Mad Madam Mim's Mimsy

Commission!

2012-02-03T08:00:00.000-06:00

Have I mentioned how much I love commissions? Not just because they mean I'm getting paid to do what I love, but because they're like getting assignments. I never thought I'd say I miss getting a lesson plan, but things can get a little stagnant if you're the only one dictating what you do. Maybe it's just me.

Even if I'm working with the same medium a lot, it's nice to get photos of a subject that I haven't spent much time looking at before. Without the help of commissions, I'd be painting my animals all the time. I love them and all, but I've already painted them. Not that I couldn't make a challenge out of that, but whatever; I'm rambling.

These are a couple of sweethearts that I painted for a mother to give her two daughters for Christmas. Her grand-cat and grand-dog, Murphy and Hugo.

I'm not sure if I've blogged about my reaction to getting a commission before. It's very Fiddler on the Roof. If you haven't seen that gloriousness, you simply must. It's only the most wonderful musical of all time. Anyhow, I break into my own little version of "Tradition." Commissiooooooon! Commissioooon! Commission!

I'll stop being weird via blog now.

Alive & Painting

2012-02-02T08:00:00.000-06:00

Well, hello there! It's been a while, and I feel the shame of neglecting my blog once again. Vicious cycle. Bad habit. I'm not sure what to call it, but I've definitely been productive in the time I've spent offline. That's always good, right?

In an effort to get back into blogging again, I've decided to try to keep up with sharing my newest creations. I've been doing a lot of painting, drawing, sewing and sculpting, so that ought to keep me posting for a while.

Woodland Tea Party!

These three pieces were a commission from Cody, whom I am ever so happy to have discovered here on the interwebs. She's a pastry-makin', Harry Potter lovin', breakfast food enthusiast with two kitties. What's not to love, right? Well, she requested three 5x5 woodland tea party illustrations for her kitchen, and this is what she got.

As soon as the sun shows it's face around these parts again, I plan on taking photos, so I can list prints of these on my etsy shop.

So...uh...I'll see you around.

Imagination

2011-10-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

I've been thinking a lot about the things I imagined as a little kid. First off, look how cute I was.

This is a photo OF a photo that my mother refuses to part with long enough for me to scan it.

I loved that kitty. Her name was Inky, and took her everywhere with me. She was super sweet, and never scratched me, even though I often carried her around the house cradled inside of my gold sequined Cindy Lauper shirt. I would have scratched me, even if I was awesome.

It seems like most of my favorite memories are of being on the road with my mom. I adored being in the car together, listening to the Beatles. We were together, and her big oaf of a boyfriend wasn't there. It was perfect. We'd go spend the day on the beach, or just ride around together, singing.

When we weren't singing "Happiness Is a Warm Gun" at the top of our lungs, I would keep myself busy by pretending I had a nature man that had to run alongside of our car. He couldn't touch anything man made, or he would die. He was kind of like a gnome, I guess. He was small, dressed in all brown and green and had a bushy white beard. Thankfully, he could jump incredibly far, because there wasn't a lot of green in some places on I-65 in Kentucky and Indiana, and we did a lot of driving there.

When it rained, I imagined that the little water droplets on the windows were alive. My passenger side window was like a giant petri dish swimming with life. I made up little voices in my head for some of the squiggly drops, and they were very interesting.

I loved to play library in my room, too, which was pretty normal, I guess. I'd pretend my stuffed animals were customers, my piggy bank was for late fees, and I had a little pink piggy-faced stamp that I would stamp the inside of all my books with, like I was checking them in and out. Oh, and I'd eat smarties and pretend I had a headache from working.

Anyhow, I was just thinking about the strange little things I'd make up as a kid. I have a big sister. She's nine years older than me, though, so she was only interested in my extermination at the time. I guess I was sort of like an only child in a lot of ways, so I was pretty used to keeping myself entertained.

What weird little things did you pretend when you were a munchkin?

A Snoodle's Tale

2011-10-28T18:52:00.000-05:00

I don't know how many of you are Veggie Tales fans. I fell in love with them when I was in college. My best friend's little sisters watched them A LOT, and I had never heard of them. I figured they'd be corny, since they were for munchkins, but quickly went head over heals.

That being said, this is my absolute favorite Veggie Tale animation ever. It's a special Dr. Seuss episode about being special just the way you are, and dealing with others' judgement.

It's only thirteen minutes long, and totally worth the time. Grab a tissue. Even if you aren't a Christian, this is such a good message for all of us, and I think you're going to tear up.

You can thank me later. <3

Staying Positive

2011-10-25T18:17:00.001-05:00

Staying positive is normally not something I have any issue with, but this past year has been pretty trying. I know that I've got it good. Truly, I do. None of the things that I've been faced with have been seriously dangerous. I may have dealt with depression, poison ivy, steroid psychosis and Bell's palsy within a relatively short period of time, and they're not the most awesome things to experience, but they're also not the end of the world.

I'm going to keep praising God, being thankful for all that I have, and hope that this is over soon. Any prayers would be very much appreciated. <3

Quasimodo

2011-10-23T00:52:00.000-05:00

I'm telling you what, folks. I just can't seem to get a break! I don't mean to sound whiny, as I know I've got it pretty darn good, but sheesh!

I woke up today to find the right side of my face unresponsive. I was scrunching my mess of curls, and singing "This Little Light of Mine" when I noticed I looked a bit like Elvis. The left side of my lip was kind of snarled up compared to the right. Then I tried to smile, and it was pitiful. Upon examination, the right side of my tongue and face were/are almost completely numb, and accompanied by a sharp pain in my jaw/temple.

After Sticking my tongue out at my husband, and reciting "She sells seashells by the seashore" a couple times, my husband and I were almost convinced that I hadn't suffered a stroke. I thought it was probably a pinched nerve in my already degenerating spine. Then my husband called my mother. She's an RN, and not one to allow her children off easy. She demanded we go to the ER to have things checked out.

A short while later, I was lead down a sterile hallway to room 21. The nurse in bright green scrubs told me that I was lucky not to be "drooling yet."I then waited with my husband for a nurse to come take my vitals. My face felt hot as I wondered, worrying what was wrong, and if/when I would start drooling.

The wonderfully kind doctor came in after a few visitors, did a quick checkup, and told me I had textbook Bell's palsy. For some reason, possibly a dormant virus, there's swelling around the nerve that controls the right side of my face, causing limited mobility. There's no proven cause. There's no proven cure. Catching it within the first three days of symptoms, and taking corticosteroids and antivirals, are thought to hurry it along. Swelling needs to go down, before there's any hope of normal muscle function returning.

Alas, I feel like Quasimodo. I can't blink my right eye, smile, whistle, make kissy noises at critters or curl my tongue. Nothing too vital, I guess. At least it isn't anything too painful. The jaw pain isn't so bad; more annoying than anything. Chances are, if this goes away, it will do so within a few weeks to months. I'm being positive, and willing it to go away quickly, as I would like my smile back soon.

It just seems like one thing after another sometimes, doesn't it? I can just picture the devil camping out on my doorstep, waiting to get me. Praying my way through trials and tribulations must really tick him off, which makes me kind of happy, but oy. No matter what I go through, I trust that God sees me through, making things as painless as possible. I am supremely thankful for that. <3

I'm Only Sleeping

2011-10-22T01:01:00.000-05:00

Sloth- original watercolor illustration available at Mad Shiny Shoppe!

Understandably so, I think I've lost my faithful few. You guys, I promise I'm going to keep the posts coming this time. I quit my depressing job, and am making art every single day. I'm over my poison ivy plague, as well as the horrid steroid psychosis. I think it's safe to say that I'm stable...as I ever was.

This is a new beginning for me. I know I've mentioned that a lot lately, and it sounds all hokey, but it's true, I tell you! Art commissions are rolling in, thanks be to God, and I'm working on establishing actual work hours. I have a tendency to sleep in, as I can be eerily similar to a sloth. Then I'm up until 3AM sewing, painting or writing. Not the best sleeping pattern, I know, so I'm trying to change that.

With all this work to do, and the support of my magnificent, marvelous Mr. T., I'm pretty darn content. I just hope art commissions keep a'coming, and my procrastination remains manageable. I'm participating in a craft show next month, and I've got to get to making some more wee wonderful things!

Just in case you're new here, and even if you're not, please feel free to check out my etsy shop! I create all manner of funky cuddly things, personalized cake toppers/keepsakes, pin back buttons, greeting cards, watercolor portraits, and YOU. JUST. NAME. IT.

Commissions!

2011-10-20T16:57:00.000-05:00

I've been pretty busy during my little blogging hiatus, so I figured I'd share a few of the projects I've been working on. I absolutely adore commissions, because they always turn out to be such a challenge. I find myself missing the assignments I received in art school, so I always welcome a custom order.

This custom plush is a Harry Potter inspired Totoro for a friend's little girl's birthday.

This was supposed to be a guinea pig for a friend's baby shower. She's calling him Bear Pig. :)

Professor Lettuce here is a custom plush for an old friend performing in a peep show.

And these two lovely ladies are my oldest friend's two little sisters. Their mother commissioned me to paint them for her.

So, what have you been up to, folks?

Sweeter Than Bee Pollen

2011-10-20T06:58:00.001-05:00

Watercolor illustration prints available by request at Mad Shiny Shoppe!

Earlier this year, I found myself feeling like someone came and wrenched every last drop of honey from my happy little hive. That someone was my now ex-boss, whom I often refer to as "She Who Must Not Be Named." With her verbal and emotional abuse, she was pretty much a nightmare, and that's coming from someone who can get along with just about anyone.

When I graduated college, I had no idea how to apply my studio art/art history degree. A friend's father offered me a job making art with homeless and at-risk youth, so I jumped on the opportunity. I absolutely loved that position, but funding was cut the next year. I was bumped into a couple neighboring positions, and just counted myself lucky to have a job.

To cut a long story short, I stayed with that agency for six excruciating years, before I'd had too much of She Who Must Not Be Named's tormenting. I'm currently working as an artist/author from my humble home, and it's ~~good~~ ~~great~~ dripping with awesome. Quitting was terribly frightening, and things haven't exactly been perfect, but this new beginning is definitely sweet.

Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking, Pinky?

2011-06-10T03:13:00.000-05:00

My beautiful big sister, and her handsome hubby, have just had the most beautiful baby...IN THE WORLD.

Friends, I'd like you to meet my niece, Claire Elizabeth.

She's just two weeks old, gorgeous and already planning for world domination.

Steroid Psychosis Is, Like, A Thing That Happens

2011-06-07T18:35:00.001-05:00

Hiya, folks. I'm feeling the awkward, because I haven't blogged in such an incredibly long time. However, I'm feeling a little more myself lately, and I have something important I want to share with you.

Any of you gorgeous people ever heard of something called steroid psychosis? Just in case you haven't, and you get the occasional shot in the hiney when you're sick or have an allergic reaction, I want you to be aware of it.

My last post, for those of you smart enough not to read that depressing mess, was spent whining incessantly about my evil allergic reaction to poison ivy. Well, when I couldn't get in to see my family doctor, I went to a trusted walk-in clinic. I ended up going there twice, four days apart, and receiving two different steroid shots, as well as an oral prescription of prednisone.

When my allergic reaction continued, I was referred to a dermatologist. At that appointment I was informed that I wasn't given enough steroids to begin with, which is why my allergic reaction to the poison ivy came back with a vengeance. There I was given two HUGE shots of steroids, and told the dose would taper off over two weeks, and should definitely take care of my poison ivy rash. And it did just that.

I was super thankful that my rash started to fade, but something else remained. During the month that I was suffering that itchy rash, and receiving all those steroids, I'd become increasingly depressed, anxious, paranoid, and obsessive compulsive. Anything that happened outside of the ordinary was too much for me, and I decided that living was too difficult. I had no suicidal ideation, but I just didn't have the will to live. I cried all the time, and I just wasn't ME anymore. I feared that I'd never feel "normal" again, and was incredibly hopeless.

Well, through a lot of prayer, the support of family and friends, and a visit to my family doctor, I'm slowly getting back to me. My doctor listened patiently to my long story about the poison ivy, and how I'd become overly emotional, paranoid, panic ridden and more obsessive compulsive than I'd ever been in my entire life. She lovingly told me that I sounded like a bipolar patient, but that it was all because of the steroids. She said I was in hyper-drive, and, even though the steroids had been out of my system for weeks, I could continue to feel that way. She prescribed me some medication I was/am very wary of, but I trust her, and I seem to be getting better.

I'm not completely back to normal, but I'm getting there, and I've done some research I'd like to share. There's a lot of information out there on the interwebs, and some of it not so dependable, but this site was very enlightening for me. I believe this information to be reasonable, and helpful. Even a visit to my doctor didn't give me a name to what I was experiencing, and I think that it helps to label it.

What I've learned is that the corticosteroids I'd been paying to have pumped into me in order to suppress my immune system and decrease my allergic reaction, were also increasing the dopamine levels in my brain, which lead to mood swings, depression, increased ocd, paranoia and a panic attack that landed me in the ER thoroughly convinced I was having a heart attack. O.o I also learned that increased dopamine levels reduce the level of serotonin in your brain, which totally increases depression.

So please be careful when being prescribed any medication. Make sure to pay close attention to how you're reacting, both physically and mentally. Tell your significant other/family/friends what side effects to look for when you start taking anything. Corticosteroids can be a good thing, and I know a couple people with lupus that need them to get by day to day, but I will forever be afraid of them now.

Yeah, I had a lot of steroids pumped into me over a short period of time, but trusted medical professionals were the ones doing it, fully aware of how much I'd already had. No, I've never had such a reaction to one shot in the hiney. But I can tell you that I've had plenty of steroid shots in my life, and no one ever took the time to tell me what it could possibly do to me. Even if the chances are slim, I want to know what to watch out for, and I want you to as well. I certainly never want any of my loved ones to be in that 3% of the many steroid psychosis sufferers that commit suicide.

Unless my immune system is completely compromised, and I pray it never will be, I'll just take my chances with whatever crud or allergic reaction I'm dealing with. Nothing I've ever needed a steroid shot for even remotely compares to the trauma I, my wonderful husband, family and friends have been dealing with since April.

Contact Dermatitis...I Think

2011-04-07T12:59:00.000-05:00

I probably shouldn't be writing while I feel so awful. It's bound to be hopeless, and severely depressing, but on I go.

I've got an itchy rash. :( That alone makes me incredibly upset. I've never, until now, had anything like this. It all started as a little itchy bump on my left forearm. I thought it was a bug bite. I scratched it. Then I washed it, and put antibacterial salve and a bandage on it. Then I went to The Smokies with my husband to celebrate our 7 year anniversary, and scratch my arm about OFF.

Yeah, the seven year itch. I don't even think that's funny now.

No longer is this itchy red bumpy evilness only on my left arm. It's spread up the inside of my elbow a bit, all down my left ribs, and down a little further and around my back. *cries* It's itchy like mad, and red, bumpy and gross.

I've done all kinds of research as to what it could be, been to the doctor twice, am taking meds and waiting on a call from a dermatologist. I don't have insurance, so we'll see how that goes. I pray to God that this can be stopped, and soon.

If I came into contact with poison ivy/oak/whatever, it was almost three weeks ago now! I didn't get that first itchy bump until 6 days later, and then another week until this on my ribs came up, and it's still coming up! I didn't know allergic reactions worked like that - so delayed. Could I still be coming into contact with it, even after I've washed my clothing. I threw away my favorite Kermit shirt, because that's what I was wearing when the suspected poison attacked.

