Alright my lovelies. I've done it. It's official. Here's my new blog:

http://acaffeinatedcoma.wordpress.com/

It's still a little under construction but mostly functioning.

I believe there is a feed set up if you use bloglines.com or something similar. If you have trouble just comment and we'll see if we can get it straightened out.

Ho Ho Ho.

Three things:

It's Christmas.
I love Christmas.
This is possibly the weirdest Christmas I have ever had.
These ridiculous coconut magic bars from our neighbor are going to be THE END OF WHAT IS LEFT OF MY WAISTLINE.

Okay so that's 4.

It seems that my entire family is infirmed (save myself, unless you consider a sugar coma a legitimate illness) so we're postponing our official giant family get-together until next week. It's kind of nice to prolong the season a little longer.

I was so determined to feel all that Christmas cheer stuff this year. And it worked. I became the elf that waved her flag of glad tidings and puffed tinsel in the faces of passerby. I'm not entirely sure everyone else was quite as enthusiastic.

BIG NEWS:

So you know how you feel when your living room has been arranged in a certain way for about a month and it starts to feel kind of old and claustrophobic and the only way to fix it is to rearrange everything in a dusty flurry?

Well, that's how I'm starting to feel about this blog. It's not that I don't love it. We've had some great times together, I just feel like maybe it's time for a transition. Initially, this blog was about coming to terms with my arthood and now that I've embraced it, I'm going to open a new chapter.

Also, I just really like the way Wordpress looks.

I'll update with all the new info as soon as I get the site set up.

I have a lot more to say but I'll save it for the new blog.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Holiday Cheer

I was all prepared to write a scathing* blog about Target and how my last trip to the discount wonderland revealed a claustrophobic symphony of snowflakes and assorted Christmas decorations and how capitalism in the U.S. is completely out of control (Christmas the day after Halloween. Come on guys. What about poor Thanksgiving?) when a series of events took place:

1) While on a video chat with neighbour, she started playing Christmas music. I made her turn it off. Not yet! Not for another month!
2) I was feeling sentimental and needed some good romantic movies while bundled in a blankie and sipping hot chocolate.
3), and most importantly, here is a rundown of the movies I watched:

a) "By the Light of the Silvery Moon," Judy Garland and Gordon MacCray. Which led to...
b) "In the Good Old Summertime," Judy Garland and Van Johnson. The combination of the two made me want to watch something musical and romantic with soldiers circa 1950 so I decided on...
c) "White Christmas."

"White Christmas is only partly a Christmas movie. It's balanced with songs like "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me" (my personal favorite, thankyouverymuch) to make it something I watch all the time. Totally justifiable.

Did you know a Genius playlist based on "Love, You Didn't Do Right By Me," by Rosemary Clooney is almost exclusively Christmas music?

So here I sit. Listening to Bublé and Frankie sing about holly and yuletide crap and I love it and cannot stop.

You see?? I was tricked. Probably by neighbour who listens to Christmas music all year round like some jolly elf.

I am officially a hypocrite.

*It wasn't actually going to be scathing. Just mildly incredulous.

S'not So Bad.

I've spent the last two days floating away on a cloud shaped like Michael Bublé's new album, "Crazy Love". This does not account for the two weeks of silence before this but I thought I would share.

It's cheesy but oh, what a guilty pleasure:

Do you know that feeling when you're sick and all you want to do is sleep and forget the entire world? But just when you lay down, one side of your nose plugs up. Suddenly, you don't even care about sleeping anymore. Your entire existence becomes about getting your stupid nose to drain to the other side because you cannot bear to lay in this position one more minute. You blow your nose, get up and walk around, there may or may not be plugs of tissue shoved up your nose. Finally, you're so exhausted that you finally give up and just start to drift off to sleep when your nose, that Judas of a facial feature, decides to slosh to the other nostril and the whole thing starts over again from scratch?

Well, that's why I didn't blog.

Speaking of blogs, all 12 of you should check out Davina Choy's newish blog, Uber Fantastic. She's a budding writer, blogger, journalist extraordinaire and, I'm proud to say, a personal friend. She makes my blog look like the homely cousin no one talks about except in whispered tones at family gatherings. It's okay, I'm taking one for the team.

ONE LAST THING: this is a dyptic I painted with acrylic. Keep in mind this is the very first painting I have ever produced that didn't mock me from the easel. That is not to say that it's perfect, but I'm very proud of it.



I apologize for the picture quality. Just pretend they match up.

Musica de Classical

Okay so I just discovered this guy. His name is like Choppin' or something. He might be dead. Anyway, his music is like, good and stuff.

Alright, I know, I know. It would seem sort of ridiculous of me to do a music Friday on Chopin because I mean, come on. Even if you were born under a rock and have made it your year-round home you have at least heard of the man. But this time I just have to.

I hadn't taken much of an interest in his work until recently when I discovered (via Pandora Radio: I am your humble servant) that while listening to classical music my art productivity levels shot through the roof. As opposed to my productivity while listening to say, all soft rock of the 90's.

Watch this. Plus it's really adorable.

Friday.

By now we all know about my fear of dentists which you can read about here and here. Well about 4 weeks ago, my teeth and jaw started hurting in some spots and after letting the sense of dread and panic completely overtake me, I finally decided to make an appointment. By the time I walked into that office this afternoon I had convinced myself I needed immediate dental reconstruction complete with laughing gas and pliers.

Good news: there is nothing wrong with my teeth.

Bad news: the muscles in my jaw are stressed which means I can't chew gum anymore and I have to do some sort of face exercises. If that doesn't work, it looks like a diet of ibuprofen and liquids are in my immediate future. All acceptable alternatives to teeth drilling and extraction.

I immediately went to the store and got some mints because heaven help me if I'm going to let my jaw stand in the way of my social aptitude.

