As I rest on this totem...

Let's get moderately acquainted, shall we?

A little about my brood:

The Vertigo family is pretty darn big. I've 3 older brothers (plus an equal number of sisters-in-law) and a younger step brother and sister who live out of state. I share the same name (first *and* last) with my Step Mother (who, much to Papa Vertigo's chagrin, Mama Vertigo refers to as "The Ex-Wife In-Law") and recently a Step Father entered the mix. Closest in proximity are my soon-to-be 4 year old and her Daddy. And this doesn't even include the nephews, nieces, godchildren, aunts, uncles, 1st cousins and close friends that round out my little circus sideshow.

But I digress...

A bit about my big bros:

Brother Vertigo #1 has never required much sleep - an enviable trait indeed. With a handful of college degrees and a houseful of mouths to feed, I'm continually amazed at how he maintains a warped sense of humor, a fantastic eye for aesthetics, unyielding "can-do" energy, and an honest-to-goodness crush on his very own wife.

Brother Vertigo #2 is equally blessed and burdened by a multitude of superpowers. His charisma, ingenuity, insatiably adventurous spirit, bull-dozing drive, disarming sense of humor, and giant heart (though he won't admit it) are just some of the superhero elements that make up a complex and tragically epic savior.

Brother Vertigo #3 is currently in Colombia (yes, that one place in South America) working, learning, sacrificing, and generally striving to make the world a better place. He's truly a role model idealist who puts his morals, values, and gut instincts into daily practice.

Advisers, mentors, clowns, critics, listeners, abettors, inciters, debaters, guardians, editors, givers, advocates -- a lifetime of music, laughs, art, and an ocean of memories (pleasant *and* not so much) have been shared. And I deeply appreciate all of the pieces they've added to my life's puzzle. (Thanks guys. Whether or not the message is received, and regardless of the endless torment that I'll no doubt get in return if it is, I love each one of you immensely.)

I think I just threw up in my mouth a little. I better stop here.

To be continued,
Retro "no I haven't been drinking" Vertigo

P.S. Wait a tick! You're not getting off that easy! It's turn to divulge the goods. What's *your* position on the totem? I suspect there's some pretty ripe laundry just begging to getting a little air!

Image Oracle - Vol. 4

Pssst...XO,
Retro "The Magic Number" Vertigo

The Weather's Perfect, So I'll Keep It Brief

Fastest update ever -- top ten style:
1. Wimped out on the coconut cake and thoroughly enjoyed a birfday peach pie (prepared) and semi-homemade cinnamon frozen yogurt instead. Very glad I did.
3. Went swimming. (Contrary to popular belief, yes, it gets hot in Minnesota.)
4. Barbecued portabella burgers and corn on the cob were the BOMB.
5. Mini Vertigo ate her weight in corn.
6. Finished last week's photos and began listing many new (old) items in my shop. (Today's the final day of my sale!)
7. Got an offer to have my work published! (More on that later...)
8. Trying desperately to keep away from the dizzying array of estate sales.
9. Gearing up for the next 4 weeks of insanity including Mini V's zoo birfday party, 2 performances, out of town guests, a garden party, Father's Day, and my gargantuan garage sale.
10. The organic garden's been officially and successfully transferred to the outdoors!

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

Peace,
Retro "All You Need Is Love" Vertigo