067;; New Years

For the first time in a really long time, I can't say I regret anything in 2012.

There have been some ups and downs for sure - but overall it's been a really great year.

Last night I got back into Portland after spending two weeks in Illinois with my family for the holidays. I am so happy to say that the visit included seeing the love of my life, even though every obstacle you could think of tried to stop that from happening.

I have never been more confident about where I am going. I feel like this year I've grown so much and I've risen above all of the tangles I had. I'm going to be stronger than ever this coming year and I'm going to stand on my feet. I can honestly say that I no longer feel like I'm made of glass.

In 2012 I...
Got a great job and lost it due to cut backs in May.
Danced with depression a bit all year.
Made things official with Dalton in April.
Started school again and changed majors in July.
Moved across the country in September.
&& Survived the blizzard Euclid 2012.
Plus, I've made so many new friends and my older friendships have gotten stronger despite the distance.

I have nothing but confidence that next year will be even better.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy new year.



xoxo Sara

066;; Officially an Oregonian...

I took a much needed break during my final weeks of moving and my first month or so here. As much as I love this blog and I love the people I've met through this intertwining network of lives... I needed to take care of me - and I think I've finally managed to do that.

I've managed to weed out the people in my life that didn't have my best interests in heart and I've managed to make some new friends who are pretty amazing and supportive; which alleviated a lot of the stress of moving here.

I've also started painting some, which is entirely new for me.

Anyway - this is just a small "I'm not dead" update. I'll make a post within the next few days of pictures along the trip out here and possibly new examples of my work.



xoxo Sara

065;; Sevenly

I have an extremely hard personality for most people to digest properly I think.
For the most part? I'm a bitch. Completely and utterly.
I have no desire to censor myself when I talk and I always speak my mind, even if it isn't the nicest thing in the world to say.
I tell you this - but I also have a confession to make.
I am a walking contradiction.
I feel bad about the slightest things, even though I pride myself on my brutal honesty.

Anyway... The original point of this post was for me to tell you guys about this amazing website called Sevenly.org!

I have a huge soft spot for helping people. My mum even says I do it too much.
However - I see absolutely no harm in looking good while supporting amazing charities on a weekly basis. None whatsoever.

Sevenly supports a new charitable organization every week with a kickass design that they use on their apparel. These are all limited runs of designs, and once that week is over... it's over. So not only are you getting major good fuzzy feelings from helping out people who are less fortunate than you, but you're going to be rocking a design that I can bet none of your friends will have. It also creates a great conversation starter to get more people aware!

I first read about this group of amazing people a few months ago when they were doing a donation week in support of Autism research. I'll admit that when I saw this design specifically I had just lost my job and didn't have the money to purchase anything, though I would have loved to. About three weeks ago though I had the thought to go check them out again... and the charity they were supporting was called All Girls Allowed. Let's just say it tugged on my heartstrings, which is evident with my two purchases from that week! Last week I also purchased a shirt in support of raising money to build classrooms in Guatemala. Every week with these new designs, for every product purchased, they donate $7 to that charity.

I have a feeling this week's charity will be pulling at my heartstrings also.

 

Make a difference.

064;; So much...

001. So much has been going on with me that I don't even know where to begin. Some things I can discuss, others I'm not really so sure about just yet. I may wait until they are public knowledge. Anyway... Here I am in Memphis once again. I couldn't sit at home staring at all of my chaos for another seven days before we pack up and go. It's causing me to lose my mind in every sense of the word. I just can't stand it.

002. I will be driving another three hours tomorrow to see my amazing boyfriend one more time before I move to Portland. I am so lucky to have found the love of my life, though I know that the next few years are going to be extremely hard... it will all be worth it in the end. It makes me feel so silly that I get butterflies every time I think about him. I need him to be closer - but until that's a legit possibility, I'll have to just make our time together count. Whether it's one night, a week, or a month together.

Unfortunately, mum informed me that Dalton & I needed to wait until at least I finish school before we get married. I really hate that she now has my tuition over my head in terms of this. I know that it would change my financial standing though, and she can't afford anything more. To her though if I am adult enough to marry, I'm adult enough to pay for my own college. Ugh.

003. I should have waited until this fall to begin classes at the Art Institutes. I absolutely cannot stand AIO. It's probably one of the worst decisions I've ever made. Dealing with the stress of moving and the stress of trying to do 12 credit hours online is just too much to handle. Mum has told me to stop making myself sick stressing out about it though. If I had to retake the classes I could, if not, great. It's such a load off of my chest.

063;; Shutting down.

