadmill at the same time - now that would be something to pitch to potential employers ;)

So, to bring you up a little bit, here's a photo of pecans ripening in our front yard. This photo makes me happy. Boo on all of your spouts of terror, news media, I'll be making pecan pie in a few months.

-P

Vault 07.17.2010 - Hip Shot

2010-07-17T22:26:00.003-05:00

Olive Garden, hip shot. Turned out Ok, I suppose. Canon 30D, 28/1.8

Vault 07.17.2010 - Let's Do Business

2010-07-17T17:44:00.002-05:00

Here's my new (old) business card. Simple. I love it. Headed out to a birthday dinner tonight, hope you guys are enjoying a peaceful weekend.

Vault 07.16.2010 - Bobby Caldwell (Remix)

2010-07-16T16:42:00.008-05:00

I mean, I loved Bobby Caldwell already - he is perfect for, shall I say "rare", occasions for which I will not go into detail here. His cheesy smooth jazz style is sometimes welcome on my stereo. His career has spanned 30 years, but all I've ever known of him was this song, his only memorable hit, "What You Won't Do For Love."

But then today, my buddy MC sent this intense remix. I love electronic music, especially when it is descendant of jazz origins. I had trouble enjoying all of this track, but there are portions that are very provoking and pleasurable. Check out this great remix - I have altered the embedded video to start playing a little ways into the track.

Vault 07.16.2010 - Open-Mindedness

2010-07-16T11:14:00.006-05:00

Today, while checking in books at the library, my co-workers and I got into a discussion about open-mindedness. "What does it mean to be open-minded?" asked Stephanie, one of our Library clerks. I admit, I describe myself on occasion as an open-minded person. I think many people describe themselves to be open-minded as pertains to their religious, political, social or other views on life. But what does that really mean, to be "open-minded?" The question has been nagging me all day, and it's only noon.

I guess the simplest way for me to describe how I view the world is with an encompassing practicality. There is nothing political in my body that innately makes me open-minded. Governments are the first to let us down, as each of you know, because they are comprised of fallible humans. They are comprised of people, like you and me. Nor is their anything innately religious in my body that makes me open-minded. I was raised Baptist-Christian, attended Catholic high-school, and was advised against religion in college (although, I admit, I still go to church - I love to sing the hymns). But again, this is human intervention in my life. Every day, I realize, that though I may not ascribe to any of the above, these are all still my words, and still my feelings. We are all connected - we are all all mortal.

The practicality of which I speak is a personal experience. It is my willingness to listen, and to learn, for the sake of bettering myself. When we listen to our peers - our fellow thinking and feeling humans - we hear the mortal side of every story. We can then empathize, and feel with them. I think we tend to forget that our time here on Earth is only temporary, so I try to stress the importance of really understanding the mortal essence of every problem, and of every joy.

Each and every one of us is affected by our government, each and every one of us is affected by the people we interact with on a daily basis. My best advice, for anyone, is to listen to those people - they feel, think, hear, touch, taste and smell just like you. Learn from them, take their thoughts and feelings into consideration, and make your decisions wisely. Every decision we make affects not only our minds, but also affects our feelings, our bodies, and the minds, feelings, and bodies of our neighbors. Who are we to cast judgment on our neighbors, us mortals? We are casting judgment on ourselves, just as well.

On the topic of open-mindedness, I really loved one of the quotes I took from a story I wrote yesterday about the Chris Silkwood and John Ross Palmer Exhibit at The Nave Museum here in Victoria. Dave Green, a local resident, really captivated me with what he said about how he appreciates art - his visual predisposition toward any art, anywhere, anytime.

"It's really neat to see somebody else's impression of life and beauty - to see it how they see it," said Green. "That is to be enjoyed."

That, indeed, is to be enjoyed. Thank you for those beautiful words of practicality.

Speaking of practicality, does anyone else find a little humor in this note I saw today hanging at a stop sign in my neighborhood?

Wait, if the phone is GPS tracked, then shouldn't it be found already? I know it's not really that funny, but seriously. I do know what it's like losing irreplaceable data. I think I'll circulate this on the advocate website to see if we can't find the thing. No questions asked ;)

-P

Vault 07.15.2010 - Scary Stories to Tell in The Dark

2010-07-15T12:44:00.012-05:00

Today I have enjoyed this sort of morbid, yet peaceful emotion all day. I mean, nothing about the day has been drab, nor gloomy, nor stressful, nor really even morose, but I have maintained this quiescence of complete tranquility today, to the point that I feel I can withstand to entertain those topics which I fear the most. I had the luck of stumbling upon two great books at the library:

The first book, you might remember from back in middle school: "Scary Stories to Tell in The Dark," By Alvin Schwartz.

