What makes a Happy Blog.

What makes for a happy blog? You! of course! Just some tips for making this blog navigation easier and more enjoyable. You can post comments without being signed up for Xanga. To read older entries, just scroll to the bottom of the page, and click Next or Older. Or click on the calendar at Left! Other than that, Enjoy! Peace, Love and Calm Seas!

Life - At Sea Level

Wednesday, 15 October 2008

  • New Blog.

    yes, I have another blog.
    Its going to be one that is for mostly, my etsy shop.

    You can read all about it here:

    www.atsealevelandbeyond.blogspot.com

    Currently Listening
    Let It Die
    By Feist
    Mushaboom
    see related

  • dork.

    Okay so I had this most marvelous weekend update all scheduled out for you all to read about today. It was going to be a lengthy three day post in which I had planned all my files for it out last night. And just like the DORK that I AM. I up and forgot it (the files) and my cardigan this morning on my way in to work. Now I'm without a decent entry today (somewhat) and shivering whilst sitting here typing you today's somewhat boring post.

    This weekend I spent most of my time - sewing - of course. I finished a really rad messenger bag along with an assortment of plastic wallets to post up today in my Etsy shop. I can't even update my shop today! I so the total dork. oh well.  Hopefully there is tomorrow!

    So to share a little bit of what all went down. I began sewing a second messenger bag last night made from a reconstructed t-shirt. And as usual my dearest little mascot, Mr. Buddy, got in on the action. I think he thinks HE is the one sewing.




    Here is a snapshot of part of the flap for the reconstructed t-shirt messenger bag. I still have a long way to go with this one. The bag exterior, interior, strap and finally sewing it all together. But at least I'm at the start.



    And then the next article of interest - that I had photos for - Yesterday I cut my own hair.
    Well, actually it was a two day cut. I cut it the first time on Monday. I wasn't pleased at
    myself of the length I had left, so yesterday I cut it again, a bit shorter.

    I know you are asking why didn't I just go to a salon. Well I'm kind of mad at the salons right now. Well not all of them. But one in particular. I have a really hard time committing to hair appointments apparently. I schedule these appointments a month in advance. The girl usually gives me a reminder call the day before and the day of.

    Instead for some reason, the last appointment I had, no one called me, so I missed the appointment, the head stylist/owner called me to say that since I missed their appointment, they would still have to charge me for the appointment anyway due to their policy.  - Okay, I've been to the salon at least 5 or 6 times before, and I've missed maybe 3 appointments prior to that in between due to having to work. The Salon owner and my boss are friends, so she knew why I had missed before - Of all the times I've been in -  NO ONE has ever made me aware of this "no skip policy". 

    And.... its not entirely my fault for this last time I missed since no one called to remind me. I mean how am I supposed to remember the exact time and day of my appointment for a month ahead, if I'm not reminded. Its not like I plan my whole month around it. I'm busy.. I have a million other things on my mind. They were to call me (like they call everyone else) to remind me to confirm my appointment. They never called. Anyway, I gave them a piece of my mind of what I thought. - So at the moment ... I'm boycotting the salon. And I'm nervous to book at other salons here - afraid that the others might be the same. I'm kind of a "I need a hair cut now... but on MY time that is convenient for me.. kind of girl"

    So... since I'm boycotting the salon, I took matters into my own hands. And of course, cut my own hair.
    I don't think I did too bad of a job. Maybe?  Here are the results:





     
    I was channeling a 1920's Louise Brooks feel. I think I got so much closer than I was at getting this cut at the salon. I always want this cut - an each time its rather a stylized hit or miss. So I'm rather pleased by MY results! Take that salon! Mr. D thought I had went somewhere and had my hair cut. He was like "no - you did not cut your own hair like that. you couldn't have. there is no way."  Oh but I did! ;o)

    I'm thinking this years "Mr. D and Me" Christmas card theme will be channeling the 1920s.
    Usually he and I have dressed up for other themes before. I'll share some of the ones prior:

    This was a year or so before. 1950's Christmas theme:
    I graphically put this one together. Though we really did dress up and pose. Separately.


