Monday, December 1, 2008

Everything About Me but the Kitchen Sink (That Too)

A Wall with a Past, acrylic on canvas, 24" x 24"
private collection, Mercer Island, Washington


This tag is courtesy Kim of Creating Space. She's requested I divulge seven "unusual" things about me. Here the problem is not coming up with seven offbeat traits/events. It's deciding which to leave out. Oh well, here's a sampling of my quirks:

1. As I've mentioned (numerous times), I was born breech, entering this world ass-backwards and I've been doing things in a roundabout way ever since. Example:

2.

I once dislocated my toe while helping my son learn his spelling words. Don't ask.

3. My eyes are afflicted with a corneal disorder which affects 1 out of 2000 Americans. My uncorrected eyes see something (beyond a certain distance) like this:


Marcel Duchamp
Nude Descending a Staircase


I only wish I could paint what I see.

4. On the Myers Briggs Type Indicator, I am a INFJ, which purportedly occurs in 1% of the population. Kindred spirits include Geoffrey Chaucer, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Eleanor Roosevelt, Carl Jung, Mother Teresa, and Martin Luther King Jr. (As best as I can surmise, these findings were gleaned from the online test-taking results in the hard drives of these folks' discarded i-Books.) Wow, I guess I'm the underachiever in the group. That makes me even more unusual.

Then again, I've not lived a life completely devoid of attainment. Examples:

5. I was the valedictorian of my high school class, graduating with a grade point average of 97.425. I was also one of the Top Ten Magazine Salesmen in our senior class's primary fundraiser. For this I received a goldtone trophy in the form of a comely young woman. (Yes, I still have it. It resides in a place of honor in a cardboard box along with my Proficiency in Two Foreign Languages Award, My Best All Round Girl Award, my aforementioned Valedictorian Award, and an assortment of letters from various dignitaries, among them a state senator and the President of the company my dad worked for, congratulating me on a job well done.) For the record, I honed my art sales skills selling little prints in white plastic frames door-to-door in the fourth grade. I sold the hell out of stuff like this:

6. A small photograph of my own painting Heart's Destiny appears in the current issue of The Santa Fean. The feature is called "Fall Art Openings." And no, the photo wasn't taken at an opening. Get this: the photographer wandered into our gallery one afternoon just after Bennie had sold Heart's Destiny. A mood of festivity prevailed, so the photographer snapped a picture of Bennie, the buyer (the woman on the far left), a friend of the buyer, and yes, the painting. How's that for uncanny timing?

Where was I? In the studio painting of course.

7. AND my kitchen sink was immortalized on the cover of a literary magazine called...what else? The Kitchen Sink.
Oakley took the photograph.

I now tag 7 highly unusual (in the very best of ways) people:

1. The Moody Minstrel (who resides in The Land of the Rising Sun)
2. Ron (who Vents)
3. Lee (who dreams Chrysalis Dreams)
4. Jo (who Celebrates Life)
5. Peg (who hears Angel Voices)
6. Todd (who makes Pottery for Peace)
7. Paschal (aka murat11).

Your turn to confess.


107 comments:

Daryl said...

WOW ... I was born breech and am an underachiever too but you arent really truly an underachiever or you wont have won all those awards!

Gosh I miss you when you dont post.

:-Daryl

Andrea and Kim said...

Oh Gee San, this is so funny! On Myers Briggs, I am an INFP, so we are close. I think the J part alluded me and that is where all the sales come in. I was always crap at that kind of thing...maybe I should pay you to sell my paintings. I figure if you can sell little paintings in white plastic frames, you might be able to sell large ones in no frame at all...oh, that is right, you already do that! Silly me.

My Lord, San, you are accomplished...I would not say you are such an underachiever! Maybe you just were not born at the right time...at least that is Gladwell's point of view in his new book.(...or you were born the wrong way.) Damn, that is my issue, too! :)

I have to say you do get around without your presence even being there...your paintings in the magazine and your kitchen sink on the cover! Girl, you are amazing!

