Full Circle

On Pause

2010-05-10T17:15:00.005-10:00

Women's Rights = Boredom. Women in Bikinis = Awesome.

2010-05-05T13:17:00.003-10:00

Regardless whether or not State Senator Mike Bennett was looking at pornography - on his state issued computer during a floor debate - he admitted to being bored.

Bored.

Americans need representatives who will not get bored doing their job; we all need governmental representatives at every level who are interested in working for us.

Especially when the topic at hand is as laden and controversial as abortion and reproductive rights.

Many states have a law requiring ultrasounds be administered before an abortion. But the bill that passed in Florida is similar to Oklahoma's new, more severe law, and it's a worrying trend. The bill requires ultrasounds be given to women who want an abortion - not only is the ultrasound unwanted, the woman has to pay for it, and sit through an explanation of the findings by a doctor with the ultrasound image in her line of sight.

I don't understand people who think abortion is taken lightly. Serious thought and major emotions go into the decision. Adding an ultrasound, and having a doctor describe the fetus gives a woman extra stress on top of an already tense situation. That level of excess is unnecessary. And uncalled for. In Oklahoma, even though women went through with the ultrasound procedure, and became extremely emotional as a result, not one changed her mind about getting an abortion.

Why implement a bogus law that does more undue harm than good? Maybe if our representatives listened to their constituents, and spent more time in meaningful debate (and not opening questionable online attachments) we would have better laws that protected people. Laws that protect women's reproductive freedoms. Laws that respect women as capable human beings, not just baby incubators. Or bikini models.

Etsy: Turned into Reality

2010-05-05T01:23:00.001-10:00

Artwork Inspiration

White Buffalo Woman by Dkjart

Wearable Pieces (Traditional)

Suede Leather and Fox Fur Coat from Luckycat4

Green-Blue Conure Tail Feather from LetsGetFeathered

The Hunter's Daughter Moccasins from Foolproofed

Wearable Pieces (Modern)

Nutmeg Suede and Fox Fur Coat from Luckyvintageseattle

Mountain Feather Barrettes from Mountainscreamer

Rust Leather Moccasin Booties from Floweronthewall

Not-So-Weekly Recipe

2010-05-01T00:01:00.000-10:00

What The Fuck Should I Make For Dinner?

Because, sometimes, I just don't fucking know.

(via A Cup Of Jo)

Book Club

2010-04-30T19:23:00.000-10:00

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

This is my much loved copy. It's worn, the cover is faded, and the pages are falling out.

Two of my favorite passages come at the end of the story:

"There was a silly damn bird called a phoenix back before Christ, every few hundred years he built a pyre and burnt himself up. He must have been first cousin to Man. But every time he burnt himself up he sprang out of the ashes, he got himself born all over again. And it looks like we're doing the same thing, over and over, but we've got one damn thing the phoenix never had. We know the damn silly thing we just did. We know all the damn silly things we've done for a thousand years and as long as we know that and always have it around where we can see it, someday we'll stop making the goddamn funeral pyres and jumping in the middle of them. We pick up a few more people that remember every generation."

"Everyone must leave something behind when he dies, my grandfather said. A child or a book or a painting or a house or a wall built or a pair of shoes made. Or a garden planted. Something your hand touched some way so your soul has somewhere to go when you die, and when people look at that tree or that flower you planted, you're there. It doesn't matter what you do, he said, so long as you change something from the way it was before you touched it into something that's like you after you take your hands away."

And perhaps the best one-liner: "Stuff your eyes with wonder."

Fahrenheit 451 is a bleak story of the future, but Bradbury gives you such hope in the midst of it all. Hope that mankind is really better than war, death, and crime. Hope that even when things seem impossible to change, we can change them.

FNS: One of my favorite songs ever from one of the worst movies ever

2010-04-30T19:03:00.000-10:00

Reality

2010-04-28T01:56:00.001-10:00

"Rather than congratulating women for being lovely human beings and rewarding men for being hard-charging winners, or making an effort to send the opposite messages to each, it might do everyone a bit of good to be taught healthy self-confidence alongside responsibility, cooperation and civility -- impulses that should not be gender-coded, and that might serve us all well, in life and at work."

A nice girl's guide to getting ahead

(via Salon)

Aspiration

2010-04-23T15:15:00.000-10:00

The New Decornographers: Bloggers with Perfect, Beautiful, Craftsy Lives

YES. THIS.

Book Club

2010-04-23T00:17:00.000-10:00

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Ok. So I read this book forever ago, and recently re-read it. And oh. My. God.

Apparently I either completely forgot the entire thing, or was at such a different point in my life that I didn't think twice about how offensive and painful Lolita truly is. Who allowed this to become so ingrained into our society? How did this novel get to be so literarily predominate? Who thinks this is important in any way?

I've come across arguments in favor of this work, saying it's a love story. Umm. No it's not. Anything based on furtive sex with a minor who cries during and afterward is not love. Especially when the narrator doesn't care. Selfish indulgence.

Sketches

2010-04-19T10:46:00.000-10:00

A couple unfinished sketches from my sketchbook:

Etsy: Turned into Reality

2010-04-16T23:14:00.000-10:00

Artwork Inspiration

Pauline by Oliviaew

Wearable Pieces

Floral Blue Rose Mini Dress from BowTieVintage

Hand Tooled Leather Belt by LightLeatherCompany

Gold Celluloid Leaf Belt Buckle from Etherealtreasures

Black and Gold Peyote Bracelet by KSInspirations

Vintage Brown Cowboy Boots from Plaidpony

FNS: Newest favorite song with a darkly adorable video

2010-04-16T12:24:00.000-10:00

One eskimO - "Kandi" edit from Shangri-La Music on Vimeo.

WANT

2010-04-13T16:06:00.000-10:00

I would love to be able to do my eye makeup exactly like Julianna Margulies' character in "The Good Wife."

Unfriended

2010-04-11T17:00:00.000-10:00

Kelly: I think I might have upset some people on Facebook.

Mom: What? Why?

Kelly: Well, I just couldn't take it anymore. I said some things ... I got tired of tip-toeing around. Of not saying what I thought. I played nice for so long. It got ridiculous. I'm finally saying what I think, how I feel. I just got tired of worrying about what other people thought of me.
::laughs:: Maybe I'm getting too old to worry about what other people think.

