I really want to say to my Grandfather / my Father’s Father: WILLIAM BAILEY Sr. – who’s in the hospital staving off some very serious health issues at this moment in time.. Something that he’s bravely been dealing with the past couple years and that have come to a head in these past few days.. that you’re the best grandfather a boy/man could ever ask for, and that I love you as much as life itself. It’s a true honor that I was lucky enough to get you as my Granddad. -A man of such massive character, dependability, high moral fiber, and as a surviving veteran of WWII and the greatest generation of modern time.  It’s hard to imagine someone living much more of a quietly profound n’ noble life.  Granddad, I feel truly blessed to have your blood running through my own veins, and I promise with every ounce of all that is inside me and all that I’ve learned from you and your example as a courageous & dignified human being, that I will do my absolute best in all that I am.. all that I can do, paint, create, and share with humanity – to carry on your legacy as a proud member of the “Bailey” clan all the way from England to the America’s.  From Matlock, England in 1921 to Central, FL in 2011.. I’ll try to carry on your name, legacy, and your bloodline with pride, honor, and dignity to the utmost of my abilities. Though my own path in life has been quite a bit different from your was, and I am somewhat of an eccentric human being, to say the least. The core of me is made of goodness, love, devotion, compassion for others, and the desire to see the best for my family, friends, and for all of humanity.   To do unto others as I would have them do unto to me.  To treat others with respect, to be honest, and to work hard at your goals.  Most of that comes from you, Grandmom, from my parents, and all of my dear family.

I also here by decree:  That every endeavor and every piece of art or music that I have ever created and I will ever create.. always has a bit of You and Grandmom in it’s core and creation. (Among some other ingredients of course)  But because it is from the two of you from whence I came. Just as you are the living legacy of your parents, grandparents, and so forth. W/o you two, there would be no me. As I look forward to where I am going in this life, I will never forget from where and who I have come.  Our heritage is our cultural heartbeat.  Thank you for all your love, wisdom, and sacrifice.  I will never ever forget it.   With Love, Respect, Dignity, and Honor.  Stay strong Granddad.  You’re the best of the best.

Love Always – Matthew BAILEY

Here’s a couple photos from Past to Present:

*Bill and Winifred Bailey’s Wedding Day in England on July 27th, 1947. (This was quite a few year’s before my Dad was even born.)  My 2 Grandparents are the bride and groom to the left/center with the young boy in front of Granddad.  My Grandmom’s sister Mary and her cousin are the other 2 younger females in the photo. That “young boy” is one of a few my Great Uncles who are shown. My Great Grandparents are the 2 couples positioned on each end in this photo as well.  How bout them apples?!? {Click wedding photo for a lil larger view}

*A much more recent photo in Nov/Dec 2009 of me & some of my family at a small exhibit of some of my paintings in Orlando at “TASTE”. Clockwise: From me in the green flowered shirt, My Dad – Steve, My Uncle – Mark, Granddad – WILLIAM BAILEY Sr., My StepMom – Michele, My Aunt – Pam, & her daughter/my cousin – Julie

*March 2008 – Father/Steven Bailey, Grandfather/William Bailey, and Son/Matthew Bailey

1950′s: Conrad in the Army

1960s/70s – Conrad in the Army

1973: Carolyn, Conrad, and Baby Dana in Texas

2009 – Conrad at home in Osteen underneath assorted gARTw3rks’

2009 – Dana & Conrad at home in Osteen underneath assorted gARTw3rks

2008 – Conrad and his Pom: “Boogie”

2008: Conrad chillin’ outside by the fire pit in Osteen

Approx 2004 or 05: Conrad the X-mas Alien

Conrad – “wiggin’ out”

Conrad and Dana – the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree

Dana and Conrad – early 2000′s

Dana, Conrad, & Kenny in June 2003 at Dana and I’s wedding

Early 2000′s: Conrad, Coffee, & a lifetime of wisdom

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Wanna see more?: View the full set of over 100 photos of Conrad Lawrence with his family and friends across many decades.

