Target vs Walmart continued....

This ABC party was kind of a big deal. I've mentioned I like costume parties before. It's not because I like pretending to be someone else so much as I like the creativity that comes from coming up with an awesome costume. I wanted to make sure my costume was the best, which it wasn’t, but I am ok with that. Anyway, so after looking up some basic ideas I narrowed down my dress to 2 options. I wanted to either make one out of m&m wrappers or corn husks. I looked at the dress from a financial perspective and realized that cornhusks would be a much better option, so I decided to stick with that.

So, I make my trip to Target. I bought a cake mix and icing, some cups that I decided would make an awesome bodice and create some texture, 20 stalks of corn and some trash bags to make a kind of slip. I go home that night and as much as I want to start my costume, I decide to bake my cake first. As soon as I get my cake baked I realized I was pretty wiped. So I throw my stalks of corn under the counter and decide I'll get to that later.

The following day when I get home my roommate tells me some interesting news. Luna, her ever so lovable 50 pound Florida Brown Dog (aka. mutt) somehow got her way up on the kitchen counter. She removed my icing from a plastic bag, which I am still amazed she was able to do with our tall counters, and then proceeded to eat the entire thing!!!!! Luna ate my entire $1.27 container and boy was she hyper!! So, I took her fat butt for a run around the block, trying to dissipate some of her energy and marvel at her feat. She amazes me because she will endlessly eat. I think she never got rid of that "street" mentality. She was on the streets at least a full year before Laura acquired her and I sometimes think despite the fact that she is fed plenty that she fears it will stop. So, I knew I was going to need to buy more icing soon.

Needless to say, I stayed busy a full week before I was ready to start my costume. I had 3 days to construct the vision in my head. I went to grab the cornhusks from underneath the counter. I found a nauseating surprise there. They had all molded! Of course, I should have thought of that. They had previously been refrigerated and I left them in bags. So I plugged my nose and threw the nastiness in the trash. It meant I had to go shopping again. I was a little irate with myself because of it but there was no choice. I was in a lazy mood so decided I'd make the trip on my way home from work. However, I'd hit up Wal-Mart since it was on the way so, more convenient.

Every time I walk into Wal-Mart I remember why I hate it. For one, it is always packed but it is also so unorganized. Since it is more convenient, I deal. I decide to replace my icing first. As I walk down the aisle, I twitch ever so slightly at the state of organization. It takes me a little while to find the brand and flavor I want. I see it out of the corner of my eye and decide to glance at the price as I put in it my basket. Wait a sec, $1.39? You mean a full 12 cents more…what? But Wal-Mart, you always advertise that you are cheaper. How can this be? I begrudge the place but I still put it in my cart. Then I went off to replace my corn. This again is a little hard to find and when I finally do, I start picking up stalks. I check the price and realize its 20 cents a stalk. Really Wal-Mart? Twice as much as Target????? How is this freaking possible? Whatever though. I’m here. So I start counting stalks. How many do I grab? 12. Because that is all they had. I’ve already bagged them, so I don’t want to put them all back. That just seems so wrong with produce. Not sure why, it just is. So I check out and head to Target. So much for convenience.

When I walk into Target I am practically singing its praises and apologizing for cheating on it. I have now proved it is not more expensive and literally I glide down the aisles to where I know the corn awaits. I know there will be enough and I am just so thankful that some stores understand how to keep a place organized. I am singing a little song in my head, “Target, target how I love thee! You are clean and oh so right. More than that you save me money! Rest assured I will come here only from now on!!!!” As I stand in front of the corn I start stuffing stalks in and again glance at the price, what a sec…30 cents a stalk. How can this be? It was 10 cents just last week. Uh, Target, did you not hear my song? Do you not understand, how can this be? Uh, so now I spent $2 originally. And another $4.80 tonight. GRRRRRRRRR! Now I just feel stupid. Whatever Target, at least you are clean. So I go to checkout and I’m kind of relaying the store to the cashier, telling her it made me sad the prices went up. And then she says, well Sarah its actually only 10 cents a stalk. Must have been marked wrong. Really? Oh Target, I love thee again.

So, what's the moral of the story? Target>Wal-Mart. In every possible way. Go to the place it is really cheaper and do yourself a favor. Seriously! Target, Target how I love thee!!!!! (If you were thinking it, yes the tune is something similar to a popular hymn. When I make songs they generally have the tune of one of the random songs in my repertoire. Is what it is dude.)

