architect.wife

Charlotte's Got A Lot

2011-06-16T18:20:00.000-07:00

So we went to Charlotte last weekend for the Taste of Charlotte festival. Although the festival itself was not exactly what we imagined it to be, I really did enjoy the city. It has a very unique vibe to it and I enjoyed the architecture there. We also visited the UNCC campus and their architecture school is smaller but WAY WAY nicer facility-wise (A beautiful hall for pin-ups and they provide students with their own chairs?! blasphemers!). The city is very progressive, very green, and reminded me of a mix between Chicago, Philly, and Portland only with more new architecture and more money invested into it. They had a few vintage shops and lots of thrift stores, but it still seems like a city that is in the growing stage. I imagine that unless they create an urban growth boundary in the next few years, it will probably become like Atlanta since it is such a hub.

If I do move to Charlotte in the next few years (i.e. if I can transfer into their bArch program or mArch program) , I really think I want to own my own business and support myself that way. I have always had this silly idea of owning a clothing store that is multi-use, as in maybe crafts this time around. I used to own a cafe that was a vintage clothing/venue/record shop and I really miss that, despite the amount of work and the amount of things I failed miserably with. There's something wonderful about owning your own business. I find time and time again that I always come back to that because to be the creative director of a project is something I love very much, but often I undermine my confidence and everything I do seems to fall short of what I hope it will be. Does this happen to all entrepreneurs?

But regardless, Charlotte has given me some hope. I feel as if my ambition is coming back. I think it is a gift that I have had the ability to do so many things in my life and live so many places, and hopefully when and if I do pick up and go off somewhere else, it will be more suitable to who I am and where I need to be in my life. That may sound selfish, but I think that until I am true to myself and what I am made of, I will probably not be happy with any situation I am in that is less than ideal.

projection.

2011-06-14T06:30:00.000-07:00

We talked about doing a video for the architecture program. It never happened, but here's the general script of it. Cheesy but true:

10 Ways to Become a Famous Architect
1. Do Everything Completely Different from Everyone Else. (a.k.a. Find new, innovative ways to do things.)
A person pours a cup of coffee normally from a French press. The “architect” turns it upside down and pours it in a ridiculously exaggerated manner.

2. When using a drafting board, make all of your lines appear hand-drawn.
The “architect” starts drafting a straight line and then makes it all bumpy looking. The next scene shows them giving a presentation and one of the professors saying, “Wow, so all these lines are handdrafted! They are so straight! Amazing!” The “architect” just smirks silently.

3. Emulate your idols.
The “architect” is running down a quiet hall with a white sheet pinned to their back yelling, “LOOK! I’m Frank Lloyd Wright!” Everyone that is working on projects briefly stares and then refers back to their work.

4. In fact, emulate all of your idols at once, to stay cutting edge.
The “architect” stands with Le Corbusier’s coke bottle glasses, FLW’s cape, and a pile of Louis Kahn-style scraps of paper.

5. Use some of the most random objects to create your models and therefore appear ahead of your time.
The “architect” presents a study model made of 2 washers, a piece of a pipe, some lint from the dryer, and a banana with squares carved in it. Everyone around them is clearly floored. Professor 1: (whispers) That is the most amazing design I think I have ever seen. Professor 2: “You’re kidding me, right?”

6. When all else fails, break the mold and stand out.
A bunch of people are standing in a room wearing all black and talking. It looks like a formal gathering after a review. The “architect” walks in with very bright attire.
A few people stare at them and move away to reveal a casket. It’s a funeral.

7. Sign all of your work incomprehensibly.
The “architect” quickly scrawls a “signature” across half of a drawing.

8. When presenting your work, make sure to use the largest words you possibly can, and go off on unrelated tangents that casually refer back to your thesis.
The “Architect” is talking and the professor interrupts and says, “Wait…wait..wait. What does a dog in a birthday hat riding in the sidecar of a motorcycle have to do with your building?”

9. Develop really weird eccentricities to convince everyone that you are a genius.
The “architect” walks by and waves to some classmates, wearing a headband made out of a gym sock.
Person 1: “Why does he have a gym sock taped to his head?”
Person 2: “Because he’s a genius. That’s why.”

10. And lastly, ake sure to name-drop as much as possible to show that you have Architecture in your blood.
At a bar, the “Architect” is overheard telling someone of the opposite sex, “You know, my grandfather’s grandfather’s father was also an architect..."

Video would have ended with the "Architect" running around in the cape yelling.

No Panic/ No Heat

2011-06-04T13:55:00.000-07:00

I am stuck at work today and it is crazy hot outside, but not as bad as it has been lately. It has been in the upper 90's for the past few weeks which is too hot for me, thanks. We have been busy bees this past week getting our garden and the house in order. Last night I had to run a baby bird to a rescue shelter because it had either fallen (or was pushed) out of the nest and needed some help. I had to do that with two baby sparrows a couple years ago. I just couldn't bear the thought of it dying! Speaking of dyeing, my hair is now red. As usual I am painfully behind on photos. so here is a recap of recent things.

I really need a haircut but I really haven't had time. I spent most of yesterday evening poring over manufacturers for wholesale habutai, batiste, and organdy. I should be drawing houses but, alas, duty calls...fawn is almost a reality. A little late but nonetheless worth it. Tomorrow is a photo shoot for the lookbook, weather permitting.

The mister brought me a tree! A norway spruce! My dream tree!

Watercolors from my my second-to-last final.

Cool botanical garden building.

Greenhouse at botanical garden.

The mister and I went to a cookout with some friends a few weeks ago.

New dress!

Soulmates.

Scary slag at work.

We planted lots of herbs and such this season. I am now growing two types of lavender, rosemary, spicy globe basil, lemon basil, stevia, lemon balm, orange mint, spearmint, leeks, garlic, verbena, eucalyptus, a flowering maple, yarrow, mesclun salad, yellow cherry tomatoes, tomatillas, three types of watermelons, white pumpkins, and honeydew melons. Tree-wise I am growing a norway spruce, a dwarf japanese cedar, a dwarf alberta spruce, two colorado blue spruces, a leyland cypress, a yew that we bought at Middleton Place, an arizona blue cypress, a carolina hemlock, a maple, two white pines, two juniper trees, and some sweet bay magnolias. And then all the cacti that I desperately need to transplant into my sandbox tomorrow. So far everything is still alive, so that's good.

I have been fighting off some nasty stuff lately. I have been coughing for months and went to the doctor finally. He told me that my vocal chords were stripped so now I have to wait 6-8 weeks for them to heal before I can sing again. Then Brandon and I both had a stomach flu for a few days, and now poor Sarah needs to go to the vet on Tuesday because she has been having some issues. I really hope it isn't anything too serious.

Tonight I am planning on doing some laundry, picking up a few groceries, and working on my etsy. I am about to list a fabulous Suzy Perette dress from the 50's, as well as some amazing 60's-70's shifts and maxis and bathing suits. Also a giveaway will be planned on the blog next month so stay tuned! I have less than a month before school starts up again- ugh! Fortunately I am going to Charlotte soon so that will be a welcome diversion. Hope all is well. Ciao, darlings.

The Ballad of Reading Gaol

2011-05-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

This past week brought many memories flooding back into my consciousness; some good and some bad. It's strange sometimes to think about the person you are now and how greatly your general outlook may differ from your previous incarnation. Memory is oddly photographic but dynamic in that you can retain many other senses along with visual stimulation. I remember a time when I hated being outdoors and would whine constantly about the mosquitos (who indeed love to bite me-- I should feel special, right?) yet now I will labor vigorously in the garden for hours without complaint. I remember wanting nothing more than a low-maintenance apartment, yet now I am apt to enjoy a large house with its little eccentricities. The startling fact is that I have reached some odd state of middle-age. Sometimes in the morning the light filters through the windows and I look out over the backyard, recalling my childhood spent in the woodlands. And sometimes this is such a moving, beautiful picture that I almost cry and am thus almost late to work.

I used to bury my nose in books. I still do, to a great extent, but I think I live less vicariously through them than I once did. I sought to escape from my life because I felt jilted by it. It was as if I was disjointed in some way-- as if my life were a greater abstraction than what my concrete mind could facilitate. Childhood was a brand of culture shock for me and I was ever rebellious in my pursuit of Truth, foregoing the stark revelry of civilization that stood at the brink of madness. I identified with Oscar Wilde and writers like Balzac and Goethe who combined realism with dark humor. I would surround myself with words on a page and the characters that seemed less superficial, more real than the people I met in everyday occurences. Despite the daily dramas of life and the limitations one must run into, there is an anomalous quality of peace that permeates the passing of time. The folly of the human accompaniment to existence is that most of us fail to acknowledge growth and the purveyance of such information is strictly inhibited within a complex social construct.

In some ways I believe we all come full circle. The structure of one's own life is purely metaphorical yet likewise homologous. It is much easier to confuse substance with structure-- ideals with actual experiences. I have spent my whole life questioning my own sanity only to find that perhaps intelligence is simply subversive in our culture. Beyond reason and measure, social constraints tend to euthanize any thought processes that seek to extricate meaning out of events or circumstances. To be self-aware is to balk against the very framework our society has managed to implement-- a universal "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy. Many people don't want to know and don't want to think because it is much easier to pretend. They are able to abstract their ideas and beliefs into something more centralized and easier to navigate, while the rest of us are off floundering around in some degree of self-alienation. I'm not sure which way is more intelligent in the course of life, but I imagine both have their shares of difficulties and setbacks.

In my personal opinion (which may change over time, I'm sure. At twenty-five or even a hundred I simply haven't all the answers), life is more about the journey than the destination. We are here to learn and to teach. We are here to touch lives, reflect actions, and promote continuity. Whether this is our only incarnation or not, I can't really say. But if not, it seems fitting to justify that actions will overlap, lessons will have to be repeated sometimes, and the growth boundary is less in time but more in experience, regardless of life or death. It is we who put limitations on the psyche and time itself. We are the fountainhead of our experiences and adaptations. It is in our personal sphere that we affect the outcome of our lives. It is when we choose not to see this that life becomes exasperatingly difficult. By choosing not to see, we fetter our own growth.

wandering spirits + favorite things

2011-05-19T06:12:00.000-07:00

via ffffound

I am trying to make a conscious effort to update this blog more. Today I have been listening to the newest Chad VanGaalen album, "Diaper Island" and so far I think it might be one of the best albums I have heard this year, next to my friends The Royal Bangs, Other Lives, and Beach Fossils. If you haven't given any of them a listen, you should do that ASAP. And get a nonfat chai latte with coconut added at Starbuck's. It is simply divine.

The mister and I have been busy growing and planting a variety of conifers in my yard. If you don't know this about me, you do now: I LOVE SPRUCE TREES. and fir trees. And cedar trees. and pine trees. And redwoods. and sequoias. and other trees that I can't pronounce their names but they have little cones. My Arizona cypress that I transplanted last year from my flower box is already taller than me! We are trying to figure out what to do as a privacy barrier on my patio. I am thinking of taking old salvaged wood and making a screen and he thinks bamboo would be better. Any suggestions? I am also thinking of building a makeshift greenhouse out of scrap wood and plastic for my cacti so they don't freeze like they did this past winter. Brandon's latest bout of awesomeness was to completely redo my herb garden on the side of my carport AND buy me a Norway spruce (my most favorite tree). He is indeed a man after my own heart. :) I am going over to his house soon to help him lay pine straw.