This is tremendous fun, thanks for playing along.

lime said...

how very interesting, the last time i took the meyers briggs i came out as INFJ as well. i never dislocated my toe during spelling homework but i did dislocate my elbow when i fell off the zipline in the backyard (as well as demolishing my wrist).

oh, and the only trophy i have ever won is the one i refer to as the golden phallus

Sandi McBride said...

I am so glad to see you back. I've been in and been in and now FINALLY..and learned seven more things about you to boot. I love the painting, and post on the wall or not, it screams Christmas to me...I don't know why...but I see it.
Great tags for this...can't wait to see Lee's answers!
Sandi

Lori Skoog said...

San....where in the heck have you been??? Long time no post, leaving us all out here waiting. 7 very interesting tidbits!
Lori

Celebration of Life said...

Hi San!
This might be hard... I can't think of 7 interesting unknown things about myself but I will come up with something.
Jo

Phyllis Hunt McGowan said...

I confess: I cannot read "I once dislocated my toe while helping my son learn his spelling words. Don't ask." -without wanting to know more ;)
What curious lives people lead, and what fascinating stories there are.
(I really liked the "Wall With a Past" - the title is full of intrigue.)

San said...

Daryl, I've missed blogging, and I've missed YOUR blog.

San said...

Kim, thanks for tagging me. It was a lot of fun!

I was motivated to re-take the mini Myers Briggs after reading your posts about it some time ago. I still haven't remembered that other profile I'd mentioned.

San said...

Lime, I believe if we put our minds together we could definitely pull off the overthrow of Lichtenstein. The golden phallus would of course figure rather prominently.

San said...

Sandi, so YOU were the one I kept hearing outside the door. I thought more spirits had come calling. It's good to be back. Thank you for checking in. And in. And in...

San said...

Lori, you're kind to have waited. Life got busy for a while. Long, not that interesting story.

San said...

Jo, you are being modest. You are interesting to the bone.

San said...

The Elementary, I'm glad you like the painting. Wish you could see it in person.

One of these days I will explain about the dislocated toe/spelling practice.

~Babs said...

So many accomplishments,,,,in so little time,,,,

It takes a great talent to dislocate a digit while spelling,,,,

Fabulous RED painting!

I once broke my foot while emailing,,,,does that count as talent?

Really fun post!

Todd said...

Oh San! Sooooo good to hear from you and read your blog . . . . I think! LOL I shall "sleep on it" tonight and post my 7 unusual things about me. Hugs!
T.

Lynette said...

San I really enjoyed reading these facts about you and oooh that toe must have hurt!

Lynette said...

'A Wall With a Past' is a gorgeous abstraction in red!

Lee said...

Fun post, San! I'm so glad you found time to blog. It's going to take some real hard thinking to come up with things I, who have always tried to be "usual", am unusual in. But I'll do my best.

While you were posting this, I was writing one more about the Lessons & Carols service we had Sunday. You know some of it already but come visit anyways please.

Did you send me some of your cold weather along with your post? I was sitting here reading, realized I was cold, and noticed that my weather said it was 44 degrees. Don't think I'm looking forward to tomorrow's rising.

Hugs!

CoyoteFe said...

You are PRICELESS, and I have missed you! I have weird eyes, but see nothing as riveting as you. Now that you mention if, I am not sure that I have answered cleanly on any of my Myers Briggs.

So, were you you DANCING out the spelling words? Spelling Bee on Broadway.

You lead a charmed life!

Celebration of Life said...

San,
Yes, we can walk on the moon together while munching down on Butterfingers! When we get back to the Lunar Lander you can make crust for the coconut cream pie! ;o)

Velvet Ginger said...

Oh I just love finding out more things about you! You see with your heart...that's what makes you such a great painter! Thank you for sharing all these interesting things.

Raven said...