Also, since Fridays seem to be musically inclined, here's some more:

Horsefeathers, "Curs in the Weeds". Also check out "This is what". They're a sort of a modernized bluegrass which, granted, isn't for everyone. I'll forgive you if you don't like it, but DON'T SHOW YOUR FACE AROUND HERE AGAIN.

Thursdays Are For Others

Let's look at someone else's stuff for a while. It's good to get some perspective on what other people are doing. It's healthy.

I saw this video a few years ago when I first started as an art major. I thought about it out of the blue a couple days ago and decided to look it up again. The concept is so simple but so great.

EDIT: Ah! I forgot to credit! Here's the sidebar info for the video:

"This was my final film at Kingston University, it is an animated film based on interviews with people about their first crushes. (best version). I can be found at www.myspace.com/angrypony_ and at www.juliapott.com. Animated By Julia Pott, Music and Sound Design by Christopher Frost (for all those who wanted to know who did the music!!)"

Music Friday - City and Colour

Let's try this music thing again. I could call it Music Monday, but that would be conforming to the man.

I woke up this morning and suddenly craved City and Colour. So good, so folksy. I don't know why I hadn't heard of these guys until about a year ago. It's the solo project of Dallas Green also of the Canadian metal band Alexisonfire. It happens that while City and Colour makes me want to curl up with a good book and a steaming cup of coffee, Alexisonfire makes me want to smash that cup of coffee over the head of a stranger. Completely opposite styles of music.

His new(ish) album "Bring Me Your Love" seems to be one part self-loathing, one part introspective and one part adorable. The album evokes so many emotions while you're listening to it that it's hard to settle on just one. Green shares his thoughts on love and forgiveness, death, the nature of humanity in a way that seems so raw and intimate. I love it.

Listen a little, watch this fantastic video, decide for yourself.

Music Mon--...Friday

Alright. I've posted about Noah and the Whale before but in celebration of their new album, "The First Days of Spring," I feel the need to post again because they are just. that. good. With their second release, they created a film to accompany with the new album as the soundtrack. Here's the trailer:

The First Days of Spring Official Trailer from charlie fink on Vimeo.

It's not released in the US until October 6th (I'm crying bitter tears) but it's out in the UK and they have it posted on their MySpace which you can find here.

This album is stylistically a bit different than their first, "Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down" but it doesn't make the newbie any less fantastic.

Check it out and if you like it, don't you dare torrent it. They are too good for that. The chupacabra will come and cut off your thumbs. Wait. I may be mixing up my folklore.

"I will carry you, carry youuuu..."

Sorry I haven't blogged for a while, though I'm pretty sure this surprises no one. Sometimes it's hard to get it the right frame of mind when it's hot and gross. Not that it's been either one of those lately. Actually, the weather has been a perfect upper 80s. But my brain is in summer mode so it tells my hands not to type but instead to watch America's Got Talent while snacking on a bowl of grapes. 

Get this: I haven't had a decent cup of coffee in two weeks. TWO. I have some instant decaf I bummed off of my grandma the last time I visited (which she did not give willingly. She loves her Folgers) and I am trying to absorb as much as i can of the minuscule bit of caffeine in each cup in a desperate attempt just to STAY. ALIVE. 

Do I sound pitiful? I feel pitiful. I'm listening to Clay Aiken and enjoying it. That's how far this situation has deteriorated.

Classes have started and I'm in an intermediate drawing class (finally!). We are allowed to choose the skills we want to focus on this semester and I have chosen composition and concept and exploring how the two rely on each other. I'm excited. Now that I'm more comfortable with the actual drawing part of drawing, I'm able to pick up the slack in other areas. I'll keep y'all apprised.  

Julie & Julia, or, The Life of Ashely the Artist

Tonight, for her birthday I went with my good friend Laura to see "Julie & Julia". I am inspired. We loved it. The movie was totally adorable, Meryl Streep is my new favorite actress and Julia Child is my new favorite cook (move over, Gordon Ramsay, you old coot). I completely identified with the movie version of Julie the blogger. I think we share a lot in common. We both started out as frustrated 20-somethings, created a blog, and besides a great body we do not both share (I'll let you decide who has the better), both made strides towards a goal. Where she has already reached hers, I am still searching for mine. It's okay. I am comfortable in my slightly ambiguous personal and professional life and my meager audience in the the blog-o-sphere. I'm...not jealous. My blog, instead of being a short-term journey to finish a cookbook and find oneself in the process, is more of the life's journey of someone who already knows who she is but just needs to find where she fits.

But back to the movie. Can I just say the relationship between Julia and her husband as portrayed by the movie was so endearing and sweet. I wanted to cry on several occasions and would have done so had I not been surrounded by a packed movie theater and one particularly bad breathed man sitting behind us. Poor guy.

In a nutshell, go see the movie. It's worth your $10.50. The only thing we didn't like was towards the end and fairly easy to explain away. I won't tell you what it is in case it doesn't bother you. I don't want to ruin it.

Meryl Streep will win an award for this movie. If she doesn't, I'll sue.

Oh, and just to keep this thing art-themed, here:



Bon appetit!

Endings and Beginnings

It's a terrible thing to be all inspired to blog, fired up and ready to go and then have nothing to blog about. My life is THAT. EVENTFUL. I'll see what I can muster.

I'm obsessed with a show called The Colony. Mainly because I would like to imagine if there was a global catastrophe I would kick everyone's butt with my cunning and resourcefulness. The reality would probably be me in a corner, clutching my stubbly drawing pencils and sobbing miserably.

I took that drawing class this summer so I would be forced to draw, and draw I did. A lot. To be honest, what I wanted to do was to skulk around in my pj's and watch Jane Austen while chomping on a crunchy carrot but instead I was elbow deep in graphite trying desperately not to move lest the angle on the still life I was drawing should become askew. Despite all that, I'm really glad I did it. I learned a lot and can see changes in my drawing style.

