So I was browsing my facebook newsfeed when I saw that someone from my high school just posted photos of a recent photo shoot she styled and directed (and shot, and most likely did hair and makeup for). First of all, wow, the photos were fun, lovely, and really nicely done. Great job Jessica!
But this one got my eye because I now know, that I want an inner finger tattoo. Something that would peek out when talking, (which would happen often, since I not only am fluent in sign language but gesture with my hands a lot), but not be very conspicuous.
Ever since Tiana mentioned how much she liked Rihanna's tattoos, I've been interested in her inner finger tattoos especially.
Really. Cool. Look up her other tattoos if you want, she's got a bunch and they are all kind of adorable.
So, yeah, I think this will be it. Annie, let's go. It's tattoo time. Well actually in a couple weeks because I need to get paid and stuff...But after that, it's tattoo time. I don't know what of, (again, probably something religious-esque or spiritual) but I am one step closer to finalizing that.
No, I wouldn't get a Lisa Frank unicorn...but it is adorable.
Something simple and linear, like this tie fighter:
But not a tie fighter.
Something graphic and simple would be nice, but with more personal meaning than an angelic coffee cup. Probably something religious.
I've always wanted a wedding ring tattoo...but...yeah.
This tattoo is a pretty design, but inked in an unexpected yellow! I like that idea...
Back to religious symbolism, the person who owns this tattoo said that she wanted a serious subject (Christ's birth) delivered in a different and happy way. I love this idea. Christmas is everything good and holy to me, so I would say that she had a great idea! (Would not get a tattoo this big though. I want something small. Tiny.)
I love the idea of sign language being used, but would definitely not do something this modeled.
I love the idea of this being on the inside finger. It is dainty and hidden but a fun surprise!
3 things I love: the fact that these top two are paint brush marks, genius; the tininess of the diamond done in subtle and unexpected pink; and the lack of outline on these gorgeous dia de los muertos skeletons.
And, just for fun, one of the NUMEROUS Harry Potter tattoos that I came across. Fantastic font.
Today was what I call a day to "take care of business." (Side note: I hate that song) It was a day to check off my to-do list, and not be lazy in-between check's.
I have junk to take care of in California, that I can't do while I'm in Washington, and I got a ton done today. And, it was probably the worst type of junk anyone can imagine spending their day doing: renewing my license at the DMV, and paying a fine at the courthouse. The courthouse was easy, but the DMV was more challenging.
Whoever here dislikes the DMV, raise your hand. Everyone? I thought so.
I had to wait for two hours to get any progress, which sounds horrible, but in the meantime, my grandparents picked me up and took me out to lunch! I came back and waited only about 1/2 an hour until my number was called. Not too shabby. When I was done at the DMV, I met up with my friend Megan and had a lovely conversation with her. Then I came home, dyed Easter eggs, and watched part of Toy Story with my little brother (he's 1 year, 10 months old). Then, me and my step-sister participated in some Tim Tam Slams...
It was just a pleasant day.
I really want to post pictures that I've taken while I'm here, but my uploading capabilities at home are limited. Check back Thursday.
P.S. from C.S. Lewis:
"What does not satisfy when we find it, was not the thing we were desiring."
School! I banish thee to the nether-regions of Seattle. To the gutters of 3rd and Pine, or better yet, 3rd and Virginia. But still you follow me home. Registration difficulties, emails from teachers, grades! Stop it!
Is it horrible that I seriously do. not. care. about grades this quarter? Yes, it is. But, one thing that the difficulties of this quarter has taught me is that when it comes to choosing a better grade versus personal wellness, I choose personal wellness. 9 times out of 10. (ignoring the whole staying up until 5:30 am thing, that was a fluke). But honestly, I am just the type that sees more value in drinking a cup of calm tea before bed than spending those 10 minutes erasing pencil marks. And this quarter has been nothing short of hellish, I really don't expect very good grades at all. So why stress over it? What's done is done, and considering my state of mine, I've fared quite well, thank you very much.
That said, I really do hope to get a good schedule going for Spring quarter. And I hope to come back with a vengance. Take that, art department. Boo yeah.
In other news, I LOVE TARGET. I have gone to two different Target stores in the past two days, and it has been heavenly. The Targets in Seattle, I swear, are SUCKY. And far away. (1 hour by bus, no thanks). This is hard on a girl who relied on Target as her "go to store." I could get anything there. Greeting cards? Target. Cheap, adorable clothes? Target, please. Toiletries and the occasional magazine? Lets go to Target!
