like&love

2012-01-09T09:13:00.000-05:00

Hello?

Insatiable Summer 2011

2011-08-26T08:34:00.002-04:00

What's next?

Spain

2011-08-09T08:20:00.002-04:00

Barcelona & Valencia.

2011-07-11T09:28:00.000-04:00

Antiquity versus contemporary in Valencia, Spain.

In the best way possible.

2011-07-07T17:12:00.002-04:00

What can I even say?

My photographs can be found here...

How To Just Be

Maybe stories and words can follow suit here. It's so fragile and exciting!

Europe!

2011-05-09T08:04:00.002-04:00

The days are numbered and the countdown is on. I'll be seeing you soon, world.

May 26-29 Madrid & Valencia
May 30-June 4 Barcelona
June 5-12 _____________ I have no where booked yet! I plan to travel north towards Amsterdam and Belgium, maybe breaking the trip up with a stop in Germany?
June 13-16 Paris
June 17-20 Cinque Terre, Italy
June 21-22 Rome...then catch a flight back to Madrid and return the following day!

Have you ever been (or lived, Andrea!) to any of these places?
It's becoming hard to sleep anymore because I'm so excited.

In three weeks from today...

2011-05-05T08:50:00.003-04:00

I will be getting off a plane that has landed in Madrid at 7:30 am seeking our first hostel with Betsy and David...

It's kind of unbelievable.

I'd like to share my itinerary here soon. So much is happening in the world!

F U N!

2011-05-02T08:20:00.004-04:00

Summer is so near.

We all stayed up dancing until 5 am. I need more of this in my life.

Alive; Note To Self: Don't Die.

2011-03-29T08:32:00.003-04:00

Hanging in there.

I'm going to pull this blog back together. I think I need it now more than ever. Focus, clarity, direction, it's all on the horizon.

I'll see you soon.

Have A Great Day

2011-03-12T06:44:00.000-05:00

2011-03-09T09:10:00.000-05:00

"Even with the best of maps and instruments, we can never fully chart our journeys."

On and on and on.

2011-03-03T09:29:00.002-05:00

When I have two seconds of free time at a normal hour I intend to share all of life's amazingness as of late. It's pretty high up there. Even though I'm going cross eyed from being so busy...staying on top! Love all around!

I'll just share this sweet treat for the moment. Sweet Frog, frozen yogurt = yumm! And now probably going to be my lunch today. YES!

International Art Adventure, 2011.

2011-02-23T10:38:00.003-05:00

I did it.
I did it.
I won the scolarship.
$2,500 to travel abroad this summer and devour as much art as I can handle.
I don't even know what to say.

Weekend.

2011-02-21T09:06:00.001-05:00

TG4F: Thank God 4 Fridayz/Friendz/Fun!

Maybe.

2011-02-17T07:34:00.003-05:00

These two words are at the forefront of my brain lately. They keep sneaking in as if I'm supposed to be answering some kind of almighty question. Where and when will that be posed?
Yes or No?

Just because.

Boots.

2011-02-17T07:04:00.001-05:00

A belated love note.

2011-02-16T10:34:00.001-05:00

Valentines.

2011-02-14T09:37:00.006-05:00

Owl always love you.

Cute.

2011-02-14T09:29:00.002-05:00

What a great day to spread love.
Some of my favorite couples, both recent and seasoned!
Muah!

Excuse the mess!

2011-02-10T08:38:00.003-05:00

Under construction?

I'm working on getting things back in order around here. Everything in my life needs a pick-me-up, including le blog! But sun, I see you trying to peek out. Make a better effort, we're all waiting for you down here!

Dearest.

2011-02-09T07:55:00.000-05:00

So sweet.

I wish I could thrift all day.

2011-02-08T07:15:00.000-05:00

You never know.

Are you feeling small? Because you should.

2011-02-05T07:55:00.000-05:00

Scale from Brad Goodspeed on Vimeo.

lalalife.

2011-02-03T18:18:00.002-05:00

I'm very happy in this moment. Sitting at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, listening to Thursday night jazz in the cafe, sharing a table with a good friend and a glass of Pinot Noir waiting for my art history class to convene here instead of at school tonight. Cheers, all.

Sometimes it's perfect.

2011-01-31T18:40:00.003-05:00

source

So may the sunrise bring hope where it once was forgotten
Sons are like birds, flying upward over the mountain

How To: Photo Transfer on Canvas!

2011-01-30T12:30:00.006-05:00

One of my favorite artistic processes which combines photography with mixed media (my two loves!) is that of a photo transfer, on canvas in this case. This simple process can be applied to wood, paper or canvas and produces really interesting textures and results.

The necessary supplies to create a gel-medium transfer include:

Liquitex Acrylic Gloss Gel. This can be found at any craft/art store, a small jar runs around $12.

Brush of any kind, I used a cheap sponge applicator from a craft store which was being sold 5/$1.

An unprimed blank canvas . Some canvases will say "pre-gessoed" on the label, make sure to avoid this if purchasing at a commercial craft store. I picked all of my supplies up at Ben Franklin Crafts and they were selling canvases three for $5, ranging from sizes 8x10 to 12x16!

