October 9th 2008 Squerl gets a disturbing call.

I was coming home from school and feeling good because I am doing a lot of art work right now, making some progress. I climb up my home tree and hear the phone ringing. I answered and a voice comes over the phone that I don't recognize...

"Is this Squerl N. Tuttle?"

Yes I say.

" Mr. Tuttle are you related to a Mr. Squerl N. Tuttle Senior?"

Yes I say -who is this?

"Mr. Tuttle we are contacting you to notify you of Mr. Tuttle Seniors death. " What? Who is this? This is the County Hospital. You can come down and claim Mr. Tuttle Seniors personal effects, we have some forms for you to fill out..."

How did he die? I say.

"It was a hemorrhage of the esophagus related to chronic alcoholism. We are sorry for your loss..."

The person on the phone said some more things that I can't remember right now. I haven't seen my dad in over ten years. I barely knew him and what I remember about him wasn't too good. I know my mom divorced him because of his drinking. He was only 41, and now he's dead. He made life miserable for Mom and me when he was around. I thought about calling my mom at her work but I don't want to upset her there. She works the graveyard shift at the paint factory and it's in a rough part of town. Better to let her come home when it's light out and give her the news then. I wonder how she will take it. Why can't I stop crying? -Squerl

Oct-01-08 October is Here!

Now that the chilly fall weather is upon us, many love to don a comfy sweater or knit cap in the evening. I have a natural coat of fur and a bushy tail which I wrap around my shoulders like a scarf to keep me warm. Still, I like to wear wool socks with my badass sneakers when the north winds begin to blow. Occasionally I get snagged on a branch as I'm makin traxx in and out of my home tree. My granny showed me a cool trick you can use on those pesky snags...First of all she said "never cut a snag, cause then you will have a hole, and it will begin to unravel, getting bigger and bigger." She told me what you do is get your squerly self a crochet hook and poke through the back of the garment right next to the snag. Grab the loop with the end of the hook and gently pull it through to the back. Take out the hook, now stretch the wool in every direction around where the snag was and soon, you will no longer have a hole or a snag! Hope it works for ya. I'm goin out to scout around for Kootenscat Kitty. I think I forgot to tell you that I saw her at the party me an Chico went to with Badgy. Boy she's cute. This party was a trip. They had a sign on the front door that said "Turd Museum, All Kinds of Good Shit." The owner was doing art with gun powder on the floor- really cool. Anyway I saw her and she saw me and I said hi - and she said hi back. We both smiled a lot till the crowd kind of swallowed me up and I couldn't see where she was any more between all the I.F.'s and the smoke. Not much else to report but a good start. I have never been shy before, but there's just something about those big green eyes and long white white whiskers. She was wearing a red collar with diamonds and a little gold bell. Anyway, I haven't seen her for a couple of weeks and my eyes are lonely. I think she's afraid to hang out in the neighborhood now- scared of Ratley and his evil gang, most of us with sense are. But scared or not, if they ever touch one hair on her tail I'll kill them all and that punk ass toy Pinocchio they answer to - I swear it. Squerl N. Tuttle

Squerl's house hold hint of the day 9-29-08

I just got back from Chico's house. His transporter is nearly ready, but he was asking me if I have ever tried to remove rust from metal? I told him there's lots of nasty planet poisoning chemicals you can buy, but I have a safe and natural solution- Use vinegar and 0000 steel wool. Works like a charm, and vinegar is about the cheapest substance known to man- or Squerls. Works great for cleaning the hard water deposits that slow down your coffee maker too-vinegar that is, no steel wool nesscesary. Just pour in about a half a pot of vinegar and turn it on. When it's finished do it again, keep pouring it again and again till you see the hard water deposits start to break loose, (you'll see them in the pot.) Most importantly do this outside if possible, or your whole treehouse will smell like salad dressing. D.J. Biggie Badger called while I was out and told me about a not too old not too new MiddleEastern group called The Peoples Republic. Amazing, exotic instrumentals set to pulse like beats and even more amazing chant- like vocals. Makes me want to become a whirling dirvish for a day. It's the kind of thing you can put on when your doin your art work and just kind of groove to. Anyway I like to support some artists from that region because I figure it's the least I can do to try to get to know the culture and not be a hater. I hate our current administrations policy on Iraq, and it's scandalous the way we are just blowing up and mowing down everyday folks over there. I say the terror lies within. Within the Oval office that is. I can't wait till November. Hope your all right out there. Despite all the crazyness in the world right now, I'm happy. Here in my nest everythings cool and like the great Jazz legend Louis Armstrong said, It's a wonderful world. -Squerl

Squerl's Weekend Ode to Paul Newman 9-28-08

One of my favorite humans Paul Newman is gone, one of the last real movie stars. Handsome, classy, humanitarian. They don't really make them like that anymore. Picnic and The Hustler are two must sees from this talented iconic actor and activist. He will be missed by many. Checked out the Lasagna at the Italian festival in Willow Glen this weekend. Good stuff. Listened to some Soprano's extras singing Quando Quando, which by the way I have now learned means When? When? A young lady dressed up in a sequin beaded dress, false eyelashes and BIG black hair a-la Gina Lollobrigida rounded out the day, and yes I got a Cannoli to go. yum!

Adventures of Squerl 9-26-08 Opening

If yer curious like me, poke your nose into the Buddhist Temple and groove to some jazz ensemble. Then for fun, check out the 5th street gallery Art Object in Japan town for a nice little series of paintings dealing with our current administration. This artist really shares a Squerls view of Humans at their worst. I was not crazy about the demonic fire lit rabbits and their chimpanzee infiltrator though. I mean I would never paint a picture of humans skinned alive and ready to be put in a stew pot. On second thought...naaahhh. Anyway, I think any gallery showing political art is deserving of a nod. They are also showing some sculpture, and Graffiti inspired paintings as well as Photos by Debra Thackery. Fun stuff. There is even a time bomb. Make traxx on over there yall.
P.S. If you shake your bushy tail, the Bartender Paul will give you some nice homemade Walnut liquor. Walnuts and Squerls go together ...You know that.

Thurs. 9-25-08 Squerl's first Bronze/ Aluminum Pour

Wow! If you ever want to see something cool check out the SJSU Foundry. I saw my first "pour" today! The helpers form a team of five and suit up in silver heat impervious gear topped off with Leather gloves and jackets, hard hats, and face Shields- all safety essentials. They look like they're ready for a moon walk! The metal, (usually aluminum or bronze,) has been melted down in a super heat resistant ceramic container called a crucible and is sunk into a hole in the floor awaiting the head man's signal. Two men man the boom and the other overhead apparatus that come down from the ceiling like a giant engine hoist to lift the heavy crucible and it's white hot molten contents. All the team members must work together in unison to maneuver the crucible into the right position for pouring into the investment molds which are made ahead from wax models, surrounded by stucco wire tar paper plaster and sand. The team must flow in a smooth, steady way to ensure a good pour of molten metal into each mold. Sounds pretty do-able you say? Well don't forget that everything weighs about a ton, and is about a bazillion degrees! The molten aluminum looks just like mercury as it is poured into the molds- it's the coolest thing ever! I wanted to stay for the second, bronze pour but i had to make traxx to another class. I can't wait for my turn! I don't think I need to tell you, don't try this at home! Squerl

Wed 9-24-08 Squerlin

I have been out of town, now I am back and need to catch up on my classes. Lot's of news but no time to tell it in. Stay posted. Squerl