Pleasure Notes

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?

Those of you who follow me on Twitter already know I’m obsessed, but for those who are just discovering my secret, let me admit to my itty-bitty shoe fetish. Gents, you may not get this but just go with the flow here, will ya? And Ladies, I know you feel me, right? Little bits of leather and rubber, form-fitted to embrace my 10 little nicely manicured toes, my ridiculously high arches and my perpetually dry heels, bring me unending pleasure. They come in so many different colors and shapes. They provide a spring to my step. They make me purr. They enable my naughty side, lend credence to my sweet nature and fit no matter what. I am particularly partial to heels. So, what was I to do when confronted with these beautiful babies?

The Mighty Shoe

They simply called to me. Loudly. Insistently. In fact, they refused to be ignored. I couldn’t help but immediately worship them.

Yes, I am humbled.

It fits!

These patent leather, peep-toed beauties were hand-made in southern Brazil by Sergio Zelcer – who, I like to imagine, is a very endearing old man near the sea but who may very well be some 22-year-old surfer-boy genius.

They feel like silken slippers. They are sensual and dangerous and fun – exactly how I’m feeling at the moment. Which is why they are now mine.

Ooh-La-La

There’s just one thing that’s missing – an outfit to go with such fabulousness. A very serious dilemma indeed. For another day. Today, I’m too busy prostrating to my new shoes.

What is your fetish? Come on, you know you have one…

I am not a fan of pain, of any kind.  However, I find myself oddly in agreement with the man many credit as the grandfather of that particular fetish – Leopold Von Sacher-Masoch.  He was one of those men-of-letters one could find wandering Europe two centuries ago, and he was peculiarly obsessed with fur… fur on women… women who he would then beg to beat the crap out of him.  Whatever floats your boat.

What I appreciate about the man, however, is his sentiment that “pleasure alone makes existence worthwhile.”  Can you imagine how dreadfully grey life would look if we humans couldn’t experience pleasure?  And how great is it that pleasure is such a personal pursuit?  Good ole Leopold found his in the slap of a leather whip.  I find mine in more prosaic ways.  Like checking out the Vanity Fair exhibit at LACMA.

I’ve always loved evocative black-and-white photography.  The pictures highlighted in this exhibit do not disappoint.  As is to be expected, this is a collection of celebrity portraits, old and new.  Some artists are better than others at capturing their subjects’ souls.  I particularly like Mario Testino’s work.  Perhaps some of the sitters are soulless, and therefore the photographers should not be blamed?

What I found most interesting was how many of the by-gone celebrities are truly gone – that is, they are no longer in the public conscience.  Something for all the regulars on TMZ to remember – every star fades, and some actually die without a trace.

The exhibit runs through March 1, 2009.  There are a couple of other photography collections on display and worth checking out in various wings of the complex – LACMA recently got a huge chunk of money earmarked for the photography department and they are most definitely putting it to use – so you could probably spend a good few hours wandering about.  If you do, however, I recommend you wear something other than the 3-1/2 inch heels I chose. Yes, my legs looked fabulous, but my feet hurt like hell after I stood around staring at famous people’s mugs all afternoon.  And, as I may have mentioned, I am not a fan of pain.