So Dave and I are experimenting a bit with our lives. He's working his ass off. And due to the results of his hard work, we were able to free me from my bullshit pursuits (i.e. jobs that get me no nearer my dreams). It's been two months. Let me tell you about it...
I am bird. Taking my creativity into my palms, making it mine day in and day out. Yet. When your days are yours and yours alone, you can't just bask in the sun. You'll rot inside. And so. I've launched Operation Self-Discipline. Some days I win. Some days I fail.
My New Work Life
1) So, each day, I must write. Not blog. Write. For at least one hour.
I am working on a collection of twelve short stories. Fiction. I have almost two done. I think the first one sucks. I am in love with the second. Each day makes me more hopeful. Stronger.
I also take time each day to study writing. I read short stories, break down their structure, highlight and underline. I also read writing advice books--internalizing what sounds right.
2) I am putting paintings up on Etsy. I sold two paintings, just posted a third, almost done with the fourth. When I post it, I'll post pics. That's a promise. I just want my store to be more full when I unveil.
Each day I must also put time into my art. At least an hour. I swear, when my music is on and I have that brush in my hand, I'm so at peace--so in love with the world.
I try to study art daily too. Read the manual for my new DSLR camera. Ugh. So dry.
3) Healthy eating and exercise. See-saw on the healthy eating, but much better than a year ago. I also attend prenatal pilates twice a week. Prenatal yoga hopefully starts next week.
4) Volunteering. I volunteer at least once a week with Voice for Children. I work with a girl in foster care. I "help" her by simply being there. This whole paragraph seems gratutious. But truly, it's important to me to do something NOT for me.
And there it is.
I feel so blessed to have this opportunity to focus on writing and art (let alone health and altruism). It is the actualization of a lifelong dream. The process itself fills me to the brim with gratitude. I believe that dreams are possible. I believe that if you put in the time, you can manifest your goals. I thank God that I have a husband that believes the same thing. And that he believes in me.
On the downside, I'm hella lonely! Not only do we still lack a thick social network here in San Diego, but without work, I'm by myself ALL THE TIME! Due to my preggo situation, I can't even comfort myself with booze.
And so, it's Friday night--I turn to you!
Showing posts with label I Heart Art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label I Heart Art. Show all posts
Friday, April 9, 2010
Sunday, January 31, 2010
My Head Can't Fit Through the Door
It's too big! The ego boosts from this weekend have inflated it! Firstlies, I got my first blog award EVER! Yup. Carissa at the lovely dove awarded me this:
I have to admit, as a fairly newbie blogger myself, i go to all these sites and see the awards wallpapering the sidelines and wondering, "hmmm....woes me, when will little ol' me get an award?" But alas, I wait no more!
Then, of course, reality sinks in. I kind of have homework now. Terms: To accept, you post with the award and link. Then, you link to approximately 15 new blogs you've found and enjoyed. Last, you notify your lovely blog buddies. Riding on my blog award high, I'm gunna be diligent and just get to it...
Note: I'm really going to take that "approximately" to heart and go with 7 tags. Because I'm kind of a slacker (and I truly don't know if I could genuinely list 15 new blogs i've found).
1. I'm going to just re-tag Carissa at the lovely dove because she is a newer blog I found that I really do enjoy. She's got the cutest colorful blog. Lots of great fashion and photos. She loves Etsy stuff, so she's posts all sorts of eye candy. Also: her giveaways are bomb.
2. Phoenix at Res ipsa loquitor. Because she's honest and open and she just seems like someone who if I met her in three-dimensional life, she'd be a great friend with exceptional conversation skills.
3. Steph(anie) at Unsweet Mama. She posts great music and also sometimes when she's feeling it, she writes real raw true thoughts. I dig that.
4. Bethany at Bloom. She's probably the newest newest I've discovered bumbling about the blogosphere. And she's delightful. She writes about gardening in a refreshingly quirky way. Case in point: her last blog was titled "hairy balls" but was really about some kind of plant. She is also artsy and writes about her life thoughtfully.
5. Lena from Bits on the Nippy Side. Because she's so feisty! And she swears. I tend to like swear words in blogs.
6. Laura from Piece of Cake. Such a beautiful blog! The pictures are divine, the words are poetry, and to top it off, she makes the best looking cakes EVER.
