Good day, Kids...I'm over in the city (Seattle) right now with my friend Devon. Her husband is out o' town and I'm hangin' with her and her two little ones. She's letting me blog from her PC and I am now well aware, since moving over to the Mac side, that this is foreign territory to me now. I thought I had the whole cut & paste thing down but apparently not...? Whatever. Bear with me Kids and I'll be in better shape later on when I'm back with the Mac.
July 31, 2008
July 28, 2008
A blushing Beefy.
(Gorgeous arrangement courtesy of Erin at Rosenow Floral Design.)
And then...
So thanks for the love, Ladies!
Wrap it up...I'll take it!
(mwah!)
Wanted to take a moment to send a lil' "thank you"
out to a couple of fine folks!
out to a couple of fine folks!
Melissa over at Ruby Press kindly bestowed upon your Uncle the Brillante Weblog Award. Thanks, Miss Melissa!
And then...
Miss Heather of Skinny LaMinx went and got all sweet on me in her interview with illustrator Stephanie Levy on her blog A Studio With A View. Shucks, Miss Heather!
So thanks for the love, Ladies!
Wrap it up...I'll take it!
(mwah!)
July 25, 2008
Who's The Boss
Wednesday night was another installment of The Lab at Velocity. Kristine and I worked our way over to check out Lauren Bacon & Emira Mears who graciously made the trip down from fab Vancouver, B.C. to talk about their book "The Boss of You".
(Lauren & Emira layin' down the law and the Lab. It's good that this shot doesn't show the shoes the ladies were wearing...LOVELY...to the point of distraction! ;) So now that I sound like some shoe perv...I know that Lauren's choice looked something like this (and that's where they came from).)
After saddling up to a lil' Pinot Grigio (Thanks, John!), and perusing the tasty delights provided by Megan from Spot On Culinary Craft, I got a chance to catch up with Miss Mary and Seth (who, along with partner Jonathan, is now selling wares at Velocity! Congrats, Guys!). Finally got to meet Salty, Not Martha, Dottie, and Schmancy! And the truth here, "workin' it" and "workin' a room" are two entirely different things. I am terrible at working a room! So it might typically take several months of repetitive minglings in a single room before I might actually get to say "hi" to someone. Otherwise, I feel all smarmy...like, "Hi, I'm ME! And you are? Oops! Gotta run!" Eew. If I ever come across that way, Kids...just wash yourselves vigorously and gimme another chance.
I always appreciate hearing input and information about other people's experiences in entrepreneurship. Becoming a business owner is absolutely not a "one size fits all" proposition as there are always vast variations in different people's approaches, outcomes, and lessons learned. A couple of hours is certainly not enough time for Lauren & Emira to cover all the insights of being your own boss. But, I gleaned some good information that got me to thinking. And, really...isn't that why there were copies of the book there? Did I buy one? Um...it's a business book for women! Yeah I bought one! You think I'm gonna let a few nouns and pronouns get in my way?! Please!
Who's the boss now?! Holla!
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaanyway......
I always appreciate hearing input and information about other people's experiences in entrepreneurship. Becoming a business owner is absolutely not a "one size fits all" proposition as there are always vast variations in different people's approaches, outcomes, and lessons learned. A couple of hours is certainly not enough time for Lauren & Emira to cover all the insights of being your own boss. But, I gleaned some good information that got me to thinking. And, really...isn't that why there were copies of the book there? Did I buy one? Um...it's a business book for women! Yeah I bought one! You think I'm gonna let a few nouns and pronouns get in my way?! Please!
Who's the boss now?! Holla!
July 24, 2008
Calgon...
I know what you're thinking..."take me away" right? Yeah, Kids well lemme tell ya's...that last few days of working on my resume felt like a Calgon commercial! Well, I thought so anyway. But when perusing for a visual all I get is some jet-setting woman taking a bubble bath in a private jet (a fate I could suffer through) or a woman having some half-hearted breakdown over a girls' pillow fight. I mean really...THIS is what you need to get taken away from?! I'm trying to sell myself on paper for the first time in years, mentally prepare to impress an interview committee should the moment arise, and these women are freaking out over personal entitlement and feathers?
