It has been awhile since I've blogged and alot has happened since then.
Now I'm home, I've packed up from Kansas City - said goodbye, and left to cross the country with Adam. Christmas has come and gone and now it is that limbo time - waiting for New Years.
My heart and seemingly body, is still in Kansas City. I've been waking up at 7 or 8 am and getting tired around 10 or 11pm - which when corresponded to Central time, was my schedule back in KC.
A couple times I've woken up not knowing where I was, at first I thought I must be with Adam because I certainly wasn't in my own bed.
It is pretty quiet around here and that has been getting to me. Between Joe, Jarrod, Zack downstairs and the general West Bottoms, there was always some sort of noise. On that note, I've decided living with roommates will be needed, because if I was by myself - the solitude would drive me crazy.
Missing my phone hasn't helped.
I'm having a hard time putting it together that I am not going back to KC. Well, I know I'm not, but I'm still bummed that I'm not.
The one thing I can live without - the cold. It sure is nice to take a bath and not freeze.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
"Do not criticize or complain"
Or at least that is what Dale Carnegie says.
As for me. I am frustrated out of my wits. I am desperately trying to remind myself of the good points, and I'm not saying that I don't have them, but right this very second, I want to bang my head against the wall.
So here is a short list of things that are frustrating, to be followed by things I love and am happy with because that is a much more positive note to end on.
1. The Gap. Trying to climb the ladder, hate having people beat me to it that have less experience than I.
2. KC guys. Why can't I bring myself to talk candidly when appropriate and shut my big mouth when if spews forth nonsense.
3. My big mouth. For previous reasons.
4. Other part-time printing employees. Who think they're above folding cards. Sorry pal, you print 'em, you'll fold 'em (eventually).
5. "Totally". Again, big mouth. I'm not fifteen anymore.
I have some other issues, but really, who wants to listen to anyone gripe? Certainly not me.
On to things I like.
1. My roommates. The best I could ask for.
2. KCPPCA. Sometimes a night for typesetting washes all the frustration away.
3. My bike. Same thing can be said for a bike ride.
4. Screenprinting. More love here.
5. Wearing my new boots. They make me feel powerful and sexy.
6. Evenings with Halliday and Terri. Excellent lady friends.
7. Working on my product line.
8. The West Bottoms. Everyday I find more to love.
9. same could be said for Kansas City. If only I didn't have to have a second job, or if only my second job could be more fun.
As for me. I am frustrated out of my wits. I am desperately trying to remind myself of the good points, and I'm not saying that I don't have them, but right this very second, I want to bang my head against the wall.
So here is a short list of things that are frustrating, to be followed by things I love and am happy with because that is a much more positive note to end on.
1. The Gap. Trying to climb the ladder, hate having people beat me to it that have less experience than I.
2. KC guys. Why can't I bring myself to talk candidly when appropriate and shut my big mouth when if spews forth nonsense.
3. My big mouth. For previous reasons.
4. Other part-time printing employees. Who think they're above folding cards. Sorry pal, you print 'em, you'll fold 'em (eventually).
5. "Totally". Again, big mouth. I'm not fifteen anymore.
I have some other issues, but really, who wants to listen to anyone gripe? Certainly not me.
On to things I like.
1. My roommates. The best I could ask for.
2. KCPPCA. Sometimes a night for typesetting washes all the frustration away.
3. My bike. Same thing can be said for a bike ride.
4. Screenprinting. More love here.
5. Wearing my new boots. They make me feel powerful and sexy.
6. Evenings with Halliday and Terri. Excellent lady friends.
7. Working on my product line.
8. The West Bottoms. Everyday I find more to love.
9. same could be said for Kansas City. If only I didn't have to have a second job, or if only my second job could be more fun.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Maximone to Halloween
Updates.* Finished Batrider poster. So far, it has had the most positive feedback of all my posters. Recently, I've renewed my love for screenprinting. Now if only I knew how to mix cmyk inks more to my satisfaction.
* The St. Maximone celebration was last Wednesday. The dress code called for white, naturally the Pistol crew arrived in black. There were half a dozen shrines set up, including one with a man who was chosen to take on the spirit of Maximone and accept the offerings to the saint. I made an offering, but I cannot say what it was.
Aesthetically, the night was very much up my alley. In fact, I've decided to build a new shrine when I return, ideally double decker, one floor to Maximone and one to Lucy.
* Halloween at the Pistol, went well, although not enough people showed up.
* Typeset my business cards and postcards - now I only must print them. Working on hacking away at that printing list. Must finish Pecos Bill!!!
* Kelly, a friend of Joe's from Houston, visited for a week or so. We had a fabulous time and I made a good friend in the process. Very oddly, we have matching wardrobes...needless to say she was a fantastic dresser.
Picture updates
Outside dollar taco tuesday
St. Maximone
Dressed for Maximone
Up-do for Zack's Birthday
Friday, October 30, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Batrider
This weekend I had a fair amount of time working at the Gap.
Sunday I worked from 6pm to 3am helping move maternity down a floor and expanding kids. Yesterday I helped with Kid's visuals because the CEO of Gap will be visiting on Friday and we must have everything perfect for his arrival.
Today I am taking time to catch up on my art projects. Which pring me to my Batrider mock-up. I am really excited for this piece. It will be a four color screenprint with an edition of fourty. The ugly brown color in the digital piece will be metallic gold in the final.
I'm thinking the halo might be larger as well to better balance out the top, oh and "at the" is missing from next to "3rd" but like I said, this is just a mock-up.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Expert
Lots of work, both at the Gap and Hammerpress. Finally printing again at Hammerpress, which is a relief, I was close to tearing my eyes out putting together orders.
At Gap there is the possability for moving up. A part-time manager job has opened - Brand Logistic Expert. The work encludes mostly dressing mannequins and heading up brand standards. If I do this, I would be trained to open and close the store, as well as work primarily, if not all, visuals.
Totally going to interview, and at very least ask for a move up in the column, since if I don't get it, someone else will and I can take their job.
Yesterday was also Zack's, from Lovely Press downstairs, birthday. The ship opened up and he had a few bands play. It was a good time. I had my hair did and dress up real nice. Joe took some pictures that I'll post when he gets back from St. Louis.
At Gap there is the possability for moving up. A part-time manager job has opened - Brand Logistic Expert. The work encludes mostly dressing mannequins and heading up brand standards. If I do this, I would be trained to open and close the store, as well as work primarily, if not all, visuals.
Totally going to interview, and at very least ask for a move up in the column, since if I don't get it, someone else will and I can take their job.
Yesterday was also Zack's, from Lovely Press downstairs, birthday. The ship opened up and he had a few bands play. It was a good time. I had my hair did and dress up real nice. Joe took some pictures that I'll post when he gets back from St. Louis.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Wednesday-off
new boots, plus paper source and a five dollar cardigan. good day, especially for the boots.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Out of the dork closet.
Long time no blog. A sad habit, but I just can't bring myself to write everyday. Late nights, early mornings, a lack of initiative, it all adds up to sporadic updates, so no long will I pretend that this will be updated daily, but instead everyone will be surprised when out of no where I post random and extra long going ons of my days.
Recently, I've been coming out of a funk. The last few weeks I've been pretty low. Maybe it has to do with restarting at the Gap, or the weather (probably both), but I can't waste time sitting in my bed watching hulu. I've got to get up and make the most of my time here, because it keeps seeming like it isn't nearly long enough.
So what have I done since I last posted....
- Started at the Gap. The Wednesday after the anniversary show was my first day. I've been getting a whole bunch of hours and due to chatty co-workers have found that my work situation it pretty nice. I have a higher pay than most of them and I work Visuals (dressing mannequins, setting up product) rather regularly which many people want to do, but haven't been able.
On that note, being part of the visuals team has been great. Very fulfilling, well as much as retail can be. There is much potential to be moving up the visuals ladder and so far have been getting progressively complicated tasks and left to work somewhat independently.
Oh, the Gap I work in is three stories and has all departments including a Baby Home. I feel like if I work at a different Gap, I want to manager/key holder position. I've found I know a ton about the brand and I feel like it is about time.
- First Friday. hung out at Hammerpress.
- American Royal Barbecue (First weekend of October). The world series of barbecue, no joking. five hundred plus people come from around the country to compete in cooking. There are four meat divisions, two side dish and one dessert. There really isn't anything for the wider public to do at this event except wander around and look at RV set ups and oil drum grills, well unless you play it right.
A friend had some wristbands, so Joe and I didn't have to pay the eleven dollar cover. We wandered in real casual like both on Friday and Saturday (Sunday I was BBQ'ed out). If a person is real friendly, preferably with a girl, and talkative it is very likely you'll find yourself swimming in free meat and beer. Since the judging only calls for six pieces, almost everyone has meat to spare. The only question is if they are nice enough to share it with your poor-ass self wandering around like a homeless puppy staring at their platters of pulled pork.
There are two types of people at the American Royal. Those who are serious competitors, and have been invited - they are in the front parking lot, and those who love to drink and cook - they are in the back parking lot, or the "darkside".
In the front parking lot I found: "The Party of the Year", one plate of pulled pork sandwich, frat boys, grumpy wives of bbq cooks who didn't want to share their meat bounty.
In the "darkside" I found: free margaritas, an oven mitt, beer, homemade potato chips, crazy delious grits side dish, more beer, brisket, ribs, makers mark, local and organic bbq, a dj laying down sweet beats, pulled pork, more potatoes, mexican bbq, more beer.
I think it is obvious where the fun was.
- Zombie fashion show. Saturday night (of American Royal) I joined Halliday's crew, donned some of her sexy fashions and drove to Lawrence, Kansas for a zombie themed fashion show. Lawrence has been described to be as the only place in Kansas worth visiting. It's a college town, and although I only saw part of it, at night, it seemed pretty interesting. I plan on going back before I leave and look around. There seems to be some shops worth a look, and somehow, Lawrence has all of the good-looking guys in the general area of Kansas City, or at least an unfair population.
The fashion show went well and the MC's outright said that Halliday had the best models. (We all had zombie make-up and walked like we were dead). The only thing was that night was the first night of the ultra cold weather we have been experiencing.
- Basement letterpress. The Hobbs building, a warehouse on the other side of the tracks, has been turned into artist studios. For sometime is has been growing in reputation along side hosting an insane amount of weddings on the first floor.
A while ago Joe showed me the basement where there is a letterpress studio - Kansas City Center for Book and Paper Arts. I finally took it upon myself to hound the guy who runs it and find out what he is about.
Turns out that KCCBP is a co-op. I can come in, pay an hourly fee and use whatever I please, which includes two Vandercooks, six cases of type (one that is all wood and cowboy fonts, yes I fainted) paper cutters, and soon a working platen press. The only catch is there were was no ink except red to begin with.
So for two dollars an hour, or the purchasing of letterpress ink, I am free to work there whenever I choose. Calvert, the guy who runs it, and I have even come up with a system where he leaves the keys and I can work in the middle of the night if I so choose.