7. Perhaps you guys have some suggestions of other new blogs I might dig. Tell me your FAVE! Five of my faves that I've been reading for awhile are in my blog's righthand panel. Check them out, I really really really like them! (I realize this isn't really a tag).
O.k., donesies. To all the ones I've tagged, feel free to follow in my slacker footsteps and do five. That way, I kind of look like an overachiever, because, look at you, you only did five.
SOOOOO.....in other "can't fit my head through the door" news, I sold two paintings on Etsy this weekend!!! omg omg omg omg omg omg....
I posted three paintings a few weeks ago in my new Etsy shop. I didn't tell you. I know. I was afraid. And I'm still afraid to tell you, because now, I only have one painting there and it's not my fave fave. So I'm going to put more up and then I'm going to link it. Eventually. I promise.
I've never sold my art, only given it away. I've never taken it seriously, just kind of did it for fun. But per my New Year's resolutions and part of my blog's very purpose, I put myself out there. And WHAM! sold sold sold! Two pieces!!! Turned my world upside-down, so excited!
I better get to painting! Perhaps my life-long dream of manning my very own booth at an art fair will come true :-)
I have to admit, as a fairly newbie blogger myself, i go to all these sites and see the awards wallpapering the sidelines and wondering, "hmmm....woes me, when will little ol' me get an award?" But alas, I wait no more!
Then, of course, reality sinks in. I kind of have homework now. Terms: To accept, you post with the award and link. Then, you link to approximately 15 new blogs you've found and enjoyed. Last, you notify your lovely blog buddies. Riding on my blog award high, I'm gunna be diligent and just get to it...
Note: I'm really going to take that "approximately" to heart and go with 7 tags. Because I'm kind of a slacker (and I truly don't know if I could genuinely list 15 new blogs i've found).
1. I'm going to just re-tag Carissa at the lovely dove because she is a newer blog I found that I really do enjoy. She's got the cutest colorful blog. Lots of great fashion and photos. She loves Etsy stuff, so she's posts all sorts of eye candy. Also: her giveaways are bomb.
2. Phoenix at Res ipsa loquitor. Because she's honest and open and she just seems like someone who if I met her in three-dimensional life, she'd be a great friend with exceptional conversation skills.
3. Steph(anie) at Unsweet Mama. She posts great music and also sometimes when she's feeling it, she writes real raw true thoughts. I dig that.
4. Bethany at Bloom. She's probably the newest newest I've discovered bumbling about the blogosphere. And she's delightful. She writes about gardening in a refreshingly quirky way. Case in point: her last blog was titled "hairy balls" but was really about some kind of plant. She is also artsy and writes about her life thoughtfully.
5. Lena from Bits on the Nippy Side. Because she's so feisty! And she swears. I tend to like swear words in blogs.
6. Laura from Piece of Cake. Such a beautiful blog! The pictures are divine, the words are poetry, and to top it off, she makes the best looking cakes EVER.
7. Perhaps you guys have some suggestions of other new blogs I might dig. Tell me your FAVE! Five of my faves that I've been reading for awhile are in my blog's righthand panel. Check them out, I really really really like them! (I realize this isn't really a tag).
O.k., donesies. To all the ones I've tagged, feel free to follow in my slacker footsteps and do five. That way, I kind of look like an overachiever, because, look at you, you only did five.
SOOOOO.....in other "can't fit my head through the door" news, I sold two paintings on Etsy this weekend!!! omg omg omg omg omg omg....
I posted three paintings a few weeks ago in my new Etsy shop. I didn't tell you. I know. I was afraid. And I'm still afraid to tell you, because now, I only have one painting there and it's not my fave fave. So I'm going to put more up and then I'm going to link it. Eventually. I promise.
I've never sold my art, only given it away. I've never taken it seriously, just kind of did it for fun. But per my New Year's resolutions and part of my blog's very purpose, I put myself out there. And WHAM! sold sold sold! Two pieces!!! Turned my world upside-down, so excited!
