……..that is my only choice.  And like Manchas who is seen here drinking from the fountain at the Chapel….I need to refresh myself.  SInce the Opening we have had a number of visitors.  So my time is spent in the studio and the Gallery…I need to find a way to get this more organized and grown-up/real life…people are interested in seeing what we have done and I really enjoy that fact…and……I also need to work.  I have a busy week ahead of me…..work…gallery…..clients…..a Museum tour from a reputable collection in Washington D.C…….so breathing….exhale…..inhale….do my chores…chop the wood (not really)……..um uh like carry…..no drink water…..embrace "what is"… 'cuz, darlin' friends……..that is all there is….I am fortunate to follow the Groove……

…..indicate the possibilities in us all.  And somehow when i have the time to uncover the layers…the jewel reflects back into my heart and a bittersweet longing tugs at me and I have to just stop and feel it and know it and know that its just one of those precious moments and I will never own it…. because it cannot be owned…I shake my head in groking  this and I am humbled that it has been revealed to me and the key lies in reconciliation and not recognition…yes… a return to the source where my funky contraptions gestate and generate from a  gumbo-like lifetime of wonder and wandering…. So if I have learned anything in my Art….I have learned this:  Be a joke unto myself and embrace the Beauty Way…..Life is a Trip and a Sniff…..

…time and time again of the possibilities and magic that life provides.  I have wandered in places without words or definition and witnessed creation that comes from somewhere or better yet…..nowhere.  Today…will I marvel?  Today…will I roll up my sleeves?  Today…will I wander?  I have been imploding since the Opening of the gallery…the last few months and weeks have been so intense.  I guess it is only logical that the space would open up and I would be drained…but I feel the trickle of remembrance…sparked by the reminder of possibilities and the engine is running…..just need to step on the gas…..and drive…it is time for more surprises!

…….and it was exciting seeing so many at the Opening of the Gallery.  So here is a selection of shots of some of the attendees…..I forgot to thank Klaudia Oliver for her music skills that she brought to the event…and Kevin McKoy and Donnie Masterson and Brigham Goldman for their music input…my "art slaves":  lolita, Christie, Anandi, and Robin for all their help preceding the event and especially all of the members of Cartaphilus Teatro…Alma, Luis, Carmen and all the rest…all of you dear friends were of such etherial nature…I loved our collaberation!  Here are some more photos:

….it is hard to believe that the Opening of the Chapel of Jimmy Ray has come and gone and I have not posted anything….well the thing is…….26 hours after the event…an over zealous waiter in a restaurant here in San Miguel spilt red wine on my computer….and alas…….the computer is in the shop….And I am typing on a computer that only opens a third of the way….Despite it all…….we were absolutely blessed and reveled in the magnificent sunshine that glowed and radiated and revealed so much at the Opening…I am still blown away and oftentimes moved to tears by what went down…We busted our asses off everyday from July to February…getting it together….It was so much fun…I am so lucky to be part of this effort and I am forever and eternally grateful for all the help I had.  My Dad, James Rayburn McLauchlin Jr., the original Jimmy Ray would be proud of his son… i dedicated the Gallery to that man…so here are some pics that I rescued from Facebook…..I will be posting more as rainbows pour through my heart and moments disappear in the wonder of it all…We are all fortunate to be alive…stay close to yourselves and your friends…let us cherish these moments….Love to all!  Thanks to all!  Let us continue to celebrate!  I am so grateful to beloved Richard, my partner…Carlos my assistant…Carlos' crew…Michael Sudheer, my oldest friend and patron, Patrice Wynne, Kate McKenna and Richard Quick for these great photos…to Spencer Tunick for his continued genius and his Beloved Muse, Krissy…….and all the revelers and attendees…….such a beautiful day!

 

 

…….I like to live it totally as I move and groove and attempt to feel real good into the 21st Century……yes…….tomorrow is a very big day….all days are big days…however, tomorrow we inaugurate the Chapel of Jimmy Ray.  It is an amazing ride…I find myself so very grateful and amazed at the same time.  Amazement seems to go with the territory of being alive.  We did all of this without plans…just marking things off in the dust and going with hunches.  Spencer and his wife Krissy arrived yesterday and he was able to see the metal nichos that will house his photos and he was happy with what Carlos had made….my friends from the States have been miracle girls….. helping to smooth the rough edges and putting up with my impatience.  This is a glorious event for Richard and I.  I am dedicating the Chapel to my father,  Dr.James Rayburn McLauchlin Jr., Daddy would be proud….I am grateful to be his son….barnacles and all.  Viva la Vida!!!!!!!