| A wanderlust portfolio |
[Feb. 11th, 2008|10:46 pm] |
Hello there! First things first, the temperature in Vegas has been oh so delightful this past week. It is such a delight to walk outside the restaurant for a few minutes as I wait the patio tables. So fresh, so crisp, so... NOT humid at all. If Vegas can boast one great thing, is it's weather (for the grand exception of the month July, *shudder*). Once Spring or Fall rolls along, you never feel guilty for staying home on a lovely Saturday afternoon, 'cause you know the next will be just as nice.
That is exactly how I felt this first great weekend of 2008, because I became a hermit as I redesigned, rather extravagantly, my professional portfolio. Gone are the distracting bold colors and patterns. Instead, this new design reflects my current school of sophistication. Besides, my images are obnoxiously bright and colorful enough. They speak a thousands loud songs by themselves.
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So please, I invite you to hop on to my little corner of the world and provide me with any suggestions, glitches, whatevers before I complete the DESIGN section of the 'folio.
Secondly, I'd like to share with y'all this most fantabulous video my good friend Jo sent my way, a friend in need of a sign, of inspiration, of excitement. So many of my friends, including yours truly, are riding this unstable wave of utter confusion. Quarter-life crisis, they call it, those other friends who discuss life's issues around the watercooler or over Grey's Anatomy while sitting in the sofa with their spouse. Those friends who seem to have it all figured out.
We don't have it all figured out because we have so many darn options, and the notion of chilling in bed seems more appealing than thinking, that we don't exactly know where the times will take us next. So we appear to be in limbo. We ain't. We're here. We're just different.
Wouldn't it be marvelous to pack two pairs of jeans, four or five t-shirts, good shoes, deodorant, toothbrush, underwear, a jacket, a journal, a camera, a wallet with ID, passport, some money and whatever other essentials you might need and just...GO. Where? Who knows. But just GO. I'm still fuming about my car having died before embarking on my super road trip from good ol Georgia to exciting Vegas last summer, leaving me no option but to fly out here. Ugh. I wanted to see Graceland!
When 2008 began (and I'm sorry I'm babbling by this point), I said this would be my JUST DO IT year. The emoness and insecurity of 2007 are buried and I learned from them. To my surprise, I've already DONE IT. There are photographic opportunities happening in the next few months, am improving my health and beauty (yay for laser hair removal and learning how to put eyeliner on!), my kindred spirit Sarita from Canada and I are starting an Earth-shattering zine (we're also musing the idea of a road trip. I say, begone with musing! Let's do it!). And who knows... maybe this will be the year of Star Magnolia, who knows.
About 8-ish months ago, my ex-roommate and I moved away from Savannah, Georgia to our respective destinations. We took baby steps. Scary and relieving baby steps. This year, we will run. Hopefully, won't trip along the way, we're kinda clumsy like that. And hopefully there will be lots of cupcakes along the way, too mmmm cupcakes.
But yeah, this is to my Tamara, to my Janice, to my Sarita, to my Jo, to my Rafa, to my Gregory Harold, to my Agmar, to my Siegfried (love how I've mentioned two ex-boyfriends of mine), to my Heather, to my Tuberculosis Brennan... heck, I dunno, who else is lost and confused and so happy to not fall prey to life's monotony? lol Well join me as I raise my... bottle of Arrowhead water (where's my damn whisky at) in honor of our respective quarter-life crisis and all the stories we shall tell to our grandchildren (or nephews for those of us who cringe at the thought of children).
ROCK ON.
WOw I just wasted like an hour or so of my life writing this and watching hilarious Picard YTNMDs.
Thirty minutes after originally writing this entry on my blog, I found a fortune cookie slip from a few days ago (I keep ALL of them). The message written is: You will take a pleasant journey to a place far away". Well look at that, huh. |
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| Sophisticated art and thrifts |
[Feb. 2nd, 2008|11:40 pm] |
For reasons unknown, my art has taken a rather sophisticated but whimsy approach in the past year or so. I'm unsure why, seeing as I've never ever been sophisticated. My mother still yearns for the day when I act like an actual lady. Sorry mami, not gonna happen.
A few weeks ago (or months, can't remember) I began to sketch a series featuring a very sophisticated Victorian bird in her meanderings around the world. This... is The Bird and her Headdress.
I enjoyed drawing these, perhaps I shall illustrate the rest sometime soon before the Bird decides to leave my life.
This quaint little brooch was finished in December and I love it very very much. ^_^
Mirror, sauces and glass jars all thrifted. Camera certainly NOT thrifted. At all.
The little beings that inhabit my life. Thrifted wooden house with figurines I've collected over the years. ^_^
That's enough for today. Must go to bed. |
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| I love textile design |
[Feb. 2nd, 2008|11:22 pm] |
Ohh how much fun I am having designing patterns and the such. I guess maybe I miss school. You know, the whole learning part. Which I didn't do much of.
I kid, I kid.
Anyways, been learning more about textile design. So I decided to give one of my patterns a try on actual fabric. And here it is. I missed block printing so bad.
