une vie brève mais intense

Happy birthday to my beautiful friend D!

2011-01-27T22:52:00.000-05:00

2010-04-16T01:47:00.001-04:00

I'm trying something new. Gone for a few.

ta ta

Now and again...

2010-04-10T14:19:00.005-04:00

It's time for a change.

See no evil, hear no evil

2010-04-07T02:24:00.006-04:00

It was a lovely day today. The entire day was bathed in bright light and easy breeze. It was topped off with scrumptious dinner and hilarity ensued with the number of cocktails and beers.

But as I sit on my bed and look back on the conversations, I can't help but to notice how heavy my heart is. We had great laughs- why am I emotionally exhausted? And then I remembered a sermon from way back when. The pastor talked about the power/influence of our tongue. It can kill lives, but also offer liberty and salvation. It's so easy to slip a word, and sometimes impossible to hold your tongue. He had challenged us not to:

Gossip
Brag
Speak ill of others
Make excuses for oneself

I had tried one challenge a day, and all four for the rest of the week. It was daunting. But it also changed the quality of life. I was optimistic. I wasn't fueled by illusions or ideals. I had simply prioritized my emotional and mental efforts by guiding the thoughts and thinking twice, even thrice before speaking. How funny that something so simple can liberate your moment to moment dynamic and the residual effect of every conversation.

I want to do good by me, but also right by God. One step at a time. Wish me luck!

Love at first sight

2010-04-05T03:26:00.005-04:00

Photo by Piewacket

... with the Leica M9.
Body of the classic SLR stuffed with digital technology. I wish you'd come home to me, Leica, but I'm $6,995 short of cash to spend. But I love you, I do.

*I love this blogger, Lara Rossignol at Piewacket. She's a local and a commercial photographer, and her work is stunning. I can only dream of blogging daily with such dreamy photos I could call my own.

RIP my bird my sweet

2010-04-03T22:23:00.006-04:00

I have never lost a piece of jewelry before this year. So far I'm counting two and stopping there because my heart breaks for both. One in particular, is Kristi Hyde's bird necklace that I have coveted for two years now.
It was a night of many drinks and low-key fun, tackled by car drama- my car- and then it's history. I guess I swung my arms around too much in stress for my own good.
If ANYONE sees this necklace (it's the silver one) around, please let me know. It's one of a kind and I miss it so. I lost it ( I think) at Wings, so if any of you see it around, it's MINE! Ha, who am I kidding. It's a lost cause.

Rest in peace my sweet.

One lazy afternoon

2010-03-11T23:39:00.004-05:00

Until my face stops resembling a Hobbang Man (ref below), it'll be filtered for your sake. I'm moving in a few weeks. Gosh I'm going to miss my apartment. The light, the dusty pink walls, original wood floors... Sayoonara.

Uno momento: Hold up a sec, will ya

2010-03-10T00:06:00.003-05:00

It's been a great year so far, but it also has been action packed. Friends, art, birthdays, art, work, food, art, food. Cupcakes.

The weather has been fluctuating incessantly, recording an almost-blizzard and a sunny 75 degree weather all within the span of 2.5 weeks.

Speaking of the beautiful weather, the last two days have been glorious. Yesterday, I drove down south for 1.5 hours for work and came back that same afternoon. Thanks to my coworker, I was able to drive her car down (complicated story). It was loaded with an ipod converter so I drove down 75 blasting Johnny Cash, Nouvelle Vague, Brandi Carlile, Lily Allen, and well, you get the picture. Although I had been exhausted from complete lack of sleep and food, listening to Norah Jones rejuvenated me more than 16 hours of sweet slumber (which, incidentally, happened later that evening). I don't know why but listening to Come Along with Me wakes me up more than any rap, raggae, punk rock music out there. Becca and Jenny will attest to that from our drive up to champaign and chicago. Windows down, cool breeze in my face, and the sweetest melody encircling my ears- How can it get any better than that?

It was a moment of breather and contentment I had dearly needed.

To the memories long gone and yet to come

2010-02-06T15:26:00.004-05:00

Each year my birthday is a time of much, much sulkage. All the acquired blues of the year slam my spirit flat against the ground. That is, until now. I am flooded with the love of my friends (and family), near and far, and humbled by their friendship.
You have loved me much- let this year be a reminder of that, always.