Mom: You shouldn't feel that way until you're 50!

Book Club

2010-04-07T22:34:00.002-10:00

Dude, Where's My Country? by Michael Moore

Up until about a year ago, if it's even been that long, I was not a fan of Michael Moore. I didn't have any particular reason. I was a Republican, thought things should be a certain way, and considered Moore a 'Hollywood liberal' with a big mouth but nothing to say. I should mention that I had never read any of his books or watched any of his movies. The only time I ever really saw him was at the Oscars in 2003, where he spoke out against President Bush and the Iraq war. And then was subsequently booed off stage.

But one day Joe came home from work, where he was able to see bits and pieces of "Fahrenheit 9/11" and told me we had to watch it.

And we did.

And everything changed.

Of course it was a little heavy handed, but it was true. It was brutally honest. It was eye opening.

Moore has written a couple books, this one is the first I've picked up to read. I can't express how much I want everyone I know to read his work. No matter what you think about Moore, or what political party you belong to, or even if you don't care about politics at all, I promise you will see things differently after reading Dude, Where's My Country?

In my photo, the little torn paper bookmark is stuck in a page that I couldn't forget, and want to share with you now:

"The Bush administration did not like the protections contained in the House bill [Patriot Act] and, with the speaker of the house, worked through the night to strip it of all the civil rights protections the House Committees had voted for. It was finally submitted at 3:45 a.m. When Congress showed up a few hours later to vote on it, they thought they were voting on the language agreed to the previous day. Instead, they voted on the bill whose few protections were gutted by Attorney General John Ashcroft the night before. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, few members of Congress actually read the final version of the act. It was perhaps the most reckless and irresponsible action our Congress has ever taken."

Unbelievable, right?

There's so much more. And it's all documented. There's sources - actual newspaper articles, books, credible information. It makes me curious to know where was all of this at the time? Why wasn't America told? Why did the majority of news outlets simply keep repeating governmental lies? Lies that were proven to be lies!

Insane.

But there's hope. There's always hope. As Moore says:

"...We love our country and we care about the world in which our country exists. There is no reason to sink into some self-centered despair or cynicism. There is every reason to put this book down right now, pick up the phone, walk out the door, and make a difference."

Mind Goggling

2010-04-04T18:17:00.000-10:00

I pulled up Goggle to find out more about Sarah Palin's latest effort. Apparently Fox News gave her an interview-format show. But for the premier episode, old interviews were used, and Palin was simply dubbed in.

How's that integrity thing workin' out for ya?

Anyway. I Googled "fox news" to get to the network site. This is what came up:

Notice anything that stands out? Like maybe Stars Without Makeup? Really. Honestly.

It's a link that takes you to a slideshow in their entertainment section. A slideshow with 99 photos. 99! And I scrolled through them all. Because I was so pissed off. Out of all those pictures, there was only one man. (Tom Cruise, if you wanna know.)

But that's not my point.

My point is that when you search for Fox News, one of their own links - given the same importance as their biggest stars' own shows - is literally tabloid level fodder. I'm not sure if this particular link changes daily, but why not simply keep up a generic "entertainment" link to the entertainment section?

Other top news networks do:

Why pander to the lowest level like that? Why would a news source go that route?

I've always maintained that 24 hour news networks aren't the best idea. Actually, they could be great ... if they were run in a way that provided NEWS and not COMMENTARY. All these cable news channels do is allow for certain news snippets to be endlessly chewed over by talking heads. All these networks want are events that only make "good tv" so they can get their advertising money.

When is journalistic integrity gonna make a comeback? When are American people gonna stand up and demand to know facts - not what some blowhard's opinion is? When are Hollywood celebrities gonna realize that they can never leave their house without lipstick on?

Also, Fox News still uses the tag line "Fair & Balanced."

HA!

Good one.

FNS: Putting The Good In Good Friday

2010-04-02T12:36:00.002-10:00

Music Playlist at MixPod.com

Options

2010-03-31T16:36:00.000-10:00

I'm getting ready to redo the bedroom. The whole deal. New everything. Did I mention how last summer was so hot and humid, that one of the cheap-o K-Mart fake wood dressers fell apart? Fell. To. Pieces. The weather literally destroyed the furniture.

No, seriously.

So, onward to better quality.

There will be pictures. I promise.

But for now, I'm searching for a rug. Something bright, colorful, and fun. Something unexpected.

I've fallen in love with a couple different rugs at Anthropologie. The thing is, they're crazy expensive. No surprise. And. And. They company doesn't ship big ticket items to Hawaii.

Just take a look though, and tell me you don't love them too:

Garden Stripe Rug

Ikat Rug

Felt Pixel Rug (absolute favorite)

Gloria's Garden Rug (stunning! and possibly my true absolute favorite)

Beautiful, right?

Totally makes my actual options a bit, umm, drab:

Beige Berries Area Rug

Pressed Leaves Area Rug

Anamosa Area Rug

Floral Ivory Area Rug

Ok...extremely depressing.

Suggestions?

Digital Art Warm Up

2010-03-29T17:05:00.000-10:00

Quick sketch to work with the airbrush tool. Based on the cover image of Mark Twain's Letters from Hawaii.

Painted Food

2010-03-27T12:39:00.000-10:00

No ways!

Edible spray paint for food.

Most awesome, totally unnecessary, rub the collective faces of the hungry in it, thing ever.

But how great would it be for parties?!

Etsy: Turned into Reality

2010-03-24T21:05:00.000-10:00

Artwork Inspiration

"Girl With Possies In Her Hair" original watercolor by ChildhoodStudios

Wearable Pieces

Extra Large Pink Flower Hair Clip from ZLDesignStudio

Classic LowCut V Neck Tee from Lamixx

Girly Vintage Pillowcase Boxers from Spazspun

Dusty Pink Canvas Sneakers from Lisazain

Book Club

2010-03-23T16:34:00.000-10:00

Seriously by Lucia Nevai

I chose this one simply based on the cover. That, and "seriously" is one of my favorite words.

But skip this book.

Seriously.

Taken Back

2010-03-23T09:53:00.000-10:00

I have an intense visceral reaction during the starting credits to HBO's newest miniseries, The Pacific.