I remember classmates used to fight tooth and nail to check this book out from the school library. The stories were scary, too. The original book, and it's sequel - "More Scary Stories to Tell in The Dark" - contained excellent drawings, thanks to artist Stephen Gammell. You can view more of his work here. I have included a few drawings below:

The other book I came across today was "The Tibetan Book of The Dead," or Bardo Thodol in the traditional translation.

According to Tibetan tradition, the book was composed by Padmasambhava, and written down by his apprentice Yeshe Tsogyal. As is the case with many religious sacred writings, there are variants of the text prevalent among different sects.

The text illustrates "one of the most detailed and compelling descriptions of the after-death state in world literature," says editor Graham Coleman. This text really is great. Here is an excerpt that I just read this morning, and has inspired me already today:

"The moments of our life are not expendable,
And the [possible] circumstances of death are beyond imagination.
If you do not achieve an undaunted confident security now,
What point is there in your being alive, O living creature?"

Breathtaking honesty, and truth to live by today, and every day.

-P

Vault 07.13.2010 - Computer Time

2010-07-14T00:14:00.002-05:00

This is my stepfather Mark. He knows computers pretty well. Tonight, he is relaxing, doing who knows what on that thing. I think he watches news. Anywho, another one.

Vault 07.13.2010 - Day Birdwatching, Circa June.

2010-07-13T14:27:00.002-05:00

Vault 07.13.2010 - Gone Bananas!

2010-07-13T11:22:00.003-05:00

Let me just tell you that I have gone bananas, in the figurative sense, over Gone Bananas - a real fruteria here in Victoria, Texas. This little treat of a shop is proudly owned by Ken and Adriana Burleigh. The couple, who say they have invested almost everything they've got into this little fruit shop on Laurent, are keeping alive one of Victoria's finest health dessert hot-spots.

Gone Bananas has been serving fresh fruit cups dressed in the Mexican style for over 12 years. The Burleighs have owned the store for six years. Even before the couple bought the rights to the business, Adriana said she had already entertained the idea of owning a fruteria while taking a business class at Victoria College.

"We were supposed to come up with a business plan for my class, and this my idea. I knew it would be successful," said Adriana.

When the couple first visited Gone Bananas, they were stunned. They knew immediately they would prefer to own the business.

"I'd never seen any place that served fresh fruit like that. We just fell in love with it." said Adriana.

Adriana approached the former owners of Gone Bananas, and they agreed to sell the business. The fruteria has since become a huge success. It's become so successful, that their famous pickled cucumber on a stick dressed with salt, chile and lime has been all the way to Michigan. Adriana and Ken have since expanded the business, adding frozen yogurt smoothies to the menu, as well as lunch and dinner items like fajitas.

Most importantly, though, they stress the importance of a local business that tastes good but remains a healthy alternative to the staple ice cream or sugar ice joints.

"We believe in the concept of this business," said Ken, "Our food is cut fresh daily, and it's fresh and healthy. We think there should be fruit places like this everywhere."

Prior to owning Gone Bananas, the couple owned a flower and a t-shirt shop, but they decided to give up on these two businesses in favor of investing in Gone Bananas. They wanted to create a place where people could eat a healthy, flavorful snack.

The shop itself has a very funky feel, with paper fruits hanging from the ceilings, and a pile of stuffed monkeys to round the unique vibe. It is always a cool place to stop in on a warm summer day, and provides traditional ice cream desserts (Blue Bell) as well.

Gone Bananas is located 2202 N Laurent St. 361-570-6144.

Gluttony

2010-07-08T13:54:00.004-05:00

I sat to eat at the table of life,
rife with fruits pared with a knife.
I consumed 'til my gut was full.

The crassness of my appetite's binge
demand me to bend back the hinge
of the privy, soiled with stool.

Would you dare to stop a man
from eating until his belt expand,
lest you be called out cruel?

I know my limit
and that's my gimmick,
so leave me an onerous fool.

