2012 - nuff said

I've mentioned this before but I'll say it again -- I really don't do resolutions. Refraining goes against every OCD list-making tendency I have, I know.  I think this is because with such specificity I open myself to failure and there's no real chance of immediacy in checking things off. "Get in shape" getting scratched off (maybe) 6 months down the line is far less gratifying than "go to the post office", which can be done that day. When it comes to list making I'm in it for the quick thrills.

And when it comes to actual goals is there really any new territory to cover? I can either jot down for the millionth time "stop eating things that slowly kill you", or come up with something new like "learn how to Benjamin Button yourself". Ugh, so it's tiring or implausible. Last year I made an attempt at resolutions by casting a very wide net. I'm pretty sure that there were some misses even with that generous vagueness. So this year I'm thinking it's time to really get broad, leaving a definitive opening for accomplishment and self-improvement. If this doesn't work maybe next year I'll resort to "breath and stuff".

happy thankgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! I hope it's a great day, which starts with loved ones and ends with a belly full of food.

need to want less

Cheese and I go way back, and have had a long, though not always kind, love affair with each other. It is sometimes cruel to me (hello, stomach upset), and I sometimes treat it poorly (hello, processed cheese product). Lately I have been trying to upgrade my tastes and delve deeper into the world of artisan cheese. I thought to myself... if I enjoy something so much why not learn the most I can about it. So I've gone to an Antonelli's (aka paradise) cheese class and some beer/cheese pairings, and even picked up one of these Scout journals.

My aim is not to elevate my knowledge so that I can pass judgement on your Kraft cravings, because lord knows learning about the finer things doesn't mean I will shun the grosser things. And because my addiction runs so deep I find myself not eating better (i.e. good shit in moderation), but more. My passion has taken a visible form which is my pooch. Please, if you happen to see me shoving another cheesy delight down my gullet, I give free reign to knock it out of my hand or give me a scornful stare.

wiener wednesday

By Lillian Bassman

good medicine: the incredible shrinking woman

I feel like lately I've been writing a lot about my childhood obsessions. Well here's one more. When I was a kid I LOVED the 1982 movie The Incredible Shrinking Woman -- a zany tale, staring Lily Tomlin, about the perils of consumerism (or how Galaxy Glue will make you shrink). Over the years I've searched high and low for a DVD copy. Recently I was thrilled to find it on instant streaming on Netflix. I can't say that it's completely held up over time, but it's still a fun film with a kooky color palette; the cast appears to be dipped in an array of candy coated brights and pastels. One favorite is the mint green suit that Charles Grodin wears.

I almost wonder if Tim Burton was semi-inspired by the set design and costumes. Look through some of these screen shots and ask yourself if there's not a similarity to Edward Scissorhands.

More after the jump...

good medicine: seinfeld in color

Yes! I want more!

Via Kaja van Domburg

good medicine: twisted

Maybe it's because I just watched Inception again, but this series "Twisted" by Nicholas Sitton reminds me a lot of that topsy turvy dream world. See more of the set here.

weekly prescription

• I have fond memories of watching 60 Minutes as a child with my parents. Maybe that's odd... I don't know. One segment I could always rely on enjoying was Andy Rooney's closing. Salty and big-browed, I was transfixed not so much by his image, but his insightful reflections on the everyday. He seemed simultaneously bothered by and beholden to the world around him. He's someone I wanted to know, but would be too afraid to talk to. I think his passing is a very unfortunate for us all. 
• Another childhood love was Woody Allen. I'm creating a detailed map of my upbringing aren't I. Aside from his tabloid dramas and possible strange personal life his movies and books are some of my favorite things. I'm really looking forward to the PBS documentary about him.
• Glee clubs... not so much. Glee clubs singing punk covers...  yes, please. A standout track is Dead Kennedys' "California". 
• 52x52 is a wonderful project developed by artist Jessica Hische. The object is recruit folks to commit to donating $52 every week for 52 weeks to charity (a suggested charity, or one of your choice). The really great part is that you can also choose your own dollar amount if $52 is a bit too steep (which it probably is for quite a few/most people). Giving to others really couldn't be much easier. 
• If E.A.S.T. Austin Studio Tour is something up your alley then you've probably already heard about it. So consider this a reminder, not a revelation. 

HELPFUL WAYS TO GET THERE:

Read -- [ CBSnews.com ]

Watch -- [ PBS.org ]

Listen -- [ Blueribbongleeclub.org ]

Do -- [ 52x52.org ]

Austin Event -- [ eastaustinstudiotour.com ]

lazy sunday

I see lounging and HBO in my future, and that's about it. Oh happy Sunday!

film friday: numbers game

Today is 11/11/11. Some of you may consider this just another day, while others think evil has knocked on the calendar. More likely you are peeing in your pants waiting for luck to rain down. I'm not going to lie -- I probably fit into the latter. Yep, I still make wishes when the clock reads 11:11, and I love any excuse to buy into superstitious nonsense.