I know, this sounds like a dream right? A letterpress, literally three minutes away. There is even a guy who is working as a tech, Greg, who bought ink and I am free to use it in exchange for showing him a thing or two about vandercooks. He's even going to take me shopping for huge linoblocks at an artstore in Westport, oh and help me dehaze my screens. Nice.
- Zombie Prom. dressed up in a blue wig and the swing dress my mom fixed and sent to me(thanks mom!). Was disappointingly like real prom. All couples, bad music. Some indie film trailers were screened, but I feel unimpressed. Just a bunch of guys just out of college, riding the coat tails of Quentin Tarentino. I had great skin that night though, I don't know how that happened so well.
- Bike riding - all the time, everywhere. Except the Gap.
- Picture taking with Joe - Joe is back into photography and I am officially his assistant.
- Dollar taco Tuesdays in KCK - best Tacos anywhere, period.
- Jared moved in - awesome mix. He's been an incredibly welcome addition to the Pistol. He's helping me refurbish my bike (which I've still yet to name), bought me potatoes, and took care of me when I got sick. We plan on having craft nights, but we've yet to start them. Tioo much bike polo for him and too many late nights at the Gap for me.
- Got sick
- Tuna and greenbean diet has turned into baked potato and greenbean diet with a side of queso fresco and yogurt.
- KCK library. who would have thought the best library would be in Kansas?
- Pistol shows. You and Yourn
- Hobbs open studios. I've never seen so much free food and beer, well, not since three weeks ago at American Royal anyway.
So that is my last three weeks in a nutshell...
More to come, I've got to go to target for some boots.
Joe just broke it to me that I am not a secret dork, apparently I'm rather blatant about it.
Recently, I've been coming out of a funk. The last few weeks I've been pretty low. Maybe it has to do with restarting at the Gap, or the weather (probably both), but I can't waste time sitting in my bed watching hulu. I've got to get up and make the most of my time here, because it keeps seeming like it isn't nearly long enough.
So what have I done since I last posted....
- Started at the Gap. The Wednesday after the anniversary show was my first day. I've been getting a whole bunch of hours and due to chatty co-workers have found that my work situation it pretty nice. I have a higher pay than most of them and I work Visuals (dressing mannequins, setting up product) rather regularly which many people want to do, but haven't been able.
On that note, being part of the visuals team has been great. Very fulfilling, well as much as retail can be. There is much potential to be moving up the visuals ladder and so far have been getting progressively complicated tasks and left to work somewhat independently.
Oh, the Gap I work in is three stories and has all departments including a Baby Home. I feel like if I work at a different Gap, I want to manager/key holder position. I've found I know a ton about the brand and I feel like it is about time.
- First Friday. hung out at Hammerpress.
- American Royal Barbecue (First weekend of October). The world series of barbecue, no joking. five hundred plus people come from around the country to compete in cooking. There are four meat divisions, two side dish and one dessert. There really isn't anything for the wider public to do at this event except wander around and look at RV set ups and oil drum grills, well unless you play it right.
A friend had some wristbands, so Joe and I didn't have to pay the eleven dollar cover. We wandered in real casual like both on Friday and Saturday (Sunday I was BBQ'ed out). If a person is real friendly, preferably with a girl, and talkative it is very likely you'll find yourself swimming in free meat and beer. Since the judging only calls for six pieces, almost everyone has meat to spare. The only question is if they are nice enough to share it with your poor-ass self wandering around like a homeless puppy staring at their platters of pulled pork.
There are two types of people at the American Royal. Those who are serious competitors, and have been invited - they are in the front parking lot, and those who love to drink and cook - they are in the back parking lot, or the "darkside".
In the front parking lot I found: "The Party of the Year", one plate of pulled pork sandwich, frat boys, grumpy wives of bbq cooks who didn't want to share their meat bounty.
In the "darkside" I found: free margaritas, an oven mitt, beer, homemade potato chips, crazy delious grits side dish, more beer, brisket, ribs, makers mark, local and organic bbq, a dj laying down sweet beats, pulled pork, more potatoes, mexican bbq, more beer.
I think it is obvious where the fun was.
- Zombie fashion show. Saturday night (of American Royal) I joined Halliday's crew, donned some of her sexy fashions and drove to Lawrence, Kansas for a zombie themed fashion show. Lawrence has been described to be as the only place in Kansas worth visiting. It's a college town, and although I only saw part of it, at night, it seemed pretty interesting. I plan on going back before I leave and look around. There seems to be some shops worth a look, and somehow, Lawrence has all of the good-looking guys in the general area of Kansas City, or at least an unfair population.
The fashion show went well and the MC's outright said that Halliday had the best models. (We all had zombie make-up and walked like we were dead). The only thing was that night was the first night of the ultra cold weather we have been experiencing.
- Basement letterpress. The Hobbs building, a warehouse on the other side of the tracks, has been turned into artist studios. For sometime is has been growing in reputation along side hosting an insane amount of weddings on the first floor.
A while ago Joe showed me the basement where there is a letterpress studio - Kansas City Center for Book and Paper Arts. I finally took it upon myself to hound the guy who runs it and find out what he is about.
Turns out that KCCBP is a co-op. I can come in, pay an hourly fee and use whatever I please, which includes two Vandercooks, six cases of type (one that is all wood and cowboy fonts, yes I fainted) paper cutters, and soon a working platen press. The only catch is there were was no ink except red to begin with.
So for two dollars an hour, or the purchasing of letterpress ink, I am free to work there whenever I choose. Calvert, the guy who runs it, and I have even come up with a system where he leaves the keys and I can work in the middle of the night if I so choose.
I know, this sounds like a dream right? A letterpress, literally three minutes away. There is even a guy who is working as a tech, Greg, who bought ink and I am free to use it in exchange for showing him a thing or two about vandercooks. He's even going to take me shopping for huge linoblocks at an artstore in Westport, oh and help me dehaze my screens. Nice.
- Zombie Prom. dressed up in a blue wig and the swing dress my mom fixed and sent to me(thanks mom!). Was disappointingly like real prom. All couples, bad music. Some indie film trailers were screened, but I feel unimpressed. Just a bunch of guys just out of college, riding the coat tails of Quentin Tarentino. I had great skin that night though, I don't know how that happened so well.
- Bike riding - all the time, everywhere. Except the Gap.
- Picture taking with Joe - Joe is back into photography and I am officially his assistant.
- Dollar taco Tuesdays in KCK - best Tacos anywhere, period.
- Jared moved in - awesome mix. He's been an incredibly welcome addition to the Pistol. He's helping me refurbish my bike (which I've still yet to name), bought me potatoes, and took care of me when I got sick. We plan on having craft nights, but we've yet to start them. Tioo much bike polo for him and too many late nights at the Gap for me.
- Got sick
- Tuna and greenbean diet has turned into baked potato and greenbean diet with a side of queso fresco and yogurt.
- KCK library. who would have thought the best library would be in Kansas?
- Pistol shows. You and Yourn
- Hobbs open studios. I've never seen so much free food and beer, well, not since three weeks ago at American Royal anyway.
So that is my last three weeks in a nutshell...
More to come, I've got to go to target for some boots.
Joe just broke it to me that I am not a secret dork, apparently I'm rather blatant about it.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Videos?
While I update what I should have written before (maybe this is a horrible trend?) Here are some videos to watch. I don't understand them, but I love them none the less...
More to come? Probably.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Lounging and Cleaning
Sunday I spent the entire day with Eric. In the morning we went to breakfast with Joe and then left to hang at his place where I promptly feel asleep. When I awoke I looked at his vintage type catalouge and "porched it" until dinner. We went to Indian food, which was bought with some of the poster money I made at the show.
Monday I cleaned. For nine hours. I cleaned the Pistol. I cleaned the apartment. I cleaned the stairs. I cleaned the bathroom. I did the dishes, the windows, and everything I set my eyes on. needless to say byt the end of the day, I was very tired.
Tuesday included more printing. This time a bee calender. Amazingly I finished them completely, from yellow to silver to black. Now they're ready to sell at First Friday. After work I went to Barnes and Noble, picked up some books and came home to read.
Monday I cleaned. For nine hours. I cleaned the Pistol. I cleaned the apartment. I cleaned the stairs. I cleaned the bathroom. I did the dishes, the windows, and everything I set my eyes on. needless to say byt the end of the day, I was very tired.
Tuesday included more printing. This time a bee calender. Amazingly I finished them completely, from yellow to silver to black. Now they're ready to sell at First Friday. After work I went to Barnes and Noble, picked up some books and came home to read.
Happy Anniversary Pistol!
Saturday was the Pistol Social Club's Fourth Anniversary.
I spent the morning (after Adam left) going between the farmer's market and Sunfresh purchasing ingredients for dinner. Eric was planning on coming as well as Joe's friend Maria. I'd decided to try my hand at bacon wrapped stuffed peppers and tamales. I just want to say I can make both just fine, but I'll get into that later...
At the farmer's market, I picked up some spices for the tamales as well as the jalapenos for the stuffed peppers. I also found a 14" mum plants for five dollars that made its way back with me.
At Sunfresh, I surprisingly found everything needed for tamales and the special cheese - queso fresco - for the peppers. I wonder if Fred Meyers has these ingredients. I know they have corn husks so I can only imagine they have everything else, well maybe not the queso fresco, there seem to be more Mexicans here in Kansas City.
I was tempted to buy a pumpkin, but I can annoy my roommates with my absurd love of squash at a later time.
Post grocery shopping I drove to the arts INKubator and screenprinted forty-two anniversary show posters. I was impressed with how well they turned out. I need to scan one or figure out this photo situation because they've gone over smashingly. To my astonishment, I finished three layers in four hours, screen drying time included. Either I'm getting better at printing or my design was very simple - maybe both.
On the way home, I grabbed some cases of soda to sell at the show - trying to make all that I can. I advertised the posters for ten dollars, although I probably should have done five, turns out hipsters are broke.
When the posters were set up and the soda in a cooler, I began the tamales and gutting the peppers.
The show started at ten (by which time the tamales were steaming in my ingenious little aluminum tent contraption) and featured Ill Ease as the opening act.
In between her act and the next, I found out that I can make a mildly mean tamale. Honestly, I was impressed. I didn't think my tamale dough would set up, but it did and the chicken meat inside was rather tasty. Granted, they were no Manny's tamales, but for my first time, they were alright. It must be the spirits of the hundreds I've eaten in my life that helped. It was bound to happen that I start making them myself sooner or later.
The second (and last) main act was Hearts of Darkness. I had to miss a few of their songs to pick up Eric, but we made it back in time to hear the last few of their two and a half hour set.
When the show wound up, we ajourned to the Ship for a night of carousing and partying until the wee hours of the morn. Overall, it was an excellent way for the Pistol to celebrate its day.
I spent the morning (after Adam left) going between the farmer's market and Sunfresh purchasing ingredients for dinner. Eric was planning on coming as well as Joe's friend Maria. I'd decided to try my hand at bacon wrapped stuffed peppers and tamales. I just want to say I can make both just fine, but I'll get into that later...