Then I stumbled upon this! I am telling you right now it's like someone was filming the voices inside my head on Tuesday night! Holy crap! No...really...I am pretty certain I had something close to this exact conversation around 4:44am...
Then I stumbled upon this! I am telling you right now it's like someone was filming the voices inside my head on Tuesday night! Holy crap! No...really...I am pretty certain I had something close to this exact conversation around 4:44am...
Sorry about my total absence yesterday, Kids. Work, work, work...but the resume is done (Thanks to the enormously generous help of a rare few!)!!! Seriously, one of the most nerve-wracking experiences I can recall...seriously! But I've survived and am back in the blogosphere. I'll be back with more posting! :)
July 22, 2008
Um, yes...hi...ooh...let's see...an order of Simon's Special Fried Rice, Hot Wok Chicken, and some career advice.
So last night we opted for Chinese food for dinner. Kendall has no interest in fortune cookies which is great considering that they make both a delightful after-dinner sweet or substitute breakfast cereal. They put four cookies in the bag...all for me, essentially. Here's the kicker - it's funny to think that the Chinese fortune cookie gods actually read my blog! Or at least yesterday's post. What's a career seeking blogger to say but, "Thanks you guys!"
I wonder if I should make this my cover letter...???? Hmmmm?
I wonder if I should make this my cover letter...???? Hmmmm?
I also received the kindest invitation from a fellow blogger to help me "beef" up my resume. I'm leaving her identity anonymous out of courtesy and respect. But let me just say, Kids...after seeing what she's done already with my resume this morning...I just might hire me! It's magic...and "she's" my Fairy Godmother! And I sincerely thank her from the bottom of my heart! Which got a little bit bigger after her offer yesterday.
July 21, 2008
You sure you wanna eat that corn dog before gettin' on this thing?
.
Hello, Kids. Yes...I'm back. Sort of. I know that some of you were hoping for some "before" and "after" shots of the painting project. In time, Kids. This is a big task and showing you anything now would be like watching a makeover show where the "after" shot is a woman in her underwear, hair teased beyond measure, and no makeup. Not very thrilling or inspiring.
Kendall has been gone on a business trip for 11 days now. Most of this time has been spent by myself with a paint can or a wistful look. What I have realized at this point is that leaving me alone with my thoughts for any extended period of time amounts to something of a carnival ride. You know...the kind where you can buy a videotape of you screaming yourself to death while little drops of "piddle" emerge from your side of the seat? Yeah, that's what my head has been like this week. One moment it's like my brain is on Oprah and the next, Scare Tactics. Basically, if there were a sign perched next to my head it would read "You have to be this crazy to ride this ride!" (And there would probably be a painted caricature of Phyllis Diller on it. You know...for some added flair!)
The time has come to start putting together my resume and seeking employment. Fast. There are some prospects out there and that is of some relief. However, I am also looking at making a leap out of the food service industry (once and for all!!!) and into something else altogether new. Friends are very encouraging and have offered advice about what kind of resume to send to what kind of job, etc. But when they're working at Microsoft or Amazon and the only type of job you've ever held involves really nothing more than "asking for an application", putting together "various types of resumes" is like saying, "Hey, why not apply for the presidency of France?!" This is a language I don't speak with any degree of fluency. Do I think I lack skills at making the leap? Um, no. But it's the selling yourself on paper that's the tricky part. And I want to be certain that any reading between the lines has been done...by me.
I've been trying to take the higher road by calming myself, centering on my breath, and looking within to seek guidance. But it is of little help when whatever question you ask yourself always comes back with contradictory answers...at the same time. "YeNso!" That's crazy speak for "yes" & "no" combined. Or as far as I'm concerned the devil's mind-baby. Every once in a while I'll catch myself referring to "me" as "we"...and now I really know why! Sybil got nothin' on me!