It's someone drawing with charcoal, and the stick keeps breaking from the pressure being applied.

You guys, I can FEEL IT.

I know it.

I know the slight stumble the hand makes when the charcoal stick cracks and breaks. I know that sensation of charcoal smoothly moving over charcoal. But also feeling the littlest ridges and dips when on the surface of the paper. All that graininess.

Without hearing it, I know the sound the charcoal makes while it moves. Almost high pitched. Somewhere in-between nails on a chalkboard and nails on sandpaper. Registering enough to create goosebumps.

And all the loose used up charcoal bits that outline the drawing. Just waiting there. Begging to be blown away.

I can hardly take it, just sitting, watching the tv.

Fab

2010-03-22T01:13:00.000-10:00

Love these. And the story behind them.

Lowest Bidder

(via Design*Sponge)

In Memoriam

2010-03-20T22:46:00.000-10:00

Earlier this month, Susan, my mother-in-law, passed away.

She was such a loving and caring woman. I wish I could've known her longer.

She was an artist, painted as much as possible, and talked with me about jewelry making. I wish we could've shared more.

But everyday I'm thankful for what she had always shared with me from the start - her son, Joe.

Not-So-Weekly Recipe

2010-03-03T13:25:00.002-10:00

This isn't as much of a recipe as it is a recipe hack. Delicious delicious hack. Mmm.

Blueberry Banana Muffins

ingredients

1 package of blueberry muffin mix (I used Betty Crocker for these, but I also like Jiffy's)
Water (or milk and eggs - whatever the mix calls for)
1 or 2 overripe bananas
1/3 cup flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

directions

1. Mash bananas in a medium sized bowl. Press up onto sides.
2. In center of the bowl, prepare muffin mix as directed.
3. Add in extra flour and vanilla. Throughly combine banana with mix.
4. Pour into greased or lined muffin tins.
5. Bake according to package instructions.
6. But add a few extra minutes.
7. Remove from oven and cool on wire rack.

Enjoy!

Book Club

2010-03-03T13:10:00.001-10:00

The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction

Funny. But not as funny as I thought it would be.

Extremely Pathetic Personal Confession #3

2010-02-24T22:02:00.000-10:00

It's been a year since getting the new car, but I still loose it in parking lots because I can't remember what it looks like.

It's All Those College Life Drawing Classes, I Swear

2010-02-24T21:56:00.000-10:00

Oh-so morbid, but I'm totally digging this:

Skeleton renderings of cartoon characters by Michael Paulus.

Etsy: Turned into Reality

2010-02-22T12:06:00.000-10:00

Artwork Inspiration

Illustrated Imogen Print by TheBlackApple

Wearable Pieces

Vintage White Ruffled Off Shoulder Blouse from Jessamity

Petite Personalized Banner Necklace by J2Jewelry

Ananda Organic Vegan Lip Balm by Jewelachemy

So True

2010-02-19T23:26:00.000-10:00

(via Shoebox Blog, one of my favorites)

No, YOU'RE Fired

2010-02-16T01:33:00.000-10:00

Oh Donald.

Donald, Donald, Donald.

You make it so easy.

Huh. Look At That.

2010-02-16T00:28:00.000-10:00

A cover letter from an art major seeking a job that literally requires him to apply the skills he learned in school.

FNS: Future's So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades

2010-02-12T11:18:00.000-10:00

PETA Can Suck It

2010-02-12T11:15:00.003-10:00

I am not above throwing rocks at a rooster at 7AM.

Homerun

2010-02-07T00:00:00.001-10:00

The line at the commissary went all the way to the back of the store! It took forever!

Yeah, right before Thanksgiving I had to stand in one that long, too.
...Wait, why was it that long today? What holiday is coming up?

Uh, the Superbowl?

FNS: Keepin It Classy

2010-02-05T23:51:00.001-10:00

Create a playlist at MixPod.com

No, Seriously, I Want To Know

2010-02-01T17:16:00.000-10:00

Why has the term "balls" replaced "guts"? And why is it important for woman to claim they have the balls to do something?

Why masculinize ourselves in order to be taken seriously?

I commented over at Pop Transhumanism: Diesel's Girls Have The Balls

Add to the discussion. I'd love to know what you think.

(Article found via Sociological Images)

FNS: While On Vacation

2010-01-29T18:37:00.002-10:00

Create a playlist at MixPod.com

I Admit It, I Totally LOLed

2010-01-29T12:43:00.000-10:00

Unhappy Hipsters

(via A Cup of Jo)

Hey Kids, Look Up "Sixty-nine" Too

2010-01-27T17:20:00.000-10:00

You. Are. Kidding. Me.

"Oral sex" definition prompts school district to pull dictionaries

Dictionary definition raises ruckus at Menifee school

I suppose there's a happy ending to it all though (oooh, excuse the pun): Banned dictionary to return to Riverside County school

But only if you consider that "[t]he dictionary will go back to the classroom but the parents will be given the option to determine if they want their kids to have access to that dictionary" as a happy result.

Hyperbole

2010-01-27T01:38:00.000-10:00

In a huff, I throw down the newspaper and tell Joe, "Sometimes I don't know if I'm happy I got out of politics or not."

He replies cautiously with, "Well, you do tend to get riled up."

I've Gotten Behind This Before I Even Knew I Could

2010-01-26T13:29:00.000-10:00

Read the printed word.

Organized by East Side Bride and Pretty Pretty Paper

(via Good Mouse, Bad Mouse)

Etsy: Turned into Reality

2010-01-23T13:32:00.000-10:00

Artwork Inspiration

Gabrielle by Sandrasuy

Wearable Pieces

Vintage white and turquoise striped sundress from CaesarPony

Antique light blue satin ribbon from antiqueribbon

The Fame

2010-01-23T00:44:00.000-10:00

So good.
It's like cherry pie.

(via Feel My Brain Burns)

WANT

2010-01-16T23:35:00.000-10:00

Adorable mini-Mac : iClooly aluminum stand

Honest tshirt : "It takes as long as it takes"

Fun and useful : DIY shower curtain

Lost Generation

2010-01-15T13:27:00.002-10:00

"Idea enemies"

2009-12-07T09:46:00.000-10:00

Love this:
Idea Enemies

Mine would be an image of a table full of papers, and a computer with the Facebook logo.