The magazine is on hiatus again because I am starting work on the CLOTHING LINE and lookbook. I am getting ready to write up an ad for models for f a w n, which is pretty exciting. My goal is to produce 10 dresses next week now that the designs are sorted out. It's going to be a tough haul with etsy and work going as well, but I have to utilize what time I have between now and when architecture school starts up again. The biggest setback has been that I have all sorts of awesome vintage fabrics but wanted to keep a certain color palette. It is challenging to create a coherent line when all you want to do is use crazy 1960's brocades! My latest challenge is finding awesome silk in the right colors at a decent price. Ugh! I wanted everything to be silk and polished cotton originally but that is easier said than done. Laramie and I are busy bees anyway but this will be an exciting project for us to undertake. She is trying to con me into taking ballet and bellydancing classes with her and thus far I have held out, but it is tempting and could happen in the near future...

Speaking of, I am getting ready to do custom couple woodburned portraits on etsy. I did some a few years back for some friends as gifts (as well as one for Unknown Hinson to give to him when we had our interview with him for p+w) and someone suggested that I give them a run on etsy. They're relatively easy to do and look pretty fabulous once they are finished. I think I am going to opt for danish or teak oil rather than polyurethane this time around, though. I used some of that for one of my architecture final projects and it turned out much better and had a more handmade feel to it. Stay tuned. :)

via ffffound

HAPPINESS is..

2011-05-18T12:08:00.000-07:00

via: ffffound

source: ffffound

Sometimes happiness is a lot of things.

Lately, for me, "happiness" is...

...finding out you made all A's and B's in the classes you struggled with all semester.

...having an amazing stepfather that takes you on camping trips like he and his dad used to take, shows you some of the places he visited as a boy, and likes spending quality time with you.

...having a wonderful mother who plans a surprise daytrip with you to Charlotte to go visit the campus and eat some scrumptious foods from some of the best restaurants in town.

...when your boyfriend turns your no good, very bad day into a super good one by surprising you with chai and a romantic walk at UT Gardens (it's the little things that make all the difference in the world.)

...having two great kiddos that snuggle up with you in bed when the boyfriend's away and like watching cheesy shows like Mister Ed with you.

...finding out you received a small scholarship and won't owe $909 out-of-pocket for your summer classes.

...having incredible girlfriends that put up with your many moods, changes of heart, and constant entrepreneurial enterprises with tolerance, gelato, and love.

...having all your socks and sheets match accordingly. (dumb, I know, but it makes a big difference....believe me.)

... having a great job for the past almost five years that has kept me afloat through several life transitions, moves, and architecture school.

...feeling very lucky to have good food on the table, everything I need or want (within reason), and some of the best people in my life. I feel truly humbled and blessed today.

ambergris//let's stay together

2011-05-04T06:15:00.000-07:00

Finals are pretty much over, which means I will finally be able to actually have time to blog and a social life again and all that. It amazes me when I see older posts and then come back periodically how much my life alters in a span of time.

Big news? There's plenty to share. For one, my final reviews went poorly. Well, poorly for a perfectionist. They were probably okay but I always worry about them if they don't go as well as planned. Generally speaking, I have started to notice a trend in my work, which is mostly that I feel like simple lines in ink on mylar are not enough for a final presentation, so I overcompensate by pocheing everything and making it ultimately stand out like a sore thumb. I have been told by two professors now that I need to abtract things and simplify them more, and I unfortunately think that is the most difficult task of all. It amazes me that I can spend an hour or two doing the most intricate detailing on a drawing and then spend ten hours stumped over simple diagrams. I guess that means I'm probably not as dumb as I always assumed I was, but it also means that I have to work extra hard to compensate for internal complexity. I overcomplicate everything in my life-- is it any surprise that I would overcomplicate even Architecture?

The second big news is that in a year (or year and a half, depending on many factors), I am moving to Charlotte. And that is, of course, if I get admitted to transfer into the architecture program at UNCC. There are many reasons for this, but mostly because despite being happy with many things in my life, as a whole I am not as happy as I should be. I kept hoping it was a phase I was just going through but I feel like it is more than that. It may be a disaster, but I think a change of pace will do me good. Granted, there are many reasons I am "escaping" (allergies, fundamentalism, and some other stuff I'd rather not go into right now), but I think it is necessary escape.

The idea of selling 3/4 of what I own, probably working a job that is very different from what I have been doing the past few years, and focusing on just one thing rather than 500 seems like a step it the right direction. I have been dragging my feet because of various reasons, and now I have decided to accept and be at peace with the fact that those reasons are simply not enough to sustain me and will probably waste even more of my time. Not to be a pessimist or anything, but I have to be realistic and recognize that this path has just outlived its journey.

It's time for me to work towards something else and progress as a human being and honestly I don't feel like I can do that in Knoxville. I love my friends and it is nice to be closer to my parents, but I think the only way I am going to be satisfied with my life is to start with a clean slate, have less of everything, and focus on the things that make me happiest. As I told my boyfriend a few weeks ago, "I feel as if I am living someone else's life. I don't feel as if I am living at all in reality. I am just watching events unravel and I feel like a ghost." It is somewhat saddening and I will miss a lot of people here, but it's like riding a bicycle: you have to take off your training wheels and let go and some point. I have to stop making excuses and focus on results. And if that means completely uprooting myself from everything, it is just something I will have to do.

to be myself completely

2011-01-19T11:02:00.001-08:00

I haven't updated much, sorry to say.
Architecture school is back in full swing.
Homework every night, work/classes all day, and my internet is being buggy at home.
Plus a lot of deliberation on the job-work-money front. This is a year of big changes, I do believe.
Not to mention that someone has been taking up most of my attentions, in a good way. I feel really good right now. Not trying to be overzealous...but the world is much more colorful these days. All is right with the world and right in my little world-- the way it should be. I keep asking myself if this is all really happening..and yes, it is. :)

here's to you, bachelor life

2011-01-06T11:23:00.000-08:00

So, I think it is quite possible that I was a bachelor in a prior life. Why do I believe this?

1. I really like having space on my side of the bed. Or all the bed to myself (and the kiddos of course.) I love cuddling up before bedtime, but I usually don't sleep that way for long before I shove the other person to the other side of the bed. Do you remember that episode of Friends (christ...a "Friends" reference. what is happening to me?) where they did the "hug-and-roll" so they could have space in the bed? Yeah-- it's pretty much like that.
2. I love cooking strange concoctions that no one else would like eating because every person I've dated has hated the key ingredients I cook with: onions, cilantro, tomatoes, and garlic. Blasphemy!!
3. Although I am surprisingly a neat freak, I like that I could potentially let the dishes or laundry slide for a couple days without anyone griping at me.
4. I get to keep my own hours and see friends (of both sexes) without getting guilt-tripped or accused of dastardly deeds.
5. It is a well-proven fact that after the initial honeymoon is over, boys do not want to have random dance parties and listen to records at 1am in your living room.
6. I don't really watch much TV, but I can very well spend a good 8 hours watching old episodes of The Office on Netflix's Instant Play. In my jammies. And "comfy socks." With pet hair all over me. Eating scandalous foods that I would probably regret later.
7. The idea of someone putting a plush leather couch or rattan furniture in my house is absolutely terrifying. I'm pretty sure the idea of having to make my home entirely unisex is the reason I have so much stuff in the first place-- it's like having a bottle of animal repellent so your cat doesn't pee on your ottoman.
8. I have to fix things on my car myself (unless it is major-- then I DO need help.) But it is kind of nice to be relatively self-sufficient.
9. I seem to get more work done home alone. If I ever met someone that was as self-sufficient as I was, he would probably be a bachelor (and if he isn't straining his pasta with an old gym sock, we might be in business.)
10. I can go out and look pretty, and no one ever has to know about my secret fears, weird habits, random thoughts that enter my head, or my complete recitation of "Bohemian Rhapsody (acted out via the Wayne's World method.)"
--------------------------------------------------------------------
xoxo

I survived 2010 (or, the great feat)

2011-01-05T11:25:00.000-08:00

grrrlike a tiger print, 9 usd, from poppopportraits

woodburned spruce trivet, 10 usd, by nickoli

double autumn branch necklace, 26 usd, from mineralsandmetalwork

adorable cowgirl brooch, 15 usd, from yalipaz

PRETTIEST wreath from NHWoodscreations, 35 usd.

This is pretty much the most amazing thing I have seen in a while. 2011 Letterpress wall art foxes calendar, 25 usd, by sycamorestreetpress.

Okay, so I don't approve of pets wearing clothes (although mine have some utilitarian clothing for special purposes.....shut up) but this is pretty awesome. skipper pea coat, 70 usd, from RoverDog.

I've been slowly working my way through Jean-Luc Goddard's films and am now on Une Femme Mariee. I like Goddard's films because the dialogue is very similar to what goes through my mind on a daily basis. He took simple notions and made them dynamic, while intertwining them with philosophy and history. My favorite line from this film: "Women live for men but won't do anything for them." I think, if I could choose a different era to be my age now in, it is a tossup between 1920's New York and 1960's France. Goddard's France, of course. In black and white.

I survived 2010. I would say, in some respect, that 2010 was a year of exceptional emotional growth for me. When I look at how I reacted to things in 2009 versus 2010, it amazes me to be sure. I feel like 2011 will be a continuity of such growth, but probably with more emphasis on organization and finances. At least, that is how it is panning out thus far. Although I have been a complete grouch since Sunday for no reason-- I think I need a vacation!

It is a very snowy day in Tennessee. I really enjoy snow and after four years of living here I am finally seeing quite a bit of it! I have been exhausted all day long for no reason whatsoever. I am thinking of grabbing a soy chai latte (my second cup of tea today-- geez; so much for that new year's resolution...), pulling out my inspiration file (from my fashion school days-- I'm sure some of it is laughable to say the least), and working on the clothing line today. I found some really great fabric this weekend (and a plethora of other amazing vintage finds) and I am dying to get a few things made before I start back to classes on Wednesday. I will probably end up sitting at a coffeeshop somewhere because ever since winter hit, my wireless at home has completely sucked. I spent an hour last night just trying to update my flickr page and do some stuff for school and I finally just gave up and went to bed. Each night is kind of hit or miss with my wireless, so maybe I will get lucky and be able to curl up at home, listen to Benoit Pioulard's newest album, drink tea, and get my work done.

And now for something completely different.

lost language of the apple walk

2010-12-29T10:31:00.000-08:00

I am pretty sleepy today, so this is going to be a long, slightly boring post, but it looks like rain outside and it is sleepy afternoon.

My rib is feeling better finally (slowly but surely), so I was able to hang clothes up in my bedroom, which between two photo shoots and a month of wardrobe changes looked like a warzone. I spent a good two hours putting up clothes and going through items (some of which are going in a yard sale in the spring and others for my etsy store) and although I will still go through everything one more time, it is nice to be able to get into my closets without getting lost. I started a mend pile, too, as there are so many items that need to be rehemmed, need a small repair, or a button sewn on that I have been putting off for months. Tonight and tomorrow I am spending organizing and itemizing my sewing room/office and pressing items to put on etsy this weekend. That room IS a warzone, since everything from my architecture studio is in there, as well as music equipment. My goal is to compartmentalize everything and place my personal wardrobe into 3 of the small closets rather than four and to have them organized by type or color (so far it is kind of a mixture of both-- I never realized that I own 20 or so striped nautical shirts, for example.)