I am lucky to be here, and you are the reason. I love you.

xo y

From me to you

2010-02-06T15:13:00.002-05:00

Perfect little packages of perfect little cupcakes

You know about the Sartorialist. But do you know of the Catorialist?

2010-01-16T13:53:00.006-05:00

This was too precious to pass up, I couldn't resist sharing. (From Joanna)

A Gentlemen's Style

Minow is a longtime friend of mine who I met on the farm on which I grew up. To this day I am impressed with the way he carries himself; he is from an age where cats learned to wear their fur instead of letting their fur wear them. Just look at how effortlessly he pulls off the "paint-dip" look at the end of his tail. A true eccentric.

Since I'm on the kitty-roll, one more for the road. This site cracks me up: I can has cheezeburger?

Work is fun

2010-01-09T16:06:00.004-05:00

favorite photo of the day.

Artists: Sally Heller (L), Jonathan Bouknight (R)

Fresh

2010-01-09T16:00:00.003-05:00

perspective. fresh outlook. let's go 20-10 :)

All I want for Christmas...

2009-12-19T20:32:00.004-05:00

is you, you, you, you, and You!

These are my sincere yet practical wishes. If there was one impractical wish, it was to see my favorite girl in the c-town. AND guess what?? I AM!! I'm spending new year's eve with my girl in the windy city!!!! The lovely d* and Mr. Purple iPhone Cover made it happen! Thanks baby :) :) :) They kicked all my holiday blues beyond the ozone.

<3

Memo to self

2009-12-16T00:00:00.004-05:00

Dear YH,

Let's try to distribute the photos over several days or weeks of posts, instead of vomiting them all over the place at once.

Now, that's done.
It's been almost a month since my last post (prior to tonight) and lots have happened. My brother has moved to another continent, parents have come to visit for a few days, and I've taken my waist-twirling to a new level: belly dancing. Oi, where do I start? Sad that oppa's so far, having a Mum-&-Pop withdrawl, and I find myself practicing reverse camels all over town (and work).

That wasn't so bad. Good night, all.

On the bloggin' roll, 'cause that's how I roll

2009-12-15T23:54:00.005-05:00

The sky is a beautiful palette and a powerful inspiration.

A {Dinner} Affair to Remember

2009-12-15T23:21:00.006-05:00

In order to properly celebrate Thanksgiving, I believe there is a need for multiple affairs: The traditional family supper, hodge podge of friends-and-acquaintances supper, and the classic intimate dinner soiree.

For our dinner, we all decided to bring a dish: C* with the tender and juicy lamb, M* with the butternut squash soup, D* with the fresh salad, J* with braised kale, and Y to the H with dessert- spiced-pumpkin-cheesecake-brownie. Whew. And what an affair it was....

My lovely peoples <3

The dinner commenced with fresh mixed greens, green apples, pine nuts and cranberry salad with a simple balsamic vinaigrette dressing. And following the salad was the most complex flavored soup of butternut squash and spices, delightfully sweet and spicy (with thai chili! you would have loved it, D*!)

And for you meat lovers...

Roasted lamp! with some amazing fruit compote on the side. It was deeelicious.

I am sad this is the only picture of the plated dinner (we cooked for over an hour and were ravenously hungry). The left corner is braised kale with a red wine reduction that J* made, and they were also to die for. My God, these people know how to cook. Oh, oh, there was also roasted butternut squash.

Dinner was accompanied by several lovely bottles of wine and we settled our dinners with a strong cup of coffee and dessert. Spiced pumpkin cheesecake brownie! It's a mouthful but it was quite popular. I will make it again and take pictures this time!

At the end of the evening, C* and I started laughing hilariously because we were wearing a matching outfit from head to toe (and didn't notice until he was ready to leave). Gray sweater, Green (same forest green) cardigan, gray jeans and brown loafers! Last time we mingled, we wore the same wing-tipped brogues- mine in white and his in black. Great minds think alike ;)

My kitchen's been busting ass, but for all the good reasons

2009-12-15T22:59:00.004-05:00

Ghetto get-up of bubble wrap in making (with korean "dol" gim, yum)

As a contribution to our Op manager's birthday, I baked miniature pumpkin pie. In order to fit the pie dough into the muffin tin (which is ingeniously perfect for baking edge brownies, mini pies, et cetera), I laid out the dough and cut medium circles with a glass cup. After I fit them into the individual muffin tin, I forked the bottom of all the pies so that they wouldn't rise. Cardamon, cinnamon, cloves, and unsweetened chocolate- it's a hit!