I'm not a big fan of red, but I couldn't help it this time. The pattern is inspired by my love of heirloom tomatos :D
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| Miss me much??? |
[Jan. 25th, 2008|04:00 pm] |
WHY HELLO THERE Live Journal friends! How are y'all doing today? Happy new year and all that fun stuff.
For some odd reason, Firefox crashes when I try to access LJ, so I hadn't been able to post since Thor knows when. So now I'm using Safari for LJ. You'll be able to read about my fantastically wonderful confusing life even more. I know y'all missed that.
I do have another blog, what I call my "real" blog. It's Star Crafty and it is hot bananas y'all.
Okay that's all. Please tell me what has been going on in y'alls lives! |
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| Beginning 2008 |
[Jan. 25th, 2008|03:45 pm] |
Originally posted on Star Crafty on January 23 2008
Images from a lovely wedding I photographed late November
Psst. Hello there. Miss me much? I've been around. My mother and cousin have been visiting us since December 31st and will be leaving today. That explains my harrowing absence from the net.
I feel like 2008 has not yet started for me and come tomorrow a whole lot of planning and thinking will commence.
And I am scared.
Will I stay in Vegas past June? If not, where will I move? How will I fund this move? Will I finish the textile portfolio in time before The Company begins its hiring process in February? Should I even apply for a 9 to 5 job, even though it would be a fantastic opportunity? Should I even bother to open a small etsy shop these next few months before AND IF I get hired? Should I just follow my dream and forego any scenario that will further delay my Star Magnolia?
I tell ya. These are tough times! Thankfully I had lots of fun (and excessive Puerto Rican food) these past 3 weeks. I will miss my Mom in the kitchen (lol) and my cousin's randomness. :(
From tomorrow on, I will submerge myself in textile books and my serving job. It's going to be EXTREEEEEEEEME.
In the meantime, VOTE RON PAUL 2008!
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| Holiday Cupcakes |
[Jan. 25th, 2008|03:44 pm] |
Originally posted on Star Crafty on December 27 2007
For my third attempt at baking cupcakes, I actually used an electric mixer. Gasp! Yes, the thing was lying around the kitchen for months and I had no idea! So I used it. And this time, the result was MUCH BETTER. Very little mess. Sadly. I like flour messes.
They were quite the hit at my friend's Christmas dinner. Oh and finally own a cake stand! How quaint!
I smell dainty little postcards on the way!!!
Oh and can I just say how FANTASTIC Heidi Klum looks in the new Project Runway?? Like, good lord woman!
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| An end of the year analysis... meme |
[Jan. 25th, 2008|03:42 pm] |
Originally posted on Star Crafty on December 25 2007.
1. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
Moved out of Savannah. I dressed up for Halloween. Moved across country.
2. Did you keep your New Years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
Not much of a Resolution person. Planning gives you dandruff. But I attempted to learn French. Didn't quite work out. But I did move out of Savannah.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Nidia and Viviana and Minnie, oh babies galore!... oh wait, Viviana gave birth last year. Oh well, still!
4. Did anyone close to you die?
Thankfully no.
5. What countries did you visit?
Does San Diego and Raleigh count as countries? No? Well then no, I stayed in the good ol' USA.
6. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
A more defined view of where my next two years should go. An apartment of my own (oh it would be so lovely decorated). A boyfriend. Knee-high boots.
7. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory?
Saturday, June 9th - moved to Vegas.
Thursday, May 10th - day I met him.
Tuesday, August 6th - day my Savannah crafty article came out! (Click for a condensed version of article)
Saturday, March 17th - Cynthia and JOhnny's wedding!
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
 
Moved away from Savannah, as much as I loved it. Got over the heartache of moving away from Savannah. Photographed two lovely weddings.
9. What was your biggest failure?
What I thought to be a failure (moving to Vegas) as turned out to be quite a blessing.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Just my annual lovely stomach flu. OH I CANT WAIT!!!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
 
BRAND NEW SONATA!!!! Oh and an awesome new lens that hopefully will arrive next week. A wonderful cosmopolitan winter coat for only $9.99 at a thrift store. My knee-high boots. And billions of cupcakes, mmmm.
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
I'm gonna be a little selfish and say me. Life right after I moved to Vegas became horrible. But I was wrong and I overcame the emoness. Also, JANICE! Moving away from the comfort zone that is living with her parents. Good luck to you my darling!
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Most of the staff at America Restaurant. Ugh.
14. Where did most of your money go?
 
Cupcakes. By the thousands. mmmm oh and knee-high boots. And gas. And craft supplies.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
I was REALLY REALLY REALLY REALLY pumped about driving all the way from Georgia to Vegas. How amazing would it be to see America. But... my rusty ol' '95 Civic died two weeks before moving. So I had to fly in. Not as exciting, I must say. I got excited about him, as well. Oh well.
