Photogsnazzy: Summer flowers

During my weekend trip to Winterthur (Delaware) and Cape May, I saw many flowers.  Some were in shadow.  Some were in sunlight.  Some held perfectly still.  Some were buffeted by the morning breeze.

Giraffes in Russia

When I was a kid doing my spelling homework, my dad helped me come up with mnemonics for words I just couldn't get my head around.  Giraffes was one of these words.  So we came up with

Giraffes
In
Russia
Always
Fight
For
Everything

This new tank top from American Rag, reminds me of that for some reason . . .

Saturday Adventures at Target & Elsewhere (but mostly at Target)

I had some fun documenting my Saturday adventures with some low quality phone pictures.  Thought it would be fun to share.

I started out planning to go to the library (partly as an excuse to take my new brown boots for a test drive!), which is near the Target.  So I decided I'd stop by to get a poster hanger if they were not too pricey.  On my way out the door, Dad asks if by the way I can pick up a part to the edger/trimmer/weed-wacker-thing/his-new-favorite-toy?  So I head to Home Depot first.

Home Depot was super fast.  I impressed myself by finding the item in question all by myself and in about three minutes.  Strangely though, there was only one cashier open on the complete opposite end of the store.  So I ended up walking the length of the store twice (once to check out and once to get back the car).

Next stop: Target.  The other reason I wanted to got to Target was to see if they had any of the new Kirna Zabete collection.  I've been eyeing these items online, but I wanted to see them in person if I could.  Price is an issue for me for most of the pieces, but I was somewhat interested in the pink or blue long sleeves and dresses done with stripes and kiss patterns (I dig lips/kiss patterns).  I didn't have high hopes that everything I was interested in would be at the local Target, because clothing-wise, it's usually a big disappointment.

As I suspected, there wasn't much.  But the blue dress was there.  I decided not to get it given the price, quality, and the fact that I'm not totally sold on the sheer ruffle on the bottom.  I would have been interested in the kiss-patterned scarf, but it wasn't anyplace to be seen.  I did however get the red lips ring, which I love.  (Talked myself out of getting the bracelet.) I also found another ring set on clearance.  There was a lot of jewelry on clearance; I nearly bought 5-8 things, but settled for just the one ring.  Come to think of it, most of my favorite casual, day-to-day rings were all bought on clearance at Target!

Poem: the eagles' nest

Started doing some poetry work today.  This one came to me only this morning.  Inspired by Baker Tower, for those who'll get that reference.

It's just a first draft, with some small revisions, for now.  I'm pretty sure that I'm going to be making some changes (I've moved the 3rd and 4th stanzas around so many times already!).  I really don't have an intellectual understanding of structure or rhythm, but I'd like to.  So I might contemplate this poem in that regard again.  I'm also still articulating to myself what this is about, and that usually means there will be stuff I'll eliminate later to achieve greater unity or I'll flesh out the imagery in a more meaningful way.  But for now . . .


"the eagles' nest"

we had a tower balcony
for one, two, three days

our eagles' nest
greyed and made of red hot stones

squinting
see just the lake
and the candied sky

the stone wasn't cold
but warm that day

we filled up space with our stretching arms
and throats
lifted higher
on budding, cherried summer breezes
hair-fluffed feathers upon our collars

barefeet
lichen against our backs

flashes of happy digital light in the night
and stars

and nothing but a fall to catch us
below

everything but holding hands
and singing "here we go round the mulberry bush"


my friends

it's all become solid
smiles in the memories

Progress Report: mid-September

Earlier, I posted a list of goals to accomplish before next autumn.  Here's an update on how I've been doing with them (well, some of them at least):

1-3 : Sewing, new job, move out
No progress.  That's probably bad since these include two of my biggest goals.  My sister bought me some books on finding a job.  I should probably revisit them.

4 : Actually write something
I haven't settled on anything concrete, but I've had some inspiration lately and jotted down a couple ideas for stories.  I need to get something concrete and simple I can work with.   It's not realistic or even a good idea for me to start working on a novel, for example.