I better get to painting! Perhaps my life-long dream of manning my very own booth at an art fair will come true :-)
Monday, December 7, 2009
The Hipster's Holiday Book-Giving Guide
Since we're all in the Christmas spirit, spending our hearts away and whistling to the classic holiday tunes, I thought I'd share ten of my fave books EVER (in case you're looking for gift ideas for you or others). These books touched my life in a profound way--either by blowing me away with their artfulness, enlightening my perspective on things, or just plain changing my life.
1. Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks - This book began my love affair with Russell Banks. This easy-to-read, coming-of-age tale of a troubled adolescent dabbling in drugs and homelessness displays all of the components I like in fiction: twisted, deep, vivid and well-written.
2. The Art of Happiness, A Handbook for Living - I've owned this book for atleast ten years, and it still sits near my bedside. The Dalai Lama, guided by psychologist Howard Cutler's questions, very clearly and simply explains the importance of compassion and how to cultivate it. It explains how to deal with suffering, overcome anger, and operate from a place of loving kindness.
3. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khalid Hosseini - While I loved his first book, "The Kite Runner," this book about modern Afghanistan (before, during, and "after" the Taliban's rule) shook me to the core. The haunting images in this book still make me shudder. While the history lesson enlightens readers, the personal story makes it sit like an anvil in the heart.
4. Student's Vegetarian Cookbook by Carole Raymond - At age 18, this was the first cookbook I ever bought. While I am not a vegetarian, I don't eat a ton of meat either. This book is just one of my favorites, years later!
It is so tattered and tore apart--it's sad. Many of the pages are burnt from when I accidently set the book on fire while crafting the very very scrumptious Broiled Zucchini Parmesan. I lost that recipe in the fire, but the survivors still make my mouth water. The recipes (think Easy Asparagus, Chipotle-Black Bean Chili, and Baked Bananas) are so quick and easy and tasty, ANYBODY would benefit from this book, not just students.
5. Loving Frank by Nancy Horan - This tale, based on extensive historical research, follows the intimate affair of the infamous American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, and his well-spoken mistress. Not only do you get a deeper understanding of the eccentric genius of Mr. Wright, you read a beautiful and scandalous love story.
6. A Long Way Gone, Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah - Written by a former boy soldier who lost his family and was forced to join the "government army" in Sierra Leone at age 13, this memoir speaks about Beah's tragic childhood and some of the gruesome acts committed by himself and the army. Removed by UNICEF from the violent war at age sixteen, he talks about forgiving himself and trying to heal. This eye-opening book sheds light on the situation in Sierra Leone and the complex forces of its perpetual violence.
7. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - O.k., the movie was pretty bad (minus the fact that Eric Bana is some pretty special eye candy). If you haven't seen it yet, or read the book, then please go purchase this book. Niffenegger's writing is artful and gorgeous and she crafts one of the most unique works of fiction I've read in a long time.
8. Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl - Frankl spent years enduring the horror of the Nazi death camps during WWII. His memoirs will disgust and enrage you as he details the unspeakable things he experienced. Also a renowned psychotherapist, Frankl's terrible experiences led him to craft a theory: man's motivation for living is the search for meaning. This is a philosophical and analytical book on everything from God, the afterlife, suffering, and ultimately, happiness.
9. Native Son by Richard Wright - A hefty classic, this fictitious tale follows a young black man in America who commits a horrific and senseless violent crime. It unapologetically weaves through the complex psychological and social fabric of race relations in the early 1900's in America. It's a thorough and thought-provoking work of genius.
10. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold - Go read this, quick, before the movie comes out! Like "The Time Traveler's Wife", I'm not sure how they're going to translate this heart-breaking and gorgeous work of prose to the screen. Either way, it won't be as good as the book, I promise you that. So go read it now. Easy-to-read, this book is really unique, sad, hopeful, and truly, lovely.
1. Rule of the Bone by Russell Banks - This book began my love affair with Russell Banks. This easy-to-read, coming-of-age tale of a troubled adolescent dabbling in drugs and homelessness displays all of the components I like in fiction: twisted, deep, vivid and well-written.
2. The Art of Happiness, A Handbook for Living - I've owned this book for atleast ten years, and it still sits near my bedside. The Dalai Lama, guided by psychologist Howard Cutler's questions, very clearly and simply explains the importance of compassion and how to cultivate it. It explains how to deal with suffering, overcome anger, and operate from a place of loving kindness.