Target VS Walmart

I could not blog tonight and go a whole month without doing a single blog. However, there is part of my little wakeful self that feels that would be proving defeat somehow. SO here I am sitting at my desk trying to remember the million blogs I almost wrote. I was talking to Heather Heather about this occurrence. I may not actually blog that often but I secretly want to do it daily. I find myself writing blogs in my head all the time during the day. I am witty and interesting and oh so fun. Yet, they ever get written down or if they do, I feel they are never as good as I originally intended. Any fellow bloggers do the same? The following will be a blog I should have written long ago I had since forgotten about. However, since it popped back into my head, I feel this incredible need to share.

Everyone knows that Walmart is cheaper than Target. ASK anybody and my guess 98% would agree. I always have believed that wholeheartedly.

I also think that we are all innately a Target or Walmart person. There are benefits to each. Walmart is known for low prices and being open 24-7 (a college students dream especially when they work 5 pm to 3 am in the Taco Bell drive thru and hit up the club on their days off)! However, Target is always neat, organized and seems to have a better quality product despite slightly higher prices and shorter hours. Needless to say, for most of college I was a Walmart girl because of their hours but now, I am a Target girl. This does not mean I will not go to Walmart on occasion, it just means I prefer it less. I mean their are blogs devoted to the people of Walmart. SERIOUSLY CHECK THIS OUT!!! It seems a simple choice.

Last month I had an ABC party. For those of you who do not know, this is an Anything But Clothes Party. This does not mean you come naked. It simply means you make a costume out of something other than clothes.

This story will be continued tomorrow.

Remember, Simba....

It is so funny how easy we forget. There are lots of little events that make up our memories. I am so curious how our brain determines, "Remember THIS!" and will take a whole other event and throw it out as if it was unecessary. It amazes me. What's more is scientists do not even really understand how we do this. It is a mystery. We do know that a memory can be jogged by smells, emotions and even sound.

When other senses are used we have the capacity to remember more. For example, when I was a kid I distinctly remember one time my Dad came home from a business trip. He'd been gone a few days and I was restless, so I went roller skating around my block. I had been ready to do another loop when I saw him so I jumped onto the grass to stop myself. I waved like a maniac as he turned then decided to run full force into his arms. One problem, I still had on skates. I went maybe three full lengths before hitting the pavement at top speed. At which point I fell back on my butt. This did not feel good and I almost died of embarassment. I don't remember if I cried, though it's likely, but I do remember my Dad jumping out of the car and running straight towards me to make sure I was ok. This is an odd memory to keep, but it was tied with emotion. AND PAIN. I think that's why women tend to remember everything and guys tend to forget everything. Face it, women are always full of emotion!

Last Sunday, we watched a video for my bible study. They mentioned art and culture in it. They also had a short video with Makoto Fujimera. It brought back a lot of the memories I have of New York City. I met Makoto, actually got to go to one of his lectures. If you've never heard of him, he started the International Arts Movement. Don't know what that is? Look at this page. It is really interesting what they have been able to do. It reminded me that I haven't done a very good job of linking my passions together, the way I did that summer. Just thought I'd share.

Just as an FYI, I forgot about my doctor's appointment I was supposed to have this morning. And, if you don't know where the title came from, please go rent Lion King. Cause I just can't waittttttttttttttttttttttttttttt to be Kinggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggg!

Babies, Babies, Everywhere......

My past few weeks have been way exciting. I have a lot I need to share. It will be coming over the next few days....

My cousin's son was baptized last week and I was named Godmother. It was pretty amazing. He is turning out to be the cutest kid!

Then on Monday, I went to a wedding and Chandra was there with her son, Cooper. Cooper is quite possibly one of the cutest babies I have ever seen. He laughs and almost makes me want to have kids some day.


These two youngin's almost make me want to have kids. Almost because they are the perfect blend of their parents. Almost because seeing their personalities develop has been so rewarding. Almost because to be able to do such a thing as have a child....something that physically complicated....is a wonder. However, it is almost because right now I am husbandless. Aside from the fact that I am extremely selfish. So, that's life or making life as I know it. :)

Sea turtle???

