The Bedlam of Beefy

August 28, 2008

Green Acres

So here are some images from the fabtastilicious Barn House that I went to over the past weekend. I love country style...but not too country...know what I'm sayin'? I like a balanced mix...and eclectic mix, but a balanced one. Barn House was a perfect mix of country charm and urban chic so you know your Uncle will be going again and again. Like some kinda glam Green Acres! Enjoy!

The genius behind Barn House...Joe and Jermonne.

That's all she wrote! (Do you really need descriptive text with these photos? I didn't think so.) I'll see ya's tomorrow, Kids!

PS - So, all is well in Computerville now! It was some kind of booting glitch...??? Nothing lost thank goodness. Thanks for being patient, Kids!

August 25, 2008

Crash

Good morning, Kids. What a weekend. What a Monday. So, you know that I was down visiting the parents for my Mom's birthday. Mom and I went off to Barn House which was AMAZING! In my ever gracious manner of great first impressions I broke a lovely vase within minutes of my entrance, and cut my hands in five small places on my hand producing an unlikely amount of blood. Ah yes...glamorous! But they let me stay (thanks Joe and Jermonne!). And I got some great photos!

I finished my resume "package" and exercised every ounce of perfectionism in my being. I'm pretty darn happy about the overall results. Actually, quite ecstatic as it could even rival Martha's quality control. Yeah...I said it! I am sending it off to a potential employer today and am hoping it knocks their socks off...and maybe a pair of shoes or two? I got some photos of that too!

Then I got the call from Kendall. It would appear (though remember I am not at home right now) that my computer has crashed...? If so, this will be the second time in less than a year. Hooray for me! I had some choice expletives initially. I'm going to once again lose a lot of stuff. And I am not particularly happy with Apple at the moment. But all in all, in the moment, what are you gonna do? Last night was a spiritual exercise that I came out of on the other end in great shape. However, my psyche aside, it remains uncertain as to when I'll be back up blogging in my usual fashion...??? (Thus no fab photos.)

We'll see what I can make of things when I get home and I'll do my best to keep you updated. But your spiritual exercise this week may just have to be "patience". But I know you can do that...and very well.

Hope to see you relatively soon, Kids. :)

August 06, 2008

I see London, I see France!

Going through the memory sticks from my camera to get the pics of the recent Colorado 2008 trip and found some lost photos of our trip to Paris 2007. Sigh. Now there's a trip well worth repeating.

Back In The Saddle

Howdy, Kids! Yep...I'm back! And, I am beat. A bit "rode hard and put away wet"...if you will. In a matter of three days my sister and I went through 6 states; Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Wyoming, and Colorado. This was all business and no vacation as my sister was movin' on down to "The Springs" (aka Colorado Springs) for work and had to be on the job first thing Tuesday morning (what the?!!). There are no exciting photos...I can assure you. 99.673% were taken from the car window. But some aspects of the trip included...

