Idea Lab

2012-01-12T16:33:00.000-08:00

2012!

2011-12-13T14:28:00.000-08:00

2011-11-19T10:02:00.002-08:00

Some ideas for Thanksgiving day deliciousness

begin the day with cafe du monde cafe au lait, eggs benedict over spinach cakes & bacon

follow with:
endive, pear and walnut salad
shrimp etouffee
well crafted beer
sesame scallops and couscous
home brewed chai tea
mini donuts with chocolate pudding

2011-11-19T10:02:00.001-08:00

All this could be yours with one culinary torch.

2011-11-19T09:50:00.001-08:00

Amusement rides at a museum? Fun! Carston Holler at the New Museum in NYC.

2011-10-23T10:03:00.000-07:00

jeez louise. i met louise this summer. she's a precocious 3 year old. it was the hottest day of the year (110 degrees, really) and i met louise and her dad in the bottom floor of a brooklyn barnes and nobles. we read, we used the restroom and rode the escalator. i also spent my time with ruby, ava and emma. all these little girls have suddenly appeared in my life. my gaggle of girls. they're really the most delightful thing that's happened. this morning, i spoke to ruby on the phone for the first time. her mama wanted the phone back and clear as day, my little bug said, "no, i talking to jen."

it's the end of october and it seems i've come down from the high and freedom of criss-crossing the country in my little car with my big dog. the summer days bleed into one another. no lists, no nagging details, just the wide open nature of a day to be. now, i'm knee deep in work and details and responsibility. six more weeks and i'll return to my alter ego.

the spring months opened my eyes to metal and fire and the intoxication of melting steel with bare hands. a few more week till my next binge.

i feel good today. grounded. i think it's because i remembered these clogs and dug them out from the very back of my closet. i don't care if it still feels like summer here in these parts, i can tell the winter light is on the horizon.

2011-06-06T12:36:00.000-07:00

I always forget how to embed video on blogger. So, I looked to find another time when I'd done it successfully. How strange! I posted a video by The National last June. I guess this means my obsession is 1 year old. Last summer I listened to High Violet endlessly. I had decided that it was an album about broken love for 30-somethings. Fortunately Broken Love hasn't knocked on my door in a long time but I somehow couldn't shake the songs.

One year later and I can't stop listening to an even older album of theirs --Boxer. Again, there's a whole lotta broke going on -- this time in the way of war. Still can't shake them.

And if there wasn't already enough coincidence floating around, this video was filmed in perpignan, france. =see today's earlier post.

2011-06-06T12:11:00.000-07:00

This is turning out to be a good day. I'd like to say "even for a Monday" but that's not really relevant seeing as I'm officially on summer break. Just because I'm on summer break doesn't mean I'm not working. In fact, work is why this is turning out to be such a good day. I've had a big project hovering above me for weeks now and I have an internal deadline of this Friday. Cherry the dog woke me bright and early with a smiling nudge and I followed my energy straight to my desk and got a HUGE portion finished. Now it's lunchtime (can we say hummous and corn tortillas anyone?!) and I'm reading the handful of blogs that are my go to for creative inspiration and what do I find but a chance to win a 7 day trip to Paris. Oh happy day! (http://ohhappyday.com/2011/06/goes-to-paris ) is Jordan Ferney and I've been drooling and daydreaming about her adventures first in San Francisco and now in Paris. A few months ago, Jordan and her family moved to Paris. Can you imagine? If I have a bucket-list, that's gotta be item #1. So yeah, here I am on a lunch break from a productive Monday, and you better believe I'm tossing my name in the ring. Oui, Oui, Paris!

2011-06-02T18:21:00.000-07:00

Summer has sauntered in. I caught myself saying it's "the dog days of summer" today. What?? It's only June 2. What am I talking about? It's just so damn hot already. I think I've been out of school for maybe 3 weeks now. It's glorious in a sublime kind of way. It's like I can hardly believe I ever have a job. How on earth do I get to work on time? It surprises me every year how quickly I drop in to this open space. Curiously, my days seem to go so quickly yet at the same time I find summer to be a bit lonely.

Anyway, either way, Open spaces bring morning hikes in and around Austin, sewing, sewing, sewing, reading for pleasure!!, filling the house with roses, researching juicers, getting my ass kicked into shape for an upcoming race, swimming at a top-secret downtown hotel pool, eating and drinking with good friends, digging deep into an old National album, and loving on my good ole dog who has somehow managed to become really old as of late.

2011-05-08T18:56:00.000-07:00

Mending like a mofo and makin' do.

2011-05-08T14:43:00.000-07:00

It's hot. Like really hot. I always wish I could get into it more than I do. For a long time I thought it was all about the clothes. You know, wear the right clothes dig the heat more. Nope. I haven't been able to figure that one out. Now I think it's all about swimming. And believe me, there are plenty of perfect places for a cool dip. It's just that the heat seems to swipe all my motivation. For everything, including swimming. Ehh, I'm just in transition - you know from spring to summer. This coming week is my last of the semester. Technically, I'm still waiting for word on my summer teaching schedule but the range of possibilities is pretty narrow.

Feeling influenced and inspired by two things as of late. I've been watching that newish HBO series, Treme. It's a drama based in post-Katrina New Orleans. I know this is TOTALLY cliche, but the music is the main character. Lots of a-maz-ing jazz has left me feeling good. Mix it up with some Bulleit bourbon and we've got a party -- a nice, slow, sweltering party.

The other thing is this idea of a rural life marked by craftsmanship. Welding is coming to an end this week and I'm going to miss it. Not sure how I'll continue since outside of a class it seems kind of impossible to access the machinery. Unless I lived a rural life with a shop and time to play. I read an article in the NY Times this morning about Paul Fuchs. He's a blacksmith, sculptor and musician. Life sounds delightful.

"Across the 30 or so rolling acres of his farm in southwestern Tuscany, the German sculptor and musician Paul Fuchs, 74, cultivates the Giardino dei Suoni, his Garden of Sounds. Weighing tons, his spindly abstractions of steel and bronze — “The Long I,” “Cut Out,” “0 + 1” — inscribe the landscape like quick strokes and squiggles of some titan’s pen.

Apart from the principal dwelling, a stable for the horses and a workshop that sometimes doubles as a gallery, his Tuscan compound has a barn packed with an astonishment of instruments: a thunder sheet here; a suspended assemblage of hollowed-out wooden blocks there; assorted bells, whisks and sticks. There are motorized sound generators too, one outfitted with heavy-duty rubber boots. Mr. Fuchs likes to move among all these at an unhurried pace, spinning out his exotic, hushed yet earthy toccatas.

Mr. Fuchs’s second wife, Gaby, is a carpenter, and together they have three children, all of whom have flown the nest. A woman of many talents, she whips up a rustic plate of pasta garnished with herbs and tomatoes from her garden, converts tracks from vinyl LPs long out of print into handy MP3 files and attends to business correspondence. The Fuchses seldom leave the property now, and their appetite for modern conveniences is selective. They pump their water by hand."