I've been busy lately. Maybe that is the understatement of the century. I worked a grand total of 56 hours over Memorial Day weekend. I've been taking on more and more responsibilities at work. I'm trying to actually spend time with my family, new friends, and older friends. It's a lot. I am not here to complain though. I am here to talk about my new favorite hobby.

If you don't have a kayak you should get one. I've only been on 3 little trips but the sheer joy of each is indescribable.

Trip #1: My best friend Laura, Heather and I went down to a park down in south county and launched. We found out that Luna, quite possibly the cutest dog ever, will sit on the back of Laura's fishing kayak and chill. This was actually my first time ever kayaking. You can imagine how nervous I was. See I bought my Dad's kayak from him not even knowing if I liked it. If I hated it, I was kind of $250 s.o.l. Turns out I loved it. Also, that my arms are way way way way way out of shape. That is getting better though. It was overall, eventful and a complete blast. It reminded me why Florida is honestly one of the best places to live.

Trip #2: Laura and I went to the War Veterans County park that neither of us even knew existed having lived in this area all our lives. We made a small island our destination. Luna chilling again on the back of Laura's kayak and me by my lonesome. Funny thing is, Luna is not a fan of water. Chest deep is about as far as she will willingly venture. So, we really don't know what would happen if she gets scared while Laura is paddling away or if her kayak is ever in danger of tipping. On our way out I see a couple dolphins. Awesome but not entirely unusual in Florida. We get to the island and Luna was so happy to be back on land. We look around, I collect a few shells and we realize we must go camping on some such island over the summer. That will happen soon enough. On the way back there is a whole family of dolphins between us and our launch site. Laura and I decide to keep our distance since we don't know how Luna would react. The dolphins just play though, all 4 of them. I smile to myself and wonder how I got so lucky to be here in my own little paradise. Laura and I weren't quite ready to go in yet, so we grab a side of each boat and soak in the setting sun. As we sit there we hear a burst of air not 6 feet from us. We assume....dolphin and Laura grabs Luna just to be sure. As we look over we realize it is not a dolphin. In fact it is a sea turtle. A live WILD SEA TURTLE. Needless to say, it was a first for this Floridian. And stinkin' AWESOME!!!!!!! Eventful trip :)

Trip # 3: Laura and I launch from the beach. Her parents have rented a condo, so we can temporarily store our kayaks there for awhile. I'm stoked! We paddle out and I mention that we should really teach ourselves what to do if we flip. Mostly cause we both aren't really fans of rivers and are so used to the gulf. We paddle a ways but decided to just chill out and absorb the sun. We chatted for a good long time. Then check our location and realize we've floated south of the condo. So we paddle back north against the current and decide to stop again before we head in. As I turn around, I end up parallel to a wave and I'm trying to turn and the current does it's job. I flip. I was in stitches. I had to say we needed to learn what to do if we flip! I should probably mention I have a white water kayak. It is meant to deal with serious waves but you should never go parallel. I knew this, but hey I'm new. I try three separate times to get in. Each time laughing harder. Laura was in a state too. I just can't seem to get in without it rolling. I tell her to just paddle her in. Yeah, not so much. Apparently I am an awesome anchor. We try one last time, I get onto her kayak. It was a snap. Then oh so cautiously jump onto mine. It was hilarious.

Three trip and three ridiculous events. I know it wont be like that every time. Not gonna lie though, I am totally hooked!

In other news, I finally moved out of my parents house and am now living with Laura. It's awesome.

THINGS

I find the older I get, the more stuff I accumulate, and the harder it is to find a place for it. This is why I have a storage unit chockablock full of crap I haven't missed in over a year! (Although some of it is furniture and things I would use if I had my own place)

At work, I've been making an attempt to organize everything. I've also been making the attempt to accomplish this in my room. I probably wouldn't care so much but when I want to have computer time that is now mandatory room and desk time. Forced upon me because of the tragic death of Lappy. I mourn over it because for the past 6 years I was not restricted. So, now that this restriction is there I want a haven to come home to. Not the tragedy one might call a room. For those of you who know me well, you know that for a solid 7 months in college I slept in my bedroom a handful of times. Opting instead for the couch. WHY? There was no room to get to my bed.