Structured productivity is going to be a big deal to me for 2011. I spent the last 5 months floundering in every other sphere of my life while trying to focus on architecture (and trying to have a social life) and I think sometimes compartmentalizing yourself into an unstructured lifestyle can completely destroy your creativity. I just ended up being tired all the time and stressed out and when I was home I really didn't want to do anything but sleep. When I got sick before finals, and continued being sick up until last week, it really put things into perspective for me. My doctor pretty much told me that I needed to start sleeping more, actually eating (and not just grabbing a cup of chai on my way to school/work to tide me over), and that I had no business being in bars (because of all the smoke)-- and if I didn't, I would surely end up getting even more sick which would make my productivity completely null. I was down to 105 pounds around Finals (I usually stay around 118-120) and I think it took me stepping back the past few weeks and examining my schedule to help me realize that I was taking on too much, spending way more than I needed to (financially and time), and losing focus of all the goals I had in the first place.

Everyone has New Year's resolutions, and I can't say that I don't have several this year. What are some of yours? Mine are as follows:

- Get a list together of things I need to do weekly and stick to it. I hate (HATE!!!) mundane work and procrastinate so much, but I also hate having dirty dishes, laundry, and stacks of paperwork piling up. If you aren't happy with your environment, it can literally drain your energy. And all the caffeine in the world won't save you if you are unhappy with your living situation.
- Cut down my caffeine and sweets intake. I was doing extremely well on the sweets end (1 brownie/cookie a week), but the holidays really spoiled me (how about 5 brownies in one week, a piece of cake, and several cookies.....) And I am completely addicted to chai, but between the fact that the acidity is damaging to teeth over time, and the amount of nervous energy it causes, AND the cost (Yes, I love my friendly baristas, but $4.35 every day or two days is excessive and I know it), I need to really cut back. Plus, over time it can really suck the life out of your hair (especially if you color it quite a bit to begin with).
- Pay off my credit card. Two years in a row I have planned on this and have yet to do so. It's time.
- Get my sewing room in order and devote at least 6 hours a week to working on the clothing line, and at least two afternoons a week to the etsy store (because I will be working less this semester, I know, and I have been slacking bigtime on our wares).
- Update the blogs daily or every couple of days and put up more photos of what I am up to, since I am usually immersed in some form of crafterie.
- Grow my hair out another 3.5 inches. I usually cut it into a bob (or pageboy) by now, but I really want to grow it out long finally, even if I end up cutting it in the summer.
-Take an hour or two every weekend to do one of those long-unfinished projects I keep putting off. I.E.: Finishing the Bertoia chairs, going through my cluttered drawers in the living room and organizing all that madness, throwing out old medicines/vitamins, mending things, framing pictures, the multitudes of half-finished knitted cowls and dresses that are packed away, putting up the scrap-wood privacy fence around my patio, laundering blankets and fleece throws, taking off my growing expansion of recycled goods to the center, going through my vintage items on a regular basis (as some items I will simply never wear, as much as I love them), updating scrapbooks, finishing some of the books I started and became sidetracked from, destashing items, etc.
- Take an hour or two a week to do something active that is also relaxing. Whether that means doing some yoga, reading a book, knitting, going to a spa, or just a bike ride around the neighborhood, so long as it is something that allows me to de-stress a bit.
-Put back some money so I can go to Oregon and California for a week. I miss the coast so bad at this point and all my friends over there.
-Get the magazine out in April as planned. I am planning on devoting any and all free time to this because it is really important and I keep putting it on the wayside.

- Have healthy relationships with people (and boys, since they are not classified as people). If that isn't possible, I don't want them at all this year. As my friend Tara said to me once, "Trim the social fat."
-Being happy and being a bit selfish. I love all my friends and want to be and do everything for them, but right now I need to focus on a lot of things. So if I don't make it out to bars (even the non-smoking ones) and I would rather work on my etsy store than go out and see a friend's band play (or maybe not "Rather" but "need to"), hopefully they will still love me even if I'm not around as much as I would like to be. It is temporary but necessary. Plus, I'm sure they are tired of hearing me complain about being tired/stressed/sick, anyway. :-)

And now I have to go buy my cat a sweater. Yeah.

art show recap + birthday

2010-12-27T20:26:00.000-08:00

I finally got around to uploading some photos from my art show a couple weekends ago. It went really well! We had about 30-40 people show up for the initial display. Our work is still up for a few more weeks at Blackbird Coffeehouse. Special thanks to Zoe for setting up the art show! Illustrating Craigslist Missed Connections was a lot of fun, although in the future I will probably do smaller ones, since these were rather large and I think that might have detracted from the messages some. Over all, a great show and turnout.

And it is Sarah's birthday today! I went a little crazy, but she received oodles of treats, a stuffed bee that buzzes, and a cozy jacket (that she refuses to take off). We had a big party and now we are off to bed.

xoxo

future primitive: a winter covet list

2010-12-27T09:04:00.000-08:00

I SURVIVED the holiday season, although I have been pretty ill for about two months now. I have a bruised rib/lung and it has put me out of commission for a while (I slept through most of the weekend, honestly), but the holidays were good and it was great seeing family and catching up with everyone. My parents went WAY overboard this year and I am extremely grateful. I got to see my grandmother (I haven't seen her in several years) and had a great Christmas feast at my house. I get to see my sisters on New Year's and some of the rest of my family so I am really looking forward to the weekend.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am really excited about a few things today. More notably, that IFC is doing a 6-part series called "Portlandia" that is airing on January 21st, written by and starring Carrie from Sleater-Kinney. I am hoping it isn't a let-down, but it sounds like it will be pretty fun. I have been working on a book for a while now called "Stumptown" with a similar premise, but it is less comedic and probably nowhere near as entertaining. Regardless, I just stumbled across the info on it today and am really excited about it. Part of me fears that it won't do justice to the quirkiness of Portland, but I am keeping my fingers crossed. It is supposed to have a BUNCH of local "celebrities" and musicians so it is probable that they will pull everything off well. If it goes well, maybe they will make it a continuous series-- that would be fab.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

My friend Laramie and I are working on launching our new clothing and accessories line called f a w n in the Spring. We plan on selling handmade frocks, cloche hats, scarves, along with amazing vintage items we have found along the way.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With the submission deadline fast approaching, the staff of paper + wire and I are getting ready to compile everything together into the second issue. We have interviews galore, great tutorials, and lots of pretty pictures for your enjoyment. I will post some sneak peeks in January.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

With New Year's around the corner, here is my winter covet list:

Although I'm not a huge fan of the 90's (as in, at all) this dress is adorable for the holidays. 45 usd from ontheprowl.

Winter makes me get into extreme NESTING mode with danish kitchenware. I absolutely ADORE these Gustavsberg Stig Lindberg Bersa Egg cups from handz shop, 45 usd

I've been really obsessed with aquamarine jewelry this season, such as
this lovely vintage Madonna pendant necklace from Nonnie60's shop, 25 usd.

Golden 1970s Atomic DeWeese Design Star Burst Vintage Sundress , 260 usd, from zwzzy (I love everything in that shop! Geez)

Vixen wool hat, 100 usd, from TRAMPmillinery.

I reached a new level of dorkiness today for buying this amazing woodgrain cover for my MacBook Pro. Due to constant abuse from architecture school (and excessive travel this year), the poor baby had an abundance of battlescars in 2010. I found this great cover from brandbrand for 10 usd. Sold!

Speaking of dorkiness, it's my dog's birthday tomorrow and we are having a big party to celebrate. There will be pictures. And it will be awesome.

Monday Mornin' Mixed Tape

2010-12-06T08:31:00.000-08:00

1. hengilas by jonsi
2. winter a-go-go by yo la tengo
3. GI-mur by amiina
4. i will survive by the puppini sisters
5. meet me in the garden by dent may and his magnificent banjo
6. doo wop (cambodian rocks cover) by dengue fever
7. sea of love by cat power
8. on my own two feet by hal miller
9. shift (acoustic) by grizzly bear
10. bus stop by the hollies
11. dark sedan by karl blau
12. where the mines are by little red lung
13. dreamland ep: marimba and s**t drums by moonface
14. alsatian darn by panda bear
15. bicycle by yarn owl
16. letting go by blackbird blackbird
17. the last transmission (honeybee) by holopaw
18. jealous guy by john lennon
19. maybe we're lost by ugly casanova
20. still racing by julian lynch

no sleep til sundown

2010-11-23T23:44:00.001-08:00

I spent a good 32 hours working on my drawings this weekend. Between that and being incredibly sick with some ridiculously longwinded flu, I am tuckered out. But, on the plus side, I passed my final review with flying colors (okay, maybe not flying....but moving) and I only have a couple more classes before I am out for winter break. I have an art show in January (my craigslist missed connections illustrations) and a long overdue etsy store update to do, so I am pretty much ready for it.

I also finally caved and bought Google Sketchup today. It is awesome. I am still learning the basics but I made my first design in it today. Exciting!

And now I am off to take medicine and head to bed.

not tonight, darling. I'M "ARCHITECTING. "

2010-11-17T21:11:00.000-08:00

Only a few days away. I am a bundle of nerves and filled with the omegaflu from hell. Wish me luck, loves! ...I'll need it.

Shucks You Left The Fire Burning

2010-11-06T14:34:00.000-07:00

Ever the weary world traveler this year, I'm finally getting around to some long overdue updates. Sorry, folks! On the plus side, I have a TON of gratuitous photos to share this time around.

My peer review in front of my professors and local architects for Arch 171 is in THREE WEEKS and I have been up every night making design changes, supergluing, tearing things up, drafting, and trying to get a few minutes away to sip on a soy chai latte (or a dirty chai, if it's one of THOSE nights) and follow-up on a few (also overdue) e-mails. Whew!

Last weekend, I took a birthday trip for myself and headed to Asheville, NC for a few days of fun and good friends...and MUSIC. I checked into the fabulous Sweet Peas Hostel and wandered around the old haunts (Izzy's, Honeypot, Ragtime, Lexington Antiques, Vintage Moon, Malaprop's, to name a few) and found a few new ones. I attended Moogfest Friday and Saturday and met up with my friends Chris and Contessa (with his roomie in tow) and it was a lot of fun. Chris and I had a HUGE dinner went to see Devo but they unfortunately cancelled, so we ended up watching Big Boi, MGMT, and Dan Deacon and countless others and had a good time all the same. Saturday I went shopping (a mistake to try to buy cool vintage in smaller sizes on Halloween weekend, FYI), ate some a-m-a-z-i-n-g chocolate creme brulee at French Broad, did some building investigation, and then we got to see CARIBOU and JONSI all in one night. Those two alone were worth the price of admission. I found a few inexpensive retail spaces for rent and I am contemplating if we can swing a coffeeshop and cupcakery or vintage store there...or coolass crafterie. Hmm.....only two hours away, after all...

Sunday the drive back was beautiful, and, after picking up some tired kiddos, I spent the rest of the evening working on architecture and getting ready for the workweek before heading to the big Halloween shindig at The Pilot Light with the lovely Miss Mary and Miss Laramie. We had so much fun! I dressed up as Anna Karina from Une Femme Est Une Femme, but I guess I sort of looked like myself only with long hair and not very Karina-esque at all. :-)

(photo by miss jessica)

(laramie and jamie!)

This week has FLOWN by and now I have caught the Christmas bug. Every year I tell myself not to go overboard and I have a feeling I will anyway. I plan on crafting the whole month that I am out of classes for gifts and for Thunder Chief. I have been eyeing those gorgeous Joel Dewberry fabrics on etsy for quite some time now...I can't wait to make "woodgrain" toys for Sarah and Thom. Yay!

....and and and I am so excited because we FOUND A PRINTER FOR THE MAGAZINE!!! FINALLY, huh?

