To Perceive

Ellie's dinosaurs

2011-05-31T18:16:00.000-07:00

2010-11-17T12:21:00.000-08:00

Thesis

2010-11-17T11:29:00.000-08:00

adverts

2010-11-16T10:59:00.000-08:00

Johnny H.

2010-11-13T16:41:00.001-08:00

Examples

2010-10-25T13:18:00.001-07:00

Examples

2010-09-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

Thesis

2010-09-22T08:58:00.000-07:00

Thesis

2010-09-15T12:16:00.001-07:00

Underground Railroad quilt codes

Ideas for John Henry

Reflections

2010-07-15T12:28:00.000-07:00

I've been working on Pecos Bill and making a great deal of headway. All but one image is ready for text. I have a feeling I'll need to create probably two to three more scratchboards, but I think that will be a simple endeavor. My schedule for completing the design this weekend, is feasible. Printing next week?

Other projects to complete (ideally this weekend): resume - and finishing the arroyo in my cowboy quilt. As a side note, if I woke up at eight, when my alarm goes off, I'd find I have ample time to complete everything that needs to be done. Late nights aren't working like they did during the school year.

My emotions are still in turmoil, well maybe not so much my emotions but thoughts. I'm going through a significant amount of change right now. I'm on that brink between carelessness and adulthood. There are responsibilities I've yet to undertake that need to be faced.

On that note, my artistic capacity is starting to twitch again. It has been somewhat dead since the arrival of summer - to be expected, but none the less annoying. Somehow I'm not finding the the time to create these works or maybe I'm simply not finding the moment to overcome my own hesitance and put pen to paper. Either way I am feeling that ball of discord that settles in the pit of my stomach when I need to create - and don't.

Thesis

2010-07-15T11:14:00.000-07:00

Today I woke up having just convinced myself that my dream of arriving 44 minutes late to my thesis presentation (and thus everyone had moved on to the next person) was not real.

I finished Romancing the Folk. I'm a little behind on my reading schedule, but that was to be expected. My due date for books to be finished has become Saturday instead of the intended Wednesday.

Anyway - here is my best attempt at summarizing the book and why it might be relevant to my research. I think doing this might be helpful for later when I need to recall what exactly it was that I read.

Romancing the Folk: Public Memory and American Roots Music (Cultural Studies of the United States by Benjamin Filene

Chapter one: Here we learn about the American landscape before the very idea of folk. In fact, folk is a relatively new idea. At the turn of the 20th century, American was not even 200 years old. Inhabitant’s great-great grandfathers had been present at the founding of the country. America did not yet see it’s own culture as being specific to the country verses the place from which they had originated. For the most part of the 19th century folk meant folk from the motherland - specifically the English countryside.

to be continued...

Reflections

2010-07-08T09:27:00.000-07:00

It's only nine am and my room is already considerably muggy. I can't open my window any wider. I'd buy a fan, except I know I have two back in my brother's garage.

On the plus side - it reminds me of being back in KCMO...

Pecos Bill is officially a year old, not sure how I feel about that. It should have been done six months ago. Why am I so hesitant to work on it? I guess I'm afraid of fucking it up, although I can't help but think there must be some more dramatic underlying reason that it isn't finished. I've planned a schedule for its completion. The deadline is next weekend. That way I'll have more time to complete other projects - like the sandwich compendium - in time for the zine symposium.

This weekend I'm going in search of a job. I have four presses to contact. Tonight I'll figure out my resume situation - probably at a bar since working in my room is difficult.

Getting down to business.

Thesis

2010-07-07T20:24:00.000-07:00

I'm having trouble sitting down and reading. There is an endless parade of books I'm attempting to get through, but it is difficult to actually finish a damn chapter. Maybe because the reading is heavy, or maybe because I'm out of practice - I'm finding myself drifting into space and what I encounter there is only adding the the fastness of my heartbeat.

I don't think my heart has slowed down to a simple pace (day-wise) for five days now. However...something about the pounding in my chest lets me know I'm alive - constantly on edge. Is that a good thing? Will this be my existence til December...somehow my answer is yes, and I'm okay with that. There is much to do, and so it goes.

My emotions are raw right now, and I cannot accurately decipher where it is they are headed. I need to keep this chronicle going - at the right time, things will smooth out. Until then...

Patience.

Outfit-a-day

2010-03-15T22:16:00.001-07:00

Back home

2009-12-28T08:19:00.001-08:00

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.

"Do not criticize or complain"

2009-11-11T16:09:00.000-08:00

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.

Maximone to Halloween

2009-11-02T21:44:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-02T21:42:00.000-08:00

Outside dollar taco tuesday

St. Maximone

Dressed for Maximone

Up-do for Zack's Birthday

thoughts

2009-10-30T20:37:00.000-07:00

Even God himself does not purpose to judge man until the end of his days.

Batrider

2009-10-27T11:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Ghost Ranch

2009-10-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

Georgia O'Keeffe picture. Silkscreen - 11 x 17

Expert

2009-10-25T15:17:00.000-07:00

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.

Wednesday-off

2009-10-22T06:51:00.000-07:00

new boots, plus paper source and a five dollar cardigan. good day, especially for the boots.

Georgia on my mind

2009-10-21T22:33:00.002-07:00

ink preliminary sketch for Georgia O'Keeffe piece.

Out of the dork closet.

2009-10-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

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.

Senior Pictures

2009-10-07T19:00:00.000-07:00

pictures by joe hammers

Videos?

2009-10-05T07:43:00.000-07:00

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...

Les Artistes & Pokerface

More to come? Probably.

Lounging and Cleaning

2009-10-01T21:22:00.000-07:00

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.

Happy Anniversary Pistol!

2009-10-01T20:56:00.000-07:00

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.

A very magical Friday

2009-10-01T20:32:00.001-07:00

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.

The Long Drive - Redneck

2009-09-24T17:48:00.000-07:00

"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

2009-09-24T17:37:00.000-07:00

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 Tips - Letterpress

2009-09-22T19:47:00.000-07:00

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.

Things to do: not procrastinate

2009-09-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

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.

LBD, trousers, d'orsay heels and such

2009-09-21T09:00:00.000-07:00

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!

Movin' and Groovin'

2009-09-20T16:55:00.000-07:00

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.