    And then here are a few other staged photos we did for fun:




    Yes, I know. Aren't we a couple of cornballs. Poor Guy. Its my fault I con him into getting dressed up with me to take photographs. He doesn't like taking pictures. But I sure can con him into getting dressed up to do silly ones. So this year I'm scheming up a new theme and a new way to convince Mr. D to take just ONE more photo. *wink* But I think the haircut has inspired me for new ideas! hmmmmnnnn...
    muhahahahaha!
    Currently Listening
    Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi
    By Camera Obscura
    Shine Like A New Pin
    see related

Saturday, 11 October 2008

  • Interview.


    Recycled Magazine Paper Brooch/ Pendant by Beetnik505

    So I just finished a magazine interview for my Etsy shop - At Sea Level  (Click here to go There) And of course I can't remember the name of the magazine for the life of me. They are featuring Etsy Sellers who are environmentally conscious. I'm not sure what day it will be published on but I can still share that interview here with you all. So here is that finished interview -

    The Interview -

    1.  What is the art scene like in Florida where you're from?  How did you get into making art?

    To answer the first part of your question: The art scene here in my area in Florida is simply amazing. Its very open and welcoming. I have never witnessed a community so involved in the arts. At least every other weekend there are arts festivals, arts events involving the area museums, galleries, and theaters. Even the seafood festivals that occur have a strong following of arts vendors and the general public are aware of this and flock to the event not just for food, but to shop for handmade art. People really appreciate handmade art and wares here, so much more than other areas I've lived. Also at least once a month are what is called Gallery Nights, in which all businesses in the downtown district features area artists to give the general public a chance to meet the artist, view their works and basically have an all-around great time! A lot of artists obtain sells and contacts from these nights which in turn help support the local artists livelihood and make the community that much stronger.

    To answer the second part of your question, how did I get into making art? hmm. I guess I would have to say since I was old enough to hold a crayon in my hand. My dad has always told me that as a child, when I was old enough to clench that crayon, I was always drawing things, so much so that he was always impressed by my abilities of such a young age. I guess that creativity from drawing also bled over into craft works. I always would watch my grandmother sew and she taught me the simple basics of sewing from the ages of 7 or 8. She even bought me this tiny pink sewing machine (which was the equivalent of the easy bake oven) and this little machine literally sewed! So I was sewing little pieces of scrap cloth or paper together for my teddy bears and dolls. I was always "making something" all the time! Just as I do now but I never thought I could make art into a career until high school. My dad and my art teacher made me realize that I could actually draw and create for a living, it was then at that point, that changed my life and molded me into being more aware of creating art.
     
    2.  What drew us to your work is your contribution of 10% of the sales at the end of each month to The Ocean Conservancy - why is The Ocean Conservancy important to you?

    The Ocean Conservancy is important to me because I live in a coastal community, of course, just mere minutes from the beach - So I witness on a daily basis of what erosion, pollution and storms can do to the beaches and the wildlife that claim that habitat. For instance, this year our local area has lost sea turtle hatchlings from all the recent storms. There were 15 nests in our area, so far 3-4 nests made it, several others were washed away by tidal storm surge.  I guess I can say I've always been a fan of supporting marine wildlife, the Save the Manatees campaign has always been something I was always very passionate about even as a child when I had to do a school report on the endangered species. It was then what made me realize the dangers that these animals face, and sometimes sadly, because of people. Another reason why I love the Ocean Conservancy is that they address these issues of wildlife and more of the other concerns such as creating artificial reefs, By catch, Cold water corals, cruise ship waste, Entangled animals, Invasive species, Debris and Runoff, Overfishing and more, facing our waters. What I like about the OC is that not only do they work on a local level but more importantly a global level, and that makes me more than happy to donate what I can from my sales.  I'm hoping in the future that I can achieve more sales (not for profit alone) but mainly because I would like to increase the percentage of what I donate to the Conservancy. I just want to be able to give back as much as I can into the environment that we all share and enjoy for our future generations to have the same bar of quality as we do.
     