For serious.

(via not martha)

Long Live Science!

2009-12-04T09:47:00.000-10:00

Baby blue:
Welcome to the world.

holy shit

2009-11-18T15:35:00.000-10:00

"Real love amounts to withholding the truth, even when you're offered the perfect opportunity to hurt someone's feelings."
-David Sedaris

(via 24 Free Dinners)

Away

2009-11-09T12:41:00.000-10:00

Sorry folks, but posting's gonna be light for awhile. I'm on an extended holiday on the east coast.

I'm having lots of fun though, if that makes up for anything.

Make sure to check back in a few weeks.

Gaga Homage

2009-11-01T11:03:00.001-10:00

And my personal favorite:

FNS: Songs That Are Perfect For Halloween, Even Though They're Not About Halloween

2009-10-30T17:42:00.000-10:00

But I'm The Babe.

2009-10-30T17:25:00.000-10:00

Not-So-Weekly Recipe

2009-10-21T23:57:00.001-10:00

There's no escaping pineapples when you're in Hawaii. So really, I don't know why it's taken over a year for me to make a pineapple upside down cake.

Seriously. Why didn't I do this before?

...And why don't I make this every week?

Pineapple Upside-down Cake
(adapted from Allrecipes and Smitten Kitchen)

ingredients

3/4 cup light brown sugar
3/4 stick of butter
Fresh Pineapple - peeled, cored, sliced (or make it easy and get a can, because you'll need the juice too)
Maraschino Cherries
1 1/2 cups flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 - 1 teaspoon cinnamon (I threw in some nutmeg and allspice as well, because that's just how I roll)
1/2 cup softened butter
2/3 cup sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup unsweetened pineapple juice

directions

1. Melt butter in a small saucepan on stove top. Mix in sugar. This makes the most amazing caramel EVER. If you're anything like me, you'll want to stop right here and forget the cake. Fight the urge to hide in a dark corner while gorging yourself on warm, buttery caramel. Fight it! But totally lick the spoon.
2. Pour caramel into a greased cake pan. Arrange pineapple slices and cherries into caramel.
3. In a large bowl, mix 1/2 cup butter until creamy. Stir in sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. Slowly stir in flour, spices, baking powder. Pour in pineapple juice until combined.
4. Spoon cake batter into pan, on top of caramel and fruit. Level.
5. Bake in preheated oven at 350* for 45 minutes.
6. The top should become golden brown, and raise slightly above rim of pan.
7. Remove from oven and let cool. The cake will sink back down. That was kind of a bummer.
8. But serve this cake warm.

Enjoy!

Getting Dressed

2009-10-18T23:12:00.000-10:00

I love fashion blogs. I love seeing fun outfits put together by fun ladies.

The only thing is, they also make me insanely jealous.

In a good way.

They make me aspire to wear more than cutoff shorts and t-shirts. ...I usually don't. But still.

Very inspirational - just take a look:

Frocks & Frou Frou

Jen Loves Kev

Young, Fat, & Fabulous

Definatalie

Cupcakes and Cashmere

I Am Style-ish

Karla's Closet

Etsy: Turned into Reality

2009-10-15T18:05:00.000-10:00

Artwork Inspiration

Ocean by LittleRobot

Wearable Pieces

Coral Reef Headband by Aprilsr

Birds Wing Hair Comb by Charmschooldesign

Topaz Butterfly Hair Accessory by Mikiye

9 to 5 Navy Polka Dot Dress from JetWhitePonytail

I Can Admit When I'm Wrong, and I Can Admit When I'm Totally Right

2009-10-13T23:10:00.000-10:00

Ohmygoodness you guys. Are you even watching The Daily Show lately? Jon Stewart and company are totally taking cable news networks to task.

Love it.

Also, I recently watched "Sicko" and "Fahrenheit 9/11" by Michael Moore. I've always thought Moore was extremely offensive, radically liberal, and a big mouth from Hollywood who had nothing productive to say. All these opinions were formed from random snippets I've seen of him on television shows and half watched clips of his movies. I didn't care to watch any of his documentaries, and wouldn't have...ever. However, Joe came home the other day and told me flat out that we had to watch "Sicko."

It. Was. Stunning.

Slightly heavy handed, but seriously, the most eye opening, informative film I've seen in, umm, forever. Everyone in America should watch this movie. And it's unbelievably relevant to the current political debates on health care.

The next day I went straight out and rented "Fahrenheit 9/11." It was heartbreaking. And as equally eye opening.

As involved with politics as I like to believe I am, I'm ashamed I waited so long to see Moore's films. The facts he presents, the stories he tells, the way our government has controlled and manipulated us... I don't know what to say. That's not who we're supposed to be. Our leaders are supposed to be more noble. More...HONEST.

There have to be serious changes made in our government. Hopefully we're on the right track. But baby steps aren't going to cut it - we need huge reforms and sweeping overhauls.

I urge you to get involved. No matter what issue, no matter what side you are on, nothing can work, nothing can change unless people speak up and get involved. We all need to start working together for the common good.

For good.

The White House
Find Your Representative
Find Your Senator

Hormonal

2009-10-12T16:18:00.000-10:00

Ok, so now I totally get why Orlando Bloom and Leonardo DiCaprio were so popular.

Are You a Lady? On the Pill?...

(via Decorno)

FNS: I Met Joe When I Was 17

2009-10-09T22:16:00.000-10:00

At a Friend's Request

2009-10-08T23:33:00.000-10:00

A good friend of mine is getting married next month.

Yay 'Stina!

And Phil!

Congratulations! Again!

I love weddings, and every so often I ask Joe if we can get married again. Just so I could have another wedding. We've been married over five years now, and I still pick up bridal magazines whenever I'm at a bookstore.

So, needless to say, I was very happy to help out Christina with a special gift she wanted to give to both sets of parents: custom silhouette portrait plates.

Adorable. And even more so with the border of their names and a heart.

It was my first time painting on porcelain - here's the result:

'Stina, I hope you love them in person, and your family enjoys them too. And I hope you and Phil have many many happy years together.

Love!