I've seen pictures of how bad it can be. I keep telling myself that I've not got it that bad, but the worst part is not knowing for sure. I didn't see a plant and think, "Hmm. Was that poison something-or-other I just rubbed myself past?" I've never had anything like this in 28 years of life, so I'm a bit upset. I don't know where it will keep spreading. I don't know if it'll stop, how bad it will get or if/when it will go away. I just feel completely helpless, depressed and itchy.

One of my best friends is getting married in 16 days, and I'm in the wedding. If this doesn't go away by then, I'll just die, or want to. So...I pray. I take my cold showers, prednisone (which makes me all kinds of weird feeling & gives me tummy troubles) and antihistamines, spread on the rubbing alcohol and caldryl and I cry.

If any of you pray, please do. I need help.

Solar Powered

2011-03-18T14:38:00.000-05:00

Mr. T and I have been taking full advantage of this gorgeous weather, and I've been thoroughly annoying with my camera apps. ^_^

Mr. T

My trusty Daisy Cruiser


Stinky trees

I am solar powered, and so thankful for the sun.

Project Update!

2011-03-14T01:01:00.000-05:00

A friend of mine is doing a safari theme in her grandson's room, and wanted me to come up with a waterdoodle for him. I was thrilled to find that the little man has taken a recent liking to Maurice Sendak's work, so I got to come up with a Wild Things inspired camera safari illustration. Squee!

I'm still in shock that I'm working on art full time. Maybe someday I'll find a stopping point on my to do list, so I can clean out my studio. It needs a major overhaul. One thing at a time...

Treasures

2011-03-08T08:00:00.001-06:00

You guys aren't creepy stalkers, right? I mean, as far as I know, none of you have put too much effort into tracking me down in order to wear my skin. I'm not exactly the stealthiest blogger, so I'm sure you all know where I live. I tell you pretty much everything, so I figure you must be safe enough...

If someone wanted to kill me, they could most likely find me at home.* Working from the comfort of my own humble abode keeps my days pretty predictable, too. I wake up, drink massive quantities of water and open the windows. I set up my little work station, pet Kimchi Kitty and get to making art. I also manage to stalk people on facebook, check twitter, clean, and flail around my living room for extended periods of time in an attempt to burn calories.

I forgot my point.

Oh. I'm home a lot. So I'm making art all day, which is a dream come true, but I always manage to get distracted. While quickly visiting my online haunts, I end up spending way too much time on Etsy. I log in with the intention of checking my shop's activity, and posting a featured item to my shop's facebook page. Innocent enough, but I keep falling victim to Etsy Treasuries. I. Love. Making. Them. Aaaand I'm too obsessive compulsive to throw a collection together in a manner of minutes, as I assume other folks do. It takes me flippin' F-O-R-E-V-E-R.

So...I thought I'd share some of my time consuming etsy finds with you. The following items are directly linked to my heart. I would certainly not object were any of them to be shipped to my doorstep with a little note professing your undying/completely healthy love for me.

Tweed Patchwork? Yes, please!

I feel that these pins would magically tame my mess of curls.

I suppose I do consider myself lucky in love.

I'm Your Father

The Hunting Sparrow

I'd liked to know who doesn't need happy tiny buttons?

I guess that's enough for now. I'll blather more another day.

* I am armed, and have no qualms about shooting an intruder's crotch off. Yes, off. Just in case any of you might be thinking about a Heather suit...

Wading

2011-03-07T08:00:00.001-06:00

I've been so swamped with art projects, which I could not be happier about, I haven't really had the time to post very much. Poor old Mimsy gets neglected a lot, but I'm working on documenting more. I think keeping up with bloggy therapy is good for the soul.

For now, I think I'll make a list of art projects/commissions:

1. custom kid's book (written but not yet completely illustrated)

2. two watercolor portraits for bff's mom

3. custom illustration

sketch detail of custom illustration

4. more handmade plush creatures (like the ones in the pictures below) for a local shop

Sally Sugar Skull

Mumford T. Monster

Lola Love Bunny

O'Malley Ogling Owlie

Love Ninja - This little guy is sold already, but I can make more upon request.

5. keep up with my etsy shop

Now, if I can just keep myself prioritized...

The Man Loves Chickens

2011-03-06T03:22:00.000-06:00

How's it going, friends? Mr. T and I have been doing pretty well. We've been experiencing some changes lately. Some have been good, and some not so much, but we're dealing. Can't really complain.

I happily edited my employment status on the book of face last night. Self. Employed. I can't even begin to express how good it feels to be able to say that. Working from home definitely has its ups and downs, but the ups seem to be winning.

There are so many things that I wasn't able to do while working full time, little things like making gifts for people. It's been years since I had the time and energy to make Mr. T a homemade valentine, so this year he got a little foxy fox card.

I cut out the pieces...

Colored them...


And then glued them together.

I also made him a felt plush chicken.

It's not as strange as it sounds. The man loves chickens.

I used to read posts about people quitting their day jobs, and I was so jealous. Pretending I was content worked for a while, but that hopelessly trapped feeling kept rearing its ugly head. I was so tired of begrudging other people their happiness, because I was too afraid to go looking for my own.

I am incredibly thankful that I'm able to focus on my artwork right now, and I hope I can keep it up.

Time Well Spent

2011-02-09T19:45:00.000-06:00

It's been almost a week since I quit my job of five years, and I'm pretty happy with how I've been spending my time.

I can't remember the last time I was able to spend days in a row making art, and just enjoying life. Maybe that's a little dramatic. I know there are a million different ways to enjoy life in the ever day. As of late, my days had become somewhat of a soul suck. I'd come home with the intentions of being creative, but would end up crying all evening.

The first couple of days I cried a little, cleaned a little, and cried a little more. I've spent the last few days promoting my Etsy shop, working on commissions and just being thankful for the time to do it.

Behold!

"Boom Chicky Boom" card

"Ninja Love" card

"Nuts About You" card

Wee Hand-sewn Owl Plushies

My husband is being incredibly supportive about the whole "me not working" thing, because he's wonderful. However, unless my art sales become a lot more consistent, I'll have to get a job before too long. I'm just enjoying a little time off before it's necessary.

How Can Anyone Walk on Water, If They Won't Get Their Butt Out the Boat?

2011-02-07T15:12:00.001-06:00

Anybody out there? It's been a long time since I was in a sharing mood, and I feel as if I should apologize for that. I allowed blogging to become just another place that I couldn't speak my mind. I'm not proud of that, and am in the process of changing it.

I've worked for the same nonprofit for over five years, and I've been unhappy with my working situation for around two of those.

If any of my faithful few are still out there, you may recall me blogging about landing a better paying job, giving my notice and leaving in 2009. You might also remember me spending one day on the new job, before crawling back to what I knew. What you won't remember are all of the feelings I never expressed, because I knew my boss read my blog.

Well, I went back to the old nonprofit job thinking I hadn't had it so bad after all. My paycheck wasn't a hefty one, but I was doing something good there. Believing if I just did my job to the best of my ability, I could put up with my boss not respecting me. I also thought I could handle snide remarks and nasty jokes at my expense, and rude comments about others...

I realize now that I have spent about three of the past five years just waiting. I've been waiting for something to change for me. Finally, I realized that I had to be that change. I've learned that we can't expect the constants around us to vary. We have to be the variables.

So...I quit my job last week. Live and learn, right? I'm taking a little time off, before I start looking for something else, and am not-so-secretly hoping that my artwork will make me a rich woman.

In the meantime...

Nothing but blue skies from now on. ^_^

Year End Survey

2011-01-04T23:59:00.000-06:00

1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before? Went whitewater rafting and kayaking.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? I've never been one for new year's resolutions, but I did set the goal of illustrating a children's book in 2010. Turns out I made the deal to illustrate another person's children's book in 2010, and I'm illustrating it this year.

3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Nope, but they're all pregnant now. My sister, my best friend and her little sister. It's a conspiracy to make me want to have a baby, but it won't work.

4. Did anyone close to you die? Thankfully, no.

5. What countries did you visit? None this year.

6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010? The means to work from home. I want to make enough money via art to quit my day job. I don't wanna be rich. I just want to get by doing what I love.

7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? The entire year has been pretty memorable. I made new friends, got reacquainted with old ones, and my husband and I went on lots of adventures.

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? It's a toss up between making an illustration deal, and surviving going down a river in a boat by myself.

9. What was your biggest failure? I quit my current job for one that paid more. I thought I'd like it, but ended up freaking out, and quitting to come back to this one. I hate that it happened at all.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I have a weaselly immune system, so I get tonsillitis a lot, but I wouldn't call that illness. I also found out the panic attacks I've been having all my life aren't panic attacks at all, but a severely erratic heartbeat.

11. What was the best thing you bought? My Kimchi Kitty's life. He was dying, but we were able to pay the vet to find out what was the matter, and save him. ♥

12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My mother in law.

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? My sister in law. Her decisions for herself make my heart hurt.

14. Where did most of your money go? Into having a home, and vehicles to drive to work.

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? Seeing Andrew Bird and St. Vincent in concert.

16. What song(s) will always remind you of 2010? "Too Afraid to Love You" by The Black Keys, and "Friends" by Band of Skulls.

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:  a) happier or sadder?  b) thinner or fatter?  c) richer or poorer? Happier! ^_^ Fatter. :( Richer-just not monetarily.

18. What do you wish you’d done more of? Changing.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of? Worrying.

20. How did you spend Christmas? With friends and family.

21. Did you fall in love in 2010? I've been in love for the last 11 years. Wow.

22. What was your favorite TV program? True Blood. It's my dirty secret, and I often hide my eyes.

23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year? I don't hate anyone. I just prefer not to think of some people.

24. What was the best book you read? A Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess.

25. What was your greatest musical discovery? The Black Keys' new album.

26. What did you want and get? My kitchen remodel.

27. What did you want and not get? All my debts paid, but we're working on it.

28. What was your favorite film of this year? True Grit.

29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 28 in 2010, and I can't remember what I did. I'm sure it was wonderful, though. My husband always does something sweet.

30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Not having such an awkward relationship with my dad, but I think it's getting better...

31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010? Cute and comfy.

32. What kept you sane? God. My husband. Art. Music. In that order.

33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? I pretty much always fancy...

Johnny Depp...


image credit

Russell Crowe...

image credit

and Sam Worthington.

image credit

34. What political issue stirred you the most? I hate politics. Let's not talk about it, m'kay?

35. Who did you miss? My dad.

36. Who was the best new person you met? All my new friends are pretty amazing, if you ask me.

37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010. The same lesson I learn everyday- God is love.

38. What do you want to happen in 2011? 2011 will be the year of paying off credit cards & such. The year of FREEDOM!

Thanks to the lovely Melanie for this survey.

Cake Toppers & Christmas Ornaments...

2010-11-26T14:32:00.000-06:00

...are taking over my life! Friends getting hitched, Christmas coming up - I'm sewing and sculpting like mad! I just wish I had more time to do it.

Cake Toppers

May I introduce you to the groom? Mr. Badger.

Little Miss Penguin, the bride.


The lucky couple.

Christmas Ornaments

Happy Holidays!

Chobap

2010-11-06T16:12:00.001-05:00

Hiya, folks! Fancy meeting you here, eh? I've been a bit swamped, and started avoiding some things. I didn't really mean to. It just sort of happened.

I've completed a couple projects, and feel a little less like I'm drowning, so I'm going to try to get back into posting now and again. I miss my old blog, and your comments.

Now, as I'm sure many of you have gathered, I'm a hopeless klutz. That being said, I drop my phone left and right, and pretty much any direction you can think of. I've accidentally thrown the poor thing (and I mean shot-putted) behind the bed, under my Jeep and in lots of other hard to reach places. My poor little DROID has seen the pavement more than a couple times, much to my chagrin. I don't know how I do it. It's a bit like there's an invisible force trying to keep us apart.

So...I searched the world over, and finally got a phone cozy worth coveting. I name everything, so I call her Chobap. If you're not familiar with the this pocket of yummy veggie friendly goodness, I suggest checking out that link. I was introduced to chobap in Korea, and fell in love. It's actually a Japanese dish, and I already have a real kitty named Kimchi, so I thought another Asian dish would be a good name for a kitty phone cozy. And she's a pocket! Yeah, I know. Just let me think I'm clever...

All the way from Japan to protect my trusty little phone.

made by Tokyo Inspired

Really In a Stew!

2010-09-30T16:54:00.000-05:00

I googled ANGRY BIRD & found this image here.

Disclaimer: I am ranting in this post. I love many a person with free-time, stay at home wives, and/or mothers. I know we all have different priorities. I'm currently frustrated, so please refrain from taking offense to anything I type. Thank you.

If any of you pulchritudinous* people out there have read this old blog before, chances are high that you're aware of my tendency to overbook myself. To say I have a lot going on would be an understatement. I'm an artist, a secretary, and a program director. I'm slightly obsessive compulsive, and I have a problem saying "No."

All that being said, I'm not alone in my way too busy for a day-jobness. I had the following conversation recently.

BFF: I'm so tired of database work! I want to be at home sewing!!!
Me: Yeah. I keep thinking about things for etsy, the cake topper/guest book I'm working on, the book I'm illustrating. There's just so much to do that work gets in the way of, and it's insane! I even find myself being a little catty towards people who stay home. I know mom's that have kids in school have plenty to do, but I start wondering how they can have NO ARTSY CRAFTY ANYTHING! No hobbies!
BFF: Me too. It irritates me that other people have all this time on their hands, and I have none. When I do nothing - I feel guilty.
Me: I know.
Me: Why can't all the world be like us? It'd be a much better place...There would be biscotti and puppies...Starbucks and photography...
BFF: Warm woolen mittens, and brown paper packages tied up with string?
Me: Yes! Yes!! YES!!!

Now, this may seem a little off subject, but it's not. We have so much to do, and no time to do it! We're also ever so mildly insane, as you can see from the above conversation. If I were you, and I had free time, I'd come up with a hobby real quick-like. There are more of us, and we're likely to lash out eventually.

*That means you're beeeyooootiful. I used the thesaurus to find a new word for lovely to behold, and I thought that pulchritudinous was pretty interesting. Kind of an ugly word to have such a nice meaning, don't you think?

River Rats

2010-09-15T17:15:00.000-05:00

A friend recently joked that my husband and I should just move to North Carolina, since we've been spending so much time there. You see, Mr. T, my husband person, has taken up white water kayaking. Like many of us do when we develop a new interest, he has a tendency to obsess.

We've always enjoyed camping, but it used to be an occasional thing. Now that he's ~~attempting to kill himself~~ learning to safely navigate white water, we go all the time. We've been so often, and survived, that I've gotten over my fear of careening over rapids. Well, I've gotten over my fear of careening over some rapids, and I get on the water every chance I get.

This weekend I'm going rafting with some friends, while Todd kayaks beside us. I may possibly take a duckie (an inflatable kayak that's a lot harder to flip that an actual kayak) down one of the calmer rivers, or try surviving on a Shredder with a trusted friend. We'll see what happens. If I live, I'll blog about it.*

Every trip, we stop at the Ocoee River, in Tennessee, on our way home.

We scramble down the side of the sun-warmed highway to the cool riverside rocks.

We crawl alongside the river to find a cozy, shady spot to watch passing rafts and kayaks.

Smushing together on a comfy-ish rock, and dangling my feet in the cold water, is my favorite.

