Pleasure Notes

So this was my homework – write about what brings me pleasure.  And I kid you not, homework it was.  I sweated this one.  And not just because of the images it brought to mind.  I could obviously go way off the deep end and tell you my darkest fantasies but that wasn’t really the instruction given.  Although that would be interesting, as what I usually write is very G-rated.  But alas, (I know, you’re heartbroken already) I will keep to the topics of food, music or art. I cook.  And I enjoy it.  But I wouldn’t really consider it pleasure. I listen to music.  But often I don’t really hear it.  Actually, I often don’t realize an album is on repeat.  My husband laughs at me.  So I guess it brings him pleasure.  Or he’s laughing in wonderment at how a guy with a serious passion for music could marry someone who needs it on but doesn’t know what’s playing.  Guess that doesn’t really qualify me to write about it. That leaves art. Now there’s something to be passionate about.  I know the above categories could technically by considered art.  And in the hands of some people they are the highest form of art.  But it’s not the kind of art that makes me take a deep breath and pause. I’m a visual person.  I’m all about form.  Shape.  Space.  I like objects.  And certain pictures of objects will work too. What is it about these things that give me a little, achy feeling in my chest.  A feeling that says “That’s amazing.  I want one.  Could I have that please?” I don’t know.  I guess that’s part of the experience.  I remember one of my first major “wow” moments.  I was in college and probably no more idealistic than the next student but I was certainly an impressionable young architect wanna-be.  This was a long time ago.  On a dark and stormy night…  Oh, wait, wrong story.  No, this was when Frank Gehry was really becoming a household name. I saw this…

Weisman Museum

And I had to find a reason to see it in person.  I did, and that experience was probably part of what made me finish school.  Not that I wanted to be like Gehry (in reality I hear he’s an ass), but that I could find such expression.  I don’t know that I have the same awe for the building now as I did then, but the memory of that “revelation” moment will be with me forever. More recently I saw these…

Bamboo Oases

Now they may not be permanent structures, but that makes them no less inspiring of awe.  Part of the joy of the built environment is the total experience.  Imagine walking into what is essentially a trailer park courtyard in a desert field (okay a hoighty-toighty polo field in the desert).  And seeing these playful, artistic oases of shade.  And knowing too, that they were temporary.  They’re gone (the trailers, the structures, everything) within days of being set-up.  It was a truly “ahh, these are perfect” moment.  At least for me.  And if you don’t care what I think about things why are you still reading? You don’t know?  Oh, well.  Let me leave you with this then.

Canopy Bed

Can someone please get this for me?

Hi I am JP from The Gospel of JP and I have been invited by Emma to join her on the Left coast. Typically I write about non-sense, booze, and my awkward advances towards the opposite sex. So, I am very excited that Emma invited me over and allowed me to shift gears a bit while she is in Ireland (I am only a little jealous). With all that said, I bring you the top 5 things that brings JP pleasure.

5) Women- Without these lovely creatures of temptation I would be nothing. I continually complain that I have way too many women in my life. Though this is true, I would not trade it for the world. Especially, when a really divine smelling woman kisses on my neck. I will tell you what, that will send me to the moon any day of the week. Sensuality is not dead on me.

4) Winston- This is my 98 lb English Bulldogge/ German Sheppard mix. He is 5 years old and I have raised him since he was 7 weeks. He is my little boy. When I walk through the door, he looses his mind and acts like I would never return. It is good to know that I have such a champion especially on days when I think the world just may end due to other’s stupidity. Plus, he loves the ladies and the ladies love him.

3) Sunrises and sets- I have seen many sunrises in my life, but a few have just plastered a Bozo smile across my chevy chase. When I go surfing, I tend to leave very early; this is about the only time I am happy to wake up early. As I would come over the bridge the sun would be peaking right above the waves and some times I will pull over and just watch. I was once coming back from Australia and witnessed 3 of the most powerful sunrises ever! That really messed up my brain for a bit. Then, there are sunsets. A time where everyone becomes aware time is ending. The last one I sat and watched was off a small Caribbean Island. Have to say it was the best one yet.