And my recent venture into choux pastry- cheese puffs with gruyere cheese and chives. These, I can get used to :)

And what's easier than pre-mixed ho-dhuk batter? But it's with butternut squash! It was so good.

Last week in short:

2009-12-15T22:19:00.005-05:00

Family to be seen...

Food and drinks to be had...

And... Assi lottery prize tickets to be filled. (About 100 of them.)

update: (we didn't win anything, not even cup ramen.)

And of course, watercolor skies.

2009-11-27T02:20:00.003-05:00

A delightful walk with a delightful pup (well, to me she'll always be a baby)
An amazing feast with a loving family (although they are not mine)
Fantastic Mr. Fox! With L*, who never ceases to surprise me with her charm

These things lift my heart from its pit and momentarily allow me the luxury of taking my mind off my family. Holidays are unbearable without them, and it breaks my heart these two festive months. My brother is soon leaving, and I will miss him too much. He's already too far as it is...
It truly is a blessing to have your immediate family in close proximity. So love them dearly, my dears.

My heart is heavy, and my mourning for J* still comes in waves.

Hallo of the ween II

2009-11-06T16:24:00.003-05:00

With my favorite nerd YJ. And just for your information, I was drunk. From thin air I assume, since I hardly drank that night.

I am getting old.

Hullo! Halloween

2009-10-31T16:39:00.007-04:00

This is the moment when you want to borrow someone's baby and dress 'em up! Goodness gracious you're cute, kid!

And for the first time in a long time (and second time in my life), I got excited about halloween! Last night, I was a mime:

You can't see it, but I'm wearing the white brogues! And the right glove is off since I am a child and I cannot stand frivolous things, such as lady-gloves. How cute is the Audrey?!!!! <3 And future note to self: don't dress up as someone who isn't supposed to talk when people ask questions. Got so stressed about all the grief people gave me and released it on the dance floor. Oh, yeah, stop dancing crazy in front of strangers. And lastly, stray away from the geisha look! ugh it's too tightly associated with me. can't get away.

Lemonade: A documentary

2009-10-31T16:04:00.007-04:00

I just saw this preview for the documentary, Lemonade. It's about ad execs who got laid off but started doing some amazing things. I got choked up at the sight of the painter and felt my gut shrivel (in the good way).

Speaking of film, there are few that I would like to acquaint myself with before the year is over:

Manhattan
Rosemary's Baby
Sabrina (1954)
Funny Face
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

I have been especially excited about The Shop ever since I watched the original "preview" that they would play at cinema.

And I shamelessly love You've Got Mail- the soundtrack, the photography, witty banter and bits of sugarcoated sarcasm. "Go to the mattresses! Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Wednesday..." To think that the theme was derived from an older movie where they actually used snail mail, my ideal romanticism is complete.
This holiday season may be the perfect time to be a hermit and cozy up to hot chocolate and classic moview. If D* would come join me one of these weeks, that would complete the picture.
Yeep!!

Office <3

2009-10-28T19:23:00.002-04:00

As you can see from my non-pixelated photos above, I have my chummy digicam back! Believe it or not, I missed you Shakey!

My sunshine, and joy joy joy!

2009-10-26T18:34:00.002-04:00

My impression of the Children's Museum:
"Good God, there are a lot of children."

The end.

Currently obsessed

2009-10-24T14:57:00.005-04:00

with leather, both quilted + patented. i <3 these brogues, thanks baby!

"Tonight's gonna be a good night, tonight's gonna be a good night!"

2009-10-24T14:54:00.001-04:00

I miss us.

I want

2009-10-17T16:57:00.003-04:00

from Kate Spade. Seriously, Kate- why are you so fab?

Three's a company!

