Liquid Relief

So, I was never much of a drinker. These days I must admit I look forward to a few glasses of sauvignon blanc or something with vodka. Sometimes even a beer. Can you guys believe that? I feel like I'm really broadening my horizons. Not only liquor/beer but also food. I haven't ran across anything I won't try. I usually end up liking it too.

Amongst my recent stress over the show this weekend and my need to develop the personality of a carny I have taken precautionary measures. This is top secret, so don't tell my fans or the press. Also, don't open my cooler if you plan on being present this weekend. This photo is of poor quality, apologies. I designed and stenciled the medicine doxie. Yes, the registry is off. Working on such a small scale is tough, even sober. Well, now that I have embraced my 'white trash' roots and made it public I'm going to say, "Cheers" and tip my flask.

Zola Von Z

Happy Birthday Zoli Poli. Mom loves yous! Of course, the curse of the '2' continues. Today is Zola's second birthday. The weather was tremendous. In honor of her 2nd year or life I made Zola a meat, cheese, pb, cracker cube. It suppose to resemble a gift. I even added 2 candles made of her favorite, cheese. Before I could get out the backdoor she was about to explode with excitement. Every time I unwrap a piece of cheese (shame on me for buying individually wrapped cheese) she starts barking at me. She absolutely adores that over-processed slice of cool dairy. She didn't even inspect it. She just shoved her nose into the thing. Inside she found turkey and cheese. Sheer utopia. After she devoured the 'good stuff' she proceeded to lick the peanut butter from the crackers. After her feast and a few runs around the yard she was pooped! I can't believe she's already two. She's such a little jumping bean! I think she enjoyed being spoiled by loads of people food and tons of attention. Birthday cheers and snuggles for my four legged soul mate!

For My Critics

Thank you. As per your suggestions: An Improvement? I believe it is. Kudos to my involved readers.

As Promised

This is super exclusive! Some of my new stuff. Hot off the press. So I need your input. Really. I know I say that a lot but this time I would love to hear from you (few). Do you like the boots? Should I add them to the red one? If so, what color? I like the gruesomeness of the red paint. I didn't really want to take away from that but I really like the boots with the white. Oh decisions, they become more complicated as the years go by...

Inspire

Applying for grad school is tough. I have to write a lot. A lot about why I do what I do and where I want my 'talents' to take me. I think about things like this all the time. I think about my surroundings and how I react to them versus how others handle them. I'm also drawn to details, things that most wouldn't or don't notice. Last night I spent the better part of the evening in my garage huffing spray paint, did I just say that? I mean spray painting. Ha! Working on some new pieces. I hope to finish them up tonight.

I feel that lately I have been over thinking my work. This whole grad school thing has me in a tizzy. I question whether I'm good enough. Is my work highly conceptual? Do I think enough about what goes into each piece? Are my pieces 'kid stuff?' The more I think about it the worse the outcome. I just need to be myself, do what's right. When I try to live up to some higher standard my work represents something else and I can't identify with it, much less write about it. I'm having a hard time keeping things straight. HALP!

In the meantime check out some of the photos that have inspired my works-in-progress:Someday I will make one of these for my bike. Isn't it wild?
She's hot! I'm thinking Halloween, yes? Dove of Peace.

The next post shall debut my latest work. I know you can't wait, me either.

The Results!

The ballot on what to name my gazelle has finally run out. Friday night it all fell into place. Everyone please rise for our dear Whorris. Yes, "Horris" but with a "W." You may call him "W" for short. I think he officially feels like part of the family now that he has a formal name. Now he just needs a little touch up and he will be near perfect!

No Agenda

When my pal Taraneh and I get together we attempt to plan our evenings. It seems they have a knack for falling apart. Tonight we planned on heading over to Chandler to cheer on the bike riders cruising 140 miles down Route 66 to raise money for MS research. Instead we decided to hit OKC. It was a blast. I won't go into the details (I will let the photos speak for me) but it did involve some outstanding Iranian cuisine, giant, pomegranate margaritas, some great tunes and frozen yogurt! Lately I have been engaging in to much play:Zorbas. My new, favorite eatery. Can't beat $3.50 margaritas. They also have belly dancing but we missed it, damn. Maybe next time. Lushberries. Next time we will also try the crepes! Gobble, gobble. Turkeys are friends, not food!Nuts are great. Let's have some every season!