Here's the final project of the summer:

The concept was to take a landscape (a black and white poster, in my case) and then stick something oversized and out of place in it. I chose a sock. Not sure why. Seemed right. Sorry it's so dark. I'm far too lazy to actually turn on lights when I take pictures of these things.

I'll post more drawings later, I have to save some to build suspense.

One last thing: my friends had a baby last night! It's a girl and they named her Karis. They're the first ones from my circle of friends to take the plunge into parenthood and I'm so happy for them. I'm pretty sure they don't read this blog but I'm saying congratulations anyway (I'm screaming it into the internets, maybe they'll get it): CONGRATULATIONS GUYS! I'M AN AVAILABLE BABYSITTER!! WILLING TO SPOIL HER THEN SEND BACK!!

Womanizer

Okay, here's the deal. I'm feeling really great right now. Mostly because I stood up for myself in a way the feminine gender has been fighting for [in general] for centuries: Respect. I firmly yet politely told someone I didn't appreciate being spoken to in an inappropriate, friendly, but inappropriate way. It worked, and I feel empowered.

Okay, on a mostly completely unrelated note here's the same drawing I posted earlier today. Only this one went through the scrutinizing eye of my professor this evening who promptly forced me to make it better.

Before:
After:
Haaaaa! It's a good thing I have a professor that isn't afraid to tell me when my art is crappy. Seriously.

It's a Smallish World After All...

So I just found out today that I've been in a class for two semesters with a woman my mom and I knew when I was little and I had no idea. Through our conversation, we discovered an intricate web of connections and coincidences that has been brewing for 15ish years. So. Bizarre.

Anyway, here's a drawing for the blawg:


Notice how my hair looks so fantastic from the back? That's photo-realism my friends.

YouTwitFace

As a direct result of peer pressure from neighbour, I made a Twitter. I shed a lone tear of despair as my self respect shriveled to a raisin. I thought I could just make an account and follow others without actually participating but now I have 3 Twitter applications on my iPod and check them fanatically while thinking I should show these lowly peasantfolk how it's done. It's just that I've spent a goodly portion of my time mocking twittering and all it entails. If I preface my twits (?) with "I resent that I feel the need to do this" does that justify it or make me a hypocrite? I'm going to ignore your answer and say that I'm justified.

Actually, I'm brainstorming a little. Maybe post some in-progress work? We'll see. We all know how my promises follow through.

So if you care to take a gander here's my link: http://twitter.com/ylehsa. If not, I completely understand.

At this point my Twitter is a documentation of my pathetic death knell in an attempt to resist the Twitter revolution. It's pretty embarassing, actually.

Guilt

It's been a while but let's pretend it hasn't, shall we? K.

Here's a pen and ink drawing for my class this summer.

In-progress:

Finished:

I went to the midnight showing of Harry Potter last night. It was really fun. I thought the movie was really good but keep in mind I completely forgot what happened in the book (except the dead bodies. Couldn't forget the dead bodies). According to my Facebook news feed, the movie is different from the book in some spots. Whatever. The camera angles were fantastic and those poor boys have finally grown into their bodies. I was worried.

Detoxify That Sugar High

Every summer I get on a kick to eat healthier. It lasts a good month until all the new, fresh fruits run out in the grocery store and I start storing up extra calories for the long winter months (which, really, is a formality because when does California actually get a decent winter?). Last summer it was flexitarianism which, admittedly, was pretty lame. This summer it's refined sugar and artificial sweeteners.

I know. My beloved grande, sugar-free, fat-free, extra hot, no foam hazelnut latte. This may be the hardest thing to kick. Because I love that GSFFFEHNFHL, my soul mate. I may have to allow myself an indulgence once a week. We have too long a history to just quit cold turkey.

Although, this does help with my decision to cut back on buying coffee so I can save up for this car.

Anyway, so here's to kicking refined sugar (except in milk and other dairy products and the occasional latte)!!

Go summer.

I would think of a title if the sunburn on my face didn't go all the way to my brain.

Wow. I am just now starting to realize rodent-free housing and clean clothes are actually the norm and not the life I lived for the past week. Despite the particular hygiene issues, camp was a blast. I'm thinking about working there next summer on the condition I don't have to clean anything.

As a bit of a consequence of taking a week off, I have to come back full steam. School and work wait for no man. That's the way I like it.

Here's the drawing I did for my mom a while back. It's the kindergarten teacher at her school.



In retrospect, it's a little terrifying.

Back.

One week of camping is just enough time to experience culture shock when one comes home.

I'll get back to you.

HHHH. Again?

Well. The second most horrifying thing I can think of happened this afternoon. I was lying on my bed (laying? lying? I still don't know) reading fug when the phone rang. My mom was fake-sleeping in the living room so she wouldn't have to answer it so I jumped up to get it. As I was running out of my room I heard "slllliiiidddde SMACK!" After I answered the phone, and handed it to my mom (it was for her anyway) I went back into my room and discovered my laptop had slid off my bed and landed face-down on top of a stack of hard objects. (My watercolor palette, actually. I'm thinking it's taking sweet, secret revenge because I was less than thrilled about my watercolor class a while ago and may have mentally cursed at it).

Did you all just cringe? I actually heard you all cringe.

Yes. It's true. The screen is totally busted. The actual casing is fine but the plasma whatevers inside look like they got shot with a bullet. We made an emergency trip to an unnamed tech store with strange customer service reps who are so concerned with helping you they don't actually listen to what you're saying, and got an adapter for a PC monitor. It...works?

ANYWAY. All that said, I am in the process of backing up my computer and haven't actually started packing for my week-long trip that begins tomorrow morning. Sob.

