What Was I Thinking?

Functional Graffiti

Elephant in the Park

What it all boils down to...

Other People's Work

I was watching an old Bugs Bunny classic this afternoon with Emily, and was struck (again) by the genius of the artwork in this episode. The characters - Bugs Bunny, Witch Hazel, etc. - are animated, but the backgrounds are two-dimensional, and they're fantastic! All the architectural detail, the furniture, the fixtures, are all simple line drawings. I absolutely love it!

Then I watched "Firefly" and marveled (this time) over the costumes. The details in the "Serenity" episode are just lovely: Inara's red-and-gold kimono, the teddy bear patch on the knee of Kaylee's coveralls, the detailing on soldier-Zoe's leather jacket during the confrontation, and Simon's rose-colored glasses - all such small details, but important just the same. It's the littlest details that make the characters, and the show, that much more perfect.

In between times, I was online, checking out what other people have been doing on Etsy.com. Found some great graffiti photos - that's an art form (and photography is another) that I love to look at, but have never managed to do myself. Maybe someday... Meanwhile, I like to see what other people can do.

Silent Night

Emily and I got home from Group a little while ago, and I'm just kind of sitting here and enjoying some down-time. I've thought a couple of times that I should turn on some music, but I haven't done it yet. Instead I'm sitting in the quiet, listening to all the sounds that bleed through from outside this room:

• "Clair de Lune" playing in Emily's room
• Someone going up and down the hall on what sounds like a Segway
• Cars and trucks speeding past on the highway outside
• And an obnoxiously loud, fast motorcycle - the kind that always makes me wonder what the rider is compensating for...

Almost Home

The Expo Center MAX station; last stop on the Yellow Line.

Walk The Walk

Been watching Food Network today. They have a new commercial that I love, which features Poe's song "Walk The Walk." That was the song (and the album) I had on repeat when I was doing the Batik painting.

I've slacked off a bit the last couple days. There's been a lot of stress, and it's left me feeling a little flat. But I know that if I want to call myself an artist, and really make a go of it, I'm going to have to do some work. I can't expect the inspiration and the ability to just be there when I want it, if I don't put some effort into it. It's a problem I've had my whole life - laziness and lack of discipline, especially with things that come easily to me.

So, new goal: put something on paper every day. Doodle, sketch, draw, paint, whatever. Gotta keep working...or the couch potato will take over!

What Not To Wear

Watching Clinton & Stacy make over an actual practicing witch from Salem, MA. I've always kind of wished someone would nominate me for this - what could be better than having them tell me what looks good on me (since I clearly have no idea) and then hand me $5,000 to buy clothes with? I can't imagine spending even half that amount. I don't know that I've ever spent more than about $200 on clothes for myself, in a year's time - even when I got married!

Day Off / Off Day

Today started at the doctor's office at 8am. Emily got the second dose of her H1N1 vaccine sprayed up her nose, and Ken got some blood drawn. I was the biggest loser of the day; I got a small bump removed from my left knee. Not a big deal, but it had been there for years and it hurt - so I'm glad to have it gone. We took it easy the rest of the day, watched movies and made pretzels.

Tomorrow could be a cranky day, we'll have to pay attention, and try to find something fun to do.