Lastly, a photocopied image. This part is super important to the outcome of your transfer! An ink jet print from an at home printer will not yield the same (if any) results. It is necessary to make a photo copy of the image that you wish to transfer because it is the toner that adheres, not just any kind of ink. Remember to copy your image backwards as the reverse of the image will be the final result of the transfer.

1. Using your brush, apply a generous coat of gel medium to both the canvas and the photo copied image. Once they are both fully covered, place the image face down on the canvas.

2. Use an old credit card or flat surface to smooth out any air bubbles, starting from the middle and pulling out to the edges. If you feel that it is fully adhered with no bumps or air pockets, store it to dry for a few hours or overnight.

3. Once the paper is completely dried to the touch, brush a small amount of water on the surface. Allow the water to penetrate the paper and begin rubbing the paper away. I use my thumb to kind of "pill" the paper away...this process is tedious but essentially the final step! What you should begin to see is the image (or ink) adhered to the surface of the canvas while the thin layers of paper are being removed. There may be areas where the image comes off with the paper, but I believe the distressed look adds to the aesthetic of this process.

And there you have it!
Whats interesting about this process is that it doesn't have to stop here. While you may desire this to be the final product, it may also just be the beginning of a mixed media piece! This process works well as part of a collage, with encaustic, and paired with acrylic or watercolor paints. I have yet to try this with a color photo copy but hope to find time in my busy schedule this week to test it out. This is just one of literally dozens of methods of transferring images. I prefer it over the others because it is a non-toxic, classroom safe (yes, I'm starting to think in art-teacher terms) method. Let me know if you have any questions or want to share your own transfer method!

Falling in love.

2011-01-27T07:06:00.005-05:00

Yes, Hello!

I woke up this morning from a dream in which I found pretty amazing things at a thrift store and an overabundance of ideas for my embroidery project. Both of these things have already set the precedent for today: That It Will Be Good.

I have class from 11-2 today but will be hitting the shelves as soon as I'm done...I have to listen to such an explicit calling! I have missed thrifting so much recently...as well as yard sales! Sigh. Cold weather, what are you good for? Some days (like today...) I truly love perusing racks with no plan in mind and being inspired by the most bizarre, random things that people choose to discard of. It's an essential part of my creative process.
On the other hand, embroidery. Woah. I feel like my world is opening up! The studio class I am taking this semester (this. final. semester!) is that of Textiles. Our first concentration has been on embroidery, learning stitches and practicing them over and over. My teacher is a grad student, a radical young individual who upon looking at (and I don't mean to judge, but it's a pretty solid aesthetic she's got going on for herself) one would never ever ever assume her tools of the trade may be needle and thread. Oh but they are! Her focus on contemporary work has helped transcend the idea of a grandmother sitting by the fire working on "Home Is Where The Heart Is." I have been researching on my own the works of other practicing contemporary artists as well as crafters on Etsy and the like and wanted to share some of my favorites. Each photograph is linked to it's source, just click to follow through!

Gosh, I love her work. All of these have been done by the same artist. They have such a graphic quality to them which I find divine.

It happens.

A more traditional work on silk with one of my favorite subjects ;) English Springer Spaniels, that is...not duck hunting.

I absolutely love this.
I am forever drawn to mixed media work, anything with texture, layers, fabrics...and the more the better! The opportunities that embroidery presents in this manner seem endless...but for whatever reason I never thought of it before? I'll share the progress on my sample piece as soon as I get my camera back from a friend. It's so refreshing to feel inspired.

Thinking I need to...

2011-01-26T09:28:00.004-05:00

Update my 52 weeks project; pass my History of Architecture class; buy a technicolor dreamcoat amount of embroidery thread; sign up for the Monument Avenue 10k and START RUNNING; redo my blog layout; take more photographs all day every day; forge ahead in my quest to organize my life, it's definitely helping me keep things straight this semester...so far; currently? take Luke for a walk. I think the list ends there right now.

Drip.

2011-01-23T12:53:00.000-05:00

C'mon cold weather, I'm over you.

On thoughts of a blue day.

2011-01-19T10:07:00.000-05:00

"There is a pizza being cooked somewhere, that should make each day happy enough."

Louis Armstrong - Mack the Knife

2011-01-19T07:14:00.002-05:00

Everything about this was near perfect. From aesthetics of the audience to his version of my current favorite song.

...and I further that notion with this incredible story.

Dear universe, world, ladies and gentlemen...help!

2011-01-17T16:06:00.003-05:00

Friends of the world, I desperately (and stupidly on my part...RAPIDLY!) need your help! That's a lot of "ly's," sigh. My school is offering a 2,500$ International Studies grant for those that meet the GPA qualifications! All I have to do is write an itinerary of where I want to go (for approximately a week) and how my travels pertain to my studies. I'm an art education major, so pretty much any art-related ventures...which this should be...I embark upon could be justified as part of a culturally rich experience that can be passed on in my future classroom. The problem? I HAVE NO IDEA WHERE I WANT TO GO! Or rather, I want to go everywhere and fail miserably with making decisions when I have no boundaries! So I ask for your help! Where do you suggest I plan a trip to this summer, assuming it is nearly paid for!? I'm thinking of Belgium, Berlin, Spain, Portugal...perhaps somewhere in Central America? The guidelines are so vague about travel limitations, or rather that there are none...and this is not how an indecisive girl works. Did I mention the deadline is Thursday?

