11:33pm: Three new quills
( cut for tallish image )

2:58pm: Okay, Friendslist.

I need images of "medicine show" style posters/advertisements. Not so much the modern bands or festivals trying to imitate that look, unless they've done a really good imitation...

Vaudeville or Old West posters would probably work too. I'm talking the words in all caps, sized in seemingly random ways, possibly with a woodcut-style image or two. You know, DOCTOR SOANDSO's MYSTERIOUS Elixirs from FAR OFF EGYPT, that kind of stuff.

My Google-fu is unusually weak. Help!

11:55pm: More quillness
I was pleased with the one I did tonight, though it didn't scan as well as I would have liked...

( picture )

12:43pm: Quill mania
So after receiving yesterday's news, I have been quite motivated, despite the fact that the event's not till November. Which is good, as it means I won't be scrambling to get stuff together at the last minute.

Last night, I:

• Completed 2 pretty bitchin' quills.
  
• Painted a third one. I would have finished it, but I'm out of orange dye for the leather wrap part.
  
• Changed the tip on peppervl's quill.
  
• Found a website with the feather colours I can't find in the craft store. Yay for doing as little dyeing as possible. Unfortunately, my connexion went down just as I was trying to order a batch, but still.

When I tried to go to bed, though, I couldn't sleep. I just kept thinking of ideas for painting quills, until I had to get up and write them down before I could get my mind to shut up. (I also had some jewelry ideas, which I did not write down and consequently cannot recall. Ah, well.)

(Oh no wait, I just remembered. Awesome!)

I'm thinking, also, of the possibility of ballpoint quills--pulling the point + ink cartridge out of standard ballpoints and installing it the same way I do the smaller nibs. The obvious downside being that they won't be refillable, and the idea of putting so much work into something that's functionally useless once the ink runs out is sort of painful to me.

Anyway, I suspect my evenings will be much taken up with quill-making for awhile, at least until I get bored and move on to batik or wooden cards.

10:45am: YAYS.
SO GUYS. THIS WAS IN MY INBOX TODAY.

Kelsi,
Thanks for the images! It's a go! November 16th & 17th you're invited
to join us for Good Designs for the Holidays.

Please reply with your mailing address & telephone number so that I may
add you to our database & you can expect to receive our contract in late
July.

M

(For those of you following along at home, this is from the M I referred to here.)

7:43pm: This is unacceptable.

It was unacceptable when it was pharmacists denying birth control and not providing someone who WOULD dispense it. But in most cases, that was an inconvenience. Most of us can "just go somewhere else," yes.

Now it's the refusal of all kinds of reproductive care for women. Not just cut-and-dry birth control or abortions--it's doctors giving patients no help or direction, in life or sanity-threatening situations. It's not like a pharmacy, where most people can just go a mile or two to the next drugstore. Doctors and hospitals--there's so much issue there with things like insurance, transportation, and not knowing enough to REALIZE that all of your options are not being offered.

A woman who is a sales clerk is not likely to be educated about ways to end an ectopic pregnancy. Why should she be? That's the doctor's job. So if she gets to the hospital and the doctor only offers her invasive surgery, instead of the just-as-effective drug, she will not know that she's only being given half the options.

And while I don't think that people with religious convictions should stay out of the medical field--that would be ridiculous--I do think that anyone with beliefs that prevent them from dispensing birth control better get the FUCK out of gynecology. Gynecology is about all aspects of reproductive health, including the prevention of reproduction. If you want everyone to have babies, stick to the obstetrics part of ob/gyn.

It's already a nerve-wracking experience for a woman to go to a gynecologist. By its very nature, it's a pretty invasive field--if your doctor is unsupportive about any aspect of the visit, it can be enough to discourage you from seeking treatment or check-ups at all--which means you're not getting vital things like pap smears and STD testing.

3:05pm: So.

Lately, there have been a lot of little signs that say it's time to get back into selling my art.

It started with zydale reminding me about The Flower Factory. A brief discussion was had about why I've closed my website--partially because of the time aspect, but more because I got bored of making the same thing over and over, and no longer wanted to MAKE the time. We also talked a bit about the possibility of my putting whatever I happened to have on hand up, rather than having a stock set of products perpetually available.

Then, kiji_kat offered to link me when she quoted my praise of one of her rock 'n roll soaps (and while I'm at it, guys, check out her shop, she's awesome). I deferred, initially, since as I said the website's shut down, and she suggested trying my hand at Etsy--which is in fact set up in such a way that would encourage selling as I make things, rather than custom-order. (I also started thinking of ideas to use my website for non-selling purposes, but that's an entry for another time.)

Last night, I received an awesome email from a circlet customer who ordered from me something like a year ago. She just recently had the wedding, and not only was her email full of praise about how special the circlet made her day, she also included a link to the album of wedding photos. That's the kind of stuff I want my art to do.

And finally, there's THIS.