As some of you may or may not know, my wife and I have been caring for her father for quite a few years now. When we first moved back out to Osteen from Orlando in the late 90′s, he was actually helping us out much more than we were helping him. Conrad’s always been the type of guy that would give you the shirt off his back if you asked for it. And although it felt good to know we were keeping him company after her Mom had passed away, it was initially his giving nature and quiet fortitude that really helped and inspired us in a time of need. But as time has gone on over the past decade plus.. our roles started to reverse and fittingly enough we ended up needing to be there for him in the final years of his life her on earth. That is what family is for though right?

So when Dana’s Dad had a stroke 7 or 8 years ago, our care for him became much more in depth and crucial to keeping him out of the VA hospital and/or a nursing home. And then as Conrad’s health slowly deteriorated more and more, the past few years in particular have been some of the toughest of our lives . In the mid 00′s Conrad developed Alzheimer’s disease which in turn affected his memory, and more importantly, his ability to care for himself in almost any capacity. On top of that and even though we got him to quit shortly after having the stroke, 50+ years of smoking cigarettes had already taken their toll on ol’ Conrad’s lungs. Emphysema & COPD (Cardiopulmonary Disease) made it increasingly difficult for him to breathe properly w/o oxygen machines, a nebulizer, and medications.

So finally this past Tuesday/Jan. 26th, 2010 and after a brave, arduous, and dignified battle.. Conrad’s body finally gave up the ghost and he ascended to another plain of existence from here at his home in Osteen, FL. Fortunately it was a calm, peaceful, and relatively painless passing. Through out all the time I’ve known Conrad and even in his most painful states, he never complained once, and I consider him to be one of the bravest, most noble people I have ever had the honor of knowing.

As tough as it’s been on Dana and I in every imaginable way, we’re trying our best to stay positive and dwell on the good times we had rather than the struggles. To concentrate on the benefits of it all rather than the negative aspects. We’re earnestly trying to look & learn from the experiences we had caring for her ailing elder parent in his final years as a gift rather than a curse, as some might. After all, it’s getting through the tough stuff n’ difficulties in our lives with dignity intact that builds character in a person. The cake work and walks in the park don’t teach us near as much as the trials and tribulations do.

So what has this experience and in turn Conrad taught us?.. Well, we’ve definitely learned what unconditional love truly means. We’ve learned the importance and reward of putting others before ourselves. We’ve learned that life is short, even if you grow to be old. We’ve learned to be thankful for what we have, instead of resenting what we don’t get. We’ve learned that to receive you have to give. We’ve learned that living a life of honor, dignity, respect, sacrifice, gratitude, compassion, and purpose is more valuable in the long run than any thing that you can put a price tag on.

Conrad taught us this. He was our teacher, our father, and our friend. While we mourn his passing and our loss, we celebrate his life and his genuine and giving spirit. We recommit ourselves to living our lives in a way that would make him proud. We shall honor his life and sacrifices by living our lives to the best of our abilities with nothing but gratitude and respect for the man we affectionately knew and loved as: “Pops’”, “Poppie-Cop”, “Cornbread”, “Con-man”, “Buster Brown”, “Daddy, and quite simply – Dad.

Conrad we will dearly miss you but most assuredly never ever forget you. Travel well. Be in peace, and be in light. See you in the stars and give our love to Carolyn, Winifred, and to all the ancestors.

Love Always – Matthew and Dana

PS – To see some photos of Conrad’s life over the years, please click – *HERE

This event was held at the Volusia county, omni-venue known as Caffe da Vinci aka the Tongue and Groove Gallery.  And though there were definately a few missing faces of some of my friends and associates, whom I thought eYe may see at this most illmatic of occasions.  (You know who you are.)   The overall feeling at the end of the night, was one of success, accomplishment, comradery, and of a wonderful occasion.
*There were any where from about 75 – 120 people milling about through out the evening.  Many of them, some of my favorite people on Earth.
*I am already receiving offers from people & collectors looking to purchase some of my w3rk.  Which feels just swell as hell. 
*Also, all the muscial performances on Saturday evening, including my own, were fantabulous shooting stars of the Summer night.  A_Scissors was on point as ever.  Bent Lee, Michael McNabb, and many other from the Four4ths vinyl crew repreZented hardcore for yer boy, and really helped push the whole celebration to the next the level. 