At the farmer's market, I picked up some spices for the tamales as well as the jalapenos for the stuffed peppers. I also found a 14" mum plants for five dollars that made its way back with me.
At Sunfresh, I surprisingly found everything needed for tamales and the special cheese - queso fresco - for the peppers. I wonder if Fred Meyers has these ingredients. I know they have corn husks so I can only imagine they have everything else, well maybe not the queso fresco, there seem to be more Mexicans here in Kansas City.
I was tempted to buy a pumpkin, but I can annoy my roommates with my absurd love of squash at a later time.
Post grocery shopping I drove to the arts INKubator and screenprinted forty-two anniversary show posters. I was impressed with how well they turned out. I need to scan one or figure out this photo situation because they've gone over smashingly. To my astonishment, I finished three layers in four hours, screen drying time included. Either I'm getting better at printing or my design was very simple - maybe both.
On the way home, I grabbed some cases of soda to sell at the show - trying to make all that I can. I advertised the posters for ten dollars, although I probably should have done five, turns out hipsters are broke.
When the posters were set up and the soda in a cooler, I began the tamales and gutting the peppers.
The show started at ten (by which time the tamales were steaming in my ingenious little aluminum tent contraption) and featured Ill Ease as the opening act.
In between her act and the next, I found out that I can make a mildly mean tamale. Honestly, I was impressed. I didn't think my tamale dough would set up, but it did and the chicken meat inside was rather tasty. Granted, they were no Manny's tamales, but for my first time, they were alright. It must be the spirits of the hundreds I've eaten in my life that helped. It was bound to happen that I start making them myself sooner or later.
The second (and last) main act was Hearts of Darkness. I had to miss a few of their songs to pick up Eric, but we made it back in time to hear the last few of their two and a half hour set.
When the show wound up, we ajourned to the Ship for a night of carousing and partying until the wee hours of the morn. Overall, it was an excellent way for the Pistol to celebrate its day.
A very magical Friday
Okay, so this time I have a legit reason for being behind. Just as I catch up, something else happens and I forget to blog, but I promise the reason is good.
Thursday - Spent the day printing calenders and learning about layering inks. The calender I've been working on has 5 thick layers of ink and when there are large expanses (verses a small business card) of many layers of ink it is difficult to make sure they lay down smoothly.
While I was printing Brady was working on the Wilco poster and we had a good talk. We discussed printing, how he started Hammerpress, among other things. I don't think I asked too many questions and the ones I asked, he seemed to like to answer. I feel like I'm back in my niche at Hammerpress. We also talked about projects that are coming up and how the Heidelberg is making such a vast difference in his production abilities.
After work, I finished my illustration(still not happy with it) and waited for..... Adam!!! (Who was supposed to show up Wednesday, but delayed in Chicago) He didn't arrive until 10 or 11 at night, a little later that he'd originally planned, even after revising his schedule since Wednesday. He was very impressed with my living situation right from the start.
Friday I took off from work and showed Adam around town. I introduced him to the folks at Hammerpress, ate at Manny's, and gave him a short driving tour. We mostly hung around the West Bottoms though. It was a bit like a dream.
Adam loved the warehouses, I knew he would. He said I should write more about the West Bottoms in my blog, however I feel as though it is hard to write about. It is incredibly surreal, like out of a movie. Although, we foreign this it remains somehow familiar. Maybe I belong in this sort of scenario (my successes would provide proof to that effect), but it seems like walking around here has a sense of deja vous.
Anyway, the two of us stayed up until 4 in the morning or later. We wandered the West Bottoms both by bike and foot. We explored a warehouse and found some rotting stairs. Adam made some tuna on toast and he and I discussed how to best make tamales. It was an incredibly lovely evening that even held a midwest thunderstorm in store for us...
Adam only stayed until Saturday morning. He bid me farewell and I left for the farmer's market to prepare for the evening's events.
Thursday - Spent the day printing calenders and learning about layering inks. The calender I've been working on has 5 thick layers of ink and when there are large expanses (verses a small business card) of many layers of ink it is difficult to make sure they lay down smoothly.
While I was printing Brady was working on the Wilco poster and we had a good talk. We discussed printing, how he started Hammerpress, among other things. I don't think I asked too many questions and the ones I asked, he seemed to like to answer. I feel like I'm back in my niche at Hammerpress. We also talked about projects that are coming up and how the Heidelberg is making such a vast difference in his production abilities.
After work, I finished my illustration(still not happy with it) and waited for..... Adam!!! (Who was supposed to show up Wednesday, but delayed in Chicago) He didn't arrive until 10 or 11 at night, a little later that he'd originally planned, even after revising his schedule since Wednesday. He was very impressed with my living situation right from the start.
Friday I took off from work and showed Adam around town. I introduced him to the folks at Hammerpress, ate at Manny's, and gave him a short driving tour. We mostly hung around the West Bottoms though. It was a bit like a dream.
Adam loved the warehouses, I knew he would. He said I should write more about the West Bottoms in my blog, however I feel as though it is hard to write about. It is incredibly surreal, like out of a movie. Although, we foreign this it remains somehow familiar. Maybe I belong in this sort of scenario (my successes would provide proof to that effect), but it seems like walking around here has a sense of deja vous.
Anyway, the two of us stayed up until 4 in the morning or later. We wandered the West Bottoms both by bike and foot. We explored a warehouse and found some rotting stairs. Adam made some tuna on toast and he and I discussed how to best make tamales. It was an incredibly lovely evening that even held a midwest thunderstorm in store for us...
Adam only stayed until Saturday morning. He bid me farewell and I left for the farmer's market to prepare for the evening's events.
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Long Drive - Redneck
"Redneck", I think I missed the type mark. Maybe I need to check out more books on typography because unless I'm handling it personally, type and I argue alot...
Scratching
Wednesday, was spent doing said scratchboard, and cleaning, and going to Halliday's potluck. Then coming home and trying to figure out the text for my redneck image. I have a strong feeling I missed the mark, but I'm allowing myself two out of three going bad, and this is my first time back in the saddle so to speak.
The next assignment I'm more excited about. I have to figure out this whole graphics vs. Illustration thing and once I do, I think I'll be ready to go, but I'm just not as good assembling things on the computer... Perhaps, I shouldn't try...
Tuesday was spent mostly printing after assembling some CC Now orders. The calenders are almost done and you know what that means....typesetting!!!!
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Tuesday Tips - Letterpress
In an attempt to make my blog slightly more interesting, I thought I'd start a section called "Tuesday Tips". I can't promise they'll be good, and of course may be taken with a grain of salt since they are entirely my opinion. If people react well, then I'll keep it up, if not, I'll probably get bored of it and stop.
So with out further adeiu: here is installment number one: Letterpress
For the last four months or so I've been working at Hammerpress, letterpress and design studio. After pestering Brady, leaning over Matt's shoulder while he designs, and digging through everything I can get my hands on without being too intrusive, this is some of what I've found:
* Be creative with your type. Think of it in new ways. Turn wood type upside down and use the grain for an interesting background (do this only with wood type or previously damaged lead type, since lead is easily marred and wood can stand the strain). A row of lower case i's can quickly become a border placed end to end. Just because you don't have a lot of type, doesn't mean you don't have a lot of possibilities.
* Layer. First of all, all letterpress inks are more or less transparent with the exception of metallic. Use this to your advantage. Think about how shapes will look with another layer of ink on top of them, or how a layer of white underneath might make another color more dramatic.
Also, layer in the terms of your type. Reprinting the same layer in a different color, slightly off, will make a "shadow" that causes the second color to pop. For that matter, if you print the same layer right over the previous color, you might find the first color peeking through (especially with older type) and create a great sense of depth.
* Keep your hand on your paper until you can't anymore. Not too firm, but firm enough the paper is pressed against the timpin. This will help with registration - particularly larger pieces and fine details.
* When you pull your paper out - pull it straight up instead of at an angle. This will help avoid catching ink on the tail end.
* Color not dark enough? Add more ink (a little at a time of course), you don't necessarily need more packing. Too much packing could hurt the type, too much ink is just messy.
* Always print more than you need - up to one fourth of your total at least, you'll be happy you did.
* If you love something - print each layer in black on white paper, that way you can make a plate of it and reprints will be easy.
* Look everywhere for imagery. Old book title pages, vintage magazines, clipart books. Remember when you see a clipart book called "1200 images and ornaments", they aren't talking about christmas tree ornaments. Once upon a time, most of those things were actual type.
* Use the presses at school. This is my most important tip. Don't let the time you have on them go to waste. Finding an open press and type is incredibly hard when you're not at art school.
So with out further adeiu: here is installment number one: Letterpress
For the last four months or so I've been working at Hammerpress, letterpress and design studio. After pestering Brady, leaning over Matt's shoulder while he designs, and digging through everything I can get my hands on without being too intrusive, this is some of what I've found:
* Be creative with your type. Think of it in new ways. Turn wood type upside down and use the grain for an interesting background (do this only with wood type or previously damaged lead type, since lead is easily marred and wood can stand the strain). A row of lower case i's can quickly become a border placed end to end. Just because you don't have a lot of type, doesn't mean you don't have a lot of possibilities.
* Layer. First of all, all letterpress inks are more or less transparent with the exception of metallic. Use this to your advantage. Think about how shapes will look with another layer of ink on top of them, or how a layer of white underneath might make another color more dramatic.
Also, layer in the terms of your type. Reprinting the same layer in a different color, slightly off, will make a "shadow" that causes the second color to pop. For that matter, if you print the same layer right over the previous color, you might find the first color peeking through (especially with older type) and create a great sense of depth.
* Keep your hand on your paper until you can't anymore. Not too firm, but firm enough the paper is pressed against the timpin. This will help with registration - particularly larger pieces and fine details.
* When you pull your paper out - pull it straight up instead of at an angle. This will help avoid catching ink on the tail end.
* Color not dark enough? Add more ink (a little at a time of course), you don't necessarily need more packing. Too much packing could hurt the type, too much ink is just messy.
* Always print more than you need - up to one fourth of your total at least, you'll be happy you did.
* If you love something - print each layer in black on white paper, that way you can make a plate of it and reprints will be easy.
* Look everywhere for imagery. Old book title pages, vintage magazines, clipart books. Remember when you see a clipart book called "1200 images and ornaments", they aren't talking about christmas tree ornaments. Once upon a time, most of those things were actual type.
* Use the presses at school. This is my most important tip. Don't let the time you have on them go to waste. Finding an open press and type is incredibly hard when you're not at art school.
Things to do: not procrastinate
I spent Monday sorting out bank problems and getting back into the groove of screenprinting. It is a little like riding a bike, however I did forget how runny the INKubator's emulsion is.
Cool news that has to do with screenprinting:
1. The lead singer and manager of Hearts of Darkness is interested in turning my scratchboard heart into a t-shirt for their band. H.o.D. is a huge band in K.C. terms and this could mean good publicity for me.
2. I'll be selling version 2.0 of the anniversary poster at the show, and at 10 dollars a piece, I have a good feeling about this. Joe thinks they'll make some money. Who could say no? Three color, high quality art. I want to do Pistol Club t-shirts and/or posters as well, but with Adam arriving, I don't think I'll have time.