As always, I love your painting. I'm an INFP on Myers Briggs... You have all the virtues of the INF with the ability to function which comes with the J. Cool.

How DID you dislocate your toe teaching spelling. I know you said not to ask but it has to be a really good story.

Glad you got into the paper. Very nice. Hope it brings people to your gallery.

Wonderful post as always.

Anonymous said...

Your partnership with Angels goes way back... and every now and then you paint and sell another Angel.

Ron said...

Hi San!

As soon as you mentioned Myers Briggs, my ears shot up! I LOVED taking that test. I actually took it a few times. I ended up being an ENFP. And one time I took it and ended up being INFP. Which really makes sense, because I'm both introvert and extravert.

I know this may sound funny, but the little photo you shared of the guardian angel with the two children, is actually one of my favorite pictures!! It's so sweet, isn't it? So I would have bought one from ya!

Thanks for sharing 7 really interesting things about you, San!

Hey, and thank you VERY much for thinking about me for this meme, but I honestly don't participate in them. However, one day I may just post 7 CRAZY things about myself.

tee, hee!

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, dear lady!

murat11 said...

That's cold, girl: go on a blog vacation for a month and then come back and start dishin' out assignments. Ouch! And during exam prep time and ever'thing! As if I even have anything unusual about me!

Okay. It may take some time, and then I'll tag you back for another seven.

Peace, my sister.

murat11 said...

More importantly, welcome back, Ms San, and that is one awesome painting: love the red.

Meg Wolff said...

San,
You are very unusual, which is fun & interesting, as usual.

I wonder if I was born breach too??

I like you brand of unusualness. Glad you are getting some painting done. Look forward to seeing more of the results, so beautiful. :-)

Akelamalu said...

Nice to see you back and those seven things are not just unusual but totally fascinating! :0

Maggie May said...

That was a very unusual seven things!
I was very curious about the dislocated toe and the spelling!
On the Myers Briggs I was a ISFJ
As usual lovely art work.

murat11 said...

ENFJ. Color me Tommy Lee Jones, Oprah Winfrey, and Johnny Depp.

Mrs Mac said...

"I only wish I could paint what I see."
-Beautiful!

Hope you're keeping warm, by the way! Brrr!

:)

Unknown said...

My first summer job while in college I worked for a guy who was born “back-asswards”—at least according to him. You know, San I am
tempted to ask how one breaks a toe while helping with homework!

Hmmmm…I wonder if Picasso suffered from corneal disorder. I’ve heard that el Greco had a sight problem.

Mind-boggling, San! INFJs make up the smallest group of the 16 types—perhaps less that 1% of the population. And! Among those other fine INFJs you may add Carol in Denver and me! I am always amazed, considering how few there are of us, how us INFJs seem to find one another.

So you were an entrepreneur as early as the 4th grade! And, of course, you were born an artist!

I’m sorry you didn’t get photographed for the mag. But, then, great art requires dedication and even sacrifice.

What a grand story: your kitchen sink on the cover of The Kitchen Sink!

Thanks for all the delightful information, dear San!

Carol said...

Well, I certainly had fun reading this post. Like The Elementary, my curiosity is piqued and I NEED to know more about that dislocated toe. Maybe my need for that comes not only from curiosity, but also from a kindred connection, since I'm sure that I have dislocated, broken, and bruised numerous toes by forgetting how long they are, thus striking them against chair legs, doors, walls, anything.

And like Ron, I have a special place in my heart for the angel artwork that you used to sell. I had that picture up on my wall as a little girl. In my mind, I can still see exactly where it hung at the foot of my bed. And not too many years ago, my daughter's boyfriend bought me a copy of it while not knowing of my history with it.

Thirdly, I haven't taken the time to look for my old Myers Briggs test, but I took the short version recently and it said that I'm an

INFJ.

Another one of your saintly readers is also. Funny how there's only 1% of us but we gravitate toward each other.

Thanks for the interesting post. Missed you!