NYTimes, 5/8/11, MATTHEW GUREWITSC

2011-04-19T14:25:00.000-07:00

overheard: Don't analyze your dream to death.

2011-03-25T23:30:00.000-07:00

Like a century plant that flowers at the end of it's life, SXSW may have drawn its final breaths this year. For ten days, the city bulged towards it's outer limits. SX used to feel 75% local / 25% not. This year it was more like 90% local / l00% not. For very little money, I spent the week riding my bike around the city, watching movies with my film festival pass, drinking free beer at neighborhood bars from 2-2, sleeping till 8:30( cherry didn't catch on that the time changed), eating dinner next to Michael Stipe and seeing Liz Phair perform in a 100 person venue. Oh, to have even half her sexiness. And in the spirit of spring, I whipped up these stripes of optimism.

2011-02-27T09:10:00.000-08:00

Between metals and mixboxing, I feel like I've been channeling a lot of male energy lately. Let's just hope in a good way. I also lost my mind somewhere in February. I couldn't find my coffee pot for the life of me the other morning. Why the hell was it in the refrigerator. Cherry, did you do that? Just finished what I'm calling my "swing into spring" dress. Thankfully, it's a super light wool/cotton blend, so even though it's gonna be 80 and muggy this afternoon I think it'll work.

2011-02-12T11:29:00.000-08:00

Baby, it's been cold outside.

2011-02-12T11:22:00.000-08:00

Four weeks into oxy-fuel welding and I've got four joints under my control: butt, lap, T and V. These are samples from last week. Next week in the shop, I'll be working on adorning a newly constructed box. I keep hearing that oxy-fuel is the most difficult of the processes. I hope so because the grinder and plasma cutter are looking mighty intimidating. Today: making a dress out of some winter wool plaid. Figure I need to get going with the yardage before spring arrives. Tomorrow: find inspiration and draw designs for box adornment. xo.

2011-02-07T18:42:00.000-08:00

Can we talk about welding? No? Yes? Should I tell you about how I've perfected the soft boiled egg? It only took me one dozen tries and many delicious lunches. Or I could tell you about my trip to San Antonio that felt more like a trip to Vegas - sequined dresses and disco balls and all. Or maybe you'd like to know that my studio is finally in tip top working shape and that dress I made on Friday -- yeah, I've worn it for four days straight. Smelly? Maybe. Who cares. Our water main is broke due to Friday's deep freeze, so I'm kinda just rolling with it here. Just when I thought I couldn't love my dog any more than I already do, well, I do. I couldn't stand how cute and fun she was chasing exploding snowballs. Oh wait, you're tired of hearing about Cherry? Well, maybe I could open up a conversation about how it's been crossing my mind that maybe it's time I had myself a baby. Yeah, re-read that. It's just a thought. We can talk about it later. I just wanted to plant a seed. No, none of this really matters. All I really want to talk about is WELDING! But see, now I've run out of energy. This girl is beat. In the best possible way. You know, in that kind of way when everything feels ok and you just know it's all gonna work out one way or another and really, I don't need to do anything about it.

Welding!!

W. It's f**king scary.
E. We started as 10 -- 6 men, 4 women. We're now 8 --6 men, 2 women.
L. The men are bold and Fearless. I'm trying to be.
D. I've found my new kind of guy. He's called the artsy-blue collar guy.
I. This was the content of our first 75 minute class: "There are many ways that one can get hurt." "Try really hard not to get hurt." "You will probably get hurt."
N. The key to a good oxy-acetylene weld: Slow. Steady. Good strong heat. Keep thinking there's a note on living the good life somewhere in there.
G. Just like when I play tetris for hours on end, I'm looking at you but all I can see is myself holding the torch, making puddles and pushing the feed.

2011-01-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

I had my first encounter with an astrologer yesterday. She practices Jyotish, which is Vedic Astrology, originating from India. Ahead of my appointment, I provided her with my birth city, date and exact time. My appointment was at 1:30. I found my way to the nondescript, slightly suspect office with a sign on the front door that said New Beginnings. I waited. And waited. I could hear a woman providing a service in the room next door to the waiting area. Finally, someone came by and asked if I needed assistance. I said I was waiting for C. She said, ok, she'll be right with you. And then I waited some more. Finally, I thought, hey, this is rude. Why am I doing this anyway? I decided to write her a note letting her know that I wouldn't wait any longer. As I reached for a pen in my bag, I noticed my phone vibrating. It was C. She was waiting for ME. I was in the wrong location. How weird that I somehow found myself in the wrong office, but with the same services and someone who presumably knew a C. How interesting that the sign said New Beginnings. I had been waiting for my own new beginning.

I finally located the real C and in the course of 90 minutes she shared a lifetime of information about my personality and being past, present and future. She touched on health, love, work, family, friends, children and creativity. Of course, most of it resonated. :)

Like a lot of other folks, I can't help but be reflective this time of year.

Yet another new creative adventure is set to begin next week. I'm going to be exploring a new craft. METAL. It'll be a bit of a commitment as I've enrolled as an actual undergraduate and it's 4 credits. Yikes. I may need to cut back on working. ;)

Course Title: Art Metals
Section Number: WLDG-1405-001
Credits: 4.00

Start Date 18 January 2011
End Date 15 May 2011

Academic Level: UG - Undergraduate

2011-01-13T11:48:00.000-08:00

Waiting for Cherry to forgive me, I've occupied myself by painting a wall black, cooking loads of chicken curry and obsessing over my new, perfectly sweet and soft sheets.

Chicken Curry to Die For

* 1/2 stick (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
* 2 medium onions, finely chopped (2 cups)
* 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
* 1 tablespoon finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
* 3 tablespoons curry powder
* 2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
* 1 (3 1/2- to 4-pound) chicken, cut into 10 serving pieces
* 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
* 3/4 cup cashews (1/4 pound)
* 3/4 cup plain whole-milk yogurt

* Accompaniment: cooked basmati or jasmine rice
* Garnish: chopped fresh cilantro

Preparation

Heat butter in a 5- to 6-quart wide heavy pot over moderately low heat until foam subsides, then cook onions, garlic, and ginger, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add curry powder, salt, cumin, and cayenne and cook, stirring, 2 minutes. Add chicken and cook, stirring to coat, 3 minutes. Add tomatoes, including juice, and cilantro and bring to a simmer, then cover and simmer gently, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through, about 40 minutes. (If making ahead, see cooks' note, below.)

Just before serving:
Pulse cashews in a food processor or electric coffee/spice grinder until very finely ground, then add to curry along with yogurt and simmer gently, uncovered, stirring, until sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes.

2011-01-13T11:45:00.000-08:00

Cherry:

(a) woke up from anesthesia
(b) does not appear to have dementia
(c) has recovered swiftly and easily

and

(d) totally hates me.