3. A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khalid Hosseini - While I loved his first book, "The Kite Runner," this book about modern Afghanistan (before, during, and "after" the Taliban's rule) shook me to the core. The haunting images in this book still make me shudder. While the history lesson enlightens readers, the personal story makes it sit like an anvil in the heart.
4. Student's Vegetarian Cookbook by Carole Raymond - At age 18, this was the first cookbook I ever bought. While I am not a vegetarian, I don't eat a ton of meat either. This book is just one of my favorites, years later!
It is so tattered and tore apart--it's sad. Many of the pages are burnt from when I accidently set the book on fire while crafting the very very scrumptious Broiled Zucchini Parmesan. I lost that recipe in the fire, but the survivors still make my mouth water. The recipes (think Easy Asparagus, Chipotle-Black Bean Chili, and Baked Bananas) are so quick and easy and tasty, ANYBODY would benefit from this book, not just students.
5. Loving Frank by Nancy Horan - This tale, based on extensive historical research, follows the intimate affair of the infamous American architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, and his well-spoken mistress. Not only do you get a deeper understanding of the eccentric genius of Mr. Wright, you read a beautiful and scandalous love story.
6. A Long Way Gone, Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah - Written by a former boy soldier who lost his family and was forced to join the "government army" in Sierra Leone at age 13, this memoir speaks about Beah's tragic childhood and some of the gruesome acts committed by himself and the army. Removed by UNICEF from the violent war at age sixteen, he talks about forgiving himself and trying to heal. This eye-opening book sheds light on the situation in Sierra Leone and the complex forces of its perpetual violence.
7. The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger - O.k., the movie was pretty bad (minus the fact that Eric Bana is some pretty special eye candy). If you haven't seen it yet, or read the book, then please go purchase this book. Niffenegger's writing is artful and gorgeous and she crafts one of the most unique works of fiction I've read in a long time.
8. Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl - Frankl spent years enduring the horror of the Nazi death camps during WWII. His memoirs will disgust and enrage you as he details the unspeakable things he experienced. Also a renowned psychotherapist, Frankl's terrible experiences led him to craft a theory: man's motivation for living is the search for meaning. This is a philosophical and analytical book on everything from God, the afterlife, suffering, and ultimately, happiness.
9. Native Son by Richard Wright - A hefty classic, this fictitious tale follows a young black man in America who commits a horrific and senseless violent crime. It unapologetically weaves through the complex psychological and social fabric of race relations in the early 1900's in America. It's a thorough and thought-provoking work of genius.
10. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold - Go read this, quick, before the movie comes out! Like "The Time Traveler's Wife", I'm not sure how they're going to translate this heart-breaking and gorgeous work of prose to the screen. Either way, it won't be as good as the book, I promise you that. So go read it now. Easy-to-read, this book is really unique, sad, hopeful, and truly, lovely.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Day 53 - A Beautiful Day
Oh Sunday, you're lovely.
There's sunshine and birds. The coffee is creamy delicious. The cats nap like little lazy lions on the floor. Besides the machine gun rifts peppering the air from the spare room (where my number one Love wrecks HOURS of havoc upon digital soldiers in some imaginary video war), the sounds are sweet and light.
I am so calm-like, I can ignore the televised destruction and drag my paints out from the closet. It's an easy day of finishing. I varnish and coat the sides of my canvases with a dark wash.
Officially officially I finished my painting today...it's been awhile. I keep looking at it. Tilting my head. Trying to detach from it. But I'm kind of sort of in love with it, so objectivity is out of reach.
It's a small piece and I'd show you, but really it's part of a four-part series. I want you to see the overall vision. And also, truth be told, I'm a tad insecure. One wayward comment could wreck me. Not that I don't trust you, I do, but I don't trust me. I misread and analyze and I can't risk it. The paint is too fresh.
Dave and I are dating now; it's dinner and a movie tonight. I am going to go toss on a summer dress and brush out the tangles in my hair.
Oh Sunday, Sunday. I'm loving you loving me.
There's sunshine and birds. The coffee is creamy delicious. The cats nap like little lazy lions on the floor. Besides the machine gun rifts peppering the air from the spare room (where my number one Love wrecks HOURS of havoc upon digital soldiers in some imaginary video war), the sounds are sweet and light.
