August, 2009:

I think there are certain essential qualities to the American experience. One of these is the traditional parade that comes along with the County Fair. Now come back with us to those thrilling days of yesteryear…But seriously Mr. Peabody, where is the Wayback machine?

Back to the experience, you can pretty much insert the name of anytown USA into the picture. For me, it was the flower parade in Lompoc in the 60′s.

You know you have stumbled upon the real deal when the Shriners are in the parade.

Serious equestrian stuff. My sister’s favorite variety of horse, and no I can’t remember what it’s called. So, if you know, leave a comment. The first 100 people to correctly name this horse will get a pony ride.

This one was my favorite. He just looked majestic.

I am told by those who know such things, that the leather and silver work alone can be worth staggering sums. All I got ta say is, sometimes ya gots ta have yo bling.

If I were a real blogger, I would run over to Wiki and grab some historical background for the next picture. Alas, pure speculation is much more fun. So, what the hell was someone thinking, or drinking, or smoking, when they designed a bicycle so tall, that you cant get off. But yea, if I had a chance to ride one in the parade….

We would be remiss unless we give props to the Ophir prison marching kazoo band.

Wagon and coachwork have always been a particular fascination for me. I am pretty sure that it is in my genes. No, seriously, my great grandfather was a coachmaker. Check this one out. Almost as cool as the hearse from an earlier posting.

And no parade would be complete without a monster truck. This last addition to the roster of the classic American small town, mainstreet parade is a recent one. Wonder what kind of mileage he gets.

Just another day in the life.

Best Job Posting Ever. From Craig’s list Sacramento. Even if you don’t have a clue about design or production, after reading this job description you will want to work for these folks:

WE WANT YOU:
We want you to do the best work of your career with us.

WE NEED YOU TO:
Be proficient in all the standard creative design software packages
Create and oversee the design and production of the printed product.
Help with our customers’ agencies in making the best looking printed pieces possible.
Create things that move our publication forward to the next level.

WE NEED YOU TO BE:
Awesome. No, really. No Attitudes please.
Thick skinned.
The sole ‘go to person’ for ad design and production
A good leader, charismatic.
Fun.
Fine working alone and on a team.
Knowledgeable about print production.
A kick ass designer/graphic artist. Period.
Very articulate and tactful.
An idea kinda person, free flowing and creative thinker.
Proficient in understanding 4-color process.
Excellent with pre-press, type and color skills.
Experienced with 3-5 years graphic artist and production.
Able to manage deadlines without flying off the handle.

IT WOULD BE AWESOME IF YOU:
Were familiar with Web protocol.
Update content on our website.
Understand the ‘home improvement’ industry.
Know how to draw. Well.
Brought donuts once in a while.
Lived in the greater Sacramento Area.
Have your own home studio with all desktop publishing equipment.

WE DON’T NEED:
9 to 5’ers. If you’re just in it for the paycheck, please consider our competitors.
Prima Donnas.
Drama.
Laziness.
People not authorized to work in the US.

YOU WILL:
Have the opportunity to work for multiple market up-scale publication.
Have the opportunity to do cutting edge creative for awesome clients.
Be able to participate in all aspects of the marketing process.
Be able to advise on and design web content.
Have the opportunity to work with a growing, expanding organization.

On one level it is a little weird that I am harvesting interesting stuff for the Trifling Blog from the “Want ads”.  But since we at the Trifling blog are always trying to improve customer service; those of you who are currently enjoying a largess from employment as I am, will appreciate this post.

http://www.lunagitana.com

Livin that roady life again. Although I am not sure that “roady” is spelled with a “Y”. For that matter, I never had a great deal of confidence in the overall literacy of the roadys I have encountered. But then again, one should never judge a book by its cover, or a band by it’s roadies. Looks better with an “ie”. And truth be told,  I was not an official roady, but rather was the guy at the CD table adjacent to the bandstand where the real money is made. Seriously, I sold a butt load of their CD’s. Go the web site and give them a listen. You will want to own some of this music.

My friend and room mate Sterling Branton provides vocals and violin. The music is an eclectic mix of Latin, World percussion, Opera, Beatles and a little funk. All played simultaneously.

This was the coolest of outdoor festivals cause it was the big BALOON festival in Santa Paula. I remember Santa Paula because it is a small inland town where my grandmother lived. I can remember driving there early some Saturday morning’s with my dad. This is what we drove

How bitchin was my dad! Well, not actually but it would have been exponentially more interesting growing up if he had decided to be a low rider. Somehow, thinking of my dad in a hairnet with a tear drop tat just doesn’t resonate. Imagine that. But I digress.

Ah, the aforementioned Grandmother. We only knew her as “Bernice”

Indeed what I remember most about “Beece” was her hair. I often wondered if perhaps her head was shaped that way. She was an interesting lady. While I did not know her well, what I can say in her behalf is that she was very instrumental in bringing up my oldest sister Sherry, who is….the balm. And a truly beautiful person. Shout out to Sherry and to Liz.

Back to Luna Gitana. The festival was a kick. Good crowd, beautiful day, and lots of fun in Santa Paula

And that’s the news from Santa Boo Boo. Be well and namaste.