Hollywood finally got the brilliant idea to capitalize on people's fascination with just a few little numbers by making a movie centering on the phenomena. It's come out today and I'm pretty sure it will be pure garbage. Here's a few other films, that vary thematically, but share the distinction of being numerically titled, and are almost all crap. Note: 10 is the good kind of crap, you know, if you're into Dudley Moore and cornrows (and who's not).

FILM COUNT:



More after the jump...

good medicine: aled lewis

I hate using the word "cute", but this series by Aled Lewis is just that. But also funny, and clever, so that balances out the super saccharine side of things.

You can check out more his work here, as well as buy prints here. More images after the jump.

good medicine: missy prince

This feels like the millionth post I've done on Missy Prince, but come on, this photo is awesome (as they always are). Her photos never let me down. You can view her Flickr stream here. She also now as a shop featuring tons of wonderful original prints. Go gobble some up, and while you're there feel free to grab one for me too... you know, in case you're feeling strangely generous.

good medicine: 2001 lobby cards

There's no denying the gorgeous cinematography and imagery in the classic 1968 Kubrick film 2001: A Space Odyssey. Most of the movie's stills could easily work as brilliantly composed and beautiful photos on their own. I recently found these lobby cards, that transform the stylistically streamlined future to a decidedly rosier vision with its water color hues. I like it.

More after the jump, as well as a fuller collection here.

1 minute photoshop: determination

Seriously, some days it almost feels possible to get everything done. But then I need a good nap or extended sleep and everything gets derailed. How do people sustain constant doing? I'm going to keep trying to figure it out and if I discover the magic key to daily list domination I'll share my secret.

weekly prescription

HELFUL WAYS TO GET THERE:

Read -- [ Random House ]

Watch -- [ Attack the Block Official Site ]

Listen -- [ NPR ]

Do -- [ Epicurious ]

Austin Event -- [ Harry Ransom Center ]

lazy sunday

"Lazy Daze" by Casey Weldon. 

happy halloween!

via ??? (if anyone knows I will post the credit)

lazy sunday

"Lazy bones" by Gemma Correll 

film friday: final resting place

What is Halloween without horror movies? And what's a good horror movie without a dedicated place to unleash some mass murder and mayhem. Hotels and motels provide a perfect backdrop for the lazy homicidal maniac.

If you like a little ridiculous with your horror, I strongly recommend Motel Hell. A classic. If you like inn keepers with killer alligator there's a film for you. And if you like John Cusak, you're also in luck... times 2.

HORROR BUSINESS:



More after the jump:

good medicine: oath

I'm pretty sure I've violated this oath a time or two. Internnational Center of Photography blog via How to Be a Retronaut

good medicine: abandoned televisions

I know I'm heavily swayed by equal love for TV and photography, but I think even without that I'd be smitten by this series by Alex Beker. In his words:

Abandoned Televisions triggers emotions arising from our memories of popular TV culture. Street photography captures television sets left for dead because they are old, broken or soon to be replaced by more modern technology.
They are resuscitated by incorporating a visual moment from a show broadcast when that television set was alive.

Suddenly, a discarded black box dying on a sidewalk comes back to life, and so do we - to our past life. In an instant, we identify the show, its characters and maybe even a particular episode, and we are rejuvenated by the memory.
We travel back to our younger years, recalling the house we used to live in,
the room where the television set was, the chair we sat in to watch, the smells of our house, and those we watched the show with.
A snapshot of popular culture tells a piece of our own personal story.

More after the jump.

good medicine: kyle benjamin jorgensen

More longing for the forest. By Kyle Benjamin Jorgensen.

good medicine: peculiar photos

Yep, weird. And I love it. Check out the complete set of odd photos on Unexpectedtales' flickr.

wiener wednesday

I've seen a similar treatment of the windy dachshund before. Love it nonetheless!

Illustration by Lucie Sheridan.

good medicine: matt rich

Another splash of color for the day. Happy eyes equals happy brain. These paintings by Matt Rich are just what the doctor ordered.

good medicine: cubicle refugee

Oh how I love some categorized color. For some reason I've been needing a good dose of green too; I've had a hankering to visit a lush forrest in a far away mountain terrain. Until a plane ticket magically lands in my lap this site will be my back-up, for that and every other color from a rainbow.