CoyoteFe said...

Ooop! I have an award for you over on my blog!

myonlyphoto said...

San, lol, you are funny.
I dislocated my toe recently, and the picture of these kids and angel, I had one of the articles like that given out during Matthew's baptism. And meeee tooo I wish I could paint what I see, especially people, but for some reason always heads turn out to be bigger than the body, lol. Have a good night. Anna :)

SandyCarlson said...

I enjoyed that, San. I love your sense of humor.

I broke a toe answering the phone once. Don't ask.

And I do admire your kitchen sink.

Dianne said...

this was fun and interesting to read :)

love that kitchen sink photo

and I think, based on what I have seen of your work, that you see so much, so well

Lori Skoog said...

San...thanks for the comments. I appreciate you taking the time to read my Journal.
Lori

San said...

Babs, I believe breaking a foot while emailing puts one in the category of HIGHLY GIFTED.

San said...

Wow, Todd, I have to get over to your place now to read your unusual list.

San said...

Lynette, thank you very much for complimenting my painting. Yes, the toe did hurt. My mishap occurred right before we were to travel for the Christmas holidays and I had to hobble around on crutches during the trip. Actually a minor inconvenience, but I did feel my share of self-pity.

San said...

Lee, I look forward to reading your list. Please don't blame me for the cold weather. :->

This morning we woke up to a light dusting of snow. And we had some for Thanksgiving too. Of course that's a tradition here in northern New Mexico.

San said...

"Charmed life"--dislocated toes, oddball corneas and all. Fe, I like your spin!

I have missed you too.

San said...

Jo, I forgot to mention my pie crusts are by Marie Callender. I will defrost one upon our return to the Lunar Lander. Unless Bennie awaits us. He can make pie crust. Honestly.

San said...

Rubye Jean, I love your idea of seeing with the heart. Thank you for lifting my heart today!

San said...

Raven, my "ability to function" is sometimes in question.

OK, everybody wants to know about the toe/spelling mishap. I used to encourage my son to bounce when he spelled his words--on the bed or on a trampoline--it's a way of knowing things in the body, and thereby retaining them. I wish I could say I was bouncing on the bed or a trampoline, but truth be told, I was actually just rushing across the room in my bedroom slippers when I ran into a very heavy antique trunk. Embarrassing.

San said...

Dar, thank you for reminding me of my partnership with angels. I believe we're all a big, limited liability of course, corporation. And that goes for you too.

San said...

Ron, I'm not that surprised that sometimes you're "I," sometimes "E." You earn your livelihood by being in the world with the public, but when you act or write, you bring what's inside you into the world.

San said...

Paschal, you wrote the book on "unusual." I mean the books.

Bro, thanks for the kind words on the red painting. I cannot wait to read your list. Or to see what assigned 7 you come up with. Shudder.

San said...

Meg, I'm glad that you are doing so well these days. I am enjoying your newsletter--beautifully presented and highly inspirational.

San said...

Akelamalu, I just realized I need to get over to your place for a visit...

San said...

Maggie May--ISFJ--that seems to fit you! Nice.

Thank you for making me feel good about my work.

San said...

Paschal--those are not bad ones to color oneself with. Not bad at all. I am envious of those with a big fat "E."

San said...

Helena, you have moved me by singling out that phrase.

The sun's out here today and our dusting of snow went away. Good you have Bob and Dilly and now Chuck to hug--that should impart a little warmth.

San said...

Nick, I believe you are more than sometimes saintly. Your detailed comment is evidence of that!

Yes, several visual artists in the more recent centuries have had odd eyesight. As a believer in the connection of body and mind and spirit, I've pondered the chicken/egg question--does this wonky vision arise from an inner wonkiness or is it the other way around?

As for the magazine picture, I would always rather have a photograph of one of my paintings than a photograph of my mug out in the public eye. Must be the "I" in the Myers Briggs profile.

INFJ suits you to a T. Carol too. I'm glad we've found each other.