Thrifty

2009-09-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

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...

Finally...

2009-09-19T18:19:00.001-07:00

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.

Hearts of Darkness

2009-09-15T07:05:00.000-07:00

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.

Week in Review - some more

2009-09-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

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!

Week in Review - Greaserama 2.0

2009-09-12T13:05:00.000-07:00

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...

Week in Review - Greaserama

2009-09-12T12:34:00.000-07:00

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.

Week in Review

2009-09-12T12:27:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-09-10T07:30:00.001-07:00

Updates coming soon! Great turn of events to be had. stay tuned for tonight!!!

I guess this is part of moving on...

2009-09-07T21:14:00.000-07:00

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.

Museums and jobs

2009-09-03T17:55:00.000-07:00

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.

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.

Hark! A Vagrant

2009-09-02T18:51:00.000-07:00

Trillian introduced me to some funny stuff:

Pope - my sentiments exactly
More Pope
Bronte Sisters
Napoleon
Two Garfields
July 4th - "here's what i think of your taxes!"
Prince Beefcakes

Fall Fashions

2009-09-02T10:31:00.000-07:00

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?

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....

Back at the Press

2009-09-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Artz

2009-08-31T19:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Baconfest and the Birthday of Charlie Parker

2009-08-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

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.

On the blog again

2009-08-30T09:15:00.000-07:00

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.

On the road again...soon.

2009-08-19T17:26:00.000-07:00

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

odds and ends.

2009-08-17T16:23:00.000-07:00

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...

Relaxation and printing meditation

2009-08-16T12:06:00.000-07:00

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.

More Portland

2009-08-15T10:31:00.000-07:00

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 ?!?!

P-town bound

2009-08-14T13:46:00.000-07:00

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.

Pecos Bill

2009-08-13T19:13:00.000-07:00

These are some scratchboard images for my Pecos Bill zine.

My heart hurts.

2009-08-13T12:02:00.000-07:00

Adam is gone.

Last night he drove me to my car, helped pack up my things, kissed me goodbye and drove away. I have no idea when I'll see him again. He certainly won't becoming back to Portland...

Adam is leaving for Atlanta. He has a wonderful opportunity there and I'm sure he will grow rapidly. It will be amazing from his talents and when he is finished, I am excited to see what he'll have become. However, our time here in Portland is finished. That sucks.

He told me how much it hurt to not have me in Portland over the summer and I guess I didn't really understand. Kansas City was working so well I didn't really stop to think of what Portland must have been like. Now I get to.

Adam is my best friend. Everything around here reminds me of him and the fact I don't have him here stinks.

I don't have a home right now and back in Kansas City, that made me mad that I'd have no where to live while I'm here, but in retrospect I'm glad. I don't think I'd like being in my apartment without him. I can't imagine what it must have been like to stay there and have all of my things around him. No wonder he felt so bad.

My heart hurts and I don't know how to make it go away. I want to be excited about being back in Portland, but it is difficult. In general it is pretty hard to see things in a good light right now.

I want to have him around again, all the time, like he was before, but when am I going to Atlanta? When would he go to Kansas City? It would be awful to ask him to come back to Portland. From where I am standing, my year here in Portland looks pretty lonely. I am glad I'm going to Kansas City. I need to get away from this....

I miss Adam so much.

The Golden State

2009-08-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

August 6th - I arrived in San Francisco at 9:30am. I was flying there to meet Adam so we could go to his older sister's wedding on the 8th. We planned a day for ourselves on the 6th.

Adam was already in California being a glass star with Loren Stump and Emilio Santini. His class had finished on Sunday and he'd since been hanging out at Loren's studio waiting for me to arrive.

Our goal was to see as much of San Fran as physically possible in one day, and I think we did a good job. We started at the Fisherman's Wharf (I got to drive down Lombard Street on the way there), shared a bread bowl for lunch, then walked the financial district and ended in China Town for dinner. After potstickers, we were both too tired and poor to continue, so we went to our hotel and fell fast asleep.

The next day, August 7th, we drove to Monterey and took part in pre-wedding parties. There was the wedding rehearsal, rehearsal barbeque, and after barbeque drinks. I met Adam's dad's large side of the family and ate more Mexican food.

Speaking of food, I haven't eaten yet. I'll finish this up after I do.

Okay, August 8th - Andrea's wedding was lovely. It was held at this beach side resort in a spot overlooking the water. The resort catered and provided almost everything. The wedding was picturesque to say the least. Adam made glass flowers for Andrea's bridal bouquet and they were ooh'ed and ahh'ed over by everyone. The photographer said he'd been doing wedding's along time and had never seen anything like it. He also mentioned that Adam should go into business making glass bridal bouquets, Adam though this would be a good idea.

There was much dancing at the reception and everyone left feeling the wedding went very well.

The 9th and 10th were spent with Adam's family exploring Monterey. We went swimming at Lover's Point, explored tide pools, watched beautiful sunsets and traversed the aquarium. Adam felt at home in Monterey, one of the place he grew up, and was obviously excited to see the aquarium and tide pools.

The evening of the 10th, the two of us said goodbye to Adam's family and drove up the coast to Humboldt State Park. (When crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, there was so much fog, we couldn't even see it.) We arrived too late to find a real camping spot, so we pitched our tent on the side of the road.

The next day we signed up for environmental camping at the ranger station and spent our one day in the woods tromping through redwood trails and streams. I think we are going to attempt to go every year. My heart hurt leaving so early.

Yesterday, we drove home. Last night I had to say goodbye....

This land is my land...

2009-08-13T09:46:00.000-07:00

The last three months: Portland to Poulsbo, WA - Bozeman, MT - Murdo, SD - Kansas City, Mo - Dodge City KS, - Santa Fe, NM - Taos, NM - Abiquiu, NM - Moab, UT - Price, UT - Salt Lake City, UT - Boise, ID - Poulsbo, WA - Portland, OR - San Francisco, CA - Monterey, CA - Humboldt State Park, CA - Grants Pass, OR - Portland, OR. (From Dodge City to Portland within a span of the last three weeks)

I've traveled through Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Oregon, and California.

I've driven many miles and have more to go, but for a few days I get to relax and stay here in Portland. I'm feeling a little down and I'll explain why in paragraphs to come...