16. What song/album will always remind you of 2007?
1,2,3,4 - by my darling Feist.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
1. Happier or sadder? WAY happier. LAst year was Senior year at college. Not my best moments.
2. Thinner or fatter? Um, I think I'm the same. I lost weight when I moved here. But then regained the pounds with a healthy diet of lots of walnuts and fruits mmmm
3. Richer or poorer? Ha. Actually I'm a bit richer. But that's cuz I don't have to pay rent. SUCKAZZZ.
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
Travel, always. Read, always. Learn French.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Crying and shit. Pointless.
20. How will you be spending/did you spend Christmas?
At Karin's!!!! And maybe hang out with other people. Wreak havoc around Vegas, hopefully.
21. Who did you spend the most time on the phone with?
Most definitely my mother, she calls every two minutes.
22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
I fell into something. What that was, I will never know.
23. How many one night stands in this last year?
Does a five night stand qualify?
24. What was your favourite TV programme?
Lost, Heroes, Planet Earth (ohhh the undersea creatures episode, HOW BEAUTIFUL!)
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Nahhhh, hatin' takes too much of my time.
26. What was the best book(s) you read?
-Slightly out of focus - Robert Capa memoirs. I love this man. Also, the book I was reading right when I met him.
-On the Road - Kerouac. Had to read it before my big roadtrip adventure that never happened.
-Star Wars: Legacy of the Force: Inferno - Aaron Allston. Chapter 11 > everything.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Feist! Feist! Feist! I heard Feist for the very first time on Sunday, April 7th, 2007 around 1pm on our (Greg, Ness and Brandon) way to Gelattohs after a night of celebrating my 25th birthday. I couldn't have asked for a better gift. This is probably one of my favorite memories of 2007. Feist made that exhausting Summer a little bit calmer, a little bit happier as I would drive back home at midnight from a yet another horrible day at work. I'd sing 1,2,3,4 at the top of my lungs, and I still do, even though now things are much much much better. But when that song comes on, I feel like a little tear of intense happiness wants to escape my eye and join the air and the clouds and all that is fantastic in this world. Yeah, that's what Feist has meant to me this year.
28. What did you want and get?
Brand new car!!!! Knee-high boots! (It's funny, but last year I filled out this very same survey, and I kept mentioning over and over how ecstatic I was about having bought my cute Seychelle shoes for my graduation. hehe). Awesome Winter coat! A kitchen island! Awesomeness!
29. What did you want and not get?
Well my clone is still, regrettably, on back order for almost a year now.
30. What were your favourite films of this year?
- The Sound of Music - I still have to write my review about this lovely movie. Another thing that kept me sane during my move here.
- Cabaret - I know, I know. Old movies. But I saw them for the first time this year.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
Quarter-century, and I believe I already explained my awesome birthday.
32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Let's see. There's always that whole clone fiasco. A lil bit more money is always good. If Agmar would have come here for Xmas. If Janice had come here in September. If he had returned my feelings. If I would have driven to Vegas. If I hadn't left my AWESOME 50s dining table behind in Savannah. If I could make better cupcakes!
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
OMG this has been my year in fashion. Y'all should see how I dress. As Agmar would describe it, I resemble a Skittles. mmm skittles. But yeah, I've played around with mixing clothes and thrift shopping. Sooooo much fun!
34. What kept you sane?
My mother (though at times she does the opposite. Like when she calls me to tell me some insignificant matter... when it's freakin 5AM here in Vegas. Apparenly she fails to comprehend the concept of a 4 hour difference in time zone). Feist. Agmar. Pedro. My crafts. My camera. My internets. My Sarah. My little Jacie. WHisky.
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
Still Justin Timberlake. MM MMM MM MMM
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
The upcoming elections. I registered as a Republican just for Dr. Ron Paul.
37. Who did you miss?
EVERYTHING AND ANYTHING SAVANNAH.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
Him. Oh and Gregory Harold! I met you on New Year's Eve, but that still counts. I met my Gryphonites late December, but became very good friends with them in 2007, so I guess that might count as well.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007.
What seems like heartache now is a blessing later. Electric mixers are NECESSARY for baking.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year?
Sittin' in the mornin' sun
I'll be sittin' when the evenin' come
Watching the ships roll in
And then I watch 'em roll away again, yeah
I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooo, I'm just sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time
I left my home in Georgia
Headed for the 'Frisco bay
'Cause I've had nothing to live for
And look like nothin's gonna come my way
So I'm just gonna sit on the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Ooo, I'm sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time
Look like nothing's gonna change
Everything still remains the same
I can't do what ten people tell me to do
So I guess I'll remain the same, yes
Sittin' here resting my bones
And this loneliness won't leave me alone
It's two thousand miles I roamed
Just to make this dock my home
Now, I'm just gonna sit at the dock of the bay
Watching the tide roll away
Oooo-wee, sittin' on the dock of the bay
Wastin' time
I TAG EVERYBODY!!!! |
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| I am AWESOME at baking. |
[Nov. 22nd, 2007|10:54 pm] |
I hope y'all had a wonderful Thanksgiving day, surrounded by family or friends or co-workers or pounds and pounds of rebellious flour.