2011-01-11T08:28:00.000-08:00

This is going to be the longest day ever. Cherry's having dental surgery. I was at yoga the other day. During the introductory meditation the teacher asked us to reflect on what makes us feel vulnerable and set an intention related to that vulnerability for the day's class. My ability to engage with that kind of stuff really depends on my mood. I must have been in an open mood because immediately I thought about Cherry.It overwhelms me how much she loves me, depends on me and is loyal to me. And that I feel the same about her in return. Crazy that she's a dog.

So yeah, let's hope a) she wakes up from anesthesia, b) she doesn't have anesthesia-induced dementia like the elderly people my sister treats at the hospital, and c) her recovery is swift and straightforward.

2011-01-08T15:35:00.000-08:00

Like everyone, I'm loving Rodarte right now.

In the words of Diana Byer, the artistic director of the New York Theater Ballet, "You have to live life to create an art form.” NY Times, Jan 8, 2011.

!Fondue!

2010-12-12T10:29:00.000-08:00

2010-12-04T16:20:00.001-08:00

I was thinking this morning while I was in the shower, the blog is dead. Lifeless. Void of spirit. I then started thinking about why the blog is dead. Who am I writing for? Who reads this? What's my motivation? Is this embarrassing? One thing is for sure, I've been doing some serious censorship for the last 6-9 months. At some point I realized that if you google my name it's not too difficult to land on this site. Do you know how many bizarro stories I'm dying to tell but I can't because they involve ...other people. What if they find this site and read about themselves? Really, the thought of it is paralyzing. All that thinking took place in the shower.

Hours later, I'm reading the NY Times and this teeny, tiny, inconsequential, flippant excerpt from an article about the Chateau Marmont catapulted me to 1997, and all of a sudden all I wanted was to be in CA and 25 again. All of sudden, everything felt so vivid. The air. The light. The smells and sounds. Youth, uncensored.

At 11 p.m., all the lobby couches were occupied by the young, stylish or both, who barely blinked when a girl in a sequined mini-dress tripped on her stilettos and tumbled down the stairs. In the ancient elevator two disheveled middle-aged men, reeking of pot, giggled uncontrollably. By the time I rolled into bed at midnight, the hum of Sunset Strip traffic had been drowned out by the noise coming from a party by the pool. Fortunately, the walls are stone, thick and impenetrable.

2010-11-23T10:16:00.001-08:00

Feeling better and hitting the skies for a quick trip to NH to meet my new niece, Ava. I'm gonna miss one of these girls with all my heart and get my heart filled with the other.

Happy Thanksgiving!

xo.

2010-11-12T16:44:00.000-08:00

thank god i'm healthy 360+ days of the year cuz being sick sux. today i'd like a 46 inch tv and a nurse-maid.

2010-11-06T07:34:00.000-07:00

After reading Gail Caldwell's memoir, "Let's take the long way home", in a record 4 days, I felt like I had rejoined the reading world. It's been so long since I read a book for personal enjoyment and wow, was it ever a page turner. That feeling of not caring if I stay up all night if it means finding out...what...happens...next. And man, did I ball? One particular part had me crying like a baby. Beautiful.

It's with that energy that I found myself in the checkout line with the new Keith Richard's bio.

Life.

For now, all I can say is that it's a commitment.

2010-11-04T19:29:00.000-07:00

Been swimming in music lately. Singing along with every fiber of being. It's like a bookmark. Holding time for me. Marking this place. Holding the pattern. Circling round like a hawk. Getting ready to dive. Swoon.

Ben's on tour. Would you believe he lives in Austin and not playing Austin. No fair.

http://www.benkweller.com/!/!!.html

2010-10-08T10:03:00.000-07:00

2010-10-08T09:48:00.000-07:00

I visited NH last weekend to find my sweet summer studio temporarily transformed into a hunting lodge. I took a great photo of my dad on his way out into the woods. His outfit is carefully chosen and not your stereotypical camouflage bonanza. We're talking refined. Classy. I don't have the heart to post it though because the sight of that rifle makes me uneasy. It's a contradiction, but I fully support my dad's interest and skill as a hunter. I just can't think too much about the animals being killed and the violence associated with these tools. As years go by, hunting is becoming a dying trade. According to my dad, more and more land is posted and the next generation isn't participating. Not to get all gendered or anything but if I had a son I'd encourage him to get out into those woods. It's part of my family's history, tradition and ritual.

My dad posted a set of lists and dates on the walls of the studio/lodge. Looking at his plans, it made me appreciate that he only has six or so weeks each year to hunt. During these six weeks, it's all he does really. He still goes to work -- but he gets up insanely early to hunt before the day begins and he heads out again as the sun sets. Every weekend is occupied and we all respect it. I'd like those parameters/boundaries as it pertains to getting into my own studio. I suppose I have the summer for that....but man, the summer's so far away.

2010-09-19T16:53:00.001-07:00

Just cuz...

2010-09-19T16:50:00.000-07:00

Taking the plunge into greater technicality.

2010-09-12T18:04:00.000-07:00

In keeping with the title of this blog, an idea -- a thought really -- just took shape. Well, not really shape. More like it hatched. It's very unclear and rather visceral/visual.

I watched some footage from my friend Melissa's new documentary this evening that intersects with art and the creative process.

The images. What I heard. Led me to this:

Have I organized my life in the wrong way?

What would it look like if I organized my life differently?

Green, open land. Lots of it. And Outbuildings and Tools. Sculpture. Making. Free. Play. Coming together. Authentic.

2010-09-03T06:28:00.000-07:00

A few of the pieces I worked on this summer. I can't show the one I'm most proud of because I've submitted it for consideration in an upcoming exhibit. We'll see....

2010-09-03T06:25:00.000-07:00

2010-09-03T05:55:00.000-07:00

I thought I might not return. I returned to Austin a few weeks ago after spending 3 months in NH, MA and RI. At the outset, I knew I was embarking on an adventure. I just couldn't know the details, and more importantly, the outcomes. Six of the 12 weeks were spent at RISD where I took the course, The Process of Innovation in Apparel Design. On the last day, I had a few minutes to gather my thoughts in my sketch book. I leaned on the familiar framework of "lists". For what it's worth, and it is worth something, I didn't make a single list all summer long.

Process and notes --

1. Move my studio into my main room (check, only I moved my studio into my old bedroom)
1a. create a space with white paper for photographing
1b. create a space for easel drawing, gluing, sculpture, dying, heating

2. Good times to work -- 8:30-11:30am and 4-6pm

3. Keep my coffee and water and food AWAY from my work!

4. Document the process.

5. Music is good -- get a record player and big, comfy head phones for ipod. This summer's working soundtrack The National's High Violet -- a breakup album for 30 somethings and Rolling Stone's Exile on Main Street = sexy, hot, loving the one you're with.