If I had long arms, I'd take better pictures. Look at the distance he gets!

I'm not sure if we'll be moving there anytime soon, but it's definitely one of our favorite places to be. If we do decide to relocate, I'll have to take a few people with me.

You know who you are, and I'll let you know, so you can pack.

*See that healthy amount of fear?

Art Finds

2010-09-09T22:25:00.000-05:00

In honor of this month's Art theme, I figured I'd share a few Etsy finds. There are so many talented artists out there, and Etsy is where you can find a lot of them. Beneath each image you'll find a link to the artist's etsy shop. Click away, friends.


Denise McMurray


Amber Alexander


Kite Flyer Art

wostudios


MadShiny

For those of you that don't know, that last one's mine, and you should totally buy my art. I had to throw a little shameless self promotion in there. ^_^

Sex Bob-omb!

2010-09-08T23:48:00.001-05:00

image credit

I know I'm a little late on this whole Scott Pilgrim vs. the World thing, but my, my, my. It was fan-tas-tic. My dear cohort, Ari, and I can assure you all that it was well worth the wait.

Bryan Lee O'Malley and Edgar Wright are totally my heroes. How can you go wrong with a comic turned action romantic comedy with an amazing cast, soundtrack and chocked full of pop culture references? You just can't.

Did I mention the amazing soundtrack?! Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, Beck, Metric, Broken Social Scene, Cornelius, Dan the Automator, Kid Koala, and David Campbell all had their glorious hands in it, and it totally made the movie. Must. Have. Immediately.

Scott Pilgrim vs. the World is one of the most creative/quirky films I've seen in years. If you were at any point in time an overly dramatic, angst-ridden, insecure teen that had a crush, dated, got dumped, played video games, listened to music, played in a band, loathed sell outs or swallowed your gum and worried about it's seven year exodus through your intestines...then Scott Pilgrim is for you. It's. Your. Life.

P.S.
My little camping trip into the NC wilderness screwed up the whole NaBloPoMo thing, but I'll still be posting predominantly about various artsy things this month, so come back, m'kay?

Sneak Blogging

2010-09-04T19:27:00.001-05:00

This whole NaBloPoMo Art theme has really got me to thinking about how much I miss art school. Don't get me wrong, I thank God every single day for sparing my sanity throughout all those studio classes, but I miss assignments. Your professor gives you a problem to solve, and there are endless possibilities. I've been missing someone else laying the rules out for me, and thinking about saving up to take a class again.

Well, to my surprise, the art club at the university I attended is about to offer uber cheap life drawing classes! Score! Ari (the-happy-cactus.blogspot.com) and I are totally going to play art school, and you will be seeing some fresh drawings/paintings. Squee!

P.S. Please excuse the lack of pictures/links, as I'm on a camping trip & sneak blogging on my DROID. Shhh...

How Do You Do & Shake Hands

2010-09-03T23:59:00.000-05:00

image credit

Are there any brave souls out there that have stuck around long enough to notice that I'm incredibly outgoing, but terribly insecure?

This is where I pretend a ton of you are nodding your heads, and I feel all warm and fuzzy.

Ahem. You know the type of person that will talk to a complete stranger, right? In line pretty much anywhere? Yeah, that type. Well, that's me. I'm all smiles, and great at striking up a conversation. I'm curious about people, and I love communication. Adore it, actually. However, immediately following any given spontaneous exchange I start dissecting the entire interaction, and doubting myself.

I start wondering if I made a funny face when I said that my grandmother was German, and forced me to eat cow tongue as a child. I begin hoping that the business man didn't notice me noticing the crusty stain on his tie. I end up feeling really bad about how I made the chick in front of me uncomfortable by telling her I loved her bra, because you could totally see it was polka-dotted...through her shirt. I have no filtering system, people. It's bad. Why in the world can't I just take my own advice and hush?!

Anyhow, I'm rambling. My point is that my outgoing/insecure personality flows right into my artwork. I'm all about creating. Another form of communication? Yes, please! I can't keep from making art. The problem is what happens after it's made. The audience comes in, and I start spazzing. It's exactly like an actual, physical conversation with someone. I start over-analyzing immediately. You'd think the Studio Art/Art History degree I worked my rear end off for would make me a tad more confident, but no.

Anybody out there with any handy dandy advice on building confidence, or how to communicate normally? I'm all ~~ears~~ ~~eyes~~ attentive and stuff.

Vers-ART-ile evil laughs persist

2010-09-02T23:32:00.001-05:00

Versatile?! You want versatile?! Well...oh, who am I kidding? I had this entire post ready to go when I hit Ctrl Z, and the entire thing disappeared. I spazzed, refreshed and my heart broke. I'm brain dead from working all day, and, to tell you the truth, I don't feel very versatile right now. However, I still wanna thank Barry for thinking I am. Thank you, Barry.

The plan was to display my alleged versatility by simultaneously covering the bases of this award, and this month's NaBloPoMo theme. Basically, I would be amazing, yet humble, and you would all ooh and ah. I could carry my Versatility Award high above my head, and all would be well with the world.

Then I deleted it. So...yeah.

The Versatile Blogger Award has a few simple rules.
1. Be polite, and thank/link to the blogger that nominated you.
2. List seven facts about yourself.
3. Pass it on to some other wonderfully versatile bloggers.

I may be a moron, but I'm polite, so rule one is already covered. On to rule two. It might not be the most insightful list, but I'm brain dead from working all day.

1. My first crush was David Bowie. It was 1988, and I was six.
2. I have really, really curly hair.
3. My eyes are green.
4. Night swimming is one of my all time favorite things.
5. Gustav Klimt is my favorite painter.
6. I've been a vegetarian for 14 years.
7. I'm an artist.

Aaaaand for rule three, I choose the following versatile blogger ladies.

- Ari from The Happy Cactus
- Amanda from My Life of Spaz
- Mel from Melanie's Randomness
- Shannon from Tattoos & Cupcakes
-Awmber from Awbviously Awmber

P.S. In order for this to pass as Art themed y'all have to check out the Gustav Klimt Wiki link, or peruse my Etsy store. I mentioned art, so that counts, right? *mwah*

A Theme After My Own Heart

2010-09-01T23:57:00.000-05:00

Any of you lovely readers ever participated in a NaBloPoMo? Are you perhaps wondering what the heck I'm blathering about?

For those of you who may not know, NaBloPoMo stands for National Blog Posting Month. It's a month long writing exercise inspired by National Novel Writing Month, Or NaNoWriMo. It's pretty simple. You simply post once a day every day for a month. You can follow a theme, or just post willy-nilly. It can be anything your little heart desires.

That being said, I probably have too much going on to be dedicating myself to posting every day this month, but what the hey. I just couldn't pass up September's theme.

Check back every day this month for your daily dose of ART! I'm starting things out today with a little shameless self promotion. I've overhauled my Etsy shop, and added more of my incredibly affordable water doodles a.k.a. hand drawn watercolored illustrations. Feast your eyes upon some of my newest listings!

Percival Pinfeather

Escape II

Love Bird

To The Moon

Pics or It Didn't Happen

2010-08-11T14:24:00.001-05:00

Oh, it happened. All of it. You want photo documentation of why I've neglected my blog so? Well, you got it.

There were:

Picnics in parks...

canoe trips...

bicycle rides, swimming, and sunbathing on blankets in the yard.

My adorable husband...

played his guitar...

while I sang praise songs, and squinted into the sky on steamy Sabbath afternoons.

We took our favorite teenager camping/rafting in North Carolina, and she survived to tell about it. She's not the most outdoorsy gal, but she's always up for anything.

I purchased the coolest tee shirt on the face of the planet. It's a man's, and it's too big, but I don't care. It's Kermit, and he's rocking out. I had no choice.

Some friends of ours went out of town for a week, and the husband person and I had the pleasure of puppy-sitting for them. We went to check on these adorable mutts every night, and spent the weekend at their house.

Barkley is the fastest tongue in the South, and quite the cuddler.

His mom, Lucky (aka Lucy Fur), has a bad reputation for escaping the backyard, but I think she's just misunderstood. She runs to the neighbor's house to see another of her puppies. She's such a muppet. ♥

All in all they were wonderful hosts. We were licked, wiggled upon and generally adored.

And, of course, my creative compulsive disorder has been running rampant. Not only have I been preparing for an upcoming Sidewalk Art Stroll (Next Thursday!), the lovely Ari went and had her 28th birthday. I made her a water doodle portrait...

...and some Muppet magnets. I already made her Kermit & Pepe last year, so now she has a whole slew of them. Gonzo and Beaker are my favorites. What about you?

Then there were the puppy portraits for a friend of a friend. Psst! I love me some friends of friends. I get more commissions that way.

I'll be sure to post about the impending Art Stroll after the fact. I'm working on getting prints of all my waterdoodles into my etsy shop before the event. We'll see how that goes!

Oh! And my dear friend, Debra, took my husband and I to the Star Wars Exhibit at The Space & Rocket Center, where I met the love of my life. *blushes*

I'm certain I'm leaving things out. It's been all kinds if hectic, but I can't complain. Life is good, and I thank God.

Bodacious Bloggers

2010-07-19T00:27:00.000-05:00

It's about time for another one of those bloggy hiatus posts, wouldn't you say? Poor little Mimsy patiently waits to hear from me, but I'm too busy painting and neglecting her to notice. You all know the story, right?

I've been working on painting three puppy portraits for a couple weeks now. I'd have had them finished a long time ago, were I not employed full time. Le sigh. I'm also plotting/sketching characters for the children's book I've been asked to illustrate, about which I'm still totally stoked and already mentioned here. Then there's The Sketchbook Project I mentioned a while back. Haven't touched that yet. Oh! And the lovely Ari and I are planning on entering a sidewalk art stroll next month, so I've got to be getting work together for that as well. I need more time. So much to do, so many places to be.

What about all you bodacious bloggers?* Have y'all been so busy with summer shenanigans that you didn't mind a few less posts to read? I hope so. I know you hang on every sarcastic word around here...

Speaking of around here...my house looks like it was ransacked. Mr. T (That's the husband person, for any new readers out there.) (HI, NEW READERS! <3) and I just got home from a camping/rafting trip in North Carolina, and are beyond beat. My face and shoulders are ever so slightly crisped, and, now that I've showered, I'm ready to sleep 'til Tuesday.

I miss your blogs, people. I'm sure I'll be catching up soon, as well as posting pics of paintings, doodles and camping trips. *mwah*

* Yeah, I said "bodacious bloggers". What of it? I like alliteration, and I'm too sleepy to be cool. Just go with it

Newfangled Contraptions

2010-06-28T13:38:00.005-05:00

Do y'all know the legend of Paul Bunyan? Well, I had no idea, but today is Paul Bunyan Day!

I realize it may seem a bit odd to be excited about an American Folktale, but I can't help myself. I grew up with this story, and it's part of who I am. Did y'all ever watch the Disney cartoon? Well, you simply must! Even if you've seen it, watch it again.

Part 1

Part 2

The things I read and watched as a child made such a huge impact on who I've become. It's amazing what we absorb, and how we weave it into ourselves, isn't it? Why, after watching this again, I realize that this Disney telling of Paul Bunyan & Babe is where I first heard of the Aurora Borealis, and probably why I've always wanted to see it.

It's things like this that remind me why I want to write and illustrate kids' books. I want desperately to help kids use their imaginations, to think, dream, learn how to express themselves creatively and just be happy.

What stories have helped shape who you are?

Take The Cake

2010-06-26T10:50:00.004-05:00

The always sincere Melanie gave me a Happy Award a while back, and I truly appreciate it. Seriously, Mel. *mwah*

I'm tellin' ya, I'm just amazed at how many awesome people I've met through blogging, some actually and some figuratively. Communication and relationships have always enthralled me, but you guys take the cake.

Okay, the deal is, if you don't already know, anyone given this particular award has to list ten things that make them happy. Then they get to pass it along to up to ten other bloggers. Here goes some of my happies...

1. Certain smells and sounds bring me a lot of joy. My absolute favorites? Puppy breath, wiggles and grunts.

2. Campfires thrill my soul from start to finish. They have a life of their own, and mesmerize me.

3. Driving along country roads with no apparent destination, windows down, playing in the wind.

4. Silkie chicken hineys. They're just so darn fluffy.

5. Answered prayers, and just knowing God is there, beyond a shadow of a doubt.

6. Night swimming makes me feel really, really alive.

7. Lightning bugs are magic, and make me feel like a little girl with no worries. I heart bioluminescence.

8. Pinwheels have always brought me joy. I mean, what kid doesn't love a shiny, blowy pinwheel? As an adult (of sorts), I love how they show evidence of something unseen.

9. Family resemblances have probably been mentioned here on Mimsy before, but they're worth mentioning again. My family may not be the closest, and I may not know my father very well, but I look like him. When I look in the mirror, I feel like I belong.

10. Otters holding hands. 'Nough said.

Now, for passing this thing on...I'm not going to choose ten bloggers, though I can definitely think of ten of you that make me happy. Today, I'm sticking with several lovely ladies that I've just realized have quite a few things in common.

Shannon - Shannon & her HB may not live next door, and I may have only met them once, but I simply adore them. We share a love for life that pretty much links you instantly. Thank you, Shannon, for being YOU, and for making my blog so incredibly ME. I love it, and you. Can't wait to see you guys again.

Ari - I don't even know where to start with this one. For anyone who doesn't know, we met when we were fourteen, at a mutual friend's birthday bash. We lost touch for a few years, met again in college, and have been pretty much inseparable ever since. She's my creative partner in crime, and we're seriously thick as thieves. We share so much of our lives, and I don't know (or want to know) what I would do without her. Love you, my little prickly pear!

HisDaughter - This little lady amazes me in lots of ways, especially with her mad mommy skillz. I've only met her a couple times now, but I know she's making a difference in people's lives everyday. She's refreshing and alive, and I just smile thinking of her. We have to hang out soon, lovely lady!

Madam Rasberry - I've talked about the soul mateness before here, in case anyone gets confused. She's my soul mate, and my oldest friend. We are part of each other, and just the thought of her makes me...all kinds of emotions, and happy is definitely in there. I love you, friend.

I may love them for different reasons, but they're all A-dorable, loving, sincere, bright, creative (Yes, Jodi, you are creative.), fun, and madly in love with their canine counterparts (Again, Jodi, Dixie counts for you.). Didn't know you had so much in common, did you? Hmmm...I think I may have inadvertently discovered the secret to making me adore someone...

Whoa Nelly!

2010-06-23T01:20:00.000-05:00

June is kicking my butt, bloggers. Sometimes, when I look in the mirror, I think I might be losing it.

See? It's in the eyes, I think. And please note that I'm wearing a sundress. There has been much nakey talk about this photo. NOT NAKED.

Besides being an incredibly busy month, as discussed here, it has also been pretty harsh. Saturday night, while enjoying dinner with friends at a little Italian joint, my husband's truck was broken into. The culprits stole my purse, and my makeup bag. *cries*

I loved that big green Target purse, and Etsy Russian nesting doll makeup bag. Something I loved even more than them? All the stuff I keep in them, including my driver's license, social security card, and the keys to my home, office and vehicle! Yeah. Awesome.

I'm still in the process of getting things replaced, warding off credit fraud, identity theft and coping with the loss of the things that I'll never get back again. I kind of feel like I'm missing a limb, so please excuse my lack of posting/reading your loverly blogs. The Busy and The Blah are something I have to work through, but I'll catch up soon. My birthday is this Sunday, and I'm hoping to have worked through a lot of this mess by then.