Bottom line: If you could travel anywhere in the world for a week, where would you go?

I guess it's like my own...TILT.

2011-01-14T08:38:00.008-05:00

Without the pressures of school weighing heavy on me this week, I have been spending a bit more time on the internet...reading about all kinds of miraculous things! I just wanted to share a few of those things that have been inspiring and/or interesting along the way. Gala calls it a T.I.L.T - Things I Love Thursday...but since it's technically Friday morning perhaps we'll say T.I.L.F.M. (but it sure doesn't sound as appealing.)

Oh! Got it! T.I.l&l. - Things I like&love ;)

The transformation of this photograph is incredible. Miss Aniela shares a step by step review of how she created her image.

Found on Cleavage, this article kind of hit the nail on the head for many reasons this morning.

"The door isn’t locked.

And if it is locked, it isn’t your door."

Building terrariums in unconventional places.

8tracks 8tracks 8tracks

This free printable calendar!

One of my favorite local (Richmond, VA) bands making NPR's Top 10 Jazz Albums of 2010. (Coming in at no. 8, which happens to be my favorite number as well!)

"Imagine the intersection of free jazz and Southern music at large; now, take that idea and flesh it out for an 8- to 11-piece band, bristling with plump orchestrations and noisy breakdowns. That approximates the music of Fight The Big Bull, whose sophomore disc also features buzz-saw slide trumpet and some arrangements from New York guru Steven Bernstein. Not all the solos on All Is Gladness In The Kingdom are of the same caliber, and not every transition comes off perfectly cleanly. But there are too many good ideas in play here, many of them from the brain of leader Matt White. When this unit is at its best -- and it is frequently here -- it rears back and bellows, and cuts quickly to the pleasure centers of your brain."

Have a listen.

On another note, staying positive during these cold winter months will help us all survive until Spring. The little bits that have kept me smiling this week include:

♥♥*My mom, all the time, 4 realz *GUMMY VITAMINS *The use of the word "lascivious" in conversation *Starting the 52 Weeks project *Having the time to take a mental break right before school begins again *Planning out goals for this new year *Going to the gym for the first time in an embarrassingly long while *Cooking fresh food and sharing dinner with loved ones *This zodiac mess *Amazing Lush bath products convincing me to stay in the shower an extra minute *My best friend leaving the. best. voicemail. ever.

Good things this week in photographs:

On the menu.

2011-01-13T12:48:00.004-05:00

Seafood fra diavolo!
I had a taste for some kind of seafood dish yesterday and managed to make this for dinner, well with a little help. I had never cooked mussels before, but they turned out fairly well. It's very true that the kitchen and I aren't generally in sync, but I'd like to remedy that this year. I have a hard time determining what I would like to cook though, perhaps I should start compiling recipes?

For a friend.

2011-01-12T15:56:00.002-05:00

There is no remedy for love but to love more.
-Henry David Thoreau

Saturday.

2011-01-12T07:16:00.004-05:00

Images from our fireside photoshoot. Click for better resolution.

8tracks

2011-01-11T10:09:00.009-05:00

One of my absolute faaaaavorite discoveries as of late is this amazing application/website called 8tracks! Found over at Gala Darling's most recent Carousel, where she rounds up the latest and greatest findings on the internet of the week. It's a super simple, no frills internet-radio kind of place that is compiled by users creating their own mix tapes. You can search for an artist, a specific track or even a genre/keyword and if a user has created a mix containing your inquiry you are directed to their mix! I think it's a great way to discover new music, share mix "tapes" (mix tapes, je'taime!) and provide background noise while you're working. I listened to all kinds of mixes on Saturday during our photoshoot in my room, finding music to fit the tempo and mood, so perfect. I definitely recommend having a listen or taking the two seconds to sign up and start creating your own! I'd love to hear it!

8tracks Handcrafted internet radio

I couldn't wait to create my own 8track mix and it turns out that even that is super easy. They offer an easy uploader app for Mac users that is a drag and drop application which then allows you to arrange your tracks.

"In order to be published, your mix must have at least 8 tracks, and no more than 2 of by the same artist or album. Track, album and artist names are required."

Heard that! These are the guidelines I set for myself when creating a mix anyways, I just can't get over how much easier someone out there made this for us mix-enthusiasts!
Anyways, without further ado...

january in my room.

52 Weeks of 2011: A Creative Adventure.

2011-01-11T08:41:00.005-05:00

After not one, not two but THREE failed attempts at the three sixty five project I decided it shouldn't be reattempted...at least not with such formality. Should I be taking photographs daily anyways? Yes. Am I? Well, there are days that I have to commit myself to school and then working during the evening leaving little to no time to fit in anything else at all. At best, a shower. (Ok, ok, definitely a shower!) But, I love the idea of pushing one's creative boundaries, or at least testing them on a daily basis! During my past 365 projects though I found myself just settling on horrible snapshots on those days that I couldn't fit in a creative photograph. This is where I find disappointment. While I do believe my camera should be in hand all day every day anyways, I want to exhibit images that I have created with thought and love. With that in mind, a much more attainable project I have seen prompted in many corners of the internet relies on the same principle as 365; a self portrait project to explore the camera and the photographer, is that of 52 weeks. One hand crafted photograph a week for one year...and what better time to start a creative adventure than now, the beginning of a new year that is going to rely on creative adventures!?