6. SCULPTURE!

7. I found out I'm a fiber artist???

8. Good to be working among others who are working on other stuff but not talking to one another.

9. Loneliness is not the issue. Losing my mind, forgetting, entering the vortex and forgetting something important. That is my issue.

10. Guilt is another issue. Does it really matter? When it's so consuming. I feel selfish. Have to say NO to people wanting to connect. Guilty because I don't want to connect just then.

11. Yoga daily. Exercise daily. Hot bath nightly with oils and epsom. Take care of myself.

12. Be open to feedback. Listen. Receive.

13. Have integrity. Confidence with choices.

14. Don't get too notalgic or sentimental with ideas. Know when to let go. Fear of letting go is fear of forgetting.

15. The boys in my class have great style. Repurposed. Pants/shorts rolled hems, in thick contrast thread. Well worn basic ts and button downs. Contrast patterns. Vans with socks. Dapper Downtown with a twist of preppy and who the hell cares.

.....

Out of the studio, I learned a few things, too:

16. There is an abundance of generosity out there and for that I am grateful.
17. It feels great to depend on other people. Let people go out of their way for you.
18. Go out of your way for people.
19. When someone wants to love you, let them.
22. I want to live in a new england farmhouse on a few acres with a family of my own.
23. My grandmother's lunches are lessons in the value of ritual and tradition.
24. Cherry will always be my favorite dog.

2010-07-06T20:03:00.000-07:00

2010-07-06T20:01:00.000-07:00

2010-07-06T19:51:00.000-07:00

Portland, OR July 4th

Nanc and I ran the Sauvie Island Half on Sunday. It was pretty amazing. I tried not to show it but I was a little nervous going into it. Since April, I hadn't run much and during the month of June I squeaked out 2-3 runs a week at 4 miles a pop. With the exception of two six-milers, I was rationalizing that a hilly 4 mile loop around Saint A's would be equivalent to a respectable 7 mile flat. heh.

Race morning came early. 4:30 am early. I've lost track of my time zones. Last Thursday I was deep in the throes of life as a 22 year old art student on east coast time and by Saturday morning, west coast time, I was staring at a piece of paper thinking certainly there was another Jen Beck running 13.2 miles on Sunday because this Jen Beck couldn't possibly be 38. That is. so. old.

Nanc and I were great partners. We even shared an ipod. And to think we were making fun of those girls who were taking video of themselves while they popped goo at mile 2. With our ear buds on and Eminem providing our anthem, we galloped to the finish line because success was our only mother-f...option.Failure's not.

The first six miles sailed by. seven, eight and nine were a little less like a gallop and more like a stomp. And then the 10 mile marker. We looked at each other ... we got this. And we did. In the end, I gobbled up the best strawberry shortcake this old lady's ever eaten.

2010-07-06T19:47:00.000-07:00

I'm really getting spoiled. I might never go back. Living like a little princess at mom and dad's. A/C in my room. Chocolate milk every night before bed. Mom and Dad took me to Hampton last week. We sat on the sand, walked the beach and watched the sun go down at Marky's. Which, by the way, is waaayyy better than Browns.

2010-07-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

This is where I'll be every night in July.

2010-06-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

Experimenting with textile development. Calling this "unfinished works".

2010-06-27T17:02:00.001-07:00

Zimmerman House, Frank Lloyd Wright, Manchester, NH early 1950s.

2010-06-27T17:01:00.001-07:00

Reminds me of India????

2010-06-27T16:58:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'd like a BLT, hold the tomatoes, small onion rings, and a diet coke. Thanks.

2010-06-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

sleeping, deep sleeping, play time!

2010-06-27T16:52:00.001-07:00

beaches, babies and beer.

2010-06-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

2010-06-17T18:52:00.000-07:00

So happy I was invited
Give me a reason to get out of the city
See you inside watching swarms on TV
Livin' or dyin' in New York it means nothing to me
I gave my heart to the Army
The only sentimental thing I could think of
With cousins and colors and somewhere overseas
But it'll take a better war to kill a college man like me

I'm too tired to drive anyway, anyway right now
Do you care if I stayed?
You can put on your bathing suits
And I'll try to find somethin' on this thing that means nothin' enough

Losin' my breath

You and your sister live in a Lemonworld, I want to sit in and die

This pricey stuff makes me dizzy
I guess I've always been a delicate man
Takes me a day to remember a day
I didn't mean to let it get so far out of hand
I was a comfortable kid
But I don't think about it much anymore
Lay me on the table, put flowers in my mouth
And we can say that we invented a summer lovin' torture party

I'm too tired to drive anyway, anyway right now
Do you care if I stayed?
You can put on your bathing suits
And I'll try to find something on this thing that means nothin' enough

You and your sister live in a Lemonworld, I want to sit in and die

Losin' my breath

2010-06-17T18:34:00.000-07:00

Spent a really lovely and inspiring afternoon with Dave at the Russian Icon Museum this afternoon. As we walked through the halls and he shared with me his knowledge and observations, words and thoughts of iconostasis, triptychs, alters, and pilgrimages swept over me. These words, these concepts are intersecting with ideas that have been floating through my mind looking and waiting for representation.

Alters. Pilgramages. Cures. Geographic cures. Personal and visual timelines. Maps. Love and Fear. Magic Mountains and cold air will cure your tuberulosis.

2010-06-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

The view from the summit of Mt. Kearsarge, Warner NH. Tuesday afternoon. Fresh, clean air and good conversation with a new friend.

2010-06-10T19:34:00.000-07:00

This week is all about setting up the NH studio. Mom and Dad have generously given me reign over the sun-porch. These pics are from the beginning of the week. In the days since, dad and I have made much progress -- especially with the work table. More pics to come. I'm hoping to be based out of Providence in July but don't worry Mom -- I'll still be coming up to NH for some working, hanging and creating.

2010-06-10T19:31:00.000-07:00

Scenes from Sunday's run from Plymouth Harbor up to the beach. And by up, I really mean up.

2010-06-10T19:26:00.000-07:00

And then it was off to Providence to meet up with my friend Kate who lives in Austin but was in town for a wedding. Our Austin friend Joe, who is from Boston, Loves Dunkins, so we promptly harassed him with iphone pix of DD artifacts. We had a gorgeous dinner at Al Forno with Kate's wonderfully flirtatious friends that made me feel like I belonged to the Mafia. After dinner we strolled through the Fire Water, a summer tradition in Providence.

2010-06-10T19:15:00.000-07:00

Soon after arriving I had the pleasure of taking care of Ruby for a few days. I'm simply AMAZED by how quickly babies grow and change. At 10 months, her personality is really starting to come through. We think she's going to have Christine's sense of humor, she just might be a little mischievous, she's showing some caution, and she's generally just plain Awesome. Though I will admit she exhausted me.