As was I, on Wednesday (had to work on Thursday). I am happy to report that I successfully cooked my very first turkey, Puerto Rican style, with the neurotic guide of my mother on the phone (wow, phone bill this month will be astronomical). It was DELICIOUS! Like, I'm not kidding you! MMMMMMMMMM
While that fantastic 13 pound was cooking its glorious self, I was baking sweet little cupcakes. This is the second time I've attempted to make them. First time... well, it wasn't quite the success I was hoping. They improved the second time around, and I will not rest until they are as delicious (or close to) as Back in the Day Bakery's out-of-this-world cupcakes. There's just one challenging obstacle in my way...
I suck at baking. I am the ultimate suck. Evidence can be seen in the images below.
Flour is rebellious. It is also hard to take off of your hot pants. But I hear white flour stains are making a comeback in fashion next season.
This is the ground level of the disastrous mess I left in the kitchen.
But in the end, the cupcakes came out allright. Not life-altering, but for the moment, it brought my little soul to happier times.
HELLO THERE PRETTY CUPCAKE!!!! Must say, the frosting is KILLER! mmmmm! I might just eat it by itself like I did the first time. mmmm
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| If you like making love at midnight... |
[Nov. 16th, 2007|10:49 pm] |
Why yes, Rupert Holmes, I do very much like making love at midnight AND also getting caught in the rain. But most of all, yes yes yes I do like pina colada. A whole lot. So much that I've been thinking endlessly about it for days and days and days until my heart couldn't take it any longer and bought me some sweet Bacardi rum, pineapple juice, Coco Lopes and...
I made pina colada!!!!!!! For the first time EVER. I am very proud of myself. VERY. The very dangerous part of this whole ordeal is that a full bottle of Bacardi Rum lies in my kitchen silently calling out to me in the middle of the night. But that's okay.
I'd like to illustrate how big my pina colada glass is. It's very huge.
That's me twirling abouts the giant glass. And that's a deSert rabbit. They're everywhere around here and every time I see one I yell, OH BUNNY WABBIT!!!11one!!! in a VERY high pitched voice.
Yes.
I am tipsy.
I love it.
I am drinking by myself.
I'd give anything to be sipping this pina colada with great friends and the promise of more alcohol.
*sigh*
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| Loot of dreams |
[Nov. 4th, 2007|08:51 pm] |
Finally found a very good fabric store here in Vegas. Actually, it's just outside Vegas on Boulder City (The city that built Hoover Dam). All the cottons were just so lovely! Oh and you could find lots of glass jars full of old buttons arranged by color. Not to mention lace and fantastic rick rack. I was swooned, needless to say. Unto the pictures!!
LOVE!
So lovely and Sunday-like.
Still creating patterns of my own. Tres fun!
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| Is it wrong... |
[Oct. 28th, 2007|11:39 pm] |
...that I, Amy Nieto, have the day of my earth-shattering wedding visualized and planned down to the T, when I don't even have a male member of the homo sapiens species to marry?
What's that you say? It's normal for a girl to dream about her wedding day, even though it might never happen? Oh good, then I don't feel so stupid!
For as long as I remember (perhaps since I was 13 in 1995) the only setting I can imagine for my wedding is somewhere near a body of water, in this case, the beach (as in Ocean, not as in lake). I was born and raised on an island, for me the Ocean represents Eternity, which is what I want to spend with him. There's just nowhere else I can picture this day, the place that fills my heart with the strongest of joys. Ten thousand points extra if it's in my darling Puerto Rico, at one of the seaside hotels on the West side ('cause dats where its at, y'all!).
First things first, the ring. Y'all have seen it before, because I kinda mention it on every single entry I write (yes, I know first things first is the husband-to-be, but that hasn't happened yet, so.. whatevs*).
The dress.  Asphyxiating fluffiness and romantic elegance has no place at a beach...or does it. If the bride is Amy Nieto, why yes it does. Picture this beauty {from Martha Stewart Magazine Fall 07}, but knee-length. This a is beach wedding, so of course I will wear a bathing suit underneath. The real kick of it all is, the dress is actually a wrap, the giant flower will hide the closure. Once the ceremony is over (and three whiskies have made their way to my stomach), on to the water!! Me being a fervent hater of veils (HATE THEM), I would opt for a flower headpiece. How lovely would a gentle magnolia look on my wavy sun-kissed hair, as a homage to my past life as a Southern girl? *swoon* {Second Runner up: that vibrant lime green on the bottom left. Third runner up: Deliciously flamboyant {image from Elegant Bride via Brooklyn Bride)}
Just imagine this with magnolias cascading down set amidst the sand, the Sea and waves of love. All of you are aware of my disturbing fascination (ahem, obsession) with cupcakes, so it's no wonder my "cake" will be composed of levels and levels of delicious cupcakes made by my darling Cheryl Day from Back in the Day Bakery, my favorite bakery in the entire world located in Savannah, Georgia (picture this, now tell me you didn't drool just right there).