While I think about the idea of doing some type of business of my own I have come to the firm conclusion that now is not the optimal time. At least I don't think so...let me ask my breath...oh nevermind! Whatever I would do in terms of tapping into my entrepreneurial side would have to be artistic and creative. And I think to do that effectively I need to get back into the creative process sans the financial pressures. When you're trying to create from a space of desperation that is when you're more inclined to make unnecessary compromises in your artistic expression. When you stand back from something you've done and say, "What the hell just happened here?!", that's a pretty good sign that it's time to center yourself. Breathe, Beefy...breathe. (Just don't ask any questions!)
You're as confused as I am right now, aren't you? I know, gentle reader...I know. But I am trying to be a bit more grown up about this whole thing. And the thoughts of paying my bills without handouts or fits of trying to figure out what the hell I can do with all that glitter are providing me with a certain sense of relief that I simply cannot ignore. I just have to take things one step at a time and that is sssssooooo not my forte! Like I said to Kristine the other day, "...it's about A to B, not A to Z." Will I listen? Who can say? My therapist probably...if I had one.
Kendall has been gone on a business trip for 11 days now. Most of this time has been spent by myself with a paint can or a wistful look. What I have realized at this point is that leaving me alone with my thoughts for any extended period of time amounts to something of a carnival ride. You know...the kind where you can buy a videotape of you screaming yourself to death while little drops of "piddle" emerge from your side of the seat? Yeah, that's what my head has been like this week. One moment it's like my brain is on Oprah and the next, Scare Tactics. Basically, if there were a sign perched next to my head it would read "You have to be this crazy to ride this ride!" (And there would probably be a painted caricature of Phyllis Diller on it. You know...for some added flair!)
The time has come to start putting together my resume and seeking employment. Fast. There are some prospects out there and that is of some relief. However, I am also looking at making a leap out of the food service industry (once and for all!!!) and into something else altogether new. Friends are very encouraging and have offered advice about what kind of resume to send to what kind of job, etc. But when they're working at Microsoft or Amazon and the only type of job you've ever held involves really nothing more than "asking for an application", putting together "various types of resumes" is like saying, "Hey, why not apply for the presidency of France?!" This is a language I don't speak with any degree of fluency. Do I think I lack skills at making the leap? Um, no. But it's the selling yourself on paper that's the tricky part. And I want to be certain that any reading between the lines has been done...by me.
I've been trying to take the higher road by calming myself, centering on my breath, and looking within to seek guidance. But it is of little help when whatever question you ask yourself always comes back with contradictory answers...at the same time. "YeNso!" That's crazy speak for "yes" & "no" combined. Or as far as I'm concerned the devil's mind-baby. Every once in a while I'll catch myself referring to "me" as "we"...and now I really know why! Sybil got nothin' on me!
While I think about the idea of doing some type of business of my own I have come to the firm conclusion that now is not the optimal time. At least I don't think so...let me ask my breath...oh nevermind! Whatever I would do in terms of tapping into my entrepreneurial side would have to be artistic and creative. And I think to do that effectively I need to get back into the creative process sans the financial pressures. When you're trying to create from a space of desperation that is when you're more inclined to make unnecessary compromises in your artistic expression. When you stand back from something you've done and say, "What the hell just happened here?!", that's a pretty good sign that it's time to center yourself. Breathe, Beefy...breathe. (Just don't ask any questions!)
You're as confused as I am right now, aren't you? I know, gentle reader...I know. But I am trying to be a bit more grown up about this whole thing. And the thoughts of paying my bills without handouts or fits of trying to figure out what the hell I can do with all that glitter are providing me with a certain sense of relief that I simply cannot ignore. I just have to take things one step at a time and that is sssssooooo not my forte! Like I said to Kristine the other day, "...it's about A to B, not A to Z." Will I listen? Who can say? My therapist probably...if I had one.
July 10, 2008
Memory Lane
Given that it's my birthday today I thought I'd walk
you down a little part of memory lane with me, Kids... come on!
"Wow, now that is one ugly girl!" Thanks, Dad.
"Oh, Mom! I love the scalloped-edge detailing!"
The doll had nothing to do with me. My therapist told me so.
you down a little part of memory lane with me, Kids... come on!