This makes two (2) times I have seriously damaged/destroyed an Apple product, the first being my extra clean (laudry clean) iPod from a while ago. RIP, guys.

My mom actually wants me to wear this...

I will be camping for the next week! Actually, not camping. It sounds more rustic when I say that but really we'll be staying in a cabin with a full service kitchen, an actual bathroom, on a camp with a store and a coffee shop. They have more but it's been a few years since I've been there. I honestly wouldn't be surprised if they had wireless.

Oh, nature in the 21st century...

FTPs and Scanned HBs

Guys, can I tell you how pooped I am? I can? Excellent.

I'm pooped.*

It's the computer. It's a marginal excuse, I know. But can I just say "FTP" is now a permanent fixture in my vocabulary? I fought with the Great-Kahuna-Internet and I won. The only problem now is letting go of my little pet project and giving someone else the reins.

I wish all of my sketchbooks would look like this. Not dark, shiny and kind of hard to tell what it is, but more what it looks like in real life. Like I care. Because I do. It's just sometimes hard to tell. I'm telling you. I need a scanner.


*I don't actually like the word, "pooped" because it brings up images in my mind I would rather leave un-thought. Something like leaving bags of flaming fecal matter on doorsteps on Halloween only instead of laying there inconspicuously they're flying through the air toward my head. I'm going to venture a guess and say this was too much information.

Fail.

This blog is a good art tool. Example: here I am taking pictures of my latest homework assignment to post thinking, "Ha ha ha, these look exactly like me," when, I look at the pictures in photobooth and realize...they don't. Guess I wasn't as done as I thought I was. Sob.

I'm taking beginning drawing for the third time. Parts of it are a little exhausting but it's good to go back to the basics (again). It was the only drawing class offered during the summer and if I'm not forced to draw this summer my brain is going to turn to mush. It's also with one of my favorite professors and she's sort of adapted some of the assignments for me.

Haughty laugh.

(Kidding. I'm kidding.)

Productivity?! Sob.

I'm distracted, I'm procrastinating, I'm wide awake, tired, lazy and missed perfect setup to flirt with a cute guy today. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?! Hhh, I know. I haven't had my second cup of coffee today.

I had the whole day yesterday to work and all managed to do was a bit of half hearted doodling:

See the part I'm covering up? That part was more half-hearted than others.

Oh, I forgot to tell you: the guitar came in the mail the other day. Just about the only really productive thing I've done lately is start to teach myself how to play. I never imagined it would be so fantastic. I can play about 6 chords. I'm ready for a band. Sign me up.

Ignore the crazed, disheveled look.

Back!

Dear Most Avid Readers,

My prolonged absence has no relation to my affection for you. In the past weekish I started many blog posts but finished none, realizing my life is completely unsuitable for an interesting blog. Please accept my apologies.

Sincerely,
Your humble, yet boring, blogger.

Actually, to me, my life is anything but boring. I started summer school, have been working about 5x more than usual, doing some freelance stuff. Unfortunately, not much of it is postable.

So, in an attempt to seek redemption, I will direct you here. It's the latest craze to sweep the interwebs. You've probably already seen it. You have? Hhh. Poo.

Boom Boom Pow

On our way back from Target (for milk and munchies) we parked at the top of a hill and watched this ridiculous lightning storm currently unfolding. It was like watching "Star Trek" (which I did, twice) only in IMAX and instead of subconsciously shoving popcorn into my mouth it was Nutter Butters.

We're sitting in our living room now and watching it through our porch. It's still going a good 2 hours later. Who needs TV? Eh, apparently my mom. She just turned it on and shut the curtain. We hate nature in this house.

Stream of Caffeinated Consciousness

Parents amaze me. Right now I'm sitting in the coffee shop across from two very active boys with bright blue ice cream cones. "MOM ITS DRIPPING AGAIN!!" just as the ice cream scoop falls to the table. In one fell swoop, she plops the ice cream back on the cone while simultaneously napkining the table, cleaning up the mended, drippy cone with her tongue and wiping the kid's blue face. I believe the sugar rush has also just kicked in, they are running around the table with their Batman action figures and screaming.

Myself, I'm feeling the 3rd caffeinated beverage of the day kicking in right about...3...2...1...now. It is about this time that all motor functions shut down. My eyes stare into space and my ability to speak is completely compromised. The only things working are my typing fingers and my brain (x5). Coffee #3 usually requires a Stephen Hawking voice to communicate. Or in my case, "Alex" from OS X Leopard.

I don't usually reach this level of higher consciousness. It's just that I had a bunch of free coffees at the coffee shop that for some reason I felt the need to use today. All today.

Yesterday was my 23rd birthday. Every one of my 400 family members forgot.


In the last hour I have received 3 phone calls saying "I'm sorry I forgot! Happy Birthday!" Apparently word travels quickly.

My brain is turning to mush.

How do people retire? I've been out of school for all of 2 weeks and I'm going stark raving mad. I was so bored today I actually started cleaning the house to give myself something to do. That, my friends, is desperation at its worst.

Nothing, really.

I don't really have anything arty to post today. I wish I did. I should. But I don't.

I am going to go start on a portrait for my mom for someone else. Man. That's the thing about family members. They want everything for free. Dramatic sigh.

I've been gorging myself on Johnny Flynn, Noah and the Whale and Laura Marling for the past week or so and. I'm. loving. it.

I want them to make me their friend and maybe some of their musical genius will transfer to me. Maybe.

Music will be in my veins.

I just got a guitar for my birthday. Scream!

A letter to the ant that just walked across my pillow:

Dear Sir:

Recently, it has come to my attention you and your associates have been displaced and are looking for a new home. While I'm sympathetic to your situation, especially considering current US financial climates, I do not appreciate the random homesteading practices you have employed in my room. Please vacate the premises immediately before I am forced to take drastic measures. Your presence is a violation of human/nature boundaries and is degrading to my mostly clean and crumb-free room.