I'm THIS excited:

Tonight I get to have tea with my friend Natalie and am intent on spending the evening drinking tea, roasting marshmallows on the porch, having a dance party to old records, and ending with a late-night binge of Goddard films and knitting. It's a Girl's Night, so No Boys Allowed (tonight, anyway). Tomorrow I get to go buy plexi-glass and paint (for my Knoll/Saarinen chairs that really need to be powdercoated) at Lowe's, build another model, have a photo shoot, and draw elevations of my coastal retreat for class. What's sad is that I am excited about it. :) Welcome to the life of a workaholic.

birth of days

2010-10-25T14:32:00.000-07:00

I am officially older than shit.

Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting

2010-09-25T10:35:00.000-07:00

The week did not start out good on Sunday, despite having a pleasant Saturday night. I feel like I am fighting a lot of things lately: aboy, sleep, time contraints, etc. I spent most of the day yesterday in bed and am struggling to get everything caught up today, but I needed a brief distraction from the realities of being sad over an idiot boy and this is a good one.

Whenever my life seems overwhelming, I usually attempt to develop a life plan just to keep myself afloat. Sort of one of those things where you look at all you have to be thankful for and have to look forward to.

1. I have amazing parents, pets, and friends who love and respect me.
2. I have a really awesome magazine that, in Spring 2011, will be published!! And an amazing editor/creative director to boot!
3. I have been selling more on my etsy store and slowly paying my debts off to where I am almost debt-free (other than student loans).
4. I am IN ARCHITECTURE school. That in itself is something to be proud of, since I had to fight tooth and nail to get in there and it is very competitive.
5. I have a nice house, nice things, and always have food on the table.
6. I still have all my fingers and toes.
7. I have a great job, even if sometimes it isn't my dream job. But I have been there four years, despite the recession, and that is something to be very thankful for.
8. I have a music project that is slowly getting airplay, so it must be improving!
9. I can drink tea every morning and do not live in cardboard box (although sometimes I break out the sheets for a fort tent under the dining room table).
10. I am in the process of doing a clothing line for Thunder Chief. If you don't know what that is, you will. And soon.
11. I don't need some loser that lives over his mom's bakery shop to make me happy.
And, 12. I am probably going to France and Holland next year

Natural Romatic tunic, 70 USD, from minxshop

Lightning Heart and Scissors Bandana, 18 usd, from snoozerloser

1930's denim coloured dress with umbilical tape, 98 usd, from plundered

en autumn...

2010-09-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

Fall is officially here at our little homestead, and despite the fact that things are winding down towards the new year, I have been lucky to get on the computer more than five minutes a day beyond work or research. The brief time off from homework (a.k.a. procrastination) has afforded me some much-needed house-cleaning and rearranging (as well as weekly trips to Goodwill to drop off some gently worn items that do not fit anymore). This weekend I am trying to relax a bit, although I have two pretty heavy projects to accomplish before Monday and Tuesday for my courses and an exam in another course to study for. The guy I "kick it around with"'s band is playing a show tonight downtown, so I am hoping I finish up with errands and homework enough to go to that, as most of our mutual friends will be there and I haven't seen many of them in almost a month, although more than likely I will be entrenched in axons and obliques. I am trimming my hair today after not having a good trim since May and mending some dresses to put on the soon-to-be-new-and-improved etsy store!! I wish there was more time in the day to do all the things I need (and want) to do.

I have been under the weather off and on the past few weeks (my nutritional schedule is completely a disaster at this point), but have implemented a home studio, meaning that I get to spend more time with the kids and work in my pjs (when I am not at my real job). It has been a nice change of pace, as you can only listen to so much Britney Spears/98 Degrees/etc blaring from a classmate's Ipod before you want to take an x-acto knife to it.

things to look forward to:

1. Pumpkin Patch travels
2. French pressed coffee, s'mores, and a toasty fire on the patio
3. Bonfires and gettogethers with friends
4. Cashmere and knit sweaters and scarves
5. Knitting on the Square downtown
6. Fall thrifting and estate sales
7. Curling up in bed watching cheesy old movies, shows, and cartoons
8. Homemade soups and cheap wine
9. Camping trips
10. Moogfest and a Mexican Mocha at Izzy's
11. Pumpkin Spice Lattes
12. Dinner at Altruda's for my birthday
13. Reading lots of good books
14. Dorky photo shoots for the magazine
15. Masquerade Parties
16. Daytrips to Chattanooga to see old friends
17. Spending time with my folks and working on stuff for their new house
18. Jumping in piles of leaves with my dog-daughter
19. Listening to Beach House while painting
20. TURKEY HAND CUTOUTS

What are some of your favorite fall activities?

and it all starts with a line, a square, and a rectangle.

2010-08-27T11:23:00.000-07:00

Architecture school started off with a bang- a three-day, grueling competition to design a project from start to finish. And then the next assignment was to work on a presentation of abstract objects in a certain order, which sounds really easy. This was harder. I am totally having to retrain myself to use drafting tools. I spent about 8 hours working on this morning's assignment, and I have been working or going to school literally from 5:30/6:30am-11:30 at night every day this week. But you know what? I wouldn't change it one bit. I am exhausted, but I am happy with my little "non-house" that I am creating. It is a challenge.

I didn't know what to expect, honestly. Instead, what I found was that in architecture, my world is timeless. It passes, but I lose track easily. So intent on my work and perfecting it, everything else in my world seems to disappear. Some people find God in churches or tenement halls. I found God in the form of the studio environment. I feel like, for once in my life, I am precisely where I need to be. Everything else is falling into place. Financially, I am more than likely selling my scooter tonight. I received my excess check from school and it was much larger than I ever anticipated. And I am still allowed to work at my job, even if my hours are crazy. It is a humbling experience to realize that there are higher powers at work; the militarization of life and the petty dramas are all going away and I am left not as a human being anymore but as a process; a standard for the implementation of design. And all with the divinity of nonconformity at my fingertips. I feel like I can accomplish anything. And if I don't succeed, I will practice, practice, practice until I do. It is a good feeling, this productivity.

My newfound enthusiasm for life also stems from the fact that AUTUMN IS ALMOST HERE. For those of you that know me well, Autumn is pretty much my favorite season. Knitting, cozy cardigans, campfires, tea, wine and cheese with friends, photoshoots, reading, and yard work are all on the agenda for this season. I recently went on a cardigan-buying binge in anticipation of the cooler weather and am looking forward to MAYBE having a few free weekends to create some new things. My folks recently found me some Herman Miller-style chairs for my house so renovating those is my next project (if I can find a new table, I may end up selling my chrome set..). I can't wait to play in piles of leaves and get my house back in shape now that it isn't so miserable outside. I look forward to a Saturday or Sunday of open windows, a crisp breeze, and listening to Claudine Longet on vinyl...

10 mile stereo: Feel-good Friday

2010-08-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

I think I officially have the travel bug again. Between going to Chicago and then a weekend camping trip in the mountains (and extensive reading on all sorts of towns and international destinations), I am officially burnt out on the home front for a bit. This time of year always gets me really antsy, especially with school (and a hectic work schedule) being just a week and a half away now. Other than a splitting headache, I have been feeling ridiculously positive the past few weeks. I have been getting my ducks in a row for the past few weeks, so the transfer into architecture school should be fairly seamless. I already have a million ideas to run past my professors when I get the adequate chance. It is going to be a tough road, I know, but I feel pretty confident that it is where I need to be and the more that time progresses, the more comfortable I feel with my decision. I still have a lot of growing up to do in other spheres of my life, but it feels like Book One is officially over and I am now reading the Introduction to Book Two: The Great Adventure.

Speaking of adventures, this weeks Covet list isn't about material things, but things that are more or less tangible. The world we live in is conceptually brilliant, and as summer wanes (Thank God!!), I want to focus on the last sparks of adventure that travel and mystery occassionally bring to the forefront of human consciousness.

M I X E D T A P E:

I have been currently listening to these amazing artists:

Beach House- Lovlier Girl
Benny Goodman- Stardust
Lou Reed- This Magic Moment
All Girl Summer Fun Band- Cutie Pie
Adam Green- Cigarette Burns Forever
Peter Wolf Crier- Crutch & Cane
Abner Jay- I'm a Hard Working Man
Yann Tiersen- Summer 78
Ana Tijoux- 1977
The T-Bones- No Matter What Shape (Your Stomach's In)
The Decemberists- Red Right Ankle

Bright Eyes- When The Curious Girl Realizes She Is Under Glass
Good Old War- World Watching
Califone- Alice Marble Gray

xoxo

true romance

2010-06-30T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have about another month left of freedom before architecture school and work take over my life, so I have been busy mentally, physically, and emotionally getting prepared for that. The magazine, band practices, and a little bit of R&R are also on the agenda this coming month, as I doubt I will have much free time once August/September hit. This month should also have some travel, although I regret that I won't make it out to Portlandtown until winter. A friend of mine invited me to go to Pitchfork Music Fest in a couple weeks and I am pretty excited-- I'm sure we will have fun. We are both staying at a hostel for the first time ever so it should definitely be an adventure!

I get to see my beloved sister on Friday and we are going on a daytrip, so I am hoping to take a bunch of photos documenting our journey. We don't get to hang out as often as we used to (we used to live right next to each other), so it will be great to catch up. I have been under the weather for over a month and a half now so I think the fresh air will do me good. I have been running on stress, caffeine, and more stress for the past couple of months so I probably just need to take a break to get back to my boring, generic self.

I caved and bought the new iPhone and so far I really like it. I am behind on the whole Hipstamatic/Incredibooth thing, but I don't really care because I love them anyway and I know it will come in handy at places where I can't bring in my Nikon. I am really afraid I am going to break the phone though- it is made of tempered glass on both sides! My cat sat on it this morning and almost knocked it off the table. Yikes! I'm going to have to shell out a fortune for Photoshop soon-- it is decided. I really thought I could do without it when I upgraded to my Mac but some stuff in the magazine really needs to be photoshopped and not just layered.

I'm planning on listing a lot of my 20s-60s clothing on Etsy soon. I have honestly lost so much weight that most of what I own doesn't fit me anymore and I don't trust myself to take-in 20s oriental silks without damaging them. Now, if I can find time to list more items, life will be swell!

On a personal note, it has been a weird month but a pretty good one. I had a little family crisis this past weekend, but I gained some new perspectives on a lot of things in my life. It has been odd to realize that all those people I dated(or was involved with) that I had bad break-ups with (save one or two), I am on excellent terms with now. Perhaps things weren't so bad as I thought they were at the time, or maybe we all have grown up some and realized that nobody's perfect. I think when you stop seeking approval through other people, they tend to see you as a more validated human being and respect you more for your achievements and failures.

ode to joy

2010-04-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

sources: ffffound and weheartit.

une femme est une femme: anna karina

2010-04-06T06:43:00.000-07:00

Anna Karina has been a favorite of mine for some time, but I never truly appreciated how much influence she had in France. Her style was amazing!

Source: weheartit

den of thieves

2010-03-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

I took a long hiatus from this because of a lot of things, but mainly because of school restarting, not having time to get on the internet, a nasty breakup, and MOVING to a killer new house. It is a 1950's ranch home with terrazzo floors and beautiful minimalist architecture. I feel so lucky to have found this place! Lots of good changes- will post photos soon!

Spring is almost here. I am so excited!