2009-10-17T12:30:00.005-04:00

This weekend has started on an amazing footing, with my oh-so-lovely lady friend and her +1. They're such great company and it's always good times galore. My only disappointment is not being able to take them around to all the favorite places in the v. limited time of two days. And I also apologize officially to the Manboy, sorry for going to the salon! hah, ladies' gotsta do what ladies' gotsta do, yeh?
I'm wearing the white patent brogues she gave to me, brand new, and I LOVES it! At first, I was a bit hesitant about the edginess of it all but it's such an inspiration wearing them. I feel french-chic.

I am ready to move on from this city, as much as I love being here. I crave for new experiences and a fresh perspective.

I miss Jasmin immensely. Every time I think of her, my mind numbs and I cannot stand the haze of the last few weeks. I tend to lock my emotions away when trauma hits, but it unlocks itself in the most random moments and just gushes out.
I love you. I love you. I love you my little baby.

2009-10-17T12:18:00.001-04:00

It's times like these that make me grateful for my sight.

Slowly but surely...

2009-09-27T15:17:00.003-04:00

This week's hit me a bit hard, but I'm resurfacing from below the water with the help of loved ones- family and friends alike. Thanks all.

Pics from chicago, and my dear love d*.

Nobody puts baby in the corner!

2009-09-12T12:47:00.004-04:00

In an effort to cheer me up, my coworker created this "janky photoshop" of cut-and-paste collage. It helped. Thanks.

2009-09-12T12:45:00.001-04:00

I am officially drained. Leave me be.

Day in (bad phone) pictures

2009-08-29T16:08:00.002-04:00

hello, little girl

hello, current obsession

hello, fred v.1 and fred v.2

meet fred

2009-08-26T19:19:00.001-04:00

You think I'm kidding

2009-08-26T19:17:00.002-04:00

when I say we take fun seriously at work.

This is how we roll.

2009-08-22T15:21:00.003-04:00

It was only the beginning of this year that i realized the pertinent difference between loneliness and aloneness. and how lucky it is that i no longer associate with either, i cannot fully express.

I can't wait to see you D!!!!!

At the summer's end

2009-08-22T14:57:00.002-04:00

and i'm back to the public, once more.

Hello

2009-06-19T14:33:00.004-04:00

Vacation was great fun. I finally have peace in my heart.
But why does it feel as if my page in life has flipped a chapter and nothing seems the same? This stillness is making me anxious in the core. At the same time, I don't give a damn. Hah! Is this even possible?
Ironies converge at this point called quarterlife crisis.

Luminescence

2009-06-01T15:02:00.002-04:00

I am done with you people.
:)

sigh of relief.

Take one.

2009-05-16T13:48:00.004-04:00

Momentary pause. Smelling the flowers.

And lesson learned- trust no one.

I am loved much

2009-05-13T13:32:00.004-04:00

for someone to write a poetry for me!

And I love you too!

-Fuzzy hearted yh.

Neighbor love

2009-05-13T12:09:00.004-04:00

The other day, I had a bit of a disaster. The new bialetti percolator had exploded fresh coffee all over the floor, and ruined my new kitchen rug. Being obsessive as I often am, I threw it in the washer right away. Our communal coin washer and dryer are conveniently located in the hallway.

Anyway, throughout the events of the evening, I forgot about the rug. When I remembered and went to go put it in the dryer, it wasn't in the washer as I had expected. So I opened up one of the dryers that was running, and there it was! My prestine rug, all dry!

Now, I know that it's only 4 quarters to run the thing, but someone had been thoughtful enough to pay a buck to dry my rug!

So I left a note in the corkboard the next morning to say, "thank you, you rock- whoever you are." And when I came back from work, I found this:

Your wit made my day, neighbor! :)

Yes. Yes I will.

2009-05-11T16:49:00.005-04:00

We had an Amy Sedaris cookbook-cookoff on Friday and this was my trophy of the day. It came from a field of...

The "I have a chronic illness" Celebrity Cupcakes
by our lovely MS. Pure Awesomeness.

We take fun seriously at the fox.

2009-05-06T13:40:00.000-04:00

Rug: check.
<3

Catching up in photographs

2009-05-06T13:24:00.002-04:00

hello, bathroom window.

hello, red door.

What I made for dinner last night- roasted brussel sprouts with apple sausages, and lightly sauteed vermicelli noodles. It was scrumptious.