So far, I've purchased black tights, a flowery skirt, some glittering nail polish, and a makeup brush.
Today, I went to church with my mom and little brother. I noticed three things about the service that struck me:
The first is that I have never in my memory heard the story of Jesus healing the deaf and mute man. I don't know how this escaped my memory, but I don't remember hearing it. I liked hearing it. It was different. Jesus signed to the man, pointing to heaven and touching his tongue before healing him. Being a person who has grown up involved with the deaf community, this spoke volumes to me.
Secondly, I love the hymn "I Surrender All." I didn't sing it, because I would have cried, but it was beautiful and comforted me.
Last, Romans 8:26-27 fits perfectly for me and my present emotional difficulties. Here is the text:
"In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."
I have been subjected to so much pain lately, and I sometimes had no words to express my heartache. I did nothing but groan, weep, moan, and cry out. I am happy knowing that as God is healing me, I am finding more words to express myself, and more strength to do so. It is not easy, but knowing that God even hears my most senseless noises is amazing.
This is my current view of the SeaTac airport. If you didn't know, I'm going home for 10 days! Home = California, and I am very proud of the fact that I am not taking a coat with me, because it won't even be necessary! I'm thrilled!
I'm at Tully's (got a $10 gift card from work, boo yeah), and I just finished that bowl of red curry (yes, I packed my own lunch to the airport). Yesterday I went to a get together for my friend Joshua's birthday at Jai Thai in Fremont, so I didn't want to waste my leftovers! It was entirely too spicy though, and that flavor mixed with my Tully's almond latte was not. good. It tasted like alcohol...not in the good way.
So, I love the SeaTac airport. I used to think that SFO was my favorite airport, but I haven't been there in a while, and this one is so much fun. There is art EVERYWHERE. Art by Rauschenberg and Stella and Nevelson! My favorite piece, if you can even call it a piece, is the fact that the water fountains in certain parts of the airport play babbling brook noises when in use. So instead of hearing a dull stream of water hitting stainless steel, it sounds like the most untouched nature is providing you with a sip of filtered water. It is really charming! Even where I sit, I see art. (In the background of my photo you can see some sculpture pieces hanging from the ceiling and nestled in the corner.)
Not to mention that this airport has so many shops. So many. And restaurants. And coffee shops. Flying is so fun. I know it can be an amazing pain, and inconvenience, but it really is an amazing privelege.
First of all, what is up with Ok Go having all these really silly and interesting music videos? My room mate just showed me their video for This Too Shall Pass. It's really amazing! When I was a kid, I was always so interested in Rube Goldbergs. Basically, they are chain reaction contraptions, or essentially machines, made of everyday objects. Watch this video and you'll see what I mean. It's a good one.
Also, in my attempt to keep this artsy, I found this video on Madame Lamb. The song is 70 Million by Hold Your Horses, and has tons of art history references in it. It's really fun, watch this one too.
Sunday:
On Sunday I worked an 8 hour shift at work, got off late, missed my bus, and missed a study group. I decided to go to the art center and gesso my last wood panel, since my 5 pigeon paintings were due the next day. I gessoed away, with much of it ending up on my peacoat :(. Then, I came back to my apartment, and began to finish 5 paintings. My only break was when Joshua drove me to The Grinder for a latte (dark chocolate raspberry, mmm).
I ended up staying awake until 5:30 am. If you know me, you know that this is virtually impossible for me to do. I cannot stay up late. I typically start to get sick and achy around 1 am. I have no idea where my energy and stamina came from, but I think it was a combination of constant Lady Gaga music, the latte, and an act of God.
Monday:
My paintings did get finished, I got 4 hours of sleep after that, and my final went very well. I got some good feedback and lots of nods of approval! Soon I will post a picture of the set. The whole class did excellently, and it helped that Gala brought us all coffees and pastries from Tully's. I set off for my day feeling accomplished, slightly loopy, and feeling like a true college student.
Then, as I rode the bus to work (another 8 hour shift that got cut into 4, thanks to someone willing to cover for me), I began to feel sick. Soon, I had a migrane pounding my head, I felt like simultaneously throwing up and crying for the rest of the day. I finally got off work and headed home so I could take a 1 or 2 hour nap before studying for my other 3 finals. But, as much as I wanted to, I couldn't sleep. How frustrating is that? I tried all sorts of relaxation techniques, but no go. I crawled over to Bethany's apartment and pleaded that she would play mom to me, and make me soup. That angel happily obliged and with two bowls of soup, bread, tea, and water in my stomach, I went to bed at 11:00. So, it is confirmed. Heaven cannot do all nighters. That day was awful.