Follow the link to check out Cubicle Refugee.

weekly prescription

HELFUL WAYS TO GET THERE:

Read -- [ A.V. Club ]

Watch -- [ Portable T.V. ]

Listen -- [ Pitchfork ]

Do -- [ onlinepumpkincarving.com ]

Austin Event -- [ Austin Beer Week ]

good medicine: kid casting

I'm a complete movie and TV geek so I immediately fell for this tumbr. I particularly enjoy when shows/films feature a younger version of a character. It usually prompts "what, oh my god they look nothing alike" (which I secretly get WAY too worked up over and involves mental hair pulling) or "hell yeah, perfect casting" (which involves unnecessary and lame mental high-fives with myself). So if you're a dork like me you'll enjoy this site called Kid Casting.

1 minute photoshop: deterioration

Getting older feels like it's happening too fast. But maybe I should take my feet off the pedals and just enjoy the ride. Will be more fun than fretting I'm pretty sure.

slice magazine

I'm so excited to have a photo included in the latest issue of Slice Magazine! This photo accompanied a fantastic story by Jackie Shannon Hollis. You can view the issue here or buy it here.

And a BIG thank you to Amy Sly for asking me to contribute!

frontin fonts

The last thing I probably need to do is start yet another blog (since I've half-abandoned most of them), but here I go again. I am fascinated with fancy signs on ugly buildings, most notably apartment complexes with deceptively classy names and script type to back up the illusion of grandeur. So I give you Frontin Fonts, and as I so eloquently put it... they make shit look good. We'll see how long the love affair lasts, but for now you can check it out here. 

good medicine: bacon font

Now you can spell out what's on your mind, and then eat your words if you say too much. Not a bad ending to being too free with your thoughts.

You can see the full alphabet by Henry Hargreaves after the jump. 

1 minute photoshop: temptation

I truly do imagine a world where I feast upon nothing but fresh veggies and clean unprocessed food. Then my hair and skin gets extra shiny, and I can jog 50 miles every day... oh and I become a female Benjamin Button and am suddenly a healthy 20 year old again. Well fantasy aside I always get that gnawing thought that my diet needs to get better asap. Then I remember the bacon. Sizzling, salty, sinful bacon. And the dream dies.

neighbormobile

I couldn't resist taking a photo of this van. Seemed like it would be right at home with the Neighbormobiles.

Elle Girl Korea

A bit late in posting this, but my 12 Steps were featured in the September issue of Elle Girl Korea. It's a nice slick magazine and I'm super proud to have been included.

1 minute photoshop: deathtrap

I don't really know how to say what I'm trying to say, so I'll jump to my default which is using crude shapes to poorly explain the map of my brain. I wish there was an endpoint, a final destination, for how I process death... that when I landed on the shaky ground that barely qualifies as acceptance, I was able to stay there. It's not a nice place to be but it's better than the alternative. Instead the cycle starts all over again and I obsessively dwell on what will never be, what could be, what won't be known. The light at the end always leads back to dark. If anyone has an instructional manual on how to vanquish needless worry and premature regret I'm all ears.

lazy sunday

welcome summer

Technically it may not be Summer yet, but Memorial Day has just passed so I say it's close enough. The air smells like BBQ, the heat is edging toward the oppressive triple digits, and I have two swimsuits I'm mulling over in a virtual shopping bag. It's hot and this means I have popsicles on the brain. I have an internal clock that seems to strike at various times of the year, creating romanticized images of activities that I have an overwhelming desire to incorporate into my day. Right on time, I'm gearing up for my multiple viewings of Jaws and am ready to eat sweet treats while wearing my cut offs. Welcome Summer! It will probably be a short-lived joyous affair but I bet we'll squeeze in some fun before saying adieu.

TASTE THE RAINBOW:
Most expensive popsicle
Scratch and sniff sticker - Garfield & popsicle
Tangerine Lemon Basil popsicle recipe
Jan & Dean "Popsicle"
Favorite popsicle photo

lazy sunday

I love this song. Have a great lazy day all. And don't overdo it... many of you have off tomorrow, so save a z or two.

and even more vegas

I'll stop boring you with Vegas after this...

I'm glad we went, but I have to say I was probably more enamored with its history than it's present. Here are view internet goodies I found.

Matchbooks
Flickr Vintage Vegas
Vintage Postcards

[ Image via Flickr Vintage Vegas ]

Tim Fishlock - Shapeset

More shapes. More possibilities. Cool type by Tim Fishlock. Even cooler name.

1 minute photoshop: creativity

I'm trying, I'm trying.

wiener time

Natalie Lines has some nice animal illustrations. Of course this dachshund one rises to the top. I wonder how Biggie and Boo would do with some specs. Not well I imagine, but they'd be so cute for the 10 seconds they tolerated the new look.

[ via Art Sponge ]

moon diamond

How gorgeous and simple is this print. The Best Part has disassembled images of the moon and rebuilt them into a diamond. Really. You can check out the detail of the work or buy a 24" x 24" print over on TBP's site.

the tipped edge

Nice work by pal-o-mine, Luther Himes.

more vegas

When in Vegas I took along my trusty Fuji Instamatic. It's too bad these aren't scratch and sniff... there were some interesting pockets of odor that I can only compare to a special port-a-potty kind of smell. Good stuff.

