Eileen Post Asia

Autumn Debauchery

2009-10-10T11:01:00.001-07:00

Last Days of Summer

2009-09-28T15:01:00.000-07:00

Marthalicia's art Process took place as scheduled at Five Points in Long Island City where astonishing tags covered a giant old warehouse and where new taggers felt free to create new art on the walls.

At the last cooking class I conducted at rainbow heights, we made "power balls" made of ground nuts, dried fruit, bits of semi-sweet chocolate, oatmeal, brown sugar, peanut butter, maple syrup and dusted with cocoa, cinnamon or color sugar crystals.

Hudson River Festival was complete with Little Netherlands at Battery Park and free water taxis to Governors Island where art installations bathed in the sun or inside houses.

Shari and Kyrk took me to the Gizmo Gallery where latest in technology was on display and for trying such as the 200 pancake machine and 3D etchasketch. We attended the afterparty involving free brooklyn lager, planet earth on the biggest liquid screen tv and dancing to jams.

its Officially Summer!

2009-07-28T22:37:00.000-07:00

Are Our Rainy Days Over? The King of Pop will always rise again!

2009-07-15T22:24:00.000-07:00

The public scrutiny of Michael Jackson's death has almost made me forget that he was simply, a man who had just as much troubles as any of us but unfortunately, had to live them all out in the limelight. If there is a lesson to be learnt here, its that as rich and famous as he was, MJ could not escape the terrors that lurked in his soul and I wonder perhaps, if he was surrounded by good people who really looked out for his best interests. I mean, who was MJ's bestfriends? Elizabeth Taylor? Diana Ross? Can White Diamonds and Drug Diva keep it real?

As much as I respect the Grand Moonwalker who stole my heart with his charismatic and innoncent smile while he sashyed down lit squares in "Billie Jean," I can't help but feel a great sadness for the man that was exposed to so much personal abuse at a young age and then public ridicule as he aged, despite his phenomonal successes.

I think MJ's heart was always in the right place. I truly relate to his struggle, finding it hard as he grew older to have a cohesive, strong image of himself, though a true prince he always was. Did Michael ever experience true love? He certainly delighted in pranks and silly laughter. I just wonder how much was sacrificed so that the King of Pop would always be at the "top" while the little boy inside suffered? Whose shoulder did he cry on?

May he be happy in the afterlife. We miss your optimism, joy and light.

Summer Savings!

2009-06-29T13:00:00.001-07:00

So, pride month coincided with Swizz sweetheart boys on their first tour of NY. Though Brooklyn Pride was drizzly, we managed to do a lot of outreach and have funvwhile doing it too.

To "kick" it off, I attended a very timely workshop at APICHA about how to deal with unwanted advances during Pride.

The boys brought chocolate and beer courtesy of Switzerland and we spent many a night attending Spanish bar, drinking mojitos,calperinas and listening to jazz.

Secret Identities

2009-05-25T12:31:00.001-07:00

Pay attention!

Asian Americans can be superheroes too! Nerds and lazy bums alike.

Just check out this new anthology called Secret Identities, a collection of comic strips exploring API issues and culture in superhero scenarios.

At the Q&A panel at none other than the giant conglomerate known as Time Warner, artists and creators were asked tough questions, like how do you depict an Asian character visually? who gets to decide demographics in comics? have you ever been asked to make a character more Asian? how would you see the influence of this anthology on media?

When the weather gets warm, you may find yourself on the beach. Coney Island is buzzing with free icecream sandwiches as soon as you get off the subway to ominous rain clouds looming over Astroland. The rain came down hard on Memorial Weekend beachgoers who fleed to the sands and fast food restaurants.

Summer Approaches

2009-05-10T13:55:00.000-07:00

I got to share my birthday with many old friends, including Angie with the delicious baby bananas for her mom and Marilyn-Spock next to my favorite Japanese restaurant Takahachi in the east village .

Maritza and I met Erin at Guac Fest in the Gowanus and then had margaritas at La Taq with my very handsome and eligible Andrew Rowe.

Then on Saturday, I participated in one of the most elaborate Spring Celebrations I have ever witnessed called the Hudson River Pageant. I was costumed as "Weed" and others featured are "Flora," "Rainbow," "Sky," and "River Goddesses."

so this is spring...

2009-05-02T08:34:00.000-07:00

blessed is this earth
for all the fruit that it offers

I will be "Weed" in the upcoming Annual Earth Celebrations pageant on May 9th.

Details at: http://www.earthcelebrations.com/

ice caves melt

2009-04-27T21:07:00.000-07:00

"Where are you going?" said the owl to the mouse.

Startled, the mouse replied, "Out of the darkness, to feed my loved ones," hurrying on its way.

The owl stretched out its wings far and wide. Its huge wing span suddenly blocking out the moonlight rising where the sun had left.

"They will have to wait," owl said to the mouse.