This week I plan to buckle down and work on some new pieces as well as prepare for our 'show' this weekend. Be sure to come check out Triple Threat Talent at the Plaza District Festival. We can always use the support!

Shower Conlcusion

Well the shower is officially over. Before you know it there will be a "mini Jamie" toddling around! The party was a hit. Jamie had a wonderful time and she made off with a chest full of booty! I'm relieved its over but I would do it all over again just to see the smile if put on Jamie's face. Cake and Punch. One of Jamie's friends from work made the cake! It was fancy and tasty. My mom and I made Jamie a blanket that doubled as the table cloth for the shower. We put some plastic on top of it to protect it. We had a packed house. Oh shower games... It was that funny. Note my mother to the left. This is why she resist the camera. [Love you mom!] Mommy and Grandma. All grown up! Jamie's due Nov. 5. It's getting close. Today was a day for Jamie and she deserved it. Pretty soon all eyes will on that little bundle of flesh. From now until then,celebrate Jamie!

Friday Night Fun!

Friday night get-togethers with 'Triple Threat Talent' are beginning to transform into a ritual. It's just so much fun. Last night I hosted and it was Doug's first trip to my place. He came with camera in hand and words can not describe. Check out his beautiful photos and our fabulous faces here. His captions are almost as clever as his photos. A few teasers in case you need some convincing: I did take one shot after Doug had retired his camera. I can't say it compares to his collection but I think it sums up the atmosphere. My masterpiece:

Hallo's Eve

Oh Halloween! How I covet thee. Every year I spend hours focusing on costumes, decorations, and glorious treats! It's by far, my most beloved holiday. Lately, I have been so busy and I figured this years festivities would be held to a minimum. Turns out, my soon-to-be roommate was so impressed by last years display that she is demanding we setup the whole shebang this year. Looking back, it was pretty extraordinary. Zombie. Princess Peach. Pirate. Vampire. Impaled. Giant black widow in my backyard! We were honored to have Jesus and the priest. He married Kurt and Courtney.Yoshi! There were no survivors. So I've thought about this, looked back at Halloween 2008 and I have decided we will decorate. It shouldn't be to overwhelming with the help of my mom and Taraneh. Hallo tag team! Now for a costume? For the past four of five years I have been part of a joint/couple costume. This year I'm the main event. Since I've been on this "less is more" kick and I work in an IT office I was thinking about being a mac: Cheap, sensible, simple. If I decide to go as a mac the guys at work will be the PC. Not because they will be dressing up but because they always dress similar to the "stylish PC." I also thought I would stencil the apple on my shirt or hoodie so people would better understand. We shall see. I'm determined to top last years house decorations. Stay tuned!

To You

Listen, and I mean really listen. I think about things like this entirely beyond reason. The second stanza still leaves me breathless.

Baby baby

More on showers. I'm sure there will be at least one more post on this whole baby shower extravaganza so if this stuff puts you to sleep beware! You have officially been warned. Tonight my mom came over to help me organize things for the shower on Saturday. We have accomplished quite a bit. I still need to clean the place but that won't happen until the last minute, most likely Saturday around dawn.

I sort of feel like I'm nesting which is a bit unholy. I'm not the one having a baby but I guess I just love party planning. I crave pressure but one day it will appear with a scythe,then, I'm doomed. On a lighter note, the party decorations are simply charming. After all, we don't want to take away from the glowing, mother-to-be. My house smells so clean right now. I wish you could all experience this short lived phenomenon. The rocking chair and memory board look so cohesive. I have to give myself a little pat on the back for this. My mom also deserves some attention as she made the amazing cushions for the rocking chair! Speaking of my mom, here she is! Tada! She hates having her picture taken but I had to. She didn't deserve it. Especially since she is hard at work while I'm taking a break to blog. Parents! Love 'em through thick and thin, rain or shine! Back to work! Nighty-Night.