So I present to you a new, weekly feature:

I'm still so very much looking forward to this year! I have good thoughts about the whole thing, so it seems.

My hood.

2011-01-09T10:18:00.000-05:00

2011, Memento mori.

2011-01-07T10:35:00.005-05:00

2010 was a lot of things, but I'm holding out on the notion that it was just a precursor to this new year. When I envision 2011 I see an excess of all things extraordinary. What do I hope for this new year?

2011, you will be good to us all. You will allow us to be good to ourselves, each other and to use what we now know to create the world we wish to live in. The world I wish to conceive for myself this year is full of:

#1!

(Both furry and not so furry.)

Live! New! Old! I want to pay more attention to what's released this year in addition to loving the old favorites. A few more mix cd swaps perhaps?

Near. Far. Everywhere. Anywhere.
I WANT TO EAT YOU UP, WORLD
And probably not lastly, but lastly for now,

because without it, how is it possible to enjoy everything you immerse yourself in? My skin may not always be thick, but it should be comfortable.

All in all I'm looking forward to this year because I know it's going to be

filled with love and positive challenges I set forth for myself. And all the obstacles I encounter along the way will be met with sparkling endurance to push through and move on. I'm ready to step out of the comfort zone that 2010 assembled and stretch way beyond my limitations. All in all, the year I know I will encounter and create is set forth by this simple phrase:

Memento mori
"Remember you will die."

Nothing like a nice reminder of mortality to kickstart a little bit of living, yeah? And if the Mayan's were right, well...

See you along the way!

A new year.

2011-01-06T02:20:00.002-05:00

You are going to be great.

How to "liven" up grey days.

2011-01-04T10:57:00.003-05:00

Keepsake terrariums, how lovely.

White Christmas, 2010.

2011-01-02T08:28:00.002-05:00

What comes next?

2010-12-23T10:38:00.001-05:00

I have a lot of exciting things planned for 2011...I will divulge soon.

The cards I made this year...

2010-12-21T07:41:00.003-05:00

...are not gonna reach their destinations on time ;) oops!

Snow doggggg!

2010-12-19T12:53:00.001-05:00

Christmas needs lights!

2010-12-16T08:01:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite parts of the season.

2010-12-11T08:33:00.003-05:00

Watercolor & marker, digitally enhanced.

My universe is shifting, yet again, facing back towards the sun. Even though it's cold, I am beginning to feel warm again and I couldn't be more thankful because I couldn't take much more of that endless floating in space bullshit. I am close to being done with the semester and really, for realsies, taking a huge sigh of relief.

I really want to get in the spirit of the season by making a gingerbread house.

Or ginger-mobile-home? Ha.
Last year at this time I had the apartment decorated with so many nice things! It' not panning out so well this season unfortunately. I'll just get on that Polar Express a bit late. That's how life is moving right now so I can't fight it. On the other hand, pre-pre-pre-planning well in advance is underway for Spring Break 2011! I have my sights set on a certain destination, currently trying to work all of the details out. Going to make it happen - by the time March rolls around I'll be so ready to see somewhere new I may explode. Seems fitting.

On a very girly note:
This is such a great idea.

Stand up and stretch, literally, right now.

Breakfa...lunch & the weather.

2010-12-07T12:50:00.004-05:00

What a weird blend of flavors!
Cinnamon raisin bagel + cream cheese + diced tomato + sliced avocado = Delicious.

And it's C O L D. For real cold. Finding ways to stay warm include cuddling with my d-o-g and wearing mismatched socks, apparently?

Us all.

2010-12-05T13:50:00.001-05:00

Inside you are a million rainbow fragments that keep you alive.

Shoefish.

2010-12-02T09:41:00.002-05:00

This semester is almost over - the end is near on paper but I don't see the light yet. It will come and I will collapse from pure exhaustion, gah.

On school though - I came up with a really fun kindergarten lesson that I taught yesterday. We discussed murals and how many people can work together to make one. So everyone made their own shoefish and we glued them to the background I had made prior to their class. I wish I had taken a photograph of the final product though! Kindergarten kids are crazy, man they really are nuts.

Also, I'm admitting this is so good. Thanks B.

Cheers.

Tumblr.

2010-11-28T10:56:00.003-05:00

True THAT.
I've been feeling so blue, approximately a shade of indigo, this makes so much sense to me right now. It's good to be doing so.

Does anybody here use Tumblr? I tried using it to record a quote a day that I overheard, but I think a personal journal is a much better means of documentation for such a venture. Instead I have grown to love it and use it to post things that make sense in my head without having to explain myself, ha! So if you have one, you should share the link here - I'd love to follow you!

www.fleabagapt.tumblr.com

Family.

2010-11-25T09:56:00.001-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

2010-11-23T16:03:00.002-05:00

Julie Heffernan - Self Portrait in a Coral Bed

Beautiful.

2010-11-23T07:25:00.000-05:00

Taking vitamins.

2010-11-20T07:41:00.001-05:00

Hair grows.

Currently

2010-11-18T07:08:00.001-05:00

Just sorting through life.

Absent.