Etsy: Turned into Reality

2009-10-02T18:11:00.001-10:00

Artwork Inspiration

Striped Blanket by 2blackbirds

Wearable Pieces

Mineral Makeup Chubby Eyeliner Pencil from ErzulieCosmetics

Colors of the Rainbow Striped Scarf from anickascottage

'Basics' Collection Swing Strapless Dress by VenniCaprice

FNS: Covers I've Always Liked Better Than The Originals

2009-10-02T17:59:00.001-10:00

Secretary of State-ment Pieces

2009-09-30T00:01:00.001-10:00

Madeleine Albright was my very first political female role model.

And I'm happy to say, she still holds the top spot.

Albright has a book coming out that inventories her vast collection of pins. She gives accounts for each one, telling the important meaning behind her picks.

It's so great to see a woman using style and fashion to help underscore her opinions and work.

Jewelry-Box Diplomacy : NPR article with photos (my favorite pin is the simple gold dove)

Interview with NEWSWEEK

Peeks of recent commissions

2009-09-29T16:01:00.000-10:00

More detailed shots can be found in the sold section of my shop.

Snip

2009-09-24T15:37:00.000-10:00

Ok, Hair. You won this round. Thanks only to Herbal Essence's Tousle Me Softly mousse.

But that can is bound to run out at some point. And I've been wanting to cut my hair for a reeeeally long time now.

And, just so you know, I'm still obsessing over Ginnifer Goodwin's Emmy look. OBSESSING.

(image via FabSugar)

I think it's because I miss having cats

2009-09-22T15:46:00.002-10:00

Because you can never get enough Cute or Lolz:

Linus in Hats

A Thousand Apologies

2009-09-22T15:43:00.001-10:00

Sorry I've been missing lately.

I got caught up in life.

You know how it goes.

FNS: Dreamy Set

2009-09-11T11:48:00.000-10:00

Etsy: Turned into Reality

2009-09-04T16:40:00.006-10:00

Artwork Inspiration

The Shopkeeper's Friend by prettylittlethieves

Wearable Pieces

Chunky Bonbon Necklace by glitterysah

Vintage Red Beaded Necklace from Echoesofstars

Stormy - Blue Vintage Necklace by PlumeAdore

Hand-knotted Olive Jade Necklace by TanyaAL

Patricia Top by Ureshii

Friday Night Sounds

2009-09-04T12:47:00.004-10:00

I'm addicted to checking out iTunes' giveaways. It's like gambling; it's mostly hit or miss. But, baby, when I find one I like, it's HUGE.

Gossip's Heavy Cross was a freebie a couple months ago. I was wary, mostly because over the summer Beth Ditto was EVERYWHERE in the fashion world, and there was this big push for fat acceptance and lots of noise about plus size clothing becoming more commonplace. And of course all that lasted for about 5 minutes. Except Beth does have a clothing line out, which I've heard good things about.

However, I had never heard of Gossip, so I didn't know how they sounded.

But, hey, free song. Why not?

I can't even tell you how many times I play this song. It'd be almost ridiculous.

If it wasn't so awesome.

Here's the link to the Heavy Cross video.

RAWR

2009-09-03T10:46:00.003-10:00

You have no idea how happy this makes my heart.

Godzilla vs. Kincade by Ron Lemen

(via Damn, Gina)

Digital Art Warm Up

2009-09-01T17:55:00.006-10:00

This sketch was done over a couple sessions here and there, created in Corel Painter Essentials 4, and blatantly ripped off/inspired by Janey by TUSH TUSH. Because I want to be Tali when I grow up. She's ah-maze-zing.

Work In Progress

2009-08-29T15:49:00.003-10:00

A little detail shot of something that's been slipping through my fingers for months. I'll get it soon enough.

Friday Night Sounds

2009-08-28T16:54:00.014-10:00

I've been wanting to share some of my favorite songs and videos for a while now. I've made a couple musically inclined posts here and there, but I've decided to make it into a regular feature, Friday Night Sounds.

Kenna - Freetime

(sorry...video embedding is disabled. link will take you to the youtube page)

I fell in love with this song when I picked up his album New Sacred Cow forever ago. Then soon after, I saw the video on MTV. And fell more in love.

Polar Bear Surprise

2009-08-24T00:24:00.001-10:00

You're killin me, Life.

Digital Art Warm Up

2009-08-23T00:01:00.000-10:00

So I have this Wacom tablet. For, like, ever.

And I've hardly used it. ...I'm pretty sure I can hear every graphic designer and artist gnashing their teeth in disgust.

But!

To remedy the situation, I've decided to share my practice sketches.

I figure it's a win-win situation all around. I promise weekly sketches. Which means I have to do weekly sketches. They'll probably be 30 minute drawing sessions. Sometimes longer. Never shorter. Well, ok, maybe never shorter. Which means I practice more, which means I get used to working on the tablet. Which means I'll do more art with it. Which means the art I do won't look like a four year old made it. Which it kinda does now.

So. Here's to baby steps into this brave new digital world:

Etsy: Turned into Reality

2009-08-22T12:50:00.004-10:00

Artwork Inspiration

Ice Cream Parlour by Pepperminte

Wearable Pieces

Light Pink Silk Chiffon Scarf by MissMeganMac

Vintage Black Bangle from Luckyhearts

Vintage Lee Riders Jeans from Backinthedayvintage

Pretty Black Party Shoes from Vintagerevolver

Me Likey

2009-08-21T10:43:00.004-10:00

I'm a sponsor over at one of my favorite blogs, DaddyLikey, for the next few months. Winona gave me such a sweet write up, I had to share.

I'm totally shameless. I know.

But check out the rest of her blog while you're there. It's the bee's knees.

50th, Officially

2009-08-21T00:55:00.003-10:00

Today marks the 50th anniversary of statehood for Hawaii.

For good or bad.

But no matter how you look at it, there's so much history in Hawaii; it's amazing. Just do a little research into the newest state, and you'll totally be blown away. By beauty, by strength, by culture, by change.

I know I feel very humbled learning about Hawaii's past, and very appreciative of my life on the islands today.

Mahalo, Hawai'i!

(image from Life)

Extremely Pathetic Personal Confession #2

2009-08-17T14:52:00.003-10:00

I just read a book chosen merely by the fact that a movie was made from it starring Eric Bana.

This is not the first time.

Check It

2009-08-15T17:27:00.000-10:00

ShareSomeCandy

Yum.