    3.  What other non-profits do you support?  How important is activism to you?

    The Ocean Conservancy is one I'm most passionate about. But I do try to support local area non-profits, national groups - like the Red Cross or the American Heart Assoc. or the Breast Cancer Awareness groups and I also donate to church charity causes, all of course when I can. These are definitely hard economic times. But even pennies to the dollar, every little bit helps! I try to support the Red Cross since they help out so much to those in need after times of disaster. I've witnessed this first hand from Hurricane Katrina. I lived along the Mississippi Gulf Coast during that storm. We stayed and rode the storm out and despite what most think, that area was totally obliterated to nothing. But thanks to many non-profits, church group efforts and the Red Cross along with local government assistance, people were able to pick up and rebuild. So supporting non-profits, local and national is very important to other peoples livelihood during those times of crisis. 

    To answer the second part of your question, I can't say or call myself an activist. I've never been too strong on that front. I'm more laid back in nature, activists are so much more so involved intensively about issues. I'd rather confront issues in a more relaxed approach, still feeling passionate, but confronting them on a more "what I can handle in my everyday life" scale. I can be active to issues by changing the ways I purchase and consume goods, by donating to groups, voting, by reducing intake and waste, and generally be more aware, taking small steps to be more conscious of life, the earth and its issues, without being too in your face about it. So I don't say I'm an activist. But I am actively aware and am doing my small part about it.

    4.  Do you have a green policy with your art?

    Yes. For the most part, I'm always trying to recycle, up cycle, or reuse things that others do not want or to reclaim life into vintage pieces. I do create the wallets from recycled plastic bags, but I also try to use reclaimed items in my other wares as well.

    In my art - I use ephemera from scraps that would have other wise have been tossed out for being exactly that- scraps. Sometimes I do my paintings or sketches on cardboard from boxes instead of using canvas, the jewelry I create comes from found objects, donated materials, materials I pick up from estate sales that could be tossed out afterward. I also create fabric bags as well, but the materials I use for those come from vintage fabrics I've been collecting over the years, reclaimed upholstery fabric that upholsterers would normally toss after completed with their projects, scrap fabrics from others sewing projects.     I've even begun to save metal scraps for my husband (who is my shop banner mascot) for his welding metal art projects.

    So I'm always trying to find things I can reuse or save to incorporate into my projects before searching to purchase something "new" to use. And even if I have to use something new, I search for Green materials.  Even my packing materials for shipping involves reusing newspaper, paper scraps, etc. The gift boxes I include for my jewelry is made from recycled materials. I also try to use twine instead of ribbons. Even though all the ribbons I own are reclaimed.

    I'm kind of a pack rat. But it works if you want to be green. As my Grand mother always taught me as a child - "Try to reuse things as much as you possibly can, before you have to buy something new. There is no use having to buy something, if what you have in front of you, is perfectly fine." She is definitely one to know, having grown up in the Great Depression Era, where you literally had to "make do" with what little you had. Her lifestyle from that Era has had a significant impact on me growing up. We always made do with what we had and that has crossed over now into being Green.
     
    5.  I love your recycle wallets - do you have a particular favorite?

    I love this question! Hmm. A favourite. Do I really have to pick one? I literally love all the little wallets and things I make and have a seriously hard time parting with each one. I put a lot of time, effort, hard work and love into each of all my pieces. And knowing that I'm reusing materials in creating these pieces makes me so much more satisfied in what I do. I get a thrill out of the thought that my creations are going to go on to a "good home". That they will have a new life from what sprung from a idea from my mind - Ideas in Action!

    But... I do have to say that my latest little Recycled plastic snack pouch wristlets are my recent favourite. Of course being we are nearing the holidays where Candy and Snacks reign Supreme! I like the fact that I can carry my Candy Corn around at arms length and if the Florida humidity gets things a little sticky, well i can wash out my little bag, air dry and fill it up again! That maybe my favourite feature of the plastic wallets - you can wash them! - since I can be a bit of a mess myself.  I have a regular customer who is a waitress, she uses my wallets as Tip Containers, since she can get mustard, mayo, ketchup and grease spilled on them, and she can wipe it right off. So she is always purchasing them for her waitress friends as well as herself in different colours and designs, as fun gifts since they are so affordable. That is another favourite of mine, others finding joy and utility in those items.
     