One of my coworkers (Julie) has a daughter (let's call her M) who works at the Contemporary Arts Center. Coincidentally, I have in the past restrung three of M's favourite necklaces that broke, so she already has some familiarity with me. Julie just forwarded an email from M to the staff--CAC is having a holiday crafts exhibition and sale in November, and they are looking for functional art--jewelry, stationery, home goods, etc.--not traditional art like paintings.

DUDE. The CAC! I mean, this is not your local church holiday bazaar. They even have one of the days designated as "members only." I emailed M for information about applying, and she sounded really interested in my quills--the application process is basically, email photos, she and her boss will review them, and if they're interested they'll send a contract. They take 15%, but there's no starting fee, so...damn. Shiny.

Those of you nearby with quills from me, I may be tracking you down to photograph some of them. I would also like to get a picture of your bandanna, themaidmarian. Could you bring it and your quills tomorrow? peppervl, could you bring your quill as well?

Wish me luck, guys!

8:57am: WTF, mate.
I was not only awake, but at work at 8:30 am.

This is NOT a normal state of affairs.

I mean, sleeping all day will do that to you. But still, it's weird. (Came home yesterday with severe dizziness that turned out to be one of my luckily infrequent migraines. Today, gravity is going the right direction again. And I woke up and played WoW for an hour or two before getting ready, too.)

12:18pm: Addendum to previous:

Friday is clear, so there will be packetmaking at Saluga's. I will see most of you then.

Also, I am riding to Vargus with Jill this time. I hope there are no hurt feelings about rides, but I have not seen Jill nearly enough in the past month, and I don't know when I'm going to be able to.

The weeklong--well, we'll see. I am beginning to wonder how much of it I'll be able to attend, due to being under my hours at work, so I can't officially make ride plans with anyone until I get that fixed. I know I've also discussed the possibility of heading home for a day with people, so I may ride up with someone and take the day of recuperation with someone else.

I am trying to be fair with my time, but I have also reached a point of determination. I'm not going to be wishy-washy about my plans any more. On the bright side, that means you will know what my plans are and how you fit into them, if you choose to. But it also means all parties involved are required to accept what I decide with regards to my time.

I certainly don't expect people to rearrange their schedules for me, but that is because I am perfectly happy to have time all to myself when plans don't work out. I am going to make my plans, and those who want to join me can.

11:19pm: Okay.
Here is how things are going to go down.

On Friday, I am either going to go to book club or Saluga's, depending on whether this is a book club week or no.

On Saturday, I am going to go to the Paint Off at Pyramid Hill.

On Sunday, I am not going anywhere, and no one is coming over.

No one is allowed to complain about how, or with whom, or at what pace I have chosen to spend my time. My time is mine, and I only have so much of it. I try very hard to give everyone a piece, and quite frankly, that has been very wearying to me lately. If you don't get a piece this weekend, don't take it personally, but also do not complain to me.

If I could please everyone, I would happily do so. But since I have continually failed in that regard, I am just going to please me. Comments, concerns et cetera may be addressed to me via email, but no complaints.

1:59pm: I'm thinking of rounding up the MWE apron costume for OSU Renfaire tomorrow.

Input?

1:53pm: I've been in this business too long...I've started to get upset about the state of the world.
WTF no.

An email I received from one of my coworkers today:

New Center - Crème de la Crème

Creme De la Creme in currently not listed on either the ODJFS or the ODE website as being licensed. And the Creme de la Creme website does not note a location of care in Ohio, so at this time I can not share with you the exact address of this new child care center.

I encourage you to read the Cincinnati Enquirer article and then check out the Creme de la creme website.

Thursday March 29 The Cincinnati Enquirer ran an article on new center, which includes a quote from 4C.
http://news.enquirer.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070329/LIFE/703290325/1079

2 year olds in uniform and 30 minute classes. Shuffled from room to room every half hour, all day, every day. The uniforms make sand and messy play highly unlikely, not to mention the logistical and supervisional nightmare that will ensue if they DO try it. Plus the aforementioned lack of licensing information.

what.

The agency's in a bit of an uproar about it--even though the quote from us was neutral information and used to highlight the relative cost of this center, we do NOT want to be seen as associated or supporting of it in any way. Our chief operating officer did a little more research and wrote a very well-worded letter to the paper about how parents should not confuse high cost with high quality, and bosslady and one of our instructors are heading to the open house on Saturday.

7:39pm: There is nothing quite like a bad day and a bout of misdirected shopping to make even the most confident of women loathe the bodies they were blessed with.

12:24pm: Anyone who can send me an mp3 of Johnny Cash's "God's Gonna Cut You Down" before 5pm EST earns my eternal love and gratitude.

10:44pm: Ay, me.
I thought you all might not believe it was really me if I didn't post a link to something irrelevant.

So, I present to you, a musical Thing of Beauty. I'm not wild about mash-ups, but this one is definitely more than the sum of its parts. I find, however, that I enjoy it more when I'm just listening and not watching the video.