MIXEDTAPE for March:

1. Home as a Romanticized Concept Where... - Woodpigeon
2. Vagabond- Wolfmother
3. Snow Days- Real Estate
4. Are You Leaving For the Country?- Karen Dalton
5. Sleepwalker- Faun Fables
6. Odessa- Caribou
7. 1952 Vincent Black Lightning- Richard Thompson
8. Your Squaw is on the Warpath- Loretta Lynn
9. Big Boat- M. Ward
10. White Winter Hymnal- Fleet Foxes
11. The Hold- Woods
12. Alphabet Town- Elliott Smith
13. Demon Host- Timbre Timbre
14. Blue Bird- Rosebuds
15. Architecture- Palisades
16. We Sleep in the Ocean- The Cloud Room
17. The Ocean- Sunny Day Real Estate
18. Everything With You- The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
19. To the Stars! To the Night!- Le Loup
20. Go Away From My Window- John Jacob Niles
21. 81 by Joanna Newsom ("En Gallop" is good, too!)
22. You're so Great- Blur

i spent my life creating an avalanche

2010-01-22T14:30:00.000-08:00

I have nearly killed my hair but it is not quite fried, thankfully. After 9 bleachings and several bad experiments it is ash brown and quite brittle. The cold weather doesn't help, either, since it dries it out even more. Anyone know any good remedies to strengthen hair? I won't be coloring it again for several months so that may help also.

Sorry for not updating this much. I found out last week that I was OFFICIALLY ACCEPTED INTO ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL!!!!

My first few weeks back at school have been good, although overwhelming. All of my courses are book-based so there is quite a bit of territory to cover. The weather has been rainy the past few weeks, too, which while I adore rainy days they do little to help me combat general laziness. My biggest problem with school is that I forget to EAT between going to school and work so I guess the past 6 months is finally catching up with me. There is nothing like scarfing down an asiago bagel with salmon cream cheese, in your car, at 1 o'clock in the afternoon to let you know you're alive!

A dear friend and I went out to a late dinner yesterday evening and it was good to see him. Due to life situations we never get to see each other anymore much and that is unfortunate. Tonight the girls and I are going to see "Nine" at Downtown West and I am pretty excited about it. It will do me good to get some fresh air and air some grievances with my sisters. I think I will finally get to see my folks tomorrow-- I haven't seen them since school began! Sunday my friend Mary and I are doing a modeling photo shoot to promote her new store, so this weekend will be amazing if I get to feeling better! I have been in homebody mode for a few weeks. I truly need to take a weekend out of town and gain some new perspectives on things. In times like these I usually take on a huge project. I want to redesign an old building, or travel overseas, or get outside and be one with nature for a while. I like the feeling of falling in love with life. It suits me just fine. I just need more culture than I am getting now. Culture is what causes me to thrive the most. The daily dalliances of everyday existence tend to suck the life out of me if I am not too careful.

More updates and photos later. And a new covet list finally! GEEZ!!
I feel like I have spent most of my life creating an avalanche and now I am at a standstill.

modern nature

2010-01-08T11:10:00.000-08:00

Well, I lied, for we had a good two-three inches of snow and ice last night after all. Not that it is a huge accumulation, but my whole backyard is white and beautiful and I really wanted to go out and play in it. I tried to take some photos this a.m., but they turned out pretty lousy because I was in a rush to get to work. I hate that when I have a bunch of errands I want to run, the weather gets lousy. I HATE driving in ice/snow so it is likely my entire weekend will be filled with home-based adventures.

I am getting ready to do a HUGE project which I will post on the blog when I am finished. I have a million things I want to do this year on the creative front, including launching my clothing and accessories line at the end of the year. I am hoping all that time at fashion school will have paid off (it was EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) at some point. Since the boy and I split up, life has gotten a bit less hectic so I am hoping to get more accomplished this year and make it the best year ever.

it's gonna take an airplane

2010-01-07T08:02:00.000-08:00

I only was able to get about an hour of sleep last night. I tossed and turned for hours and if there is one thing I am extremely anxious about, it is not getting much sleep! Have you ever felt like that? This is horrible. I am exhausted and I have a bit too much to do today.

But I spent most of the evening listening to the beautiful music made by my friends and downloaded a few songs on iTunes that I have been enthralled with. I have been lazy the past few nights, what with the insanely cold weather, but I am finally making some headway on my lists. I am such a wuss now-- I used to take baths in ice cold water and now I couldn't imagine doing so! I am hoping tonight to put together a covet list, or an inspiration list, but it depends on the amount of time I have free. I am FINALLY taking down my Christmas decor and mending some dresses that I have been procrastinating on. I have a huge pile of stuff that needs to go to Goodwill in my hall right now that has been there for three weeks, at least.

It is supposed to snow here tonight, but I doubt we will get much accumulation. We usually get an inch or so and that is about it. I am homesick for Portland lately more than usual; perhaps it is because of the brisk air reminds me of being out on the coast when there is still a heavy chill in the air. My fondest memories are like spruce trees.

My pets aren't too used to me being gone, although I cannot believe it is THURSDAY already!! This week has flown by.

Here is what I am listening to on this dreary day:

"Somewhere There's a Feather" by Nico
"Tomato Song" by PWRFL POWER
"Franco the Bull" by the One Up Downstairs
"Demon Host" by Timbre Timbre
"Slippery" by Vetiver
"It's Gonna Take an Airplane" by Destroyer
"Dead Vine Blues" by Grails
"Apistat Commander (Xiu Xiu cover)" by Sunset Rubdown
"On a Neck, On a Spit" by Grizzly Bear
"The Anchor Song" by Bjork"
"In the Morning Linda Dies" by Paleo
"In Heaven (Lady in the Radiator Song)" by the Pixies
"Glass, Concrete, and Stone" by David Byrne
"Flume" by Bon Iver
"Signs and Wonders" by Animal Kingdom
"Lost Ones" by Lauryn Hill
"Awkward Social Graces" by the Enigmatic Foe
"Traffic" by Chad VanGaalen
"Bottle Rocket" by the Go! Team
"Lady of the Island" by Crosby, Stills, & Nash

p + w: keep calm and carry on

2010-01-06T17:57:00.000-08:00

I have been neglecting my magazine, paper + wire, for some time, which is a shame because there have been some FABULOUS works submitted. Unfortunately, I have yet to get Photoshop or Illustrator for my Mac to do the magazine with, so until then, I will periodically post some of my favorite submissions to the paper + wire flickr pool so you can check out the rest of their amazing creations!

"ldrb" by highburnate

"until fully grown" by sarah buckley

"Day 359" by yablocko

"untitled" by rachel.waugh

"Kaytee- old school style" by Kenneth Barton (one of my favorite photographers, hands down!)

"untitled" by amour-giraffe

"untitled" by Delaney Allen

"untitled" by Scarlet Begonias.

"F1010017" by jordan_davis2

"through the looking glass" by limbo pony

"squirrels nest" by Jessica Tremp

and "crept through the foxes den", also by Jessica Tremp, for I love her work so much!

"monster" by the.cutting.room.floor

"Memoir: Standing2" by super.stark

"old" by Vadim Mir

"desiree" by Maria Mancini

This amazing video by nessa k.

------

♥

For more awesomeness, visit paper + wire on flickr or view the first issue at paperandwire.com.

unmitigated life

2010-01-06T10:29:00.000-08:00

After nearly 12 years of dying my hair, I finally decided to go blonde again. I'm still not sure if I like it or not (it will probably go red or black in a few weeks, knowing me), but it is definitely a change. Change is in the air, actually, some of which being good and some of which being bad. I started 2010 with a bang because my stepfather had to go into the hospital for a major emergency surgery and my great aunt died, also. I did a lot of things I am not proud of over Christmas break and now I am struggling to find some meaning in the events that transpired therein. I feel like I grew older over Christmas break, if not a bit wiser, and there is a strange feeling of emptiness enveloping my life that I can't readily comprehend. It is almost as if I stepped out of young adulthood into adulthood and now I feel responsible for a lot of situations where I usually would have thrown caution to the wind. But I also feel very sad, because I allowed some things to happen that hurt my pride and integrity deeply and the result of that surprised me most of all, because I felt so self-sufficient and confident prior to that. I am trying to combat that, though, as I am applying for second job this afternoon at a new hookah restaurant that is opening up in town. I am hoping to get on there a least the weekends, if nothing else, because I could use some refreshed food service experience, for one. I figure if I throw myself into my work and my hobbies I won't have to feel so jaded by the past few weeks. I hate feeling bitter so I hope this feeling passes soon, as I am finding courage and comfort in being alone again.

One of my New Year's resolutions (yes, I have some!) was to update this blog more. I have been neglecting it more than I would like to admit. This year I am going to get out of debt and have a fulfilling life for myself. I got sidetracked last month from my "Alpine path" and so now I am backtracking a bit to get everything structured back to where it should be. Cupcake Crafterie may be postponed to next month, depending on my job situation, but I will try to update this more often. Another resolution is to CRAFT more, as I have been neglecting that as well.

I have never been an extremely religious person, but I think the trials and tribulations of faith lately have made me open my mind a bit more to what exists outside of my circle. I think we all grow up being self-important. I always thought I could emphathize with people very well until I saw my stepfather going through a pain I could not comprehend or understand. For the first time in my life, I realized that my pain was the only pain I was allowed to experience. I could experience the emotional pain of others because of the emotions I had experienced in myself, but physical pain is a completely different universe to me. How, in all my twenty four years, this realization passed me by is a mystery in itself. The realization left me numb and I was somewhat negated, for I want to experience and empathize with others on all levels and it is clealry impossible.

I bought most of my books for my architecture course today. I am nervous and excited about the class, because it seems like it will be an extremely difficult course as well as time-consuming. I am only taking three classes this semester because I am needed more at work, but the classes I am taking are all very eye-opening ones. Deep down I think I really love school, although I wish I could afford my lifestyle yet still have more time to pursue my studies. I spent much of the break with my nose in books, which is a bit safer yet still allows me to feel like I am vicariously living through someone else for a while.

I have a million things to do this week but my main goal is to get my scooter sold by February. This is probably the worst time to sell something like that, but I keep hoping I will get lucky. I love love love love my scooter, but it is something I bought at a different stage in my life and my goals have altered considerably for now. I have been slacking on my etsy due to recent events, but I have a ton of really cool vintage that my mom and I will be putting up in the following weeks, so I am getting pretty excited. Life will be much more livable once I get over the stress from taxes, so by April I should be pretty well set for any major changes that come my way. After that, I just have to pay off the balance on my credit card and then I can go back to some state of simplicity. My only other debt is my student loans, but since I will be in school for a while (as in the next 6 years, because I want to get my master's) I'm not too distraught over it.

This time next year, I wonder what will have changed. I might even be in Portland by then, or I might have a different job, more or less friends, more or less goals...I try not to think about the future, but I have a good idea of where I want to be and now it is just a matter of figuring out a variety of ways to get there.