Post screen prep, I went to the Brink with some of the other members from the INKubator. It was one of the girl's birthday and we celebrated with Grits night, a bluegrass jam party, and grilled cheese.
I left around 9:30 and came home to watch Mad Men and finally make a break through on my illustration piece. Good for me.
***a printing side note***
Eric has been generous enough to offer his Heidelberg services. He works at another print shop where they make polymer plates and he is going to get me in on that so I can fast and easily make small items. I'm thinking I might make plates of my zine since all I need is a run of 250, that could be made in 30 minutes.
Cool news that has to do with screenprinting:
1. The lead singer and manager of Hearts of Darkness is interested in turning my scratchboard heart into a t-shirt for their band. H.o.D. is a huge band in K.C. terms and this could mean good publicity for me.
2. I'll be selling version 2.0 of the anniversary poster at the show, and at 10 dollars a piece, I have a good feeling about this. Joe thinks they'll make some money. Who could say no? Three color, high quality art. I want to do Pistol Club t-shirts and/or posters as well, but with Adam arriving, I don't think I'll have time.
Post screen prep, I went to the Brink with some of the other members from the INKubator. It was one of the girl's birthday and we celebrated with Grits night, a bluegrass jam party, and grilled cheese.
I left around 9:30 and came home to watch Mad Men and finally make a break through on my illustration piece. Good for me.
***a printing side note***
Eric has been generous enough to offer his Heidelberg services. He works at another print shop where they make polymer plates and he is going to get me in on that so I can fast and easily make small items. I'm thinking I might make plates of my zine since all I need is a run of 250, that could be made in 30 minutes.
Monday, September 21, 2009
LBD, trousers, d'orsay heels and such
Didn't do much yetserday, much to my chagrin.
I redesigned the Hearts of Darkness poster, something that would be easier to screen print. Looking at the other version there would probably be six layers that I'd have to do, and I can't trust the red at Arts INKubator, so it will have to remain a digital print flyer.
Then I went to Barnes and Nobel and read myself through a bunch of fashion books and got some tips on make up. After reading enough fashion, they all say the same thing. Maybe I'll make my own version - condensing everything into a "Tuesday Tips".
Oh, btw, Trillian. I'm hooked on Esquire.
After that I came home and watched more Golden Girls followed by a desire for a redneck break through that I didn't get. Damn eye-catching design!
I redesigned the Hearts of Darkness poster, something that would be easier to screen print. Looking at the other version there would probably be six layers that I'd have to do, and I can't trust the red at Arts INKubator, so it will have to remain a digital print flyer.
Then I went to Barnes and Nobel and read myself through a bunch of fashion books and got some tips on make up. After reading enough fashion, they all say the same thing. Maybe I'll make my own version - condensing everything into a "Tuesday Tips".
Oh, btw, Trillian. I'm hooked on Esquire.
After that I came home and watched more Golden Girls followed by a desire for a redneck break through that I didn't get. Damn eye-catching design!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Movin' and Groovin'
Jen, from Hammerpress, and her boyfriend are moving in together and I thought I'd spread the moving help karma and volunteered my services.
Jen's old apartment is on the third floor of a stair entrance only building. I was wondering how I was going to work off eating at the pizza buffet the night earlier, but that problem was solved for me.
I arrived at noon and a half hour later another pair of Jen's friends joined the work force, followed by another couple an hour or so later. With the seven of us, it took maybe three hours to load everything up in the U-Haul and four cars. Car was brimming with art she'd collected from working at a frame shop, gallery, and of course Hammerpress.
It took maybe an hour to unload everything into her beautiful and expansive new place. Jen is living on the second floor of an old home on the corner of a lovely tree lined street. The kitchen is very large and has built in cabinets. There is a dining room with a rounded wall almost over take by windows, hardwood floors, and a Kansas City must - a porch.
After everything was finished we porched it - eating Papa Murphy's, drinking PBR and talking about Kansas City.
I said my goodbyes a little after 5 and came home to take a nap before preparing for a soiree.
After a nap, some non productive watching of Golden Girls, and going in circles with my redneck comps, I finally got ready for Madeline's (the woman who runs the zine around here) 30th birthday party.
The invite said black tie, so I dressed up in my black pencil skirt, gold tank top (with sequin trim), red shimmery cardigan, and my new fabulous black sequin barrett. Even before I arrived at the party I received many compliments from some wedding guests next door. (Speaking of wedding, it was all vintage themed and they had ribbon dancers, the type that hang from the ceiling, as entertainment)
When we arrived, many people had not followed the invite's orders and were dressed very casually. However, a few people, like Halliday, did dress up and looked great.
We partied late and I ended up staying over and cooking a breakfast of my go-to spicy potatoes. They went over well.
Anyways, it was a great birthday party, and a wonderful Saturday.
Jen's old apartment is on the third floor of a stair entrance only building. I was wondering how I was going to work off eating at the pizza buffet the night earlier, but that problem was solved for me.
I arrived at noon and a half hour later another pair of Jen's friends joined the work force, followed by another couple an hour or so later. With the seven of us, it took maybe three hours to load everything up in the U-Haul and four cars. Car was brimming with art she'd collected from working at a frame shop, gallery, and of course Hammerpress.
It took maybe an hour to unload everything into her beautiful and expansive new place. Jen is living on the second floor of an old home on the corner of a lovely tree lined street. The kitchen is very large and has built in cabinets. There is a dining room with a rounded wall almost over take by windows, hardwood floors, and a Kansas City must - a porch.
After everything was finished we porched it - eating Papa Murphy's, drinking PBR and talking about Kansas City.
I said my goodbyes a little after 5 and came home to take a nap before preparing for a soiree.
After a nap, some non productive watching of Golden Girls, and going in circles with my redneck comps, I finally got ready for Madeline's (the woman who runs the zine around here) 30th birthday party.
The invite said black tie, so I dressed up in my black pencil skirt, gold tank top (with sequin trim), red shimmery cardigan, and my new fabulous black sequin barrett. Even before I arrived at the party I received many compliments from some wedding guests next door. (Speaking of wedding, it was all vintage themed and they had ribbon dancers, the type that hang from the ceiling, as entertainment)
When we arrived, many people had not followed the invite's orders and were dressed very casually. However, a few people, like Halliday, did dress up and looked great.
We partied late and I ended up staying over and cooking a breakfast of my go-to spicy potatoes. They went over well.
Anyways, it was a great birthday party, and a wonderful Saturday.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Thrifty
Friday I work at Hammerpress for free. Tuesdays and Thursdays are my only days that I get paid, however, Fridays I usually print, which is odd, but somehow understandable. Currently I am printing the many layers that go into the flying dirigible calender - which is a surprising amount. I've got three down and I think three more to go - which will be finished some time next week.
Before lunch I finished packing the remaining orders needed for the next two weeks and then post lunch/nap I printed the silver layer of the calender.
At the end of the day Brady and I talked about a poster he has in mind for the Land of Nod - something based off my wood type piece - that I'll get to work on maybe the week after next. Finally some typesetting. I've been itching to get my hands back in those drawers.
Even though there was a show going on at the Pistol, I can't say I was too interested and instead Halliday, Terry (an awesome girl Halliday introduced me to), and I went thrifting.
We hit up the best spots up north in Gladstone. First was the DAV which I always score excellent finds, and this time was no different. I came away with an intricate belt, sequin gold top and vintage dress, which I later found I couldn't fit in (no fitting rooms at DAVs') but will resell for more than i bought it I'm sure.
Second was this slightly more expensive shop called Plato's Closet. There were a number of cute items, but a bit more pricey than I was anticipating so in the end all I found to buy was a gold belt, but since the limit for debit cars was five dollars, I left empty handed.
Third we went to Salvation army and I was more successful there, which isn't usual. I found a navy blue pencil skirt that fits beautifully and a jean high waisted 90's skirt that I'll have to hem, but fit well enough it had to come home with me.
Finally, I went shopping in Terry's give away clothing bags and found a cute jersey dress, mexican peasant top to go with my pencil skirts, and tan bulky sweater that will be nice as it gets cooler.
The things that I was looking for - pencil skirts and wedges - were difficult to find and I think I'll end up ordering my wedges online, after all it isn't the season for them, but I need them for working at the Gap.
I didn't get to Forever 21, and I might go on Sunday since that is where I really wanted to shop. The zipper on the pencil skirt I bought from there a little bit ago (January maybe?) has gotten stuck and I am in need of a casual black pencil skirt, so I'm thinking I should just go back.
Oh, I also want a leopard print cardigan. I saw one at Urban Outfitter's - perfect - a bit grungy, but still chic, although the price tag was too high. A silver sweater. I want that too, all of the one's I saw at thrift stores were too large for taking in properly, but I'm going to get one with my next paycheck, not many worries there.
I'm thinking of making Tuesdays a "tips" day and maybe having Fridays a "I'm obsessed with..." day. We shall see...
Before lunch I finished packing the remaining orders needed for the next two weeks and then post lunch/nap I printed the silver layer of the calender.
At the end of the day Brady and I talked about a poster he has in mind for the Land of Nod - something based off my wood type piece - that I'll get to work on maybe the week after next. Finally some typesetting. I've been itching to get my hands back in those drawers.
Even though there was a show going on at the Pistol, I can't say I was too interested and instead Halliday, Terry (an awesome girl Halliday introduced me to), and I went thrifting.
We hit up the best spots up north in Gladstone. First was the DAV which I always score excellent finds, and this time was no different. I came away with an intricate belt, sequin gold top and vintage dress, which I later found I couldn't fit in (no fitting rooms at DAVs') but will resell for more than i bought it I'm sure.
Second was this slightly more expensive shop called Plato's Closet. There were a number of cute items, but a bit more pricey than I was anticipating so in the end all I found to buy was a gold belt, but since the limit for debit cars was five dollars, I left empty handed.
Third we went to Salvation army and I was more successful there, which isn't usual. I found a navy blue pencil skirt that fits beautifully and a jean high waisted 90's skirt that I'll have to hem, but fit well enough it had to come home with me.
Finally, I went shopping in Terry's give away clothing bags and found a cute jersey dress, mexican peasant top to go with my pencil skirts, and tan bulky sweater that will be nice as it gets cooler.
The things that I was looking for - pencil skirts and wedges - were difficult to find and I think I'll end up ordering my wedges online, after all it isn't the season for them, but I need them for working at the Gap.
I didn't get to Forever 21, and I might go on Sunday since that is where I really wanted to shop. The zipper on the pencil skirt I bought from there a little bit ago (January maybe?) has gotten stuck and I am in need of a casual black pencil skirt, so I'm thinking I should just go back.
Oh, I also want a leopard print cardigan. I saw one at Urban Outfitter's - perfect - a bit grungy, but still chic, although the price tag was too high. A silver sweater. I want that too, all of the one's I saw at thrift stores were too large for taking in properly, but I'm going to get one with my next paycheck, not many worries there.
I'm thinking of making Tuesdays a "tips" day and maybe having Fridays a "I'm obsessed with..." day. We shall see...