The main courses will be a combination of yummy Puerto Rican food and grilled food. mmmmmmm. Oh and lots of alcohol. Like lots, because God knows I'll be drunk all throughout. And I honestly want other to do the same, for I want embarrassing wedding stories to tell my grandchildren. Oh yes.
Also, there will be no throwing of the garter or bouquet, for the simple obvious reason that by the time I get hitched, ALL my girlfriends will have been married, divorced, remarried, knocked up, remarried, divorced...ten times over. TRUST ME. (Plus, I think it's one of those stupid wedding traditions that force a little bit of vomit to make its way to my mouth).
After discussing these dream weddings with my cousin, we concluded that our weddings really don't resemble weddings at all. They're basically beach parties where two people just happen to be joining their lives in holy matrimony. For reals. We're Puerto Rican. All we need is music, food and alcohol, we don't need nothing snazzy. Which is why I want a lo-budget (lo-fi?) wedding, that will allow me to spend thousands upon thousands of dollars on airline tickets to fly all my friends and family in. That's all I want. The loveliest people of my life, celebrating a day of joy by the Ocean.
Or we could just screw it all, buy a plasma TV and travel the world for a few months. Now that sounds more like Amy, doesn't it!!**
* So last week my ever-neurotic mother called me to inform me that she had the same dream twice that week. I was walking the streets of a certain city I used to live in, arm in arm with the most handsome, tall, blond man she'd ever seen. I seemed to be the happiest girl, without a care in the world, in the arms of this mysterious man. And he shared the same joy. I had to bit my lips in order to keep myself from yelling I KNOW HIM! I KNOW HIM!. Oh silly mother of mine, does she not know Brad Pitt doesn't live in Savannah? Silly silly.
*sigh*
** But I would still love to wear that fabulous dress up there. Pretty please? |
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| Repeat Pattern Design |
[Oct. 18th, 2007|12:45 pm] |
Life works in mysterious ways. Five years ago I never would have imagined I'd be practicing repeat pattern design for textiles. But here I am, drawing and sketching and playing with Illustrator. Don't you sometimes wonder where you will be or what you will be doing in 10 years? I cannot even imagine what my life will be like. After all, five years ago I was drawing storyboards and shooting short films for my first film class ever. In a way, both fields are not all that dissimilar. You write a story, you storyboard it (always storyboard, my friends, it is one of the best film tools you'll ever need) and then you shoot it. You draw a motif, turn it over/upside down/half-drop, take it to Illustrator and then print it on whatever surface it is intended for.
The only difference is textile designers might not ever experience the heavenly pleasure of having Joan Rivers ask you WHO ARE YOU WEARING. Oh well, a small thing to sacrifice.
All that crap being said, I present to you Amy Nieto's FIRST EVER REPEAT PATTERN DESIGN. EVER. So, bear with me if it's crappy or you've seen it before or whatever. What I am focusing right now is in the process of developing a motif into a pattern. I am also learning about some history of textiles and hopefully play with natural dyes (already bought a box of Earl Grey).
Below, Seawaves is based on the Ocean, water drops, fishies and marine awesomeness. For more colorways click the "more" link at the very bottom of the post.
I am a big supporter of polka dots, so I played a little bit with the colors and where each row was placed resulting in different patterns.
( Read more... ) |
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| Ducks and golfclubs |
[Oct. 18th, 2007|12:45 am] |
Wow, it's only 32 past midnight and I'm super sleepy. That's what happens when you wake up with the Sun at 7:30 everyday for work. And mind you, my shift starts at 10Am but I am SOOOOOOO slow getting ready in the morning (and any other time, really), I need to set my alarm two hours and a half before. Sad, huh.
Oh, I'm sorry dear blog, I hadn't mentioned that I started a new job only three weeks ago. I am now a server at a restaurant inside a golf club. It's got a nice view of ducks and mountains and the City and it's a whole lot more rad than that horrible place I worked at before. Ugh.
Anyways, I began designing the website for Star Magnolia. It's still very work in progress, but what do y'all think so far?
View wide here.
Man, I do need to plunge into my bed. so.sleepy.
Also, Colbert '08!!! |
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| $1500 well bloody spent |
[Oct. 14th, 2007|09:04 pm] |
To snap silly self-portraits. Go me.
:P
Regardless, I love love my puffy, hideously beautiful 80's prom dress.
This is me fake-sewing. It's very much like sewing. Except when it's not (notice the price tag still on the dress).
I love backlit photographs, so I took advantage of the glow of my dress. I look mysterious and dangerous and slightly hungry. mmm ice cream. Oh also, my necklace!!
Steve Nick's Gypsy comes to mind when I look at this photograph below (I love my Stevie).
Yeap, $1500 very well spent, I must say. Cheerioh. |
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| Discovering a land of gold and music |
[Oct. 11th, 2007|11:23 pm] |
I believe I have declared my love for Feist loud and clear several times on my blog. From the moment I heard Mushaboom on the Sunday afternoon after my 25th birthday in April on my way to Gelatt-ohs with Brandon, Nessy (with her tiny hands sticking outside the sunroof caressing the Southern air) and the Gregster on the wheel, I knew I would fall in love with this radiant music forever. Feist's music, words and enchanting voice have soothed me in these months of confusion.