*mwah*

The Wonderful World of June

2010-06-01T23:51:00.001-05:00

I'm just going to go ahead and count May's NaBloPoMo a success. So I didn't post every single day, and I sort of forgot about the theme. Phooey! It got me back into writing pretty regularly, and that's what it's all about, right? I'm going to keep telling myself that I'm not a procrastinating failure, and move right along.

Right along to the wonderful world of June! This month is going to be chock-full of good times, and I can hardly wait. Let me break it down for you.

Birthdays!
My Soul Mate's dad is turning fifty this month, and he's a pretty important fella. Since I met Jodi on the school bus, when we were eleven, her parents have been a very important part of my life. I've mentioned that my dad's a good guy, he's just never been very present in my life. Well, Jodi's dad has been there...always.

Jodi's also got two younger siblings, which I refer to as my Pseudo Little Sisters. Leah is the oldest, and Kayla's the baby. Well, the baby is turning fifteen this month. Feel incredibly old much?! I was at the hospital the day she was born, bloggers. The day she was BORN.

Since we're feeling old* here, might as well go ahead and get this out of the way. I'm turning twenty-eight on the twenty-seventh. Yes, that's right, I've now surpassed the twenty-seven on the twenty-seventh mark, and may possibly go into a deep dark depression. I doubt it, but it could happen. I'm keeping my options open.

What does all this birthdayness mean?! It means that my Soul Mate, complete with wonderful husband man, will be coming home for birthday celebrations! Yaaaaaaay! I'm thrilled to the core about this. I haven't seen them in over five months, and I'm going through withdrawals.

Projects!

I'm going to begin working on a couple of really exciting things this month, too.

First, there's my sketchbook for The Sketchbook Project. It came in today, and I can not wait to get started! I really can't express how much joy it brings me to know that some of my work, however rough and unfinished, will be exhibited in museums throughout the U.S. I'll probably be subjecting you to sketchbook entry posts, so brace yourselves for doodles.

I'm still in shock over this second project. I've already ranted to some of you about it, but I've got to give more details. Last week, a man came to facilitate a training at my place o' business. On his first day with us, he saw some of my artwork, talked with me a little bit and then...asked me to illustrate a children's book for him!!!

He recited the story he'd written from memory, and I'm in love with it. It's right up my alley, and totally something I can stand behind. I've already started working up some characters, but it's really in the early stages. I'm currently waiting to receive my edited copy of the book, so I can dig in. I'm seriously waiting for someone to pinch me, and hoping and praying I don't wake up. I want to write and illustrate children's books so badly, and I think this is a wonderful start for me. Squee!

*Let me clarify, before someone thinks I'm calling them old. I'm merely in awe/thankful that I've been on this planet for twenty-eight years. I tend to go with the "you're as young as you feel" idea. I mean, look at the men I'm drawn to, for goodness' sake. I'm attracted to guys in the 34-50 range, which I most certainly do not consider "old". I just wanted to make that clear. And Todd? I guess you lucked out, young man. :P

Shenanigans

2010-05-29T13:11:00.010-05:00

I am having way too much fun to conjure up an actual post. I apologize, NaBloPoMo. Really, I do. My favorite teenager is spending the weekend with me, and I just haven't the time! We're too busy being awesome!

A Sight To See

2010-05-27T09:44:00.000-05:00

Oh, yesterday was a day, folks. A good day, but a day. When I left work, heading to get my tires rotated, and eat dinner with my loverly husband, it looked like this.

About 5 minutes later...it looked like this.

While we waited for my Jeep to be taken care of, we decided to take our chances riding bikes at a local green way. We checked the weather, and 40% chance of rain wasn't going to stop us, so off we went.

About 4 miles before we got caught in a downpour. (We just rode 4 miles. Please excuse the hot mess.)

Luckily, we were close to an overpass! We ducked inside like good little wayfarers, and hung out with some pigeons. We also spotted a teensy snake swimming in the water you see there. When I approached to take his picture, he politely refused and swam to the other side of the stream. Hmph.

We waited it out, checked the radar on my handy dandy Droid and were back on our way in no time. We finished the trail, which was a little over 4.5 miles, and headed back the way we came. Right as we returned to the very same overpass, the bottom dropped out and it poured again.

We waited as long as we could, but we ended up finishing the last couple of miles in a light sprinkle. We were drenched, but it was hilarious.

By the way, my husband's a genius. He left his dress shirt in the truck (rode in his white undershirt), and brought me a clear poncho (I felt like a Hefty bag.).

9 miles later, our clothes were pretty dry, but we sure were a sight to see.

Chicken Little

2010-05-26T23:00:00.001-05:00

I thought it was about time for an update on our little silkie babies.

Ponyo and Sosuke have now moved in together. Since Momma chicken (Noir) would only take care of her wee black birdie (Sosuke), we had to move the two babies in together. Ponyo was so lonely, and starting to think she was a person. :P

Wanna see 'em in their humble abode? They're currently residing under our carport, so excuse the gorgeous surroundings.

It cracks me up that the one we had to help out of the egg (Ponyo), has turned out to be the biggest. They are definitely funky chickens.

Photo Foolery

2010-05-25T22:07:00.001-05:00

I just have a ball messing with the filters on my Droid's little camera app. It's called FX Camera. I'm not sure if I've said the name of it before. A lovely lady I know was talking about the Hipstamatic (I think that's what it's called) app for her iPhone, and I went in search of the equivalent.

Yeah, so how insane do I look in that picture?! I love it. Helena Bonham Carter, eat your heart out. I could totally be the next Bellatrix LeStrange. I just need some grungy teeth, more extreme bed head and a corset. And maybe to look a little more maniacal.

Oh, and the application brings out different hues, which is awesome. This one makes my eyes look reeeeaaaaally creepy green. They're fairly creepy green anyhow, but not that bright.

Anyhow, free camera application. Check it.

Bwahahahaha!!!

Twinkle Twinkle Little Bat

2010-05-24T23:11:00.156-05:00

I'm planning a tea party! It will be a Mad Tea Party, of course, and it will be in celebration of Mr. T's and my 7th wedding anniversary. I think I've mentioned how mental I was at my wedding, so this is my chance to be a calmer version of me, and actually enjoy myself.

It's next year, and I've already been searching far and wide for inspiration photos, and this one is right up my alley. Colorful, but simple. I'm not going for the exact same thing, but pretty similar.

I googled "tea party", and found this image. Can't remember where, and didn't save the link! Not mine!

There will be all kinds of wonderful things, people! I'm going to make Alice In Wonderland themed invites, and "Eat Me" cupcakes. There will be "Drink Me" bottles of something...not sure what yet. It'll be nonalcoholic, of course, so my drinking friends can thank me for that later. I love you, guys! There's just so much, I can't think of it all. Must. Make. Lists.

Which leads me to the guest list. *Insert creepy, intense, impending doom movie music* I'm afraid I won't be able to invite as many folks as I'd like. There were over 100 people at our wedding, and I just can't plan/afford a party that size. After all, I am leaning towards starving artist here.

Another problem with the guest list is that some of my friends don't like each other. They're all awkward. Now, while I respect people's feelings, I want our closest friends to celebrate with us, and if that means they have to put up with people they don't like (SOBER), then that's what they'll do, because they love us. Right? Will that fly? I mean, I'm not heartless. I won't make them cuddle, or invite exes. I just want my very different friends to be cordial. That's not too much to ask, is it?

Moving right along! I now need to sell my house, buy a new one with a gorgeous fenced in back yard (This part is something we've been wanting anyhow, so why not expedite that little task?), and purchase LOTS of funky tea cups, twinkle lights, Chinese lanterns and multicolored tulle. Oh, and put my friends to work.

What a hodge podge of awesome it will be!

Standing In The Light

2010-05-23T23:00:00.004-05:00

I've loved this song for a very long time, and I thought it was about time to share it.

It's completely gorgeous, but my favorite lines are:

-I've known folks as smart as dogs, I've known folks like bumps on logs, and they're all fine by me.

-I've got room enough to die.

Moderately Coherent

2010-05-22T01:15:00.000-05:00

One can only hope I'm moderately coherent at this time of night. It's after one in the morning, and I can't sleep. Might have something to do with the fact that I didn't wake up until after noon yesterday, which is still today because I have yet to sleep, but not really.

My failure to doze might also be a direct result of my obsession with Comedy Central. What began as a quick search for a specific Tosh.0 clip (Yes, that's his wiki, cause I'm still meeting people who don't know who he is, and they need to know. YOU need to know.) turned into an all nighter.

I'll leave you with yet another Scottish man that makes me happy, and I'm going to attempt to get some sleep.

Jokes.com

Danny Bhoy - Scottish Breakfast

comedians.comedycentral.com

Futurama New Episodes

Ugly Americans

Funny TV Comedy Blog

A Day Missed

2010-05-21T01:39:00.010-05:00

Do you see this?! THIS, friends, is a day missed of NaBloPoMo. I was simply far too busy to sit in front of my lovely laptop, but I'll make it up!

Wizarding World of What?!

2010-05-20T23:41:00.001-05:00

Credit where credit is due.

Alright, Mimsians...can I call you Mimsians? I don't think I've ever told you lovely people what a Harry Potter nerd I am. It's pretty bad. I'm slightly obsessed, and by slightly I mean totally. I love it.

I grew up on magicians, wizards and Jedi and learned early on that good eventually conquers evil. I think Fantasia was my first introduction into the world of magic. After Mickey Mouse was introduced as the Sorcerer's Apprentice, I was hooked. Then there was Sword in The Stone, Star Wars, Willow, Legend, The Last Unicorn and the list goes on. Hooked, I say.

Obviously, the Harry Potter series is my cup of tea. Neglected munchkin goes from underdog to chosen one pretty much overnight, makes friends, experiences free will, chooses love and finds his place in the world? What's not to love?!

So...I'm sure you've all heard tell of this whole Wizarding World of Harry Potter gloriousness by now? Oh. My. Goodness. The husband person and I are totally going. I don't know when, but it's happening. It's just a matter of time. I am beyond willing to spend ~~some~~ ~~most~~ all of my hard earned money in order to feel like a kid for a day or two, and a stroll through Hogwarts and Hogsmeade will totally do the trick. A glass of butter beer probably wouldn't hurt either. Squee!

Anonanimal

2010-05-19T23:00:00.004-05:00

I just adore Andrew Bird, and the way he communicates. His brain makes me happy, and I like seeing things the way he sees them. I wish someone would say those things about me.

I can't tell you how many articles I've read arguing the fact that he makes no sense. First of all, art for art's sake, people! Some things are just beautiful, whether you understand them at all. I don't understand children most of the time, but their gibberish thrills me to my core. Second of all, this man makes more sense than most. He's a poet and a musician, and he does gorgeous things with the English language.

That being said, if you have any trouble figuring out what he's celebrating in "Anonanimal", I'm pretty sure I've got the lyrics right.

I see a sea anemone
The enemy
See a sea anemone
And that'll be the end of me...

While the vicious fish was caught unawares
In the tenderest of tendrils
Underneath her tender gills

And I will become this animal
Perfectly adapted to all music halls
I will become this animal
Anomalous appendages
A non-animal...

Hold on just a second
Don't tell me this one, you know
I know this one, I know this song
I know this one, I love this song
Hold on just a second
Don't tell me this one, you know
I know this one, I know this song
I know this one, I love this song
I know this one

Underneath the stalactites
The troglodytes lost their sight
Uh oh

The seemingly innocuous plecostomus
Though posthumous
They talk too much
They talk too much

See a sea anemone
The enemy
See a sea anemone
That'll be the end of me
That'll be the end of me
Vicious fish was caught unawares
In the tend'rest tendrils
Underneath her tender gills

And I will become this animal
Perfectly adapted to all music halls
Oh, and I will become this animal

Anomalous appendages
A non-animal...

Maybe it's just me, but I think this man is a genius. I've seen him in concert, he carries a sock monkey in a suit around with him, wears scarves, has a farm and is all kinds of adorable. If you don't like him, well, that's fine. I might beat you up, though. Just sayin'.

To The Moon

2010-05-18T22:49:00.000-05:00

I have been all kinds of busy lately, and haven't been doodling or painting much. Which is why this little number has remained unfinished for quite sometime.

Well, I'm setting a very attainable goal for myself. I will finish this water doodle this week. You can hold me to that. I should be posting the finished product by midnight on Sunday.

The Sketchbook Project

2010-05-17T21:45:00.008-05:00

I mentioned how excited I was about signing up for a project on Art House Coop a few posts ago, and I can't wait to receive my materials. I don't want to blather on and on about it, but it's called The Sketchbook Project and it's going to be awesome.

I signed up last week, so I should receive my wee sketchbook in 2-3 weeks! Then I get to fill it up! Once it's complete, I just mail it in to be put on display with the thousands of other sketchbooks sent in from all over the world. They'll be exhibited in galleries and museums as they make their way on tour across the country. So excited!

Scottish Manliness

2010-05-16T20:13:00.000-05:00

I love this song soooooo much.

Travis

What is it about Scottish men that gets to me?! It's not just the accent, is it? It can't be. It helps, but I like them before they even talk. Am I alone here?

Sean Connery

Ewan McGregor

Gerard Butler

All three of these men have made me a little swooney, at one point or another.

I even met three people from Scotland on a business trip once, and I fell in love with them, too. Danny, Gary and Jacqui.

Jacqui was a cute little freckly blond with a scratchy sort of voice. She was a mother of three, and missing her teenage boys something fierce. Basically, she was the sweetest thing ever, and adorable to boot.

Danny was tall and hilarious, and every one called him Donny. It did sort of sound like Donny when he said it, but I was pretty sure I'd heard Gary call him Daniel. When we ended up in an elevator together, I asked him to clarify. He cracked up, told me it was sort of an inside joke at that point and asked me politely not to tell. Donny it was.

Then there was Gary. Dude was all kinds of attractive and masculine, and he smelled sort of like eucalyptus. What? I wasn't sniffing him. He just sat near me, and I had to breathe. Perfectly innocent. Well, he made the mistake of saying my name. More than once. Like a lot. With that accent. I seriously fought the urge to follow him around like a lost puppy for the remainder of the training. Anyhow, he explained to me all about heather, how it's not a weed, and that Scottish grooms wear it on their lapels to represent love and commitment. Sigh. Luckily, he was old enough to be my father and never once acknowledged the fact that I was a complete mess around him. So polite. It also helped that my adorable husband was waiting for me in the lobby everyday, so his Scottish manliness didn't have a lasting effect.

Sounds like I'm a horrible woman, but I'm not. He was Scottish, therefor I couldn't help it. I just don't know why I couldn't. Any theories?

Reach Out & Touch Faith

2010-05-15T09:00:00.006-05:00

Aaaaand I can't get enough of Johnny Cash right now.
I'm pretty sure the three members of Depeche Mode were beyond stoked when they learned that Cash had done a cover of their song. He didn't ask, and Depeche Mode didn't mind. While they were inspired by Elvis & Priscilla Presley, Johnny Cash was singing it for an entirely different reason.

When The Man Comes Around

2010-05-14T23:04:00.000-05:00

Have I ever mentioned how much I love Johnny Cash? Well, I do. I've been singing his songs since I was a little bitty girl, and I love his "gospel" music as much as the rest. His voice combined with the words of the Bible seriously move me.

Oh, The Excitement!

2010-05-13T22:43:00.001-05:00

May I ask you a personal question? Nothing scary. It's harmless personal, just something that interests me.