Finally...
Okay, so I hate going back and writing updates, I need to get in the swing of writing every morning instead of a week after. So instead of writing a whole post for every two days or so, like I've been intending, here is a choppy yet full update from the last week.
Here is a quick recap of the last week:
- Was hired at the Gap after an interview (pwned it) and had Urban Outfitters fall over themselves to get me into an interview (semi pwned it, if only I could capture that hipster spirit).
- Following day had JCrew ask me in for an interview, pwned that one too.
- Possible manager (keyholder) position to be had at Gap.
- Power went out - candles?
- Started illustration project - chose "redneck" as slang term
- Poster for Hearts of Darkness
- Date with guy from Craigslist - hails from a small town in Nebraska, a little too into politics...
- Hot haircut then rockabilly night. Now I look like I'm over 18; plus no more split ends (yey!).
- Going through too much eyeliner phase
- Cut Copy, LCD Soundsystem, Rolling Stones
- Power and Light District - stinks!
- New bar in West Bottoms, ran into Brady, again....
- American Royal time! BBQ weekend is fast approaching.
- Typesetting! (Coming soon). Printing calenders for now.
- Card stuffing - gigantic christmas orders.
- Collaboration with Eric (Coming soon)
- Adam (V.) to be visiting - next week ?!?!
- West Bottoms bike rides and evenings "porching it" with stuffed peppers wrapped in bacon (omg!)
- Lost inch and a half from hips - tuna based diet is working
- Oh, and riding my bike to work, that helps too.
Here is a quick recap of the last week:
- Was hired at the Gap after an interview (pwned it) and had Urban Outfitters fall over themselves to get me into an interview (semi pwned it, if only I could capture that hipster spirit).
- Following day had JCrew ask me in for an interview, pwned that one too.
- Possible manager (keyholder) position to be had at Gap.
- Power went out - candles?
- Started illustration project - chose "redneck" as slang term
- Poster for Hearts of Darkness
- Date with guy from Craigslist - hails from a small town in Nebraska, a little too into politics...
- Hot haircut then rockabilly night. Now I look like I'm over 18; plus no more split ends (yey!).
- Going through too much eyeliner phase
- Cut Copy, LCD Soundsystem, Rolling Stones
- Power and Light District - stinks!
- New bar in West Bottoms, ran into Brady, again....
- American Royal time! BBQ weekend is fast approaching.
- Typesetting! (Coming soon). Printing calenders for now.
- Card stuffing - gigantic christmas orders.
- Collaboration with Eric (Coming soon)
- Adam (V.) to be visiting - next week ?!?!
- West Bottoms bike rides and evenings "porching it" with stuffed peppers wrapped in bacon (omg!)
- Lost inch and a half from hips - tuna based diet is working
- Oh, and riding my bike to work, that helps too.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Hearts of Darkness
More Updates coming, but here is some art.
Poster for a large show coming up later this month. To be silkscreened, but now it is just a digital file. Original heart drawing is a scratchboard image.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Week in Review - some more
Monday, September 7th
I didn't so much. I think I caught up on Project Runway and worked on my ideas for my Illustration assignment. I talked to Adam(V. as Adam P. is on a roadtrip) for a long time and I want to say I went to Barnes and Nobel, in fact I know I did and I locked myself out of the car. I was feeling pretty low all Monday and couldn't get myself out of it. I moped, watched Golden Girls, and got myself a library card.
The KC library isn't very big although there are lots of branches. I couldn't figure out which on is the central branch, but Halliday tells me I should go to downtown KCK. I checked out a book on Voodoo and a book on Cowboys - like I said. I'm on a cowboy kick.
Tuesday, September 8th
It rained and subsequently I've been covered in bug bites due to mosquitoes breeding and finding me to be extra tasty.
Work was more packaging. Actually, other than the Heidelberg, there has been very little printing in general. We finished the calenders and I figured out what I'm going to get everyone for Christmas. If anyone has a certain poster they'd like, speak up now or forever hold your peace when Christmas time comes.
I also imagined what I'd do to the Pistol if it were my own and thought about how I'm going to take advantage of the platen press the Arts Inkubator is refurbishing. I need to find plates....
Called the bike shop - ol' rusty is finished!
I didn't so much. I think I caught up on Project Runway and worked on my ideas for my Illustration assignment. I talked to Adam(V. as Adam P. is on a roadtrip) for a long time and I want to say I went to Barnes and Nobel, in fact I know I did and I locked myself out of the car. I was feeling pretty low all Monday and couldn't get myself out of it. I moped, watched Golden Girls, and got myself a library card.
The KC library isn't very big although there are lots of branches. I couldn't figure out which on is the central branch, but Halliday tells me I should go to downtown KCK. I checked out a book on Voodoo and a book on Cowboys - like I said. I'm on a cowboy kick.
Tuesday, September 8th
It rained and subsequently I've been covered in bug bites due to mosquitoes breeding and finding me to be extra tasty.
Work was more packaging. Actually, other than the Heidelberg, there has been very little printing in general. We finished the calenders and I figured out what I'm going to get everyone for Christmas. If anyone has a certain poster they'd like, speak up now or forever hold your peace when Christmas time comes.
I also imagined what I'd do to the Pistol if it were my own and thought about how I'm going to take advantage of the platen press the Arts Inkubator is refurbishing. I need to find plates....
Called the bike shop - ol' rusty is finished!
Week in Review - Greaserama 2.0
Sunday, September 6th
Originally, I had intended to go to Greaserama for only one day, but Saturday night, one of the Ship patron's gave me their two day pass.
So after a long walk exploring the West Bottoms with Joe, we went for day two.
The second day wasn't as exciting as the first. There were less people, fewer cars (originally there had been 800) and the bands weren't as good. I missed seeing Halliday by an hour and so Joe and I wandered around until dusk.
I was asked to model with more cars, this time I was wearing a black pencil skirt, black three-quarter length shirt, stockings with a seam up the back, my red cardigan, and my hair looked brilliant - without hairspray at that. I was even asked to do more model work and given a photographer's number for later.
Post Greaserama; Joe and I grabbed mexican and then crashed a wedding happening next door since we were already dresses up. I didn't have any wedding cake (personally that is rude) but I did snake some pineapple and these amazing meatballs that I am kind of wishing I had right now...
Originally, I had intended to go to Greaserama for only one day, but Saturday night, one of the Ship patron's gave me their two day pass.
So after a long walk exploring the West Bottoms with Joe, we went for day two.
The second day wasn't as exciting as the first. There were less people, fewer cars (originally there had been 800) and the bands weren't as good. I missed seeing Halliday by an hour and so Joe and I wandered around until dusk.
I was asked to model with more cars, this time I was wearing a black pencil skirt, black three-quarter length shirt, stockings with a seam up the back, my red cardigan, and my hair looked brilliant - without hairspray at that. I was even asked to do more model work and given a photographer's number for later.
Post Greaserama; Joe and I grabbed mexican and then crashed a wedding happening next door since we were already dresses up. I didn't have any wedding cake (personally that is rude) but I did snake some pineapple and these amazing meatballs that I am kind of wishing I had right now...
Week in Review - Greaserama
Saturday, September 5th
Greaserama. My first rockabilly car show, long overdue. Finally I had a chance to dress up vintage and not be the only one. It took place at Boulevard Drive-in, the same one where I'd seen Inglorious Bastards.
Saturday, I met up with Halliday and we went to Greaserama. Our objective was to arrive by one pm, but we more realistically arrived at two.
I looked smashing. I know I'm saying so myself, but if one can gauge by other's reactions, I stand correct in my opinion. I wore a brown pencil skirt with blue top - red cropped cardigan and gold 1940's-ish wedges. My hair was styled, not to perfection as it has been awhile since I've done rolls, but to satisfaction.
Halliday and I were asked four times to pose with people's cars/each other.
We listened to all of the bands (one an hour between 2:30 and seven) and roamed the lines of cars. There were a few things I was surprised about:
The first being the number of pimped out bicycles. There was almost a whole section dedicated to bikes. Since people were coming from as faraway as California, there was a large camp out section and the bikes overflowed the grass of the area and were interspersed through out the cars. All of the bikes were vintage of course, but it was surprising to see none the less.
The second was the number of families and lack of singles. Almost everyone attending was a family. There were a number of small children ranging from babies to pre-teens. There were almost no ladies not with their man and a few more, but still small amount of men came with out their lady.
The third, and most surprising of the surprises was how few women were dressed up. There were some, but when I say maybe a dozen, I wouldn't be exaggerating. Sure - there was plenty of red lipstick and bandannas, but most women were in jeans and tennis shoes. For some reason I expected there to be more pinups. Maybe I follow too many vintage forums online, but I expected this would be the sort of event where ladies would do their hair and wear adorable dresses/retro fashions. If there is any place to look glamorous, it is at a rockabilly get-together.
About six, Terry, Halliday's friend joined us and just after the last band played we grabbed some Mexican food before parking our car for the night's movies.
The movies were incredibly odd and I fell asleep.
When I arrived home, Joe was downstairs at the Ship (the speakeasy in the basement). It was a rare opening of the joint and Joe introduced me to the folks lounging around. Oddly enough Brady was there with his girlfriend.
Champagne was poured and free drinks offered, an excellent opening to Greaserama.
Greaserama. My first rockabilly car show, long overdue. Finally I had a chance to dress up vintage and not be the only one. It took place at Boulevard Drive-in, the same one where I'd seen Inglorious Bastards.
Saturday, I met up with Halliday and we went to Greaserama. Our objective was to arrive by one pm, but we more realistically arrived at two.
I looked smashing. I know I'm saying so myself, but if one can gauge by other's reactions, I stand correct in my opinion. I wore a brown pencil skirt with blue top - red cropped cardigan and gold 1940's-ish wedges. My hair was styled, not to perfection as it has been awhile since I've done rolls, but to satisfaction.
Halliday and I were asked four times to pose with people's cars/each other.
We listened to all of the bands (one an hour between 2:30 and seven) and roamed the lines of cars. There were a few things I was surprised about:
The first being the number of pimped out bicycles. There was almost a whole section dedicated to bikes. Since people were coming from as faraway as California, there was a large camp out section and the bikes overflowed the grass of the area and were interspersed through out the cars. All of the bikes were vintage of course, but it was surprising to see none the less.
The second was the number of families and lack of singles. Almost everyone attending was a family. There were a number of small children ranging from babies to pre-teens. There were almost no ladies not with their man and a few more, but still small amount of men came with out their lady.
The third, and most surprising of the surprises was how few women were dressed up. There were some, but when I say maybe a dozen, I wouldn't be exaggerating. Sure - there was plenty of red lipstick and bandannas, but most women were in jeans and tennis shoes. For some reason I expected there to be more pinups. Maybe I follow too many vintage forums online, but I expected this would be the sort of event where ladies would do their hair and wear adorable dresses/retro fashions. If there is any place to look glamorous, it is at a rockabilly get-together.
About six, Terry, Halliday's friend joined us and just after the last band played we grabbed some Mexican food before parking our car for the night's movies.
