I used 2 look at magazines 4 creative inspiration & now I refuse 2 taint my mind with the confines of commercial design. I’m an artist…I derive inspiration from the faces of the people on the Red Line, the clothing that they wear, the stench or the perfume that they bring, their stark contrasts in lifestyle and income brackets, some of them having no income at all. I close my eyes and I inhale; a good smell may turn into a red theme on a flyer, a painful reek may turn into a grungy twitter background. People ask where I gather inspiration I tell them from inside. Because I am everything around me at any given time…

 

I wrote that sentiment some years ago but I read it often to remind myself to always be me. To always spread my influence to everything and everyone I touch.

The above photograph is a great example of exactly that. Many people have given much feedback about that photo. “The cars take away from the vehicle.” or “If it were only the Lemonheads and no grass it would be more striking.”

Artist paint how they see things, many of them having abstract vision. I take photos how I see things, an abstract 3:2 ratio. I hope someone can appreciate my work for what it is some day. Not what it could be, because, it’s not.

Here  is something you didn’t know about me. I used to be a poet. A pretty good one too. The text on the image above is a sample of my writing. Everyone asked why I stopped writing. The answer is I was just jaded. But that ain’t even what this blog is about.

I took a break from writing and just started reflecting on how complicated I made my life in a matter of about 5 short years. And if that wasn’t enough I went on to further complicate it in a mad rush to simplify it. Crazy right? I know…but I’m ok with that because those early life horrible decisions made me a much better decision maker today. A scholar and a gentleman of sorts. Comment if you want…

Soooooo prior to divorce I used to spend A LOT of time at Starbucks. When I say A LOT EVERYONE that worked there knew me, when I took a lunch break I would pick up food for the employees too, and they ceased charging me for the things I consumed (the manager was ok with this as well). lol For anyone that doesn’t know I am a freelance graphic and web designer and working at home is one of the hardest things in the world to do. If you don’t believe me try it. But that’s not even what this blog is about. This blog is about my desire to open a Starbucks that is club-esque. How do you mean Straf, you ask?! I mean I’m putting a VIP section in that joker! In the VIP area you get table service and bottle service as well. That’s right we are going to keep ALL you beverages icy for you. Can you see it? I’m gonna have everyone sitting their paper cup in an ice chest. Nothing but the very best for my customers. But tables wont come cheap. Why? Because it’s VIP!

Where did you get this wonderful idea Straf? I got it from recently spending much time in Starbucks again. I hate when people come and sit close to me. But you don’t own the joint Straf! It is a public place after all. Who cares? I am a thug and thug’s need space. We get all shaky and nervous when people sit too close to us. You ever sit next to a thug? Try it…Outty 550 G!

This afternoon I am making duck breast for lunch. I am very very excited about it. How about you? What excites you?

I am actually going to try to maintain this site from this day forward. I don’t care if nobody ever reads it. so