*Pictures of a new drawing in my art blog!

2009-05-05T15:30:00.003-04:00

My camera is unofficially out of commission. There's a line of shadow on the top edge of every picture I take. Bummed, I am, but it's somehow a relief for me to move onto the greener pastures.
Film cameras.

I just need to find a more affordable way to print it.

Every day after work, I go into autodrive- put the ipod on the dock, turn on ella or billy or nina; wash the dishes left behind from last night's gourmet dinner (spaghetti, ramen, fried rice, etc.); dry the dishes; and then, my favorite- pull out the pretty glass, fill it with cubes of ice, then the alkie bev of my evening's choice.
Last night was vodka with sparkling pink lemonade (thanks to chaka's ingenious cocktail-mixing ways).

After a drink, i'm feeling even better. I open the windows of my apartment and sit on the leather chair. Perhaps a drag of cigarette, other nights just a book. And other times I blast some miles and start painting.
Now that I actually have a lamp in the livingroom, that task is much easier.

I'm loving life, i'm afraid to say. It can't come this easy... can it?

2009-04-29T15:41:00.000-04:00

Can't shake it. Damn it.

2009-04-22T10:04:00.003-04:00

Thanks to Jess' help on Monday, we made leaps in settling my things in the apartment. All my books are exposed and stacked (just the way i like it) atop a lean line of tables, and my bench and leather chair are placed comfortably around the living room.

As I poured myself a jack and ginger (it's quickly becoming my favorite drink), I pushed open all the windows whether they had screens or not. I was concerned with the lack of screens and at the possibility of bugs invading the place, but now I am completely content. There is nothing more beautiful than a dimly lit apartment, miles davis filling the room, with unobstrusive breeze flowing in and out the window. Throw in the wild currant candles, just for extra touch.

I'm getting good at this, and I like it ay lot.

But sometimes the aloneness becomes too much to bear.

2009-04-13T07:52:00.002-04:00

TJ's wonderful chocolate souffle

View from another window

I'm starting fresh

2009-04-09T21:46:00.002-04:00

I've been drawing. Amie gave me packets of smooth black illustration boards. I picked up my prisma that was in storage and started going at it. It's the opposite method from which I am accustomed to, but the satisfaction of black space is almost as satisfying as white space. Almost.

Colors are much more intense, and I'm enjoying the contrast. I will be posting pictures on my art blog.

2009-04-09T21:42:00.004-04:00

Chocolate souffle in ceramic ramekins. Who thought TJ's would read my mind? I'm popping one in the oven for a freshly baked souffle, with the crispy (almost chewy!)crust on top crackling open to reveal the oozy cakey center. Did I mention chocolate?

My heart flutters in anticipation of a fun-read in one hand and the souffle in the other, in bed.

Swoon. I'm so-bad, so-good.

2009-03-17T01:15:00.003-04:00

So much has happened this year. It's exhausting to try to remember it all. We worked the other night at Amie's, enjoying a bottle of wine (a great pinot), purchasing the perfect shade of warm gray paint, and refinishing all the panels. It looks great.
We took a break and caught up with the deeper emotional gashes and waves of the recent times. I am very lucky to have such a friend in my life.

I am tired. Life would be so simple if I could just live with my aunt and Mya.

Untitled

2009-03-12T15:00:00.010-04:00

Mixed media on fabric, 36" x 48". 2007.

2009-03-11T23:20:00.004-04:00

This is what bliss must feel like. I mean, this is bliss. Hah, when have I become instinctively passive! Anyhow, today will be marked as the day that I experienced the most amazing shower. Perfectly circular shower head installed on the ceiling, full rays of water pouring down like rain! It was that feel-good-walk-in-the-summer-rain moment, except with clean, warm water. Exhilaration beyond belief, I tell you.
And afterwards, I poured myself a glass of a spanish white, cut slivers of parmagiano reggiano and plated it with some pecans. Now I will just sit back and read for as long as I can stay awake!
Life's simple pleasures are so easily forgotten. Take a moment, and indulge yourself a little. There is nothing better than being able to fully appreciate grand moments. Such moments make life utterly and completely bearable, yes?