Hoppy Easter

2009-04-12T15:23:00.001-07:00

Let's see the Easter Bunny mess with this Egg!

Wet dream of an ovary

Floating in dark space

Its milkyway jettisoning

Just beneath a prize yolk

My favorite breakfast

Soft boiled on buttered toast.

Queen of the Dolls

2009-04-10T20:52:00.000-07:00

discovery of "great importance"

2009-03-28T14:08:00.000-07:00

In thinking of a response to my friend Sunny's question, I thought about the beginning to capitalism on a global scale, of industrialization and the dawn of the digital age. The discovery of the New World would lead to the super power that is the United States. How the U.S. affects the rest of the world is up to personal opinion.

Journey into Acupuncture...

I tried acupuncture for the first time today. At first I felt painful pricks as the needles were inserted in my skin- later they were tingly and something like dead weights. It was strange to be aware that there were needles in my feet and on top of my head. She left the needles in me for about 15 minutes. The tingly feeling went away except for the last needle near my right pinky toe.

Afterwards I feel very calm and relaxed. I have three more sessions. Upon the fourth session my acupuncturist and I will access whether there's been a substantial shift in my health and wellness.

Itinerary Mayhem

2009-03-23T13:38:00.000-07:00

Can I live in New York and avoid making "itineraries?"

Who can help me to answer this question for my good friend in China?

王娟
March 20 at 6:16am
Hi,Eileen.Help me.i got a difficult question.why do we say"the discovery of the New world was of great importance?

Jimmy Mirikitani, artist, Hiroshima-Interment Camp, 9/11 survivor. Great documentary- inspirational man.

bright new future

2009-03-20T23:32:00.000-07:00

Ode to Self-

For every hour spent on the internet,

Try to do yoga or meditate for half an hour.

Then one shall see that

The glass is always half full.

Theater Row: America Reveals

2009-03-19T11:40:00.001-07:00

"Grandmother of Trannies"
http://www.christinereveals.com/

The amazing Christine Jorgensen was a pioneer in representing trans people in the media. She was famed for being an Ex-GI named George, (post WWII) who "transformed" into a woman in Denmark and returned to America as Christine.
Little did she know that hundreds of reporters awaited her arrival at the airport in Idlewild, NY and was immediately thrust into the spotlight for as she put it, simply claiming her true identity.

As this off-broadway show demonstrates, Ms. Jorgenson was an eloquent speaker who never tried to speak on behalf of those with "problems" but from her own personal experience. She remained calm and collected when asked deeply intrusive and controversial (even for today)questions by a popular radio personality of 1957 in this first live interview since her return to the U.S. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrOnss_ZjMU

In an interesting contrast, Neil LaBute's fresh comedy, "Reasons to Be Pretty" tells the coming of age story of a young man who stocks shelves on the owl shift, reads classic "dark" American literature and how his careless comment about his own girlfriend snowballs into deep issues about inner confidence. The play reveals the ugly side of people's typical view of physical beauty through the interactions and monologues of its four characters who at first look like a cookie cutter version of someone you know if you've ever held a dead-end job. In the end however, hurt feelings are resolved and the main character even comes to realize how much he's grown in order to see real beauty in others and to fight the ugliness in those who would take advantage of looks.

Meditations on being State-Side

2009-02-27T22:53:00.000-08:00

Jimmy Fallon, replacing Conan? And the Roots as his back
up band? Has America gone completely topsy turvy since I left? The Village Voice is thinner and more full of ads than ever. Gentrification is clearly on the rise- I havent seen more hipsters in Fort Greene and Lower East Side than at a Hipster Convention in an art gallery of noise bands.

Is it me, or am I very disillusioned? I have seen how the other side of the world lives and the U.S. seems small and very outdated in comparison. Even with the recession, people seem very materialistic (filling that emptiness with a coach bag) and to be honest, self-centered, all about getting what's theirs. I pick up spiritual magazines full of white bred gurus promising happiness in a two hour beatnik workshop. Meanwhile, there are still poor people of color doing most of the menial labor while the reigning class play tennis, complaining that Obama is giving handouts and all illegal immigrants need to stop cleaning my bathroom and go back to their home country. As much as I believe in self-healing and sending out positive energy in the world, I think there is still a community largely being ignored and taken advantage of. America, where are you going? Gee, I miss Bernie Mac.

The only thing I missed living abroad was Brooklyn pizza. Outside America the treat was the ease in which we could see new places and talk about new ideas with folks who could barely speak English. Am I a travel addict?

Ive been babysitting for three beautiful children the past week(filling in for a friend) and seeking work relevant to my goals andexperience. A big part of me wants to run back to Asia where I felt more connected with my life mission, learning more about what's inside me by being a foreigner. Although the resources here seem more abundant, it is difficult for me to share a space with my Mom and brother until I get a job and find a studio to continue making art. You know how everyone wants to "make it" in New York and as it is my hometown i am very over trying run with that crowd.