2010-11-13T08:42:00.002-05:00

I feel like I'm holding something back from the world or perhaps it is that the world is holding something back from me. I miss my camera. I fear losing creativity. A bit worried about the cold but I think I will manage it this year. I just don't know where I'm at.

Leo.

2010-11-11T09:16:00.001-05:00

You're in the thick of things, so you should keep on going ... things are improving.

Halloween.

2010-11-04T09:17:00.002-04:00

It snuck up this year.

Green tea.

2010-11-04T08:36:00.003-04:00

Last night in my dream I successfully punched a girl out. In my dreams I am always unable to make physical contact with my hand to another person, like I try to punch or hit them (this isn't a completely ongoing theme in my dreams, but it happens) and I'm too weak or I miss or it just kind of fades out. Not last night. I feel weird.

Anyways, things have been up and down and backwards and forwards and the like over here lately. I continuously want to share/document my daily happenings, my ventures in the classroom, dreams, images, etc. But! iBusy. We did manage to make it up to the Rally to Restore Sanity this past Saturday...along with 248,000 other people. Woof. There were some really great signs and great people in one place - it was a restoration of sorts, or a nice refreshing reminder at least?

Oh, America.

I (was) OLD GREGG!

2010-11-02T09:07:00.000-04:00

Pictures coming soon.

Optimism; channeling Ryan Adams.

2010-10-24T09:30:00.001-04:00

Let it ride.

Lost but not stranded.

2010-10-22T07:54:00.005-04:00

To feel fun all of the time, does one have to move to New York? Or quit school and take up traveling? Ugh.

OCTOBER MIX!

2010-10-21T09:07:00.007-04:00

There's some explainin' to do.

So after all this time and thinking and listening, I finally got it. (If you couldn't gather, there's more to it than just throwing a few songs together when it comes to making a mix!) I had originally decided it was going to be songs that I enjoyed while walking to and from school; fall sounding and relevant. Eventually that thought was cast aside and replaced with a more cohesive sounding set of tracks. I like consistency in mood with a few high highs and a few low lows. I was recently discussing with a friend working on their mix how it seems to happen that things start out kind of loud and taper down to something fairly quiet. In an effort to avoid doing this (which is a totally reasonable way to go, mind you) I spent a lot of time re-listening to things and pairing them between the previous and next track to give a nice flow of ups and downs. The most curious part of this whole process was trying to find a place for what turned out to be the final track, Wilco - Remember the Mountain Bed. However, it didn't fit and I really wanted Farewell Transmission to be the end of the cd, which technically it is. So what's going on at the end of the cd is an option. While it really ends at track 19, I figured the best way to describe the final two tracks is a sort of "P.s." Blue Turning Gray is liiike eh, intermission...and Remember the Mountain Bed, an encore...or P.s. !

I had a lot of fun working on this project, even if no one else listens to it but me. I wanted it to be something that would work well listening to through headphones, while walking to school/driving or just as background music while working on other fun things, which I certainly hope it does successfully. Anywaysss, enjoyyyyyyy!

OCTOBER MIX
(Copy this link, paste it into a new browser and change the hxxp to http.)

*Is anyone having trouble downloading this? I got some weird message earlier...

What has to be put on pause.

2010-10-21T06:07:00.003-04:00

In light of my absence, I intend to skip over complaining about stress, school, missing out on this and that and then some (which is really the story of my life right now) and share things that have been rewarding as of late. Namely, finishing my mix cd! There was so much thought (and love) put into it that I'm kind of sad the project has come to an almost-end. Part of my massive to do list today includes making a digital copy to share with anyone who may be interested. Don't know where it fits in there, but it's only 6am so I'm certain it will happen with plenty of time to spare ;) !

On another note, I've lost a few days on my 365...3 project that need to be made up for today as well. I just haven't been photographing much lately. That's a really uncomfortable statement to make. Other visuals from recent weeks:

I never had a chance to share my commentary on the show but I don't think there's anything I can say that would accurately describe how wonderful they were. It was so. good.

Not so recently; my hair was so short this time last year!

...and apparently school was still stressing me out then too. Oi vey.

Check back later for a music update!

TIS THE SEASON!

2010-10-18T20:51:00.001-04:00

Belle & Sebastian.

2010-10-15T08:41:00.001-04:00

So beautiful.

Dog brainz.

2010-10-14T07:10:00.002-04:00

My dog is scared of all the Halloween decorations we encounter while walking. He should be scared of his zombie mom, really...

Every day.

2010-10-12T07:57:00.004-04:00

Gotta make it through Thursday afternoon. The light at the end of the tunnel is seeing Belle and Sebastian in DC...at the cost of skipping my midterm. My teacher gave me the option to use my non-cumulative final as the only grade I'll receive for my class. I think I'm taking it, woof. So much to do between now and then anyways, fitting in last minute studying seems out of the question! Oh, school!

Why do they leave?

2010-10-11T07:38:00.002-04:00

Going through a Ryan Adams phase, they come and go. I like when it's on.

Ohh, the changing seasons.

2010-10-07T08:12:00.005-04:00

Cold has shown it's face just a liiittle bit too early around here this year. No bueno. The past few days I've literally found myself not wanting to get out from under my blankets...which could also be a condition of the sickness that I endured. It's just that time of year, sigh. Because I've been feeling a bit better within the past 24 hours though, I unexpectedly went out to a new favorite place in Richmond after work last night. (On a school night?! Very unlikely!) I wanted to hear some music which turned out to be very fulfilling. They (Fight the Big Bull) closed their set with a cover of this song by The Band...which has conveniently remained stuck in my head upon waking up this morning.