What did you get excited about when you were little? I mean, really excited. I'm talking jump up and down, annoy the heck out of your parents, keep you awake at night with anticipation excited. Remember that level of enthusiasm?

little, curly headed me

Little, curly headed me got really excited about quite a few things. I jumped up and down about puppies, drove my mother crazy about going swimming and couldn't sleep when my mom told her boyfriend to take a hike. I would get so excited about these things I'd get the hiccups.

I guess that last boyfriend one might need a little explaining, if you're new around here. My mom's boyfriend was not always a nice man, and he needed to leave. Each and every time she threw him out, I believed he was gone for good and it would just be my mom and I. I'd get so excited that I couldn't even sleep. I just knew we were going to spend every day playing games, coloring, letting the dogs in the house, singing songs, cleaning and listening to music together and life would be grand. He finally left for good when I was fourteen. Good things come to those who wait, right?

Anyhow, I'm blathering about all this because I tapped back into that next level excitement yesterday. I came across a link that I simply must share. It's called Art House Co-op, and it's uh-mazing. There are so many rich and gorgeous things to find there, I-I-I just can't contain myself. I've even signed up for a project and am all kinds of stoked. Squee!

What did you get insanely excited about as a little person, and what do you get excited about now? I want examples, people. ^_^

Good Day Sunshine

2010-05-12T23:10:00.001-05:00

I'm still battling whatever this crud is that's giving me achy muscles and a sore throat, and I felt pretty rotten at the office today. I thought some sunshine might do me good, so I decided to take some photos at the lake on my way home.

I didn't even make it to my Jeep before looking up, and seeing this gorgeous blue sky.

A bit closer to my house I pulled over to get some shots of a gorgeous tree. Those didn't turn out so well, but I did make a new friend.

This little duck waddled all the way across the street, up an embankment and into a corn field to see me.

The Upside?

2010-05-11T14:41:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling less than awesome today, so please excuse what I'm certain will be a mediocre post. My throat feels like I've been eating bits of steel wool for the past 2 days, and my body feels like I've been trampled by a draft horse. I'm pretty sure it's a combination of allergies, and being an old hag.

Sleeping alllll day is great, though, right? I think I'm on my fourth run through of Coraline, and I haven't seen all of it yet, I keep passing out. Have I mentioned my obsessive compulsive tendencies a few million times? I think I have. Yeah, well, some things are just comforting...when you're a little crazy.

The upside? My napping buddy, Kimchi Kitty, is feeling much better. Thanks again to everyone who sent loves, hugs and prayers for my feline friend. You just don't know how much it means to me.

Keeps Hands And Arms Inside At All Times

2010-05-10T22:26:00.000-05:00

I had unexpected plans come up on Mother's Day. I'd already arranged to see my mom this coming Sunday, so when some friends from church offered us a couple free tickets to Six Flags we took them up on it. Mr. T. isn't a huge fan of roller coasters, so he stayed home with our recovering kitty. Instead, I transported my favorite teenager. I had a really good time, despite wishing Todd were there. I remedied that by texting photo updates to include him. Wanna see?

Jacob (goes to church with me) and Jake (Jacob's friend from school)

Jake (I heart this kid. He wore a storm trooper shirt, was very calm and covered in freckles.)

Kayla (favorite teenager/pseudo little sister) and I

And Jacobi (Jacob's little brother, and one exhausted 3 year old)

Did you catch the name of the boys? Jacob, Jake and Jacobi (Juh-co-bee). Yeah. Try keeping up with that. And Jake's name is Jacob, too.

What'd you do on Mother's Day?

Chickens Included

2010-05-09T09:00:00.001-05:00

I think Mother's Day is the perfect opportunity to highlight the two newest members of our family, don't you? You've already "met" one of them, but she wasn't nearly as adorable/fluffy a post or so ago. She also didn't have a name at the time, so she and her feathery sibling get another post all to themselves.

Ponyo (with those funny little chicken feet ^_^)

And Sosuke (with that funny little haircut)

I'm convinced that Silkie babies are the cutest baby birds on the planet. They have wee fuzzy legs, people. Feathers. On. Their. Feet. If shiny little black eyes, teensy wittle wings, peeps and fuzzy bums and legs aren't the definition of adorable, then I just don't know what is, and someone needs to get to redefining.

Anyways...Happy Mother's Day to all manner of Mom's, chickens included.

Fastidious Prime

2010-05-08T13:37:00.003-05:00

Guess who's lying next to me right now. I'll give you some hints. He's not so tall, but he is dark and handsome. He also happens to be incredibly brave and strong, pretty close to that ever alluring Byronic hero. And he purrs.

That's right! Kimchi Kitty!!!

He's a little drugged up still, so he's kind of wobbly. His surgery went well, and the vet found some weird unidentifiable plug-like object wedged in his little kitty intestines. I'm not so sure what the thing is yet, but I'm bringing it home after Kimchi's follow-up on Monday. I'm pretty sure I know someone who might recognize this wee culprit.

It sounds like the work of my husband, the mechanic.

Looking particularly menacing on Cinco de Mayo. :P

He's a computer technician actually, but he can do everything. The only downside to my multitasking man? He leaves little bits of his multi-purposed life all over the place-for my kitty to munch!

Have I mentioned my obsessive compulsive tendencies lately? Even if we didn't have a feline that eats anything that might possibly resemble a bug, clutter drives me insane. I don't have much to complain about, I know. I mean, being cluttery isn't the worst character flaw. Being murdery is the worst, but being cluttery is easily second.

I come home and seriously ponder gathering all the little washers, screws, zip ties, rubber gaskets, L.E.D. bulbs, fuses and pocket lint, and using them to concoct a weapon of mass organization. This is an every day thing, people. I mean, I've had time to plot. I'd call my creation Fastidious Prime (What? I love Transformers.). His first mission? To force untidy husbands into submission. *evil laughs persist*

Anyhow, I'm pretty sure that Mr. T will be a little less likely to leave things lying around now. Kimchi is pitiful. He's got a shaved belly, and two large incisions. He's all sleepy/stumbly, and has a bandage around his right arm. It's not a leg. Two arms. Two legs. Don't argue with me. It's not worth it.

My two main concerns at this point, besides keeping things tidy, are making sure my bleary kitty eats and doesn't contract an infection. It's another bout at the vet, if either of those two things are problems. I've got stinky soft cat mush, and antibiotics. ~~Wish me luck~~ Pray.

P to the S
If we go to the vet Monday and find out the wee object is something of mine, I'll die. I'm not missing anything, but who knows what the cat ate, really? It sounds like something ugly, and I don't own ugly things. It must be Todd's fault, right?

Say, "Hello" To My Little Friend

2010-05-07T11:00:00.001-05:00

As promised, here are some photographs of the newest member of our humble household. She had a little bit of a rough start, but with some help she's doing just fine.

She (I am willing her to be female simply because I do *not* want, or need, another rooster.) wasn't exactly ready to come out of her cozy little shell, but if we hadn't motivated her to do so, she wouldn't have made it.

But she did, and we're oh so thankful.

She's even fluffing up, and we hope to sneak her into her momma tomorrow.

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

2010-05-06T13:00:00.006-05:00

I've been playing with the camera on my Droid again.

It appears that I have lots of toys...

...and an unintentional feline slash poultry theme to my life, as of late.

I'm hoping to pick my Kimchi Kitty up from the vet today, and our chickens had babies! Two of the three little silkie eggs hatched, and two out of three ain't bad (Yeah. I just referenced a Meat Loaf song.). Well, one of the chickadees needed a little help. The momma wasn't taking care of it, so Mr. T and I had to help it out of it's shell and it's spent the night snoozing under a heat lamp in our kitchen. She's very wee, and getting fluffy! I'll post pics soon.

There He Is!

2010-05-05T23:09:00.000-05:00

I was looking up some old NaBloPoMo posts, and came across something I forgot to do. Remember when I said I was making a ginger bread man, complete with gumdrop buttons, for my sexy librarian friend at the public library? If not, you can read about it here. I know you'd all cry yourselves to sleep tonight if you missed one of my enthralling posts, and we can't have that.

Well, I forgot to post pics of the finished product! For shame, I know. So, with no further adieu...here he is, complete with gumdrop buttons.

My librarian friend told me that the kids loved him, and he was a puppet show hit. Every time he had a part, the kids would yell, "There he is!" ^_^

And while we're on the subject of fun artsy/crafty things, I've been working on getting some more items into my etsy shop. I haven't had a lot of spare time, as of late, so it's been difficult to get anything accomplished. I hope to have a few little things I've been working on uploaded soon, and I'll post pics...famous last words.

MegaWhatsel?!

2010-05-04T23:58:00.003-05:00

Hiya, folks! Did I tell y'all when I got a new phone? It's a Motorola Droid, and a huge step up from my ghetto Razr. There are a lot of things to adore, but the camera is pretty exceptional. It's a 5 mega pixel with a dual L.E.D. flash, and I'm in love.

Needless to say, I've been taking a lot more photos lately. I'm no photographer, but I love playing with composition, and perspective. What do you say I post some of my favorites here now and again, hm?

I'll start with just one...

How appropriate that he's looking up. ^_^

Things Are Looking Up!

2010-05-03T23:04:00.029-05:00

This is how pitiful my sweet Kimchi Kitty was before our last trip to the vet...

And this is him today.

It may be a lousy shot of him being held captive at the vet's office, but at least he's a live captive. Do you see him willing me to open that door? Such spirit. Just yesterday I wasn't so sure he was going to come home again. When I opened that little metal box, he all but climbed in my mouth. And he's found his purr again!

Is he cured? Not quite. His blood work looks perfect. He doesn't have a temperature. Antibiotics didn't do squat. X-rays don't capture anything out of the ordinary. Conundrum, anyone? So...today the vet administered a barium x-ray, and low and behold, it shows what appears to be a hairball.

Of all things, a hairball. Who knew hair could try to kill my kitty?! He's got a good 12-14 years left in him, and I've got an awesome vet, so that's not going to happen.

Currently, they're still trying to coax my clogged-up kitty into eating, in hopes of avoiding surgery. If he would just eat, it should get things moving naturally. Otherwise, they're going to have to open him up. While the vet can't be completely positive that it's a hairball, we should be finding out soon. I'm just thankful that he's feeling better. Fluids have certainly put the meow back in him.

A Little Help

2010-05-02T19:04:00.000-05:00

Sometimes you need a little help looking on the bright side. Well, I guess I should just speak for myself, hm? Sometimes I need a little help looking on the bright side, and it's good to know that it can be as simple as walking into your kitchen.

Allow me to (re)introduce you to some feathered friends of mine.

This is Casey Jones.

This is Madeleine.

These little birdies, and the new camera app I discovered for my Droid, have been helping me to focus on the positive. Looking up isn't always easy, and I'll take all the help I can get.

Looking Up

2010-05-01T15:37:00.004-05:00

*Googled "Up" and found this gorgeous image here.

You know when you feel overwhelmed, and you just want to run away and hide? Yeah, I've been feeling that a lot lately. Work, church, home, and the interwebs all seem to be taking more out of me than I've got to offer. So...what do I do?

Well, let me tell you. I sign up for NaBloPoMo, cause that just makes all kinds of sense. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself. Maybe I'm losing mental stability. It just seemed like the thing to do, so I went with it.

This month's theme is "Look Up". I'm certainly trying.

Hunger Strike

2010-04-30T13:57:00.001-05:00

I can't think about anything, but my sick Kimchi Kitty*. You see that face right there? That face is sick. He won't eat, drink or purr.

We've been to two different vets, an emergency clinic and our regular critter care giver, and neither knows what the heck's the matter with him. In the last three days, he's had x-rays, blood work, something for an upset tummy, something to stop the vomiting, antibiotics, a fluid shot that made him look like a kitty camel and still...nothing. He just mopes around the house, sleeping and hiding under the bed.

I feel responsible, and I don't even know what's wrong. I'm so afraid we've done something to make him sick, a household product I've used or something. He only eats healthy digestion kitty food, vegetables and maybe a piece of wheat bread crust now and again. I have no idea what he could have eaten, or what could have bitten him. I just don't know. He's an only kitty, and he lives in the house. I've gotten no new house plants, and none of the ones I have appear to be nibbled upon. I just don't know! Hairball? But that should have shown up in the x-ray.

Today's vet visit ended in them keeping him for more blood work, and hooking him up to fluids. I don't know if they're going to keep him overnight, over the weekend or if I'll go out of my mind from worry. The last time I took a mysteriously ill critter to the vet for blood work I never saw them alive again. It was my Pontuf Bunny, and this feels all too similar.

Kimchi's always so happy and lovey, but he feels like death right now. Will those of you who pray, please remember my kitty next time you talk to God? Thanks.

*If you happen to read/reread that post, notice the "I don't enjoy obsessive posts about pets. So, for your one time viewing pleasure, here's Kimchi!!" part. Ahem. Soooo...maybe I posted about him more than once, and I have issues with punctuation. Meh.

Follow Me, Please.

2010-04-23T01:01:00.001-05:00

I've posted at Shannon's today, folks! It's Foto Friday over there, and you should definitely go pick a favorite photo! For me?

Now, for those of you that aren't familiar with the amazing lady that is Shannon, or her gorgeous photography, you should be thanking me for that link up there. She and her HB (Honey Bunches) are two of the best people you'll ever have the pleasure of knowing. They're bright, caring and just all around awesome.

What are you doing reading here still? I'm not blogging here. I'm not. This is not a post. Were it an actual post, I would keep typing...

Future's So Bright...

2010-04-20T23:27:00.010-05:00

Here we have photo documentation of the joyous occasion that was meeting Shannon and Megan. Strolling around the very charming streets of downtown Asheville, NC we snapped a shot or two, talked about all manner of things and my husband (Mr. T for Todd) and I decided we needed to take them home with us. Alas, they have lives and bright futures of their own, so we can't steal them. Le sigh.

How many of us twenty-somethings posted about community in our swappy little guest posts (however briefly due to sleep deprivation) this past week? We're all talking about community in the blogosphere all the time, aren't we? I guest posted about that very thing, but I wasn't really feeling it.

You see, it's really easy for me to feel like I'm only here for others. I get so wrapped up in keeping up with everyone else, commenting, and being supportive and caring, that I just let blogging become a one-sided thing. I become drained, disconnected and discouraged, and totally forget what communication is all about.

I've been desperately in need of a refresher, and this wonderful little trip of ours has done just that. Meeting the two aforementioned lovely ladies has reminded me what blogging is all about. It's about people taking time to peek into one another's lives, you know, in that invited/non-creepy way. It's about communication and being human, and it's awesome.

Short, Sweet & A Little Fuzzy

2010-04-16T23:54:00.002-05:00

The above image has severely damaged my post writing capabilities. I should have avoided meandering on over to Cute Overload, but I just needed a little pick me up. Aaaaaand now, over an hour later, all I can think about is how much I love bunnies!!! Thank you, Cute Overload.

I'm hoping for a real post tomorrow, complete with photos of people and things Mr. T and I encountered on the first two days of our mini-vacation, including the lovely, lovely, lovely Shannon and Megan. Simply. Adore. Them.

Wait, did I even tell you peoples my husband person and I were on a mini-vacation?! Well, we are! Taking North Carolina and Tennessee by storm, folks. I ♥ Mountains! More on all this after I sleep! Sweet dreams, jelly beans.

