It has been a crazy week. But I got the grades turned in and I got my work done for the U and I am finishing up a grant today for URB. Crazy but it feels good to check things off the to-do list. As usual, I haven't been very specific about my work up at the U for a variety of reasons. One, the topics of study can bring a glazed look into most eyes and two, I have researched these topics to death almost to the point of bringing a glazed look into my own eyes! However, I would like to mention just a couple of things about what I am doing up there and risk all glazing.

One topic I have studied is a connection of symbols between ballet and a surrealist artist named Joseph Cornell. I have placed a couple of his works above. Rather than known as a fine painter or sculptor, Cornell is known to be one of the first assemblage artists. He collected lots of various items he found to be useful or beautiful and juxtaposed items together in boxes. He gave them as gifts or he kept them for himself. He also took old film footage and made his own type of arthouse films. He developed his own meanings with symbolism. He rather loved ballet and music. He made many boxes devoted to the first ladies of ballet from the 1880s. Ballerinas who were long since gone were brought back to the spotlight to highlight their beautiful contributions to dance and art.

Anyway, look him up.

All is well here. We are planning a trip to Disneyland and Arizona which we are excited about. The girls love swimming and grandparents and all things Mickey Mouse.