    6.  What inspires your current work?

    Everyday life and the obstacles I face on a daily basis of making life more practical. Other people, artists, or Etsians also inspire me. Blogs inspire me since I am a daily blogger. Usually its when I'm surfing the net and see something "new" and I think "hey, I can do that - but more practical." Or - the need usual comes from fulfilling a friends wish for something or my need to organize everyday items, to accessorize but in a economical practical and green way. And for another basic reason - I'm always daydreaming ideas. I just have to make something. Its the way I'm wired I guess.

    The recycled wallets came from the disgust of all the plastic grocery bags we had obtained within a week. I live with my husband and his brother. They eat A LOT! And their friends eat A LOT at our house! So buying groceries is a three times a week chore, in which adds up to a lot of bags! I thought to myself, there has to be someway to face this issue, to make something of all this horrid bags, something practical, something economical. Then I thought if we use this many - how many more are other families using! The thought made me sick. A friend shared information about the technique. So I started researching about plastic bag consumption and came up with the solution for making wallets from them.
     
    7.  Do you have any current projects coming up that you can tell our readers about?

    Well I'm always coming up with new projects. Usually it is what ever wave of sparked interest I'm on. I'm constantly working on making new plastic wallets. Although these days, my need for plastic bags, has exceeded our household consumption, I'm looking to friends and family donations of their bags to use toward making these wallets. It takes 8-9 plastic bags to make just ONE wallet! That is a huge turn over, which is amazing in recycling! So I'm always working on those... as supplies hold up.

    I've recently started making fabric bags from the reclaimed upholstery fabric, so I'm looking to make a few more of those for the shop. I try not to make too many all at once. I kind of wait until someone purchases something and make two more different ones to replace it. I've also started making hats since I worked out the pattern. So as winter approaches, you all may see more of those in the shop, made of course from reclaimed fabric as well.

    People may start seeing more wearable pieces in my  shop. I'm taking a fashion design class in November that will help me with my desire to learn how to become self sufficient in making my own clothing. I'm sure that will eventually make its way into the shop. I have more jewelry ideas in mind, but I'm waiting for the shops' stock to dwindle a bit before I make any more items. I have a bad habit of making a ton of things at once.

    My excitement for creating exceeds demand, I'm hoping that will change in the future, since I'm still "new" to Etsy. I'm also working on a second Etsy shop called Midnight Design Studios which will feature my graphic design work. That is my day job and schooled trade - a graphic designer - and I've decided to take my freelancing on a new level, in my quest to be more self sufficient and less reliant on having to work for "the corporate man".
     
    8.  I also love your sea-inspired/themed jewelry pieces - do you wear any jewelry daily?

    I do! I am employed by a jewelry boutique that sells "fine jewelry" from metal smith artists, the day job. So I wear that kind of jewelry when I'm there at work. Usually metal jewelry is quite costly due to the price variances of materials of silver, gold and steel. And while it is beautiful -     I also prefer the simple natural handmade jewelry that is more affordable to the common man/woman.

    So when I'm not at work - I do wear my own handmade jewelry as well as handmade pieces by other artists and friends. My Sea Impression necklaces convey a story of the sea and the life that it holds that is so close to my heart.  I LOVE creating those pieces and sharing the story and science with others. Creating those clay pieces also gives me a chance to put my sculpture background and my studies of marine biology into play.So I wear those items daily.  I get much attention from them. My photos do not do the pieces justice as in person. They are so much more organic in real life. I'm hoping to obtain a new camera to interpret that quality. The idea for creating the clay pendants came from a friend who is allergic to metal jewelry. I thought those people need a more natural outlet to accessorize. And so the clay Sea Impression necklaces were born.

    I am also working out a future collaboration with my fellow Etsian KM Knits (who currently gives her customers At Sea Level items as promotional gifts) to blend her knitted pieces and my clay Sea Impressions into Brooches that will be a nice Fall/Winter accessory.  That is another project I'm also working on and KM Knits is more than happy to collaborate on as well. We have such great teamwork with our two shops.
     