Bloggity Blog Blog

2010-04-14T17:39:00.001-05:00

Oh, my poor little Mimsy has been neglected so lately. Life has taken on a new hectic, an exciting bit of chaos really. Only problem is, my head is spinning all the time, and Mimsy waits. She waits as I consider all the things I could post, as I decide I need to but really don't want to because people expect it, and as I fall asleep because my brain is exhausted. Well, Mimsy...wait no more!

Thanks to 20 Something Bloggers, the old blog is getting some much needed attention as Carlee, from Living in Place, guest posts here today! Aaaand I'm over at her place, folks. Please come comment, so I don't feel like a complete blog slacker that no longer has followers?

I've only been doing this blogging thing for a short while now. Six months ago I probably didn't even know what blogging was or what it really meant to be a blogger. It's actually really hard to even remember what I was thinking before I took the leap into the world of regular blogging because the entire blogging experience has changed my life that much.

First, a little background about me and my blog: My name is Carlee and I, too, am a 20-something blogger. Over at my blog, Living in Place, I’m trying to find my niche and my passions by writing what I observe and experience around me. So far that’s mostly been any Gen Y (or Millenial) issues especially related to work, career & technology with a few reviews of local events thrown in there.

So I want to share with you, my audience-for-a-day, some of the reasons why I love blogging and “being a blogger”.

This isn’t my personal diary anymore. When I write something for my blog, people actually read it, consider the ideas, and respond. It is such an amazing feeling to know that even near-strangers care about what I’m thinking and saying.
I would even go as far to argue that bloggers grow as people faster than non-bloggers. Who else can say they have an audience of readers supporting you and giving you constructive critical feedback. Friends and family are too close to me to really give me the feedback I need to grow professionally and personally.
People know me before I even know who they are. Actually, that’s a little unsettling sometimes now that I’m experiencing it more and more often. It really helps with networking when I’m meeting someone for the first time and they say, “Oh yea, I really love your blog” or “I’ve been sending that one post to all my friends”. Seriously, it makes it so much easier start and continue conversations.
Community. I know everyone says that, but it’s so true. One of the best things about being a blogger is our potential to create a community or a group of followers who care about the same things as we do. Or just the ability to meet so many different people online—people that we probably never in our wildest imaginations would have thought we would have met.

Like this community—I didn’t know last week that I would be guest posting on Heather’s blog over here. But how awesome is it that I’ve been able to share my ideas with a completely new and mostly anonymous audience (at least to me) today? I hope that all the other bloggers reading this will share what they think the best thing about being a blogger is, and if you’re reading this and don’t blog, why not?

Thanks, Carlee!

"The Time Has Come," The Walrus Said,

2010-04-02T14:15:00.003-05:00

The Walrus and the Carpenter finagling the Oysters, as illustrated by John Tenniel.*

"To talk of many things." Not shoes, ships or sealing wax, but things I've avoided long enough.

Do you ever get the feeling that the entire world handles life better than you, and it would just seem incredibly abnormal to admit that you're having issues? I know we all have stress, and I'm not the only one to be affected by it, but still. When it's happening, it kind of seems like the rest of the world can't possibly be that well medicated, and that I must be one of the few faulty models that desperately needs to be recalled.

When I was eleven I started having episodes where my heart would feel like it was going to beat out of my chest. Sometimes it would happen when I was running around playing, other times it would happen when I was lying down. It didn't really seem to matter what I was doing, my heart would just spaz the heck out. On several occasions I told my mother, and once I even went to a gym teacher. Both trusted adults felt my heart, and responded by having me go lie down. Sound advice, no? So that's how I dealt with it...for the next 16 years.

In my teens it seemed to happen less, but still regularly. It became more frequent after I started college, and having learned about panic attacks, I self-diagnosed. I assumed my racing/pounding heart was just a stress related thingamawhatsit, and I got used to it. I'd scramble to find a secluded place to lie down until it passed, and try stealthily to go unnoticed.

Deep down, I think I felt responsible for my stressful past. Why else would I feel embarrassed for being emotionally, verbally and sexually abused, or witnessing my mom withstand verbal and physical abuse? There are a lot of terrible things that I always tried to hide, and I can see no other logical explanation. I was ashamed. I'm not anymore.

I have no reason to cover up the things that plagued my childhood, the fact that I was sexually abused for a span of about five years, the mean things my mom's boyfriend would yell at her, or the lies he'd whisper under his breath to me about my dad, how it terrified me when we'd try to leave and he'd chase us in his truck, how scared I was when he'd hit my mom, yank her around and throw things at her, how I'd hide under my bed with my dog, crying and praying for him to drop dead. I can talk about how every Easter, I'm reminded of waking up to him in my closet, slicing up my Easter dress, (I still don't know why he did that.), or how old rotary phones remind me of him crawling under the house to cut the phone lines before coming in to start an argument.

Everyday there's something to remind me, and there isn't a single reason on God's great green Earth for me to feel ashamed. None of it was my fault. I didn't choose any of that for myself, and it's a huge factor in the equation that is ME. I'm balancing out quite nicely, thank you very much, and am incredibly thankful.

As an intelligent adult, I realize what a wonder it is that I'm functional at all, and I'm blessed that things weren't worse than they were, that I learned from others' mistakes and that I have a happy marriage and healthy relationships. Still, no matter how much I vent, no matter how tightly I wrench that positive twist into it, I have nightmares, an occasional racing heart, constant reminders of a less than pleasant past and huge people-pleasing issues. I don't know if I'll ever get those monsters stomped out, but I know telling people where they hide makes them less likely to rear their ugly heads.

Alllllllll that being said, I took my fluttery, spastic heart to the doctor's office with me a few weeks ago. I shared what it was doing, and how long it'd been doing it and the next thing I knew I was getting a very frigid, very gooey echocardiogram and wearing a heart monitor. Turns out, there's nothing structurally wrong with the old ticker, no blockages or anything like that. I have an arrhythmia that allows my heart to be, well, bipolar. It goes from beating 70 beats per minute to beating 130 times a minute when I'm sleeping. It jumps up even higher when I get stressed during waking hours.

Needless to say, that's not good for me, so I'm on a medication to keep that rate steady. It seems to be working, and I'm feeling pretty good! I do hate taking meds, though. This is the only one I'm on, but I still hope to battle this arrhythmia with super human good health, so I can stop taking it.

Aaaaand speaking of good healthy things to do, venting is a must. I suppose I don't really need to tell a bunch of bloggers that, but maybe I do. It's been a while since I've talked about my past here on the old blog, or anywhere. It takes a lot of energy, and I often times feel like a big downer, but it turns out that it's something I need to let out now and again. Maybe you should, too.

I don't know what "many things" you might be hiding away, but I can pretty much promise you that it's a good idea to let it out. Don't let it fester and rot. Tell someone. Talk to God, tell a friend, or call your mom. Me? I plaster my depressing slop all over the interwebs. Well, not all over, just here. Point being, it's nothing to be ashamed of and you don't have to hide it.

*image credit

Ganked

2010-03-24T17:04:00.007-05:00

The lovely Shannon from Tattoos & Cupcakes ganked this from Tia, and I just couldn't help myself. I know I said I'd be blathering about medical things soon, but I'm a bit of an escapist, and even though things are fine, I'm not ready to talk about them yet. Therefor I am so happy to come across this little meme.

Outside my window... there is a sky full of stars, and a backyard full of sleepy chickens.

I am thinking... that I should've kept up with how many times I sneezed today. I probably broke a record or something.

I am thankful for... trials. No, really. I am. They really teach me to be thankful. Without trials and scares, I would take a lot of things for granted, things I always want to appreciate, like my health and the people I love.

I am wearing... a really old night gown, like, from 13 years ago. It's baby blue with doggies on it, and is now far too short to wear when we have company.

I am remembering... John 14:27- Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

I am creating... character sketches for the children's story I plan to complete this year, waterdoodles for my etsy shop, a portrait of a friend's munchkin and a great deal of stress for myself, as usual.

I am going... to sleep. I've got to start getting more sleep, and being on time for things.

I am reading... The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. A dear friend of mine really wants me to, so we can discuss it, but I'm having a hard time getting into it.

I am hoping... that I feel better soon. This respiratory/sinus infection is making me feel like a snotty beast. :(

On my mind... I've been worrying about my mom and dad's health a lot lately.

From the kitchen... feathers are always flying, no matter how much I sweep. I pull up a chair for Kimchi Kitty to belong, whilst Mr. T and I prepare a healthtastic meal.

One of my favorite things... is to create things that make people happy. I love it. It makes me feel useful, important.

Noticing that... I am more confident in myself than I've ever been before. I haven't been as hard on myself, and I'm beginning to really be happy with me. (I stole this one from Shannon, and I'm so glad we can both say/type this.)

Okay, taking a minute on that last one. Seriously? This is huge deal, bloggers. Being able to say I'm more confident is one thing, but being able to post this cheesy picture of myself with bed head, lip stain and smudged eyeliner is another entirely. I'm not going to pick it apart and tear myself down. I don't have to thwart anything unpleasant someone might have to say about me. I'm just me, and gosh darn it, I like myself. (Please get that reference.)

Pondering these words... "Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."

I Don't Roll On Shabbos III

2010-03-19T20:34:00.004-05:00

Life has been so incredibly hectic, lately. I realize life happens and all, but I've totally been neglecting Mimsy here. For shame, I know. I'm already back to not rollin' on the sabbath, and you know what that means. Beautiful music.

Switchfoot's "On Fire"

I fully intend to blather about what's been going on with me as of late, medically and otherwise. Nothing gross, promise. It's just going to take more time and energy than I have to offer at the moment. In the meantime, enjoy the music.

I Don't Roll On Shabbos

2010-03-13T14:11:00.006-06:00

As most of you folks already know (Isn't it adorable how I assume there's a plethora of you avid Mimsy subscribers?) , I'm a Christian that observes Saturday as a day of rest. It's called Sabbath. I've blathered about it before here, if you're in the least bit interested/confused/concerned.

I've run into a number of people that initially assumed that I was Jewish, because of the whole sabbath deal. Some of my dear friends like to tease, usually making reference to The Big Lebowski, calling me Walter and talking about not rolling on the shabbos. Cracks me up. I do love John Goodman, even as a foul-mouthed post traumatic stress disorder sufferer. Seriously, I know cursing is something a lot of people do, but oh my goodness, do the Coen brothers like to pack it into a movie.

Anyhow, it looks like I'm starting a little tradition here on the old blog called I Don't Roll On Shabbos. It'll be a little bit o' Saturday loveliness, some music, photos, etc. Last week it was the incredibly poetic Sufjan Stevens, and this week...

Ben Harper. The man could sing about liposuction and it would bring a tear to your eye, but his spirituals truly are beautiful. Enjoy!

O Frabjous Day!

2010-03-11T11:00:00.011-06:00

I've heard a lot of people claim that Tim Burton's "Alice In Wonderland" was humdrum. While I was surprised to hear such a thing from these people, it made me think. I thought, and thought and thought some more. Humdrum? Not so, I say!

I've read the book, and I've seen a myriad of versions/performances of it. While it wasn't Burton's normal claymation creeptastical genius, it still rocked. It stayed in tune with Carroll's work, with an emphasis on "The Jabberwocky"*, the acting was splendid and it was rich and gorgeous. I went in with incredibly high expectations, and I left happy.

That's not to say there weren't some things that bugged me about it, but those things were very few. Overall, I'd say it was refreshing, imaginative and I want to own it. Just don't see it in 3D. It seemed kind of pointless to me.

P.S. Depp's Mad Hatter is both unsettling and endearing, and I need one of Tim Burton's Bandersnatches a.s.a.p. ^_^

*The Jabberwocky poem and...

Thanks Youtube & Awesome parents/teachers.

Beautimus

2010-03-06T16:24:00.004-06:00

I love Sufjan Stevens. Do you love Sufjan Stevens? Yes, of course you do. And I love his version of "Come Thou Fount". Love it. You can love it, too! It's not a very impressive video, but it's all I had time to find. Enjoy.

P.S. Be expecting an update on the gloriousness that is Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland. Going tonight with a variety of wondermous people. Squee!

While The Sun Is Out

2010-03-05T23:32:00.008-06:00

Oh, what a week it has been?! I've seen evidence all over the interwebs which leads me to conclude that I'm not alone in my horrendous experiences this past week. No blogging for me. Just work and stress, stress and work. I can't even begin to explain the ups and downs of the past seven days (though it appears I've done just that), but they've felt like a decade and I've nothing left to give.

Luckily, the lovely Jen, over at Will Sketch For Cake, nominated me for a cheery little blog award! I am ever so grateful, really. Some sunshine to pass along is just what I needed.

So, here's the deal. The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blog world. *Cue huge cheeky grin for being nominated*

If this is your cup of tea, pass it on! Feel free to:

- Display the Sunshine Logo somewhere on your blog, or within your post.
- Pass the warm glow onto 12 loverly bloggers of your choice, and link to them.
- Inform these 12 pleasant people by way of commenting on their blogs.
- Share the love and link to the person that nominated you.

Easy enough, eh? Ahem. With no further adieu, the creative/inspiring nominees are:

Ari from The Happy Cactus
Shannon from Tattoos & Cupcakes
Ari from Curious Illusion
Amy from My Little Life
Megan from The Paraplegic Chef
Jay from Genius Pending*
Nikki from Whimsy Love
Katie from The Mustachioed Penguin
Desi from The Whininess of a Girl
Michelle from Michelle Woo
Melanie from Melanie's Randomness
Karishma from Being Tongue-in-Cheeky

This is a list of incredibly warm, vibrant, creative, honest, entertaining and inspiring bloggers. I love their brains, as I suspect you will. I hope you ("you" being my faithful few) will check them out. If you don't know someone on this list, you totally should.

Good day. Sunshine. ^_^

* As the only male, you may feel alienated. This is to be expected. I apologize, but I really think you're brilliant, sir.

El Condor Pasa

2010-02-20T15:21:00.014-06:00

I'm in a constant state of disarray, as of late. It's really got to end. I just have so much to do. I haven't even had a chance to read all your blogs, and that, my friends, is a necessary. Oy vey.

In an attempt to catch up in the ol' Greader, I came across something refreshing. Barry posted an "If I Were" list, and we all know how I feel about lists...

Yeah. I ganked it.

If I could be a month, I’d be October.

If I could be a day of the week, I’d totally be Saturday.

If I could be a time of day, I’d be 7pm.

If I could be a planet, I’d be one we don't know about.

If I could be a sea animal, I’d be an otter.

Need I say more? Oh yeah, image found here. I don't know how anyone gets a shot of an otter. I've tried. They lounge around being generally adorable, until they see you with a camera. Apparently cameras/photographers are the universal sign of spaz to all otters.

If I could be a direction, I’d be left. ( I asked Mr. T, and that's what he said.)

If I could be a piece of furniture, I’d be a book shelf.

If I could be a liquid, I’d be raspberry lemonade.

If I could be a gemstone, I’d be an emerald.

If I could be a tree, I’d be a ginkgo.

Found this image here. Thanks Google!

If I could be a tool, I’d be a pen.

If I could be a flower, I’d be an tiger lily.

If I could be a kind of weather, I’d be snow flurries.

If I could be a musical instrument, I’d be a Whamola.

Yes. A Whamola , and I googled and found this image here.

If I could be a color, I’d be green.

If I could be an emotion, I’d be worry.

If I could be a fruit, I’d be a grape.

If I could be a sound, I’d be puppy grunts.