I am so calm-like, I can ignore the televised destruction and drag my paints out from the closet. It's an easy day of finishing. I varnish and coat the sides of my canvases with a dark wash.
Officially officially I finished my painting today...it's been awhile. I keep looking at it. Tilting my head. Trying to detach from it. But I'm kind of sort of in love with it, so objectivity is out of reach.
It's a small piece and I'd show you, but really it's part of a four-part series. I want you to see the overall vision. And also, truth be told, I'm a tad insecure. One wayward comment could wreck me. Not that I don't trust you, I do, but I don't trust me. I misread and analyze and I can't risk it. The paint is too fresh.
Dave and I are dating now; it's dinner and a movie tonight. I am going to go toss on a summer dress and brush out the tangles in my hair.
Oh Sunday, Sunday. I'm loving you loving me.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Day 40 - I Left My Art in San Diego
As I unscrewed the clean white tops of the new paint tubes today, I breathed a joyful sigh and smile. The fresh white canvas felt crisp and new out of the wrapper. As I filled a cup with water, I flipped through ideas in my head. After squeezing the thick paint onto the palette, I scooped the colors onto the brush and then pushed them into abstract shapes on the small 12 X 12 space.
What gives us joy is something to pay attention to. Didn't the master of the universe implant loves in our soul before we took up our human form? Isn't there a reason why I can't stand the sight of blood, therefore ruling out the medical profession? Or why I shy from unnecessary danger, ruling out skiing instruction or the army? I believe yes.
What action moves us and calms us at the same time? Watch for these. Make time for these. There's power in that. And transformation. It's different for each person. It's flying planes for one and taking photos for another. It's computers or buildings, music or numbers, gardening or teaching. Some may argue, 'i don't know what it is though.' But you do.
What gives us joy is something to pay attention to. Didn't the master of the universe implant loves in our soul before we took up our human form? Isn't there a reason why I can't stand the sight of blood, therefore ruling out the medical profession? Or why I shy from unnecessary danger, ruling out skiing instruction or the army? I believe yes.
What action moves us and calms us at the same time? Watch for these. Make time for these. There's power in that. And transformation. It's different for each person. It's flying planes for one and taking photos for another. It's computers or buildings, music or numbers, gardening or teaching. Some may argue, 'i don't know what it is though.' But you do.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Day 32 - Oh Art, how I need you...
Implementation of goal--"art for creation and consumption"--begins tomorrow. I am giddy over this one.
I'm thrilled because I love this kind of stuff. I love art. I love creation. I love color, shapes, lines, shadows, paper, paint. But my track record is sporadic. I finished some classes in college; I even briefly named Art my major. That is, until I found out my Creative Writing would cycle me out of college faster. While I tried to combine my two fave loves into one "interdisciplinary" major, the administrative gods wouldn't have it. And so I abandoned my charcoal sticks and camera lenses in the back of my closet.
Over the years, I've dragged out the glue and paint tubes, the canvas and decorative papers. And sure, I've blasted Cat Stevens from the laptop and made a mess out of the kitchen table more than once. Mostly for "presents from the heart" OR when I felt particularly lacking of soul--art proves the quickest way back to myself. I even went through a semi-serious stint of bookbinding and making, where I crafted some supercute journals and accordian books.
But what I've never been is consistent. AND I've never put anything out there. To sell. And I've ALWAYS wanted to. I know this because I'm insanely jealous of anybody else who does. And because when I see indie art on a coffee shop wall, I think to myself 'O why can't I do that?!' I may not be Picasso, but I think I got some talent (and you know my mom thinks so too). And most of all, I simply love the process. Isn't that enough?
My inner Naysayer says, "You need a Career darcy, not a hobby." or "What's the point of crafting pretty little trinkets? If it's not going to make you rich, it's a waste of time. Get a job loser."
Luckily, I already tried all of Naysayer's dubious instructions. And considering the whole "get a career" thing grew progressively lamer and lamer, I simply gave up on the whole darn thing! Now I can do whatever the f*%$ I want. As Janis says, "Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose..."
The concrete goal for my 'year of change' is to make one arty thing a week (anything!) and put it somewhere (anywhere!) with a pricetag attached. It could be etsy (a cool all-things-handmade website), ebay, a coffee shop, an amateur art walk, a website, a boutique store, a booth at an arts and crafts fair. Whatever it is, it just must be done.