2009-03-06T12:26:00.006-05:00

Free water and condiments

2009-03-03T13:39:00.005-05:00

India ink and watercolor, 2007.

Heavenly dust and acacia

2009-02-27T09:28:00.022-05:00

India ink and watercolor, 2007.

2009-02-23T00:23:00.004-05:00

As I was loading the second to last load in my car (the last last load will be tomorrow night, to take to covington), I was sad. My friends had come early in the morning to help me move the majority of my things (can't explain how grateful I am), I still had a few things left for sorting and loading- which turned out to be more than I imagined. Granted, dear youngji stayed a little while to help me wrap up. But when everyone had gone and I was sneezing up a storm from cleaning the apartment, I felt a cold breeze. And when I had finished loading my car to its maximum capacity, limbs weak and knees sore, another breeze and another shiver swept by. I was the only one responsible for myself. Again. And it was sad.
I partly blame it on my lack of sleep and a full weekend of physical exertion. But then I realized it was my frame of mind. Merely five years ago, I would have enjoyed the small accomplishments achieved on my own. Independence- how glorious that word seemed, and what security I was able to exude. Now, I can't help but to dwell in the idea that it isn't a choice.
I don't know what has happened in these past few years, but it's funny how the littlest things affect the fragile balance of belonging and aloneness.

I wish to be an optimist. Positive changes, please and thank you.

2009-02-20T05:58:00.003-05:00

It's not the destinations; it's the ability to be on the road, happy trails, out where no one knows or understands or cares about all the deviling things that have been weighing you down, keeping you frantic as a lizard with a rock on its tail. People travel for as many reasons as they don't travel.

Frances Mayes
Under the Tuscan Sun

It's that time to be on the road. Somewhere new and challenging.

my precious.

2009-02-20T04:31:00.002-05:00

2009-02-18T15:57:00.003-05:00

Very tired, but settling dust by dust. Thanks all :)

2009-02-13T12:48:00.000-05:00

panic attack. oh no. breathe.

2009-02-11T10:36:00.000-05:00

This makes me happy.

2009-02-11T00:33:00.000-05:00

I knew it would be hard.
I did.

2009-02-08T23:49:00.003-05:00

I'm broken.

I cry about things that won't change and I cry about the things I can't change. It's too late to realize how tender-hearted I am, in all manners of context.

2009-02-05T11:18:00.002-05:00

birthday weeks are tough. Always has been.
If I don't think about it it's fine. But when I do it brings me down and no amount of feel-good juju's can help me out. And you are not here with me.

2009-01-23T15:27:00.003-05:00

uh oh. i've got the violets. neither blue nor red.

But rediscovering this letter below and receiving my brother's letter this morning has given me the fuzzies.

2009-01-22T11:22:00.000-05:00

maybe i'm crazy but i want to be found again.

Cool and calm

2009-01-13T15:28:00.003-05:00

Work/work II/work III are all busy, but I like this pace. It keeps me moving forward.

Forgotten sketches II

2009-01-08T19:47:00.001-05:00

Forgotten sketches, renewed inspiration

2009-01-06T19:05:00.003-05:00

I don't know what happened but my kind neighbor who unknowingly shared his wireless with me, suddenly changed his mind. I no longer am online : (

What am I getting myself into

2008-12-19T01:29:00.006-05:00

Sunday December 21, Partly Cloudy/ Wind

HIGH 13°; LOW 2°

10% precipitation

Monday December 22, Mostly Cloudy

HIGH 26°; LOW 17°

10% precipitation

* Few Snow Showers

I have never, EVER, seen this icon for atlanta. Ever. This will be Tuesday in dear oh dear KS.

Funzies

2008-12-15T23:27:00.002-05:00

Taking Kittens down a notch

Fuck You, Penguin.
"A blog where I tell cute animals what's what."

Chuckle chuckle.

2008-12-10T00:08:00.000-05:00

Sweet sweet days.

2008-12-08T03:06:00.002-05:00

Artists don't get down to work until the pain of working is exceeded by the pain of not working.

Stephen DeStaebler

2008-12-08T03:00:00.004-05:00

At the end of the day, I am left only with my own convictions. When does it get easier?

Unsettled

2008-12-04T08:13:00.005-05:00

I'm craving for more. The holiday season triggers my impulse to leave and float. City crave of the moment: New York.