If you do not take immediate action, I will not hesitate to call in some reinforcements to assist in your eviction.

I would appreciate your cooperation in this matter.

Sincerely,

Ashely

On the Twelfth Day of Ashmas...

There are exactly twelve days until my 23rd birthday and I'm feeling old. If you're older than 23 don't take it personally. I don't think 23 is old. Just me. Although the fact that a quarter of my life is over contributes a little. Am I allowed to have two quarter-life crises? Because I've already had one and it might be considered regressive behavior if I curl up in a corner with High School Musical and like stop using punctuation and only srt talking lak thiz idk lol omg roflxkhhhylgsaklcn.

I need to get out of this house. Too much summer vacation.

Speaking of getting out: I'm playing wing man at an engagement shoot today. Woo! I'm excited.

Oh Em Gee:

Glee.

This Post's Going to be Packed:

Hello, All. I'm not sure if I should apologize for all the video posts or not. It's just that I've had a lot of time on my hands lately which inevitably leads to gorging myself on all things Internet. I. Must. Share.

This is "Best Laid Plans" by We the Living. Not usually the kind of music I listen to but I can't explain why I like some songs over others. It just happens. Like hiccups*. My amazing and creative friend, Elise, shared it with me today. I've watched the video no less than 24 times.

* I feel the need to share a cure for the hiccups because, well, I have one. Plug your ears and drink water at the same time. Use a straw or a friend. It's an old family cure and it works every time. If it doesn't, you're clearly broken. Or, ur doin it wrong.

Also: do you remember me telling you about a top secret project a few posts back? Well, it's not secret anymore. I got a commission of sorts from a friend of a friend to illustrate a book that he then used to propose to his girlfriend this weekend. I didn't want to post about it before on the chance that someone would see and I would be the one who spoiled one of the most momentous days in a couple's life.

I have to admit, the project was a roller coaster ride of self-loathing but here are some of the pages I really like:







Basically, Aaron gave me the story, what he wanted on each page (thought bubbles, images, etc), and reference photos. Then, I illustrated (ink and watercolor). I was an excellent way to get experience in illustration without actually...illustrating.

Congratulations to Aaron and Kari on your engagement and life together!

Okay. This post is stuffed. Like me. On these incredibly expensive (yet delicious) cookies I just ate.

Wanderful Babbles

I may have pushed the limits of what even caffeine is capable of curing. I pulled an almost all nighter (5 am) and then got sick the next day. It's really nothing new. I always seem to get sick the day after school gets out. Despite the fact an elephant is sitting on my chest, I'm feeling pretty good. It has something to do with no school, knitting and comfort TV.

Speaking of TV. Let me preface this by telling you, I don't actually find SNL all that funny. I know I seem to post a lot of their videos lately but it's a fluke. That said, I aggravated an already very sore throat by laughing so hard at this video yesterday. It was worth it. Enjoy:

Home Os-stretch

This is about how I feel today:

Because, seriously?

One more day. Just one more day.

Phases.

At the moment I have been binging on Britishy things. British movies, TV shows, folksy rocksy music. I've taken to sitting in the car, listening to classical music played by the London Philharmonic on Public Radio, imagining myself riding sidesaddle with Mr. Darcy across the moors. Granted my daydream would be much more vivid if I actually knew what a moor was. I'll Google it later.

I have so much schoolwork to do so instead I'm making a cake and watching obscene amounts of "Doogie Howser, M.D." It's my classic seize and lock syndrome. I seize from the shock of all the work and I lock up until, under threat of a bad grade, I have to finish my projects. Also, I just really like Doogie Howser. And this video (wait until the end):

Note: you may only appreciate this if 1) you love Neil Patrick Harris or 2) have actually seen Doogie Howser. It's hard to tell.

Foiled.

I walked into Borders the other day. Sometimes when I need an art inspiration super charge, I'll go to the artish magazine section and glean ideas from my contemporaries. On this particular day, even as I was walking to the entrance, I noticed something was different. You see, Princess Leia, Darth Vader and some sort of Imperial soldier were all standing there. Nonchalantly. As if Borders was of course where they hang out on Sundays. How dare you think otherwise.

I dare.

I would like to take this moment to address a rather potent fear of mine: faceless, costumed people. For me, Halloween is just about hell on earth. But at least it's a specified day. I can prepare myself. But random acts of costumage in public places? No deal. Luckily my mommy was there, the better to sheild me against their horrible blank stares.

We managed to sneak past them as they were distracted by a 6 year old who wanted a picture only to find 2 more Imperial soldiers and a Death Star Trooper, roaming the aisles. Whatever creative juices I had come to foster were immediately replaced by pure, unbridled terror. Needless to say, we didn't stay there long.

Once I put some distance between them and me, I felt kind of sad that I had neither a camera nor dignity. Because, let's just be honest: best Facebook picture ever.

Then, to rub salt in my wounds, I looked up their organization when I got home and found out they do charity work and marathons and hold babies and things. Dangit.

RIP?

It is possible this is the last look anyone will have of Accidental Picard. As I was hollowing him out, I found mounds of air holes in the clay. It was my own fault for being sloppy with my reconstitution skills. He's in the kiln as we speak. I'm picturing shards of him embedded in the walls. That is unrealistic I hope.

Don't leave us, Accidental Picard.

Procrastination Station

So, I was sort of planning on not posting today. I have a research paper due tomorrow at 9:30am. But what inevitably happens when you have a lot to do? A lot of things get discovered on YouTube. I basically cried when I saw this video. No reason. Feeling a little emotional. I especially love his comment, "activate sub woofer in 5 seconds." If only I had one, my friend, if only I had one.