Vault 06.15.10 - Sanctity

2010-07-02T20:28:00.001-05:00

Vault 06.08.2010 - Homegrown

2010-06-08T14:16:00.002-05:00

I've been eating these tasty, tasty homegrown tomatoes my stepfather, Mark, planted this year. They go great on my sandwiches, or just eaten plain old-fashioned. The garden Mark planted is thriving this year. Mark planted beans, tomatoes, squash, and okra (Since we are on the topic of okra, I have had a hard time liking the taste of okra after having picked the plant one Saturday morning last year. I was bare-handed and bushy-tailed, picking zucchini and squash in the early morning, but then we hit the okra patch. By the time I had picked 30 or so, I was wringing my hands they were itching so hard. Okra has these little devil hairs that stick in you and cause an allergic reaction. But gumbo isn't gumbo without it, so I swallow it with as much pride as I can muster.).

To keep the birds out of the garden, Mark uses this creepy looking owl. I see these things all over town. Maybe I will start a collage of fake owls for you guys. Or just replicas in general, that would be fun ;)

Vault: Saturday > Sunday

2010-06-07T16:29:00.007-05:00

Sorry I've been gone a while, folks. My body is taking a hiatus while it recovers. The following set illustrates how we roll down here in Vic on the weekend.

Vault: An Engagement Party

2010-05-29T02:32:00.005-05:00

Vault 05.08.2010 - Thea's 5th Birthday

2010-05-17T17:48:00.007-05:00

For Thea's 5th birthday party, Merfolk and Pirates united for an epic gathering. These kids really know how to have a good time. Thea's mother, Amy, puts so much love into the theme. She hand-crafts costumes for the children, bakes themed desserts, and decorates the entire living area for the guests. The entertainment was provided by Kiwi - an amazingly talented face painter, balloonist and clown. Photos taken with a Canon 30D, Canon 28/1.8, 430EX Flash.

Vault: 05.14.2010 - Cuero, TX

2010-05-17T00:05:00.007-05:00

I never thought I'd find myself among a throng of offbeat cool kids out in Cuero, TX. Here, in the lobby of a very old yet very quaint flower parlor in downtown, I witnessed a throbbing art scene, unrivaled even in my hometown of Victoria. A group of spirited young musicians, actors and friends gathered for a costume race through the heart of downtown, followed by copious amounts of music and revelry. Here are the photos.

Vault 05.08.2010 - Arkham Horror

2010-05-10T23:22:00.009-05:00

Every Friday night, someone is playing board games. This past Friday, we played an epic round of Arkham Horror - my personal favorite board game. Pics captured with my new Canon 28/1.8.

Vault: St. Joseph Teachers

2010-05-06T23:43:00.009-05:00

From left to right:
Ann Slatter, David Pozzi, Joseph Jacquot

Circa 2002.

Vault: Summer 2006 - Michael

2010-05-06T19:07:00.006-05:00

The photos are getting bigger, folks, to satisfy the request of my love abroad :) The blog logo header, as you can see, has changed as well - to satisfy my own. Listen folks, I've been using various distributions of the Linux operating system for about a year now, and I've been getting the hang of fading out Photoshop in favor of The GIMP. The GIMP does amazing things. I will show you.

Behold a great portrait from the long, strange summer of 2006:
Mike, call me if you stumble across this: 361.652.2679. It's been too long.

*UPDATE*
As a consequence of the required formatting edits to enable larger photos, my older posts are suffering from formatting errors. I will try to correct as many of these errors as possible.

Vault: Enchanted Rock

2010-05-05T23:40:00.004-05:00

Canon AE-Program. Canon 50/1.4 S.S.C. Tri-X.

Vault: Home at the 406

2010-05-05T18:15:00.012-05:00

Vault: Texan Photogs

2010-05-02T20:22:00.002-05:00

Canon AE-1 Program. Canon 24/2.8. Tri-X.

Classic.

Vault: Random Outtakes

2010-04-29T01:40:00.003-05:00

Leica M6. Tri-X.

Will, Mark, Beth, and my apartment door, respectively.

Vault: 06.2006 - Town Lake

2010-04-28T02:20:00.002-05:00

As I will always remember it. Canon AE-1 Program, Canon 24/2.8 + polarizing filter, Kodak 200.