    9.  What are some of your favorite artisans?

    I can't say I have one favourite person. I dislike choosing a favourite since each and every artist is different, has their own style and interpretation of method. So I can't just choose one out of all. Instead I can appreciate so many different artists & artisans. I can like the works of Di Vinci, Michelangelo to Van Gogh, Picasso, Jackson Pollock and on the flip side all the way down to craft and domestic refinery queen Martha Stewart. Even all the way to the general common folk of my fellow Etsy sellers listed on my ever growing favourites page.  In my mind, they are
    all great for what they do! I just detest choosing between greatness!
     
    10. Leave us with a favorite quote - whether it be from a song you're listening to or someone who has inspired you.......

    I have two favourite quotes which suit my life perfectly - "Living well is the best revenge"  and " The great thing about getting older is that you don't lose all the other ages you've been." - Madeleine L'Engle

    Thank you for discovering my little shop and for letting me do this interview.



    Currently Listening
    Time (The Revelator)
    By Gillian Welch
    Red Clay Halo
    see related

Friday, 10 October 2008

  • Baytime Sunsets.



    Hi everyone!
    Happy Friday!
    Hope you all are having a good one!

    I just wanted to share some serene views of the bay
    just right down from my house and work. I work
    3mins from home and live just a block or so off
    the bay.





    The first overcast photo was this past morning
    on the way to work. The other ones of the sunset was
    going out last night to the island. We had just left the
    house and I looked out over the bay as we just started
    crossing the bridge and the sun reflecting off the bay
    and the clouds were just gorgeous! So I had to share
    God's Floridian Bay Beauty with everyone!

    Peace Love and Calm Seas!


    Currently Listening
    Continuum
    By John Mayer
    In Repair
    see related

Thursday, 09 October 2008

  • Peas and Carrots.



    Dear Peas and Carrots,
    I think you are gross. I'm not trying to be mean.
    But I've always thought you were gross.
    From the moments as a child when my Grams
    made me sit at the dinner table for what seemed
    hours until I ate each and every last one of you.

    Even now as an adult, you are always ruining my
    lunches and dinners, floating around in my soups
    or nuzzled warmly in my chicken pot pies, looking
    up at me, all with a smug little grin. I just imagine
    you are saying "I'll get you my pretty! And your
    intestinal tract too!"

    And why do you guys always seem to be together?
    Is a cardinal rule of all things culinary that you,
    Peas and Carrots, must be cooked together as one?
    Its disgusting! I mean I personally don't care for
    either one of you alone. But together! Its like an
    abomination to all things delicious.

    So as I try to eat my soup today, avoiding the
    possibility of one or both of you making your
    way into my utensil, and you always do!
    I just wanted to write you guys a letter to say
    I think your gross. Thanks for ruining my meal
    once again. How could I live life, better yet
    eat without a hitch? Maybe I should Thank you
    instead for my dramatic weight loss! Why yes!

    Thank you Peas and Carrots in all your swimmingly
    smirking disgusting glory! Without you, my waist line
    would not be slimmer.

    Lovingly yours, the finicky eater. - K
    Currently Listening
    Open Season
    By Feist
    Mushaboom (Postal Service Mix)
    see related

Wednesday, 08 October 2008

  • The Pink.

    This is going to be a three day post all jumbled into one.

    So its been a monsoon for at least two days so far.
    Here is peek out my back door of the nasty weather.

    Poor betty, all soaked to the core. This was Tuesday morning.
    Yes, daylight, around noon. That is how dark and nasty the
    weather has been. Despite the weather, it makes perfect for
    sleeping in, resting and getting sewing completed.

    I've been working on sewing the newsboy cap from the
    pattern I found this past weekend. The cap took way longer
    than I even expected. I had planned to work on several purses
    along with this, but the cap took all the time. But I'm sharing my progress anyhow.

    Saturday Night: Lying out the pieces of the peak, looked much like a nice pink flower. What fun!


    Sunday Night: Let the sewing begin!