2010-06-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

I'm doing this a bit backwards. Here are a few pics from our May 2010 road trip. Austin-Dallas-Memphis-Cincinnati-Columbus-Pittsburgh-Poughkeepsie-Manchester. There were picnics, high rise hotels, Dojo Gelato!, Kimberly and Michael, Dad joined us on Day 5, and burgers and reminiscing with the Millers.

2010-06-08T05:49:00.000-07:00

I'm alive. Made in / Made it to NH. It's been two weeks of go, go, go. Lotso pictures to upload. Goin' hikin first. This pic is home. Beautiful sky, lush green, I would recognize it anywhere. Round the bend, see the poles and a few minutes more to home.

2010-05-25T18:37:00.000-07:00

I'm two days into my week long drive and experiencing several firsts -- the biggest of which is traveling with Cherry. She's been great. She's exhausted. She's confused. But she's being a complete and total trooper. Today, we picnicked in Arkansas and tonight we ordered room service and traipsed in and out of the glass atrium of a 14-story hotel. She's taking on the role of Super-Protector.

Last Friday I found out that my RISD class was canceled due to too few students. They offered either a refund or to sign up for another class. There was a second class that I considered when I originally registered. I didn't sign up for it because I thought it might be a notch too advanced -- much more process focused. So...., I'm enrolled in that one now and the jury's still out as to whether it will be canceled as well. Last count there were six of us registered. I'm hoping they give us the green light.

When this news surfaced I was faced with the fact that I was days away from driving cross country for an experience that might no longer take place. Here I am returning to my hometown for 3 months without a personal space, without a known peer group, without a focus. So here's another first: aimless.

I've done this drive twice before. Both times prior were what my friend Melissa and I coined geographic cures. Our conversation, last week's company, and this trip have lit a match to an idea I've wanted to pursue for awhile pertaining to personal timelines and what is now known as geographic cures. In addition to the visual piece, I'm thinking about the iron lung and cold cure for ...what disease was that? I need to finish reading Magic Mountain.

With a desire to embrace aimlessness, I had quite a thought while packing on Sunday. The point of the next 3 months is that anything goes -- be like water, if you will. So, in a last minute packing push, I remembered my passport, cuz you know, if RISD doesn't work out, I might as well redirect the $$$ to a trip abroad.

In the process of looking for a passport that hasn't seen the light of day in 4 years, I came across my immunization card. Too little too late. I got revaccinated for MMR on Friday. Unfortunately, unnecessarily so. It's too bad my arm's been throbbing ever since.

xo.

2010-05-20T20:34:00.000-07:00

The adventure home starts in 3 days.

2010-05-20T10:30:00.000-07:00

38 years. some things are like i thought they'd be. some things are different. all the same, there are a few things i believe in - magic, authenticity, serendipity, time, timing, and the nature of love and fear. - and probably the national's new release.

2010-04-22T16:17:00.000-07:00

white flag.

2010-04-17T07:38:00.000-07:00

From: risdcereg@risd.edu
Subject: RISD/CE Summer Studies Confirmation
Date: April 16, 2010 1:01:49 PM CDT
To: risdcereg@risd.edu

Dear Summer Studies Student,

We are pleased to confirm that your application has been received and your enrollment in the Summer Studies Program has been approved. We appreciate your decision to come to RISD and hope this summer will prove to be creatively challenging and personally rewarding.

2010-04-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

Sewing for babies is kind of fun....

2010-04-17T07:33:00.000-07:00

Can I have a kiss?

2010-03-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

cherry and i are sad to say goodbye to spring break.

2010-03-21T16:42:00.000-07:00

Ben Kweller and Brendan Canning of Broken Social Scene. I saw Ben hanging out listening to music at my condo's day show today. For the last 5 days, anywhere and everywhere has been a venue. pop-up venues. I've been trapped inside my neighborhood. Ben was wearing a very nice gentleman's jacket. I like his style. Broken Social Scene. oh man, where do I begin. Kevin Drew, lead vocals, has been high drama every time I see them. One time, he spent the whole show throwing up in a bucket. This time, he was looking for coke. Regardless, he left me with some words of wisdom. a) Sometimes you gotta be raw and brave and lay it all on the table, b) we are all human, c) get off your iphones and internets and experience the moments. Brendan, well, I took his photo because I was feeling it during Stars and Sons.

2010-03-21T16:37:00.000-07:00

sxsw film fest this past week. i spent 75% of my waking hours at the Paramount watching films. my favorites were cyrus with john c reilly, jonah hill and marisa tomei because it made me nervous, beijing taxi because it made me want to walk urban streets eating dumplings, tiny furniture because i've been that girl. honorable mention to boite for the chocolate croissants that added 5lbs to my waistline.

2010-03-21T16:28:00.000-07:00

i've taken things to the next level by buying myself a *serger*! like a sports car, i am both scared and excited by this machine. it's super fast, finishes edges like nobody's business, operates with four spools and two needles, and leaves no room for error or second tries. perfect training for this summer's 6 week design course at RISD in Providence. As always, Cherry's never far. lucky for her she'll be coming with me.

2010-03-21T16:24:00.000-07:00

this is what i see when i get up at 6am. almost makes the early rise worth it.

2010-03-08T20:24:00.000-08:00

The job-o is taking up all my time-o.

2010-02-19T08:47:00.000-08:00

I got through the week with crepes, honey and powdered sugar. Sweetness in any form remains sweet.

2010-02-13T11:06:00.000-08:00

Is this a good time to start talking about my inspiration for my summer/10 garments? For summer/10 t'louey will be slowing down in the spirit of the big easy. I'm seeing trips and tunes and tonics in gardens of flora and fauna in the future.

2010-02-13T10:46:00.000-08:00

I bought this month's issue of "Good" because of the cover (see image above). It spoke to me. It called my name. I hate to place unnecessary limits and boundaries, but 2010 has been a whole lot of thwarted plans and not enough easy going good times. I'd like not to dwell on the symbolism of broken transmissions and snow in unlikely places. Or, today. Let's take today as an example. Today I am waiting to see if my dog is ok. Yesterday, she ate a half dozen large, non-digestible objects. After pouring a cup of hydrogen peroxide down her throat, I counted at least four of those six items. Where are the other two? Are they stuck inside her? Did I miss them when I counted? Will they come out on their own?

Where are my easy going good times?

*Good Times Update*

Do I have a dog or a baby? Am I a doggy-blogger? Hours after celebrating Cherry's return to digestive health (and me feeling very proud of my McGyver skills that undoubtedly save me lots of money), Cherry wiped out while trying to catch a ball. Did she have a death wish this weekend? I had just finished running 13.2 miles at my own record breaking pace (finally broke into the 9-minute mile world) and before I could even shower or change we were off to the animal ER. Just like the people ER, we waited for hours and I was thoroughly depressed and distressed. In four hours, we witnessed 2 deaths, 3 stretchers, 1 chocolate overdose and 1 pheno-barbitol overdose. I had to wait through a scary xray of Cherry's hip (god, please not a broken hip), only to hear that she has arthritis, she needs to accept that she is no longer a puppy, and she probably hopefully sprained some tendons. The vet didn't think anything was torn, but we'll know for sure if she doesn't improve in the next several days.