Vault 04.24.2010 - Hermann Park + Kemah Boardwalk

2010-04-27T19:18:00.016-05:00

Leica M6. Summicron 35/2. Kodak 200.

Man, it had been such a long time since I last visited the Houston Museum of Natural Science. I was naturally excited to take my little sister, Lunden, out for the day. Hermann Park is always bustling this time of year, especially when the weather is still teetering in the low 90's. Armed with camera, a cool breeze and spare water bottles, Lunden and I set out on an adventure for bugs and science. We started off our tour by rolling our sprawled bodies down the hillside at the outdoor amphitheater. We ended up romping with new friends, it was great fun.

The next day, I visited Kemah boardwalk with some friends. These are the last two from the set.

Vault 04.14.2010 - A.B.I.A. Wait

2010-04-26T12:37:00.001-05:00

Vault: 04.10.2010 - Keep Victoria Beautiful

2010-04-25T23:35:00.002-05:00

Vault: 12.31.2006 - Miner's Tavern

2010-04-25T23:28:00.003-05:00

Canon AE-1 Program. Canon 50mm f/1.4 S.S.C. Tri-X pushed to 1600.

The locals. New Year's Eve - Silverton, Colorado.

Vault 04.14.2010 - Fricano's

2010-04-21T22:24:00.005-05:00

Austin, TX. Leica M6, Summicron Pre-Asph 35/2, Ektar 100.

Fricano's Deli is the Grail of sandwich shops in Austin, Texas. I've been to this place around 10-15 times over the years, always as a treat. Tucked right next to a grocery store, what used to be a hookah bar, and what is currently a video arcade, this Chicago-style delicatessen serves as a unique compliment to the neighborhood. The food here is choice. Paul's Reuben and the artery-busting Reuben Dog are legendary. Fricano's sandwiches are not recommended for the Mrs. Baird's amateur, these damn sandwiches are substantial enough to make mothers uncomfortable. Fuck Chicago Style, they should just call it Fricano Style. The place is somewhat small - "snug" as I say - but get over your American phobia of sitting next to your hungover-looking neighbor who could care less because he is so in love with his kick-ass sandwich, and eat up, bitch. You will enjoy. Thank you guys for always being awesome.

-Paul (Loyal customer since '07)

Fricano's Deli Website

Vault: 04.16.2010 - Reggaefest

2010-04-21T11:17:00.006-05:00

Austin, TX. Leica M6, Summicron 35/2, Ektar 100.

Vault: Circa 2000 - Movement

2010-04-20T12:08:00.004-05:00

we are immortal,
able, insulated men,
women and children

Early photography - taken with a disposable. Breckenridge, CO.

Vault: Running Away

2010-04-19T15:49:00.003-05:00

Took a trip to ATX last week, hence the inactivity. More photos are on the way. Until then, here is one from a few years back, taken at Spider House.

Vault: Looking Into the Void

2010-04-13T17:13:00.006-05:00

W. Franklin Gross. Austin Power Plant. Date Unknown. Leica M6, Summicron 50/2, Kodak 200.

Vault: 04.05.2010 - Zoo Animals

2010-04-12T18:43:00.002-05:00

Kirby and friends. Texas Zoo. Leica M6, Summicron 50/2, Ektar 100.

Vault: 04.03.2010 - Electric Turtle

2010-04-11T23:16:00.003-05:00

Here's Bethany on the turtle. Peter Pan Mini Golf. Leica M6, Summicron 50/2, Ektar 100.

Vault: 2006 - Don't Get Sassy

2010-04-11T22:15:00.004-05:00

An oldie, but a goodie. Part of the Jazz documentary featuring Dr. James Polk, here are members of the Texas State Jazz Ensemble. Canon AE-1 Program, Canon FD 50 1.4 S.S.C., Neopan 1600.

Vault: April.2006 - Shades

2010-04-10T17:42:00.002-05:00

Eeyore's Birthday, 2006.