But for now, Mya.

Antiqued

2008-12-02T23:04:00.003-05:00

Sign languages

My precious

Lines and colors

2008-12-02T23:00:00.000-05:00

the night was young, and their eyes bright

2008-11-24T21:11:00.002-05:00

Big angel is over, and the busy project at work is over. I am unofficially on vacation (and discovered a great bar). Sigh of relief. Exciting news! Amie and I have officially started our dialogue on the blogger. Come visit as we share our experience and visual stimuli with you.

Tired but blissful

2008-11-21T01:05:00.003-05:00

More pictures at the gallery blog. Completely exhausted, but the final touch of the evening completely made my day. <3 I dig.
And I'm seriously tempted to buy that necklace. Hmph.
Big Angel Blowout has finally launched, and the earth is trembling in joy. At least in Inman Park. It's a beautiful thing, this BAB. Come see.

Curious?

2008-11-19T20:28:00.004-05:00

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post this, but... Oh, well. You asked what my work was like this past two weeks (you didn't, but let's go with the flow) so here is a glimpse. What I've been working on is called in-painting, where we restore faded or scratched areas with paint/varnish/wax. It is almost just "filling in the blank." It's quite important not to make the furniture look as original as the date it was built (it would be 1929 for this piece), so the balance of old and new is crucial. Conservation is fascinating.

I was usually lying on the floor, but somehow I look normal in this picture

Working on the reds

Yay! It was so fun! I can't wait to get more hands on with the entire process. I'm eyeing some woodworking classes in the highlands- From building book cases (with doors!) to restoring antique furniture, french varnish techniques, etc. Perhaps there will be a new breeze in the new year, says I!

On my mind...

2008-11-18T18:47:00.004-05:00

I bought a fresh book of stamps yesterday. Now I have the mail-fever. Who shall I write? :-)

Hurrah! My foot is in the door!

2008-11-18T17:59:00.008-05:00

We have finished all the painting work on the built-in couch today. Notice the "we," meaning oui, me! Hee hee. Now, you should know that it's not easy going into this without formal training, but all the years of oil painting helped tremendously. With one sweep of brush into the paint/varnish, one can sense the amount of pigment (weight of color) as well as the viscosity (texture). I know I'm totally geeking out about this- but wait until you come in for a tour! I won't be able to stop myself from gushing at all the fine detail that went into this restoration process. The conservators have done a beautiful job, as well as our on-site team.

And on another note, I solemnly swear I have the sweetest boss/friend.

She always gets us these little gifts, whenever chance she gets. I'm hugging her mentally now.

And a cool co-worker who brews beer brought us bottles of cider! Home brewed and bottled! What a treat.

Why, thank you!

2008-11-17T19:49:00.002-05:00

They're so smart. They know everything!

Remember that nightmare...

2008-11-13T00:17:00.008-05:00

Of being in grade school, waking up late, then running to the bus stop only to find the bus just departing? And running after it? Well, it happened tonight- Only, the school bus is our dear smarta, and I am patiently waiting at the stop. So I recently started taking the bus to commute to work. Working in midtown had this advantage- public transportation is much easier. But the downside is that the afternoon traffic does not evade public transportation and the bus going home is always late. Tonight, I had waited a good 20 minutes until the bus-sighting. I see it, and feel the warm fuzziness of anticipated dinner and my heated home. And then the bus passes right by.
So I ran after it to the next stop, praying the light is still red. Luckily, the traffic had built up on the road so it had to stop. Huffing and puffing, I got on, but not before banging on the door to let me in while he shakes his head and says "you can't get on." Bastard driver. I ran a block because you skipped my stop, mofo.

Sigh. It's actually quite funny. When was the last time you've seen anyone run after a bus?

This week has been exhausting already, partly from the pressure of the conservators working on-site and partly from waking up before the crack of dawn. But nevertheless, Amie and I got some studio time in. And took a smoke break. Played some black jack. Topped it with chips and salsa.
Nice.

Sittin, Wishin..

2008-11-11T00:00:00.003-05:00

What I'd like to wear...

A beautiful vintage coat

Lush Frye boots

But what I feel like wearing...