July 23rd- With my mom in tow, we left Kansas City for Dodge City, Kansas. I would have thought there would be more "Western" tourist cashing in, but there ended up being only one block wide area that was gated in and looked like something from Knotts Berry farm. It was eight or so dollars to go in, so my mom and I passed it up. Some new facts about Dodge City: 1. D.C. is home to two meat packing plants, one of which is the second largest in the United States. 2. Between 1871 and 1875 D.C. was the hub for the mass slaughter of a couple million buffalo. Within four years the trade boomed and died out, so through was the hunting and killing of the buffalo.

July 24th - included driving. We went from Dodge City to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Coincidentally, we we arrived in Santa Fe on the weekend of the Spanish Market. The Spanish Market is a big street fair focused on Hispanic Art, much of which is Catholic/Saint themed.

July 25th and 26th - Spent the days between Santa Fe and Taos. Both cities are quite overrun with tourism. That set aside, (as hard as it might be) the spirit of the of the area was wonderful. The artistic culture includes a fair amount of Dia De Los Muertos, Santos, and general Catholic themes. I enjoyed seeing pictures of saints in many stores and statues dressed with symbolic clothing in the churches.

On the 26th my mother and I went to Taos Pueblo, very interesting to see an active dwelling like that.

Ate much good mexican food. Had the best tamale's in a alley way cantina. If only I could eat them everyday... goal for me: learn to make killer tamales.

July 27th - August 1st - Ghost Ranch (http://www.ghostranch.org/). This time period I was out of cell and internet service, except if I drove out a few mile and then I could make a phone call. The land was awe-inspiringly beautiful and the location peaceful. We took a watercolor class as part of the retreat center and I realized how much it is I know about painting, I was honestly kind of surprised. I was more advance than the class so instead I worked on my scratchboards and walked around thinking. There was a great deal of thinking and talking with my mom. The weather was wild, hot and sunny in the morning, cold(ish) and stormy at night.

On the 31st my good friends moved me out of my apartment and I thank them very much. I owe you guys. I was stressed out beyond belief wondering how I'd get myself out of there.

August 2nd. - More driving. From Abiquiu to Price. We stopped in Moab to see Arches National Park. Well worth seeing and even more worth going back to. Next time I will have to take rock climbing shoes. It was like the world's best jungle gym, and the nicest part is, it's okay to climb on the rocks!

More good mexican food.

August 3rd - Saw my old friend Katie Wiseman and her new baby girl, Sophie!!! I spent two hours with her just out side Salt Lake and saw that she is doing very well. Her husband Ben is very nice and I look forwards to when they live closer. Her baby slept the whole time and never pooped on me once.

August 4th and 5th - Arrived in Poulsbo around dinner time. Had pizza with my parents. The next morning I went into the Toyota dealership to have the spark plugs on my car fixed then drove to Portland. Arrived around 5pm, just in time to catch Jenny, Uriah, and Tyler. Went out to Indian food with them and Jenny's sister. After, I gave them a small tour of Portland. Stayed up until 2am hanging out, only to get up at 4 so I could drop my car off at Adam Poolman's. The off to the airport....

KCMO tie up.

2009-08-13T09:42:00.000-07:00

So I haven't posted in some time, but now I'll start back up.

To tie up my last week in KCMO, I took part in a dance show, did well enough that the troupe asked me to join while I'm in town. Carla, from PNCA, showed up at Hammerpress and started interning in Wendy's spot on Tuesday and Thursdays. I left on Thursday the 23rd and have been gone for three weeks. I've been in and out of cell service/internet and have traveled many miles....

Majorly needed update - part uno

2009-07-23T22:02:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I know that I owe some major blogging. It has been about a week and a half since I updated. I've been kept very busy, and the longer I postponed updating, the more I wanted to keep putting it off, but now I'm sitting in a hotel room with little else to do and I might as well make up for lost time.

Now where was I....

Sunday, July 12th - was a roomie hang out day. Originally I was going to work on my zine and illustration projects but Uriah dropped by and fixed the bike he'd given me. We cleaned the rust off the chain and he reassembled it so that an inaugural ride around the West Bottoms was due.

Joe and Uriah's friend Tyler joined us for a ride to the Kemper Arena, where we got booted by the typical, fat, lazy, security guard in a golf cart. While tempted to ride circles around him, we left in a respectful manner and headed to some of the sketchier, industrial places in the West Bottoms. We crosses two bridges and probably ended up riding ten to fifteen miles through various Bottoms sites before we tired.

Around sundown, we all decided our hunger was enough for cheap Mexican and the guys took me to the infamous Pancho's 24 hour burrito joint. There, we talked about girls and their crafty ways until Uriah's girlfriend Jenny called.

The evening was spent at Jenny's place, porching it and enjoying the night air. When Jenny and I fell asleep, it was time to go home.

Monday, July 13th - Tyler called and he came over for another Bottoms bike ride. Uriah and Joe were out, so it ended up being just the two of us. Tyler works for the airlines and therefore gets free flights out of KCI. We talked about the places we'd been and where we wanted to go until our stomachs rumbled. Somehow it came up that I'd never had K.C. barbecue, and Tyler insisted we rectify that.

There are two places in Kansas City that compete for the Kansas City title of BBQ Ruler - Oklahoma Joe's and Arthur Bryants. Oklahoma Joe's is more kitchy, located in a gas station and very popular with out-of-towners. Arthur Bryant's is more traditional restaurant style, but has been around longer. Tyler took me to Oklahoma Joe's.

I had the pulled pork, medium heat. Not impressed. I've had honest, backyard, grassroots, barbecue, and I imagine it is going to be hard to beat. ***sidenote - Carolina BBQ = vinegar and meat based vs. KC BBQ = sweet and sauce based.***

Tuesday, July 14th - Went to Hammerpress and worked on folding cards as well as the first layer of Brady's new Neko Case poster, for her show on Sunday, July 19th - done in all metallics with an Illustration by Matt. I don't remember what I did that night, but something tells me it included falling asleep early.

Wednesday, July 15th - Worked on the third layer of the Neko Case poster (Brady has done the second the previous night). I also packaged orders and cleaned up the shop.