This disorganization has been a constant. Something I attribute to my artisticness. Yes, I realize I just made up a word. Artists are not to be organized creatures. After all, most great art comes out of mistakes and random impulses. This may be why I will never be a "great" artist. I am not whacked out enough. No Andy Warhol here. I make no plans to cut off my ear because of a man (or woman as in Van Gogh's case) and I certainly am no Basquiat.

I must say though the Chaos in my room rarely bothers me. It is a space for me to sleep in and no more. For now though, it must be my studio. Therefore, I need space. And I wish beyond wish I could let go of this sentimental attachment I carry to things. I've settled on taking pictures and trashing the unusable, un-recyclable, ridiculous objects I do not need. I plan on selling some of the things that I think have the possibility of being valuable to someone else.

In other news when it comes to life, I am just plain in LOVE.

I'm in love....

with Julie Powell. Yes, my obsession with Julie and Julia has gone a step further. I told you a post or so ago that I bought the book. Verdict, it is absolutely delicious. I have no idea if the food was good! What I do know is Julie made me laugh and almost cry along with her. Granted, it doesn't seem to take that much to make me tear up these days. lol. I loved the book better, which isn't so unusual. Whether she realizes it or not the reason she is so lovable is that she is so deliciously human. You just can't help to cheer her on. Even knowing there was certain disaster.

The funny thing about it is, I feel so connected when it comes to how lost she is. You see, I have a pretty strong faith in Jesus. You may or may not know this. That faith keeps me constantly questioning exactly what I am doing with my time on Earth. It is what drives my decisions. It may sound strange to you but it is very true. I keep wondering what I am going to really end up doing with my life. Especially in the area of employment. I love helping people get a good night sleep. I'm also going to be heading up all the interns that our joining our team in 2 weeks. That said, I have no idea where I see myself going long term. This is not something unique to me. I think that is why so many people fell in love with Julie. We are all a little lost and one day we realize we have no idea where we are going.

And that my dears is just fine! If we really knew where we were going, life would get pretty mundane fairly quickly. Then where would the fun be in living?

In other news, my computer is home and set up proper. I miss having a laptop already. Adaptability is a necessary feat. Especially since very soon I am revamping my artisticness. That is to say, I have plans for bowling pins, necklaces and some designy stuff. I'll keep you updated on that front for sure!

Till next time.....

Running, running.....

I mentioned before that some friends and I are doing our own little biggest loser competition. Well this week started my new workout week. I did cycling Monday, running Tuesday, gym workout on Wednesday and I went for a walk today. I've certainly been enjoying it.

I want to talk a little more about my run on Tuesday. I didn't just run by myself. I took my friend's dog Luna with me. Luna is a ridiculously adorable dog. She is a mutt, who is absolutely loveable and super well behaved. I'd adopt her myself if my friend didn't do so first. She is the sort of dog that just sits on a kayak when her owner is paddling away, she sits at the table at restaurants that allow it and doesn't try to take food, and she doesn't need to be on a leash. Pretty darn perfect in behavior and 50 pounds so just about the perfect size. Well, on a run she is pretty perfect too.

For one, Loony Luna is pretty high energy. She can run pretty fast at a sustained pace. However, she doesn't run as fast as she can, she is nice and runs my pace. Not going to lie, a dog being in better shape than you is more than a little blow to your ego but she kept me motivated. I ended up going 4.5 miles, walking only about a mile of that. That is pretty darn amazing. It didn't remotely feel like.

I learned some things about Luna on our run. She doesn't chase after anything except for rabbits. She is not a fan of traffic, so I will not be running along busy streets. Other than that, I forgot how crazy people are. Specifically one guy apparently was running out of gas. As I was running and had right of way (and he had no turn signal) we continued running. He was nice enough to yell "Get out of the way B$@#%! I'm about to run out of gas!" I was happy I had Luna for protection from crazies. Overall, enjoyable run.

On the downside, my laptop is dead. It'll take me awhile to get a new one. That makes me a little sad.

Turn the Pages

I remember why I do not go to the bookstore on a regular basis.

I walk in and I never quite remember why it has been so long. The other day, I was on a mission. I'd decided I wanted the Richard Castle "Heat Wave" novel. For those of you who do not know, the book was written by one of four popular mystery writers with Castle as the auther to follow with the ruse that the showhas taken. I thought this was wildly clever and had to read it. With a mission in mind, I stepped into borders.