Theft : You get what you pay for

2009-08-12T15:23:00.005-10:00

I don't normally not finish a book. If I pick one up, I'm usually good to go. Even if it's poorly written (ahemTwilightcoughcough). Even if it's a gazillion pages long (Sacajawea). Even if it's beyond cheeseball (you know the ones...the novel equivalent to Cosmo magazine).

There have been only three books in my entire life I've never been able to finish: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn - kept falling asleep on it for some reason. Sorry Mr. Twain.

The Awakening by Kate Chopin - it's not even a long book; I don't know why I couldn't ever get into it.

And some coming of age self help get to know your body type book my dad gave me years and years ago. That one might be self explanatory.

And then I picked up The Art Thief by Noah Charney.

Oh. My. God.

It's awful.

As I was checking out at Borders the other day, the cashier said they were giving away free books if you make a purchase. So I browsed the selection...and lemme say, there is a reason they're having to give away those books. But I was like, FREE BOOK! Free! Who turns down free? Plus it's a book. I've rescued books from trash cans. I was determined to get a free book any which way. I picked up The Art Thief, read the inside cover and thought it'd be ok. I mean, it's a mystery story about art. Score.

Well.

I came home and gave it a shot. It was a little rocky at first, but I kept telling myself that was just the introduction. It'll get better soon.

Then this little gem on the top of page 10: A female character, on the phone arguing over the validity of a work of art on which she's an expert, says "No, it's not my time of the month, I ... but, I ... yeah, well I hope you get royally fucked in the ..."

No really. He couldn't write in "ass" after using "fucked?" And really? "It's not my time of the month?" Really?

But I kept going. I guess I should've known better. Oh well.

This is the paragraph that sealed the deal though on page 47 (47 out of 290. 47!):

This is the main character, an art expert who jets around the world helping various police agencies solve art thefts. Here he's giving a lecture about his work...

"People do not commission the theft of works of art they have never seen, or seen only once. They fall in love with specific works and wish to own them. It is a love affair. As you might pursue a beautiful woman whom you've seen on the street, art theft is the equivalent of seduction and conquest. Beautiful art, like beautiful women, provokes desire. A desire to possess and be possessed, a yearning to have created, a sense of peace and majesty, to hold this sublime proof of the existence of God, who must be great indeed to have created a thing of such beauty. In this manner, if you'll forgive the analogy, the patron is soliciting a prostitute; the beautiful whore is the work of art, and the thieves who provide her, the pimps. If you think of the art in terms of beauty bought-and-sold to the highest bidder, this analogy seems less ludicrous."

Ok. So let me get this straight. People fall in love with certain works of art, so they want to own them, and are willing to steal or pay high prices for someone else to steal them. Totally understandable. I don't think that really needs an analogy. ESPECIALLY one that totally contradicts the principle. And one that is UNBELIEVABLY SEXIST. Geez. Seriously Noah Charney? This is what you want to be known for? Horrible writing, even worse characters, and a book that I don't even want to read even though it was free?

Sigh.

I know it's just a book. I know these characters are fictitious. But still.

Abstinence Only Education is NOT Education

2009-08-08T11:02:00.003-10:00

Holy crap, people.

As soon as I read this, I knew I had to share. It's exactly what I think, and how I try to express my opinions on sexual education. But I've never been able to put such an amazingly simple analogy to it.

we do not combat auto accidents by not driving. we prevent them through driving and safety ed.

From Sociological Images' post Sexing Up Abstinence

Help!

2009-08-07T11:10:00.003-10:00

My hair is on the verge of blonde. It's been getting lighter and lighter for about a year now. I figured it was because I'm now living in Hawaii, which is the equivalent to living ON THE FACE OF THE SUN. So I've taken it in stride.

As in, "Oh look at all these blonde streaks! It must be because I'm out in the sunshine everyday! La la la! It's really beachy looking! And I live at the beach! Perfection!"

But, umm, no.

Turns out, my volumizing spray - Sunsilk, in the noxious yellow bottle - has citric acid as a main ingredient.

(Yes. It took me this long to realize this.)

So, it's been like spraying Sun-In on my hair for the past year. Of course I'm going to go blonde.

The Sunsilk volumizer works wonders for me...I spray it on my wet hair, comb through, and then blow dry. When my hair gets around shoulder length, it needs a little boost, and the routine I had was great. Except for the bleaching my hair part.

While I don't mind the unintentional highlights, I'd like to get back to my natural color.

Anyone have suggestions for a great volumizer? That won't dye my hair? Please?

Etsy: Turned into Reality

2009-08-02T11:53:00.005-10:00

Artwork Inspiration

Doris by tushtush

Wearable Pieces

Extra Slouchy Beret by Softspoken

Summer Blues T-shirt from Mere

Super Glam Lip Jam from LaLaBloom

Just Putting It Out There

2009-08-01T15:04:00.002-10:00

You can follow me on Twitter:

Cance

WARNING! I'm not that interesting.

To make up for it, check out Historical Tweets.

For Serious

2009-08-01T11:16:00.003-10:00

If you ever wanted to know what I looked like dancing to one of my all time favorite songs:

Just imagine two flailing arms and a couple extra gratuitous bum-shakes.

Bingo.

(via the amazing Now Voyager)

On why I hate 24 hour news channels, and everything that they have turned journalism into

2009-07-27T11:18:00.004-10:00

THIS

Stop making up news. Stop dumbing things down. Stop with all the talking heads. And for the love of all things holy, stop taking calls where you let random people blather their personal opinions all over A NATIONAL NEWS CHANNEL.

Just stop.

Oh the LOLz

2009-07-25T15:29:00.004-10:00

I have a weird thing about teeth. Like a major phobia about loosing them. I have nightmares where all my teeth fall out. And I've told Joe that if he ever gets dentures, I could never kiss him again.

I know.

Weird.

But this...

THIS IS HILARIOUS:

(via FailBlog of course)

Edits

2009-07-24T10:12:00.002-10:00

I'm coming up on my three year anniversary of starting Full Circle. I haven't done much around here, so I've been thinking of ways to spruce things up.

I have my first attempt at a header up right now. I'll probably give it a few more tweaks before I'm completely satisfied.

It'd be a good idea for me to start incorporating my work, wouldn't it? I should talk about my art more. I've mentioned a couple things I've done here and there, but not often.