After work I went to the rehearsal for my show that coming Sunday. Didn't I mention I was going to be in a show? No? Well, last month, Halliday and I went out to see a dance troupe called Two Gun preform. The silly person I am, said; "Hey! I can do that!" and volunteered to guest spot at their next show which happened to be Ex Post Facto.

I'd decided on a 1920's gangster themed act. On the previous Saturday, Halliday and I picked up my costume, Adam had mailed me my black wig and I was all but ready to go. The only thing I needed was music. The Ex Post Facto Show also included fashion designers, 30 plus models, and bands, in otherwords, the rehearsal was a feat of organization. I didn't need to do much, but it was good going and meeting everyone.

Post rehearsal, Ron paid me for my poster. Forty bucks! I know it isn't much, and certainly didn't cover the time I invested, but still, it was my first paid commission as a designer! Fourty bucks meant two for one burgers at the Brick. Halliday joined me and we didn't leave until late.

Thursday July 16th - was an interesting day at Hammerpress. Carla from PNCA showed up to ask for an intern position. Brady had never replied to her email. Taking the initiative, Carla decided to come in anyways. Brady's answer was "yes" and he set her up folding cards. I joined her for awhile before printing the first layer to some business cards on the treadle platen.

The evening was spent searching for better music (found it - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdAt4qWvz_8) and practicing my routine in my costume.

Ladies day!

2009-07-13T19:59:00.000-07:00

Saturday was a ladies day.

Halliday and I met up around 3 to go shopping. I needed a costume for an event this weekend and she just got her paycheck. We started at the costume shop on Main, but got there three minutes after closing. That didn't hold us down. Instead we drove north to do some thrifting.

First stop was the pizza buffet where I had potato pizza with bacon bits on top accompanyed by barbeque pizza with jalapenos. Man I love jalepenos...like pickles but way better.

Next stop was the amazing DAV up near Smithville. Yet again, I scored. I found a slip for my costume, and some awsome electric blue and tan heels, plus a super cute cardigan for me. Smithville DAV was followed up an outdoor mall stop where I found another good costume piece at Hot Topic and the cutest summer dress known to man at forever 21. By then we were getting tired but we ended out shopping trip at Joanne's for some trim and black fabric dye for my slip.

Originally, I was going to then go to a house part with Halliday, but I ended up calling it a night instead. We had alot of fun and it felt refreshing to go out with another lady and just be girls. More shopping trips like this need to occur!

Oh, weird sidenote. So apparently I'm hot stuff with the Illustration Art Direction class. So far I've had four requests to do work. I wish they were more descriptive in their emails, but I've decided I can take two on, and had to turn the other two down. Crazy, eh?

Presses and punk bands

2009-07-13T19:47:00.000-07:00

Friday Brady left early in the morning to go to St. Louis for a wedding - well, by early, I mean 10ish. Matt didn't come into work either, also to go to a (different) wedding. That left Jen, Bobby, and I to work Hammerpress. I had a list of things to do that included assembling wedding invites, cleaning, folding make-ready notebooks, and printing more card inserts.

The wedding invites had a "cantaloupe" and "watermelon" diecut cover/envelope with five inserts. With the three of us in an assembly line, it didn't take very long to put them together and I had plenty of time for my other list of chores.

When I clean, which I try to do extensively every other week, I try to do it as thoroughly as possible. Because of what I sweep up, I don't think that had been happening before. Through cleaning is one of my little way of setting myself apart. I know Brady has noticed a difference, he's mentioned so, and so I am attempting to keep that distinction up.

I ended the day with much printing of inserts on the treadle press.

The evening didn't include too much until Halliday called around 10 to go to a punk show down the street. It wasn't very interesting, the music being (personally) nothing of distinction. I did however have a good conversation with one of the guitarists about the pros and cons of the Empire pre and post Sith influence. Oh and some dudes did a sweet trick on the skate ramp in the warehouse - lots of jumping over trashcans and such.

I ended the night back at the Pistol, a little lonely and a lot tired. I have good friends here, but everyone is pairing off and it makes me miss my Adam something strong.

Champagne and couture

2009-07-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

Thursday was Wendy's last day at work.

As for what I did, I printed the orange layer on the birthday card, took a package to Union Station to be mailed (more on that later) and then printed some large letters in black to be used as a banner for the Perceivers.

The Kansas City Union station is easily the most glamorous I've seen so far. It is situated in a large windowed building at the base of the WWI memorial. The windows are so large it looks like a Roman arch with glass and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. Inside, the ceilings are all gold molding with two or three extravagant chandeliers hanging over a large marble foyer. A post office and some sort of children's museum/theatre are located in the building as well. I think if I were to work at a Post Office, the one inside Union Station would be as lovely as any.

Before Wendy went home for the day, Brady surprised her with champagne and cupcakes that Jen had made. If possible, the cupcakes were even better than the ones she'd made for my birthday...maybe it was the champagne that made a difference.

Wendy's daughter Lucy came to pick her up and we decided where we'd meet for the movie later that night (Wendy invited me to go to a movie with her and Lucy earlier in the week). The movie started at 7:15 in Westport and I agreed to meet them there.

After work, I drove out to Liberty to see Jared at his work for a while before it was time to meet Wendy and Lucy at the movies. I ended up being a few minutes late due to trouble finding the place. It ended up being hidden in a brick building whose facade said nothing about a theater.

The Tivoli is a little independent movie house with around five theaters that are playing things like "Food INC", "Every Little Step", and the movie we saw; "Valentino, the Last Emperor". The movie was surprisingly good. My original intention was to simply go for the company, but as it would turn out, Valentino live a very outlandish and exotic life. I didn't realise what does into a dress that he makes. There is no use of sewing machines and he has a team of ladies, who when he snaps his fingers, will produce a creation out of mid-air. The movie ended with Valentino's grand 45th anniversary party that took place in the Roman forum among ancient ruins and included entertainment that turned the Colosseum red.

Post movie, Wendy, her friend who met her at the theatre, Lucy an I went down the street to Harry's where I had a slightly overpriced, but delicious, flatbread pizza for dinner. We sat around for awhile sipping on drinks and talking about Kansas City.

The evening ended up being very enjoyable. Lucy was very nice and talkative, interested in my long distance relationship with Adam (she wondered how I fared). I think later in the fall I'll give her another call and we will hang out some more. Her 20th birthday is around the corner and I'd like to take her out to celebrate.