A tornado apparently hit near my home tonight, less than an hour after I drove across town to my grandma's house.

I've reached my stress level cap. There's no where else for me to go at this point. I'm to the point where I can't even hide it. Several people I interacted with today informed me of how shut down I seem.
Today was the start of my moving sale and my friend Tiffany decided to come pay me a visit for a few hours. It was nice to see her, and I honestly hope I get to see her more before I move in less than 2 weeks. I can't believe it's already here... 2 weeks and I'm gone.
I finally got my room assignment today, also. I got my first choice, so I'm pretty excited. Private room with a shared bathroom in The Arthur (which is an old hotel that was revamped for the school's housing needs).

310.

That's my new home for the next 3-6 months.

I feel bad but I'm too emotionally drained and exhausted to put forth much effort into anything.
Tomorrow continues my moving sale.
Sunday is my first trial for packing the car up. I need to see how the stuff I want to take fits so I can make adjustments from there and hopefully become less stressed.

062;; Cravings...

I've got a huge, huge craving for a new tattoo.

It's actually getting a bit ridiculous. I'm so excited to get out to Portland and find new artists that can make my skin even prettier!

Something I'm really excited about though is because I'm craving new ink, I'm also drawing more. A lot of people in high school used to say I should be a tattoo artist - but that was always my best friend's thing. We'll see where life takes me.

As I mentioned in my previous post, I got to spend two days (well it was really more like 24 hours spread out) with Dalton. There is absolutely nowhere else I'd rather be than in his arms. As cheesy as that sounds, and as goofy as it makes me feel, I don't care. I've never once felt this way about a guy. Sometimes it's terrifying, but sometimes it's the best feeling in the world. Now to just convince him to accept my ideas for a Pirates of the Caribbean, Harry Potter, and Sweeney Todd wedding. Ready, set, go!
I also found out last night that I may get to see him again in 3 weeks for a weekend. If he says it's for sure, I will definitely go back down to Memphis for 3 days before I move.

Eep!

Oh, and I've recently added a new member into my family...

I will probably be posting some new work soon. I've been so busy with homework that I haven't been able to focus on making my tutorials or my own work. Screw school.

061;; I will...

Create a real blog entry soon. For serious.
Like... no joking. A real blog entry.
With substance and stuff...

I'm moving in 4 weeks.
Maybe I'll write about that?

Or my somewhat amazing two days with Dalton last week.
Maybe.

Two new online classes?
They're kind of tedious and boring.

Artist inspiration?
New work?
A photography tutorial?
Who knows...

It's a surprise!!!!

060;; Humdeedum...

Good news! Wisdom tooth war = won.
That's right. I won.
By the way, for my first tooth pull, I got spoiled. But damn that tooth was huge!

Which means... I can now enjoy my trip to Memphis (which starts tomorrow afternoon). I can't wait to see my friends Chris & Jeff. It's going to be really hard being over half a country away from them from now on! Gotta make the best of my time while I'm there, I guess. :)

Also, there's a very good chance that on Tuesday Dalton & I will be having our first "official" date that doesn't involve a video Skype call. Eep! 

I've been in the mood to draw lately. Like really badly.
I think it's because my friend Danny (airforce, stationed in Germany) and I are going to be sketchbook pals. We were close in high school and started talking again my second year in Memphis - but after his second marriage we quit talking again. So I'm really glad he suggested this little project. Speaking of... I should probably mail him the sketchbook he's to prepare for me.
...back to the drawing thing... I kind of want to do The Hunger Games or Harry Potter drawings. Nothing large scale just yet. I can't start a 18x24" drawing this soon to moving. I'd never finish it. Excuse me while I go look at the 15 unfinished large scale drawings sitting in my portfolio currently... ^.^ Hehe!

5½ weeks until I leave for Portland, Oregon. ♥

Any suggestions on stops along the way? I know we'll be passing by Denver, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah... but I'm honestly really uneducated on "monuments" and "sights to see" in this country. My imagination and curiosity is always elsewhere. 

 

059;; Catch-up

So... here's the deal... I'm a terrible blogger when I'm sick or don't feel well.
I'm sorry. I'll try harder, I promise.

Last Thursday (July 26th) it rained for the first time in over three months here in Marion (the last time was the first week of April, I believe). Needless to say I was out dancing in it for a good 30 minutes. My grandma even joined in the fun. It was definitely a blast, and it definitely made the day better (organizing yard sale stuff in the garage = hot).

Moving on...