Oh, music. So the deadline to sign up for the October Mix CD Swap is this Friday. I've got a really good amount of people both domestically and internationally...if you're interested in exchanging mix cds with a stranger pleeease email me to get in on it!
[jaime.barnett@gmail.com]

Reasons to participate:

it's super awesome
an excuse to make something with your hands
maybe make a friend from a faraway place
cultivating sharing...of MUSIC, what could be better?
you might find your new favorite band of the season

I'm excited! Also excited about this weekend; my dad's birthday, Charlottesville, Built to Spill, somewhat warmer weather, spending QT with loves. Bring it alllllll on!

How to turn into a zombie.

2010-10-05T09:25:00.003-04:00

Picnik, the free photo editing software, has some fun editing options available this time of year. Turn anyone in your photos into a vampire or zombie with their creative effects! You can add "stickers" or other ghoulish elements to make fun Halloween photos.

He obviously can't be out in the sun too long...

Fall is my fav-o-rite season.

2010-10-03T22:56:00.004-04:00

I hope your weekend was filled with love too.

The better part of my weekend.

2010-10-03T09:45:00.001-04:00

It's interesting to feel cold on the beach.

No. 14

2010-10-01T15:42:00.005-04:00

In light of the countless hours I will spend this weekend studying for my contemporary art history midterm on Monday, I would like to send this off to you. Have a wonderfully crispy, fall Friday night.

Mark Rothko, No. 14, 1960

No. 14, 1960

The docent asked how it made us feel,
A pallette of red, darkness.
"Violence."
"Rage."
"Hate."
Heads bobbed in unison.
Their assumptions soon validated
By the guide's eager gossip,
Your late-life suicide.

As the group's feet echoed
Unenthusiastically into another atrium
I stood, transfixed with warmth,
Alone in the pure passion -
Your painting.

Emotion framed on canvas.
A scraggly, fading rectangle surrounded
By a deep crimson darkness.

Life is simple and messy and pure.

-J.D. Nielsen

October!

2010-10-01T08:32:00.005-04:00

Halloween, 2009

I cannot believe that September is over already! There's currently so much to keep up with between school, working a few nights a week, getting enough sleep, the things I want to make in light of my creative surge and taking enough vitamins. I feel like my to-do list keeps growing without my permission of adding these countless tasks. There's still (and always) so many things I'm looking forward to, the difference in keeping a positive attitude towards everything makes these rainy days a little bit less drizzly.

What I'm very much looking forward to is the scarecrow I want to make for our front yard. The street over from us goes absolutely nuts this time of year with Halloween decor. Last year someone had constructed this ENORMOUS electric chair that took up their front yard. Not to mention bats, spiderwebs, a massive pirate ship and quite possibly the living dead clawing their way out of the ground.

It's really a spectacle for a few blocks...so awesomeeee. There's no need to even consider competing with these professionals but rather, be inspired! That's why I think a quaint little scarecrow might be sufficient on our side of the street. Now I just need to find some hay.

How are you decorating for the season?

An alternative to keeping up.

2010-10-01T07:53:00.002-04:00

Follow my blog with bloglovin!

Put art anywhere.

2010-09-30T07:27:00.008-04:00

Earlier this week in class my teacher notified everyone of a call for artists in....the gym!? My school recently spent approximately $47 million dollars updating our facilities and quite honestly it shows. The place is absolutel spectacular, it is every iron-pumping, track running, basketball playing, workoutaholic's dream. I haven't gone to the gym nearly as much as I should have but now might be my incentive! We only had two days to get our stuffs together but luckily I had everything in mind, edited and almost ready to go. The photographs are from Belize, a set of images that depict the landscape particularly focusing on the colors and textures of the location. I just wanted to share the final edited set of photographs that I chose to submit.

Anahata Katkin

Jellyfish Girl

Conch

Lamanai

Paradise

Three Belize, that's $1.50

Self Portrait

Junk

Das da FiWi Chikn Sold Here

And in the end

We'll see! I think it'd be funny if they end up in the gym. But then again, I love that someone out there is insisting on putting art in unsuspecting places. Why not?

I love a good nap.

2010-09-29T15:36:00.002-04:00

Today is the epitome of a rainy day, whew. The cozy kind, not the fake kind...!
It's been beautiful.

A little more orange-spiration.

2010-09-28T11:42:00.002-04:00

Maybe a show of hands?

2010-09-28T09:44:00.001-04:00

Previous swap: June Mix.

Well on it's way.

2010-09-28T08:57:00.006-04:00

Yesterday marked the first day of Fall in my book. My walk to school was just a bit too chilly to bare my arms, the sidewalk was peppered with small, colorful leaves and I saw more of the color orange than I have in quite some time!

Remembering last fall...

I'm really looking forward to baking cinnamon and spice treats, picking apples, carving a pumpkin, visiting a vineyard, setting up a scarecrow out front and drinking warm tea.
All in good company, of course ;)

Sunday.

