22 January 2009

Nero's Last Post

For a couple of months now, I have been meaning to dispose of the remains of Nero.

Obviously, after growing season, he wasn't looking too healthy. Despite all my efforts, when the weather turned cold, Nero went "dormant." That's how I explained it to ShortBus anyway.... he's hibernating... sleeping... maybe he'll wake up in the spring. And, if not, we'll get another tomato plant. It's the circle of life. He's seen Lion King & Bambi, he knows how it works.

But, Nero has a special place in my heart. More love and effort has gone into this stupid cherry tomato plant, than any other plant I've ever owned (note to self: make a call and get back the Ficus that comes in second place...if it has survived). It is the only plant I have ever owned that has had a name... a very cool name. So yes, it has been tough to bring myself to dump him in the bin.

The other night I was sitting on the porch, looking at the brown sticks, twigs, and leaves that make up the once thriving plant, and I notice that Nero has left us a message.



I know it's silly, but that symbol, whether real or imagined, touched me. The ShortBus thanked him for every little tomato he picked, and I talked to him every time I watered & fed him. Maybe Nero knew and appreciated how much he was loved, and just maybe, the love of a little boy, the crossed fingers of a hopeful mommy, and a bit of plant food made some kind of magic elixir that a little plant appreciated... even if it was just for one season.

02 January 2009

The Not Quite Famous


When I was 16, I was in a shop on Height-Ashbery... I turned around abruptly, and ran (nearly face first) into the chest of some guy. Only, he wasn't some guy... and it took me a second. I looked at him, and knew he was familiar (and REALLY cute)... but who... oh wait... Yes, I do know you.... Mike Patton.

You probably wouldn't recognize the name... even though you might know Mr. Bungle (no?), or Faith No More. Yes, he is one of many "not quite famous, but almost" people I've sort of met. I say "sort of" only because the brief moments I've had with all these "not quite famous, but almost" folks, aren't ever introductions.

And, let me say, right now, if you live in LA, I don't care who you've met, it doesn't count. If you live in LA, and you've met 436 famous people, I'm not impressed... in fact, if you live in LA and have never met anyone famous, that might impress me. But, really... "I've lived in LA for eight years and have met a TON of actors..." meh. It sounds good, but, I don't think it counts. I guess it's not necessarily the "who" so much as the "where." If you are somewhere random, you get more points than if you are somewhere "duh."

Yes, Mike Patton, Geddy Lee, Amanda Palmer, Donald Gibb, Tiffany, Angelo Moore (the list goes on)... odd run-ins, in odd places, at odd times. Not impressive by any means, but good enough for me.