My wisdom tooth has successfully rubbed a hole in the back of my cheek near my jaw hinge. In the course of a week it went from a small raw cut-like spot to an unavoidable pain in my mouth. I haven't been able to eat properly since last Sunday (which means my dinner on Wednesday for my birthday kind of sucked, aside from seeing family) and it's quite honestly driving me up a wall. Oh, and I can only fall asleep if I take at least 7.5mg of Vicodin, and then I have to make sure to not move much or I'm going to get motion sick. & let me be the first to tell you, I absolutely hate Vicodin with a passion. It's the worst thing my doctors ever prescribe me. Yes, it works... but it makes me sicker than hell. So yeah... Sara hasn't been a happy camper for the past week. Don't worry, no pictures for this one!

To top that off... I had a sunburn from last Friday (July 27th) until around Tuesday (July 31st). Four days may seem like nothing... but let me point out that the last time I had any sun exposure (enough to possibly burn) was probably in 2007. I have super fair skin and I avoid the sun like the plague unless I have SPF 100 sunscreen. I didn't.

Luckily, my yard sale on Saturday was a huge success for being a last-minute-quickie. Strangely enough we actually did more business on Friday while we were setting up, in my opinion. That could be just because I wasn't expecting them though. I still have a lot of books to sell, but I feel that we did a good amount of business on Saturday, as well. Most major furniture pieces have been sold, all that's left is my desk & chair, the bookshelves, and my couch. Anyone like Stephen King? ;)

Anyway - that's all for now, lovelies.

I will try to be back on schedule this coming week, but we will see how the tooth and I are faring.

The following week, August 13th - 17th, I will be in Memphis, TN to spend time with my friends before my move. I will still update, but they will probably be short & sweet until I get home on the 17th (stupid eye doctor appointment...).

058;; It's occured to me...

I've become a terrible blogger over the past two weeks.
I've had so much shit going on that I just haven't been able to find the time to log on. I still check up on people's blogs by my phone, but it's not quite the same!

Blog entries coming soon:
My yard sale!
My birthday! (It's tomorrow!!!!)
Wisdom tooth blues.
Artist Inspiration.
Photo/camera tutorials! (This is for you, ladies!)

057;; Tutorials?

I have a thought.

That thought is to help you. (Well maybe not you, but definitely you!)

I'm thinking of doing camera/photography tutorials. Yes, I intend for you to actually take your camera off of it's lovely "automatic" setting and learn how to use it to the full extent of it's pretty little self!

Just a few? Maybe. Who knows.

I'll continue to ponder this idea. Let me know your thoughts on the subject.

056;; 23 in twenty-three

The beautiful Erin @ LIY is doing a link-up && since I'm a total sucker for making lists that I can't seem to follow... let's do another one! Luckily, this is a small enough list that most it should be obtainable. I'm kind of lying with this post though... since I technically won't be 23 until August 1st - but that's only 8 days away, so I'm going with that. ♥

P.S. - I should so be doing homework right now. Shame on you, Erin.
P.P.S. - I did snatch some of these off of my 101 in 1001 list, but that's okay. I won't tell if you don't.

01. Make a new friend.

02. Get a job.

03. Use public transit. (hey, did you know I sold my car? No choice once in Portland!)

04. Clean out my closet(s).

05. Visit Seattle, Washington.

06. See a lightouse.

07. Go whale watching @ Depoe Bay, Oregon.

08. Document my trip to Portland, Oregon with pictures and postcards picked up along the way!

09. Get rid of 100 things.

10. Drink only water for one week.

11. Go down to SoCal to see a few very amazing friends. Train is preferred method of travel, though I will tolerate a plane, also.

12. Visit at least 3 of the top 10 aquariums in the country (Ripley's Believe It or Not Aquarium coming in two short weeks!)

c/o

13. Go visit && photograph a glacier.

14. Read more books. I've been slacking lately.

15. Print out at least 10 of my recent art pieces to update my physical portfolio. (They make excellent decoration, too.)

16. Learn how to cook more things, rather than the like... 5 recipes that I've borrowed and fallen in love with from Sam @ ReddyorKnot.

17. Swim in the ocean.

 

photo c/o me

 18. Visit SeaWorld San Diego!

19. Enter more art competitions. (Art of Photography 2012 ✓)

20. Move to a new apartment after spending a few months in the dorms at AI Portland.

21. Try a DiY project off of pinterest, rather than just oogle over it. (Thanks for reminding me, Erin.)

c/o

22. Go to a movie. At the theatre. (I think the last one I went to go see was the last Pirates of the Caribbean.)

23. Spend more time with Dalton.



So there you have it. There's my list of 23 in 23. I don't know what I'm going to do with myself when a lot of these are taken care of by the end of September!