The movies were incredibly odd and I fell asleep.
When I arrived home, Joe was downstairs at the Ship (the speakeasy in the basement). It was a rare opening of the joint and Joe introduced me to the folks lounging around. Oddly enough Brady was there with his girlfriend.
Champagne was poured and free drinks offered, an excellent opening to Greaserama.
Week in Review
Thursday, September 3rd/ Friday, September 4th
Thursday at work was spent packaging more orders.
Later on Adam called and picked me up to go to Kurt and Cody's cousin's house in Overland Park; a Kansas suburb of KCMO.
Adam was incredibly jealous of my digs at the Pistol and probably would have jumped me for them had he not been on the first leg of his two and a half month roadtrip.
I went over to Kurt and Cody's Aunt's. Adam, the twins, their cousins, and I hung out until late sitting around a bonfire telling stories and shootin' the shit. Adam and the twins are on a few month roadtrip across the U.S. From Kansas City they went to Saint Louis to Chicago and on into Michigan.
I ended up spending the night and after a large, well made breakfast, Adam packed the van and the guys took me home. They reiterated how jealous they were of living at the Pistol and we tried to imagine the greatness that could be if such a place existed in Portland (at that rental price of course, ha, a girl can dream)
The rest of the day was spent in bed since I was sick as a dog, but I did pry myself out for a few hours to enjoy First Friday with Halliday.
Thursday at work was spent packaging more orders.
Later on Adam called and picked me up to go to Kurt and Cody's cousin's house in Overland Park; a Kansas suburb of KCMO.
Adam was incredibly jealous of my digs at the Pistol and probably would have jumped me for them had he not been on the first leg of his two and a half month roadtrip.
I went over to Kurt and Cody's Aunt's. Adam, the twins, their cousins, and I hung out until late sitting around a bonfire telling stories and shootin' the shit. Adam and the twins are on a few month roadtrip across the U.S. From Kansas City they went to Saint Louis to Chicago and on into Michigan.
I ended up spending the night and after a large, well made breakfast, Adam packed the van and the guys took me home. They reiterated how jealous they were of living at the Pistol and we tried to imagine the greatness that could be if such a place existed in Portland (at that rental price of course, ha, a girl can dream)
The rest of the day was spent in bed since I was sick as a dog, but I did pry myself out for a few hours to enjoy First Friday with Halliday.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
I guess this is part of moving on...
I've been real busy/down lately and I'll update what I've done the weekend, probably sometime tomorrow.
It is finally settling in. Adam and I aren't together and it isn't the end of the world, but I sure do miss him. Kansas City is lonely, but Portland is too and honestly, sometimes that's life.
My heart hurts right now and I'm not really sure what do about it. Wait? Of course. I don't really have any other option. I've made alot of decisions for good or bad, and well... give it sometime and we shall see where they lead me.
God - I feel like you have something in store for me - wanna give me a clue sometime soon, because right now I feel pretty lost.
It is finally settling in. Adam and I aren't together and it isn't the end of the world, but I sure do miss him. Kansas City is lonely, but Portland is too and honestly, sometimes that's life.
My heart hurts right now and I'm not really sure what do about it. Wait? Of course. I don't really have any other option. I've made alot of decisions for good or bad, and well... give it sometime and we shall see where they lead me.
God - I feel like you have something in store for me - wanna give me a clue sometime soon, because right now I feel pretty lost.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Museums and jobs
Guess who is in town?
If you guessed my old friend Adam Poolman, you'd be correct (and if you guessed his roommates Kurt and Cody - bonus points).
I woke up and wasted time listening to an audio book until I got a call from Adam. He invited me to meet him and the fellas at the Nelson-Atkins museum and then hangout from there. As I've never been to the Nelson-Atkins andit is very near the plaza (which is where I needed to do more job application rounds) it was like hitting two birds with one stone. We agreed to meet up at 1:45.
The Nelson Atkins is Kansas City's largest and best art museum, well maybe not best, but most classic. Surprisingly, it is free with a suggested "donation" box at the entrance, which I didn't see til I left, so it was free.
The collection was impressive, well for what I expected there to be. The layout was excellent; a literal floorplan of art history smoothly transitioning from one movement to the next - starting in ancient egyptian and ending in cubist/modernist.
The four of us probably spent three hours looking through the museum, mostly focusing on the first floor and the American art section of the second. My favorite pieces were on the second - one called "Brutality" then a selection of works by Thomas Hart Benton - oh and this one was great too, but then I'm totally digging cowboy art right now.
If you guessed my old friend Adam Poolman, you'd be correct (and if you guessed his roommates Kurt and Cody - bonus points).
I woke up and wasted time listening to an audio book until I got a call from Adam. He invited me to meet him and the fellas at the Nelson-Atkins museum and then hangout from there. As I've never been to the Nelson-Atkins andit is very near the plaza (which is where I needed to do more job application rounds) it was like hitting two birds with one stone. We agreed to meet up at 1:45.
The Nelson Atkins is Kansas City's largest and best art museum, well maybe not best, but most classic. Surprisingly, it is free with a suggested "donation" box at the entrance, which I didn't see til I left, so it was free.
The collection was impressive, well for what I expected there to be. The layout was excellent; a literal floorplan of art history smoothly transitioning from one movement to the next - starting in ancient egyptian and ending in cubist/modernist.
The four of us probably spent three hours looking through the museum, mostly focusing on the first floor and the American art section of the second. My favorite pieces were on the second - one called "Brutality" then a selection of works by Thomas Hart Benton - oh and this one was great too, but then I'm totally digging cowboy art right now.
I left Adam and Co. around four because I was a mix of staving and in need of picking up applications. I hit the Gap, J.Crew, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters; all in the Plaza. All I did was look smashing, introduce myself to some managers and collect applications.
Originally, I had planned on meeting back up with Adam for dinner, but I was so hungry, I couldn't wait and instead visited Halliday at Teadrops and ate a salad.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Fall Fashions
It is that time of the year, fall. Granted the weather is still summery, but the best part of the wardrobe season is upon us.
Pumps are the shoe of the season (as opposed to flats in spring, boots in winter, sandals in summer) and the weather tolerates - possibly my most favorite article of clothing ever - sweaters. Nothing says fall like a pencil skirt, light sweater and cardigan.
The other benefit to fall is the weather can tolerate all of the layers that vintage dressing requires. Winter is too cold to worry about vintage trimmings - who can wear skirts when their legs are freezing? Summer is too hot and spring, well for whatever reason I just don't have the hankering, probably because most of my retro inspired clothing is for fall.
But back to fall fashions.
I love tights. Last season it was the trend to layer a solid color (say plum or burgundy) under a patterned black or brown. I loved this since it makes the wearer seem as though they are wearing fancy patterned tights, but in reality are playing a trick. Personally, the patterned tights are to delicate to wear alone anyway, so the second layer is not only insulating, but prevents easy tears in the decorative pair.
I'm not sure what the trend will be this year, and I doubt I actually find out anytime soon, since I don't watch the runways, am too poor to buy magazines, and don't have a Nordstrom near me (which is where I usually take my cues from).
I'm told plum is going to be in again, but you know - it seems like a remnant from last year that the consumer is enjoying more than a product out of the fashion scene. I have my bets on Mustard, Burnt Sienna, Navy Blue, Burgundy, and Cranberry. Mad Men has been a big fashion inspiration and so I think many of the colors will be drawn from the corporate palette of the sixties (which I believe is why we're seeing Burnt Sienna and Mustard). However, this year's earthy colors seem more subdued than last year's jewel tones - maybe a reflection of the economy?
Pumps are the shoe of the season (as opposed to flats in spring, boots in winter, sandals in summer) and the weather tolerates - possibly my most favorite article of clothing ever - sweaters. Nothing says fall like a pencil skirt, light sweater and cardigan.
The other benefit to fall is the weather can tolerate all of the layers that vintage dressing requires. Winter is too cold to worry about vintage trimmings - who can wear skirts when their legs are freezing? Summer is too hot and spring, well for whatever reason I just don't have the hankering, probably because most of my retro inspired clothing is for fall.
But back to fall fashions.
I love tights. Last season it was the trend to layer a solid color (say plum or burgundy) under a patterned black or brown. I loved this since it makes the wearer seem as though they are wearing fancy patterned tights, but in reality are playing a trick. Personally, the patterned tights are to delicate to wear alone anyway, so the second layer is not only insulating, but prevents easy tears in the decorative pair.
I'm not sure what the trend will be this year, and I doubt I actually find out anytime soon, since I don't watch the runways, am too poor to buy magazines, and don't have a Nordstrom near me (which is where I usually take my cues from).
I'm told plum is going to be in again, but you know - it seems like a remnant from last year that the consumer is enjoying more than a product out of the fashion scene. I have my bets on Mustard, Burnt Sienna, Navy Blue, Burgundy, and Cranberry. Mad Men has been a big fashion inspiration and so I think many of the colors will be drawn from the corporate palette of the sixties (which I believe is why we're seeing Burnt Sienna and Mustard). However, this year's earthy colors seem more subdued than last year's jewel tones - maybe a reflection of the economy?
I have much of my wardrobe now, although some items have been falling apart and are in need of replacement - my black wedges, flats, belt, etc - things I wear the most. Eventually I'll need tights because I'm bound to rip the pair I have, but I'll cross that bridge when I come to it. I really want a pair of jedi/riding boots, but I don't have the calves to support them or maybe better said, I have too much calves to support them. Ah well.
p.s. I love those teal heels. I can't find them in teal in my size, however Zappos has them in black. Paycheck? Hmm, maybe savings....
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Back at the Press
Monday, August 31st
First day back to school - if I'd been in Portland that is.
Instead, I worked on my scratchboards, job applications, looked for cracks on the inside of my eyelids, and cleaned like a bat out of hell. I made the Pistol shine. There must be a gallon of Murphy oil on all this wood.
Oh, and I started my West Bottoms (Top of the Bottoms) sketchbook. We'll see how that goes.
Today
Since today is the first of the month, today is also the first of my new regiment - counting calories, waking up early, and exercise. I've stocked up on healthy foods and am in the process of getting my bike fixed, this is bound to work.
I arrived at work at ten, and it felt like I'd never left, except for the fact my water bottle had gone missing that there were some changes to the decor. I packaged orders all day which was fine, there really wasn't anything to print.
I talked to Brady and we decided I will be working three to four days, two paid and two not. Eric's hiring has made it so I couldn't get my original three, but the press he operates cranks out 2000 prints per hour(going slow), so I can't argue his presence. For now, I will probably do a fair amount of order filling, because they are inbetween print jobs. However, I proposed the idea, and Brady and I are going to attempt to catalogue his type at some point. It'll give me something to do and help him in the long run - meanwhile I will be free to fondle the type and get may hands on everything from A to Z.
Tomorrow I don't have work since we are adjusting to the new schedule, but Thursday I do, and maybe Friday since it is First Friday.
After work I came home, took a nap and then started cleaning some more in an attempt to make this place presentable since Eric said he was going to come over for some dinner and the show.