San said...

Carol, it must be significant that of all the little prints I sold in the fourth grade, it's the guardian angel image I remember. And what a sweet and comforting image for you to have on your bedroom wall! Perfect for an INFJ.

As I already told Nick, that profile really suits him and you. And I'll reiterate: I am very glad we found each other.

If you look at my response to Raven, you will read the frightfully disappointing story of my dislocated toe. The hint of the story, leaving much to the imagination, is far more riveting.

San said...

Fe, an award! WOO HOO!!!

San said...

Anna, I love all these coincidences you've experienced lately in regard to this post. Except of course the dislocated toe. OUCH.

San said...

Sandy, you and Babs and I should form some kind of club for the accident prone.

San said...

Diane, you are far too kind. But I am so glad you are!

:-D

San said...

Lori, it's always my pleasure.

Blue Sky Dreaming said...

San, I'm blown away by your quirks...so funny! Now what about the ones you didn't share...should we be concerned?!ha Glad you stepped out of the studio for a bit!

jsd said...

Thank you for sharing - I'm an ENFJ. And it nice to see you back in blogsville.

Synchronicity said...

this is one of the more interesting lists I have seen in response to that meme. Love your images to go with each of your seven things. I will have to come around more often. I haven't visited your site in some time.

Bruno LoGreco said...

I have to ask, although you said not to, how did you dislocate your toe while helping your son with spelling? I find it very amusing that such a thing could happen.

I personally love the way you paint - I love your abstract art - If I could afford your painting and had room on an empty wall, your paintings would decorate my entire living space. So maybe you are painting what you want to see :)

Lee said...

San, My tag post is up. Hope you can find to come visit.

Love,
Lee

Raven said...

Hi San,

Thanks for spilling the toe story. If it's any consolation, I broke the small toe of my right foot almost off running from a cockroach. How humiliating is that? I was the hit of the emergency room, though. There amidst New York's knife woulds and drug overdoses sat the girl who broke her foot running from a roach. Sigh.

Andrea and Kim said...

Don't worry San, I hold you to nothing! :)

I would love to hear when you have your talk with Babs' boyfriend, because I am trying to work this one out in my head. This can be dangerous, so you might help more than one person here. :)

Thanks Again!

Anonymous said...

Hi San,

I finally got to your site to answer your tag. My toes have been taking turns with turning black and blue and then the nail falling off. Peoples feet and frozen items keep falling on them.. haha I have taken the briggs many times too and i think last time i was INFJ.... It could have changed since then;;;; When taking that test alot of times it has to do with the mood of the time.. I have been just awarded Distinguished poet of the year ..... there is a catch thought.... i havae to pay for the book that its going to be in and pay for the award..... I think they should pay me so i guess i will wait till they do that.... I will be waiting an long time though hahah Angels are very special in life.. I have my angel card reading certification and also i am in an angel life coach program at this time...to become an angel life coach...I Love working with the angels because the messages i receive are always so positive and loving. I love your painting of the angels with the two children.....I have seen that one before. I collect all kinds of angels .. lets see what else.....I have angel card readings on my site on the weekend so all are welcome to come.....thanks for tagging me San
You reminded me that its time for me to post on my blog too... Have a great day and speak to you soon

Peg

Jeff B said...

Now there's a fun bunch of dare I say oddities. Thanks for divulging a few of them with us.

Nice to see a post from you again. Now I have to get off my backside and follow suit.

murat11 said...

Tres Lechans (that doesn't sound good) and Vermonters are all on the bus, Gus. Love: enfj

The Moody Minstrel said...

Oh, no...I think I've already done this one! Thanks for tagging me, though...I'm flattered!

Your take on this meme is definitely a memorable one. (And who wouldn't expect that?)

The Moody Minstrel said...

Okay, I found the post. It was in November of 2006, and it was NINE strange things about myself rather than seven.

You can see it here.

Unknown said...