& now shoo! Go check out Erin's 26 in 26 post. 

055;; My thoughts right now.

Today would normally be my project52 post - but I'll do that tomorrow along with a recap from last week, also. 

I didn't write any specific post about the tragic Colorado shootings that happened on 7/20/12 because I really didn't know how to write a post about that. It didn't personally affect me, but at the same time it did. I didn't know any of the victims. I've honestly never even heard of Aurora, Colorado before it happened. Yet at the same time, I am utterly heartbroken at the event none the less. It hasn't really altered my day-to-day life, but I still think about it. I don't give the human race much credit because I honestly believe we've just turned into destructive beings, so things that happen like this don't surprise me, but I'm no less sympathetic towards the victims. It comes down to James Holmes being a very, very sick person  & he became a terrorist the moment he began planning to open fire on innocents. There's no question about that.

I have no time for terrorists. I don't care what possessed them to do what they did. All I care about is that they never, ever get the chance to do it again.

What sparked this post wasn't that I decided to chime in on the Aurora shootings... it was that today I was pleasantly surprised, and that doesn't seem to happen too often anymore.

Christian Bale responded to the requests to go visit the victim's of the shootings in Aurora, CO today. I'm really glad that he didn't go dressed up as Batman though. I honestly think that after the terrorist dressed up as the Joker, seeing another "superhero" costume might be pretty traumatizing.

 

photo courtesy of AMC Theaters (linked to their facebook).

"The movie theatre is my home, and the idea that someone would violate that innocent and hopeful place in such an unbearably savage way is devastating to me. Nothing any of us can say could ever adequately express our feelings for the innocent victims of this appalling crime, but our thoughts are with them and their families."  - Christopher Nolan

Oh, and I will be purchasing one of these shirts as soon as I get some money (hopefully this weekend) that ComicsPriceGuide.com is doing to raise money. They teamed up with artist Jeff Leiboff and are donating 100% of the proceeds to the cause. Go them!

I'm done ranting now. Thanks for listening. ♥

054;; Artist Inspiration - Federico Bebber

I recently became slightly intrigued obsessed with Federico Bebber's work.
It's pretty different from what I would normally think I would like - but his use of textures is beyond amazing in my opinion. Definitely a darker artist && it definitely makes me smile at the macabre of things again - but there's so much beauty in his work, too.
Things that seem to simple to create I can't even imagine trying to put together. Piecing textures just perfectly, adjusting the lighting enough, and his compositions make me swoon.

He is a big part of my recent smoke fascination. Blame him. Go ahead.

See more of Federico's work here:

facebook | behance

Sometimes I feel like I overthink which artist I should and should not post on my blog as inspiration, but then I realize that the chances of people that like the things I do all the time are very slim. I can hide it all I want, but dark & macabre things do fascinate and inspire me. They always have. So I am going to continue to post inspirations to me personally, rather than trying to appeal to a certain group of followers. I'm sorry if that's offensive to anyone. ♥

053;; What's wrong?

Everything seems to be taking a turn for the worse this week. I have had no motivation to do anything. At all.
I missed a couple of homework assignments. I've missed a weeks worth of blogging (I know, I'm awful). I haven't created a single thing, either.

The weather here is truly unbearable. Mother Nature is being a true tease and a half, as well. For almost an entire week straight there was a 30%-50% chance of rain daily. It rained everywhere but here. I absolutely hate the summer in the first place, and this really isn't making it any better. For the first time though I want to go outside. Primarily because I can't, I'm sure. I can't remember a day that wasn't 100 degrees outside, with at least 40% humidity.

I would give almost anything for the Art Institute of Portland to have processed my transcripts a month sooner. If they had? I would have packed a car up and driven out there to start campus classes last week, instead of online classes.

I want to leave and be somewhere anywhere else.

052;; Sorry!

I'm sorry for the lack of posting lately (I know, it's only been two days) - I'm a horrible blogger. I have a good reason though! I promise.

Okay, maybe not. Either way, my reason is that I'm just tired and stressed out. I'm really trying to have a more positive outlook on everything lately, and that's been hard the past two days. Especially since almost every morning since Saturday (we're talking 3am morning) I've been waking up in pain and just sick to my stomach. This morning was the first time it didn't happen, so hopefully whatever it was is gone. Hopefully.

Yesterday I sold my car. It's really strange how we get so attached to vehicles. During the time that we own them it's a constant, "I really wish I had __________ instead." But as soon as we part ourselves, "I'm going to miss that car so much." Oh well. I have no need for it in Portland - and that's getting closer and closer (2 months!) so I figure it was better to sell it now where I got close to my original asking price.