He arrived around 8 and I had made chili and green beans (mostly because that is all I have). We talked about Art and Hammerpress until the show started. Eventually his friend joined us after the auction ended next door and she enjoyed the chili as well.
It was a good night and I feel like I'm back in the charmed (maybe cursed?) groove of the Pistol.
First day back to school - if I'd been in Portland that is.
Instead, I worked on my scratchboards, job applications, looked for cracks on the inside of my eyelids, and cleaned like a bat out of hell. I made the Pistol shine. There must be a gallon of Murphy oil on all this wood.
Oh, and I started my West Bottoms (Top of the Bottoms) sketchbook. We'll see how that goes.
Today
Since today is the first of the month, today is also the first of my new regiment - counting calories, waking up early, and exercise. I've stocked up on healthy foods and am in the process of getting my bike fixed, this is bound to work.
I arrived at work at ten, and it felt like I'd never left, except for the fact my water bottle had gone missing that there were some changes to the decor. I packaged orders all day which was fine, there really wasn't anything to print.
I talked to Brady and we decided I will be working three to four days, two paid and two not. Eric's hiring has made it so I couldn't get my original three, but the press he operates cranks out 2000 prints per hour(going slow), so I can't argue his presence. For now, I will probably do a fair amount of order filling, because they are inbetween print jobs. However, I proposed the idea, and Brady and I are going to attempt to catalogue his type at some point. It'll give me something to do and help him in the long run - meanwhile I will be free to fondle the type and get may hands on everything from A to Z.
Tomorrow I don't have work since we are adjusting to the new schedule, but Thursday I do, and maybe Friday since it is First Friday.
After work I came home, took a nap and then started cleaning some more in an attempt to make this place presentable since Eric said he was going to come over for some dinner and the show.
He arrived around 8 and I had made chili and green beans (mostly because that is all I have). We talked about Art and Hammerpress until the show started. Eventually his friend joined us after the auction ended next door and she enjoyed the chili as well.
It was a good night and I feel like I'm back in the charmed (maybe cursed?) groove of the Pistol.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Artz
Here are some more scratch boards from my Pecos Bill project, not as happy with them as I could be... I've also included my first sketch from my sketch-a-day book of the West Bottoms. We'll see if I can keep that up.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Baconfest and the Birthday of Charlie Parker
Saturday, August 29th
Baconfest! The morning greeted me to half a dozen tents being set up on the street below. There were a handful of food booths with bacon delights and a pig corral that held a very tired but cute little pink pig. At 11, Patrick (from Foundation next door) turned on the tunes and the party was started.
Part of the Pistol prerogative is "snaking" free food and booze. Baconfest is such an occasion where it is my duty to do so. From the secret location of my room, I surveyed the crowd with an an eye details to help the success of my snaking. Wristbands would be a problem, but not with long sleeves. I threw on my light thermal and went to see what Baconfest was about.
Baconfest was a testament to all that Bacon is - a desert, a pizza, an alcoholic beverage. There were large pans brimming with crispy strips and a vendor doling out the most delicious bacon barbecue sandwich I'd ever tasted. Since admission was thirty dollars, all of the food and drinks were free. Since the festival was in my front yard, the entire thing was free.
At two the festival wrapped up and I returned, well fed, to my base. Eventually I got so bored I needed to get out of my room. I went to the Plaza to scout out job opportunities. In the evening there was a show next door and I snaked some more drinks before going to bed.
Sunday, August 30th
I woke up at 9 and listened to my audio book for an hour while Cecil attempted to win my love back with the virtue of annoyance. At 11, Joe burst in and told me that if I wanted, the Hearts of Darkness' crazy red-head stepchild, The Dirty Force (Top of the Bottoms) were going to preform at a Jazz funeral/birthday celebration for the famous Charlie Parker, and if I wanted we were invited to go with.
Well, I wanted to clean the Pistol, but how could I turn down that offer? Originally we dressed in normal clothes, but Joe reported the Dirty Force were going to be dressing up, after all, they were taking part in a Jazz funeral procession - or more like were the procession (Dirty Force is a Funeral inspired Mardi Gras band). So instead of jeans, I donned a brown pencil shirt and forties style red blouse, red lipstick, and my new gold wedges. I finished putting up my hair and we were off.
There were four carloads of musicians and their instruments. We arrived at Lincoln Cemetery to find it full of cars. There were probably eighty to a hundred people standing around, a dozen or so with saxophones. We milled about for fifteen-ish minutes and then the eulogies started. There were four speakers followed by a jazz improve by the saxophone players. The event ended with the funeral procession by The Dirty Force. The whole thing probably lasted an hour and a half.
Joe and I went home, changed, and immediately left again for cheap Mexican food. Then we came back to the Pistol. I napped, then awoke to start sweeping and dusting.
At seven Halliday called and picked me up a half hour later - drive in movie at 8. We picked up a pizza, some drinks, and joined up with some of her friends that we'd met at the show on Friday. Halliday had tricked out her trunk with a cooler and blankets, although it paled in comparison to another couple who brought their porch rocker, table, and a rug.
The movies were Halloween II and Inglorious Bastards.
Halloween II was a grizzly attempt at making a horror movie but relied on cheap tricks to try to scare its audience. The effects used blood and guts as a crutch and the story was choppy at best. Not enough psychological play and too much stabbing. There is no way one man could kill a hospital full of people. Not even if that man is Michael Myers. Oh, and the whole "I love you brother" at the end. Lame.
Inglorious Bastards was supposed to be a film about killing Nazis and I was disappointed. I thought that Tarantino would have used his great tricks to make an excellent film, but I don't think the movie lived up to the trailer.
The night was fun none the less and I am going back to the drive in next weekend for Greaserama.
Baconfest! The morning greeted me to half a dozen tents being set up on the street below. There were a handful of food booths with bacon delights and a pig corral that held a very tired but cute little pink pig. At 11, Patrick (from Foundation next door) turned on the tunes and the party was started.
Part of the Pistol prerogative is "snaking" free food and booze. Baconfest is such an occasion where it is my duty to do so. From the secret location of my room, I surveyed the crowd with an an eye details to help the success of my snaking. Wristbands would be a problem, but not with long sleeves. I threw on my light thermal and went to see what Baconfest was about.
Baconfest was a testament to all that Bacon is - a desert, a pizza, an alcoholic beverage. There were large pans brimming with crispy strips and a vendor doling out the most delicious bacon barbecue sandwich I'd ever tasted. Since admission was thirty dollars, all of the food and drinks were free. Since the festival was in my front yard, the entire thing was free.
At two the festival wrapped up and I returned, well fed, to my base. Eventually I got so bored I needed to get out of my room. I went to the Plaza to scout out job opportunities. In the evening there was a show next door and I snaked some more drinks before going to bed.
Sunday, August 30th
I woke up at 9 and listened to my audio book for an hour while Cecil attempted to win my love back with the virtue of annoyance. At 11, Joe burst in and told me that if I wanted, the Hearts of Darkness' crazy red-head stepchild, The Dirty Force (Top of the Bottoms) were going to preform at a Jazz funeral/birthday celebration for the famous Charlie Parker, and if I wanted we were invited to go with.
Well, I wanted to clean the Pistol, but how could I turn down that offer? Originally we dressed in normal clothes, but Joe reported the Dirty Force were going to be dressing up, after all, they were taking part in a Jazz funeral procession - or more like were the procession (Dirty Force is a Funeral inspired Mardi Gras band). So instead of jeans, I donned a brown pencil shirt and forties style red blouse, red lipstick, and my new gold wedges. I finished putting up my hair and we were off.
There were four carloads of musicians and their instruments. We arrived at Lincoln Cemetery to find it full of cars. There were probably eighty to a hundred people standing around, a dozen or so with saxophones. We milled about for fifteen-ish minutes and then the eulogies started. There were four speakers followed by a jazz improve by the saxophone players. The event ended with the funeral procession by The Dirty Force. The whole thing probably lasted an hour and a half.
Joe and I went home, changed, and immediately left again for cheap Mexican food. Then we came back to the Pistol. I napped, then awoke to start sweeping and dusting.
At seven Halliday called and picked me up a half hour later - drive in movie at 8. We picked up a pizza, some drinks, and joined up with some of her friends that we'd met at the show on Friday. Halliday had tricked out her trunk with a cooler and blankets, although it paled in comparison to another couple who brought their porch rocker, table, and a rug.
The movies were Halloween II and Inglorious Bastards.
Halloween II was a grizzly attempt at making a horror movie but relied on cheap tricks to try to scare its audience. The effects used blood and guts as a crutch and the story was choppy at best. Not enough psychological play and too much stabbing. There is no way one man could kill a hospital full of people. Not even if that man is Michael Myers. Oh, and the whole "I love you brother" at the end. Lame.
Inglorious Bastards was supposed to be a film about killing Nazis and I was disappointed. I thought that Tarantino would have used his great tricks to make an excellent film, but I don't think the movie lived up to the trailer.
The night was fun none the less and I am going back to the drive in next weekend for Greaserama.
On the blog again
Much has happened since I last wrote.
I drove the Oregon Trail, made some yard sale cash, saw friendly faces, and made some trouble here in K.C.
Before driving out from Poulsbo, my brother, his wife, and I had a yard sale. Lessons were learned and I will have to remember, Saturday is the most lucrative day. My brother took most of my money on Sunday as "dues" so I left early to pack for my trip.
Sunday night my good friend Tami and I met up for some navy bar escapades and in the early morn, my mom and I left for Kansas City.
Monday, August 24th
One month since the day I left Kansas City, I left Poulsbo. Monday I was sick from allergies and so I didn't drive much. The drive was the same one we took in May - Poulsbo to Bozeman. The Motel 8 had Golden Girls and I fell asleep watching them.
Tuesday, August 25
Bozeman, MT to Scott's Bluff, NE. The drive was much shorter. This time instead of crossing into the Dakotas, our trek took us south into Wyoming and from there into Nebraska. We met the Oregon Trail at Fort Laramie near the Nebraska border and followed it to our day's destination at Scott's Bluff.
We weren't purposely tracing the trail, but today's modern-day highway follows it because of the natural ease of the land - the very reason pioneers chose the route. Although coincidental, the historical part of it was the most exciting part about our trip.
In Fort Laramie, the rain was pouring hard enough we were unable look at the site (no umbrellas) although I did strike up enough courage to hike a short distance to Oregon Trail tracks that had been cut into solid rock. A mile or so away was Register Cliff, a cliff face (go figure) that contained the signatures of thousands in its side. There were many from the 1800's (the earliest I saw was from 1820), although sadly I saw one carved as recently as 2005. Near the tracks I found a very faded, but distinguishable signature from JR - 1888 next to a much larger and legible Sam and Peggy - 1979.