Tuesday Tuesday, can't trust that day

2009-07-10T07:10:00.000-07:00

Tuesday part two

Tuesday was also Wendy's second-to-last day at work. I think I forgot to mention last Thursday she brought a mushroom quiche after I mentioned I'd totally eat a mushroom quiche! She's been incredibly welcoming. She invited me to go to a movie about Valentino with her and her daughter Lucy later in the week.

After work I picked up my bike tires and went home for a ride - still using the BMX, schwinn isn't ready. I continued to feel very odd, and the bike ride didn't help much with clearing my head.

A show was also going on. The only band I remember was Bella Nouvela. I remember because I bought their rad five dollar t-shirt and listened to them out in the Pistol. It kind of goes that if one buys the t-shirt one should listen to the band. I feel asleep not long after. Kind of bummed, and feeling low.

Wednesday

picked up a bit. I printed all day at work. Cards are in desperate need of re-printing and so I started on one of the birthday designs - doing the first gold layer. I most definitely printed 500 and then went on to help Brady print some wedding invite packages - don't worry, I'll take pics, I know it sounds weird, it isn't, just expensive.

Since the exterminator was coming at five instead of the usual noon, Uriah and I met up after work for some coffee until he had to go to his once-a-week shift at Lulu's. We talked about Portland vs. Kansas City, since Uriah is looking to move there next fall (2010) with Jenny so she can go to school. They are going to be visiting in August to check the place out. I told them I'd show them around a bit. I hope they do move. I think they'll love it. Hopefully it doesn't rain during their entire visit...

We also made plans for Sunday. We're going to drive to St. Louis. Coincidentally, Brady will be there at the same time.

After I left Uriah at Lulu's I drove to the Plaza Library where I researched American folktales via children's books.

I didn't do much else the entire day. I still felt low.

Phone calls and emails

2009-07-09T11:24:00.000-07:00

Tuesday sucked beyond all suckage. I did get new bike tires and take a ride around the West Bottoms. I did talk to some friends, and had very good talks at that, but I felt incredibly weighed down by my calls to PNCA.

Hammerpress work was fine. Brady liked what I'd printed over the weekend and we will score it probably next week. He and Lindsay are working on a branding project with some of their friends who are setting up a restaurant business called "The Town Company". I spent the day typesetting different fonts and pulling proofs so that they could play around with the logo and set out from there. I did something else, but I can't remember what. Maybe I packaged stuff, because I don't think I printed anything else. Typesetting took so long there wasn't anyway I could have. Maybe if I blogged sooner this wouldn't happen....

Anyways, at lunch I called Rachel Allen. I'm at a loss of how to deal with this situation with Student Services. I feel like every time I talk to her I am met with distaste and dislike. This may or may not be the case, but the tone of one's voice does count for something, right? The whole business has been handled very badly, not just by her either. I shouldn't have gotten so upset when they told me, or maybe I should have vocalized my feelings in a different fashion, but where is the learning situation?

I feel like they okayed me to do the internship. Since that is the case, shouldn't they give me some time to move out then? When I moved in over a year and a half ago, the current R.A. needed some extra time to get her things together and I was asked to postpone my move in date till the fifteenth. I was still unpacking during the time that new students were moving in. This wasn't a huge issue, but new standards are being held. After I was notified of my not being re-hired, I had two weeks to move out, if I wanted to go before I left for my internship, one of which was finals week. I don't think it was crazy of me to ask for a few days upon my return from Kansas to get my things out.

Well my request was unacceptable, (I guess I can see how they wouldn't want a new R.A. to postpone his move in date, after all, they are trying to make this a legit program...), and so instead they offered 200 dollars worth of moving services. A generous offer, I will agree to that, they could be leaving me entirely high and dry. To get everything ready to go, my boyfriend has been having to pack up my entire apartment. Honestly, I don't think it is his business to do that, as he has his own duties and job to deal with, but he has been generous enough to agree to help.

I told Rachel over the phone that he has been "feverishly packing". She stopped by during apartment checks, and I guess she would not label the progress as feverish. Following that, I got an absurdly formal email telling me the terms that I've agreed to and what the ramifications of me not following through will be. I've worked for these people for two years. They are not formal - well unless they are taking sanctions or preparing to do so. I could be over reacting, as it was an email, but I am still confused.

I'm not going to flake out and just leave my stuff there cackling madly; "muahahaha! now you have to move it!". I don't know why this is such an issue. I believe have real reason to be having trouble moving as I am not going to be in Oregon on the move out date, and they knew this when they approved my internship. I'm not trying to screw student services over, really and truly. I might be frustrated with them, personally rightfully so, but they've worked with me long enough to know that I am a hard working, trustworthy person, or well... they should.

I have to go back to work, I'll write more later.

Where is my mind?

2009-07-06T22:02:00.000-07:00

I'm not really sure what to make of today.

I waited around for something to happen that ended up not happening. I need to chill out and relax, let things come as they may. This obsessing over what may or may not happen is not only unattractive, but jinxes any chances with this stagnate passing of time. it's only been four days. I've taken things with the flow so far and it's worked for me. I need to quit meddling and back off.

I had to get a new phone since mine freaked out on me. I also tried to return the bike tires Uriah and I bought the other day for the correct size, but it turns out the place is closed on Mondays. What I did do, is work on my display for the symposium. I made a couple of signs to be silkscreened and snuck into the resturant supply store. There, I bought some menu holders for my signs.

Tomorrow I plan to get back into the swing of things, - dig myself out of whatever games my mind has been playing and keep plodding along. After work, I'm going to grab the tires I need, return the supplies I got at Home Depot - wrong sizes for the book idea, and go thrifting with Halliday for a 1920's costume, oh and go for a bike ride- I need that.

Pecos Bill

2009-07-06T09:45:00.000-07:00

* Pecos Bill zine cover - still needs to be scored on platen press.

* Milagro tag - possibly sell for a dollar?

Printing Pecos

2009-07-06T09:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I spent the entire day working on my zine cover and the tag for milagros.

I didn't get started til after a few episodes of Buffy (finished season four) and ended late into the night. I printed the rest of my brown layer, blue layer, and final gold layer. Finished, it is a five color print that I must say, am very proud of. I have some great ideas for my next one, Paul Bunyon, but it will be a bit before I finish that one. Now for making my content...

