Love at Goon Park, a book about Harry Harlowe's surrogate mother experiments in the 50's and 60's, is one of the most revealing books on the history of psychology and science. It's amazing to realize how much his work has influenced the way we think about parenting, the importance of siblings, the importance of physical affection. It's amazing too, that there are still remnants of the ideas that predated him, on not picking children up when they cry for attention, as if attention were somehow different from other basic needs in childhood, such as food, clothing and shelter. I understand the historical roots of the Feber vs. Sears and Sears parenting style also now. I recommend this book for anyone who is interested in understanding how relationships shape who we become.

This is the most recent painting that I completed. I've been using pictures from my family. This is one of me and my brother. I'm not really sure where we were when it ws taken. I incorporated imagery from Mexico, including cards from a board game. The dots and mariachi figures are from printed fabrics that I have collected.

The owner of Davey Jones Fish Locker on Delaware is interested in buying one of my paintings. I talked to him today about it. It is one of the ones I did after the last show I had at Miss Mary's Art on New Scotland.

I'm thinking again about art and wondering how to incorporate it into medical school. It is still such a major interest. I spent some time looking at Eva Hesse's work today and Kiki Smith, who was one of my favorites ten years ago when I was making a lot of prints in Buffalo. Her work resonates even more strongly with me now. I just ordered a book from Moma with prints and drawings. http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/2003/kikismith/ I need to start keeping a notebook and have it on hand all the time. Looking at her work has made me even more excited about taking Gross Anotomy.

My mother called last night, she has an enlarged ovary, which could be a very bad thing. We will know more on Thusday this week. For sure, she will have it removed and be in the hosptial for at least four days. This will make our already scheduled vaccation something of a working vacation. I am glad that we are going to be there for her, but worried too.

I had Paul Goebel, his girlfriend Carrie and Professor Hirsch over for a Salmon dinner and surprise mini birthday bash at our house. Isabel liked the cake I made with a Drosophila on it. She ate one of the Red eyes. Calvin ate the other. Then they did Karate demonstrations for us. Calvin delivered a a very enthusiastic if nothing else "Kiai" from atom the coffee table in the living room.