A relation of my grandmother's. Presumably TN or KY. Circa 1948.
A true Memphis legend. Graceland Too, in Holly Springs, MS, was one of the weirdest places I've ever been. RIP Paul McLeod.
A few thoughts on the passing of Paul McLeod — He was a very troubled man, consumed by obsession. It covered the walls and ceiling of his house. It was his life, day in and day out. If you thought about it for any length of time, you’d realize it was a very sad situation. Mental illness is an ugly beast. But he brought so much joy to so many people. I have nothing but fond memories from my 30+ visits to see him. I brought my parents once, in one of the only times I went before midnight. I can still find my picture on his walls. I’ve given tours in his stead while he welcomed new guests. And I’ve taken more people than I can remember for their inaugural visit. Not a single one ever took him up on his money back “and I’ll pay you” guarantee. His son has been gone for years, and if I were him I can’t say I wouldn’t have done the same. He named his son Elvis. His wife of 22 years said, “It’s Elvis or me,” and he showed her the door. He loved Elvis. He loved everything about Elvis. And he loved sharing that love with thousands and thousands of people from around the world. He always said he was going to be buried in that gold sequin suit he had made. I hope his last wish is granted. Rest in peace, Paul McLeod. Glory glory hallelujah.
Fort Courage, Arizona. July 14, 1970. Taken by my great-grandmother.
Flowers at Disneyland, July 1970. Taken by my great-grandmother.
Waikiki Beach II. Eleventh from Vacation series.
This is me and my siblings at the Mzilikazi Arts and Culture Center in Zimbabwe. Circa 1990.
I went to Iceland by myself from 18 July through 26 July. I recommend everyone go on a solo trip if you are able.
Pictures in order:
1) Me in the airplane bathroom on the way there. Why not?
2) From the top of Helgafell. Nice mountain hike.
3) Recreated Viking ship you could walk around in at the Viking Museum.
4) Stekkjarkot, a peat/sod house lived in until the 1940s
5) Graffiti on Laugavegur in Reykjavik
6) I received two hand-poke tattoos from Habbe Nero at Icelandic Tattoo Corp.
7) Dinner at Dill Restaurant. I’m eating beef cheek and rutabaga there.
8) The gorgeous opera/music hall Harpa in downtown Reykjavik. Made me cry.
9) Me at Yoko Ono’s Imagine Peace Tower on Viðey Island
10) Afangar, a set of basalt columns around Viðey Island by Richard Serra