The Freakin' Fourth

2009-07-06T09:04:00.000-07:00

Friday was started by heading out the fireworks alley and doing my thing. I come from a long line of fireworks hagglers (well, my dad.) and I don't no for an answer.

Fireworks alley is comprised of a bunch of small shacks turned into firework stores. There are probably ten to twelve all in a line. I parked at one and walked through a few before deciding on my end picks. I found that some stores specialized in family style vs. showy and other specialized in mid-size vs. large or small.

At the first place I went I found what I was looking for. A two foot tall package of kick-ass mortars. Only problem was the price - two hundred dollars, not feasible. The kid working there was trying hard to sell it to me but I knew I could find better so I went down the street.

The next place I went, I found the same firework for a quarter of the price. Not satisfied, I kept looking. The next place I found a bunch of mid-size fireworks on super discount, the sort of thing that was originally twenty is now 7.49.

In the end, I got Excalibur - the mortar shells - at quarter price with sparklers and firecrackers thrown in from one stand then Paint the Sky, some other cake, a tube mortar, ground blossoms, and roman candles from another guy. The tube mortar, ground blossoms, and roman candles were free. With a little bit of standing firm on free stuff and a dash of "this is my first fourth far away from home" a person can get pretty far in the fireworks department. I'll just say, I made my poppa proud.

After loading up on explosives, I went to Hammerpress to continue working on my zine cover. I finished printing the orange layer and the red-brown layer before I left to go find something to do. Oh, Brady gave me a key, that's how I got in.

My original plans with Halliday fell through and it started to look like I wouldn't find anyone to party with. I got kind of bummed as dark came and nothing looked promising. Around ten, Joe called and I met up with him at his boss' house. I had some pie and we stayed for about an hour before leaving for the next destination.

Erica was having a shindig at her house. There were probably around twenty to thirty people chilling at Erica's, just listening to music and setting off small fireworks. I laughed in the face of their sub-standard fireworks. We "porched it" and eventually I decided to pull out two of the "smaller" fireworks I had and show these people what real fire power looked like. My single mortar tube was first and pretty excellent. I will have to remember it for next year. It shot out with excellent report and exploded in to a nice green peony. The next was the smaller of my two cakes, which was alright. It was just like any other mid-range cake, though it made good noise.

Halliday called and said she was going to show at Erica's and I waited for her to arrive, but then left shortly after. I was kind of tired of the party and wanted to find people that could really appreciate big fireworks, the West Bottoms was bound to have some. I left Joe behind since he wasn't finished.

Back home, Zack from downstairs was hanging out setting off bottle rockets with some of his friends. I pulled out my second cake - which ended up being mostly noise, and then got out the big guns. Excalibur was probably worth the two hundred it was originally priced at. The mortars were loud with explosive, wide, colorful blooms. The warehouses on either side of the street amplified the sound to make them worth every penny I paid and far more. Each one was different. I set off eighteen out of twenty four, some two at a time to make for a fabulous show.

While it wasn't the best fourth ever, the night did pan out to go pretty nicely. Funny how what I was looking for was outside my own front door.

Free Range

2009-07-05T18:53:00.000-07:00

Thursday

Most of the day was spent carving out a pointing finger linocut. I learned a thing or two about transferring images and am excited to use the idea when I return to PNCA. The mood of the office was super relaxed.

Carla from school stopped by to see me and talk to Brady about the possibility of interning for a month until she heads back to PNCA. I'm not really sure how that will work as a new girl is starting up on Monday and I can't figure how Hammerpress will handle many more interns. Free work though, I'm sure Brady can't find too many reasons to turn that down.

At the end of the day, I had an excellent talk with Brady about how I am doing. Since it is midsummer, I wanted to know if I was fitting in alright and doing my work well. Not only did he say that I was, but he told me it took a year for Bobby to be allowed to use the platen press I've been using the last week or so. In otherwords, I totally fit in and have been learning quick enough that Brady feels confident in my skills.

We also chatted a bit about art print ideas. I asked him if I could print my zine cover at Hammerpress. Brady said yes and that I could start it Friday if I wanted to since he and Lindsay were leaving town for his parents. Eek!

Thursday night was laid back as well, and I hung out while Uriah's band practiced for their First Friday gig. Their sound is excellent and sets a good tone, but the singer kind of mucks it up with her whiny voice. Later, Jared and I watched the Colbert Report and talked for a bit before it was time to go to sleep.

Friday

Work was completely fun. The whole feeling was like we were already on holiday. Since Brady was leaving town, Hammerpress was not going to be open for First Friday and thus the usual First Friday jitters were absent. We could relax and enjoy our day.

When I arrived, Brady had cleared one of the presses for me to work on and I dove in. Jen took the day off and Bobby printed some notecards and then dabbled with an insert for awhile.

For my zine cover, I decided to start with Pecos Bill and print about as many as my tolerance and attention span would let me. I cut down 300-ish pieces of chipboard to start with. I'd been itching to try the upside down woodtype effect and so I found some pieces that Brady had tossed aside and assembled a background. I was able to print the white layer and a few orange before I was done for the day. I also assembled my title and a tag for some milagros I am going to sell at the Zine Symposium.

Joe stopped by before we closed and checked out my progress before heading out to First Friday festivities. I feel incredibly at home printing and have had about a million ideas burst through my head. I hope I have enough time to get them all down.

Around five-thirty I went home to change. I wore my 1950's reproduction dress that I'd found at the DAV with Halliday - sleeveless with yellow and green foliage. I added my wide black belt and heels and must say I looked smashing. I got many compliments.

I met Halliday at Hammerpress and we wandered around looking for Uriah's band, which we didn't find until their last two songs. There had to be at least ten other bands playing outside and every time I heard one, I would have sworn it was them, but it wasn't. On our search we ran into Ron, the guy who commissioned the EX Post Facto poster. He was hanging them up everywhere he could and even had printed some smaller versions for handouts. The poster looked pretty fabulous, even though it was just black and white.

Halliday's dad found us at Uriah's band and we went out from there. We looked at art until the galleries kicked us out. Personally, the display was much more interesting this month around. Maybe I was too quick to judge Kansas City's art scene. While there was still alot of craft, we did see some excellent paintings.