I would like to take this time and space to specifically thank a few individuals for their efforts, support, and/or their friendship:

-> First off, I have to thank my wife, MinkinAce for her unwaivering support of  everything that I have choose to explore & express in last 20 sum odd years.  Without her eternal love, patience, and omni-support.. -the Gar Bailey that many of you know and love, simply would not exist.  Neither would much of my w3rk.
*Dana – you are my heaRt giRl.  You’re the softest thing I have ever touched.  I will see you in the hallway baby.

-> Big Ups to the Caffe daVinci’s & Tongue n’ Groove staff. 
This starts with El Capitaun: Mr. Rusty Hamil – Thank you for believing in me and my w3rk all these years.  Even when not everyone else did or does.  You’ve always given me a place to shine homeboy.  I won’t soon forget it.  (Import more beavers!)
I’d also like to give thanx to the other big dogs at the venue.  Joe, Mark, and Joshua.. Keep it bangin’ guys, and I will too.

->And a big batch of Luv goes out to Sooz White.  A special artist and woman who currently books the visual aRt at the Tongue and Groove gallery.  Thank you Sooz, for giving me a bit of extra space to flap my wings and to do my thang.  I really appreciate your open-mindedness and trust.  An increasing rarity in the aRt community.  Also, thank you for the help with my tags, and all the wonderfully, tasty appetizers you and your hubby Russ brought out for the opening.  The salsa was some of the best I have ever tasted. 

->I also would be remiss to not mention the wonderful tenders of the bar who help keep all of our perverbial gears greased.  Randy and Caitlin.. you were fabulous.   Stellar service.  Also a hearty Big Ups nod to all the bartenders of the Caffe’s past.  Especially Miss SarahRose.. -the OG of daVinci’s bartending, and a wonderful friend.   Luv you lotz giRl.

->  Lastly but not leastly,  a sincere thank you to all my friends and family who made it out to show me some love.  It surely would be lonely here on EarF without all of you:

To my sister and one of my best friends: Rebecca & her man Mario, My cousins: Justin & John Ahnen, My step-bro: Jesse Bassett and his lovely lady Joyce, Sandra, Crystal, Debbie Perry, Melissa Duvelius, Todd Wallin, Denise, Brian Cunningham, Cate (Who came all the way from Pennsylvania), Eric & Amy Marden, Ian Monroe, Lee Miller, Lesley, Mikey Mell, Jay Byorne, Gil, Todd and Katie, Michael McNabb & Mary, Ton-E & Christiana,  Tyler, Heather & Danny, Steph & Mike, Chris, Mia and to everyone else who was there on Saturday.  -In physicality or in spirit.  I sincerely appreciate all the love and support.  -It means the w3rld 2 me, and helps fuel that intangible fire.

Yours truly – Matthew Gar Bailey aka alGARhythm

PS – Photos and Video from the event will be up real soon!  I promise.  For those of you who may have taken some photos and Video yourself.. please don’t hesitate to share that content with us.

PSS – For those of you who missed the opening and are perhaps looking for a small bit of redemption.  The show will be up till mid-July, so feel free to head up there any time and pick you out a piece of gARtw3rk to purchase.  -For those low on dough.. There are 11 pieces priced from 40 – 95 dollars.  -Uh!

Goodbye sweet giRl. You will always be in my heaRT.

Forever - Matthew Gar Bailey

These next 3 photos were taken April 17th, and are some of the last pics I have of Old Baby Rouge.  The blondest, prettiest eye-lashes of any girl in town.  Uh!