Schopenhauer meets Vivre sa Vie

2009-12-20T15:36:00.000-08:00

There are some things we can explain, and other things that tend to lack meaning. I have found that those we can explain are inexorably not necessarily accurate, which is unfortunate. I have been reading Schopenhauer lately and reminiscing about some things past. Certainly, my viewpoint since childhood has changes considerably, and no longer do I adopt the nihilistic views I once prided myself on. I agree and disagree with Schopenhauer. While I feel suffering is an inevitable part of experience, I do not agree that happiness is nonexistent. That is to say, if happiness is nonexistent, so too would suffering be. We cannot truly experience joy without succumbing to sorrow from time to time, in my opinion. What a bore it would be, truly, to live in a state of complacency without expectation in order to feel true satisfaction. I look at happiness simply as a by-product of experience. True satisfaction is not of this Earth, admittedly, but so, too, is suffering. To deny ourselves of happiness is to deny ourselves the value of consciousness. While I agree that our expectations and disappointments associated with happiness are unfortunate concurrences, I fail to see the validity of denying our animalistic natures. If it is only through suffering that we should grow, it seems very proper that we should experience happiness in order to fully understand suffering and self-sustainment. If we follow Aristotle's philosophy ("not pleasure, but freedom from pain, is what the wise men will aim at"), we miss the boat entirely. By discounting pleasure and seeking as little pain as possible, we are stunting our growth. While it is true that by denying such impulses and instincts one may succinctly grow to attain wisdom, it is suffice to say that there would be an imbalance in one's psyche. To live "less unhappily" is to adapt defense mechanisms against ever truly living. Life is bridged by conscience and consequence, and rightly to live a tolerable life is simply that-- "tolerable". I somewhat disagree that "limitation always makes more happiness." I feel it is a crime to limit ourselves to what we feel we are capable of, without ever putting forth a valiant effort to obtain some form of enlightenment. By limiting ourselves to what we feel is possible, if not only probable, we are robbing ourselves of the statute of "possibility." We are giving up the dream in favor of what is easy, simple, and ultimately lacks challenge or substance. To do this, in my opinion, is immoral. To live piously is one's own rhetorical suggestion, but to deny the possibility of progress through emotive exploitations is absolutely impossible. Oscar Wilde once remarked that he could "resist everything except temptation." Comical as that may be, it holds some truth with most people. I feel we have to give into temptation from time to time, whether happiness is fleeting and illusory or not. This is one of the only ways we will accumulate knowledge of how the world operates and how to offset our radial views of perfection.

On the other hand, I do feel Schophenhauer has some valid arguments. If we limit our field of vision, we lack the expectations that ultimately lead to disappointments, and therefore may achieve some level of satisfaction. When unhappy, we tend to focus on the most abundant of awful things and fail to account for the minute situations that could bring about less unhappiness. Schopenhauer, however, tended to contradict himself at times, and by doing so, made happiness a real and viable thing. So I feel happiness may be illusory and everchanging, but it is also a dominant force, if not a necessary evil.

cupcake crafterie

2009-12-11T08:32:00.000-08:00

CUPCAKE CRAFTERIE

So I have been planning this little venture for quite some time and hope to start January 2010 if I can get enough folks to attend!

Cupcake Crafterie will be a monthly craft collective/class that meets at mi casa to- guess what?- eat cupcakes and make some cool stuff! It will be BYOS (Bring your own supplies) and BYOB (or BYOL) unless otherwise noted. We will meet, eat, and I (or other "craft professors", when applicable) will show you how to create some kickass stuff for your home or to wear! There will be a supply list for each course and the base fee for the first "semester (3 months)" will be $15 total to attend (this covers the cost of the extra supplies I will be providing for the upcycle classes, as well as the mini cupcakes and some beverages). Special classes (highlighted in green) are optional as they may have additional fees. Fees must be paid before the beginning of each semester and can be paid by check, Paypal, or in person. I will help you perfect your creative skills and give you additional reading material to help you retain the basics. At the end of the second semester, we will have our first show at a local Knoxville business, displaying your work for the masses (at which point you might even want to sell some wares!). Most classes should last between 2-3 hours at the most, depending on the difficulty of the subject matter. We will also have optional, more intensive courses or workshops that last longer (with an additional fee), highlighted in red. As always, if you have your own mechanical supplies (sewing machine, knitting needles, woodburner, etc), feel free to bring them along! Guys are welcome to attend also (we can do other projects for you, unless you LIKE making skirts). :)

Here is the course schedule for the first round, as follows:

JANVIER
15th, Friday, 7pm-9pm?: ART 101: Make a Velvet Art Painting
For the first project in this course, we are taking inspiration from the Velveteeria in Portland, OR. I was fortunate enough to see an exhibit at Powell's Books a few seasons ago that showcased some fantastic vintage and modern works. Velvet paintings will no longer be ONLY associated with portraits Elvis Presley! So let's get your craft on and create some masterpieces!
Supplies needed: An old wooden picture frame from a thrift store (or an old canvas that you can use the frame from), enough black velveteen to fit your frame (usually 1/4" yd to a 1/2" yd); Some inexpensive paintbrushes; and an idea of what you would like to paint. I will provide the acrylic paint, instruction, and any additional embellishments.

FEVRIER
12th, Friday, 7pm-10pm?: KNIT 101: Knit a Scarf or Scarflette
Oooo! Baby, it's cold outside! Wouldn't it be nice to make something cozy for you (or your sweetie; after all the dreaded V-day is rapidly approaching)? This is a crash course in basic knitting and I will show you how to create a basic stitch and bind your work off when you are finished. We will them embellish your scarf/scarflette and create a one-of-a-kind fashion that you can wear!
Supplies needed: A skein or two of medium or large weight yarn (none of the frilly stuff, as it is hard to learn with!). You can usually find it at Joann's on sale and most generally run between $3-$5 a skein. For most of my scarflettes, I use a chunky yarn by Lion Brand as the project tends to go faster and the chunky knits are SOOO WARRRMMM!! I will supply knitting needles, scissors, and additional embellishments (buttons, appliques, lace, etc).

MARS
12th, Friday, 7pm-9pm: SEW 101: Mustachioed (or other appliqued) Coffee Cozies
Like most of us, you like your coffee HOT (unless it is the summer, in which case you might prefer your coffee iced). I started making felt coffee cozies about a year ago to combat some of the usage of paper coffee cozies (which don't always work that great anyway, honestly). In this class, you will learn how to cut a coffee cuff from a pattern, handstitch it together, and embellish it. I will also provide espresso or hot cocoa and paper cups, so you can try it out when you're finished making it!

Supplies Needed: All supplies, additional materials, and instruction will be provided to make (2) coffee cozies.

CRASH COURSE:
March 21, Saturday, 12AM-5PM: SEW 124: Cupcake Crafterie's Sewing Basics
I will be conducting a 5-hour sewing course (4 hours of sewing instruction with 1 hour lunch break at Veg-o-rama down the street). This class will teach you how to cut out a pattern, use a standard sewing machine, and produce a garment (either a simple skirt or blouse). I will also provide some additional tips and tricks. This class is a one-time deal and will be $45, which includes lunch at Veg-o-rama, all supplies, and instruction. If you already have a sewing machine, let me know in advance if you are bringing it, as all sewing machines are different.

If you would like to attend and live in the Knoxville area, please contact me at corsetryinmotion@aol.com and I will add your name to the list of students. Payment for the first semester must be received by January 10th, 2010. These classes will probably start off rather small, but that will benefit students more as it will provide more one-on-one experience. Maximum total of classes will be limited to 10 people for the time being unless otherwise determined. In the event that a class is cancelled, students will be reimbursed for the particular class (usually $5 per class unless otherwise noted).

UPCOMING POSSIBLE COURSES for 2010:
Upcycle Apparel (CFT 101), Create a Portrait with Woodburning (ART 102), Make a Set of Feather Earrings (CFT 102), Screenprinting Workshop(CFT 201), Owl Painting (OWL 101), Make a Notebook (CFT 103) (FREE CLASS!!), Make a Mini-Shrine or Diorama (CFT 120), Create a Simple Purse or IPOD Case (SEW 102), Christmas Wrapping/Tagging Workshop (CFT 121).

b-l-i-s-s: currently coveting

2009-12-04T10:38:00.000-08:00

I am feeling a bit under the weather today and it is a bit chilly outside, so join me with a cup of hot chocolate and a comfy blanket and enjoy these fabulous etsy finds for today!

woodgrain in pink and chocolate, 2-pack by birdtrouble, 16 usd.

Reclaimed Mustache Teacup with Saucer by breadandbadger, 24 usd

Folkloric Nativity Scene - Fabric Christmas Ornament by missbutler, 17.50 usd.

4 Double Old Fashioned Drinking Glasses by daydreemdesigns, 54 usd.

.Eco Friendly - Owl Christmas Ornaments by carrotfever, 7 usd.

Baby Its Cold Outside by moxiedoll, 70 usd.

Medium Paper Tree Silhouette by jennyleefowler, 10 usd.

Keep Calm and Carry On...Giclee Print Poster in Aqua Fresca...9x12 by blulima, 12 usd.

Birds of a Feather Women's Skirt, by redbootsdesign, 54 usd.

Eco Toes in Houndstooth Wool by infusion, 45 usd.

Scarf tee by memmori, 20 usd.

Vintage Deep Copper Buckle Heels, 6.5 from allencompanyinc, 22 usd.

Victorian FRENCH Silk Painting (1880s) from StylishRibbons, 149 usd.

1940s vintage SILK BLUSH lace bodice dress by allencompanyinc, 108 usd.

60s Babydoll Green Gown (small) from lemoncreme, 46 usd.

Dusty blue with brown print scarf (organic) by necklush, 42 usd.

Tree Silhouette Iphone/Smartphone Case by hollyhawk, 23.50 usd.

Vintage FOXTAIL Wrap Coat from TheChurchofVintage, 68 usd.

end of an era

2009-12-03T10:14:00.000-08:00

My friend Janice's vintage shop in Old City is closed for good starting this week. I don't know if she wil reopen again or take a long break from it altogether, but it is the end of an era.

The first time I went into Legacy I was 8 or 9 years old. We had been driving down Kingston Pike during the "grunge" era in the early 90's and my sister was obsessed with vintage shops and thrift stores. Our journey took us to a shop nestled in a dimly lit corridor, near a shoe repair shop. What I found there was not only a newly established love for vintage apparel and furnishings but also a long friendship that has outlived many other friendships I have had.

Legacy and Janice saw me through all the stages of my adolescent and adult life, including my growing pains, my marriage, and eventual divorce. I have changed so much over the past decade, yet for some reason there was always some sort of permanence existing with Legacy; no matter how much I changed, Legacy was always there, existing in some place that time forgot.

In a broader sense, it helped define who I am today. We are going to a party on Friday at the shop, although I am sure it will be practically empty. It is sad but necessary and I wish Janice the best of luck with her newfound freedom!

at Legacy in the Old City.

dark dark

2009-12-02T13:00:00.000-08:00

It's been nearly 2 months since I last updated- shame shame shame on me!! I have a good excuse though-- mainly that I have been busy, busy with school, work, and etsy sales. I have almost sold 50 items on etsy, which is a small feat, admittedly, but I am still really happy about it. We are listing a couple hundred fabulous items in the next two months and I can't wait to share them with you! Some of them are from my personal collection, including 20's-40's pieces, and although I hate to part with them, I think they deserve to be worn!! Also, be prepared for lots of unique housewares and winter coats this month!

My boyfriend and I have been busy working on a new project, which I plan on sneak-peeking on here for you guys very soon. We are all sorts of excited about it. He is a freelance artist and we are combining forces to create some really neat pieces for your consideration. We have had an owl fetish as of late and spent last week thrifting and searching antique stores for the perfect mid-century owl. We found a gold one and upcycled it; it was a lot of fun painting owls with him, so look forward to seeing our collaborative efforts on here. I will also be doing a contest on here near the end of the month for one of our collaborative pieces, so keep checking back!

Speaking of the boy, his birthday is Thursday but because of finals and his work schedule we celebrated most of it this weekend. He isn't from the area so he had never been to the Tennessee Aquarium. We spent Sunday at the Tennessee Aquarium, drove up to Rock City for some coffee and a nice view, and then headed to Lupi's to visit with our friend Greg. We took hundreds of pictures, although we didn't get to go to the River section of the Aquarium (Next time! There WILL be otters!!):

I have been working on music again, thanks to GarageBand and finally figuring out how to play instruments. Stay tuned.

