Art, Life.

The moment I saw Van Gogh's Bedroom in Arles on a projector slide in an Art History class my freshmen year - it's been my favorite work of art. I just sort of fell in love with the tilt of the wall, the tint of the floor and the domestic scene paired with Van Gogh's signature, psychological brushstrokes.

This past summer I got to see it in person when an Impressionism exhibit came to the Fort Worth Museum of Art.

And I don't think you can top that, seeing a work of art you really just love for no academic reason up close and in person.

One time in London's Tate Modern, Meg and I sat in a dimly-lit room full of Rothko paintings and I swear feelings pulsed out of the canvases.

And this summer, Caravaggio's frescoes in Rome's Contarelli Chapel of San Luigi dei Francesi Church reawakened my dormant spirituality.

I've been brought up in a family that surrounded and encouraged me with art, making it alive - from my Grandmother's 100-pound coffee table book filled with gorgeous, gold Klimt to my mom's Frank Lloyd Wright architectural roadtrips and elementary school art lessons.

So I guess I've been raised to believe experiencing art is important and impactful.

And I just watched Vicky Cristina Barcelona (highly recommend it) and it's inspired my new life goal: see Gaudi's spectacularly surreal Sagrada Famalia Church in person. 

Keep dreaming.

Hey, Rich Girls.

My Uncle Richard loves to debate politics with me through email. 

And it's usually pretty enjoyable, because we both consider ourselves open-minded, though he leans to the right and I'm definitely on the left. 

But lately I've gotten unbearable emails concerning the economic stimulus package - see the cartoon above.

My response:

Riiiight. In times of economic crisis and severe job loss, it's best to deny food stamps and health care so people have no way of getting back on their feet.

So what's the Conservative solution?

I mean, besides government not getting involved in any way, shape or form. (Hello toxic assets).

And definitely no spending.

Well, unless it's a HORRIBLY ILL-CONCEIVED war. Right? Then you're willing to fork out billions and billions.

I'm just saying...a Conservative administration was in control for the past eight years.

Now it's our turn. Give it a chance.

Love,

Kate

P.S. The more economic classes I take, the more I understand where you're coming from.

And on the subject of economic crisis...

I can't stop listening to Rich Girls by The Virgins.

Another Life Goal: Volunteer at 826 Valencia.

826 Valenica is Dave Eggers encapsulated in a community organization that stresses creativity, reading and writing.

Someday I'll live close to one and finally be the spectacularly kindhearted volunteer I've always felt guilty about not being.

And that being President could be fun!? Genius. 

I love, This American Life.

I'm a sucker for radio. 

And the concept of exploring the glamour and endlessly interesting aspects of everyday life.

Annnnd the black, thick-framed glasses of Ira Glass.

Seriously listen to these. For free!

Act V, my personal favorite, will change your life.

Yes We Can-ing It.

I love how photogenic and aesthetically interesting politics can be.

More examples, go here: Obama's People

Meggity Meg.

My sister Meg. She bedazzles guns in Providence, Rhode Island. Which is too far away from me.

Homey Hydrangea.

Someday I will have a Hydrangea bush that overwhelms my yard.

This is the most recent addition to my extensive list entitled, "Things I Will Have When I Am A Grown Up And Have My Own Money And House And No Longer Live In A Sorority House Or Apartment Or Rental Or With My Parents."

Other items on this list include: hardwood floors, butter yellow leather couch, golden retriever, porch swing, retro avocado-colored fridge, a really great blender, light blue dishware, antique chandelier found at a flea market and restored as a hobby, balcony, huge all-white bed complete with memory foam, a room with wall-to-wall white bookshelves, a Meg-made kitchen table, honeysuckle, personalized art, open kitchen, stemless wine glasses... 

I am in no rush to get to this point, but it's still nice to dream about.