So, I've decided to make WHATEVER I WANT every week. And I'm hopinghoping that one day, as I brush through this glorious process, that I'll zero in on a particular artsy thing (i love so much of it--photography, painting, book-making, printmaking). And I'm hopinghopinghoping that I'll be good enough that people will want to purchase my color and shape creations.
My secret little dream is that one day I'll man my very own cutesy little booth at an art fair (hopefully with a family member or friend ;-)!). I'll sit on a lawn chair under a straw hat. I'll smile at passerbys who comb through my artsy goods as they ooh and aah. I'm barefoot, drinking iced green tea in the sunshine. I'll hand out colorful business cards to my new patrons and friends, telling them, "Look for my booth at the neighborhood farmer's market too!"
I'm thrilled because I love this kind of stuff. I love art. I love creation. I love color, shapes, lines, shadows, paper, paint. But my track record is sporadic. I finished some classes in college; I even briefly named Art my major. That is, until I found out my Creative Writing would cycle me out of college faster. While I tried to combine my two fave loves into one "interdisciplinary" major, the administrative gods wouldn't have it. And so I abandoned my charcoal sticks and camera lenses in the back of my closet.
Over the years, I've dragged out the glue and paint tubes, the canvas and decorative papers. And sure, I've blasted Cat Stevens from the laptop and made a mess out of the kitchen table more than once. Mostly for "presents from the heart" OR when I felt particularly lacking of soul--art proves the quickest way back to myself. I even went through a semi-serious stint of bookbinding and making, where I crafted some supercute journals and accordian books.
But what I've never been is consistent. AND I've never put anything out there. To sell. And I've ALWAYS wanted to. I know this because I'm insanely jealous of anybody else who does. And because when I see indie art on a coffee shop wall, I think to myself 'O why can't I do that?!' I may not be Picasso, but I think I got some talent (and you know my mom thinks so too). And most of all, I simply love the process. Isn't that enough?
My inner Naysayer says, "You need a Career darcy, not a hobby." or "What's the point of crafting pretty little trinkets? If it's not going to make you rich, it's a waste of time. Get a job loser."
Luckily, I already tried all of Naysayer's dubious instructions. And considering the whole "get a career" thing grew progressively lamer and lamer, I simply gave up on the whole darn thing! Now I can do whatever the f*%$ I want. As Janis says, "Freedom is just another word for nothing left to lose..."
The concrete goal for my 'year of change' is to make one arty thing a week (anything!) and put it somewhere (anywhere!) with a pricetag attached. It could be etsy (a cool all-things-handmade website), ebay, a coffee shop, an amateur art walk, a website, a boutique store, a booth at an arts and crafts fair. Whatever it is, it just must be done.
So, I've decided to make WHATEVER I WANT every week. And I'm hopinghoping that one day, as I brush through this glorious process, that I'll zero in on a particular artsy thing (i love so much of it--photography, painting, book-making, printmaking). And I'm hopinghopinghoping that I'll be good enough that people will want to purchase my color and shape creations.
My secret little dream is that one day I'll man my very own cutesy little booth at an art fair (hopefully with a family member or friend ;-)!). I'll sit on a lawn chair under a straw hat. I'll smile at passerbys who comb through my artsy goods as they ooh and aah. I'm barefoot, drinking iced green tea in the sunshine. I'll hand out colorful business cards to my new patrons and friends, telling them, "Look for my booth at the neighborhood farmer's market too!"
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Day 18 - Bike Around, Bike Around
Energy very very low. I barely squeaked out my exercise this week, but thankfully the new bike saved me on Saturday. Pedaling around, staying present, is a present. I love the soft wind, the lush hills, the lucid flowers, the scuttling geckos across the sidewalk. Everything is so alive. I'm giddy about going slow enough to notice it.
And on Sunday, although staying home and sleeping all day into night enticed, Dave and I and Remy, a friend of ours visiting from Phoenix, loaded up three bikes in my now pristine purple pick-up, and we booked it to Pacific Beach--Remy's old stomping ground. The vibe resonates part college/part tourist/part like totally awesome. I dug it for sure. Lots of funky colorful odd-shaped houses, meandering beach cruisers (yea!), beefy dogs on leashes, ice cream shops, mosiac tile art, and open air bars and living rooms like altars facing the ocean.