If I could be an element, I’d be water.
This is a Clark Little shot. Love. It.

If I could be a car, I’d be an all terrain vehicle.

If I could be a food, I’m willing to bet I'd be a noodle of some sort.

If I could be a place, I’d be home.

If I could be a material, I’d be fleece.

If I could be a taste, I’d be sweet & sour. ( It's my blog. I can be both.)

If I could be a scent, I’d be Clinique Happy

If I could be an object, I’d be a paint brush.
Googled and found this image here.

If I could be a body part, I’d have to be the silliest one, a belly button.

If I could be a facial expression, I’d be a Cheshire grin.

If I could be a song, I’d be "El Condor Pasa" (Simon & Garfunkel)

If I could be a pair of shoes, I’d be some trusty old Chuck's.
Found this image at Dirty Chuck's! Gloriousness, I say.

What about you, beautiful bloggers? What would YOU be, if you only could?

Bippidy Boppidy Boo

2010-02-18T12:29:00.015-06:00

We all have things that hold magic for us, don't we? Things that make our hearts go pitter pat, and send our imaginations reeling? You know what I'm talking about, right? I've been thinking a lot about this lately, and wondering why certain things bring me inexplicable joy, so I made a small list.

You knew I'd make a list. How could I not?!

Magical Type Things

Bubbles*

This is one of my favorite photos, taken by one of my favorite photographers. You should check out her blog, Curious Illusion.

Lightning Bugs

I googled and found this image here.

Snow
I googled and found this image here, by W. Child

RainbowsFogI googled and found the rainbow & fog images here, where I also found some interesting posts. I'll definitely be checking this one out.

Somewhere during my pondering of these magical-type thingamabobs**, I realized some things. No amount of knowledge and understanding can take away their enchantment. The things that fascinated me as a child are still the things that inspire me today, and I want to share those things. I want to shout them from the roof tops! I believe that they're all careful complex creations of a powerful, loving God and that just makes them all the more exciting to me.

Every time I get all worked up about writing a blog post, a children's book, painting a portrait or even singing a song at church it's because there's something I feel an uncontrollable urge to communicate. I need someone else to understand what that thing, my burden or inspiration, means to me. I want everyone to understand, to be able to relate or join in on the celebration.

Maybe it's in search of belonging? Perhaps I just feel the need to have validation, to know others aren't missing out? I'm not sure. All I know is that there's something magical about that fascination, inspiration and communication.

What say you, bloggers? Do you believe in magic?

*I thought just plain old soap bubbles were magical, but feast your eyes upon these. Oh, and Wiki's definition of a soap bubble makes me happy. I agree 100%.
**I left out love, in order to spare the brave men that venture here the girliest post they've ever been subjected to in their lives. You're welcome, gentlemen.

Brendan ♥s Kate

2010-02-12T22:05:00.006-06:00

Today was a busy, busy day. I worked in a frenzy as it snowed like crazy outside my office window. I'd peak out between phone calls and reports to see the court house lawn getting whiter and whiter. I successfully fought the urge to go play in it, until it was time to go home. At which point, I crunched up the back steps to my Jeep, with my head back and mouth wide open for maximum snowflake consumption. It was glorious.

In the midst of my busy morning I received a link from my dear prickly pear, Ari (Wha? The girl loves cacti, and I love pet names.). What was this link, you ask? It was a post by Stevie, about an awesome, unstoppable man named Brendan and the girl with whom he fell in love.

While deployed in Iraq last year, Brendan's unit received a terrible blow. Some men were lost, while others were seriously wounded. Brendan suffered injuries to his head and face, and he lost both of his arms and legs. He's the only quadruple amputee to survive a major American war.

Currently, Brendan is doing physical and occupational therapy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, where he met Kate...
Sounds like an amazing guy, right? You wanna know the rest of the story, right? Please go read it HERE (it's short and sweet, I promise). They've entered Crate & Barrel's Ultimate Wedding Contest to win the wedding of their dreams, and they need YOU to go vote for them.

We've got 6 weeks and 5 days to make this happen, and there's competition, folks. Let's do this, shall we? We're The Internet. We can so make this happen!

P to the S: Go now! Tell your family, friends and coworkers. Blog about it. Tweet about it. Go!

What Did You Do?

2010-02-06T20:40:00.005-06:00

Let's talk briefly about how wonderful my husband person is, shall we? Oh, lets do. Have you met him? Maybe you've read about him here? If you haven't, you should. His name is Todd, but I like to call him Mr. T. I also enjoy singing excerpts from Sweeney Todd: Demon Barber of Fleet Street at him. He does not love it. The thought of peoply meat pies tends to gross him out...for some reason.

Anyhow, this afternoon I was sitting on my favorite floor pillow, checking Ze Book O' Face, enjoying the nothingness and just generally being a mess, when I hear someone pull up in our drive. Wondering who it could be, and how horrendous I actually look, I hopped up to find that a FedEx dude is carrying two boxes onto my porch. I bolt for Mr. T. He's dressed already, as usual.
Mr. T looks a little concerned about our mysterious parcels (Have I mentioned how much I hate the word "package"? Hate it.), but runs to the door to meet Mr. FedEx. As soon as they're signed for, and the door is shut, I plopped my butt down in the floor next to them. Mr. T looked concerned.

After very little prodding, he informs me that he got me a MacBook Pro and a printer for Valentine's Day!!!I think that deserves a few more exclamation marks, don't you? !!! I was in slight shock, and just kept saying, "What did you do?" He said he figured I needed it for work trips and my etsy shop. I totally needed a printer, and who would say no to a MacBook of their own?!

In conclusion, I hate to be mushy and annoying, but sometimes it's just too difficult not to tell the world about the sweetness that is my husband man. He's wonderful *most* of the time, whether he's spending money on me or not, but this was all kinds of spontaneous. He is *never* spontaneous. Ever. So...this is a big deal. I think he's good at it! ^_^

Bamboozled

2010-02-02T21:08:00.008-06:00

There are a lot of things I can stand for, but taking advantage of people is not one of them. Especially when it's someone I happen to think is pretty freakin' awesome, like Shannon. The interwebs can be a beautiful thing, people supporting people they've never even met, individuals coming together to raise awareness and mucho dinero for worthy causes, but it can also be a nasty reminder that people really suck sometimes and you've gotta watch your back. If someone as intelligent as Shannon can get bamboozled, you might be next. *shudders* That's why the following post is being passed along. Read the story and be cautious.

I'm involved in this awareness day, because I was one of the unlucky bloggers. One of the unlucky that was scammed by Jess, the previous owner of Delicious Design Studio. {This in no way involves the current owners of DDS}

I loved her style. I loved her blog. I loved her portfolio. I wanted her to bring all of my ideas to life, and I wanted to pay her good money to do so because I knew she could. At the end of 2008, I decided I wanted a blog design done for my birthday in May, 2009. She had all of my ideas and my $112 down payment. At first, everything was great. I watched as names were scratched off of the schedule list, and the time for my design was getting closer. Then, I got an email saying she was going through personal problems with her family (health) and that she promised she would get around to it by a certain date. The end date was creeping up, and I hadn't heard from her. I would send emails asking how things were going, only to get automated "out of office" replies. Then, the final day came where I was supposed to have everything installed and published. I still hadn't heard from her. So, I decided to write her another email.

Hey Jess,

I feel like I bother you all of the time, so sorry! I'm just checking in because today is the final day and I haven't heard from you yet. I'm just anxious to see it! Can't wait to hear from you!

Working on the mock ups to send to you tonight. Just got into the office for the day/evening :)

I got super excited to see that she actually wrote me back herself, and that she was working on mine. Then she wrote me again! She sent me a link to look through her stock images and choose some final touch ups. I was overwhelmed with happiness that she was contacting me so much, and that my design was going to be on my screen for my approval shortly. Then I got this automated email.

Thank you for your e-mail! I appreciate your inquiry and will respond as quickly as possible. :)

::project status//details//notes::
sent mock ups, working on final edits & installations:
kathy, marci, shari, april marie, tammy.

current projects for July 6th - 11th:

(finalizing mock ups for review)
andrea, asmah, karmeka, shannon, summer, michelle, stephanie, katie,

steph, abi, leoni & tonia.
Friendly Reminder: I will be away from my desk Sunday, July 12th - Wednesday, July 15th and not have access to my e-mail.

So now she's out of the office and not going to send me the mock up she had just promised? Since it was July 10th, and I saw she was going to be out of town, I decided the next day to write her this email.
The main goal of this awareness day, is so that it doesn't happen to others. Please tweet about this, repost it, whatever you can to help spread the word. We've been told she's still doing blog designs, but under a different name. Be cautious of who you give your money to! We learned the hard way.

Hello lovely lady :) wondering how the process is coming along. I know you will be out of the office starting tomorrow so I wasn't sure if you'd be finished with my mock up by then or not. I hope everything is going well, I know you are very busy...just checking in :) thanks for your time and always being so sweet!

Love,
Shannon

July 30th rolls around (more than 2 weeks since she had been back from "out of town")...yes I let it go that long.

I don't mean to sound rude, but I was under the impression my mock up was supposed to be sent to me by the 11th this month, and I haven't heard from you at all. Bills keep popping up and it's getting kind of difficult to watch the money sit there. Should we reschedule the date or will it be ready soon? Just let me know. I hope you and your family are well!

Love,
Shannon

Hey Shannon -

I appreciate your patience. I got so wrapped up in my last design that I got sidetracked. Don't worry about the final payment. I will not expect it since this has taken a little longer than expected.. I will finish this up at no charge. :)

Jess,
That would be SO helpful. Thank you!

And like a sucker, I believed it. I got happy again, and was so excited to know that I wouldn't have to pay the 2nd half. As it turns out, I never got my design, or even a design worth at least the money I paid. I never got my money back, and I never heard from her again. I truly thought with so many bloggers I read that had her designs, that I wouldn't get treated like this. And furthermore, how does she choose who she rips off? After all the frustration and disappointment, I was too drained to even try and get my money back. I have recently found out that it wasn't just a couple of people that were scammed by Jess. It's much more than that. In fact, there's reviews written about it here, here, and here. Even a blog site dedicated to it here. That's not including all of the comments left on those reviews by people in the same boat! I understand I should have done this research before hand, so it's my loss. But that doesn't make what she did right.

I hate having something so negative on my blog, and bad mouthing is just drama in my book that I want no part of. However, this is different. This is a crime. $5, fine keep it. $10, $20 even. But money that could have been used to pay a bill if I would have known I was going to get nothing in return? That's just wrong.

I don't know about y'all, but I'm all for getting a mob together to hunt this so called "Jess" down. Wrong-doing hussy! Feel free to pass this along. Awareness is totally the key.

Brainectomy

2010-01-28T12:46:00.006-06:00

There are times when I'd like to perform brainectomies on people. There. I said it. Sometimes they just have too entertaining of ideas. I want them for my own. My Precious.* Their ideas. Not their brains. But the idea being in the brain makes me think if I possessed their brains...yeah. Gonna stop with this train of thought now. Since performing unnecessary, creepy and unauthorized surgery on people's heads is frowned upon in most societies, I usually just ask permission to use said idea.

Today's example? Jay. He makes charts and takes polls on really important stuff that everyone needs to know. Everyone. And his post yesterday was concerning something I've adored for a long time. Lists. Some of you remember my attempt at List Lust Wednesdays, right? Did you know yesterday was National List Day?! Did you also know that I'm terminally late? Anyhow, his list was way better than any list I've ever had the pleasure of coming up with, so I'm borrowing some of his list categories. He said I could. ^_^

Brainectomy thwarted again.

Things that make me smile in a sad sort of way:

Grandpa type men getting attention from pretty young girls
My paycheck
Little kids with glasses (Harry Potteresque)
Childhood photos
Little hoppy birds

Things that are impossible to do in a sexy manner:

Snorkeling
Clipping your toenails
Blowing your nose
Changing a diaper
Yawning

Things that bother me when not done well:

Spelling (Everyone makes mistakes, but lifetime misspellers wound my soul.)
Movie remakes (Clash of The Titans, don't let me down.)
Song covers (If it ain't broke, don't break it!)
Whistling (If you can't carry a tune, don't do it! Sing. That's at least pitiful cute.)
Handshakes (This one is Jay's and I'm keeping it. I loathe noodly handshakes.)

Things that bring me unending joy:

Making up my own words
Putting my forehead to Kimchi Kitty's when he's purring like it's going out of style
Puppies and baby goats (What are they called? Kids?)
Making things for people that make them happy
Creating

*What?! I'm not ashamed. Well, I kinda am.

Love Harder

2010-01-20T19:00:00.004-06:00

Brandy is a lovely lady I met not too long ago. By "met" I mean I stumbled across her blog. On my first visit I learned that she's in love with a hot awesome dude. And that hot awesome dude has just been diagnosed with multiple myeloma.

Lovely bloggers everywhere are raising money for the Multiple Myeloma Research Fund in his name. For the price of various office supplies that I do NOT need, I can be part of an effort to cure a disease that affects approximately 750,000 people worldwide! You know what that means?! You can too!

How, you say?

Give. Be part of a worldwide effort to cure a disease that affects approximately 750,000 people worldwide. Every dollar helps.

Pass it on. Forward this story to five people. Share this blog post. Become our fan on Facebook.

Love harder. Life is short, love is unbending, and no one knows what could happen next. Tell someone you love them today.

DONATE: http://www.loveharder.org
CONTACT: theloveharderfund@gmail.com
FACEBOOK: http://facebook.loveharder.org
MORE INFO: http://www.themmrf.org

Every dollar brings us closer to a cure, folks. And with every donation comes hope. If you've been reading this little blog o' mine long, you know how I feel about hope. It's a good thing, maybe the best of things.

Where Our Money Goes:

The American Institute of Philanthropy recently named The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation one of the best organizations to give to in terms of their accountability and use of resources. By working closely with researchers, clinicians and partners in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry, the MMRF has helped bring multiple myeloma patients four new treatments that are extending lives around the globe. The MMRF has advanced twenty Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. They need your support to advance these clinical research programs and accelerate the development of better, more effective treatments. The MMRF’s Multiple Myeloma Genomics Initiative recently became the first to sequence the multiple myeloma whole genome in its entirety. A whopping 98% of your donation to the MMRF will be used immediately to support high-priority multiple myeloma research. With diminishing funding for early stage drug development and the next myeloma treatments not expected to be approved until 2011, the MMRF desperately needs your help!

Aaaaaand I have to share this lovely video that a bunch of wonderful people put together for Brandy and her Hot Awesome Dude. Sometimes people are really awesome, and I cry.

In the words of LiLu herself, "Please feel free to repost this video, or all of the above! We. Are. The Internet!!!!!!!!!"

Should I Bring Back The Music?

2010-01-15T09:19:00.003-06:00

I would like to know what you lovely bloggers think about this. I had the glorious musical blog for a while. Some people loved it. Some people tweeted about how much they loathed it. I may or may not have cried a little, and I most definitely deleted the musicalness.

Should I bring back the music? I'll make it optional. It will so not just start playing without your permission. What say you?

Octangerine

2010-01-14T23:07:00.004-06:00

My tummy has been plotting my death these past couple of days, so I've had ample time to read all your blogs. I love to be caught up. Love. It.

I don't feel much like blogging, though. Don't love that. :( How about a tiny, possibly uninteresting, update?

I added another item to my Etsy shop, and it sold already! The dude that bought the bunny/balloon water doodle grabbed this one up, too.