That's right. I'm getting old and it is comfort over fashion. What can I say? All the walking up and down on staircases at work is killing my right knee cap. It actually creaks every time I raise it more than 4 inches. Give me that fish oil supplement, damn it.

Flavorful today

2008-11-06T00:29:00.006-05:00

Starting the day with a cup of fresh brewed coffee seems to be the answer. The question being, "how do you have a glorious day?" Now, if I can just upgrade the coffee to a home-made latte...
Dinner with the dean and panana didn't hurt either. They're always pleasant comp'ny.

After four hours of diligent studio session (sprinkled with a little holiday cheer from Elf) with the lovely lady-A, I am utterly exhausted. I don't feel particularly accomplished from the session, though. My fickle self kept switching targets on the paper, and I ended up working on little areas of four different drawings. Sigh. If I can just keep my hand long enough on the target to finish the job...(That's what she said!) That was for the dean and goodtimes. You're welcome.

Now that I have a camera on hand (thanks, you :) ), I can capture the subtle beauties of the intense setting sun. Through its shadows, mind you. And now I leave you with the highlight of my halloween. Kids have it so great these days, with toy computers that have karaoke!

Sing your little hearts out, dollies!

Sneaky Peeky

2008-11-04T14:11:00.008-05:00

So here are some peeks of our drawings, documented over time. I apologize for the different tints- they were taken in different lighting and I haven't bothered with installing photoshop. Not sure if I still have it. We're working on keeping the momentum going, so I'll continue posting more pieces. This is exciting!! Now if I can just work on getting my portfolio launched.... soon, soon.

{ drawing one }

This is where we first started.

Then these kids appeared.

Crystal clouds

Amie's bright burst of colors

{ drawing two }

I'm obsessed with hair. Can you tell?

I heart my saturdays.

2008-10-25T13:56:00.002-04:00

And Loca.

Art-less but Art-ful

2008-10-24T13:20:00.006-04:00

I took a bunch of works in progress pictures- Drawings done by Amie, then me, then Amie again. But I've yet to upload them, so no images for now. Will be back with some later.
So the meeting with Susan was this morning, and I feel excellent about this place we are at. She always boosts our morale with inspiration and encouragement. Sigh. I adore her.

I'm physically exhausted but missing my people very much. Which is odd, because I'm the most anti-social person in existence in direct correlation to my physical state. This is good. Life is good.

Another ordinary day and old discoveries

2008-10-15T15:29:00.009-04:00

It's amazing how beautiful this building is.

Walls peel off their age and bare the nakedness, copper and steel corrodes to reveal the rustic charm. Everything here has passed through ancient years. Almost 80 years now. That's a lifetime for most people.

{ . }

I've been carrying a mild case of the blues, and I hate to see that it's darkening.

This could be a painting.

Pictographic memories

2008-10-13T19:28:00.008-04:00

Life has been curiously sweet and bitter.

Sweet but foreign is the word HOME

2008-10-13T18:52:00.008-04:00

I've visited home four times. Wow, it looks even more awkward written out. I spent the first five years after moving to Atlanta, working day after day. Usually every week out of the year. I was lucky if I had the time to take off. So you see, once my 'rents moved to bumblebuck nowhere, I had few opportunities to see them. Growing up in Albany did not help build an affinity towards the small town either.

But during the last few trips, I've grown accustomed to the quiet town. It has a few quirks here and there, with retro night clubs, cigar bars, small coffee shops, and the rustle and bustle of the 24-hour Wal-Mart.
And of course, the familiar 50's-feel Korean supermarket and restaurant. Yes, it's singular.

I looked up after thrifting children's books
then went home and baked cookies

I am back!

2008-10-04T23:26:00.008-04:00

WITH ~~VENGEANCE!~~ VIGILANCE! teehee.

illustration by Wayne Harris

Well... I've succumbed.

2005-11-28T17:18:00.003-05:00

. . . . . . and have nothing to say. Give me a breather.

Alright, then. I've been thinking about selfishness and self-interest, the fine line between the two, and the nature of the two characteristics. While searching for interesting quotes by Oscar Wilde, I came across this particular one.

"Selfishness is not living as one wishes to live, it is asking others to live as one wishes to live."

It is a simple statement, but I'm still ruminating on it.