Would you like to read more? More about my process, more pictures of works in progress, more grief over my messy studio?

I actually have followers of this blog - which I never thought I would, but I'm so thankful. I'd like to ask you guys what you like, what you don't like, what you'd want to read more about. Now that I know I have an audience (albeit a small one), I feel like I should encompass more.

So, please, leave comments, ask questions! I'm more than happy to oblige.

Not-So-Weekly Recipe

2009-07-19T22:33:00.006-10:00

The best quiche I've ever had was at Mill Bay Coffee, a local coffee shop in Kodiak, Alaska.

Sorry, Mom.

Ever since that first bite, I've been trying to recreate it on my own. I've come close. Close enough.

Vegetable Quiche

ingredients

(Shameful disclaimer: I cannot make a pie crust. Can. Not. Crust + Me = FAIL. So I totally cop out and buy ready made. I usually pick up Pillsbury's rolled out kind where I can use my own pie plate, but this time I went cheap and got the ones in the foil tins. Not a huge deal, but I'm sure a homemade crust would be one step closer to achieving Mill Bay goodness. But for that, you're on your own.)

2 deep 9" pie crusts

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

8 - 12 eggs

Various vegetables - I go with onion, green pepper, squash, and spinach. Use as much as you can fit into the pans. Seriously.

1/2 - 1 cup chopped ham (I only add this in one, to placate my non-quiche-fan husband)

1/2 cup milk

Salt and pepper to season

directions

1. Lightly brown crusts in oven. 350* should do the trick. Remove before they turn a golden color. Set aside.

2. Saute chopped vegetables on stove top. I think the biggest difference comes in this step. Technically, the Mill Bay Coffee quiche was ROASTED vegetable. That's a little much to ask of me. So I've stuck with the sauteing route, and have been happy. If you're using spinach, only add it in at the last minute, just to soften the leaves. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, scramble eggs. Mix in cheeses. Add in vegetables. And any meat. Salt and pepper to your heart's content.

4. Pour in enough milk to thin out mixture.

5. Mix well.

6. Separate mixture into the two pie plates. Cook until the eggs set. You might need to cover the edges of the crust with some foil to keep them from getting too brown.

7. It takes a while to cook. Especially depending on how much you fill the pies. Just remember they're ready when they don't wobble any more.

8. Remove from oven, let cool slightly, and serve.

Enjoy!

Painful

2009-07-17T20:45:00.006-10:00

This is one of the most heartbreaking stories I've read in a while.

Father digs grave for his own son

I wanted to mention it because, well, the story should get told. I don't want to tie it into anything, but I think it runs along the same lines as the health care debate that's going on in our country.

I haven't researched much into the bill Congress is working on, or what President Obama is calling for. I don't know what side I come down on.

The only thing that gives me pause on the whole universal health care issue is my experience with a VA hospital. Personally, my husband and I have great doctors, but we haven't had any reason to receive specialized or long term care in a military hospital. However, this past winter, my grandfather had to be rushed to an emergency room due to complications from pneumonia. Although he has his own private health insurance, he chose to go to the VA hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina because it was the closest to his home.

From the moment we arrived nothing went right.

Years ago, Grandpa had to have heart surgery where one valve was replaced with a pig valve. He was told if he ever picked up any type of infection, he'd have to see a cardiologist right away to make sure the replacement valve wasn't damaged. Both he and my mother made this clear to the ER staff when they checked in. It took three days before anyone told us that the Fayetteville VA doesn't have a dedicated cardiac unit. It took almost a week to find out results from routine blood work because they don't have their own lab - they have to send out all specimens to another hospital in another town. The hospital itself was in horrible condition...it's old, run down, dark, and I just felt dirty walking through the hallways. The heater in Grandpa's room broke. The radiator heater. The whole hospital is heated with radiators. Seriously. Ancient college dorms and first apartments are the only buildings that should have radiator heat. HOSPITALS SHOULD HAVE CLIMATE CONTROL. This is a place where people need to be as comfortable as possible to get better, right? So the radiator broke. Grandpa was given 5 blankets to keep warm. Of course we weren't going to stand for that...Mom made a huge fuss, as was necessary, and was able to at least get a portable heater brought in until maintenance came. All the while we were waiting on the doctor's ok to transfer my grandfather to another hospital since the Fayetteville VA didn't have the basic equipment to do the most basic tests to check his heart.

Let me say this again. This hospital... The Fayetteville VA Medical Center DID NOT HAVE THE EQUIPMENT OR PERSONNEL TO DO BASIC TESTS.

AND they made us wait unnecessarily to transfer my grandfather to a hospital that could help him.

Since they could not do tests to check his heart, the doctor wanted to check Grandpa's colon. Because Grandpa wasn't eating and complained of stomach pain. So, he drank the gallon of solution (umm...that cleans out the colon...), but since he had a blood infection, he was constantly feverish. Which meant the procedure couldn't be done. I don't know whether or not the doctors realized Grandpa's infection would interfere with the colonoscopy, or if they were just hopeful they could get it done regardless. Two days later (while we're still waiting on the transfer to another hospital) the procedure was rescheduled, and Grandpa drank another gallon of solution. And yet again, his fever and condition prevented the test. At this point, Grandpa had be totally cleaned out of anything in his digestive system, anything that was in there to provide nutrients...anything. Because he wasn't eating. He was finally put on an IV.

Two different doctors told us two different things about his blood infection. First we were told he had staph, a common infection in hospitals. It's easily transferable however, so we told family members to stay home. Only my mom, aunt, uncle, and I stayed at the hospital with Grandpa. No one wanted to risk infecting others. However, none of the nurses took precautions when around Grandpa. No masks, no gowns, no sanitizing hands. Then we were told it wasn't staph - but the doctors didn't know what the infection was. This is when we found out they didn't have their own lab. The doctors at the Fayetteville VA couldn't tell us what was wrong with Grandpa. In any way. And they weren't transferring him.