After I quickly found what I was looking for I remembered that Ellen was on the cover of Shape. I decided to buy that as well. When I walked across the store towards the magazines there was a table of buy one, get one half off. After a brief perusal I saw that Julie and Julia and Always Looking Up by Michael J. Fox were there. So naturally, I added them to my arms. As I continued they had a bin of books $4 and under. Upon inspection I found 2 more novels that looked rather amusing. Including King Dork and some book about a female in the Dada movement. I would also have you note that there were several books about Tiger Woods in this pack of misfits. I shifted to the magazine rack and got my Shape. I then remembered how much I wanted to buy "Eat, Pray, Love." However I decided I was already a little out of hand.

So, $60 and one hour later I was on my way home. I know exactly why I don't often go into bookstores. I'm already through the stuff I went in to get and I'm sure I'll get through it all quickly. It happens I guess.

Blast from the Past

So I read through my blog. Not every sentence of course but skimmed it. I write a lot about wanting to paint. I've failed pretty miserably on actually doing any painting for the most part. I think that will change soon. I've been trying to come up with some good ideas all day. Like I said, when you don't have the constriction of school, art becomes a little more difficult.

I once had this assignment to appropriate another artist. We could straight copy a famous artist or we could find a painting we really loved and take the basic idea and meld it with our own. I had watched a ton of Art 21 pretty close to this assignment and so I decided to pick one of the artists from that. I had really loved Michael Ray Charles paintings.
Like this one
I found one similar to it and came up with this.
Single White Female

The scale of this was pretty large if you don't see the person on the couch behind it. It's 5.5 feet tall and 4.5 wide. Largest painting I have still done to date. It inspired a lot of conversation about using out life experiences as a scape goat. Taking advantage of ideas about blonds. However, since I have been blond and single the majority of my life I think I have every right to paint about it. I was also just a little bitter the summer that I painted it. I believe Michael Ray Charles has the right to paint about the image of African Americans. he has dealt with plenty of stereotyping and strife. For what? All artists can do is commentate and expand on our experiences. This doesn't mean our art has to be the sort of in your face kind that makes people squirm, but if you are a part of the stereotype you have the right to. That is my two cents anyway.

I want to share an artist I recently heard about who happened to go to my high school. His name is Michael Vasquez and he too paints about his experiences. Check out his work.... Shown here
as well as this site that talks about the work!
It was very interesting.

Still deciding what to paint about. Hopefully will have actual artwork soon.

One thing I just love about.....

Blogging. It isn't so much the writing I love. Overall, I feel that is probably on of my weaknesses. It's not so much the sharing of my brilliant ideas, cause I doubt I ever really truly have those. It isn't even the fact that other people may read what I write, although that fact is kind of cool. I love blogging because to write about something I am forced to do a little research. So, on a day where I have seen all of two people at work I can catch up a little on the blogs I in fact follow. Can go here to Cup Of JO and find a link to some awesome jewelry that ultimately leads me here to the jewelry blog. This is how I find awesome new things that inspire me to get out of my lazy quagmire and start creating again.

It doesn't hurt that last night I went to an art show downtown. This is something I have not done in over a year! Sure, I've checked out a few galleries on vacation but I am not the one who recommended it. I have been realizing lately that I may, may have enough talent to actually sell some of my work. I just have been in this funk where I have not given myself time to do so. With a little encouraging from some friends I actually talked to the owner of the gallery last night to see when the next show will be so maybe I can submit something to hang next time around. I forgot the passion I had for all this. It has always been there, but I am an artist that goes through phases. After so much schooling in the subject I was left lost and without direction. However, I am ready to take hold of my art future and am reminded that 90% of the people who major in art drop it within 5 years of graduating. I will not be a part of that statistic. I'm going to give it a try.

As a side note, I don't remember how I got this link. I know it was through someone else's blog but keep reading this one. She is amazing at illustration. Frankly, I am just jealous.

We're painting the Roses Red

I recently saw Alice in Wonderland in 3D and in IMAX. I'd heard some not so nice things about the movie. It made me sad because Tim Burton movies tend to be some of my favorites. Bizarre settings, plots, characters and the like just tickle me pink. Somehow I always end up totally absorbed and holding my breath. I'm not sure why this happens but since I saw The Nightmare Before Christmas I have been hooked.