Hi San, it has been a long time that I haven't read your beautiful stories nor looked at your wonderful paintings. This one just woke me up from stupor, now I'm feeling awake and well:)
Nice to read these unusual things about you:)
love
Andrea

murat11 said...

Cuz: Do y'all sell those Angel / Hansel and Gretel cards at the gallery?

San said...

Blue Sky, there's always room for concern. :-D

San said...

JS, it seems the ENFJs are out in force. Why am I not surprised?

San said...

Melelyme, I owe you a visit too. Don't be such a stranger around here!

San said...

Well, Bruno, I am going to be wishing you much monetary success and a HUGE living space with very large walls.

:-0

San said...

And a fabulous post it is, Lee. Again, thank you for playing along.

San said...

Raven, your story brings me comfort. And it is hilarious! It's better than the time someone dropped a bottle of Dr. Pepper on my toe. What is it with these toes? Is it a Myers Briggs thing?

San said...

Kim, I can assure you: When that conversation occurs, you will be a fly on the wall.

San said...

Peg--INFJ and angels! I love all of this common ground. You too are having troubles with toe mishaps--OUCH.

I didn't know you did the Angel Card readings. That is awesome. I will certainly have to swing by for that and I look forward to your list!

San said...

Jeff, yes, please say "oddities." That's the word I was searching for.

San said...

ENFJ, I made a swing by Tres Leches and Vermont. Both sites were most scenic.

San said...

Moody, your list exceeds my expectations. You UNIQUE person you!

San said...

Andrea, nice to know my red painting woke you from alleged stupor. Although I really can't imagine you in stupor.

Great to see you here!

xo

San said...

Paschal, we don't sell them. Should we?

Anonymous said...

San

Please do drop by at my chat room. i will be around on Saturday night.. Chat link is on my blog...

Peg

San said...

Thanks for the invitation, Peg. If I'm at home, I'll drop by...

Cath said...

Your posts are SOOOOO worth waiting for. How to make the ordinary extraordinary? - give it to San and let her post freely....

San said...

Cath, let me add: Your comments are SOOOOOOO worth waiting for.

david mcmahon said...

So much talent in both generations of your family, San.

San said...

David: Shucks.

Femin Susan said...

Hi......
Your blog is really interesting... Keep posting....Good Luck...Welcome to my blog...

Merry Christmas and happy New year.

Anonymous said...

This was fun. I never have time to participate in these kinds of things......

BTW, I finally visited Todos Santos last Sunday morning....holy schamoly!!!! That is the most fabulous shop I've ever been too....I love those shelves behind the counter that have been covered in leopard print fabric....and the chocolate, well how can one describe something so sublime??????

Carol said...

Hi San,

I just wanted to suggest that if you have the time, you might want to pop over to Angel's blog (Life is A Gift From God). She could use some support right now.

Chuck fka: Meanie said...

Mee in England, San! Mee bee wiff Dilly an Bob. Mee yike it heow!

A.Bananna said...

I have learned wonderful new things about you!! These meme's are so much fun!! :) have a great day san!!!!

Flannery said...

Ha ha! I love these things about you. I'd really like to see your "comely" girl award. David really enjoyed this post as well. I can't wait to see you!

xoxo!

San said...

Paula, I'm glad you finally made it to All Saints. It is pure magic, certainly the most artful chocolate shop I've ever seen (or smelled).

San said...

Susan, I look forward to visiting you and I hope you will return here often.

Merry Christmas to you!

San said...

Carol, I really appreciate your letting me know that.

San said...

Chuck, I saw you over there on Bob and Dilly's blogs. We miss you but are glad you are having such a great time.

Bring back pictures.

San said...

Yes, Anna, I'm hooked on the memes. Hope you are having a nice weekend...

San said...

Flan, I can't wait to see you--it won't be long! Look out. I may be pulling the award out and setting it over the Christmas stockings. With some tinsel around her neck.

Give David a hug for me.