Halliday was interested in hitting up some Karaoke at the Brick, and that's where we spent the rest of the night. I didn't sing anything, but I did dance my pants off.

Oh and the exterminator came while I was at work. Hopefully this means less fleas....

Thoughts

2009-07-02T00:25:00.001-07:00

Tuesday and Wednesday didn't have much to offer in the way of interesting events.

Tuesday I printed over 1000 business cards before lunch and found wearing tennis shoes makes a large difference with how quickly one can get 1000 done with (I did not mention this to Brady as he has commented before how he thinks it's odd I wear flip flops all the time). Some packaging was done, and some "limited edition" stationary printed (actually Brady trying to find a use for some old ledger pages).

Tuesday night there was a show, but between biking, and little sleep the previous night, it wasn't anything that grabbed my attention enough to stop me from falling asleep.

Wednesday had more printing, and some screw ups to go with. I cut down thousands of inserts and prepped the presses for tomorrow. Brady and I discussed an art print idea, and I have to make some sketches, but he's up for me adding to my portfolio (the ABC print has been a big hit).

I've got to get working on my zine. I've decided it is going to be a collection of American mythology. My first one is going to be on Pecos Bill, then Paul Bunyon. I want to do issues on John Henry, Casey Jones, Hiawatha, and Johnny Appleseed as well (probably in the order). Time is passing way too quickly and that is where I am going to....

-----------------------

So, here I am in Kansas City. More than once, I've looked around me said; "Where the fuck am I, and how the fuck did I get here?". At times, I don't know what to make of it.

I'm sitting here and trying to think of how I can possibly write the sentiments that are rolling around in my head. Forgive me if my point doesn't come across exactly, but then I am trying to hash out a point where I am jumping forword, and I can't say I entirely make sense, even to myself.

Is it possible for there to be an alternate reality, in your reality? It feels like I've been dropped into a place that I've actually been for years, and just now time has caught up with me. The people I've met, the places I've been - I feel an easy familiarity that would speak of age, the only lacking quality being memories. I've never made friends this fast, or become part of a community so quickly. It isn't my home, but it is my refuge.

Thinking of Portland, I know time goes on, but I can't grasp it. I know I have a life that exists there, but it isn't tangible.

Coming here, I've realised how much of myself I've sacrificed in the last year. What I am, and who I love has been set aside in a futile attempt to build something in a place that doesn't have a foundation to start from. Last year I put a lot of work in, had it credited to others, and was dismissed due to a lack of acceptable communication, that was never addressed due to a lack of acceptable communication. Every step that I've taken seems like a battle hard won. I'm tired of it. I need to regroup.

In comes Kansas City, a place where I know no one and now know everyone. Doors are opening without me asking - or begging. I have that feeling at the tips of my fingers - the one where you know your art is progressing and it's all you can do to make more. fuck I don't want to jinx it, but I think my creative blockage is coming undone - I just realized this. I've been struggling with concepts since last September...

I'm being asked to make art outside of art school and there is even the possibilty of my making (alittle) real money at it. I have a great deal of creative freedom, and what more could I possibility demand of my situation? I'm going forword - fast. I feel powerful and as though (just maybe) finally I am an artistic contender.

And all of this comes with the added benefit that I've done it as myself. I dance when I want to dance, swear when I want to swear, drink when I feel like it, eat properly, socialize when, with who, and how I please. My speech has improved with the absence of art school and once again I sound as though I've read a book.

I'm carrying on and still don't feel like I've quite captured where I am coming from or even more importantly, where I am going, but the main point of this rant is that I am staying. Not forever, but for the next semester. Kansas City has more in store for me and I need to explore it.

I don't mean this to be insulting to anyone back in Portland. There are a handful of excellent friends there who I love dearly and miss, (I will keep writing!!!) but you must understand, I am recharging. I'll be home in August for a bit to tie up some ends, so you will see me soon.

Wasting away with Season 4/ Flea Bitten

2009-06-29T21:46:00.000-07:00

Monday I watched Buffy. Yeah, I went to Costco and Home Depot too, but mostly I watched Buffy. Oh, and I was bitten by fleas.

Karen vs. The Fleas

A war against a vicious enemy is being waged within these walls...

How to Kill a Flea:

1. Identify the Flea. Look on your body. Notice pieces of lint. Try to pick them up. If they jump away from you, good chances it is a flea.
2. Do not try to squish it. While fleas are amazingly easy to catch as they are grazing upon your skin, they are also amazingly hard to kill. Attempting to squish them will only result in awe and irritation as you see them jump away from what you thought was a squish of death.
3. Throw it out your window. Since said fleas are impossible to squish, catch them and toss them out an open window. While this is not the most effective treatment, you will find six out of every ten fleas you catch end up where you want them - not in your room.
4. Instead of squishing, roll the flea between your thumb and forefinger. While fleas may be unsquishable, they are not unflaten-able. Once you've grabbed your flea, take it in between your thumb and forefinger and roll it like you might a tineey-tiny ball of clay. After doing this for about five seconds, you will discover your flea has not withstood the trauma and is now dead. Do this until you have rid yourself of all fleas on your body.
5. Detonate a flea bomb. While number four is effective, it is not practical. Who can take the time to roll all of their household fleas to death? Instead a flea bomb will to the trick. After a day to two or trying to kill your fleas in all other manners, you will find the detonation of a flea bomb surprisingly satisfying. If you find yourself muttering "Die fleas! Die!", do not be alarmed. Such mutterings are an appropriate and normal reaction. Remember; flea bombs are toxic. Take the time they need to do their job to relax in a flea-free environment. Most anywhere but your home will seem a good choice.
6. Call an exterminator. As your vengeance for flea blood will have risen to an all time high after finding that a few apocalyptic fleas have survived the flea holocaust, the price a professional may quote will seem like pittance compared your lust for flea lives. Move one step ahead of the fleas and hire the big guns. If you don't the fleas are bound to.

Up close with lightning bugs

2009-06-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

Sunday morning I did a whole lot of nothing. I read some books and did some emailing.