I finally reached the decision to sell my "Bella." She is a 2005 Limited Edition (Great Britain Edition) Mint Green Genuine Stella Scooter, which is basically a replica of a vintage Vespa. She has under 300 miles to her name, is manual, and features lots of nifty features and add-ons. She has a few scuffs and such but I think that adds to her scooterness. I am asking $2,950 USD (firm!) for her, which is pretty much a steal, but I only drove her 5-6 times this year and think she needs to be driven regularly. I think I will eventually get a scooter again, but for now I would rather her not be sitting in storage. :) If you're interested in adopting Bella, contact me on here or at corsetryinmotion@aol.com.

I will be posting a new covet list soon! The theme this month will be, of course, winter weather and holidays. We put up our aluminum Christmas tree the other day and decorating the house, complete with vintage mistletoe and ornaments. Although hectic, I have a feeling the holidays will be a nice break!!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

covet + friday

2009-10-09T12:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I updated- physics and portfolios have been swimming through my head lately and I haven't had time for much else. Midterm week is next week and I am hoping to have a few things accomplished by Monday! I stayed up until the wee hours yesterday evening working on a Stumptown-inspired wood painting for my portfolio and cleaning my home, which are both good things. I will post photos this weekend if I get a chance. I finally got around to posting up the last of my wall hangings so now I think I'm done! I am hoping to take a break between physics and a bike drawing to grab some coffee downtown with a girlfriend tonight, but we shall see. In the meantime, here are some items on my Friday covet list. Enjoy!

Autumn 3-piece Table Setting by marywibis, 50 usd.

Matryoshka Cards by Poketo!, 3.95 usd.

Sophia boudoir chair by ReclaimTheThrone, 800 usd.

Silverware Vinyl Flatware wall decal by circlelinestudio, 40 usd.

Ecofriendly Bamboo Dishcloths by SweetMemoriesQuilts, 14 usd.

Maternity Fetus Shirt by phippsart, 25 usd. (And no, I'm not pregnant. I just think the concept of this shirt is rad!)

WaterTowers NYC by FauneYerby, 80 usd.

Heidianne Pumpkin Pie Scarf by EfiaFair, 55 usd.

1950's Abstract Olive Dress from SmallEarthVintage, 58 usd.

master of none

2009-09-09T12:27:00.000-07:00

Autumn is already in the air. I woke up this morning to foggy hills that reminded me of Mt. Tabor. I am getting ready to start making Pacific Northwest breakfasts for the early mornings to take to work (consisting of a Doug Fir-esque smoked salmon and rosemary hashbrowns). I got to wear a light jacket for the first time a few nights ago.

(sunset highway)

Things are going really well although they have been busy. I spent last weekend rockclimbing and seeing a few friends/getting organized so I think I accomplished much more than I anticipated, for a change. I have been ridiculously emotional/weird for the past two weeks so I am glad I am finally getting out of outer space and getting back to rational thoughts and finishing projects. I hate being a girl sometimes. Speaking of being a girl, I can't believe I am going to be an architect and construct/plan whole buildings yet I can't even figure out how to fit a bike rack on my damn car! Someone help!

I am pretty excited about this weekend. My friend Ben is coming into town from Chicago and I think he is staying with me. I'm not sure what his plans are yet but I look forward to seeing him. He moved a while ago so it has been a while since we have been able to hang out!

(new etsy listings this month)

(bitches unleashed- mary and I hit the streets)

(Rockclimbing with Kelsie in Virginia)

(Jared's band "the Enigmatic Foe" playing his bday bash)

I think I have been feeling extra-crazy since September started. I hope things settle down soon! Ciao!

September Style Vixen: Shirley Maclaine

2009-09-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

If you've ever see "The Apartment" or "Irma la Douce," you know how awesome Shirley Maclaine's style is. Although she wasn't always talking about being a clairvoyant, she has always been very classic and stylish to me and a great inspiration as a person. That's why she is my pick for September's Style Vixen!

much ado about nothing: coveting

2009-09-04T11:30:00.000-07:00

Gee, where to start? Where to start?

It has been a LONG time since I updated. I have been busy with work, school, and the kiddies. Last weekend the girls (We can't call it a Girl's Night Out, so my Mom told me we should call it "Bitches Unleashed") and I went to a hookah bar which was very fun. We dressed up fancy, drank, smoked a hookah, and watched a bunch of crazy people dance to "habeena hebeena". At one point a guy started taking instruments off the wall. It was classic.

This week has been insanely busy so far so I am glad classes are out for a few days. I already have had tests in both Arabic and Physics so I feel like I am drowning in studying already. Work has been going exceptionally well and next week I start my new schedule which should alleviate some of the stress I have been under. A man friend (:)) and I went to the GGP company cookout which was interesting, although the whole thing made me a nervous wreck. I couldn't even drink because I was so nervous that I would act unprofessionally. I'm sure the guy thought I was nuts but we had a good time overall.

This weekend is hectic already. I am going to my friend Jared's birthday party/show tonight. I haven't seen most of my friends in almost 3 months due to work/school/personal stuff so I am really excited to see everyone again. Then tomorrow I am probably showing a friend around town that just moved here, going horseback riding, visiting a friend at her school and then driving down to Dayton to see some old friends and get drinks. Sunday I am going to hang out with my folks and Monday I think I am going to RELAX and work around the house...because I am a NERD and like housecleaning. Wow.
I am getting excited about October because not only am I having a huge joint-birthday bash with my neighbor Drew (his birthday is the day after mine) but I am more-than-likely going to Chicago for fall break to see my friend Ben and go to see Frank Lloyd Wright houses!! AHHHHH!!! I have $80 in etsy sales so far this month (thanks to my Mom helping me with the shop- she is amazing!) so I feel pretty confident I can make the $275 for my plane ticket by October. :)
I am also excited about going camping and end-of-summer trips to the great outdoors. I was talking with a friend the other day and realized that I haven't been camping or swimming in YEARS (edit: actually, I went swimming a few months ago; I forgot about that). I don't know why but I can't seem to get anyone to go camping with me..why don't people like camping?

I got the cedar and sage out the other day and am ushering in good karma for the new season. Monday I plan on spending the whole day putting up clothes, going through items, and downsizing a major amount. If there is anything I might own that someone has been coveting, let me know, because I might sell it to you for a reasonable offer.

Speaking of coveting, here is my "covet" list for this week:

"For the First Times Shoes" from 13bees, 72 usd.

Forest Fire T-shirt by sweetbabu, 23 usd.

Village T-shirt by timberps, 18 usd (yes, I totally bought one of these in a small recently- I love this company so much!)

"In the Light" print by groundwork, 30 usd.

I just got the new anthropologie catalog yesterday so I went on the site and fell in love with a few pieces (my birthday is coming up...ha!):

Sunlit Grove coat, anthropologie, 528 usd

Paz Tee, anthropologie, 118 usd.

And pretty much everything on this page.

And I completely love all of the stuff on this site, especially this:

Have a great holiday, folks!

mediocre: a brief update

2009-08-12T16:57:00.000-07:00

Today was D-Day, as in the first day for me at the University of Tennessee. It is VERY different from the last college I went to, and it took me 35 minutes just to find a parking space. So far my classes seem fun but these will be the difficult ones: Arabic and Elements of Physics(for Architecture). The professors are really nice though, so this seems like a more positive experience than it could have been. I am soooo ready for cooler weather- the humidity was so bad that by the time I made it back to my car, I looked like death! I have to work full-time as well, so I have been coming to work very early (6:30 am) and leaving late (6pm). Oh well...it's just another 6 years! :) But all in all, once I figure out the parking situation better, I think things will be great. I am much older than everyone on campus, apparently, so it is pretty weird to be back in school after such a long hiatus but I figure if I bust ass I will be out in no time.

I can't wait to go home, make some chai, clean up the house, and do some homework. Yes, you heard me- I can't wait to do homework. Wow. I am going through the great debate right now: to delete or not delete my Facebook/Myspace/Twitter? It is so hard. I want to keep in touch with everyone but with the advent of technology I feel further away from folks rather than closer. Out of the hundred or so people I hear from every month, only a handful contact me outside of Facebook. I want to "like" something in person rather than pressing a button, you know? The debate rages on...

Is it wrong that I am still utterly obsessed with Lookbook and Wardrobe Remix? I can't seem to kick the habit. Also, am I the only one not impressed by the new designs coming out of Urban Outfitters lately? I didn't see one thing I even remotely liked. It is just too American Apparel chic for me. I just expected so much more from that company, I guess. Maybe I am still just an anthropologie and toast fan after all.

This fall my color palette is probably going to include lots of neutral tones along with goldenrod, pea green, and cerulean blue. I am going to work all weekend on downsizing my wardrobe, which is sad but necessary.

Oh well. Back to the grindstone. Hopefully I will be able write more later! Things are insane. Speaking of insane, how crazy/wonderful are these etsy finds?:

I love the details of this heron blouse by hierapparel. Chicago represent! 80 usd.

Strange Pursuit Top by iheartfink. 65 usd.

I love these Tinkerbell Ballet Flats by spirocreations. 175 usd.

efficiency..hey na na na na na na...

2009-08-03T12:35:00.000-07:00

This weekend was a fun one although busy, primarily encompassed by travel, dogsitting, and seeing dear friends and family. I didn't really get that much accomplished, which can have either good or bad connotations depending on what one could deem necessary in time management. My photoshoot at the mill in my hometown on Saturday was rained out so my friends and I decided to hit up some antique/thrift stores and a book store and ended up going to one of my favorite restaurants in town (Gabriel's) for greasy breadsticks and Amber Bock. I got to see my niece and after she went to bed we all sat and watched documentaries and a good night was had by all.
Sunday I got to see my parents and helped my mom pick tomatoes. We drank wine and talked and it was just a generally good day. I love seeing my parents and hate that I don't get to see them very often anymore.

Because I am a huge dork and into astrology, this weekend I started reading a book called "Cosmic Love." It is not necessarily about love but about human relationships in relation to the North and South nodes in astrology. I never really knew much about the "true node" or anything like that, but I do enjoy psychology so it is a pretty informative book. I have a Taurus north node (I guess Scorpio would be my south, even though I am a Scorpio) and the book was pretty darn close where it described my personality. I don't know if I believe in all the past life reincarnation stuff the book talks about (for example, according to the book I have no south node, which makes no sense!), but it has been helpful as far as my life path is concerned. The funniest thing I found is that as I investigated it, one of the roles I am supposed to play in my life is "the architect." How ironic is that? Although vague, the book has many helpful hints for dealing with people in general. Since I think of things astrologically (which includes my family, pets, friends, co-workers, acquaintances, etc..), I like to know how best to deal with them on a personal basis.

Also, an even dorkier fact about me is that I LOVE READING TEXTBOOKS. My Comp II class is about "Religion in the 21st Century" and since I received it Saturday I have been reading it almost nonstop. It is so horribly well-written. My Physics textbook scares the shit out of me already, however.

TODAY'S COVET LIST:

A Closer Look by ohmycavalier, $30 USD.

I love this dress by callmecaptain! $77 USD.

Tree Silhouette Graphic Tee by critterjitters. $20 USD.

I want to meet a boy that will wear this teal recycadelic midwest hoodie by madamchino. $82 USD.

I love "COCO" by roselabiche. $69 USD.

ciao. xoxo

finder.

2009-07-30T21:23:00.000-07:00

I am craving Finder. If you don't know about Finder, it is a neat little magazine/booklet that WW put out (or still puts out, I think) to showcase some of the hidden gems (and usual touristy attractions) in Stumptown. Even though I know a ridiculous amount about the city, I really like getting one of those every year, simply for the eye candy. And the wonderful new printed book ink smell. Uhm...Thanks- Yes, I am a dork. Totally. You read my mind. Anyway, if I remember correctly, you can write the editor and send them $10 to get them to ship a copy to you. Around town they were free, but, if course, if you are like me and don't live there you have to make do with what yo' mama gave ya (i.e. money-handling skills and skillets).