It rained while we were traveling through Washington....duh.
Breakfast in Yakima, WA was both tasty and cheap (a great combo in my book).
Oregon was just a blip on the map for us but was good to us while we were there. Nice trees, by the way.
Idaho. Hmm. Well...let's see. In Glenns Ferry we had the delightful opportunity to have our olfactory senses upended when considering a room at a local lodging establishment. The place should be subsidized by R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. And the decor? Well, I think that 25¢ peep booths at an adult bookstore hold greater appeal. Eew.
Twin Falls just opened a new Mormon Temple so we almost didn't find a room. We went from place to place searching...but turned away over and over. We laughed that it was like we were Mary and Joseph. But honestly...the irony was a bit creepy.
They have terrible hostesses but lovely servers at the local large-chain "Italian" restaurants.
Breakfast was included at the new Wingate where we stayed that night (a joyous discovery at the end of a long day!), so we partook of the carb-fest. I overheard a woman looking for the napkins. I handed her a couple. Shortly after that she approached me. She told me, holding back the tears, that she had lost her husband just three days earlier and that my simple act of kindness meant the absolute world to her. It showed me that we never really know how we can have an impact on others. That lesson meant the world to me. It was the highlight of the trip.
Southern Idaho has an enormously depressing summertime landscape.
Idaho won for the best Rest Areas...EVER! Congrats!
My sister didn't think me saying "Poke-my-tello, Im-a-ho!" was funny.
Utah. The area around Ogden looked nice.
Wyoming. (My Dad's home state.) Evanston seemed cute. The "quickie" lunch at Sonic was anything but. The kids at Starbucks recommended we stay in Rock Springs. We're not sure why? Apparently, we have a distant cousin that lives there. I'm glad we didn't look them up...and I bet they'd feel the same way.
Wyoming had a haunting forlorn beauty to it. Sad, but not depressing like Idaho. More like heartache turned into landscape.
The adult bookstore at the side of the highway, in the middle of absolutely nowhere didn't become any more charming with the attached 5-room motel. My eyes needed a shower after that sight.
Laramie...couldn't not think of Matthew Shepard when driving through. R.I.P.
Colorado. Well, Kids...we all know that, based on my past personal experiences, I had some trepidation here. Damn if it wasn't pretty (I figured that much) but the people were so darn nice...from the get-go! Fort Collins...nice. Denver...three high-fives in less than an hour? This place was gooooood for my ego. Colorado Springs...delightful! My sister's new roommate couldn't have been more hospitable and gracious. The sweeping view of Pike's Peak from the back deck didn't hurt. A wonderful dinner at The Blue Star with said roommate and two of her friends. The five of us...good meal, good times.
I'd really like to come back. Yes...to Colorado. As requested, it was good to me.
Nicest security at Colorado Springs Airport. (Even though you could tell they still meant business.)
The plane was so small that I thought "it feels like you're walking into a coffin". Thanks, Internal Dialogue! Like I needed THAT at 28,000 feet?!! Thank god I'm reading the "India" section of Eat, Pray, Love. The writings on meditation came in very handy.
Salt Lake City International Airport...where the hell are all these people coming from?!! Did they shut down O'Hare? I wasn't sure Starbucks would get in here...? Who knew?
Seattle...welcome home.

So that's really about it, Kids. Down and back again. And, yes, I did like Colorado...a lot. But I do have one more thing. Road-tripping requires one to partake in lots of public restrooms. Rest areas, restaurants, airports, etc. 1) What is the point of having automatic, hands-free faucets, soap machines, and towel dispensers when, in order to leave the restroom, I have to grab the same handle that Chirpy just used after leaving the stall without washing his hands?!!!!!! And...2) For any of you who either don't think you need to wash your hands after having them around your junk, or that passing the whites of your nails under cold water sans soap after doin' yer business is clean enough...I have a proposition for you. There are a few key places on my body that I'd like to rub a sandwich and then watch you take a bite of it! Appetizing? No...didn't think so. Wash your flippin' hands!!! Okay...I'm done now. Time to get back in the saddle. ps - I'm guessing that since I have now referred to "adult bookstore" twice in this post you're probably going to see some rather interesting ads pop up through Google adsense. I'm just sayin'.

August 01, 2008

Rocky Mountain...Heeeeeeeeyyyyyyyy!

So, Kids...your Uncle is off on an adventure! My sis is moving off to Colorado tomorrow and I'm gonna be making the road trip down with her. I've never been to Colorado. It would appear by all accounts that it is truly a lovely state...but my peripheral experiences aren't filling me with overriding confidence. I've met a number of, how can I put this delicately, "whackos" over the years who shared not only altered mental faculties in common but also coming from Colorado...??? Is it the altitude maybe? Okay, and let's face it...with all due respect...John Denver isn't helping the cause with me.

Now, it seems as if tides have turned somewhat at points as I have, in point of fact, met some rather delightful people from Colorado (though y'all are in the vast minority). And, the photos I've seen are hard to beat. So I wish you well, Colorado. And I hope you'll do the same with me...??? Oh, and my sister too.

ps ~ I'll be posting again in a bit...but I'll be out o' touch on Monday and Tuesday!

July 31, 2008

Mac Attack

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 28, 2008

A blushing Beefy.

(Gorgeous arrangement courtesy of Erin at Rosenow Floral Design.)

Wanted to take a moment to send a lil' "thank you"
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.

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...

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 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.

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!

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.

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!

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!

June 30, 2008

Meat Market ~ The Giveaway

What? Well, I'm giving away some "Beef[y]" so it seemed appropriate enough for a title! (Hey, I tried.) Anyway, Kids...I'm doing my first giveaway! It's sorta my little way to say thanks for all the kind words and support over the last month. This is a decoupaged plate that I did, measures 9.5" x 6.75" approximately, and speaks to my love of silhouettes, color....and YOU!