Like I already stated, I'd heard so many bad things about Alice I thought about not going. However, I just can't resist and I never take anyone else's opinion on movies. Often when people love them and they are award winning, Gran Tarino, Babel and Precious. Mind you I understand why people loved these movies. I just did not. I have to enjoy some part of a movie to say I like it. They were ok, I understand their merits from a film perspective but I did not enjoy them. They left me frustrated the majority of the movie. When frustration > enjoyment = I don't see the point of watching it.

I really enjoyed Alice in Wonderland. I can see why some people were less than impressed but I loved it. If you also want to go see a new 3D movie please go see How to Train your Dragon.

I recently decided I am going to read Alice in Wonderland. I am a little nervous to. Disney has a way of taking the true terror and oddities out of fairy tales. They water the stories down to mostly good stuff. Don't believe me? Look up the old tales and read the way they were really supposed to happen. When I read Charlie and the Chocolate Factory I just didn't understand how the book could be so drastically different? However, Alice was one of my favorite stories. So I am determined to do it no matter what.

As a side note, I am going to try and get some more bowling pins painted in the next couple of weeks.

Vegas!!!!!

It is odd what sticks in our memories. The way our brains filter information is just fascinating. We have these little supercomputers which I am convinced contain much more information than any supercomputer created. Our brains control everything in our body. Take away a small part and there are massive repercussions. I say all this because I recently went to Las Vegas. It is a strange city and it was not my first trip. It really is the city that never sleeps. One thing that is particularly interesting is that the people who go there seem to lose all inhibitions probably induced by alcohol. It is by far one of the best places to people watch though. There are two main things throughout the trip I want to share.

1. Canadians are hilarious. Drunk or sober. At the poker table I was constantly laughing with my Canadian friend whose name I never found out. Then later that night my best friend, her parents and myself ended up at the black jack table with two rambunctious Canadians there for a bachelor's party. One was Derrik and the other was Sean. When we were absent of drinks they would scream "CockTails!!!!!!!!" It was fun.

2. I am always a fan of looking at new art. I found some art by Anja V. Some of these paintings are pretty awesome. Especially Koi 9 Panel. Take a look here.

I think that is all for now.

Golden Apples

I have a very old iBook. It's the G4 and it was brand new in 2004. That almost makes it ancient in computer world. I'm reminded sometimes when I have trouble downloading stuff from websites. For the most part, it is golden.

The other night I dropped it. I went into panic mode. The last time I dropped it the prongs that plug in and charge the battery broke off into it. A $150 repair. I was scared as all get out. However, I was lucky. Not a scratch. Of the 5 times I've dropped it I only had to do one repair. Apples must be made of steel. I will never own any other brand. That is the sort of loyalty apple creates. It is one of the reasons Apple is not hurting despite the fact that the economy is down. My favorite thing is that when apple realized that the prongs would break in the charger, they created a cord that is magnetic to charge. They are on the edge of innovation. I can't wait until I eventually get a new one.

As a side note, my friends and I are doing a little competition. It's called the Biggest Loser Remix. I am way excited for it. You can get some more details here. The Biggest Loser Remix

Persona

I would love to be one of those bloggers who actually took time to write on a daily basis. For several reasons, one I think this blog helps me to process some of what is going on in my life as well as keeps focused when it comes to creativity. Once upon a time I was schedule with assignments to do art projects. I need art to live. It keeps me sane. I forget this though when not forced so in this was, the blog is my accountability. Two, I just wish I had the time to do all the things I wanted to accomplish in life. Blogging is one that I really enjoy, much to my surprise. Though I'm not even sure if people are reading me. Oh, such a Julie and Julia moment. I do need to read that book.

I've come up with several topics to talk about but I hate when these posts go all over. So, I'm going to stick to one for today.

I had a stupid pop up window yet again when I woke up this morning and decided to drag myself on the internet. It was one of those pesky ones saying download the new firefox. I'd ignored most of the week and decided I might as well let itself update now instead of continuing to postpone it. So, 3 minutes later it's updated and for possibly the first time ever I read what updates are available.