    Monday Afternoon:
    Once I completed sewing the exterior halves of the peak
    I noticed that it looked like one of those Amish caplets
    the ladies wear on the peaks of their heads. So I thought
    in all fun, I'd put it on and take a few pics! I have to say
    I think maybe I may make a nice little Amish girl ;oD





    (Although I am sporting my painting apron, what a mess!)

    Tuesday Night: The finished product, one pink newsboy cap.
    I modeled for the Etsy photos as of this morning. I need to
    hire a model. I'm so tired of seeing my mugshot on those
    listings. ick! haha! ;oP



     










    So mission accomplished. Sewing my very first hat.

    The Pink - Newsboy Cap     is now listed in the shop.
    Check it out over At Sea Level in all its pink glory!

    Currently Listening
    Alabama Chicken
    By Sean Hayes
    Walkin' Down the Line
    see related

Monday, 06 October 2008

  • Review.


    Its a bit of a dreary day here this morning. Skys are overcast. So I decided to wrap up and take a moment to finish reading the book Faith and Betrayal written by Sally Denton. I should not have judged the book so impatiently in the begining as I had stated in a previous blog entry. For I have came to realize her purpose on the slow start to the begining, her referencing purposes for modern day scholars and historians. It was all to lay ground work of the ongoing historical events of the time to prepare you for the epic journey this one woman takes during her lifetime and the events (now famously historical) that shaped her livelyhood.

    I knew it was going to be a great book when it contains an opening passage of: "And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace" Luke 7:50

    I had planned on using some quotations from the book on my favourite paragraphs that would give everyone a jest of Jane Rio's struggle on the frontier. But of course, I had forgotten completely about doing this review, and had already returned the book back to the library.

    I will share at least the page numbers/ chapter title/ and begining/end quote to the paragraphs in which I had written down to share. In case you also check out the book, you can refer to these points of interest.

    Page 73 : Chapter Snags and Sawyers - "but for now she would brace herself - - - she would not see the world eyes wide shut". End quote.  Page 76 : Chapter Snags and Sawyers - "Now it was clear - - - never known was there." End quote. Page 137-138 : Chapter A Life of Toil - "No longer enamoured - - - the church institution." - - also including into the next paragraph "Though her home - - - nothing like pioneer life." End qoute. Page 139 : Chapter A Life of Toil - "I have tried - - - Learned her lessons on trusting words of men." End qoute.

    This book was a well worthy read. I literally read the majority in an entire day. It wasn't really much on feministic views of a woman's journey into the West. But more so her struggle as a widow, mother, and woman taking everything she had to her name along with her children and taking a chance on her Faith mostly in God and not as much on this new religion on Mormonism that she had been recruited from, to move her livelyhood from priviledge from an entire continent and across an ocean into a strange land and wilderness to absolutely nothing. sheer poverty. To which she discovers the zealous plots of Brigham Young and the secret of polygamy, that betrays her decision to converting to Mormonism, but strenghtens her bond to God and the basic faith of Christianity in general.

    Excellet book! I actually had regrets in having to return this back. It is definitely on my list of books to buy for my permanant collection at home. Though still too bad on my part that I turned it in before getting to write up some of the most magnificent quotes. Ah, but such is life in my forgetful head!

    I'm currently at the library now, writing this, so I am off to go explore the aisles yet again for my next read after my next upcoming book of Beautiful Dreamer written by Christopher Bigsby. And onto my other plans for much sewing today! More tomorrow! Peace Love and Calm Seas.

     

    Currently Reading
    Faith and Betrayal: A Pioneer Woman's Passage in the American West
    By Sally Denton
    see related

Sunday, 05 October 2008

  • Sigh of Relief.



    I'm finally finished with designing
    the Studio B website. Praise the Lord!
    I feel like I've got a 500 lb Fashionable
    Pink Gorilla off my back! phew!
    Big Sigh of Relief!

    It was definitely a lot of hard work
    and involvement to the tiny details.
    But I finally finished designing it, and
    uploaded it on to the ftp site for the
    tech guy to work his magic with it.