LOVE STORY (Taylor Swift) meets VIVA LA VIDA (Coldplay) - Piano Cello - by Jon Schmidt

According to the video and his website the mp3 will be available for download in a couple of weeks. Can you guess who will download it immediately and listen ad nauseum as my mom surely takes away all musical devices in the house and sends them the way of the third floor balcony at which point I will download the sheet music and go to town on the neighbors? You can't tell but I'm raising my hand.

Ra ra raaahhh...[yawn].

Trying to gain some energy for the rest of the week day.

1, 2, 3, 4, I just want to layonthefloor!

5, 6, 7, 8, kick far back and lay real straight!

I'm punching the air with imaginary cheerleading skills.

These are the voyages...

I don't think he's that disproportionate in real life. He's sort of looking up. So, independently of any suggestion from myself someone in class said, "Do you know who he looks like? That captain from that Star Trek show."

Hhh.

I changed him up a little bit and took this picture as I was running out the door this afternoon. If you cover the lower part of his face, he still sort of looks like Picard. Oh well. I'll just call it my silent homage to the wise old captain and the show that devoured my pre-teen popularity.

Today I sent an email to the chair of animation at one of the colleges I applied for to tell them I couldn't accept their acceptance. This translated to a crummy day, which led to excessive caffeine consumption, a sense of entitlement, junk food and an "IT Crowd" binge. I am now feeling better and realizing I have the greatest best friend (ever) who has an apparent case of swine flu. Nobody panic.

Familiarity

The beginnings of a 3D Design project. Maybe the one I've enjoyed the most this semester. Actually, it's really a re-do of an original. This morning, when I walked in the clay room, his face was severed right through the middle. Sob. We're trying a different technique this time around.

It wasn't until I was halfway through this incarnation that I realized I've been sculpting Jean-Luc Picard of the starship, Enterprise. At least from the nose-up. It's all subconscious. I've been watching a lot of Star Trek: The Next Generation Best Show Ever Created. Well. It's more obvious in person. He is significantly farther along at this point. I'll update tomorrow.

Progress?

I'm planning some sort of re-re-re?-design for the blog in the near future. I'm hoping it turns out well. I have a few options I'm weighing at the moment but can't think too much about it because of the scores of projects awaiting my attention. I'm just sitting here, waiting for my giant coffee to take effect so I can start them.

I'll spare you the to-do list because, let's face it, that's boring. I can't tell you the most exciting thing on the list because it's for a client and TOP SECRET. But when it becomes de-classified I will share all.

I'm considering making business cards because, well, I'm getting a lot of (well, some) business. Mostly word-of-mouth stuff but it's getting kind of exciting. I'm networking!

I think the coffee is working. Yes? Yes. Please stand aside, I am now ready to conquer. HooAH!

Why does it happen all at once?

Me:

EDIT: I need a scanner.

It's Gone!

Dear California Spring,

What the heck?


Sincerely,
A Summer-hater.

Warning: A post on teeth.

Ha! I'm feeling a bit better. The past couple of weeks have been a dental whirlwind and as we've discussed before, I have a severe dentist phobia. I had my first micro-panic attack with stage one but was surprisingly calm with stage two. We'll see how stage three goes.

I have a new dentist who, to be honest, is much better than the last one. He pays attention to my muffled cries of pain and wild-eyed looks of panic. I have regained a sense of control. I like that. Also, remember the old teal spit bib? This one is a putrid shade of lavender which, while not conjuring up calming images of waves on the beach and puppies and duckies, is much better on my nerves.

You know when you're in the chair and the dentist starts a conversation as he (or she) is working on your mouth? I can't tell if that's calming or incredibly frustrating. You're forced to make a strangled noise something like, "Ahhhhuuuh, ahh ohh oo shooool ckkkuhkkkuhkuhkkk." If I had the ability to speak while five hands were shoved in my mouth, I certainly wouldn't be chatting about what school I go to or what I'm doing this weekend. I'd be saying something more along the lines of, "Excuse me, Dr. Pain, Agony? Could you remove that metal shard from my gums? Thanks," or "This method of teeth cleaning seems a little barbaric. Could I have another option?" But no. We are their captive audiences.

And one final note about dental matters. To anyone who is worried about getting their wisdom teeth removed: it is no. big. deal. Beyond coming off of the anestesia (apparently, I cried all the way home. Don't ask me why) it's all totally managable. I haven't needed much of the ibuprofen they gave me and didn't even touch the Vicodin. All that worrying for nothing.

Wisdom. Pff.

I have much to say but at the moment I'm recovering from a wisdom tooth fiasco. Also known as: they were taken out. As soon as my head stops pounding (more likely due to lack of coffee more than anything else) I will give you all sorts of newsy posts.

Brb.

One Day At a Time

I have a clean room. When I say clean room, I don't mean my usual cleaning around the piles of mess, I mean: deep cleaned, vacuumed, rearranged, moody, artsy room. With newly discovered surround sound for my iHome upon which I will only play moody, artsy music. Guys, I even have a record player in here. I may never leave.

So, I have made a tentative decision about art school. I'm open to changes, obviously, but after thinking and praying about it I think I'm going to stick around for at least another semester, probably a year. In order to go to either one of the schools I applied for I would have to go into tens of thousands of dollars in debt per year (times 4 for Ringling) and that's just not a wise option (as much as I would like to just close my eyes and sign my life away, then worry about it later). Around the time I was coming to grips with this decision, I discovered that a community college in my area is going to offer a plethora of animation classes in the Fall. So while I'm not exactly headed down the course I was expecting, I am at least headed down a course.

So after another year(ish) here, saving money like an old spinster, working my art butt off in classes and improving my portfolio, I'm hoping to be able to get an even bigger scholarship to these schools next year in addition to some private scholarships.

