Yesterday was probably THE best airshow for me yet even though I probably have never experienced anything so hot before in my life. The Abbotsford Airshow brought in an actual flying Lancaster -there’s only two left that fly (or are at least that are allowed to fly). This one flew in from Hamilton Ontario especially for me (that’s what I like to think anyway).

Even better, I found out that they were allowing people to board her! There was quite a line-up but I didn’t care. I went to the end of the line, saving spots for friends who went to get our passes, and standing there was a guy in a flight suit talking to someone. I asked him if he was part of the crew and found out he was the flight engineer. Then I did something nutty and gave him a big hug! Weird, huh?

Well, the interest I have in these planes stems from my dad who was a flight engineer and flew in these “kites” during WW2. Seeing a Lanc in person brought me a little closer to him and reminded me of all the stories he told of that time (something I’ll maybe write more about another time). So in my excitement, and sentimentality, I hugged a total stranger! Don’t get me wrong, he’s a very good-looking guy and everything, but I’m usually not so forward – ha!

Then as I explained the hug to him (geez, was his face red), another of the crew came up and said “why’s HE getting hugs when I’m the pilot”! It was about this time that my friends came back wondering what the hell was going on and what I did to get the pilot and flight engineer standing in line with me. These guys were super nice though and made a point of talking to everyone who approached. You can tell they love what they do.

We eventually got inside the Lancaster, which was incredible! You wouldn’t think it so small from the outside, but you’re pretty much crawling around in there. I sat where my dad would have too. I suspected I might loose it once I got up there, but I didn’t really have time to dwell on it too much. I actually hoped I’d have had a chance to get sentimental, but with the heat and the line-up it was all a bit too distracting. Maybe next time. It was still amazing to experience!

Later they did a fly-over, recreating a bomb strike. Truthfully, I’d rather just see her fly, but I realize most people would want all the blow-up stuff. It just seems a little odd to me, I guess. When you watch her fly by without all of the “glam”, it actually feels more eerie. And she seems to go so slow!

The rest of the afternoon was spent lounging in chairs under “our” Lanc and chatting with the fellas. After the show we were invited to a party held for the performers and had dinner with the pilot. It was certainly a day well spent.

Another great airshow weekend, this time at the Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane!

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For many, many years I’ve been trying to gain access to a particular abandoned mental institution but haven’t had any idea how I might go about this. I know a few film folks who have worked at this location, but this hasn’t really helped my quest especially since many aren’t wild about returning.

My wish had finally come true this week though! A friend asked if I’d be interested in volunteering for an independent filming that he and his crew mates were working on and low and behold it would be at the PLACE!

YEAH!!!! I’ve never seen a film shoot before so it was all going to be new to me.

The place is fantastic, eerily beautiful and creatively inspirational -I can see why it’s used in film so often. Often it’s hard to tell what’s real decay and what’s a set! As for being of any help, initially, I must admit to feeling more of a nuisance than anything, and felt a little guilty too  just wandering off to take pictures while everyone else was busting their backs. I did as much as I could and in the end I think I may have been of some help or so I hope.

Someone had to watch the front desk to make sure no patients from the other buildings came wandering in. If they did, it’s super easy to get lost in the maze of the place. Since I have no apparent skills in a live action shoot I figured I might as well do it, and yes, someone did come wandering in, but they just left after I said they couldn’t go upstairs.

I ended up talking with the filming/location liaison for quite sometime finding out all sorts of history bits as well as what you can and can’t do on a shoot there. The main “no no’s” seem to be this: NO BOOZE, NO UNATTENDED FRONT AND BACK DOORS, NO WANDERING, NO PHOTOS and NO POSTING PHOTOS ON THE INTERNET. *gulp*

So my friend Kipling and I are walking down Robson Street minding our own business and low and behold there’s Hugh Cornwell adjusting himself behind a large window at HMV.

We considered skipping this mini solo performance at first since we were going to see him play later that evening anyway, but since there were only about 15 people standing around we thought we should take advantage of the opportunity. Besides, while I never mentioned it to Kip, there was a small part of me that thought maybe, just maybe, he’d take one look into my eyes and know that it was meant to be. Of course Rod might have a problem at first with this new scenario but he would soon come to understand that it is Hugh Cornwell after all.

He played a few songs, none of which I really remember, not because he did a bad job or anything (they were great!) but because I’m not used to feeling 16 anymore and was a tad distracted.

After he finished the set, he signed some autographs and me not having anything I felt worthy of his signature (and after being coaxed by Kip) decided my leg would be an appropriate surface.

Note how it’s signed up my thigh? *sigh*

Der Mensch als Industriepalast [Man as Industrial Palace] from Henning Lederer on Vimeo.

This is FABULOUS!

via Street Anatomy

Donald Reid (hands in pockets)

Love and miss you Dad.

Another Theda Bara inspired piece for an upcoming Day of the Dead show at JEM Gallery. I’m trying everything in my power NOT to go into this with oils, but alas, it’s due today…

“Theda the Dead”
10 x 10″
Casein on Cradle Board

I was thinking about camping over the weekend. Not the tent in the bush type camping, which is fine from what I remember way back when and I wanted to get away from my parents a hundred years ago, but instead, lying under a particular Navion wing.

The idea came to me on a blistering day at the Arlington Airshow as I was reclining under pictured wing -the same wing that flew us there. This was the second year I was lucky enough to attend and rather than burning my face off like I did last year, Ginny and I decided to spend much time just relaxing after checking out all we’d wanted to. It really was fabulous being surrounded with all the warbirds! Perfect temperature and perfectly protected too while watching the airshow.

Another wonderful year and great gin and tonic too.