Tuesday:
So, as you can imagine, I got absolutely no studying finished on Tuesday. Absolutely none. I went into all three of my finals utterly unprepared, and still feeling the aftermath of yesterday's sickness. I think that my art history final went okay, which is amazing, seeing that I am not the hugest fan of that class. My perspective final is incomplete, and I hope to finish it today. And, my history class final was basically a bust.
But, I'm done. And alive.
Did I mention that right now I am finishing up a series of paintings about pigeons? The 5 pieces are done on panels, and I have about 3 almost done so far. The series is called "Pigeons are Heroes." because, they are. This series is for my Painting Studio class, which is taught by the amazing Gala Bent, and it is such a fun class. Once a week, about 6 students gather, discuss art and each others' series, and paint. We often listen to KEXP, which is quickly becoming my favorite radio station. One time, we went to Ambach and Rice in Ballard, which was the most enchanting field trip that I have ever taken. Such a laid back class, full of support and creative people, I am going to miss it.
I also have a project in Perspective drawing class that will be due next week. My job is to design my dream studio's exterior, placing trees and architectural details in perfect two-point perspective. Yipes. It is a challenging class, but also fun, since my teacher, Laura Lasworth is a riot! An amazing riot. And a great teacher, I have learned a lot about perspective, which is a drawing subject that I have gone through great lengths to avoid until recently. This project is even enjoyable, since I have the liberty to customize every and any part of my dream studio building. My current rough draft has several happy chickens pecking in the yard, as well as a window box full of flowers.
In addition to these projects, I also have a 3 page book report on Witness by Whittaker Chambers due soon, an essay question final in my West and the World class, and a final in Western Tradition II (AKA Art History II).
And thus ends the most challenging season of my life, Winter quarter. I have two days of finals next week, and then I am through. Wish me luck!
Oh yeah, P.S.
These are the only things I have been listening to. Pretty much, Debbie by Architecture in Helsinki is the only "neutral" song out there that brings purely positive memories, not to mention it makes me want to actually get out of bed! success. And yeah I know these songs are really old hat, but they still charm me!
If you want the "real" video then go look it up on YouTube yourself, because it is more like a video chopped up with a sketch comedy piece, and defeats the purpose of the song.
For the past few weeks, I have been extremely lethargic. This post a a challenge to myself: DO SOMETHING. Then, you get the privilege to write about it. Or just feel good. Now, go.
edit-
As of 4:14 I have washed the dishes, cleaned the kitchen, swept, cleaned the dining table/living room, washed & dried my clothes, taken out the trash/recycling, "got ready" (which means put on makeup to look decent & blow dry your hair), and looked up fonts online.
That isn't a whole lot of activity, but it is more than anything I have done this week combined.
What I have been doing instead of homework, and basic housekeeping: Eating. Chocolate.
My work has had numerous amounts of seasonal chocolate on sale, as much as 90% off. Being that I get 10% off food products in addition to the sale price, I have been purchasing an unholy amount of sweets. It is presumed that for the past 4 weeks, 90% of my diet consists of chocolate or chocolate based products (this is a rough estimate).
First, I went through a bag of Valentines Day themed Lindor Truffles. Bethany and Jordan later surprised me with flowers and a heart shaped box filled with more Lindor Truffles.
Next, I purchased Tim Tams from my work, and have perfected the infamous Tim Tam Slam.
The heart-shaped box of Ghiradelli Squares (again, from Valentines day) went on sale for 75% off, so I bought 2.
Finally, I have been consuming large amounts of Nutella on toast.
The funny thing is, I used to not even have a huge sweet tooth. I used to prefer "actual meals" to desserts and candy. I recently discovered how chocolate really is a method of self-medication. I know this is bizzare and demented but it is so true, and so delicious.
Two Thursdays ago, I was able to go to the Seattle Art Museum, which is always a delight for me.
I just love museums. I love them. They positively make me tingle. Being in the presence of so much art and creative process and history honestly fills me with energy! So, even though I was required to go as part of my art history class (somehow makes everything fun, less so), I was happy to be spending a couple hours amongst art of excellence, not stuck in a dimly lit classroom.
So, the two paintings that stuck out to me the most, were right next to each other. Paysage d'Hiver aux Bord de la Seine by Henri Matisse and Fishing Boats at Etreat by Claude Monet.