So home we came, me still in my running bib. I've been instructed to give her narcotics. I gave her one and was horrified to find that it left her alert in a paralyzed body. Kind of like that butterfly movie from a few years ago. I decided no more drugs, but after she paced uncomfortably for hours through the night, I broke down sometime around 3am and gave her another one. I fell asleep on the floor with her. Did I mention I ran 13 miles yesterday at fast pace? This morning, she's sort of dull and she's having a hard time getting up and down our stairs. I'm officially stressed out.

2010-02-09T13:14:00.000-08:00

Sometimes I feel like I'm good at my job. Sometimes I feel like I'm not. These feelings can come and go daily. Or hourly. These feelings invigorate me, stress me, and tire me. All of the above lately.

2010-02-06T07:35:00.000-08:00

Thursday's edition of the NY Times Style section had an article about a growing interest in custom-made clothing. One of my many day dreams about possible selves includes having a shop in a quaint downtown square in Portland ME, Portsmouth, NH, or Providence, RI. The shop would have a large bay window, high ceilings, historic moldings and beat up wooden floors. The space would be small in size, 400-600 square feet.

Inside, there would be one or two racks of clothes for sale. Simple, beautiful, functional, handmade clothes for everyday wearing. Some for grown up girls. Some for grown up boys. For those interested in something a bit more special, the shop would have a wooden counter and behind that counter would be a series of boxes on the wall and a small number of fabrics would be in those boxes. Then, if you wanted something a bit more special, you could choose from a set of garment patterns and choose your own fabric and notions. Then, we'd measure you up and sew it especially for you. The space would hold my work tables and machines and I'd spend my days sewing special somethings for you and yours.

I wonder when and where this will happen?

From the article in Thursday's NY Times styles section:

"Moreover, a custom-made item is often cheaper than a designer version. A big, beautiful long board, custom-made by a talented shaper in great 1960s colors, is $1,250 through Mollusk Surf Shop in Brooklyn. The SoHo boutique Kirna Zabête sells a limited-edition Proenza Schouler surfboard for $2,995. Which would you rather show up with at the pipeline?

Sometimes the designer item can be a safer bet. The very growth of customization has eroded several terms crucial to knowing what you are getting. “Customized” and “made to order” refer to a stock item ordered in a different color or with, say, a different finish. “Made to measure” means making something new from a stock pattern in a stock fabric, but altered to a man’s measurements; a “custom-made” item is designed to one’s measurements and specifications from the ground up. But the terms are often used indiscriminately, leading to confusion."

2010-02-02T15:25:00.000-08:00

ehhh. i have a lot of work to do. what's going on? i've usually settled into the rhythm of a new semester by this time. I don't know...I feel piled upon.

I'm a compulsive list maker. This was a list for 1-3 days. Although it included a few movies, I didn't see them. But I did finish all the less-fun work stuff. I'm getting antsy about the lack of creating and sewing time. I need to make new commitments to making stuff. If I have a deadline I seem to have no trouble getting into the zone.

The mountain of names is from an exhibit I visited last week. Site specific installations by about 7 groups of artists. I was inspired. So much so, I spent the next few days fantasizing about freeing myself of my possessions and going to art school. Just for the experience. No professional outcomes in mind. The exhibit was at the Creative Research Lab. Sadly, it's closing in May. :(

And lastly, my sweet dear Cherry. She has taken over my very large sofa. This is how she spends her time while I'm working to pay for our warm house and cozy furniture. I want to be a dog.

xo. jen

2010-01-24T10:55:00.000-08:00

January 2010 / Trains, Planes and Automobiles

Week 1. laughing, playing, hiking, train riding, eating, shopping and running in portland with nancy, scott, liv and roma.

Week 2. laughing, playing, working the core, buying a fur lined coat, making noodles, cuddling and being defeated by two green monsters in plymouth with christine, rob and ruby.

Week 3. towing my car to the mechanic, emptying my bank account, riding the bus for 3 hours a day, starting a new semester, digging lee krasner, thinking about summer plans, listening to thao the get down stay down, running a half marathon, lovin on cherry.

Week 4. TBD

2010-01-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

home.

2010-01-02T10:50:00.000-08:00

can't.stop.eating.homemade.donuts.and.chocolate.pudding.

2009-12-29T09:50:00.000-08:00

evening walks with ruby. quiet and content.
pictures of recent projects are now posted on http://tlouey.blogspot.com

2009-12-22T11:49:00.000-08:00

joyeux noel. first stop: boston logan international. snow pants and long johns are packed. in my future: sledding, bikram yoga, fabric store and lunch with memere, indian food with annie, cuddling with ruby, egg nog, new castle, lobster in alfredo sauce, garage band, games, family.

2009-12-04T19:05:00.000-08:00

Pictures 1-3: I visited my local herbologist 10 days ago seeking relief from 2 weeks of congestion and 2 months of an itchy patch of skin on my neck. His written prescription consisted of 36 chinese symbols and resulted in five brown paper bags filled with the contents of a nature preserve. For 10 days I drank the most horrible tasting, wood smelling concoction. To no avail. During this 10 day period, I was a very good girl and followed the doctor's order to abstain from alcohol. Last night, I celebrated the end of this tragedy with very nice wine.

Picture 4: My sweet dog, Cherry, is hurt but still smiling. We both know better, but we were playing ball in the house. We both slipped on the stained concrete floor. I suffered a fat lip. She slammed into the wall and lost a claw-nail. We're off to the vet in the morning. For now, she's wearing my sock. The reason for this smile is that I'm about to feed her fresh chicken. I figure it's like chicken soup for dogs.

Picture 5. I received a wonderful surprise today from Susie and Mike. An early Christmas gift! It hums like a....what hums? I rushed to the grocery for sugar and chocolate and whipped up a yummy batch of cookies to enjoy on this cold, winter night. It's dipping below 30 degrees, y'all.

2009-11-29T13:07:00.000-08:00

There was much that I disliked about my time living in Cambridge, MA. My job at the time, the especially hard two winters that I experienced, the general unfriendliness and snootiness of Boston/Cambridge folks, their reserved nature, and the prohibitively expensive real estate and rentals. Interestingly, I've recently spent time perusing the Psychology course listings at RISD and real estate in Portland, ME. ....heh, I was born addicted to new experiences...

anyhow, I did love the Harvard Book Store in Harvard Square and I'm still on their email mailing list. I received this email from Jeff, owner of Harvard Book Store the other day and I think it's great. It's a great email about the current state of independent bookstores, independent businesses, and OUR duty, need and responsibility to support them by spending our hard earned DOLLARS at their establishments. Can you imagine living in a world where our only options were big box stores? I can't.