I miss Hainan very much and cant help but think occasionally what Iwould be doing if I were there now, where it is warm and the people are always laughing. I'm gonna start taking continuing ed classes in acting and belly dance while I look for grants/residency/ someone who will hire me to do what I do best- which I am still figuring out.
You are inspirations to me, Eileen

From beyond the Zoo

2009-02-15T17:24:00.000-08:00

With the ballerina mini-hippo:

Lil' waves lapping at the shore
What are they saying to me?

Loose ends of a crying industry

Await music of tremoring palm trees

The sand melting until like skin
Dreamless sleep makes the nights long

The ocean pleads like a lover
Lost in a drought of memories
Familiar faces push forward by the tides

Mixed naked as the changing sun.

HK to SINGAPORE Year of The Ox

2009-01-28T20:12:00.001-08:00

Guitar Hero on New Year's Day

My Aunt Christina and my cousins from left to right: Joel, Jessica, Charmaine and Celeste.

Merlion by Marine Bay

At the famous Lau Po Sat Market

Fast Times at Hainan High

2009-01-22T01:28:00.000-08:00

"You have good character, Nobuyo said the last day I saw her, no matter what happened in the past, whatever bad things- people can see what a good person you are and that is what is most important."

I have learned that the friends I keep are friends that can last a thousand life times and are a measure of the colorful life I have lead in China.

Wedding Firecrackers

2009-01-11T14:18:00.000-08:00

Jan 10th my nephew who is four years my senior gets hitched at the family hearth.

When I arrive at Yan Dun, there is a contruction catepillar blocking most of the path and trees newly cut to make way for a better road. I guess this marks progress on the bumpy dirt roads and the ease in which the outside can get into more rural areas.

There's at least twenty people outside the houses cooking in large pots, bsmboo trays and giant bowls. The wedding feast will commence at 2pm when the groom returns with the bride from her home .

It is now only 9:30am. More to come...

Tong Gu Ling

2009-01-08T05:40:00.000-08:00

My first mountain trip on Hainan:

We start early in the morning for me when classes are not in session:

I got up sround 7, showered and put some food on to heat for breakfast. I was sweeping my spare room which had just been de-moldfied and reorganized by the cleaning ladies Joanne and I hired to do a once and for all thorough job since only euro-bachelors had been living here, when the girls arrived.

They are Mary, Charlene, Stephanie, Lucy and one other freshman who is really quiet. They are students of mine from various classes. We had planned this trip at the last "English Chat" a conversation group that meets in my livingroom, together with two older students Allison and Stacy. They invite their friend Robbie who is a local Wenchang girl and knows the way better than anyone else. Unfortunately, she also gets really carsick. The mountain is called, TongGuLing, near Crescent Moon Beach about an hour outside Wenchang City.

First we go shopping for the picnic we'll have on the mountain top: boiled eggs, fresh honey bread, three kinds of rice porridge, green apple-fruit, juice and of course water.

To get there, we walk to the mini-bus stop and pay 6 rmb to a village closest to Tong Gu Ling, and from there we take three-wheeled rickshaws (13rmb) to the mountain base where a paved path begins. Tong Gu Ling also has an old staircase of stone path, but the older girls felt it was too dangerous. A beautiful mountain dog meets us there are accompanies us part of the way.

I feel rejuvenated as we climb higher and higher while the girls complain of tiredness which surprises me since I am nearly ten years older and have taken up a ciggarette almost once a day now. The views are breathtaking and I'm not sure photos can do justice.

There's a temple at the top which gives us a chance to catch our breath and reflect upon the journey.

Later, after decorating the stage for the Christmas show, I will go to the studio to paint my experience.

Christmas in China

2008-12-17T05:27:00.001-08:00

Highlights from the Christmas Party 2008 at Hainan FLV College.

Rejoice! We are saved!

2008-12-17T05:00:00.000-08:00

No Plastic Trees PLEASE.

a collection of Christmas paraphernalia from Hainan.

biblical tales

2008-12-14T03:39:00.000-08:00

I grew up across the street from a synagogue. Every Saturday the street was crowded with station wagons. Sometimes, my parents couldn't even get out of the drive way. They cursed these Jews who thought they owned the street. But they cursed a lot of people in Brooklyn who thought they owned the street. The Italians. Then the Russians. The Cops.

I grew to be tolerant of a lot of religions. Some of them felt less religious than others. Especially the one where girls in uniform hiked up their green plaid skirts higher and unbuttoned their white shirts a notch or two after school.

There was no detection of religion in my home. Unless you counted Dad's reverence for playing mahjong and smoking with his friends. My mother thought it was all nonsense.

I searched for benevolent gods. I wished on stars like Pinocchio taught me.

When I grew up, I found wisdom and kindness in the people I met. That is where my spirituality lies.