Vault: 04.02.2010 - Brandon + Jessie

2010-04-09T00:17:00.003-05:00

Zilker Botanical Gardens - Leica M6, Summicron 50/2, Ektar 100

Vault 04.05.2010 - Pasture

2010-04-08T00:52:00.002-05:00

Gonzales, Texas. Leica M6, Summicron 50/2, Ektar 100

Vault: 04.05.2010 - Texas Wildflowers

2010-04-07T16:06:00.001-05:00

Leica M6, Summicron 50/2, Ektar 100

Vault: 04.04.2010 - Pink Poser

2010-04-06T15:18:00.006-05:00

Texas Zoo, Easter Sunday. Leica M6, Summicron 50/2, Ektar 100

Vault: 06.07.2007 - Tattoos on Your Love Handles Are Quite Painful

2010-04-05T23:26:00.006-05:00

I promised I wouldn't publish these. Although I will never publish faces, I blatantly lied. There are times in a photographer's life that he takes a retrospective stroll and decides that there was too much unedited material - too much left unsaid. Now that I've retracted my oath, I have to admit there is too much I've left unsaid, so much I've never told anyone about my work. There are pictures people have never seen. Everyday, until the day the Internets or yours truly vanishes from existence, I pledge to find a tidbit, whether new or old, for that I have left unaccounted. I will share them here with you.

Here is a excerpt from the summer of 2007. A painful, yet unique tattoo.

Tee Time.

2010-04-04T20:06:00.001-05:00

Pokerface.

2010-04-04T20:02:00.002-05:00

Spring Happenings

2010-04-04T17:41:00.010-05:00

Life Happens, Look Around

2010-03-22T16:43:00.004-05:00

A Routine Task

2010-02-11T10:46:00.001-06:00

I combine my thoughts together.
I gather them one by one,
Placing each aside for just a moment.
I must pause at intervals.
Hesitating to discern, I cannot move.
Sometimes, I must reprimand the thoughts
for paralyzing my progress.
It can be a debilitating process.
When I am done working,
After each thought has been collected in turn,
I sweep them together vigorously.
They fit perfectly in their little cubby hole
At the back of my mind.

Communion

2010-01-08T16:23:00.000-06:00

I observed the ice commune with the rock.
I watched it contort along the pebbles, plaiting with the orbs.
Together, they formed a queer window to a sanctuary:
The frozen innards of the world.

The glaze of ice-rock appeared as glass.
Like a rolling river surface before it spills into the sea,
Shattering into a million sprays among the blistering boulders -
A sight rarely experienced inland.

As I stooped to examine the translucent gelatin,
The frigid emulsion enticed my touch.
My fingers burst the communion apart,
And divorced the water from its host.

Sallow Sentiments

2010-01-06T10:14:00.001-06:00

We pine for respite,
from the implacable past.

From recollections of injustice,
personal bodily harm,
deep, incurable premonitions.

This begins the manoeuvre.

Danger is our gondolier.
Love is our gondola.
Fate is our canal.

Frankly, we are ill-prepared for the tour.

Imagination separates
pleasure from injury,
promises from prattle,
predilection from infatuation.

Atonement is heritage.

Bequeath, warily, a song,
with requisite splendor
to adorn thy spirit.

Fun & Game$

2010-01-02T23:05:00.007-06:00

Today,
We meet the world.
You and I - Together.
Separate Superstition,
Truant Immolation,
Preparatory Preposterousness.

Perfect Jeopardy.
Peace.

Buda (D+M)

2009-10-14T23:19:00.004-05:00

Pool & Pecans

2009-10-07T21:29:00.005-05:00

Ganesh is Happy

2009-06-10T19:20:00.005-05:00

Thursdays.

2009-05-28T23:00:00.002-05:00

Angela's

2009-05-20T20:02:00.001-05:00

A Pool Party

2009-05-06T11:22:00.003-05:00

A Pair of Snaps

2009-04-27T19:56:00.002-05:00

Games 4 Life

2009-03-29T17:25:00.005-05:00

Megafauna et. al.

2009-03-22T23:30:00.003-05:00

Daily Juice > SXSW

2009-03-19T13:03:00.003-05:00

Break on the Frio

2009-03-18T13:49:00.005-05:00

At the Bar

2009-03-12T01:42:00.001-05:00

Snaps of the Weekend

2009-03-03T13:10:00.005-06:00

Playin' In The Band

2009-02-15T11:08:00.003-06:00

Tunnel Vision

2009-02-14T22:08:00.003-06:00

Abbie's Wedding, and my first post in a while...

2009-01-28T00:17:00.004-06:00

Is it a Tiger (it is.), or is it a Wolf?

2008-10-01T18:52:00.002-05:00

From Abroad

2008-08-21T22:05:00.010-05:00