2010-09-26T18:14:00.004-04:00

If you saw The Office the other night you will understand how this fits in perfectly with my dance-y pants. You will not understand the pain that was inflicted upon someone during my dance craze this afternoon...being a girl means I don't even understand the magnitude of it. I felt real bad. But we kept dancing.

Dance-y pants.

2010-09-26T07:43:00.005-04:00

This weekend has been a fun mix of high energy and relaxation...and there's still all of Sunday left! David and I haven't spent a full Sunday together in well, I don't even know how long. He usually works every Sunday evening, so this is such a treat. There's something about a good Sunday that can't be beat, so needless to say there's still a lot left to look forward to!

I have been feeling dance-y since Friday night but have not actually had the chance to shake anything. I stayed out too late Friday night (not dancing, given the company I went with) to be able to enjoy Saturday night. I literally had to take a nap and be woken up before going out to make sure I could keep my eyes open. I ran into a few of my friends that were out the night before where the general consensus proved that I was not the only one feeling drained. It happens to the best of us. Time to get things moving on my bedroom dance floor instead!

How are you spending your Sunday?

THE UNiVERSE!

2010-09-24T12:42:00.002-04:00

A goodbye of sorts.

2010-09-24T08:59:00.003-04:00

It's so hard to believe that summer is, on paper, officially over. The past couple of days here in Richmond have not let us believe that just yet with temperatures reaching nearly 100 degrees! As much as I love the upcoming season I haven't been quite ready to let go of this summer. It's been musical, magical, adventurous, exciting, new, a period of growth, understanding, letting go, letting in, letting out, missing out - but only a bit, and breaking even in the bank. I swam with turtles, navigated NYC by myself - twice, spent many a day laying around with Luke and even ripped off a toenail! It was completely accurate to consider it Summer of Awesome 2010 early on in the season. I laid out what I wanted and made it happen, thanks again universe.

All of these experiences and memories coupled with the fact that I'm having a hard time getting into my studies this semester is causing some unrest in my head. It's kind of like life to do that though, just keep moving forward and not pausing for one second no matter what happens along the way. So we all have to keep up (begrudgingly, myself included) and continue making the most of whatever is about to come next.

"Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
-John Lennon

So now I wait patiently for the best things of Autumn to present themselves. Counting down the days of bare shoulders - which is clearly why I had to dress like an urban witch yesterday, my days are numbered! Chilly mornings, apple picking, pumpkin carving, sleeping with the windows open, reinstating wine as my drink of choice, being wrapped in blankets and avoiding the true cold for as long as possible. I love when the days are warmed by the sun but turn chilly when it sets, the energy of our days shift. I'm lucky to live in a part of the world that experiences the best (and worst) of all four seasons. At any rate, I'm using this weekend to say my final goodbyes to summer and mentally prepare myself to look positively towards the future. It's here, it's now and we've all gotta be living in it.

Cheers!

On being a good person. And the universe.

2010-09-23T06:25:00.007-04:00

The world works in funny ways to me. I don't consider myself a religious person by any stretch of the word but rather, find comfort in the universe as my guiding path, light, love, whathaveyou. We speak to each other and we've got each other's back. Perhaps it is considered karma, perhaps it is my old dog entrusting me with the world's inner workings (I really, really, really love dogs and have had a few really, really, really great ones come and go in my life...) or perhaps it is very well just what I sum up as the positive energy that keeps me going. It's the universe, it's my homeboy, homeboy, home, home, homeboy! (Antoine Dodson, anyone?)

For instance, yesterday on my walk to school (recycling day!) I happened to notice a magazine sticking out of someone's bin on the sidewalk. I picked it up, flipped it over and to my surprise it was a semi-recent issue of one of my favorite magazines, Real Simple. I happily took it upon myself to recycle it to me instead of the paper bin when lo and behold, underneath was another issue! And another...and another! Someone was getting rid of nearly two years of issues of this magazine. So what did I do? I grabbed all 20 issues plus a calendar by a local Richmond artist (which was surprising, we still have three months left?!) and resumed my walk to school. Mind you, these are fairly bulky magazines that while holding a stack of in front of me kept pulling at my almost-too-big skirt, all the while trying to balance a phone on my shoulder - it was probably a very awkward sight. Caitlin, who was on the phone with me at the time of my discovery, did not let me get off the phone and threatened me if I chose the magazines over her. So I continued walking until I found a paper grocery bag in another recycling bin which held the magazines for about one block before ripping. We (the magazines, the weathered bag, Caitlin on the phone and myself) made it all the way to school, which is nearly a mile, in one piece. (Thankfully my teacher let me leave the magazines there so I can return with my car to pick them up today!) The point I am trying to make is that it could have been any other magazine, on any other street - or even across the street! I don't consider it luck, or fate, but the universe just having my back. The universe knows that I would be passionate enough to carry this entire, dreadfully heavy, stack of magazines all the way to school so it provided me with them. Do you see how that works? I don't take for granted the small things that happen in my life and I believe that as long as I appreciate and show gratitude, good things will forever come my way.

I'm looking for a lot of clarity right now, school is weighing in heavy on the scale and it tends to put me in a pretty weird place. I am constantly striving for enough hours in the day to do what I want while getting what I have to do, done. The bigger picture proves that it will all make sense but it's the getting there process that tends to feel long and drawn out. I guess the rewards at the end, or maybe it truly is the little things along the walk there, will be of comfort.