My Mom & Me. The nice lady inside that house just offered her $10.00 for me. Mom was hoping for $5.oo.
"Wow, now that is one ugly girl!" Thanks, Dad.
"Oh, Mom! I love the scalloped-edge detailing!"
The doll had nothing to do with me. My therapist told me so.
I was smiling because I thought this was a doughnut. The result of taking a bite of reality was a doctor's bill and a very complicated emotional relationship with food ever since.
Life took a downward spiral for a while after the "doughnut debacle". Over-imbibing on various juice products became par for the course. I thought I had it under control...you know...a glass of apple juice while I watched Sesame Street, maybe one or two more to get me through Captain Kangaroo. The pulling down of the drapes was the final straw for many.
Don't judge me....I needed the money for college.
Life in Juvenile Hall. It was rough but I held my own and it made me stronger. And don't let that floral print fool you...that guard would put the serious beatdowns on me! She was brutal. Actually, that's not a guard...it's my sister! I wasn't kidding about the beatdowns, though.
And the winners are....
Okay, Kids...here we go...was today your lucky day? Like last time, I wrote down everyone's name on slips of paper, put y'all in a bowl, and picked out...
1) Mrs. French 2) Studio Wellspring
3) Heather Moore 4) Mary T. 5) Annie
So here's what to do...each one of you need to email me with your addresses. Mrs. French will get first dibs on her choice of the five sparkleriffic offerings. (Y'know you can click on the pics in the post to enlarge right?) Then I'll email each one of you left with what choices remain with Annie receiving the last piece left. Make sense? Get on it!
Sorry for those of you who didn't make the draw but were willing to put your hats in the ring. Your comments and kindness are much appreciated...and maybe next time?
July 06, 2008
Beefy's Bainbridge 4th of July Blitz
(A recuperative lunch (let's just say things start on Bainbridge Island
as of the 3rd) on the lawn at Doc's Marina Grill.)
I know, an unusual posting for Beefy. On a Sunday! Don't expect o whole lot, Kids...your Uncle is tiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiired! I know, I know...by "tired" I mean hungover, right? Okay, I admit it...you're wrong. By "tired" I mean too old to drink like the 20-somethings around me. By "tired" I mean I'm a cheap/er date who will begin to fade long before the art of intoxication really begins to take hold. By "tired" I mean one who now gets just as excited over beautifully arranged fruit skewers as he does the beer run. By "tired" I mean that when one exclaims that there's no more beer you're now a bit more content that sparkling water has been offered as an alternative. By "tired" I mean that, with barely a buzz, I found it absolutely necessary to demonstrate the African dance ensemble from Lionel Richie's "All Night Long" video. Yes, THAT tired!
And even still...I sacrifice what energies I have left to you, Kids, my gentle readers. That and to get Bee off m'back! Geez, for a vegetarian it seems a bit contradictory to be asking for more "Beefy" doesn't it, Bee? ;) Silly Kids! No matter...I will oblige you all with what will perhaps be one of the most striking and poignant cinematic and photographic displays of a local 4th of July celebration in recent history.
Oh yeah...I'm tired.
And even still...I sacrifice what energies I have left to you, Kids, my gentle readers. That and to get Bee off m'back! Geez, for a vegetarian it seems a bit contradictory to be asking for more "Beefy" doesn't it, Bee? ;) Silly Kids! No matter...I will oblige you all with what will perhaps be one of the most striking and poignant cinematic and photographic displays of a local 4th of July celebration in recent history.
Oh yeah...I'm tired.
Lunch at Doc's was followed by heading up to Winslow Way for the 4th of July parade! The 4th is a big celebration on Bainbridge Island. Just the night before (i.e. the 3rd) the street was shut down for games, live music, food, and yes, a beer garden. Yes! I was there...can we move on now! ;) It's a nice community gathering that gives you a little hope that all is right with the world.
The parade...in case you couldn't tell. Always here to help.
Shortly after this cinematic genius was shot I had a "starlight mint" hurled at my throat with such velocity as to perform a tracheotomy. Ah yes, good times, Kids....good times. Also, a cinematic learning lesson...Sen, don't ever tell a blogger not to put something on their blog. You're just asking for it.