Since I've been pseudo-absent lately though... here's a little picture recap. =)

sketch // my car // pretty skies // alligator getting fat // quote // why I quit film photography

051;; Sundance...

So this is a story of a cat.

A cat who had a lot of fur. A lot. It wasn't even really fur. It was hair.

Anyway... one day... I realized this cat's hair was all over my house, and no matter how I tried and tried to clean it up - it was never any good! So I came up with this plot. A plot to shave him! It pained me to do this (only slightly) because he was is a beautiful cat.

I called my grandma's neighbor's daughter, Stacy. She works at a vet, so I figure she's capable for shearing the fur on the cat without splurging on a groomer. Right? Pretty resourceful if I say so myself.

Well... Let's just say that we all knew it wouldn't be pretty.

But this is hilarious.

I LOVE HIS TAIL POOF!

The end.

050;; I've come a long way...

I realized today was my 50th post (a mini milestone for me) - so I decided to do something for me. Since it's my blog and I don't seem to do enough of that, right? Heh... sorry. Anyway. Moving on.

I recently got my domain back up and running, and as I was going through my old work trying to figure out what work I'd like to show on my upcoming portfolio. Some of my old photomanipulations make me smile & proud, while others make me cringe and want to "accidentally" move them to trash.

I just survived my first week of online classes as a full-time art institute student (keep in mind none of them are creative for last 6 weeks) - so to unload from the week I decided to make a new work.

I can do productive things... see?

You can see the before images here.

And as a special treat... I'll even show some of my old work (like you care).

Yes, I did choose to show you the works that don't make me want to cringe. ♥

049;; Artist Inspiration - Marcela Bolívar

Marcela Bolívar... I cannot say enough good things about this girl. She is absolutely amazing. Probably one of my biggest digital art/photomanipulation inspirations, and always has been. The way she manipulates things I'd never think of has always been my major drawing point to her. Oh... & she's as obsessed with organic forms as I am. Specifically branches and trees.

Quick facts about Marcela:
She lives in Columbia
Degree is in Graphic Design
Started on deviantART (the site used to be so amazing)

 

website | facebook | behance

 Her final portfolio is breathtaking. She graduated from university last year (in Columbia). I think I've been stalking her since 2004? 2005? Something like that.  I'm not really sure why I'm so drawn to Spanish speaking artists... I need to find a few in this country that I like.

048;; Will I?

You know my favourite thing about moving to a new place?

You can be anyone you want to be.

I don't really mean that you should try to be something you're not - but you have an invaluable opportunity to revamp yourself. It's like kindergarten and someone you talk to for five minutes can be your new best friend. I love when I move because then I'm free to be me. There are no predispositions of what I should be, or how I should act... & I love it.

For the most part I grew up in a small town (by my standards) of 17,000 people. At least that's what our town's website tells me. Or maybe it was wikipedia... I'm not sure. Either way... there are enough people here where you don't know all your neighbors, but more than likely everyone knows someone in your family. As that seems to turn out, it means they know more about you than you would like them to.

I was always "that art girl" or "goth girl" in school when I moved back from North Carolina. I won't deny either of those claims, but it's really impossible to try to shake names like that. Yes, I have always saturated my time with art - it's my passion. Yes, I used to dress in a style that fancied a more gothic appeal. That's all that matters to them.

I have people I don't even know who apparently know I was going to school for photography. I mean... this lady is a cashier at CVS and just randomly asked me one day about it. I'm sure shouting, "WHO ARE YOU?!" at her would have been rude, but it's all I wanted to do.

Oh well.

People like to talk. They've always liked to talk. If it means that people in this community will never forget me? Who am I to argue?

Back to my original point... I'm actually NERVOUS about moving to Portland. I'm so utterly excited about it - but I'm afraid I'm not going to have any friends! I freak out about this every single time I relocate. You'd think after three major moves in my life I'd be used to this type of feeling. Wrong.
 It's strange how it seems that when I move though, I make the best friends... Time to be hopeful.

047;; project52 - 4

week   f o u r                   \\   colours

 

 

I know it would have made more sense for this week to be the red, white, and blue theme - but as my fourth of July was less than eventful, I will probably try to just post that next week, or possibly way until later in the year. Who cares.

046;; Oops.

I remember saying I needed to make some business cards that included "graphicsomethingorother" since I no longer just do photography (well I never really did only photography, but you know what I mean).

045;; Humdeedum

I feel anxious.