From listening to Feist I earned a little bonus in the form of another great musical act: Broken Social Scene. Now, I know I am way late in the game, most of y'all are already in love with them. But I just recently found out (few months ago). And honestly, honestly, honestly, this video below is one of the most beautiful, endearingly dizzying imagery I've ever seen.
Feist guest sang for Broken Social Scene a few short years ago, her voice adds an exciting layer to the ambient rock the band members produce. When I listen to their music, for some odd reason, I feel like driving up to the Ocean just before sunrise, when the darkness sadly whispers her last words of Victorian elegance and the waves welcome a new era of light and life.*
But by then I'll be gone.
More videos with Feist and bandmember Kevin Drew dueling so fantastically:
Oh and this is Feist singing Lover's Spit live with Kevin on the piano. MESMERIZING.
I can't wait to have a little bit more cash so I can purchase their records. Fantastic fantastic.
* Damn, I miss being a filmmaker.
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| 100 wildflowers of 2007 |
[Oct. 6th, 2007|01:49 am] |
Worked on the Star Magnolia logo a wee bit more last night again. If you need a reminder, these are the first sketches. Suggestions are always welcome!
Reading Allyson's (a most amazing blogger, please pay her a visit!) 100 snippets of herself reminded me of the last time I compiled a list like this. 2002, I believe. I sailed (okay, flew) to America (United States) on this year, September 15th, to be exact. I have never looked back, never regretted it.
So here it is, A 100 Wildflowers of 2007:
100) I just baked cupcakes for the very first time yesterday
099) I am huge huge huge Star Wars fan. BY huge, I mean obsessive huge.
098) I have been a music video director in my mind when I close my eyes for the past 14 years.
097) Am looking forward to the Fall season
096) I sleep in my undies
095) Love it when i see people dancing or singing at the top of their lungs during rush hour in their car. I do the same.
094) Between 1993 and 1996 I used to compile a weekly top 10 countdown of my favorite songs for that specific week. If I remember correctly, Sheryl Crow's All I wanna do held the #1 spot the longest.
093) Guns 'N' Roses changed my life in 1992
092) I peel off the skin on my fingers, gross, I know
091) I love cats
090) I've never owned a pet
089) I DESPISE small, hairy dogs. Like the Yorkies, or Maltese. They gross me out.
088) I've always wished I was 5'7' tall. I Stand 5'5'.
087) For my 6th birthday I got my California Dreams Barbie
086) I stopped playing with Barbies on May of 1993.
085) A month later I read my very first novel in the English language, it was Star Wars: Heir to the Empire
084) Hate the feeling of long nails.
083) I have my wedding day planned out (beach wedding!!!)
082) Janice and I have been bestest friends since September/October 1997.
081) I hate pooping. I really do. lol
080) I pray at night. Never in the morning. I think God understands my fantastic lovely mood when I wake up.
079) If you give me some sort of number along with your name, I will remember you. Otherwise, I'll never remember your name. I'm good with numbers like that.
078) I rode a jet-ski for the first (and only) time when I was 9 years old. It was meh.
077) My awesome father abandoned us on my first day of kindergarten, 20 years ago.
076) Often wonder if this has in any way created some sort of trauma that has affected the way I interact with men. But then I get sidetracked with blogging or cupcakes so I forget all abou---OOOH BALLOONS!!!!
075) The smell of lilies is an aphrodisiac for me. It's one of the most amazing smells.
074) I was a CK1 girl for almost 10 years.
073) I love a good, even shower head. Uneven streaks of water DRIVE ME INSANE.
072) My body is very flexible. Amazingly, not even this will get me dates.
071) My cousin Agmar is like the most awesome person to ever have lived. Like ever. She's a year older than me and used to defend me after both getting in trouble when we were little girls.
070) When we're sleepy we laugh like absolute retards.
069) For almost 15 years I have secretly wanted to be an actress. But I rather let Agmar do the acting and I'll do the directing.
068) I am extremely talented.
067) But also horribly insecure.
066) I cannot roll the Rs in my Spanish Language.
065) I was born and raised in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico.
064) There is nothing I hate the most than when it's cold and you have to pee. It intensifies the pain.
063) Am trying to be more green. Recycling is a bit hard, though. When you have the attention spa---OOOH CUPCAKES!!
062) Love the way watercolor drawings look. Sometimes I think those blotches that form on the paper are the most beautiful things you'll ever see.
061) I used to play Sonic the Hedgehog on my brother's Sega Genesis like a maniac back in 1992
060) Morning lighting is heavenly
059) I love having Sundays off. Doesn't happen often as I work in the restaurant industry.
058) Which I'm getting sick of.
057) I hate going to clubs. Mostly because there will always be some idiot who will want to dance with me no matter how many times i punch him in the face.
056) Bars are my crowd. Especially ones with a jukebox and peanuts.