So to put it all into perspective for today at this early, early hour! Instead of waiting for some time to spend with my blog/internet readings today, which I have missed, I purposefully woke up at 6am to make time for it. What have I found in doing so? A few new readers! The universe, by way of the darling One Pearl Button, has presented me with the fact that I need to keep this blog up. It is something I like & love and need to remember that it's always in our best interest to take time or make time for those things that we like and love.

So hello to you all & hello universe, I love you.

Tryin to do my very best.

2010-09-22T08:06:00.001-04:00

It will all make sense soon.

quote a day.

2010-09-16T16:23:00.004-04:00

I began a project last year that lasted an incredibly embarrassing amount of time. (Short lived! Hello! Story of my life!) With technology in mind and an account that was created but never used (Hello again!) I can put this project back to good use and more than likely keep up with it. I've started a tumblr that relays one quote a day - something I have heard, overheard or at worst read somewhere. Included in each post is a photograph that I have taken (not that of my daily project) that I feel fits. Pleeease feel free to share your tumblr with me, I'm late on the wagon but appreciate what it has to offer. However, I still stand by the thought that only twits tweet and you'll never catch me jumping on that one! Ha.

www.fleabagapt.tumblr.com

Thrift Finds!

2010-09-16T10:37:00.005-04:00

It's no secret that the contents of my life are used. (It sounds so dramatic put that way, yeah?) I take pride in the fact that I have been able to fabulously decorate my apartment and wardrobe with previously loved items via yard sales and thrift stores. This has been an ongoing process since the days of high school that really has no end in sight. I recently decided to start documenting my finds with better care, although I can almost always tell you where I found it and the price of any item in my home. My most recent haul came from the thrift store around the corner, Fantastic Thrift. I generally try to avoid this place at all costs because it is a MADHOUSE at any time of the day, there's no safe hour for quiet browsing. I have to go in with no particular item in mind which is how I found these random treasures the other day.

Starting from the bottom left:

Salvatore Ferragamo heels in excellent condition - 99 cents! I have been inspired by a friend to do some serious purging (more on this later) and feel sort of guilty bringing more in before getting any out. However, these were an exception. I'm looking forward to incorporating them into my fall wardrobe.

1970's drawer liners - $1.00 for two. I doubt the adhesive on the back sticks anymore but I can always use paper ephemera, particularly anything with a great print.

Carrot wallhanging - 99 cents. Probably donated by the same person getting rid of their dated drawer liners!

A crafty looking needlework piece for my growing wall of random prints/photos/paintings, etc. It may find it's way into the kitchen, but I feel like that's whats expected of it. I don't like expected.

Glass orange pitcher - 99 cents. Somewhere in my possession, or at my mom's house, there are two small glasses that complete this set...previously thrifted years ago. I love this orange motif that can be found in bits and pieces here and there. I'm sure you've seen it in your own treasure hunts.

Lastly, three (currently horrific) frames - 99 cents a piece. I felt uncomfortable only buying three out of the four of these that were sitting on the shelf, I hope the last one finds a home. Whoever previously had these and decided that ribbon was a good idea was sorely mistaken. They must have come to their senses, obviously. I'm looking forward to taking that crap off, painting them blue or red and attaching an illustration in the diamond frame. It's all about giving things a new life and I'll be sure to share when they're resurrected.

Hey, you.

2010-09-15T14:15:00.003-04:00

Stay Sweet.

Half empty.

2010-09-14T08:34:00.001-04:00

Meow.

2010-09-13T07:48:00.001-04:00

Happy Monday.

Sesqui.

2010-09-12T17:07:00.003-04:00

When Harrison and I were wandering around the few streets it took to get us from the car to Tower Theater in Philadelphia we came across this amazing looking storefront. I still can't get over the clean lines paired with interesting texture, a perfectly chosen font and the sky blue sky playing off the reflection at that very moment. Not to mention, Brownie's, the green building to the left of it really polishes off the perfection of the scene.

Basking in it's beauty.
I was happy we made it to the city at the most beautiful time of day, the golden hour. That time between afternoon and dusk when the setting sun turns everything a warm shade of yellow.

(Ironically we've just got a lot of open arms going on.) Including our parking lot photoshoot, the whole trip certainly put a nice spin on my first glance at a new city. I still remain skeptical of the whole state of Pennsylvania. At least until I come across another captivating storefront...

As the summer ends.

2010-09-09T08:37:00.003-04:00

I'll tell you about anything.

Incredible.

2010-09-08T13:01:00.002-04:00

Doolittle from start to finish plus b-sides plus a double encore. Heaven.

The Last Hurrah!

2010-09-07T10:50:00.005-04:00

ModCloth is offering some prettttttttttty cute stuff at their Last Hurrah Sale!

At approximately twenty dollars each, I think I may replace two old things in my closet with one new thing. That's the way things need to start working around here...ooh but which one?!

A little bit of sky blue.

2010-09-07T10:08:00.002-04:00

DEBASER

2010-09-07T07:42:00.003-04:00

Tonight.
Driving 5 hours there and back (Richmond to Philadelphia) for the first night of their US tour. Too. Excited.

Also, I dyed my hair to match Luke Valentine.