I don't know if it's anticipation for so much happening within the next few months or what...
But I'm getting sick of it.

My first five and a half week block of classes start tomorrow.
That's a mandatory four days a week, at least one hour a day sign on.

My yard/garage/moving sale is July 28th (and if need be, the 29th also).

September 15th is when my online classes end.
I'm assuming move-in is the following week, which means a few days after this I will be packing up all my crap and driving, driving, driving.

October 1st. I'll be a full-time Art Institute of Portland student and resident. Yikes.

Sometime in August I've also got to set up a meeting with a real estate agent (the amazing Ms. Wilson, so no worries) to take a look at my mom's house so we can see what all needs to be done to sell this fall/winter/whatever.

I know I shouldn't be stressed, but with only 2? months left really I feel like there's no other option. I've got so much to do. So much stuff to go through and throw away or sell... It's just ridiculous. Not to mention I still have to find time to do everything else I'm trying to do (the art pieces and the healthy living nonsense).

Oh, and speaking of... let me tell you how stupid it is for this fat kid to try to do 100 jumping jacks in a day after not doing any for 5 years. Dumb.

Oh well.

Things will work out, right?

044;; New?

P.S. That website is fake for now. Don't go.

I made new business cards!

I should probably have included a graphic design set. Oops. I'll work on that.

043;; It's interesting...

Something I never really thought I would be doing was blogging.

Sure, I've kept online journals before. I think I've had a journal at just about every site you can think of. Livejournal, deadjournal, greatestjournal, xanga, melodramatic, etc. etc.

Anyway, my point it... I never thought that I would be doing it again. It's somehow different though. I'm different. I want things I've never wanted before. I care about things I've never cared about before. Frankly, having a mass amount of followers doesn't really appeal to me. Sure, I'd love it to know that people are reading, but if they don't? That's okay too.

I haven't quite found where this blog belongs in the world of blogs. I don't know if I can commit to being an art blog (though it seems that's what the majority of my posts are). I don't want it to be just that though. I want this to be a place where I can be completely honest with myself, even if I may not want to be sometimes. I don't like editing what I type (aside from general spelling and stuff). I am obviously not a mother or a wife or a DIY-er though. So... how do I classify this? Can I even classify it? I guess I can say it's "me kind of blog"?

Maybe.

Maybe not.

One thing remains certain though... I'm about to embark on one of the biggest journeys of my (still) young life in two short months. I've lived on my own, yes. I have never lived an entire country away from my family though. I've never moved some place I've never even seen, on a prayer that I will love it. I'm trusting so many people right now and just letting them guide me (not something I've ever been good at, mind you).

I've lived in a sorority house for 2 semesters, but my home and family were 20 minutes away. I moved 3.5 hours away and into my own apartment, and cried on my first night alone. It sucked. I was excited and I was terrified.

I honestly don't know how I'm going to react when I drive across the country and unpack the very limited amount of personal belongings I'm allowed to take into some strange room in some strange building in some strange city. Let me not even get started on me not being able to bring my cats...

Anywho, pay no mind to these jumbled thoughts.

Just something that's been on my mind the past few days.

 

This is the aquarium on one of the piers in San Francisco, CA. I miss it...

042;; I know, I know...

I post too much. I like organization though, so I don't want to conflict certain weekly posts I do with personal crap. It confuses me and makes me feel like a blabbering idiot.

Anyway.. I made a new portfolio tonight. It's a service deviantART has apparently been offering for a while, but I've been in denial that they could do anything useful at all, so I was unaware of it.

Here.

I'm pretty positive all of the firework displays in the local area were cancelled tonight due to our extreme drought conditions. I know a few went on that took place over water (all at least 45 minutes away). It's kind of sad, but oh well. I'm not huge on holidays except for Christmas. Everything else seems kind of trivial to me. Today was a good day regardless. I like the excuses to hang out with family, especially since I'm moving in 2 short months, and let's be honest, no one is going to come visit me when I live a country away.

Anyway, I hope everyone had a good Independence Day. <3

Here is some kitty mischief that's been going on the past couple of days...

 

He's uh... doing nothing wrong, right? I'm not entirely sure how he got up there on top of the kitchen cabinets - but I figure it's better that way.

Hairball catchin' a nap in a box of things I'm throwing out.

 

My aunt's cat Lola wearing the cone of shame today at our dinner.

.

.

.

As a cheerful parting note... I had some quality snuggle time with my favourite teddy bear of ever today.

041;; Artist Inspiration - Silvia Pelissero

Also known as agnes-cecile.