At Sarah & Sen's house. A stellar gathering (Sarah & Georgina busted out with every Martha-driven fiber of their beings ~ beautiful job ladies!!!) with friends (including FABULICIOUS visitor Ms. Jenny from the OC ~ OMG! Kristin Cavallari is going to be so jealous!) just before the most incredible neighborhood fireworks! My video bears absolutely no resemblance to the grande spectacle. Ask anyone who was witness...I was relegated to a 4 year old I was SO flippin' excited! So excited that I may have even piddled in my pants...but just a little ;) (If I am ever on The View and Barbara brings this up during the interview...I'm never speaking to you again!)
(Okay...y'all know I'm just kidding about the piddling...right?)
Hope you all had a GREAT
4th of July weekend, Kids!
July 04, 2008
Glittertastic Giveaway!
The three pieces to the left are hyper-glittered fans as shown by the full view of the crab. (Fans have an attached ribbon loop for hanging.) The piece on the right is a Victorian-style gift cone for candy or small presents.
So in the spirit of the 4th of July and all that sparkles, Kids...your Uncle is right back at it with yet another giveaway!!! (And a hearty congrats to Annie of Royal Buffet...my first ever giveaway winner!) Now, this new one here is a bit different though sooooooooo listen up...
These are five glittertastic pieces that I did some time ago as a creative experiment for part of former business I had. I was, and am still, a bit nuts about glitter because it is, as I like to describe it, ground up happiness. But sometimes in life we need to let some things go in order to make way for new opportunities, creative or otherwise. So why not spread the love and let someone else enjoy all the sparkle? Any takers? If so, here's how this is gonna go down...
What your Uncle is requesting of you, Kids, is that you help pass the happiness forward. And preferably to someone you don't even know. Buy a bouquet of flowers and pass them off to a complete stranger (I've done this and, while it can be a bit awkward at first, you'll feel great afterward!). Print up some cards or slips of paper exclaiming how wonderful a person is, how much you appreciate them, or some other uplifting message and slip them into tip jars, bills, or cab fare. Buy a meal and give it to a homeless person (or even a "gift" bag with some socks, toothpaste, & toothbrush). Get a few balloons and hand them to the first kid you see. The point is...there's an array of things you can do to add some joy and hope to someone's day. And who knows...it just might add some to your's?
So sign up! Pass the word on! I'll draw names next Thursday, July 10th (i.e., "Go, Beefy...it's your birthday!"), assign numbers 1 - 5 to those names picked. Number 1 will get first choice, number 2 will get second choice, etc. And let me know what you plan to do or did to add some sparkle to someone's day and we'll blog about it here as we announce our winners! C'mon...share the love!
Two sparkle plenty party hats...roughly 11"tall x 4"wide
and perfect as a festive crown or sweet centerpiece!
and perfect as a festive crown or sweet centerpiece!
July 03, 2008
Kennedy & Kate
Wanted to introduce you to a lil' piece of home this morning, Ladies. (Boys, you may have to sit this one out?) So you know I live on an island right? No, I haven't been quarantined! It's a very nice little place across the Puget Sound from Seattle. Well, I've been out here on Bainbridge Island off and on over the past 11 years and this place has seen some changes. Some not so good and some that were "it's about time!" good. Kennedy & Kate was SO that type of change!
When I first hit "land, ho!", Bainbridge Island was such a cute spot (and still is). But clothing choices were definitely relegated to the typical Northwest choices of plaid and/or fleece, with a Croc or two thrown in for...well...measure. So when Kennedy & Kate popped onto the scene it was like fashion first aid to a seriously starving population. Needless to say, it was very well received. With a great selection of labels such as Dutchy, Ella Moss, Miss Sixty, & Plenty, owner Sarah Wen knows how to stock 'em. And, Sarah is everything one wants as part of their retail sales experience; product knowledge, customer care, no hard sell, and sans attitude. In a word, "refreshing". But the price points? Amazingly affordable!!! And you can see for yourself right here! Happy shopping!
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