055) I love drinking alcohol. love love love beer
054) I still think about him every single day, every single minute, every second.
053) I have a very deep voice.
052) Also have far too much facial hair than I'd like to have.
051) I swear I'm a girl, dear blog readers.
050) Michael J Fox was my first celebrity crush back in 89.
049) Remember the scene when the DeLorean first flies off towards the end of the first Back to the Future? My brother would rewind that part and watch it over and over and over.... and over and over and over again.
048) My brother is the sole reason why I am such a damn geek. Thanks a bunch, dork.
047) I used to go through bouts of social anxiety.
046) Even though I am a quiet person, I laugh REALLY loud.
045) I dislike roses. Especially red roses. They don't do it for me. Lilies, daisies, tulips, pretty little flowers...and this flower here...and this beauty here do it for me.
044) I cannot sing for the life of me after drinking coke.
043) I have a fear of singing in public.
042) A few beers and a slammin' kareoke machine usually fixes that problem.
041) I love flowing sheer fabrics.
040) John Galliano is my love affair.
039) I say AWESOME like it's going to run out soon.
038) This list is AWESOME.
037) The Atlantic Ocean is the blood that runs through my veins
036) I am wanderlust
035) When I was 5 years old I had a bizarre fascination with Australia. I would point out to my mother that if we moved to the northernmost tip of the island-continent we would be as warm as Puerto Rico because it is as far from the Ecuator. I had it all planned out. We would herd sheep and... and do other Australian-y things.
034) I was a very weird child.
033) My brother had a world globe and God knows how I loved that thing. I would run my little fingers across the Alps, feel Mount Everest and ponder where could Atlantis have been in ancient times.
032) Again, I was a weird child.
031) Mayaguez is about two hours West of San Juan (our capital). Some of the greatest moments of my life have happened while entering the great city of San Juan. The same happiness I would feel spinning the globe, I'd feel it looking at all these tall, tall buildings for miles and miles till we reached Grandpa's fantastic penthouse apartment just 3 minutes away from the Atlantic. And from the porch by his bedroom, I could see the entire skyline. Time seemed to stop. And I'd imagine myself skipping over the buildings and wondering how people in the Big City lived and were they different from me, small town girl? To this very day, 20-odd years later, I am still fascinated with skylines and I still skip over them, hoping to ask people inhabiting them, how does it feel?
030) Tangents are like, my BFF.
029) I sometimes truly despise cellphones.
028) Stand up comedy makes my day. Any day.
027) I love tape.
026) but not the red kind.
025) Xfiles is my favorite show of all bloody time.
024) This is probably the best scene ever caught on film. EVER.
023) If I weren't an artist, I'd be an anthropologist. Or an astrophysicist.
022) Astronomy is AWESOME.
021) I believe in life outside this planet.
020) I went to Catholic K-12 school.
019) I hate religions, I like to worship God/Cosmic Spirit without the need of a third party thankyouverymuch. Truly dislike people who believe more in the Bible than they do in the Message (big difference in both, trust me).
018) I have chronic arachnophobia.
017) I have been dumped by the only two boyfriends I've ever had, respectively. Neither lasted more than 9 months. I rock at relationships.
016) Been using the web since 1994. I cannot remember life prior to that. Do you?
015) I absolutely love Kate Winslet.
014) I want her to marry Ewan McGregor.
013) Vintage buttons make my day.
012) So do good tips.
011) I read way too many blogs and constantly am trying to catch up (I'm looking at you Design Sponge and Decor8).
010) I have never dressed up for Halloween. Was never into the whole thing.
009) I have an obsession with Asian women. oh and Asian babies, awww.
008) I suck at calling people over the phone. Sorry guys.
007) I've been sloooooooowly learning French over the past year. Not working so hot.
006) i love ny.
005) Octopi (and jellyfish and squids) are the most awesome creatures in the whole world.
004) I love going to the hardware store. Bolts and screws and paint chips and all sorts of dangerous tools excite me!
003) I love using tabs on my internet browser.
002) cupcakes are my life
001) YOU PEOPLE ROCK!!!!!!!!!! (but y'all already knew this)
Well, wasn't that pointless. :P |
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| Craftiness + geekness = moi |
[Oct. 3rd, 2007|12:39 am] |
Hello all. How are you? I am doing fantaaabulously fine. The weather is fantastic here in Vegas right now. We might go hiking this Saturday. I don't even know what hiking is. All I know is walking is involved, and I'm not a big Walking fan (walking, as stairs, waking up, counting, learning, opening jars, relationships and a number of other things, is HARD. I'm a bicycle girl). But hey, I'll do anything to experience a little bit of nature.
Want to share some more pictures with y'all lovely peeps. You know, I've never liked peeps. Too marshmallowy for me (and I hate marshmallows). I also hate wine and Journey and football. Maybe I hate America? Nahh.
Anyways, amy, focus. Okay pictures of other crafty things and of how I am slowly taking over my brother's storage room.
Very pretty earrings. I need to start taking more elaborate pictures for my products. giddy giddy with excitement.
love love love love love endless love
I made this fabric illustration for one of my friends with a sweet sweet family of her own.