In celebration of Finder, I have "found" a few things lately from a variety of sources.

Gunne Sax Dress with tags! :) I got this purdy little dress for TWENTY DOLLARS at Nostalgia. Big sale. Oh my God...it is amazing. I mean, any deadstock is amazing but the details of this make me swoon!

*New* upcycled dress for the etsy store next month. I have been trying to get more stuff in the shop but I have been selling like mad lately so I haven't had time to play catch-up. Not complaining- just saying it is a surprise.

My Thom.

My Sarah.

New on my etsy this month. Don't ya just love these shoes?

New on my etsy this month. These are my favorite purses- too bad I can't fit my Macbook, schoolbooks, and wallet in it. :(

New on my etsy this month. Okay, so maybe THESE are my favorite. I have a weird obsession with wooden box purses.

New on my etsy this month. I love this frame- the photo came with it but I think it would be cool to make a mini-shrine out of it or maybe "go baroque" with a fabulous portrait of a Countessa (or a photo of yourself and a boyfriend in Roccoco finery...Hmm...)

This is such an awesome folk clock. I am tempted to keep it but it may very well be on my etsy soon.

OWL CUPS!! How cool is that?

We have been so busy lately but I am itching to get stuff listed. I am working on my portfolio this month for school and DUN-DUN-DUN...almost magazine time again. I think the busier I get, the more I am accomplishing so that is good. Hope you all are having a fantastic week, whoever and wherever you are...

P.S.: What color should I paint this awesome table? I am thinking dark brown with sienna marks (to make it look like woodgrain).

you are my voice; my microphone

2009-07-30T05:48:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the brief delay in posting. I have been busy busy with work, etsy listings, yard sales, and making a detail model of a house to go in my portfolio. I went yesterday and bought balsa wood, pine, cardboard (for topographic purposes), an aluminum air vent (for a quonset piece), some flooring samples, and popsicle sticks to work on the model. I want to make trees, too, although I'm not sure what I will make them out of (my mom said crepe paper would be good. I thought of taking fabric and ruching it to create the scene, but I'm not sure. What do you guys think?)I am hoping to spend most of the day Sunday working on the framing and dimensions so that I can start getting things together for my portfolio. I still need to find a material to do the windows. I hate HATE hate cutting fiberglass so I am thinking transparency film or vinyl might convey the image just as well. I am going to work tonight on getting the technical drafts done.

I am pretty excited about this weekend. My parents have 5 dogs and are going out of town, so I am planning on dog-sitting this weekend and they said I could go to visit friends if I wanted while I am there. So, as far as I know, I get to see several folks that I have known for years and miss terribly and we are going to do a photo shoot at the old mill and maybe go out to dinner or something. I am craving the breadsticks at Gabriel's so maybe I will con them into going! Maybe...

I am still indecisive about my new computer. Mac or PC? Mac or PC? The age-old dilemma. It is so hard! I have been scanning the internet like crazy searching for factors that would make one a better choice than the other but it is very difficult.

I am so ready for Autumn. It has been raining the past few days so I have been drinking hot cocoa and patiently waiting for cooler weather and crisp breezes. Architecture week in Knoxville is the week of my birthday so I hope I can get free of work/school some to go to some of the lectures and presentations. I missed the AIA dinner last night (although even if I had known about it in time, it was a whopping $70 for non-members) so I hope I don't miss Architecture Week, too. I am really excited about everything in my life right now. It has been a hard month or two but it is starting to really pay off.

Speaking of Autumn, here are some things I am excited about for the cooler weather:

Like this fantastic circle wrap skirt by sohomode, $40 USD.

Or this gorgeous 1970's vintage chevron dress from elizabethwrenvintage. $44 USD.

I just adore this vintage squirrel brooch from beatricepuggles' shop. $6 USD.

I love this painting/print by hidenseek. It makes me so sad, though! She calls it "Little Lost Bear." $9 USD.

And my favorite again: Liza Rietz

No Fall wardrobe is complete without a cloche hat from her shop. And they're on sale, too! $36 USD.

Nor would Fall be complete without ruffles! Such as the ruffles on this amazing blouse! I love the designs of Portland-based LovetoLoveYou. $48 USD.

And I am so amazed by this folk motif skirt by iroshka, complete with vintage clasps! $115 USD.

This bubble beret by softspoken is wonderful and oh-so-affordable! I bought a black one just like it last year and love it. She also has an amazing flickr site! $18 USD.

I have a very weird fascination with pine trees. Pine needles, pine cones, pine bark, etc etc, so I am very close to buying these to make some earrings. They are fabulous and come from StudioSen. $4.20 USD.

And now it is raining again so I am going to get some work done and drink more cocoa. :)

hang your hat

2009-07-24T16:00:00.001-07:00

I can never decide if I want my home to be midcentury modern style, 18th century Roccoco, or ancient Byzantium/Islam. Since it is difficult to combine all three, I guess I just have to choose one. But what is the fun in that, you may ask? I'll tell you- each style has amazing stuff! Like this chair, for example:

Antique French chair from LeShab, $395 USD.

I really love the wall pattern in Marie Antoinette's bedroom. Versailles is amazing!

I went to a lecture by D. Fairchild Ruggles on Islamic gardens and landscapes last year (more notably the Alhambra and Taj Mahal were featured) and absolutely fell in love with the architecture:

But this is more like the style I have now...

Mid-century is decidedly my favorite, although that considerably has to do with the fact that so much of my life I have been around vintage 50's-60's furniture or had a decided interest in it. This lamp from funkeyfinds is fantastic.

Sometime last year I fell in love with Pierre Koenig. He was an amazing designer and his case study houses are among my favorite houses ever. Although I love eichlers and rummers, Koenig's designs will always be prominent in my mind.

Today was amazingly hectic and continues to be although writing this blog was a nice break. After a night out with an old friend (and a new one), I woke up fairly early and got to doing much-needed laundry, going through kitchenwares, and cleaning out my fridge (finally). Then I found some really neat vintage pieces while thrifting, which I will post photos of soon. Then I dropped off some letters and the post office and realized that I forgot to put a stamp on one of them- oh no! So I get to call the post office Monday morning and HOPE they haven't thrown it away or something. I didn't finish all the items on the list for today, but I did grill lamb and eat cherries. I am now working on etsy before bed. G'nite, sports fans.

out of context: coveting

2009-07-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

I've been attempting to save money lately, so I have been perusing etsy to do my window- shopping.

Fantastic Mid-Century wall sculpture by fabulousmess, $450 USD.

And I adore "the black forest" by whiteapple, $80 USD. And I adore her and her killer style, as well! She is "adorable"!

Liza Rietz' creations are amazing. Although I love her hats the most, her clothing line has certain architectural elements that are visually stunning. Such as this half circle tunic, $281 USD.

New Haven Railroad Line Pendant by bencandance. I used to date this guy that loved railroads and was from New Haven, and the concept of railroad map impressions (featuring New Haven) on jewelry is just really nifty.

I love tinymeat not only because they are so goshdarn creative, enlist a dream team of amazing artists, and make awesome wallets (and cite their location as being "concurrently in your pants and Portland, Oregon"), but also because the descriptions of their items are wonderful. For example, this one states the following:
"....Didja know?
* If the great horned owl were to be totally stripped of its feathers, the naked bird would weigh less than its feathers
* A pair of nesting barn owls is capable of catching and eating nearly 3,000 rats a year.
*Owls are unable to move their eyes within their sockets to a great extent, which means they must turn their entire head to see in a different direction." Awesome. Their shop is currently on hiatus but you can check out tinymeat or visit their "world headquarters" in Portland if you're in NoPo.

new bird neat print by matteart. Matte Stephens has a really incredible style that is retro and modern. The colors are so wonderful. Between he, and ashley g's work, I feel as if my graphic decor for the home is complete.

I am so ready for Autumn already. I am anxiously awaiting boot spats, folk prints, velveteen, fur hats, fisherman sweaters, Russian boots and tops, and most of all- scarves! I fell in love with scarves and scarflettes last year (especially yokoo's) and am taking up my needles again soon for another round of scarf-making. I am excited about Fall etsy listings, too, because that means I am going to start running the end of summer sale soon, too, and get some things cleared out of the house finally. I have to resubmit my architecture portfolio and I have only about 3 months or so to put 12 really good pieces together, but I guess that is better than the 3 days I had last year to do so.

I only have less than a month before I start school full-time, which is no small feat with my full-time job as well and raising my lovely pets. This weekend is going to be a "house redux" so to speak and I am hoping to get a lot accomplished. My friend Claudette and I are planning on having a huge yard sale/cupcake bash next month to get rid of our once-treasured vintage items so I am going to go through everything this weekend to see what I can come up with. I know I have a lot of furniture but it is very hard to part with vintage items because I know I will probably never see them again.

I also am in the market for a new laptop, so any suggestions would be appreciated. I have to be able to run M-Audio, AutoCAD 2009, and Photoshop CS on it seamlessly and my budget is $1k. I am hoping this weekend to shop around locally because they are running pretty good sales right now, I've heard. It was either a computer or a vacation, but as much as I miss Seaside I highly doubt I can con a certain boy into going... :)

take toll, take time

2009-07-23T22:50:00.000-07:00

I have been a busy girl these past few weeks; preparing for school, trying to get my multitudes of business ideals and projects sorted out, and still trying to maintain a social life. I am finally getting to the point that I HAVE to work on the magazine, because I promised so many people we would have a second issue and now over a year has passed. I have yet to get more printed of the first issue so I am hoping to do that soon as well, at least to make available for the people who had their work featured. I feel really bad about letting it go to the wayside for so very long but since it is non-profit I guess most folks anticipated that it might fold anyway. Regardless, this weekend I hope to start and finish several projects that have fallen through the cracks.

I am so in love with this band right now:

My style inspiration this week is a cross between these two lovely ladies:

I have been making these lately for my section at Lox Salon in downtown Knoxville. I hope to have some finished by this weekend FINALLY. I only have one item left, which is good but I have been procrastinating like crazy!:

Tonight I decided to make my first actual No-Sew dress, which consisted of taking a piece of fabric and cutting armholes in it, putting on an underslip, and securing it with various brooches. It was a lot of fun and I got some pretty awesome/nasty dirty looks from folks my age, but I plan on reinforcing the dress this weekend with facings, seams, etc. I had a blast downtown at La Costa although I feared obvious wardrobe malfunctions:

P.S.: Listen to slaraffenland's "watch out" and "socio" by generifus. Amazing. :)

let the sunshine in

2009-07-22T17:12:00.000-07:00

PLAYLIST THIS WEEK:

Welcome Home by Radical Face (thanks, Jon!)
Still Light by the Knife
Microphone by Coconut Records
All the Years by Beach House
Flood by Dark Dark Dark
Brothl Hunting by Slim Twig
Conquest by Tapes 'n' Tapes
If You Close the Door by Velvet Underground
Let's Groove (Earth, Wind, and Fire cover) by Rio en Medio
Show Me the Way by Slaraffenland
Under the Knife by Minus Story
Iron Man by the Cardigans
Traffic by Chad Vangaalen
No Cars Go by Arcade Fire
Broken Arm by the Weird Weeds
For Halloween by No Kids
Apistat Commander (Xiu Xiu cover) by Sunset Rubdown
Orchids by Califone
Body by Mother Mother
Danza Del Fuego by the Portland Cello Project
Wilderness by Shapes & Sizes
Guilty Cocker Spaniels by Modest Mouse
Desparecere by Deerhoof