"The sandstone rocks near Guernsey .... Here, the trail ruts are not to be missed since they are carved into the stone. Some gouges are more than four feet deep! These deep ruts result from years of wagon wear and from intentional cutting by emigrants attempting to ease the steep passage up from the level river bottom to the High Plains. .... A short drive from the trail ruts back through Guernsey takes visitors to Register Cliff, .... Following a day’s journey from Fort Laramie, emigrants spent the night at Register Cliff and inscribed their names into the rock face. The earliest signatures date to the late 1820s when trappers and fur traders passed through the area, but most of the names visible today were carved during the 1840s and 1850s when the Oregon Trail was at its height. Today, visitors can walk along the cliff base to view the signatures up close."
Wednesday, August 26th
We started the day at Scott's Bluff National Monument. The fog was so thick nothing could be seen until we were upon it. Then the fog cleared to reveal a bright blue sky with the fog cloud hovering inbetween the towering rock formations of the bluff. It was awe inspiring to stand there were at one point a good 150 thousand plus people traveled through to the west. We walked the tracks from a few yards and then were on our way.
The second stop of the day was at Chimney Rock - another monument on the Oregon Trail. We arrived as the museum opened. I was surprised to find out that Chimney Rock is significantly shorter than it was when the pioneers rode by - I'd say maybe even 50 - 60 feet shorter.
We didn't stop at Courthouse Rock, but did at a Pony Express station. After said Station we booked it across the rest of Nebraska to Lincoln and from there to Kansas City. We arrived late in the night and rose again early to take my mom to the airport.
Thursday, August 27th, I slept. Oh, and started Travels with Charley
Friday, August 28th
I met Halliday and we went to a basement show where I oddly enough ran into a new hiree at Hammerpress. Eric, was hired to run the larger automatic platen presses by Brady and it is he who vies for my hours. I crushed him and then laughed at his remains. No not really, we laughed about our meeting and had a good time. He might come to the show on Tuesday at the Pistol.
Speaking of the Pistol. I should be cleaning it right now. Joe has lived here more or less alone for a month and it looks it. I need some air fresheners too. Uriah is moving out with his girlfriend Jenny. Lame.
I drove the Oregon Trail, made some yard sale cash, saw friendly faces, and made some trouble here in K.C.
Before driving out from Poulsbo, my brother, his wife, and I had a yard sale. Lessons were learned and I will have to remember, Saturday is the most lucrative day. My brother took most of my money on Sunday as "dues" so I left early to pack for my trip.
Sunday night my good friend Tami and I met up for some navy bar escapades and in the early morn, my mom and I left for Kansas City.
Monday, August 24th
One month since the day I left Kansas City, I left Poulsbo. Monday I was sick from allergies and so I didn't drive much. The drive was the same one we took in May - Poulsbo to Bozeman. The Motel 8 had Golden Girls and I fell asleep watching them.
Tuesday, August 25
Bozeman, MT to Scott's Bluff, NE. The drive was much shorter. This time instead of crossing into the Dakotas, our trek took us south into Wyoming and from there into Nebraska. We met the Oregon Trail at Fort Laramie near the Nebraska border and followed it to our day's destination at Scott's Bluff.
We weren't purposely tracing the trail, but today's modern-day highway follows it because of the natural ease of the land - the very reason pioneers chose the route. Although coincidental, the historical part of it was the most exciting part about our trip.
In Fort Laramie, the rain was pouring hard enough we were unable look at the site (no umbrellas) although I did strike up enough courage to hike a short distance to Oregon Trail tracks that had been cut into solid rock. A mile or so away was Register Cliff, a cliff face (go figure) that contained the signatures of thousands in its side. There were many from the 1800's (the earliest I saw was from 1820), although sadly I saw one carved as recently as 2005. Near the tracks I found a very faded, but distinguishable signature from JR - 1888 next to a much larger and legible Sam and Peggy - 1979.
"The sandstone rocks near Guernsey .... Here, the trail ruts are not to be missed since they are carved into the stone. Some gouges are more than four feet deep! These deep ruts result from years of wagon wear and from intentional cutting by emigrants attempting to ease the steep passage up from the level river bottom to the High Plains. .... A short drive from the trail ruts back through Guernsey takes visitors to Register Cliff, .... Following a day’s journey from Fort Laramie, emigrants spent the night at Register Cliff and inscribed their names into the rock face. The earliest signatures date to the late 1820s when trappers and fur traders passed through the area, but most of the names visible today were carved during the 1840s and 1850s when the Oregon Trail was at its height. Today, visitors can walk along the cliff base to view the signatures up close."
Wednesday, August 26th
We started the day at Scott's Bluff National Monument. The fog was so thick nothing could be seen until we were upon it. Then the fog cleared to reveal a bright blue sky with the fog cloud hovering inbetween the towering rock formations of the bluff. It was awe inspiring to stand there were at one point a good 150 thousand plus people traveled through to the west. We walked the tracks from a few yards and then were on our way.
The second stop of the day was at Chimney Rock - another monument on the Oregon Trail. We arrived as the museum opened. I was surprised to find out that Chimney Rock is significantly shorter than it was when the pioneers rode by - I'd say maybe even 50 - 60 feet shorter.
We didn't stop at Courthouse Rock, but did at a Pony Express station. After said Station we booked it across the rest of Nebraska to Lincoln and from there to Kansas City. We arrived late in the night and rose again early to take my mom to the airport.
Thursday, August 27th, I slept. Oh, and started Travels with Charley
Friday, August 28th
I met Halliday and we went to a basement show where I oddly enough ran into a new hiree at Hammerpress. Eric, was hired to run the larger automatic platen presses by Brady and it is he who vies for my hours. I crushed him and then laughed at his remains. No not really, we laughed about our meeting and had a good time. He might come to the show on Tuesday at the Pistol.
Speaking of the Pistol. I should be cleaning it right now. Joe has lived here more or less alone for a month and it looks it. I need some air fresheners too. Uriah is moving out with his girlfriend Jenny. Lame.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
On the road again...soon.
Back to Washington.
My stay in Portland is hours from being over. I'm ready to go back to Kansas City, but things are looking like they'll be different than I planned.
*** No KCAI. I'm going to be doing an independent study with Martin French instead. I'll be taking the class I was going to be taking originally (Illustration Visual Vocabulary - Wednesdays @ 11) but online, instead of in person. Since I've taken the class before, it is a chance to stretch my wings and see if I can't take the ground running this time around.
*** More working. Two jobs, at least. Hammerpress will be one, but according to an email I received today, it looks as though Brady may not be able to pay me for as many days as I was anticipating. Halliday works at a teashop where the work is easy and when it isn't busy, I would be able to work on my own projects. Only down point is; would they take me from 6 to ten? Halliday goes in at 3.
Option number two is the infamous Lulu's, where I understand the manager stinks to high heaven, but Uriah worked from 6pm to ten or eleven, so I imagine I could too - bonus, it is located about a block away from Hammerpress.
Option three is Grinders, a bar/greasy spoon also not far from Hammerpress.
I'm sure there are more, most of which include food service, but I will have to see what they pay to better ascertain how many I will have to take on. I've wanted to work as a bartender, maybe now is a good time to try it out.
Things I've got to do when I get back:
1. FIX BIKE! No more squeakage. I want to be able to ride it to work and I will annoy the shit out of myself if it squeaks all the way there.
2. Find job - no more than two week time span for this
3. Reestablish myself at Manny's.
4. Create poster for Pistol show - no more than two week time span for this
5. Check out the arts INKubator and make sure my stuff hasn't been thrown out
6. Eat either Mayan Tostada or North African plate at YJ's
7. Find local doctor
Monday, August 17, 2009
odds and ends.
More printing today, and appointments. Getting everything settled for going back to KC.
Communication. I have issues with listening, and I have issues with responding. Why? I'm honestly a bit embarrassed to be confronted by them, but confront them I must. I've had this issue since I was 18, or well that was the first time it was pointed out to me. Damn, that's five years and I only feel slightly better than then.
New motto. Sit down and shut up. Mostly shut up. Stop opening your big mouth and hear what it is people have to say. Better to say too little and have your words respected than say too much and have them ignored.
I feel a little lost. I don't feel like I'm home in Portland, and Kansas City seems a little empty. Hammerpress will be great and I know I'll get along fine again, but man, I sure wish I had that person to talk to.
update
Currently I am sitting with Diana, Trillian and Phil, waiting for Tabitha. Everyone has dug through my pile of Hammerpress goodies. I'm pretty confident they liked what they found. I missed hanging out with these folks :) We're talking about Stumptown plans and excellent plans they are.
Earlier today Phil caught me feeding my houseplant addiction. Maybe I need help...
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Relaxation and printing meditation
Yesterday was a combination letterpress and reading day.
Also with a dash of homemade dinner thrown in for good measure for Diana and Robin. They have been excellent hosts. Robin made me breakfast this morning - french cinnamon toast!
After dinner we watched Roman Holiday with JP. He mentioned going over to his place to watch it, and since he lives in my old apt, I'm not quite sure I would have liked that. At the start of dinner I felt odd with him there, but I loosened up, since it is silly to harbor feelings against him. JP didn't not rehire me, or stress me out to the point of tears, or boot me from my home. He is just the guy who took my place, and that really isn't his fault.
Today is more printing, and then maybe scratch board? Or illicitly reading a book without buying it in Powell's.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
More Portland
Not having a home to distract me has been surprisingly refreshing.
There is nowhere to sleep until noon, nothing to straighten or clean, and no computer to sit endlessly in front of.
The only option I have for computers is Robin or Diana's (whose I don't want to abuse) or the ones at school. I have little to do other than my art all day because I am flat broke. In response, I have been slightly productive.
Yesterday Diana and I walked to breakfast where we met up with Robin. Walking home we explored some interesting hat shops and after we rested in their apartment until 3:30, at which point they had a meeting at school to attend. I busied myself with printing.
I worked on my sister's baby shower invite until the school closed. I wowed some folks with my new letterpress skillz and I think I started a new trend of turning wooden type upside down for the texture. We shall see how it jumps off.
At closing time, seven, Robin and I had some burritos and walked up to 23rd for some cake. We were going to take it to the park but realized we were more tired than we'd previously thought. Instead we sat down to watch Saving Grace.
Post movie, I promptly passed out.
Three things: 1. I got a comment that I looked nicely tan -go figure! 2. Printing raised my mood 100%, I feel very much relaxed when working with the press. 3. It is nice to see one's friends again.
Oh! did I mention Rick Steve's Europe is on Hulu ?!?!
Friday, August 14, 2009
P-town bound
Well, my spirits are recuperating.
Yesterday was spent twiddling my thumbs and passing time until my turn in the print lab came to be. I updated my online projects and caught up on Stephen Colbert, as well as went to see Harry Potter and the Search for More Money. I wasn't impressed and as usual the acting didn't live up to my standards. Maybe I am a Harry Potter snob, but if that is the case I should learn my lesson and have seen Public Enemy instead. Ah well, can't go back.
The movie ended in time for me to get some prep work in the print lab finished before the school closed. I left to wander the hallowed grounds of Powell's for a half an hour, until I realized I didn't have the money to spend on the book I wanted (a guide book to Northern Cali).
I showed up at Diana's and Robins at the pre-agreed ten o'clock and we talked for a few hours until I passed out on the couch.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