5 : Learn to iron
No progress. Pathetic.

6 : Plan Californian vacation
Began talks with some of my CA friends, in terms of when to visit.  That's good.  Haven't really been saving money though.  That's bad.

7 : Improve photography
No progress.

8 : Learn Photoshop and/or InDesign.
Thought about taking a peak at photoshop at the office.  Looked the Photoshop Elements website.  That's all so far.

9 : Exercise
My goal for this month is to exercise at least 4 times a week for 30-40 min.  I got 3 days in last week, and am planning on 4 this week.  Right now I'm doing a combination of running and doing the New York Ballet DVD workouts.  I really enjoy the ballet workouts.  They really give your muscles a beating and the different exercises break up the monotony of exercising.

I've been trying to eat healthier, with healthy snacks instead of candy and staying hydrated, which is usually an important thing for me.  I've been doing a pretty good job.  Between this and the exercising, I may have lost 3 lbs. yay!

Unfortunately, my hip is doing something weird. 

In the Papier: Wonderous Design (Vintage DC Comics, Part 4)

Finally installment of the DC Comics postcard:

I just appreciated the design of this card.  The end.

In the Papier: Doomed Young Love (Vintage DC Comics Part 3)

There are/were some pretty weird (and oh so stereotypical) comics for the ladies.  The sad protagonists are losing in love.  It's clobbering time on your self-esteem, girls!  Come on, fork over the 15 cents for the latest issue!  You know you want to!

Can any man be trusted????????

This is my favorite.  Find out who wins: Groovy Girl or The Doormat!

Even Supergirl's heart is broken.

Methinks it's time to give up on love.

First Outfit Post! Material Girl, Day to Night

I've wanted to do outfit posts for a while, but I've had trouble finding a good place to take photos and figure out how to take them.  I finally just decided to use a wall in my bedroom and suck it up and give it a try.  Plus I got a lot of new things over Labor Day weekend (yay sales!) that I want to share!

It was actually rather difficult.  I think it took my 4 hours to finish the photos for 4-5 outfits!  And my pictures are really not that great (I was using my little rinkydink consumer digital camera).  And I DESTROYED my room.  It is covered in clothes.  This blogging is hard work! haha!  Hopefully it won't take me so long next time, since now I know what lighting I need and what stuff I have to move out of shot etc.

Anyways, here it goes!

I wore this outfit on Friday, featuring two new purchases from Material Girl.  I'm really proud of how I planned its day-to-night transition.

Work outfit

I forgot to wear the bracelet in this photo.

 Dress: Material Girl (at Macy's)
Sweater: local consignment store (bought when I was in highschool)
Belt: GSA clothing swap
Shoes: Candies (bought on sale at Kohls in 2006)
Bracelet: Macy's clearance
Reading: Ms magazine, Winter 2012 edition

Blues concert outfit.

I knew that I'd have to rush home from work on Friday in order to leave with the parents at 6:15pm--- heading to Red Bank to see Hugh Laurie and the Copper Bottom Band perform and sing the blues!  So I need a quick day-to-night transition, change of jacket, change of shoes, pop on a ring, done.

I didn't actually take this clutch with me to the concert though.  No time for a purse change!

Blazer: Material Girl

Necklace: Macy's Clearance (bought in 2011)

Ring: gift shop at the Carriage House Cafe & Tearoom, Cape May
Clutch: ModCloth
Boots: Madden Girl, DSW

I know it's a little silly, but I'm a fan of the Material Girl line.  I got a few Material Girl pieces from Macy's last year and this year.  The item I really had my eye on was the Material Girl blazer.  The cutout details are really pretty.

P.S. I can't believe I left my white board in the background of the shots of me.  It is super ugly and features a to-do list from Nov 2011.  Kind of embarrassing.

In the Papier: Weird World of Wonder Woman (Vintage DC Comics Part 2)

Excerpts from my 100 postcard collection of vintage DC Comics covers part 2!

What on earth is going on with Wonder Woman?  She seems to be mixed up with all sorts of strange suitors!

