I finished the Philco 40-180 a couple of days ago, and we finally brought it in to the living room. I didn't end up using the original controls for anything though - they are just for show. This was for two reasons. First, the original mechanisms were very rusty and worn, and did not really operate smoothly anymore. Second, all of the knobs and buttons are right at eye level for Sean, and he finds them irresistable. So instead, it is wired to our CD player, and we listen to music through it. It both sounds and looks great! (By the way, the curtains are down right now to be washed - it's not normally so bright in that corner.)
Year: 2006
Anatomy of an Artist
Stage 1: Inspiration
The first step in the artistic process is the search for inspiration. He contemplates the nature of life, the universe and everything - all in the quest for the seed of an idea that will blossom into a masterpiece. He becomes pensive, and withdrawn.
After hours of fruitless searching, the artist slowly goes mad - riding alternating waves of rage and euphoria. It is in this stage that many artists break, succumbing to one vice or another. This artist resorts to drooling on his canvas, and eventually masters his inner demons.
Eureka! The artist discovers a subject worthy of his craft, and proceeds to capture its raw essence on the canvas. For this work, the artist has chosen the classic beauty of Euclid's visions - namely, the square and the circle. The first of these two masterpieces the artist has entitled "Three Squares", while the second has been titled "Circle on Paper". Note the artist's unique interpretation of these well-known forms.*
Ah, sweet release! His artistic energy spent, the artist enjoys the resulting afterglow. But alas this joy will be short-lived, as he will momentarily be compelled to repeat the process - an artist's drive to create shows no mercy.
Christmas Hodgepodge
What a Difference
So of course we were very worried about whether we would have to go through the whole thing all over again once Carter was born. To our welcome surprise, Sadie has been amazing this time. We can play with Carter on the floor, and Sadie doesn't bother her. Sadie can sit with us on the couch, and get close without getting in the way. But this photo really demonstrates how different things are this time. Last night, carter was taking a little snooze on Lori before her evening meal. Sadie jumped up on the couch next to them, laid down, and snuggled right in to the baby - all without waking her up. It was heartwarming.
Behold the Chitlins!
This was the first time that Sean let us put Carter anywhere near him. He's interested in her now, but if we try to put her near him, it makes him nervous and he runs away. It's quite cute. But today, for whatever reason, he was okay with her. He still wouldn't let me put her in his lap, but he did let her rest on the couch next to him. So this is officially our very first picture of our kids together. And there was rejoicing throughout the kingdom!
Say Cheese!
Here are a couple of cute smiles. Unfortunately, Carter tends to wear a lot of white, and the only time Sean gives Lori the time to grab the camera is first thing in the morning - so most of our pics of Carter tend to be pretty washed out. But still, I think these two really capture her personality all the same. She smiles all the time now, which makes all the work so much more worth it. And this last pic is a little bonus. I couldn't resist throwing it in, because I think it is hilarious. Doesn't she look like Popeye? So far her forearms are regulation size, but we shall see. :)
Party at Sean’s Place
Pump It Up!
Philco 40-180
I've got the Philco 40-180 refinished, with the decals applied. Today I started recovering the grill plate with the reproduction grill cloth I ordered, and also started taking apart the speakers that will be mounted in the radio. I'm hoping to start assembling the mp3 player kit this weekend, but I'm a bit nervous - this will be the first time I've ever done any precision soldering on anything more complicated than perfboard. Wish me luck!
Our Budding Artist