    So... I thought I'd share some of my
    most favourite pages with you all!
    Since no one in my area that knows
    the shop really reads my blog, thus
    I'm not spoiling the surprise of the launch.
    I just want to show off some of the hard
    work I've been putting in these past few
    weeks.

    Snipits of Pages from the upcoming website
    for Studio B. that I designed.

    The About Page


    The Custom Clothing Page


    The Shop Tops Page


    Pop Up Window for Product Images


    and lastly, my most favourite page of all
    The You Try Page


    This last page took way more time and effort than I was even
    expecting to take with it. And the final result from it, ended up
    making it my most favourite page! Weird how that happens.

    Its like over these past few weeks, I didn't even want to look
    at that page, much less have to work with it, and finally it all
    came together and now I love it the most out of all! crazy!

    But despite it all, and though I'm finished, I really enjoyed
    this project. It was fun and a great learning experience.
    And in the end, I am getting fashion design classes from
    its completion! So double woot! Now I can hardly await
    the website launch! Hurry up November!

    Man, I feel all mentally frisky now!
    I'm outta here to see what kind of celebratory
    creative mischief I can go get myself and my
    free little mind into! Peace, Love and Calm Free Seas!

    *all designs are intellectual property and copyright of Midnight Designs*


    Currently Listening
    Are You Gonna Go My Way
    By Lenny Kravitz
    Are You Gonna Go My Way
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  • Autumn Fields


    A pastoral scene of golden beauty...

    Come Up From the Fields Father
    by Walt Whitman

    Come up from the fields father, here's a letter from our Pete,
    And come to the front door mother, here's a letter from thy dear son.

    Lo, 'tis autumn,
    Lo, where the trees, deeper green, yellower and redder,
    Cool and sweeten Ohio's villages with leaves fluttering in the moderate wind,
    Where apples ripe in the orchards hang and grapes on the trellis'd vines,
    (Smell you the smell of the grapes on the vines?
    Smell you the buckwheat where the bees were lately buzzing?)

    Above all, lo, the sky so calm, so transparent after the rain,
    and with wondrous clouds,
    Below too, all calm, all vital and beautiful, and the farm prospers well.

    Down in the fields all prospers well,
    But now from the fields come father, come at the daughter's call,
    And come to the entry mother, to the front door come right away.

    Fast as she can she hurries, something ominous, her steps trembling,
    She does not tarry to smooth her hair nor adjust her cap.

    Open the envelope quickly,
    O this is not our son's writing, yet his name is sign'd,
    O a strange hand writes for our dear son, 0 stricken mother's soul!
    All swims before her eyes, flashes with black, she catches the main words only,
    Sentences broken, gunshot wound in the breast, cavalry skirmish, taken to hospital,
    At present low, but will soon be better.

    Ah now the single figure to me,
    Amid all teeming and wealthy Ohio with all its cities and farms,
    Sickly white in the face and dull in the head, very faint,
    By the jamb of a door leans.

    Grieve not so, dear mother, (the just-grown daughter speaks through her sobs,
    The little sisters huddle around speechless and dismay'd,)
    See, dearest mother, the letter says Pete will soon be better.
    Alas poor boy, he will never be better, (nor may-be needs to be better, that brave and simple soul,)
    While they stand at home at the door he is dead already,
    The only son is dead.

    But the mother needs to be better,
    She with thin form presently drest in black,
    By day her meals untouch'd, then at night fitfully sleeping, often waking,
    In the midnight waking, weeping, longing with one deep longing,
    O that she might withdraw unnoticed, silent from life escape and withdraw,
    To follow, to seek, to be with her dear dead son.

    Currently Listening
    Biggest Bluest Hi-Fi
    By Camera Obscura
    Shine Like A New Pin
    see related

Saturday, 04 October 2008

  • Two Months.