Also, really terrible bridesmaids dresses (girls on the right)?  or should I say negligees? short togas?

Gee, Amoeba-Man, I wonder who's going to come out on top in this argument?

But don't worry!  Wonder Woman is going to reform and wear this really awesome outfit! (and then climb aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise!)

Love it!

In the Papier: Distraught Superheros (Vintage DC Comics Part 1)

A friend of mine took notice of my stationary obsession and got me a wonderfully giant 100-postcard set, featuring covers of vintage DC comics.  I have so many favorites I am going to have to share them with you in a couple posts.  (Disclaimer: I'm not a comic book scholar in any way, so apologies if I don't take this seriously enough for some people.)

Today's feature: DISTRAUGHT SUPERHEROS

WAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!

Is this the end of Catwoman??????????????  **gasp gasp anxiety**

Even poor Robin doesn't get off easy.  ROBIN DIES AT DAWN (on this alien world!).

Moral of the story is, don't get close to a superhero????

And finally: THEY ALL HAVE A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN!!!!

No! Not the COMPOSITE SUPERMAN!!!!

Come On Get Crafty: Card by Gran

I've mentioned in the previous post that my grandmother paints and makes cards.  I've posted one of the cards she's made for me (see here), but I wanted to share one of her watercolors and another of my favorites.

I believe that she copied the design from an image she saw in a magazine.  It is so beautiful, and makes me really want to learn to paint!

In the Papier: Cape May Inns & Landmarks by Alice Steer Wilson

While visiting the Carriage House Tearoom in Cape May, I of course browsed the adjoining gift shop for the Physick Estate.  And of course, I happened upon some stationary (yes, more stationary!) that I couldn't leave without.

The buildings in Cape May are beautiful and these cards (prints of original paintings) really captured their beachy suniness, the delicate and grand architecture, and attractive Victorian aesthetics.  I was really glad to have the likenesses to remember and admire the place.

These paintings were all made by a local artist named Alice Steer Wilson, who painted in Cape May from the late 1960s until 2001.   You can see more of her artwork and learn more about her at the commemorative website www.alicesteerwilson.com.

These paintings also reminded me of the watercolors my grandmother paints, so makes them even more enjoyable for me.

Music this week: 90s, some French, Country Strong, and some Singin In the Rain

It's been a long week.  So I've been listening to some relaxing and cheery music while I lounge around in preparation for the long, loungey weekend.

1. Let Me Be Your Wings - Thumbelina (soundtrack)

Much to the chagrin of my older sister who found this movie quite silly, this was one of my favorite movies when I was little.  This song was one of my childhood favorites.  And it is still **sigh** so romantic.  (And yes, I am still mad at the stupid, horrible toad that shows up right after this song and messes everything up for Thumbelina and Cornelius.)  I really wish the Barry Manilow version sound less, um . . . dated?

2.  Love Is All Around -  Wet Wet Wet (cover of The Troggs' song)

Another love song from the 90s!

3. You Were Mean For Me - Singin' in the Rain (soundtrack)

In keeping with romantic themes, another lovely, love song from the best movie ever made.

4.  La Vie Comme Elle Vient - Clemence

Randomly started listening to Clemence again this week (although I only have a few of her songs, they're a bit hard to find in the states).  Love the bouncy tune.

5. Timing Is Everything - Garrett  Hedlund (Country Strong soundtrack)

I finally watched Country Strong this week, and I really loved all the songs Beau (played by Garrett Hedlund) sung.  (Wasn't that into the Kelly Canter (Paltrow) songs for some reason.) Although, through the first half of the movie I was flipping out because I think Hedlund's voice sounds like a crazy Tim McGraw-Toby Keith hybid and I couldn't figure out if he was being dubbed by one of them.  And Tim McGraw was playing another character in the movie, so if he was dubbing Beau's voice that would have been really trippy.  Now, just got to watch Crazy Heart now!

6.  Sweet Nothing - Calvin Harris feat. FLORENCE WELCH

New collaboration between Florence and Calvin Harris to dance your stress away.  Thanks to my fantastico friend who kept me informed about this!