Apparently you can use what Firefox likes to call persona's. That is a sort of personalized border that goes around the window. They have thousands of options and some are rather fun. Yes I wasted a whole half hour of my life digging through most of the trash and testing them out. I decided on one called Green Grunge. i rather like it. I also like the fact that I can change it when I want to. This apparently is free. Free is good. I really enjoy the fact that the internet is now adapting to how users are. It is one of those things that I think makes it so popular as a medium. You can't take a book and change the cover to another one because you get tired of that particular image. You can when you don't like your myspace background (although I knixed my myspace because I hated those stupid backgrounds). However, if you decide to get your own persona and I suggest it, here is how I sorted through them all.....

1. Make sure your tool bar is still readable. I know I am not the only user with tabs. Some of the personas change the type color but they do so in a way that makes it unreadable. This is bad design, don't subscribe.
2. After testing a few, realize what colors you like. I realized darker looked better. So stick with that so you don't spend hours on them all.
3. Try to choose one not everyone has. I decided I wanted one that only 500 or less users had. This is new so that's easy. Just don't go with the flow and choose one of the most popular. if you are going to do this try and be unique.

Also, for some reason they have way toooooo many Megan Fox persona's. I do not get that. Enjoy!

Strike!!!!!!!!

Sometimes the best way to really get your creative juices flowing is to challenge yourself with something new. Whether that comes in the form of a new medium (I’ve been dying to try glass blowing) or by switching up the regular process. I share this because I want to tell the following story.

My Dad’s side of the family owns a bowling alley in Live Oak. Live Oak is this really small town and the bowling alley there is the only one in a 60-mile radius. I worked there over the summer and loved it. The people were ultra friendly and particularly talkative with the new girl. Besides that, I loved getting to know our regulars. This is the sort of the thing that can never happen in the suburbs. We just mass-produce everything. I can think of three bowling alleys that really aren’t far from my house, maybe ten minutes each. I can drive to multiple Publix, Walgreens, etc. Not in Live Oak, you never have two of the same chain. Normally it is one chain store and a Mom n’ Pop store of the same kind to choose from. I loved it for that month but realized the pace of a bigger city is needed.

In my boredom my Aunt did give me an interesting idea. Take the bowling pins that are beat up and paint them. She gave me three of them. Well, they have rolled around in my trunk for some time. For Christmas my bible study decided to do a white elephant exchange. I was at a loss as to what to bring. I was not supposed to spend more than $5 but free was more desirable. I left it until last minute as per usual and I only had fifteen minutes before the exchange. It dawned on me, I still have a bowling pin. So, I wrapped it. Lo and behold it was on of two gifts to actually be stolen! I told the final winner I would paint it. He gave me no direction, but three months later I finally did something with it. You will see the results bellow.










This is the sort of things that makes me love art. That you can take some ordinary object and make it extraordinary with the swipe of a brush. I’m thinking of buying some more pins and painting them. I may even sell them. Although first I must obtain a few more pins.

Disappear....I think not.....

Last month I probably posted less than any other month. That's probably because instead of thinking about creating, I actually was creating. I'm going to share mostly images this blog. What a change?

The girls and I have found this great little place where we can choose some pottery to glaze. It's so fun. Here is what I have been making.

30 things under 30......

*************spoilers from Julie and Julia*********

I had to put spoilers at the top because I talk about some of the plot. There is nothing I hate more than knowing the end of a movie or book before I get the chance to experience it myself. Even the minutest detail. It is that pet peeve which brought this pointless little paragraph. To continue.

Upon graduating college I was feeling rather unaccomplished. I have so many things I want to do in life. It's odd. I was watching Julie & Julia the other night and this was maybe the fourth time I had seen it. Mind you I have rented it each and every time I have watched it, it would be much more economical to just buy it. I digress.

Julie says she feels so lost and lately I have felt much the same. I am at this point in my life where I have no real direction. I'm kind of floating in the water and trying to decide which way to swim. There is this part where Julie is completely crushed because she realizes despite her efforts she has gotten her hopes up for a book contract. I had been thinking about this simple plot twist for several days now. Why? We all have a grandiose dream. That perfect dream we are pretty much positive will never ever happen. Whether that dream is being an author, famous artist, singer, inventor or professional athlete. There are some who go after those dreams and fail and others who go after them and succeed. I've just always assumed I would be the failure. This attitude has kept me from really giving it my best shot.