After a week, a week spent talking to anyone in the hospital's administration we could, after pleading with the patient advocate, after witnessing complete incompetence, we were at our wits end. I was so disheartened, so fed up. One morning, Mom and I walked into Grandpa's room, and a nurse was there taking his vital signs. He still had a fever. He still wasn't eating. He was wasting away in front of our eyes, and we felt totally powerless. Later that day, around 3 pm, Mom called in the head nurse because it had been hours and no one had been in to check Grandpa's vitals. The head nurse called in the nurse from earlier that morning to ask why no one had checked in. She said she was busy, but she had kept to the required schedule. I said, "But he has a blood infection. Isn't that important to keep an eye on?" The nurse just looked at me and said "I wasn't aware." WASN'T AWARE? How could my grandfather's nurse not be aware of the main reason he was sick? She went on to say he only had a fever because he had so many blankets on him. WHAT? How crazy is that? I lost it. I had to control myself from yelling at this lady. I told her that he had only one blanket for the past day, because thankfully the heater had been fixed at that point. When I walked in that morning while she was checking his temperature, Grandpa only had one blanket on him. ONE. She sneered at me, and said, "Sweetie, you're mistaken." SHE SAID THAT TO ME. The nurse at the Fayetteville VAMC basically just called me a liar.

Mom talked to the doctor one last time. She told him that Grandpa needed to be transfered. The doctor said the request had been put in, but no other VA hospital in the state had any open beds. Mom said it didn't have to be a VA center, since Grandpa had other health insurance. But apparently that's their policy. Mom said she wasn't going to have Grandpa stay at the Fayetteville VA another night. It had been too long, we'd been waiting because of promises that weren't getting fulfilled. The doctor said his hands were tied.

Mom then told him she wanted to take Grandpa home. She'd personally take him to another hospital. The doctor said that would be against medical advice, and since Grandpa was in such a frail state, it could be a fatal decision.

With all of this going against us, knowing that the hospital Grandpa was in couldn't provide the care he needed, and was in fact making him worse, knowing that the doctors or administration weren't pushing another hospital to accept Grandpa's transfer, knowing that if we were to take matters into our own hands it could be tragic, Mom couldn't take it. She threatened to sue. She threatened to sue the nurses, the doctors, the entire hospital. She told everyone she saw. Within the hour, we were told a bed had opened up in the Durham VA, and Grandpa would be transfered that night.

I don't know if it was a coincidence or not (actually, I don't believe it was), but threatening legal action was the only way to get what we wanted. What my grandfather needed. My mom felt horrible about doing it, she wasn't proud to pull that card, but she didn't know what else to do.

The Durham VAMC was a completely different experience. Within a day, his blood infection was identified. The next day he received the cardiac tests he needed. It was confirmed that the complications from his bout of pneumonia, and then the subsequent infection from Fayetteville, did damage his replaced heart valve. With specific IV antibiotics, the infections were cleared up, and the damage was repaired. Grandpa was out of the Durham VA in a week.

He's doing much better now, able to live on his own, his appetite is healthy again, and he has almost as much energy as he did before this whole ordeal. The only lingering problem is that he has some impairment of kidney function. Kidney damage wasn't a side effect of the blood infection or the antibiotics, but that's the only thing his doctor was sure of. I recently had heard of a colonoscopy solution causing kidney damage, but it was for the pills that are taken with water. However, I have my suspicions that when Grandpa drank two gallons of the prepared mixture (needlessly) within a few days, that would have something to do with it.

The only thing Grandpa has ever said about the whole thing was that he made a mistake. He was adamant about going to the Fayetteville VA, and now he never wants to see it again. Mom, my aunt, and uncle were upset that they let Grandpa talk them into going where he wanted to go, and not where they thought he should've.

We don't dwell on the experience though, because Grandpa is doing so much better.

But it makes me scared for my future. For Joe's future. We'll more than likely be using VA hospitals. At least I know what to expect, and I know I need to look into any facility we choose.

That's all the worrying I want to do though - for myself and my family. I don't want to worry about everyone else I know. If universal health care causes more hospitals to work like the Fayetteville VA and the whole VA system, it won't be good. I know I said the Durham VA was a great place, but I do have to mention that it works in conjunction with Duke University Hospital - a world renown hospital that's right across the street. And really, do I need to mention the disaster of Walter Reed not that long ago?

Hopefully though, if enough people know about these kinds of mistakes and hardships, then in the future they can be corrected. Maybe universal health care could work.

Maybe.

Friendly Advice For All Husbands (And Dudes With Girlfriends Whom They'd Like To Keep)

2009-07-15T00:06:00.002-10:00

When your wife asks you if the lines around her mouth are noticeable, it's very nice of you to answer that you've never seen them, there's nothing there to worry about, that she'll always look young - no matter what.

Then you should shut up.

And definitely not say, "But I have noticed the bags under your eyes."

Etsy: Turned into Reality

2009-07-13T01:00:00.001-10:00

Artwork Inspiration

Blue Sunglasses Print by tuttistudio

Wearable Pieces

80s Blue Sunglasses from toffie

Hot and Mod Chunky Yellow Lucite Ring from strangexchange

Red Coral Wire Wrapped Ring by artwearbymona

Aloha ohana

2009-07-12T10:57:00.003-10:00

I think I can sum up my family's visit in this one image:

It was that crazy good.

But here are a few more fun GIFs anyway...

Mom ringing the bell at Byodo-In Temple

Bryan jumping for joy at Puu Ualakaa Park

Tree climbing and a shower of flowers at Paradise Cove Luau

Kaity and Dad learning the hula

Leave of Absence

2009-06-29T22:05:00.002-10:00

My family's coming for a visit. I cannot express how happy I am to have them here for their too-short stay.

Check back late next week for pictures and stories about my awesome kin folk.

Aloha y'all!

I Hear You

2009-06-27T20:37:00.002-10:00

Men Who Tell Me To Smile

Good grief. I've thought the very same thing. Like word for word.

About a bazillion times.

(via 24 Free Dinners)

ATTENTION EVERYONE I KNOW

2009-06-27T10:39:00.002-10:00

THIS could save a lot of hassle.

I'm just sayin.

Front Page

2009-06-20T16:34:00.006-10:00

Hee!

It's so exciting when I find out one of my items makes it onto the front page of Etsy. It's only happened one other time. Like, two years ago. But still.

Today my Pet Sketch was featured.

I wasn't able to see it in person, but I found a screen cap through Flickr. Look! There I am. At the bottom.

Thanks Etsy.