Silvia is by far my biggest painting inspiration. I'm not good at painting, and I never have been... but this girl blows my mind. Absolutely everything she has shown to the world makes me want to paint. I would give anything to have that kind of talent.

It's crazy for me to think of the scale of her work. I've seen some of her pieces on boards/papers as small as 11x14 - but most are HUGE. I mean seriously huge. Life-size, even. It's truly amazing.

You can see more of her work here:

Website | Facebook | deviantART | tumblr

040;; Melt.

This entry might make you sick.


I quite literally think I have the sweetest boyfriend ever.




No, seriously.


I asked him to make me a "goals" list - kind of like a mini-bucket list. He's slightly ADHD, so I never expected it to be long or really super thought out && hey, I was even shocked he agreed.

I'm not going to post his entire list, but a few things on it were:
- Finish college (software engineering).
- Work to pay for trips to visit Sara (hey, that's me!)
- Get married.
- Live in Germany for a few years.
- Retire to Paris with Sara.

I never knew he wanted to live in Germany. We'd talked about it for our honeymoon, but not as a residence. I also didn't know he wanted to retire to Paris. I'm going to get to travel!

Sometimes I feel really silly for thinking about the future. I have always very much had a here & now mentality. Something about him though has me having all these girly daydreams about life and what it could be like.

I have absolutely never been the type of girl to worry about month to month markers in a relationship. Saturday was Dalton and I's three months as an official "couple". Even though I am pretty sure I secretly had a crush on him for the last 8 months. Denial. Maybe that's why he irritated me so much?
I never, ever planned any kind of "dream wedding" when I was growing up like all my friends.
I honestly didn't think anyone would want to marry me.
He tells me I'm beautiful when I wake up in the morning with my hair a million different directions and my eyeliner all smeared (or none at all). No one has ever done that.
When he says, "I want to marry you," - I actually believe him.

I did let it slip that I wanted a platinum ruby engagement ring, and unfortunately we both know he won't be able to afford that any time soon - but we did agree on a promise ring until then.

I absolutely can't wait to spend the week with him for my birthday.

P.S. - This is my blog, and this is definitely an entry more for me. I have no problem sharing it, but I know no one really cares. <3

039;; project52 - 3

 

week   t h r e e                   \\  flowers

038;; Little update.

I've been awake for the last hour and a half. I know I woke up from a combination of a bad dream, silence, and sneezing.

I hate it when I can't hear him while I'm sleeping. It's my personal comfort blanket. I've also noticed if he falls asleep before me, I can't get to sleep as easily. I'm sure that seems completely stupid and weird, but it's true.

I was going to spend a couple hundred dollars to go to Seattle, Washington to go see the Chihuly exhibit. I haven't seen it since 10th? 11th? grade? I'm not sure. I regret not really taking pictures when it was in St. Louis, MO. Oh well. Live and learn. Instead I'm going to use that money to go see Dalton. Especially since there's nothing I'd rather do. (see above paragraph?)

Sunday started my "eat healthy, exercise" crap. Let me tell you how I really wanted McDonald's yesterday. For the sole reason of I told myself I couldn't. Let's get something clear though (more to myself) - I am not on a diet. I'm changing my eating habits and trying to be healthier. For the past few days I've been obsessing over at home exercising things, "right" diets, and just a bunch of confusing crap. I'm done with it. I read an amazing quote off an MSN article though (weird, I know, right?).

"Stop trying to be someone else, or you'll waste the person you are." 

♥

I'm going to go relax a bit before I get up and go for a walk. My headache from allergies should be gone by then. The Labyrinth is on. It's calling me.

037;; Sketches

A really good friend of mine asked to see more of my sketches/drawings - so I'm going to try to upload more of those.

 

 

{ isn't this random little guy cute? }

{Audrey Hepburn - this is the first portrait I ever did. } 

{ Lara Jade }

{ Lara Jade }

First three images are out of my Drawing I sketchbook. I actually think besides writing notes and handouts those are the only drawings in it. Hehe.

The last three images are full-size drawings (both started on 18"x24" strathmore paper). Full-size drawings like this are available for commission. $150 for that size, $75 for 11x14 and under.

Oh! && my new favourite thing ever is my iPad app for drawing! It's a digital sketchbook! Check it out!

P.S. - *personal edit* Today was Dalton and I's official 3 month anniversary. Why do I care? Because I've never cared before. =)

036;; Things that make me happy..

I'm going to try to cap my week off with a post like this every week & maybe some art later in the day. I'm sure I've seen blog entries like this (I know Kaelah has a "Things I Love" Thursday post) but I'm going for it! What's life without inspiration after all, right?