All I can really do, though, is take this one day at a time. Actually, it's sort of exhillirating. I've reached the point where I have (more or less) relinquished control over planning out my life to every minute detail. I have no idea how my plans will change over the next months, days even. I'm living on the edge!

I'm considering making some celebratory cookies. Celebrating my clean room and my out of control life.

I look cooler than I am by no fault of my own.

Okay, this is post is going to be fraught with my face, prepare yourselves.

Today, I was the before and after "model" in a very loose form of the word for Cori Mensing of Moxie Hair Salon. She does hair and makeup and is so. great. And, since I'm a freelancer for Caryn who did the photos, I got an advance copy. Huahahaha! It helps to have friends in high places. Man, I'm tired. It's so exhausting to have a camera taking pictures of you all day while you sip cocktails and nibble on hors d'oeuvres.*

*none of this is true.

Here are the in progress and the afters from today. The befores are absolutely hideous or, according to my mom, "so wholesome!" Hhh.














This is the pose I'm going to use for the back cover of my autobiography and/or bestselling novel that I never intend to write.

Doesn't my hair look great?!

I can't find Moxie's site just yet (it might still be in progress. They're so new and hip.) I'll post an update later when I find it.

Eikon Photography

EDIT: Moxie's hair site is in progress but when it's up and running it'll be attached to www.moxiehome.com. Moxie also does home design. Such talent.

Graceful? No.

I rue the day I ever heard this song. Why? Let me tell you. For approximately one year I have tried to play it on the piano. It's not overly complicated. It's a fairly simple song. It's pretty. But measure 30 and 32 have signed a pact with the devil to destroy my confidence and my self esteem. My thumb refuses to find the right spot when coming out of that grace note.

I needed a good angry rant and as an only child this is my outlet.

Thank you for listening.

This is my canvas. It has taken me 3 days to make it look like a monkey splattered poo on it. Although, I have to say, I'm much prouder of this poo than its previous incarnation: a Pepto Bismol colored cloth hanging over a crooked easel. I decided to start again from square one and just paint the background.

I thought about a title for 5 minutes. No luck.

So, here's some artwork.

I'm using this one for an intaglio print in my printmaking class. I hope, hope, hope it turns out well.

Here's the rendering I did for the coffee shop. Ignore the Fred Flintstone car in the front. That is one thing I don't believe I have ever drawn in. my. life. It was sort of an "I haven't slept for a week and I have pencil shavings in my hair" situation so you've got to cut me some slack.

Neighbour is up here this weekend and today was entirely dedicated to "Twilight." Yes. It's true. I'm openly and freely admitting it to be immortalized on the Internet. Don't judge me. I thought it was a passing phase until the movie was just recently released and all of these confusing emotions started flooding in again. I am now re-reading the books and obsessively watching all the behind the scenes and special features. This will be the last I speak of this ever. Unless of course I meet and fall in love with Robert Pattinson in which case you will never hear the end.

As repayment for getting me hooked on...certain things (see above) and leaving too early today, I'm sipping more of neighbour's chai tea she left in my refrigerator. I do not. feel. guilty.

Now, I'm off to finish watching "The Mask of Zorro" and apply for some scholarships.

Thoughts and Ruminations

I'm feeling a little frazzled lately. You know the phrase, "when it rains, it pours"? Well. It seems that my financial aid package for either school I applied to isn't enough (by a long shot) so now I'm forced to frantically apply for obscure scholarships and come up with hair-brained ideas for making money on the fly.

Pile a dentist phobia and widsom teeth extraction next month on that and you've got one stressed out Ashely. Although, teeth are paling in comparison to the thought that I'll never make it to animation school. A fear that is quickly taking hold.

I've been so distracted that I grabbed the DVD remote this morning and didn't realize I had it in my hand until I was getting into the car. Then I ran into the door on the way out of the car and realized I had forgotten everything I need for class today.

I have been totally humbled by this whole situation and despite all of these goings on, I have made a decision. You know that Casting Crowns song? The one that says, "I will praise you in this storm"? The rest of that song is good too but that line is really what I keep hearing in my head. I have made a decision that even though this situation feels emotionally hopeless, I will continue to praise God through it. I'm doing it because no matter what happens to me, I know that God has a plan for this. It doesn't mean that I'm going to have the money to go to art school, it doesn't mean that I'm going to be an animator one day, but it means that whatever happens, it will be within God's perfect will. I would rather be there than Sarasota, Florida or Laguna Beach, California.

It doesn't mean I'm going to stop trying to go to these places but I will find joy in the Lord no matter where I am. I'm realistic enough to know that I'm not always going to feel like it but it's where my heart needs to be.

The Appliances are Revolting.

We have had the same toaster for literally my entire life. Lately, it's been a little on the fritz. By fritz I mean when we go to unplug it, the cord and the prong parts are almost too hot to touch. I've been saying for months, "Mom, we really need a new toaster, either one of us is going to get electrocuted or it's going to burn the house down." She always waves me off and says, "But I like this toaster! It's cute and retro!" Rarely am I ever proven right in these situations.

Today I was electrocuted by the "cute and retro" toaster.

Okay so electrocuted is perhaps too drastic a word. Shocked, maybe? Melted flesh? Yes. That's more accurate.

I had a craving for some waffles this morning, so I plugged it in. Nothing. I went to unplug it to try again and suddenly, right where I grabbed it, I heard a crack, saw a bolt of flame followed by a sizzle of what was surely my flesh. I had an instantaneous flashback to my chemistry lab only there was pain attached that didn't belong in the original memory. I have a blackened thumb to prove the whole ordeal. I had to trip all the breaker switches in the house just to unplug Mr. Cute and Retro because we couldn't find the one labeled "kitchen".