YMMV. But enjoy.

5:38pm: I am more blessed in the people that come into my life than I have any right to expect. It makes all the difference on a rotten day.

And yes, I am alive.

10:14pm: The PDO (that 24 page workshop booklet that has consumed all my time at work for the last three-four weeks) is DONE.

Done, as in burned to a CD and ready to go out to the printer.

Now I am going to go eat food and stare vapidly into the television for awhile, in celebration.

1:26pm: 'I hear in my mind, all this music...'
Two songs (and videos, in fact) I am currently adoring:

Regina Spektor, Fidelity and Corinne Bailey Rae, Put Your Records On.

I've missed music like this--it does for me what the bubblegum pop of my freshman year of high school did, the kind of happy squee that you can only get from happy music.

4:12pm: 'If I did my job, what would you complain about?'
Oh, work. I long to be anywhere but here.

It has been too short a holiday, and yet full of wasted days. Only one lived up to its potential. My attempts at crafting were put off by inexplicable exhaustion and weird moods, and I simply wasn't ready to come back to hours of squinting at Pagemaker, however much I enjoy the program.

I feel like I'm talking like themaidmarian, all poetic. Maybe I get poetic when I'm discontent?

I like the holiday season, I do, but right now it just seems a source of stress. Bah.

3:54pm: boo hiss
:(

Someone took my Dr. Pepper that was in the fridge. I know I probably should have put my name on it, but I have never had problems with it before. And I *know* I didn't drink it and forget (which is actually not at all unlikely with me) because there are no cans in my desk wastebasket.

It's silly, but I just wanted to have a break and my cold soda. A break with ice water is not the same.

1:51pm: For some reason, this makes me laugh and laugh. (Possibly not work-safe, though no nudity. It's one of the classic style pinup-girl images)

Knitting just does not seem like a sexy activity....

2:55pm: Why smokeygray rocks my socks!
Tera is one of those people that makes you feel incredibly welcome whenever you're around her. I remember one of my early NERO events as Pinecone--everyone was really nice, but I remember her character ViviAnn (sp?) being the one who really made me feel like a valuable member of the adventuring party. She makes you feel like that in real life, too, like she's glad you're there.

She is also a wonderful, wonderful roleplayer. I always enjoy her characters, but there is one particular thing that stands out--I don't think I will EVER forget Acacia's spirit farewell in Ashton. It was so well-done I started to wonder if she'd written the whole thing out beforehand--she said the exact right thing to everyone in the room, and we ALL ended up sobbing. Such an amazing moment.

And she is GREAT for hugs :D

And that is why Tera rocks my socks!

2:54pm: Why i_aldarion rocks my socks!
Ky, whether or not he knows it, is a very brave person. I've watched him struggle with transformation and self-realisation for a long time now, and it always amazes me how creatively he approaches difficulties. Even if his solutions don't always come out the way he hoped, it doesn't scare him away from doing things a different way. And it isn't an easy path he's walking, let me tell you.

Ky is amazingly quirky and interesting, probably related to the aforementioned creativity. He just looks at things in perspectives you don't expect. And he's great for bouncing ideas and concepts off of, as they often bounce back in a new light. My first impression upon talking to him was a world of wonderful strangeness, and that's remained a good descriptor in the years since.

And that is why Ky rocks my socks!

2:53pm: Why peppervl rocks my socks!
Nessa is incredibly enthusiastic about all the same things I am, and she turned up in my life at the perfect time to revive my almost-forgotten love of pretending to be a fairy in public. She and I have had great times terrorising the people in Barnes & Nobles and Graeter's with our fabulous costumes, and most of them weren't anywhere near Halloween.

She's someone I know I can ask for just about anything I really need, because she takes friendship very seriously, even if we do joke about only keeping each other around for the chauffeuring/shiny-things-making. She's my movie buddy, because we have very compatible tastes and usually want to discuss (and squee about) the same bits.

Nessa understands the value of hand-made gifts, both given and received, which is something that positively delights me. And I have to throw this in because I'm super proud of her--she's been doing an AMAZING job with her WeightWatchers, I can't believe how often I am hearing about her going down another size! Bravo!

And that is why Nessa rocks my socks!

7:19pm: Why demetakat rocks my socks!
I have known Diane for a long, long time. It's been around nine years, I believe...

One of the things I really admire about Diane is that she is effortlessly forthright. If she wants something, she doesn't sit around dithering about it--she starts making it happen, all on her own. She doesn't talk in circles, she tells you what she means. And when you start making excuses on a project, she doesn't stand for that either--she keeps you on task and up to speed.

Diane is extremely protective of her friends--she doesn't put up with people talking shit or treating people she cares for badly, and she's a great listening ear to go to with just about any problem.

And she's a theatre/musicals fanatic--how can you argue with that?? :D

And that is why Diane rocks my socks!