2) Music- No matter the contrast or genre I like music. I do not manufactured things though (please see boy bands/Idol). I love that an artist(s) can express themselves in a way that moves me. Music is raw soulful power that induces a reaction from the audience, no matter size of said reaction. Like those who like to read or watch something, I have to listen to something, anything. The more music that is added to my collection the better. Each disc or file is like a small piece of my heart tangle with my soul. Plus, anything with horns and a good beat wins every time.

1) The small things- This is the most underrated thing in American culture. I refuse to go on a tangent, but it is truly way too important to miss. The main reason I frequent Pleasure Notes is Emma highlights these things that people miss. Flowers, guys how many times have you thought wow those are nice flowers. They smell good and are aesthetically pleasing. Or, a conversation with family and friends. A simple meal prepared with care. All of these little things are what keeps me going, things that relate pleasure are all around us.

Take the time to look around, smell, taste, and just simply enjoy your world. Too often we are compounded by the negative and materialistic in this life. If you don’t stop and enjoy yourself, you lose in the game of life.

Thanks Emma for letting me drop by. Enjoy a nice Jameson for me!

Cheers,

JP

Green with Envy

I’m heading over to Ireland tomorrow, after having spent the weekend playing amongst the manor estates outside London. I can’t imagine wanting to be anywhere else. Don’t hate me.

This vacation is an overt escape from the trials and tribulations of every day life back home, where I frequently feel a bit green when comparing the trappings of my life with those of many of my friends. I’ve decided, however, that I’m going to soak up as much green as possible while I’m here – green hills, green dales, and even little green males if I come across them at the end of a rainbow – so that when I return to “reality,” I will remember not to fall into the comparison vortex.

I have an amazing life. It’s not perfect. Far from. But it is amazing. And for today, I’m getting to do one of the things I value most, which is traveling to another country and absorbing all I can from the experience.

I’m in the midst of receiving a massive transfusion of hope and inspiration.

I’ll keep my eye out for a four leaf clover too.

Just a reminder: I’ve invited some awesome guest bloggers to have their say in this space in the coming week. Give them a hearty hello, will ya?

Designed by Ingela Hakansson

1. Waterproofness.
2. Sturdy closures.
3. Sufficient room to fit everything it must hold.

The toiletry bag does not have to be appealing. Just like you don’t have to wash your hair.

For the same reason that your mother told you to always wear cute underwear when traveling, though, you really should have a fashionable toiletry bag. It can save you some unnecessary embarrassment, and might even land you a date with that attractive person you’re silently hoping is seated across the aisle from you.

You may be wondering why I care about travel aesthetics. Well… As you read this post, I’m on my way to the United Kingdom, or I may already be there. For the past few weeks – yes, weeks – I have been obsessed with packing. I haven’t actually done any packing, mind you, but I have been pulling everything out of my closets and drawers in preparation. And I discovered that my toiletry bags are tired and downtrodden tramps. They are stained and torn from years of hoofing it. They need to be retired. So. I went looking for an upgrade.

Toiletry Bags designed by Ingela Hakansson

When I was a child, I wore thick glasses. I couldn’t see the big “E” on the eye chart, much less the alarm clock or people’s faces from more than a few feet away. Perhaps that is why I take such pleasure in the visual world. To clarify, I appreciate all five of my sense – and even my sixth when it’s working – but sight is the sense I value most, and the beauty I see around me is simply astounding. Specifically, the beauty of the natural world. Perhaps it is cliche, but nature’s got a damn good sense of color and design. We humans are constantly trying to capture that sense and bottle it. I am awed by the tenacity of our pursuit. And, on occasion, even grateful for it.

Going Green

After all, my world would be a lot less colorful if someone hadn’t decided to reproduce Forest Green.

Did I mention that I am humbled by the divine power of pedicures, too? And I don’t even have a foot fetish.

What is your favorite sense? And why?