Here's his letter, in entirety.

Dear Friends,

I thought I'd use the opportunity of the start of the holiday season to give you an update on Harvard Book Store and share some thoughts with you. It's hard to believe that more than a year has gone by since I realized my dream of becoming a bookseller. The experience has surpassed my expectations in all respects but one; I hardly have any time to read!

When my wife and I bought the store in October of 2008, we were determined to keep the essence of the store the same, while enhancing the services we offer. In most respects, it's the same Harvard Book Store. We maintain an incredibly diverse selection of new, used, and bargain books. Our author event series continues to be an important part of Cambridge's intellectual life.

At the same time, we've been proud to introduce a number of new services. We've opened our Somerville warehouse twice to our customers and will do so again on December 5th and 6th. In February, we launched a same-day green delivery service to Cambridge and surrounding towns. In September, we joined a revolution in bookselling through the introduction of Paige M. Gutenborg, our book-making robot that prints and binds any of millions of titles right on the sales floor--in minutes. And early next year, we will launch a new harvard.com, which will change the way you buy books online. These innovations are building toward the bookstore of the future, where any book ever written is available either in the store or on our website and where deliveries are made quickly, affordably, and in a way that doesn't savage the environment.

These are exciting times. They're also difficult times. I'm often asked how the store is doing. The answer is that sales are down, as is the case with many retailers, but not catastrophically so. We are committed to continuing the important role that Harvard Book Store plays in the life of this community; the investments that we're making in new services and technologies are evidence of that commitment. But we need your help.

There are hundreds fewer independent bookstores in this country than there were ten years ago as a result of competition from chains and online retailers. For the latter, books are commodities, often "loss leaders" for some higher margin item, and independent bookstores are obstacles to increased market share. As vibrant as Harvard Book Store seems when you browse or attend an event, you should have no doubt that our place in your community is also threatened, and that we are under the same pressures.

I've become a great supporter of the "buy local" movement. Amazon uses our city's streets, but does not pay for their upkeep; it gives back nothing to this community's charities and other causes. If we cherish the role that Harvard Square and its small businesses play in the economic and cultural life of our community, city, and country, we should understand that our own actions determine whether these businesses remain vital--and survive. When you're thinking about your holiday purchases, I urge you to shop your local businesses first. Should I be preaching to the choir, I apologize, but also ask that you relay this message to a friend.

I want to close by saying what a pleasure it has been to meet and interact with so many of you. The real strengths of Harvard Book Store are its remarkable staff and loyal customers. Thanks for your continued patronage and happy holidays,
Jeff

Jeff Mayersohn, Owner
Harvard Book Store

2009-11-22T17:48:00.000-08:00

The colors in these photos are unintentionally similar. It must be that they're the colors of fall.

Picture 1. East Austin Studio Tours was this weekend. This is the 8th year where for two consecutive weekends, the artists in my neighborhood open their homes and studios and the public is invited to peek and purchase. There were more than 150 studios on this year's tour. Going around made me realize: (a) my neighborhood is awesome, (b) Austin has so much going on (c) I need to feel less restless more often so that I can remember that my neighborhood and Austin are amazing, (d) I want to stop skirting my creative interests and have a studio that is part of EAST.

Picture 2. I don't consider myself much of a cook but I'm starting to realize that soups are my thing. I made hot n sour soup today on the recommendation of Rob. He said it would cure me of the sinus hell I've been living in and with. Even without a recipe, it turned out mighty fine. I was surprised when Jenni told me today that cooks are judged by their abilities to make soups and a perfectly cooked eggs. Funny, eggs are just shy of a passion. Poached eggs, scrambled eggs, eggs with soldier toast, egg in a hole, eggs benedict, and ...

Picture 3. I caught Cherry in a moment of either (a) stalker obsession or (b) endearing love. I think she thought I had left the house or something because I found her where she waits for me while I'm away -- right in front of the door. I already had a sneaking suspicion that she liked to hug my favorite shoes while I'm away. Now that suspicion is confirmed.

2009-11-17T16:07:00.000-08:00

1. Time for a list.
2. Ruby is 14 lbs of adorable sweetness.
3. A 3 month old requires super human abilities.
4. I hope I raise a baby with someone someday.
5. I have infections in my lungs and sinuses.
6. Thank god for antibiotics.
7. I feel like my teeth are going to fall out.
8. Less than one month till winter break!
9. I love my dog more every day.
10. Life is quiet these days and I'm surprisingly content.
11. I can't stop thinking about living on a piece of land by the sea with chickens and sheep.
12. http://thedormers.wordpress.com/ Rob's new EP. I'm inspired and happy for him.

2009-11-01T12:08:00.000-08:00

This photo is by Bruce Davidson. He documented a Brooklyn "gang" known as the Jokers in the late 1950s. I read that this work has inspired many a fashion designer. Funny, and I can see why. He has a show or two in NYC this winter. Maybe I can visit.

http://www.brycewolkowitz.com/www/ and the Howard Greenberg Gallery.

http://www.edelmangallery.com/davidsonshow1.htm

I've been dreaming of different realities. They are green and lush and textured with love. I made the most delicious soup yesterday. One difference, I added bacon. Highly recommended.

Kieffer Pear and Gorgonzola Soup

2 Tbsp. butter

1 large yellow onion, diced

2 celery stalks, diced

1 parsnip, peeled and diced

1 garlic clove, minced

6 cups Kieffer pears, peeled, cored and chopped, plus extra for garnish

7 cups chicken or vegetable stock

3 Tbsp. honey

1/2 lemon juice

4 Tbsp. Gorgonzola dolce,* crumbled, plus additional for garnish

Salt and pepper to taste

Walnuts, toasted for garnish

In a large saucepot melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until translucent but not browned, then add the celery, parsnip and garlic and cook another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir the pears into the pot and then add the stock. Bring to a simmer and cook over low heat for about 20 minutes or until the parsnips and pears are soft.

Purée soup using an immersion or traditional style blender until very smooth. Stir in the honey, lemon juice, salt, pepper and Gorgonzola. Check seasoning and serve warm garnished with toasted walnuts, Gorgonzola and julienned pears.

2009-10-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

les jours avant l'hiver.

2009-10-11T16:27:00.000-07:00

Paul Simon's Graceland has been on continuous play in our household for many weeks now. It's perfect for sewing and Cherry falls into a deep, legs crossed kind of sleep *every*single*time. Cozy, cozy times on the east side. I'm excited about the new set of clothing I'm designing. I have some wonderful fabrics, and in my mind's eye, they look oh so right. It didn't pass 60 degrees this weekend and for that I'm a happy girl.

2009-10-09T21:12:00.001-07:00

Oh my god, I hate to be negative and all, but I met 100 assholes tonight. I need to lose this vibe pronto. I don't know who was worse, the guy who tried to convince me that being a mysoginistic CBS executive asshole is attractive or the guy who stole my floral scarf and couldn't stop screaming the word naked. I haven't been overwhelmed by so many assholes since I lived in Boston. When I lived in MA they were ya' dudes. These assholes were all from Chicago. What are they called?