______________________________________________________________

"Yes, please boycott Oreo for their support of Gay Rights. We’ll all appreciate you going on a diet. While you’re at it, please also throw away your iPod, iPhone, and iPad since Apple supports as well. Hopefully you have lots of clothes, because you’ll need to ditch your Levi’s and Nike’s too. Perhaps you bought them at … JC Penney’s or Sears? Sucks you’ll have to take them back … or actually, anything you wear from anywhere probably had a gay involved. Flying somewhere soon? Better not be on American, Delta, Southwest, or United…you’ll need a new ticket. Airline wasn’t mentioned? Just be sure your jet isn’t Boeing made. Don’t sleep at Marriott or Hilton (or any of their family brands) because you might catch the gay they support. That morning coffee from Starbucks will have to go as well, go ahead it replace it with a McCafe…oh wait, McDonald’s supports gay rights too. Hmm, do you clean with Tide, Gain, or Bounty? Use Duracell batteries, shave with Gillette, or use Fixodent? Brush with Crest, use Pantene, Scope, Tampax, Venus, or Old Spice products? Those are all gone too, stupid Proctor & Gamble supporting the gays. Damn, you’re using Internet Explorer or Chrome to see Facebook and read this status? Download something else, Microsoft and Google show their Pride as well. Ah, but your drinks are safe. Coca-Cola, Pepsi, and Budweiser are on your side … if your side is on the right side of history since all three also support Gay Rights. Hopefully, you or your lawyer will never need in-depth research. Both LexisNexis and Westlaw, who together control the market, support Gay Rights. Drive that big, manly, Ford F350? It’s a “Friend of Dorothy” too, as it’s company Ford and General Motors also support the rights of all. So, do us all a favor, don’t take it all out on a festive cookie … just stay home and boycott everything."

[ from here ]

 

[ this picture ]

 

[ this upcoming book! ]

[ this ]

[ baby owl?! so this picture just made my life. you have to see the rest of the list. ] ♥

More things that make me happy...

Bengal kittens. I remember growing up and being extremely against this breed. Not because of them personally, but I just thought it was wrong for some reason. Trust me... this will be my next cat. I've never bought a cat before because I'm more of a sucker for rescuing - but I need one.

Moving to Portland, Oregon. The process of moving is stressful and exhilarating at the same time. I love going through all of my old things and donating/pitching/organizing. Things I haven't looked at in years I can finally let go of. This move is going to be a starting over journey for me, and one that I can't wait to take. I'm no longer attached to my things & I refuse to let them hold me back. For the first time since the Sigma Sigma Sigma house, I'll be living on student housing. One room. That's all I've got. No room for clutter! (I'm still very sad about not being able to take my cats, by the way.)

This website is probably my new best friend. Design Seeds is just so inspirational. Not even just for providing great colour palettes... but the images they choose to use!

The new Macbook Pro makes me drool. I'm 99.9% positive I will own one of these before I leave for school in September. Just saying.

After 7 years I heard from my cousin, Autumn. She's definitely been through some rough spots in her life, but I'm so happy and proud that everything is on track. She's got a beautiful 3.5 year old girl named Masi and I can't wait to meet her next Friday! Guess I should start cleaning my house. Hehe.


I think that's all for today. If I think of something pressing, I'll update. ♥

035;; Slow, Love, Slow...

I wish I knew why I was such a night owl when it comes to work... It seems I get the most inspired late at night (or I guess it's really early in the morning?) - I've always been more active around this time. I remember when I was young (we're talking like.. 6 or so) I would always start cleaning my room around 11pm.

Who knows.

Anyway.. more before & after. =)

034;; I'm officially registered!

So today I officially registered for summer classes for AI of Portland. I'm a student! I have a schedule and everything! It's going to be so weird going to a school that operates on quarters and not semesters. Even stranger still is that their summer quarter is broken down into two halves. So while I'm registered for four classes this summer, I'll only be taking two at a time. Both last for five and a half weeks. All in all, I'm signed up for:

BIO2010 Nutrition (Everyone has to have a health class, right?)
FND111 Colour Theory (Definitely the one I'm most excited for, kind of self-explanatory)
FND152 Business Fundamentals (Intro to business/marketing)
FND132 Fundamentals of the Internet (Basic HTML/CSS class)

Anyway... That's my schedule. Eep!

On a different note... today was hotter than it should have been. Seriously. It was stupid hot.

 

And yes, I'm aware that cars exaggerate with heat - but seriously?!

I'll probably upload an art piece in a little while. Maybe work on a "normal" piece for me so I can include a before & after.