    "Little Tree" by Nature Mandalas

    "The city had withdrawn into itself  
    And left at last the country to the country;  
    When between whirls of snow not come to lie  
    And whirls of foliage not yet laid, there drove  
    A stranger to our yard, who looked the city,   
    Yet did in country fashion in that there  
    He sat and waited till he drew us out  
    A-buttoning coats to ask him who he was.  
    He proved to be the city come again  
    To look for something it had left behind   
    And could not do without and keep its Christmas."
    - an excerpt from Christmas Trees by Robert Frost

    I've realized, mostly from last night
    at Gallery Night, that its only two
    months until Christmas.

    Two Months.

    No wonder why all the Gentlemen
    were in a mad dash to find jewels
    for their ladies. A few even made
    purchases to hold until that time.

    So today, Christmas is on my mind.
    I definitely want to start shopping
    or even creating things early.
    I need to start making a list
    and checking it twice! ;o)

    I can never shop early.
    Not for the point in which I
    have forgotten about the Eve.
    No. Usually because my sheer
    excitement of the act of Giving,
    exceeds my ability to keep Secrets.
    Thus, I usually end up spoiling
    the secret due to that excitement
    and always tell off on what I got
    that person for the gift.

    Its terrible. I know.
    I think that this year the art of
    Tattle Telling won't be much of a
    problem. I have Distance
    between my loved ones and I.
    So that kind of puts a damper on
    my itch to tell.

    Anyway, I still need to work on
    my list for gifts. Start thinking
    about cards, mailing lists, etc

    I have so many dear and wonderful
    people I need to get gifts for that
    just thinking about it, almost sends
    me in a slight panic that I've started
    too late for shopping. I've calculated
    that I have six paychecks until Christmas
    and I need so start now if I want to fit
    everyone in on my list. eep!

    I have also been daydreaming about my
    future Christmas tree (Christmas is my
    favourite holiday for certain). This will
    be my first Christmas in Florida. And I
    want our tree to reflect that. So I plan
    on having a simple natural tree of mostly
    white lights, small shell ornaments that I've
    made myself from my beach walks, and
    also maybe some small fabric ornaments
    as well. I want a simple beach rustic tree
    design.The guys however may oppose and
    want something more flashy. But that is
    my thoughts. Least for daydreaming today.

    Sitting here in the cold a/c makes me think
    that I can hardly wait to see the colourful
    display of lights in the crisp cool air.
    And then I snap myself back to reality and
    think that I need to slow my roll. It is not
    even Halloween yet, or the delish Thanksgiving.

    Despite that, I still need to work on scouting
    out my list. That is one thing that IS for certain.

    Currently Listening
    Open Season
    By Feist
    The Simple Story
    see related

About Me

  • A Young Girl with an Old Soul. I'm a wonderfully small quirky gal who loves to anything crafty, creative, artful, + daring. I also love taking care of my wonderful husband + our Cockatiel, Mr. Buddy.

msdavionk

  • Visit msdavionk's Xanga Site
    • Name: Kim
    • Birthday: 5/23/1981
    • Gender: Female
    • Member Since: 2/5/2008

Archives

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About Me

  • A Young Girl with an Old Soul. I'm a wonderfully small quirky gal who loves to anything crafty, creative, artful, + daring. I also love taking care of my wonderful husband + our Cockatiel, Mr. Buddy.

Pulse

Projects Currently Involved With

Nichos Surprise Rak Mailer

Sketches for patterns on an assortment of new bags

Paper Making

Making new Fabric Handbags

Sewing Newsboy Hats

Making Lists for Christmas

Designing websites and freelance designs for clients

Fave Website and Blogs

http://www.atsealevel.etsy.com

http://etsyteamnfcr.blogspot.com/

http://www.rockytopstudio.com/

http://www.thepinkcouch.blogspot.com/

http://www.endoftheday.typepad.com/

http://www.layersofcolor.com/blog/

http://ruebee.ning.com/

http://www.maidenoftheking.blogspot.com/

http://www.ahighcalling2007.blogspot.com/

Books I'm Reading

Faith and Betrayal - A Pioneer Woman's Passage Into the American West - Sally Denton

Beautiful Dreamer - Christopher Bigsby

Music and Movies I'm Currently Obessed With

Music - Band of Horses : CD - Everything All The Time

Movies - Mona Lisa Smile

Blades of Glory