2009-10-04T19:24:00.000-07:00

my 17 year love affair with california continues. your mountains, your ocean, your blue sky. my spirit surfaces. santa monica weekend with gabi and kimberly. xo.

2009-09-29T20:10:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure what to call this one. Nothing's jumping out at me. It's made from a remnant of raw silk that I used to make last year's l.b.d. I'm happy with it for the following reasons: Not only did I design it, I didn't make a pattern. Totally a drape, cut, sew job. I haven't done that successfully before. I also like this little number because I've recently made a big adjustment to my stitch length and tension settings. Basically, I defied the manuals and loosened everything up. Maybe this is some kind of metaphor for my life. Anyhow, the long stitch / loose tension is really working for me. Additionally, I gained new understanding about silk (basically, the less you manipulate it the happier everyone is - including Ms. Silk) and my finishing techniques are raw. I think that's the way it's meant to be. Who knew clothing would be philosophical?

oh, and by the way, I'm loving the madeline (see below). I've been rocking it for days now and this afternoon I found myself feeling self-conscious about that fact when Icaught my neighbor staring at me. Our dogs seems to be on the same pee break schedule and I'm sure he's noticed I've had that damn dress on since Saturday! It's just so perfectly cute and comfortable.

2009-09-12T10:53:00.000-07:00

say hi to the madeline.

2009-09-02T15:48:00.000-07:00

Hi.It's September. I haven't posted for a few weeks. Little time, lack of resources (bum computer), and sneaking in the last of the August trips. I'd like to buy this house and I'm trying to figure out how to make it happen.

http://www.redfin.com/MA/Plymouth/63-Liberty-St-02360/home/16425577

It's located less than 2 miles from the Atlantic ocean in Plymouth, MA, America's hometown. It would be my summer home. Luxurious, I know. If it was mine, I would live in it June, July and August. I would also visit it for an occasional long weekend in the winter, spring and fall.

Here's what I like about it:

It has old-time charm. I like the shingles.
It's not too big.
It has a fireplace.
It's on half an acre - perfect for wild flowers and vegetable gardens.
It has multiple out-buildings on site, one of which would be my sewing studio.
It's less than 2 miles to the ocean.
Downtown Plymouth is super cute and quaint.
I'd be close to certain loved friends and family 3 months of the year.
These friends and family will love to visit. I've got a few recipes up my sleeve.
Someday, when I'm old, like really old, I'll retire and return to New England winter.

It's listed at 200K. Do you have ideas about how I can make this happen? Anyone want to share it?

2009-08-09T18:37:00.000-07:00

2009-07-26T13:26:00.000-07:00

made a simple sunday dress today.

2009-07-26T09:07:00.000-07:00

I awoke to a nice surprise yesterday morning. I pulled open my drapes and my oh my -- a yard sale! There was a time when I would go yard sale-ing every saturday morning. What made this sale particularly great was that the sale was hosted by the lumber company. As a result, lots and lots of interesting old hardware. I picked up two rolls of thin drafting paper that I'll use to make clothing patterns, a few oversize tablets of accounting paper which I'll use for something or other, and 10 old wooden clothing hangers that will be nice in my "new" and soon to arrive studio.

2009-07-22T11:53:00.000-07:00

I'm getting kind of fat this summer. More to love? I made these really tasty blueberry hand pies today. I think this was the first time I've made my own pastry from scratch. Did I mention how yummy they were? I saw the recipe on one of the blogs I read, simplyphoto.blogspot.com. It took me about 3 hours start to finish and yielded 8 pretty pies. Definitely a small batch for all that effort, but did I mention I'm getting fat this summer?

Let's go back to talking about blogs. They and one of my non-blogging friends, Nancy, recently inspired me BIG time. I don't remember if the idea came to me in the shower, on a walk with Cherry, or in a daydream. But when it came, a wave of YES! filled me. The genesis of the idea -- I have a small set of bloggers I follow, almost all of whom are designers/sewers who make their wares available on etsy and big cartel. I look at their sites longingly thinking about how much I'd enjoy doing the same, if only.....

I have always had a list miles long of the all the reasons, factors and obstacles limiting my creative inspiration and output. Top on my list is a suitable work space. This time last year I was working out of a beautiful sun filled studio. Cost required me to move my equipment back home.

I live with a golden retriever in a 1200sf loft. That's a lot of square feets. It is divided into approximately three definable spaces, a bedroom, living/dining and a three walled middle room that is situated in the middle and therefore doesn't get much natural light. I use my space VERY traditionally. The living room is the living room. The bedroom is the bedroom. The middle room is my studio. My sun-less studio.

And here's where Nancy comes in to play. Recently, she mentioned that their living room was serving as a temporary bedroom for kids and adults, alike. It sounded like fun. So, the other night I slept on my sofa. Fun. Not fun enough to do a second night. BUT. It gave me an idea. When I return from vacation, I'm going to put my living room in the studio, getting rid of my dining room, and turning the entire front space (approximately 600sf) into my studio-slash-showroom. It will be where I create, photograph and share my clothes. I'll also use the space for the workshops described in the prior post.

Since experiencing this idea, I've alternated between excitement and pessimism. What if I don't like the living room in that middle space? It's going to be very cozy and cavelike. What if I *still* find it hard to locate inspiration and productivity? Then, I tell myself. Who cares. I'm not doing anything that requires much money, if any, and it certainly doesn't have to be permanent. If I hate it, I'll move it all back. Several of my pieces are really heavy so I may need to hire some able bodies to help me out. Either that or corral some strong friends. Anyone?

Maybe I'm finally going to use my loft as a loft. A live/work space. Why am I sooo scared?

In other last news, two new businesses have opened on my street this week. One is a scooter shop directly across the street from me. Austin sure has a lot of scooter shops.... The other is a bar/restaurant a few blocks west of my place. I stopped in last night to take a peak and fell in love.

http://austin.scootclub.com/2009/07/20/go-go-go-grand-opening-party.html
http://eastsideshowroom.com/

2009-07-19T08:04:00.001-07:00

if you or someone you know is a new or experienced sewer/designer and interested in coming to the inaugural sew sunday, let me know and i'll put you/them on my list.

...sew sunday...

what: 3-4 hour workshops where we'll sew, sip and snack. depending on our interests, we'll have a rotating set of themes, such as open lab, tackling a technique and variations on a garment.

who: sewers/designers of all levels; i can accommodate 6-8 machines.

when: beginning in august or september; a new sew sunday every 3-4 months thereafter

where: the pedernales

2009-07-14T13:44:00.000-07:00

2009-07-14T13:37:00.000-07:00

Texas, Massachusetts, New Hampshire July 2009