If you'd like to enter alongside the other millions of readers just leave a comment describing how you think existential philosophy and the rising trend of hot dog stands are affecting the overall political infrastructure of the United States. ;) That...OR you can just say "Cheerio!" (Addendum: As noted by Paola in the comments, perhaps unfair to ask my international readers to comment about the American political infrastructure. So absolutely feel free to say whatever you wish about whatever is on your mind...and you're in!)

I'll put all y'all's names together and draw at random.
Deadline for comment entries is
Thursday, July 3rd at midnight.ANYONE can enter!
So international readers...don't be shy!
I'll announce the lucky recipient this Friday, July 4th!!!

June 27, 2008

In Texas...they like 'em Beefy.

Wow! Okay, I'll go ahead and leave the title and live with the potential literary consequences of sounding a bit pompous...? But ever-so-sweet, Cheryl at Stash Studios (one of my daily reads) invited moi to participate in her guest blogger series this past week and I'm as humbled as molasses entering an uphill race in January! (Oh lord...now I sound like Dr. Phil!)

June 18, 2008

A bit o' Beefy.

How do, Kids! So talking to Kristine yesterday and she was like, "Show some of your artwork!" So I thought I'd put together a little compilation of some previous work I've done. These are some examples of silk-screened cards I did a while back. I suppose I should get back into the studio and see what comes out o' my top-hatted head (long artistic gestation periods can do strange & unusual things), but for now this let's you know that I ain't all full of hot air. ;)

Thanks for the nudge Miss Kristine :) (mwah!)

June 16, 2008

Quote o' the day.

Isn’t worrying about your appearance
a pretty superficial thing to do?

"Dress is only superficial if one hasn’t invested any thought in it. If one’s appearance is an outer expression of one’s inner state,
then it is deeply personal--and far from trivial."

~ Lord Whimsy

June 12, 2008

Port in the storm...you are.

What a morning. Woke up with a cold. Nothing really bad. More of an annoyance than an illness. No wonder given this past week and the fact that Seattleites are officially calling this month "June-uary"! The cats are going insane running around the house like lunatics and, given that they're both blind, are running into the occasional door frame or odd piece of furniture. I have to stand in the kitchen so that Fergus (the dog) will eat...he's terrified of the cats. He wraps things up and I get to gettin' on the computer. I have this weird thing where I hate having any accumulated "spam" so I head there to sort through them, making sure I'm not losing any "real" emails. Fortunately, I did otherwise I would have missed out on the myriad of emails that I have anxiously been awaiting from, Cialis, Viagra ~ "love you lady with better time" (?), "hot teen action" (eeeew!), or "talk live to 20 ladies" (Buddy, I'm pretty much doin' that now...and in a much more sophisticated way, I can assure you.). Who in Frank's name ever clicks on these things? I hit "empty". Are you sure you want to delete.....blah, blah, blah.....YES!

I head over to my "inbox" and there are quite a few emails, many pertaining to the "Somewhere..." post from the other day. I know I've already said thank you to those of you who wrote some incredibly inspiring emails. But I have to say that I find it amazing what can happen when you put yourself out there. I am one of those people who can have a difficult time asking for help. (And I don't think that is an admirable quality.) But, like I said the other day, I don't want to misrepresent myself by putting forth only the "good" stuff. Well lemme tell ya's...after all the inspiring and supportive words I've received from so many of you, not only has my mood lifted but my faith has been restored as well. You've become something of a port in the storm and I thank you all from the bottom of my Beefy heart.

We'll still have to see what the immediate future holds but I feel much more confident in the choices that lay before me. I am going to begin working on my studio again (some of you may remember that project?), and start the process of sketching to get the juices flowing. I'll post some of my creative undertakings from time to time just to keep you updated and for you to keep me accountable. But hopefully out of all of this someone else out there will be inspired knowing that it doesn't happen overnight or only to those who are merely lucky.

In the meantime, I'll keep on keepin' on and, of course, keep you all posted. If anyone is looking for some great inspiration I can tell you that the talented Julia recommended Marisa Haedike's "Creative Thursday" podcasts (How appropriate!). I cannot get enough and have been listening to them non-stop. I would SO second that suggestion and send a serious "shout out" to Marisa for putting herself out there as a means to inspire others wishing to pursue a creative life. Also, click on the links from the comment section of the "Somewhere..." post...there is a wealth of inspiration on these blogs!

So, as the sun is making a valiant attempt at shining, I will get myself together to work some creative magic on my lawn. It's in really bad shape...I mean bad shape! I on the other hand, thanks to you, am in good shape...I mean good shape! (Thanks!)