Claude Monet
Ok, I couldn't find the painting by Matisse online. Which is really frustrating...I feel like if a piece exists, and is known to belong to a significant artist, and is in a major city's museum, then a copy should be available online. Anyway, the Matisse and the Monet were placed right next to each other, and it was a beautiful pairing. It made me happy to observe them both together.
If you know me, you probably know that I have loved Claude Monet since about age 6. When I was a kid, the only poster that I owned was a Monet water lilies print. I had a video that I enjoyed watching called "Linnea in Monet's Garden," a sweet cartoon about a young girl who travels to Monet's gardens at Giverny with her nice old man neighbor/mentor. I was given a giant pop up book of Monet's gardens, along with some fancy coffee table books and postcards of his gardens and artwork. I've had a great relationship with this artist, for about 17 years! Seeing any Monet piece makes me feel kind of nostalgic, along with the fact that I really love his artwork in general.
Anyway, seeing art in real life is so much better than seeing it on a screen! It is emotional and tangible.
When I saw Monet at the Legion of Honor in San Francisco in 2006, I truly realized this. This exhibit was a dream come true, and seeing every brushstroke, every impasto dab, and his choppy signature made me feel electrified. I cried.
Monet's Brushstrokes
The pass that I used to get into the SAM with my class is good until the middle of this month, so I hope to take full advantage of it! Plus, the pass is good at the Asian Art Museum and the Olympic Sculpture Park. I predict an art filled week...
Now that I have Tiffany the Great's mini computer, I have been finally catching up on my friends vlogs.
Honestly, when I noticed that my friends were starting to post blogs, I was skeptical. "Those are going to be awkward to watch," I thought. I felt like watching my friends chat into a camera would be as awkward as video chatting, or video skype (something I have not done and am very wary of).
But, after watching Vanessa's first vlog, I realized that it was not awkward at all. In fact, I really enjoyed watching it! Seeing my friend and hearing her voice was really comforting, and fun.
That was a few weeks ago, and today I spent my morning consuming large amounts of chocolate and catching up on both Vanessa and Shelly's vlogs. It was fun, and still allowed me to interact with people, but remain in my pajamas.
I am now excited to have a more YouTube involved life. No longer will I be the last person to see Pants on the Ground, or David Hasselhoff's European music videos!
So anyway, in related news, I attended the kspu Covers Convert with Elyse. It...was...amazing. We have so many musically talented people at SPU, and they did some great covers (Hall and Oates' "You Make my Dreams Come True," Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," not to mention "Supernova Girl" from Zenon, Girl from the 21st Century.) When I get some pictures and links to the recordings I'll post more about it.
Amazing rendition of "Eye to Eye" from A Goofy Movie performed by Gabe Martinez at the 2010 talent show...seriously impressive. Photo credit to Perry Azevedo.
Anyway, Elyse mentioned that the videos (all 5 of them) from the SPU talent show is on YouTube! Uh...COOL. SPU's talent show happened about a month ago, and it was "off the chain." Again, we have so many talented people at my school! STUB, this student events group on campus created a video that played between the talent show's acts, and it was hillarious. I don't know if it was one of those "you have to be there/have to go to school there" types of humor, but it really cracked me up!
Here's a link to the videos, in case you'd like to take a looksie: SPU Talent Show 2010
I have a 4 page paper due tomorrow in art history and can't find the digital copies of the previous 2 papers that this one is supposed to build on! YAHOO!
But I pulled you and I called you here (Didn't I? Didn't I? Didn't I?) And I caught you and I brought you here (Didn't I? Didn't I? Didn't I?) These hazards of love Never more will trouble us
I have been noticing how, upon life changing circumstances, songs have an entirely different significance. This is apparent to me every day.
(If anyone has not listened to the album The Hazards of Love by The Decemberists, you should, it is an epic.)
How to Survive a Trainwreck by Day of Lions is particularly speaking to me, although I cannot seem to find the lyrics, nor the song itself online...strange.
Embarassingly, Nothing Compares 2 U by Sinead O'Connor is another song that has been completely redefined. Even though Sinead is typically seen as "off" sort of person, shaved head/tearing up the Pope's photo and all, no one can deny the emotion that is brought about by her performance. The simplicity of the images, the strong and direct eye contact are powerful. I feel confronted by her, and her situation. Not to mention, the song is beautifully written and performed. I have always thought this about the song (although I would usually listen to the Hawaiian version sung by The Coconutz), but now I have no desire but to listen to Sinead's version. I enjoy feeling in sync with the emotion of the song.
And again, I realize that this song has different meaning to me now than it did 3 weeks ago, as so many things now do.