This in and of itself is sort of a big deal but lately my (very important) straightener works only when it feels like it, my laptop plug practically broke itself into 4 pieces (lie: I broke it with my stupidity), the lightbulb in my room just burned out, the garage light doesn't come on but looks a little like it sparks and the radio in our car went dead yesterday. Have I done something to offend you, Technology? Are you exacting some sort of revenge? All I've ever done was love you! Sure, I may yank you out by your cord every once in a while but only when I'm in a hurry. What's next? Is my blow dryer going to detonate in my face? Is my alarm going to choke me in my sleep?!

I feel like there's a low budget horror movie buried somewhere in here. Man. I long for the 19th century when the only thing you had to worry about were lanterns catching the house on fire.

Wagons, what are they good for?

I've fallen off the wagon. And when I say "fell" I mean I fell off the wagon, dragged behind the wagon for a while and landed in the mud in which I am now wallowing. In the past two days I have had four hazelnut lattes and man. This stuff is good. I think my attempt to quit has intensified the addiction.

I have to say, I don't even feel guilty. I'm not guilty because I know I can quit for at least a week if I had to. Baby steps. But since it appears this once a week thing makes me savor the latte even more, I think I'm going make this a thing.

Well, I'm going to go savor. It's my last one until next week(ish).

Cut From the Same Cloth

Recently, neighbour posted on her blog why I'm her best friend. This is why she is mine:

An email I received after being incommunicado all day (more about why later)...

Dear Ashely,

I need you to ease me through the day. i have had no coffee OR chai and only two cups of passion (noncaffeinated) tea. for lunch i had fries and a burger at McDonald's :( :( :( because it is cheap and fast, and i just consumed 2 Reese's cups and a bag of m&ms. i am debating getting coffee or razzles or SOMETHING but only because I CANNOT BELIEVE IT IS ONLY 2:47.

HELP.

Your friend,

Anneliese

Sob. She's just as crazy as me.

The reason I was moderately unreachable today was because I was on a photoshoot! Camera in hand! I'm fairly sure the first half of the shots were blurry and a third were under exposed but it was fun anyway. Between Caryn and I we took about 1,000 photos. We were very conspicuous in town with our massive cameras and little high school caddy who came along to learn about photography. I felt very official. I liked it. I might do it again.

BIG. DEAL.

There has been all kinds of shenanigans going on since last we spoke. Actually, just one kind of shenanigan: I haven't bought coffee since Thursday. Can you believe it?! I can't. This is big. Chances are this streak is going to end today and if not today then certainly tomorrow but still. Big news. But with this big news comes some awkwardness because I have to bring my coffee to school which means I wave and say good morning to my favorite barrista but inconspicuously, obviously don't go get coffee.

It's my favorite time of year on campus. The trees are in full bloom. Last year, they looked like this.
I'll see about taking some pictures again this year. I have about a two day window before they all shrivel up and die and leave our campus once again a poor, barren wasteland.

Success!

Yesterday I got a phone call from my adviser at Laguna College of Art and Design saying I had been admitted and to expect an acceptance package in the mail. Along with a pretty decent Merit Award. Woohoo!

So now, the praying begins. I mean, I've been praying all along, but the intensity has been ramped up. I allowed myself a few days of just basking in the thought that all my day dreams might actually happen one day but the time has come for thoughts of other things. Like shoes and ships and sealing wax. Wait. No.

Financial Aid.

P.S. When my adviser called she asked for Ashely and I said, "This is she."

This phrase has always baffled me and have never actually used it in real life. I felt like an actress from the 40s with the rolling of the "r"s and the fluttering of the eyelashes and the big long cigarettes.

[Witty Title]

Tuesdays and Thursdays are becoming a little less painful.



Ever since that Ringling thing happened yesterday I've been thinking/dreaming/doing art just about 100% of the time. I. Love. It.

Life in Pictures

Dudes.

I checked the mail today.

I have been accepted to the highly competitive (haughty, pretentious laugh) computer animation program at Ringling School of Art and Design. Holy Cannoli.

P.S. I have new hair

P.P.S. Right after I got my acceptance package (and I do mean package) I got commissioned to do a rendering of a coffee kiosk in a business park. If the proposal is accepted I get free coffee every day for a year. I think I can handle that.

Tuesdays are for Painting

I will beat painting down with a blunt stick. A BLUNT STICK.

HONK!

Remember back at the beginning of the year? One of my New Year's resolutions was to learn an obscure instrument? Well, we've had this cheapo Irish tin whistle laying around the house for months and today I decided to pick it up. I have images of Riverdance and blonde, frizzy women jumping up and down on a smokey stage. Eh, anyway, the point is: I'm going to learn it and get good. I might even play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star for you if you leave nice and encouraging comments and say good things about my hair (thanks Carissa).


Actually, I mean, I don't want to toot my own horn here (pun!!) but I can already play one line of a Lord of the Rings song. I know, I know. Bask in my awesomeness, all of you.

Post Numba Two!

Admit it, it's true.

Tick

My professor picks up the painting and pretends one side weighs a lot. She points to the offending element, "Ashely," she says, "It's really heavy."
"But Marisa," I say, "I'm breaking the rules of composition." Hhh, clearly.
She sort of rolls her eyes and gives me a look, "Well, yeah, but the point is to make it work."

Thank you for your honesty.

Composition aside, I'm getting better, no? I feel kind of like I'm ready to get serious about painting.



My mom and I are sitting silently in the living room, waiting for our totally awesome new pendulum clock to chime. The first minute of ticking was kind of peaceful. Like a heartbeat. The longer I sit here though...tick tick, tick tick, tick tick, TICK TICK TICK TICK TICK TICKTICKTIKCK!!!!!!!

I'm afraid when I inherit this clock, it will be going somewhere far away from my bedroom.