One of the best parts of our visit was watching a man named Big Elvis perform. I think he may have a few hundred pounds on the real Elvis, even at his heaviest. His singing was pretty on par though. I also participated in a dancing "contest". I blame the beer special. But hey, I got a signed certificate and everything. Woo hoo.  The shame and embarrassment was worth it.

More photos after the jump...

tell mum everything is ok

Well, this isn't exactly fresh news but I wanted to pass along my excitement and gratitude for having this photo included in the fourth issue of Tell Mum Everything is Ok -- "Wasteground". If I had been on top of things you might still have a chance to buy it; they are sold out now. You can however get a look at all of the photographers that were included by going here. Please check out the talented company I was in.

Viva Lost Vegas

A few weeks ago my boyfriend and I went to Las Vegas. He was assigned to a work conference and I got to tag along. This was my first time to go. Vegas had never been one of my top destination places, but I always considered it somewhere I should visit before I die. The allure was not so much in the potential to dive into debauchery and then leave it all behind, but to hopefully get a peek at the glitz and sparkle that I came to know in films of the 60's and 70's. Apparently there's not much of that left. Yes, there's glitz and sparkle but its shine is more Dion than Dino. 

We stayed on the strip but fortunately found some time to head downtown. While it did not quite hold up to my retro notions and hopes, we were able to see that many relics were still there hearkening back to more Rat Packy times. Many of the old neon signs were there simply as landmarks, but there were also tons welcoming visitors to casinos and restaurants that were still very much open. Seeing these signs made me hungry for more history, and I quickly realized that most of what I wanted existed only on paper and photographs. 

Vegas seems to shed its skin like its constantly preparing for another layer of self-tanner. It's kinda gross and never content with how it looks. I'm sad for this, and like with many of my other hopeless wishes for times passed I'll have to settle for "progress" and find solace in Google searches, memories and movies. As my kind of love letter to the old days I made a series called "Viva Lost Vegas" which are simplified signs from a few of the Casinos and Hotels that once were or still are and reach back to those times. You can see them all after the jump...

obsessions

While I haven't had time to get much done I've somehow carved out enough space in my brain to obsess over a few things. Part of me knows I've got to move on, while another part of me can't let go until I completely wear out my love for this stuff.

Broken Social Scene's "Sweetest Kill". The artwork (above) is pretty great too.

Trailer Park Boys on Netflix. I'm not sure how we stumbled upon this, but it's been a favorite since. We're even going to their live performance next month. What that will consist of I have no idea. I'm pretty sure I can count on thick Canadian accents, kitty talk, and cocktails in hand.

Search of the Day. My new job has me diving into the world wide web deeper than I've gone before. As my new mission carries on I discovered this site by a co-worker. It highlights some of the dumbest things that people search the internet for.

This guy's posters on Ebay. Don't buy them. When I win the lottery they will all be mine.

Making a wall like this in the bedroom.

This picture.

512 Cascabel Cream Stout

1 minute photoshop: paradox

This kind of post has unfortunately become all too familiar... I do my disappearing act and then return a month or so later with an apology and a list of reasons for my absence. And like the times before, I'm pretty sure no-one missed me. Nonetheless I come armed with my bag of excuses.

Since February I've started a new second job... which I guess is more like my first job now, and the first job is the second. Whatever, I have two jobs and work more than I did before. My computer succumbed to yet another illness and needed to go away for a while. My car was permanently disabled in a semi-bizarre albeit non-exciting hit and run. There have been birthdays. There's been some traveling. So a whole lot of something and I don't feel much to show for it. I don't know how that happens.

My body and mind have been simultaneously busy and unproductive. Giant apologies to anyone that has ordered something from my shop and not gotten it yet. I'm getting my butt in gear and your items, plus more, will arrive soon.  I will also try to keep this blog updated more, if something interesting or ridiculous strikes me. And I really hope to make some things. My brain feels like a jar of old dried up paint. Hopefully it's salvageable. Stay tuned.

charity auction for japan

At this point I am sure that everyone is well aware of the tragic situation in Japan, when our planet decided to throw a huge tantrum and unleash horrific natural disasters upon them. It's beyond me how individuals and communities rebound and start over after this sort of experience. Where do you start?

I know that this will barely make a dent in potentially helping those facing hardships in Japan, but when I was presented with an opportunity to auction one of my photos for charity I couldn't say no. Currently I am offering this photo in the Charity Auction for Japan. Leave your bid in the comments on my Flickr. The highest bidder by Sunday will receive that photograph and also know that they did a good deed. The charity can be your choice (suggestions are listed on Flickr). Please help out if you can.