Believe me, I used to be the classic overachiever. I was salutatorian in high school. I busted my butt studying all the time. I excelled. Yet, I was never the best. When I was younger I wanted to be the next Lisa Leslie. She is one of the best WNBA players if you didn't know but I let asthma get in the way of playing basketball. I let that dream go. Then I wanted to be a great artist. However, I soon discovered this was not the most natural thing. I gave that up. Then I just wanted to be the best in school to get into a good college. I accomplished that. However, the stress left me having the worse episodes because I have Crohn's. College I just wanted a degree and a social life. The thing I had missed in high school because of the grades I strived for. I accomplished that. Now I'm at a Crossroads.

It was with this contemplation I'd remembered a list I made upon graduation of UCF. A list of 30 things to do before I turn 30. I have some catching up to do. I thought however in the moment I'd share.

1. Skydiving
2. White water rafting
3. Bungy jumping
4. Live in another country
5. Visit several coutries
6. Have defined abs
7. Own a big dog
8. Run a marathon
9. Start a new magazine
10. Live in a State other than Florida
11. Learn to surf
12. Own/ride a motorcycle
13. More tattoo's
14. Get belly button pierced
15. Write a book
16. Read all books on the list "100 books by college"
17. Find a job I really enjoy
18. Bowl an average of 150/160
19. Take a seminary class
20. Become closer to God
21. Go on a missions trip
22. Teach someone to really know Christ
23. Help change the world in a tiny way
24. Learn to box
25. Actually hurt my brother once when I punch him
26. Teach a spinning class
27. Motivate/help others with Crohn's
28. Make a pie completely from scratch
29. Horse back riding
30. Swim with dolphins

So of those I've accomplished...12-I've riden on the back of one. Still want to own a motorcycle some day. 14. Loved it even though it closed up after surgery. 20. I think I'm on the way with that...that will always be a work in process. 29. Did this summer with my family in Live Oak. Four down....26 to go. And that puts me on track. I'm also training for that marathon. I'll update this list in another year and let you know how I'm doing.

P.S. I've actually been quite creative this past month and that has been part of the reason I have not been updating. Sorry readers if anyone actually reads this little blog. There will be more coming soon.

It's that time of year again....

Project Runway is starting again. It makes me very happy. lol. Especially since two of the guys are from Orlando and Tampa. It's way exciting!

I wanted to bring the cartoon Chowder to your attention. The story isn't always awesome. However, the visuals are very moving. The background has that old school watercolor painting a visually stimulating atmosphere. Some of the characters wear patterns that move with the action. Here is at least a still photo but try and catch it on Cartoon Network or hulu.


I need to start updating more. opps!

Mishy mashy.......

I've been in desperate need to paint and am seriously thinking about foregoing sleep to do so. I've just been so busy working and having a social life I feel like I haven't had time to paint. I have had some time to look up some good inspiration.

I straight up just love the name of this site. It's contents are kind of cool too. The logo is also adorable!

The standard for web design is getting much better. When you work with the web you are dealing with a living breathing monster. The difficulty lies not in the fact that everyone sees a page differently, but blending use and design in a cohesive and interesting way. With print design you mostly concentrate on catching someone's attention. That is the main goal. With web design you have to think about function and how someone reads and navigates much more. You can have an awesome looking site but if I can't navigate it, there is no point. This fact is why I'm having so much trouble figuring out what to do with my own website. That's just how the story goes sometimes.

As a side note. I saw a mirror that reminded me of this painting from Art History. I googled "1400's wedding mirror pregnant painting" and it popped up real quick. It makes me laugh that I remember pieces from art history down to minute details but have problems remembering the name of the artist and painting. Granted, art history was 10th grade year(about 8 years ago). Anyway, here it is, Jan Van Eyck's Arnolfini Wedding Portrait.


And since the post is mish mash I must add something else. A Blog I've been reading. and the following that I took from it. I should let you all know. I have an obsession with Chick-fil-a. For a multitude of reasons.The top three being: 1.The chicken is delicious. 2. When you say thank you they always say, "My pleasure." I do not know why that gives me so much happiness but it never fails. Their customer service is better than anywhere else. 3.They are a good company. All this factors in to why I love this following collage.

Ring in the New Year....oh 2010!

When every new year comes around I always wonder where the heck the past one went. Time goes by so darn quickly. Wishing you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR! My resolution....to actually try and do this once a week. We will see how that goes.

I found this cute clothing site. I plan on ordering some of their dresses soon. :)

CUTE CLOTHES!