All in all, I am feeling more and more at home here. And by home, I mean, like I belong here. Roots down in the ground, Branches reaching into the sky.
Saturday, pics of my neighborhood...
(right outside of my garage :-))
Sunday, Pacific Beach boardwalk...
And on Sunday, although staying home and sleeping all day into night enticed, Dave and I and Remy, a friend of ours visiting from Phoenix, loaded up three bikes in my now pristine purple pick-up, and we booked it to Pacific Beach--Remy's old stomping ground. The vibe resonates part college/part tourist/part like totally awesome. I dug it for sure. Lots of funky colorful odd-shaped houses, meandering beach cruisers (yea!), beefy dogs on leashes, ice cream shops, mosiac tile art, and open air bars and living rooms like altars facing the ocean.
All in all, I am feeling more and more at home here. And by home, I mean, like I belong here. Roots down in the ground, Branches reaching into the sky.
Saturday, pics of my neighborhood...
(right outside of my garage :-))
Sunday, Pacific Beach boardwalk...
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Day 17 - A Birthday Song
Canyon green lined road, there's more oxygen here with the artsy trees and their gravity-impossible heights. Their bushy silhouettes render like still lifes in the sky. Driving is haphazard on the California cut freeway, winding and grey and free form. It's quaint chaos as Sublime breathes out of the speakers, "It's sooooo nice. I want to hear the same song twice."
At work, the people weave in and out of aisles. I follow them, recommending walnut or honey frames, green and blue this or that, and oil paintings brushing out magenta Mediterraneans. When the power goes out, midday in bright yellow sunshine, my whole body relaxes. The actual color of the world is calming, and the actual sound of silence generates an immediate reflex--sigh of relief. We're quiet and real. Let's leave them off for now...
And the world won't.
At home, I think about my sister. It's her birthday today. I try to follow her birthday plans in my head with the clock. Picturing where she is and what she's doing. I make myself a video in my imagination of her laughing; I'm happy to see she's having fun. I am hoping and not hoping Nova will turn herself over today, as my sister wishes via her Facebook post. Can't she wait Stac, can't she wait?
At work, the people weave in and out of aisles. I follow them, recommending walnut or honey frames, green and blue this or that, and oil paintings brushing out magenta Mediterraneans. When the power goes out, midday in bright yellow sunshine, my whole body relaxes. The actual color of the world is calming, and the actual sound of silence generates an immediate reflex--sigh of relief. We're quiet and real. Let's leave them off for now...
And the world won't.
At home, I think about my sister. It's her birthday today. I try to follow her birthday plans in my head with the clock. Picturing where she is and what she's doing. I make myself a video in my imagination of her laughing; I'm happy to see she's having fun. I am hoping and not hoping Nova will turn herself over today, as my sister wishes via her Facebook post. Can't she wait Stac, can't she wait?
Monday, June 22, 2009
Day 12 - Gratitudes
I keep racking my brain for words for today, but am at a loss for picture thoughts. All and all, I feel really good, filled with gratitude. I am the start of a second week of not smoking, looking forward to the end of this week as that's when your brain starts to (mostly) forget to count the days and that you smoked at all. Until then, touche.
Worked today, and pleased to say I felt lovely and light. Customers and co-workers: smiling gentle people that I like. The art and color absolutely eases my transition back to work. As do my favorite ballet slippers.
As for exercise. Dave and I took our bikes out tonight! We rode, grinning and giggling like schoolchildren, to the aforementioned rattlesnake and mountain-lion infested canyon preserve near our house. With Dave and fast bikes, I felt much safer ;-).
Some pics of our first official California bike ride...
Worked today, and pleased to say I felt lovely and light. Customers and co-workers: smiling gentle people that I like. The art and color absolutely eases my transition back to work. As do my favorite ballet slippers.
As for exercise. Dave and I took our bikes out tonight! We rode, grinning and giggling like schoolchildren, to the aforementioned rattlesnake and mountain-lion infested canyon preserve near our house. With Dave and fast bikes, I felt much safer ;-).
Some pics of our first official California bike ride...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
