{ Dashus:land }

Cackles has left...on a jet plane...

Today is a sad day for me and my partner RJH. His Mom, who we lovingly called Cackles, has boarded a plane and is headed back to the UK to live. Cackles lived in Philly and was a constant in our lives these past 6 years. She is moving back to the UK for many reasons but one of the happiest is to be a grandmother to her daughter's first child who is due to be born in late July. I adore this woman. She has been like a mother to me, truly, and I'm crushed to know she isn't just a quick little trip away anymore. Cackles used to visit me and RJH on a regular basis as well. She would come up to visit with us every few weeks and we would go out to yummy dinners, check out the next fantastic exhibit that was on or just take a lengthy walk around this fabulous city. I know RJH is very sad to see her go but we only wish her the best. She's moving to London so it's not like we feel sorry for her. She isn't moving to some awful little town - it's London. Hellooooooo! It's a place I adore and to me it rivals NYC in soooo many ways. I know she'll be back to visit and I know we'll get over to see her too but it won't be the same, sadly. She brought a special light to RJH’s and my life.

Cackles - I wish you all the happiness and success that you deserve in London. RJH and I both do. You mean so much to me and I value this time we got to become so close. You treated me with kindness and respect and like one of your own flesh and blood. That meant the world to me! Make sure your other bubalas take just as fine care of you as we did or you'll just have to come back! Visit soon! Love you, Mom! xoxox.

JWH 60

It's the laugh. It's the smile. It's the love. It's the kindness. It's all those things that make us love you, Judith! (AKA Cackles!) Happy 60th. 

Taxi to the 'falls.

Rocketboom, which is a three minute daily videoblog hosted by Joanne Colan based in New York City, recently went on a NYC Water Taxi ride to check out the NYC Waterfalls. I wrote about the 'falls a few weeks ago. They were super duper cool. I got to see the waterfalls on a rainy weekend from the dock at the South Street Seaport with RJH and Cackles but I think we need to get a closer look. The NYC Water Taxi is a fabulous ride anyway. Sun, water, NYC in the distance, a cool breeze and plenty to look at! Heaven.

NYC Waterfalls
Uploaded by rocketboom

JR - Massive and Strong.

Recently I wrote about the fabulous artist BLU, whose motion art videos have been making the rounds all over the web. Cackles recently visited London where one of BLU's works was on the exterior wall of the Tate Modern. BLU and a few other artists were asked to create a piece that would adorn the Tate facade through late August. Of the artists asked to join the Tate Modern exhibit, I was only familiar with BLU's work until today, when I stumbled across the work of a French photographer and street artist named JR. JR's striking imagery is instantly recognizable and generally massive in size. JR has plastered his work across the globe. I discovered some videos of his work that I wanted to share. These videos feature his work in France, the most recent Tate Modern exhibit as well as various buildings he painted all around London. The work is amazing, fresh, explosive, political and totally original. Check out the videos below and tell me you don't agree. I'm going to have to keep him on my radar now. I'm hooked!

JR - TATE MODERN
Uploaded by JR

JR - ACTION IN LONDON
Uploaded by JR 

Congrats!

I wanted to send some good luck vibes to CACKLES all the way down in Philly. Today she begins a new chapter in her professional career. Those of you who know me or know this site should be quite familiar with CACKLES. Cacks was in desperate need of a change from her last job so we all wish her the best best best in her new endeavor. The folks that she'll be counseling are lucky to have her! I know we are! xoxo.

Welcome Home, Cackles!

Cackles is back in the States! After a week long trip abroad, Cacks is back! Welcome home, Ma! We missed you. I mean...come on...who wouldn't miss that face?!

It's a family affair...

My super sweet parents, brother and his wife and their kids just left after a very short visit to NYC. After a long drive from Virginia, they arrived in NYC last evening.  My boyfriend cooked a smashing dinner for a very tough crowd. My parents are 'meat and potatoes' type of folks and my brother and his family are strict vegans. It's not always easy to plan a meal around such polar opposites. He succeeded in making baked ziti - one vegan and one not. It was so yummy. Today saw much much activity. Cackles came up for the day which was awesome and so so nice!  We all got to spend a busy busy day together going from one end of the island to the other sharing so many laughs. My two nieces are two of the sweetest and most loving lil' ladies I have ever seen. I miss them already! We had a very very busy and hectic day today and even though I'm glad it's winding down I'm also sad to see them go. They are now heading to Sesame Place in Pennsylvania for some continued family fun - I have to work tomorrow! Boooooo. My family is so important to me so it's always nice when they get to come and share in my world up here. I wish they'd come up more. While my family was here they visited my apartment where I live with my BF and my kitty Alice. I thought I'd share some photos of dear dear Alice since it's been a while. Poor Alice had to run for cover while my nieces were here. They chased her from one side of my apartment to the other. She was a weary lil' kitty. Even if I wasn't happy to see them go, I know that Alice was. She could finally come out of hiding and relax. That is just what I am going to do now as well. RJH just fixed me a cocktail and I'm ready to put my feet up. xoxo.

Cackles has never looked better...

Who has the style of a diva and the attitude to match? That would be Cackles. Who has the brilliance of prophet and the heart and soul to match? Ummm..that would be Cackles. Who has the spirit of a teenager but the wisdom of her (young) age? Still Cackles. Who is one of the most funny, witty, cheerful, excited, and caring people I know? C.A.C.K.L.E.S. Who is someone that RJH and I lean on for advice when we need it?? The one and only Cackles. Happy Birthday, Cacks. Oh and for those who don't know - Cackles is my boyfriend's mother.  We gave her that nickname because she has the most infectious laugh (and clap, if it's REALLY funny!). She is super amazing and super duper rad. Hugs to you on your day! You are the absolute best and we love you. xoxox.