This is my desk. It's awesome. And so is wonder woman. That calendar up there has pictures of delicious chocolate desserts. Yum. My desk is protected by the most inefficient soldier this Universe has seen, a stormtrooper. Also, by an armless Darth TATER. Optimash Prime is lying somewhere in here. But I honestly don't want to display him on my desk. This ridiculousness must stop at some time.
This room was deemed the storage room because it is where my brother stored all 30-something bins full of unopened Star Wars action figures, ships, old game consoles and general geekness. I hid most of them in two closets...but the TIE fighter and X-wing (honestly, the best spaceship built in the last 60 years... of the Star Wars universe) found their way to my bookshelf. Fourth shelf stores all my remaining Star Wars novels. Facing the camera is Sacrifice, wherein my favorite literary character of all time, Mara Jade, was brutally murdered by her own nephew AND THAT MADE ME REALLY UPSET. REALLY REALLY REALLY UPSET.
.
.
.
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and then I wonder why I have no boyfriend. *sigh* Oh Amy.
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| Pretty things for you! |
[Sep. 29th, 2007|07:14 pm] |
I don't think this post needs too many words, so I'll just go ahead with the pretty things! :D
My Heart Flies Out To You: inspired by the fluttering of my heart. I really like how this bag turned out. :D
The strings of the bird's heart continue for miles and miles till they reach... you. {{muslin, ribbon, satin}}
I am in love with this entirely asymmetrical necklace. For some reason , I see who I am in it: delicate, yet whimsy.{{delica beads, vintage czech clear beads, vintage plastic white beads, wooden pendant, gold fill chain}}
These are totally fun too! {{vintage plastic and acrylic beads, gold fill chain}}
I'm into making bracelet cuffs now. The coral acrylic beads somehow remind me of chemistry...The chemistry of lace? {{ribbon, cotton fabric, lace, acrylic beads, magnetic clasp}}
Am also in the flower brooch mode. I really like this one. :D {{merino felt, suiting fabric, plastic flower beads, vintage czech clear beads}}
Y'all know what this means, right! STAR MAGNOLIA SOON! OMGZ!
Told ya this post didn't need words!
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| To my dear future husband... |
[Sep. 27th, 2007|12:42 am] |
Because I know you must be incredibly busy sailing distant seas, battling fierce ocean dragons, overcoming deadly witch spells and running through morning rush hour to find little old me, I'll make the selection of the engagement ring VERY easy for you. Here are a few examples:
I believe this might be my dream engagement ring. Take notes, now.
{{iacua}}
Followed closely by this beauty right here. What is not to love about this one:
{{sudlow}}
The simplicity of this turquoise is enchanting:
{{Lunasa Designs}}
How wicked cool is this???
{{JDavis Studio}}
Ever since I saw this at ShopSCAD months ago after a tough work day, I've been in love with it:
{{Allyson Ross}}
Now, this is just too adorable for my long, skinny fingers:
{{modfo}}
And then, the mac daddy of them all, my wedding ring. I tried this beauty on at ShopSCAD and... oh my god. I could not contain my suppressed girliness.
{{Annie Aalto}}
Honestly, I've just been obsessed with hand-crafted rings lately, and am looking for any reason to purchase a very pretty one. Even if it means marriage.
But hey, if you, my dear future husband is reading this, don't be discouraged, I would still very much love to have one of these. OR.. OR... if you can't find a ring... a pretty sweet plasma tv will do JUST FINE. For reals. I'm not even kidding. Just make sure Edith Piaf is playing in the background while you propose to me. And have plenty of cupcakes handy.
mmmm cupcakes.
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| Why did I leave? |
[Sep. 22nd, 2007|01:41 am] |
Don't get me wrong. Things are finally shaping up here in Vegas, and am feeling more positive about my life and talent. But I won't deny that every day I still ask myself Why did I leave? I had everything I truly needed in Savannah. A fantastically affordable apartment with a separate work/craft studio (above), ample streets for me to ride my bike on, great friends who never hesitated to go out and have fun, business owners who knew me and often guided me, a college that generated plenty of art exhibits for me to feast my creativity on, trees and parks covered with Spanish moss, pink Magnolias in late February, the most delicious cupcakes this side of Alpha Centauri, my dearest Atlantic Ocean just 20 minutes away, the best bead store in the world, Mutation Craft Fair, mild winters, beautiful Victorian homes, endless inspiration in every cobble-stone street.
I had everything. What on Earth possessed me to leave?
But then I look at this photograph I took of a restaurant's bathroom stall in Charleston, South Carolina, and the reason becomes crystal clear.
It truly hurts to be away from all and everybody I loved in Savannah. But I made the jump. I ventured into a new adventure. I did it. No one can say I let fear overtake me. This photograph alone fuels me with all the strength I need to keep plotting all my future adventures.
(Why am I going through this again? A thunderstorm rolled by Vegas tonight, and it reminded me of my past, humid life.)
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amy_magnolia's journal
chipper