It's so amazing to me that people would pay for my little doodley fun stuff. I'm so thankful. Thinking of them in people's houses, making them happy, thrills me to my core. Almost as much as y'all giving me suggestions. You're awesome.

P.S. Working on a hedgehog right now, Shannon. If you like it I can make another one (along with an owlie), and put it on hold for y'all. Then it'll be there whenever you can swing it. Peacocks up next! ^_^

Etsy Schmetsy

2010-01-13T05:00:00.001-06:00

I listed a new item on my Etsy last night. Perhaps my luck will continue with the water doodles, and I'll sell some more!

Here's the latest.

Keep the critter suggestions coming, and I'll be sure to let you know how it goes. I've got a list going. ^_^ I think this one was for Ari over at Curious Illusion, LiLu at Livit, Luvit and Shannon from Inner Child. And there are more where he came from, girls.

You guys are great for inspiration and encouragement. Mwah!

Beee-Yoooo-Tee-Ful

2010-01-12T22:09:00.007-06:00

The glorious and wonderful Ari, over at The Happy Cactus, gave me a beautiful blogger award! Thank you, my little prickly pear. She and I have been pretty much attached at the hip for about...eight years now? Ari, am I lying? We met when we were fourteen, but reunited in college. It was awesome. I think it's been about eight years. *oldness encroaching*

Long story short, she has to say I'm beautiful. I know where she lives. ^_^

The Rules (You'd better pay attention. You could be next. *ba ba ba bum*)

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.
2. Copy the award and place it on your blog.
3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.
4. Tell us seven interesting things about yo'self.
5. Nominate seven beee-yoooo-tee-ful bloggers.
6. Post links to your seven nominees.
7. Be bothered by the fact that there isn't another rule to go along with the whole seven theme.

Seven possibly interesting/quirky things about me that I may or may not have already blogged about:

1. My favorite smell is puppy breath. I don't care how much it smells like bologna and soured milk, or how many people say it's gross. It. Is. Love.

2. I'm a nonalcoholic lush. A black hole for liquids, if you will. It's awesome.

3. If I could be any animal it'd be an otter. This is just one reason why. Other reasons? They're monogamous. Huge fan of that. They play for a living, are really smart, successfully bully alligators and hold hands while sleeping. Otters FTW!

4. My dream is to write and illustrate children's books, and this year I will complete and submit one for publishing. Editing first? I have no idea what I'm doing, but I'm doing it. It's never stopped me before.

5. I'm a pet name snob. The soul mate informed me of this a while back. I do kind of feel sorry for critters with uninteresting names. I'm not talking critters with people names either. Those can be awesome, if used wisely.

6. Something about John Mayer makes me want to hurt his feelings. I feel guilty about this.

7. Shawshank Redemption is my favorite movie, and I watch it lot. Like a whole heck of a lot. Like I'm not going to tell you how much a lot is because you'll call someone to come lock me up.

I don't know if these things make me beautiful or not, but they make me me.

And the beee-yoooo-tee-ful nominees are...
1. Chelsea Talks Smack
2. Curious Illusion
3. Whimsy Love
4. The Paraplegic Chef
5. Girl Anachronism
6. The Odd Duckling
7. Peter DeWolf

What? Boys can be beautiful, too. I think these boys are prettier than other boys. They have these neat things called feelings, and they're still masculine. Don't believe me? Go check 'em out.

Now, if blog awards aren't your cup of tea, or you've already been given this, or one of a gazillion other awards, I will not be offended if you don't pass it on. You're just beautiful, inside and out. That is all.

I apologize for my misuse of commas. It's an issue. Really.

Snow Day

2010-01-10T05:00:00.003-06:00

It's still snowing! I got all bundled up on Thursday (it started snowing that morning), and went out to take some photos. My little point and shoot ain't so hot, but I liked this shot.

I live in the boonies, and on a dead end road. I have yet to hear any banjo music.

The weather outside may be frightful, but I love it! I've been cleaning, cuddling up with Kimchi Kitty and working on some more Water Doodles for my Etsy Shop. This is the newest addition.

And it sold today! My first sale! ^_^

I have a slight obsession with bunnies and balloons, so I think this one may turn into a little series. We'll see. If anyone wants a specific critter or scene, let me know. I'm totally willing to reserve custom doodles on my shop. They're so fun.

Oh! Ari from Curious Illusion suggested I do an owlie water doodle. I'm on it, lady. ^_^

Happily Over The Top

2010-01-09T00:45:00.001-06:00

The always lovely Melanie awarded little old me an award. A couple, actually! Don't I feel special? ^_^

The first one is the "Over The Top" award, which I thought was something to do with trench fighting, but then I remembered that Stallone arm wrestling/trucker movie. This award isn't about climbing out of trenches and getting dropped at all. It's about being flippin' awesome...and humble...and sarcastic.

The only requisite to being awarded is posting one word (whoever heard of such a thing?!) answers to the following questions. I'll go first.

1. Where is your cell phone? Futon

2. Your hair? Bjorked

3. Your mother? Wonderful

4. Your father? Lonely

5. Your favorite food? Chobap

6. Your dream last night? Forgotten

7. Your favorite drink? Cherry

8. Your dream/goal? Illustrator

9. What room are you in? Living

10. Your hobby? Everything!

11. Your fear? Lost

12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Together

13. Where were you last night? Here

14. Something you aren't? Stupid

15. Muffins? Blueberry

16. Wish list item? Puppy

17. Where did you grow up? Varied

18. Last thing you did? Showered

19. What are you wearing? Black

20. Your TV? Off

21. Your pets? Happy

22. Your friends? Sleeping

23. Your life? Blessed

24. Your mood? Cramptastic

25. Missing someone? Always

26. Vehicle? Jeep

27. Something you're not wearing? Pants :O

28. Your favorite store? Chucks

29. Your favorite color? Green

30. When was the last time you laughed? Earlier

31. Last time you cried? Yesterday

32. Your best friend? Kind

33. One place that I go over and over? Outside

34. One person who emails me regularly? Joe

35. Favorite place to eat? Jason's

The second award is The Happy Award. This one's really simple.

- List 10 things that make you happy.
- Tag 10 bloggers that brighten your day.

Easy. No? Yes. Here goes.

1. Blowing bubbles
2. Drawing/Painting
3. Lying outside, and reading a good book
4. New shampoo
5. Puppy breath
6. Sabbath
7. Snow!!!
8. Swimming
9. Todd
10. When Kimchi Kitty "talks" to me

Okay. It's time to pass these babies on. Who will be the lucky...nominees...err...winners? Since no one is voting, I guess I'm just the end all be all, and who I say wins wins. Muahahahaha!

Bloggers That Make Me Happy & Therefor Deserve The Happy/Over The Top Combo Award are...

1. Ari B.
2. Jodi
3. Shannon
4. Ben
5. Ari
6. Jaime
7. LiLu
8. Jay
9. Desi
10. Kendall

Unless awards just aren't your bag, you should be passing these things on asap! ^_^

Just know that you make me smile.

Albino Brain Chiggers

2010-01-07T23:29:00.006-06:00

Do you know what I didn't do today? I didn't go to work. SNOW DAY!

I really cannot express how wonderful it was to wake up to it snowing. Big white fluffy brain chiggers floating ever so leisurely to the ground. Did you ever see that episode of Third Rock From The Sun? (Love. That. Show.) The Albino Brain Chiggers one? Let me go see if I can find it on YouTube.

*time passes*

Okay! I can only find one video. If you don't want to watch all nine minutes to get to the 30 second Albino Brain Chiggers part, fast forward to 8:25. You're welcome.

Anyhow, it snowed. Not so much, but enough. It's been below freezing here in Soggy Winter Alabama for quite a while now, and it looks like what snow we did get is going to be sticking for a few days! It's supposed to snow again tomorrow and Saturday, too. Squee!

The roads are pretty darn icy 'round here, and I have to go down at least one mountain to get to work, so it's looking like tomorrow will be another snow day!

Oh, the thrill I get just typing it...

MadShiny Goodness

2010-01-05T01:06:00.005-06:00

It's well beyond my bed time (who am I kidding? I'm never in bed at a decent hour, but I'd like to be.), but I really wanted to share my newest water doodle with you lovely people.

It's a doodle. I watercolored it. That makes it a waterdoodle, right? Right.

Aaaand what could it be, other than a chinchilla? Humperdink is my muse. :P

I just listed said waterdoodle on my Etsy Shop, and I've got high hopes. I've yet to sell any MadShiny goodness, but I'm keeping my chin up.

Great & Small

2010-01-01T23:02:00.005-06:00

Let's start this new year out right, shall we? How about a brief post in honor of an adorable little fuzz-head named Humperdink?! Sounds good to me.

Any of you lovely bloggers that happen to be friends of mine on Facebook have already seen this wee fuzzy mug, but, for those of you who have not, you can thank me in comment form.

Isn't he adorable?!

I've had the pleasure of sharing a house with bunnies, puppies, kitties, birdies, fishies, a variety of domesticated rodents and a few reptiles, but never a chinchilla. When my boss needed someone to "chinchillasit," I interrogated her briefly on the species of fluff ball before leaping at the opportunity to help her out.

HE'S MINE! ALL MINE! MUAHAHAHAHA!

Everyday is a new adventure in 'Dink, and it's awesome.

He's a bit quirky like a bunny, hopping and spazzing from time to time. I think it's a general display of merriment, because he usually does it after I've topped off his dinner and given him his treat for the day. Raisins are crack for chinchillas. It's cheap thrills.

Rats and ferrets definitely have him beat in the busy department, but he seems to have a few duskly (I'm making this a word.) activities. I've yet to see him fall asleep while eating, or pass out to display his manhood for all the world to see, so it's safe to say he's nowhere near as lazy as a hamster.

He's a pretty distinctive little guy, if you ask me. He had one of those giant hamster ball things to run around in, but it got broken before I got to chinchillasit. Too bad. He would SO be getting more acquainted with Kimchi Kitty, who seems genuinely terrified of him. Silly 20lb kitty.

Anyhow, I'm in love with Humperdink. I just know I'm going to cry when I have to send him back home to my boss. The husband person doesn't seem to like the idea of me getting one of my own, or I so would.

After our last bunny died unexpectedly I was pretty traumatized...for a long while. I get so attached. It was months and months before I could go home alone. Pacha Bunny was always such wonderful company. He'd follow me around the house, nudge me with his wittle soft nose, bolt up and down the hallway, flop out for a stretch/nap in whatever room I was in and hop up in my lap for some cuddling. After he died, I just couldn't bare to be home without Todd to distract me. I'd just cry and cry. The house felt so empty.

So...we made a strict no more rodent-type critters rule. They're so susceptible to serious health problems, notorious for hiding symptoms, beyond difficult to get treatment for and don't have all that lengthy of a life expectancy to begin with. Don't get me wrong. I fall head over heels in love, and think it's totally worth the time you get to spend with them. I just lose the ability to function when they pass away. It's not good for me.

*Teary eyes! Teary eyes! Not blinking!*

I'm convinced Chinchillas are different, though. Humperdink is 9 years old, and that's apparently about middle-aged! 15-18 years is the usual life expectancy, and that's something I can deal with. I'm thinking about begging for one for my birthday. We'll see.

Have you ever had a chinchilla?

Loathed Expectations

2009-12-30T12:45:00.004-06:00

Would you believe I've never made a New Year's resolution? Ever?

I've had goals before, but none of this proclaiming them on New Year's Eve type stuff. It's just not my style. I'm not really sure why, exactly.

Oh, wait. Sure I do. I loathe expectations.

That's right. LOATHE. So much more effective than just disliking, don't you think? I believe that comes from an unwillingness to live with disappointment. And by that, I mean disappointing others. Can't. Handle. It.

It's really awful, too. I really can't stand to know someone is disappointed in me, so I never want to agree to do something for someone, because then I know they're going to expect it. What if I fail?!

This is usually art related, so I take the "what if my arms fall off, like that lady in that story that slept all funky, smooshing her fingers all night, and the lack of blood made them turn black and fall off?!" route. It's not good.

Well, maybe I embellished a little bit, but you get the gist of what goes through my head. Some unforeseen event will stop me from fulfilling my end of the bargain, and disappointment will inevitably be my fate.

And it gets worse! On top of all that mental instability are the tiny people pleaser and the tiny rebel that live inside of me. The tiny people pleaser yearns to keep everyone placated by shouting, "Sure!" to absolutely everything, while the disgruntled rebel refuses to be bridled by expectations and sounds a little something like this: "You want me to do what? Ohhhh, okaaaaay! Hang on just a sec while I go do THE EXACT OPPOSITE!" It's really worse than not good.

Now that you're all quite certain that I'm battling with schizophrenia, I would like to announce that the husband person and I have decided to make New Year's Resolutions this year! O.0

I've been blabbing all about this children's book I want to write & illustrate, right? Well, 2010 is as good a year as any, wouldn't you say? I would. So, that's my New Year's resolution. It's something I've wanted to do since I was a little girl, and I'm going to do it. I want to help shape kid's imaginations, make them feel important/ like they belong, and this is how I'm going to do it.

Todd, whom I now enjoy referring to as Mr. T, would simply like to beat me arm wrestling (he's really never beat me), and lift the Christmas tree with one hand (read: without collapsing with a hernia). He actually said he wants to get in shape, and be healthier, but I like the funny version better. Don't you? I'm so mean.

So...what are your pesky resolutions?

Mad Madam Mim's Mimsy

Commission!

Alive & Painting

Imagination

A Snoodle's Tale

Staying Positive

Quasimodo

I'm Only Sleeping

Commissions!

Sweeter Than Bee Pollen

Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking, Pinky?

Steroid Psychosis Is, Like, A Thing That Happens

Contact Dermatitis...I Think

Solar Powered

Project Update!

Treasures

Wading

The Man Loves Chickens

Time Well Spent

How Can Anyone Walk on Water, If They Won't Get Their Butt Out the Boat?

Year End Survey

Cake Toppers & Christmas Ornaments...

Chobap

Really In a Stew!

River Rats

Art Finds

Sex Bob-omb!

Sneak Blogging

How Do You Do & Shake Hands

Vers-ART-ile *evil laughs persist*

A Theme After My Own Heart

Pics or It Didn't Happen

Bodacious Bloggers

Newfangled Contraptions

Take The Cake

Whoa Nelly!

The Wonderful World of June

Shenanigans

A Sight To See

Chicken Little

Photo Foolery

Twinkle Twinkle Little Bat

Standing In The Light

Moderately Coherent

A Day Missed

Wizarding World of What?!

Anonanimal

To The Moon

The Sketchbook Project

Scottish Manliness

Reach Out & Touch Faith

When The Man Comes Around

Oh, The Excitement!

Good Day Sunshine

The Upside?

Keeps Hands And Arms Inside At All Times

Chickens Included

Fastidious Prime

Say, "Hello" To My Little Friend

Two Out of Three Ain't Bad

There He Is!

MegaWhatsel?!

Things Are Looking Up!

A Little Help

Looking Up

Hunger Strike

Follow Me, Please.

Future's So Bright...

Short, Sweet & A Little Fuzzy

Bloggity Blog Blog

"The Time Has Come," The Walrus Said,

Ganked

I Don't Roll On Shabbos III

I Don't Roll On Shabbos

O Frabjous Day!

Beautimus

While The Sun Is Out

El Condor Pasa

Bippidy Boppidy Boo

Brendan ♥s Kate

Vers-ART-ile evil laughs persist