Finally, I decided if I didn't get out of the apartment I was going to go crazy. I drove towards the Plaza, and stopped at the World War I memorial (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liberty_Memorial) . The park was almost empty and so I had the monolith and surrounding grounds to myself. The National WWI Museum, as dedicated by Congress, is under the memorial, and I missed it being open by half an hour. It seems that this is the largest WWI memorial in America. Funny, why is it in Missouri? The 1929 dedication says; "for those who fought in the World War". At the time, one probably could not image what would have passed 20 years hence the date. "World War I is (one of) the most forgotten of this nation’s wars, yet it sowed the seeds of World War II, and as noted, it marked the emergence of the United States as a global power, and as a defender of democratic allies against forces of totalitarianism and aggression. "

I waded in the fountain outside for a few minutes before going up to the main memorial and climbing on the blind seraph-lions. The view from the top is magnificent, and I hung out there for awhile, just thinking. What am I doing?

After the WWI memorial, I drove to Barnes and Noble, where I read magazine and books until I got antsy and left. I did find a neat idea for a sketchbook made out of paint samples. I am going to attempt to make a dozen or so to sell at the zine symposium.

Back at the Pistol, Joe, Tara, and Zack (Zack and Tara run the screenprinting shop downstairs) were hanging out while Uriah and his band practiced upstairs. I chilled with Joe and the crew until Uriah and co. were done. Jared plays the drums in Uriah's band and after practice he invited me to go swimming at his house.

Jared's home is about twenty minutes out from the West Bottoms. He lives with his parents, sister, brother-in-law and nephews. They all pooled together to buy a home that was large enough they could all make it home and it happened to come with a pool. We waded around for a hour or so before getting out and going on a walk.

Jared happens to live near a small wooded area that includes a pond and trails for walking. If one knows anything about lightning bugs, one knows these are the sorts of things they love (woods and water, not necessarily trails for walking). The lightning bugs were out in abundance. Jared was telling me his some of his childhood stories and I admit I was a bit distracted by watching the blinking bugs. They look like little floating L.E.D. lights. At one point on our walk, we were an audience to a lightning bug show spectacular, glimmering over a mini meadow.

Jared caught one and gave it to me to hold. Apparently, lightning bugs are very friendly and let you hold them as they scurry across your hand and blink. My lightning friend and I bonded for a good fifteen minutes until he got bored and flew away. Around one or so I said goodnight and headed home.

Oh, did I say I went to the video store for Buffy season four? Well I did and started watching it before bed.

Shakespeare with a picnic

2009-06-29T21:34:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning I hopped off to Hammerpress.

Bobby and I were the only people there all day.

I did a variety of things while Bobby printed his business cards. He'd tried to get some finished the day before, but they ended up being pink toned, when they needed to be straight white. So after cleaning the press three or four times, he was finally on his way by the time the shop opened at noon.

The shop was pretty busy. I helped customers and swept for the first few hours. I also cleaned up inks, leading, coffee cups and water bottles. I organized a giant pile of make readies to that I could see the shop while I printed some more card inserts. A great wave of people came in between one and three. It was a good thing I was there or else Bobby would have been printing into the wee hours of the night.

Between everything else, I ended up printing another 600 inserts before I called it a day at 4:30. The shop didn't close until 5, but Bobby had finished over two-thirds of his printing, and so I think it was safe to leave him there.

I also left early because I had plans. Before going to work, I'd called Jared, Uriah's biking buddy, and asked if he wanted to join me for Shakespeare in the Park since Halliday has to work on Saturdays. He said he was interested and we agreed to meet up at the Pistol and then grab a picnic at Consentinos before heading to the park.

We met up around 6 because the play started at 8 and the website said to get there early to get a good seat. At Consentinos I grabbed a wrap and Jared loaded up on the salad bar. He was nice enough to include some items for me to pick out of his salad such as jalapenos and feta cheese.

We arrived in plenty of time, and as we were getting out of the car, realised we'd forgotten a blanket. Although blanketless, we still scored a good spot, and the grass was chigger free, so we could sit comfortably and not be eaten to death.

Shakespeare in the Park, is located near the Art Institute on a grassy slope encircled by trees. The road ajoining the park is closed off between five and ten-thirty so that the performance is not bothered by passing traffic. The area is set up with entertainment and food outside the open air theater. There is a puppet show and talk in the hour before the play's start, and if one was so inclined, there is food that can be bought onsite.

The theater itself is situated on a small hill, with the stage at the bottom and space for people to sit going up. There are no actual seats built in to the area. The first few feet infront of the stage has five or so aisles of plastic green chairs and there are at least two other areas with chairs set up as well. The majority of the space is set aside for picnic blankets. There are two aisles running up the slope, (made by the type of garden lights that can be stuck in the ground) on either side of the main set of chairs. People can sit and bring their own lawn chairs, blankets, and food to enjoy while watching the play. Some ladies infront of us brought plastic flutes and champagne.

The stage is open to the elements and when it rains, needs to be covered with tarps (Shakespeare has been canceled on account of rain). There were people in Tudor garb wandering around asking for donations, as the play is free, while the soundtrack of Emma added subtle ambiance.

The play of this season, which runs from June somethingeth to July fifteenth, is the Merry Wives of Windsor; play I knew only sightly about, and had never read fully. (I knew there was something about stuffing a guy in a laundry basket) It is a comedy that features prominent witty women, a foolish fat nobleman, and a jealous husband. While the acting was good, and the play entertaining enough, I can understand while it does not get the same attention as some of Shakespeare's other plays. Near the end it gets very weird, and it is a little racy for the average highschool audience since the whole thing has to do with seduction.

At intermission it started to sprinkle, and we were afraid we'd have to go home early, but it only did so slightly and by the time Merry Wives was due to start again, it had stopped. As the evening grew on, the situation of the place became very picturesque. With the oncoming dark, fireflies came out and flanked either side of the stage and thunder rumbled on the horizon enhancing the evening's effect with purple lightning flashes.

The play ended around ten and Jared and I decided to avoid the mass exodus by wandering over to the sculpture garden to talk for a bit. We compared travel desires and played the what-if-you-had-a-million-dollars game while watching the storm over Kansas. Around midnight we headed home and said goodnight.

It was a good post-post birthday evening and have decided I like going to see outdoor Shakespeare.

Friday Fun

2009-06-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

At work I printed and that is all. I platen pressed it up to 1000 insert tags. Needless to say I was both sweaty and hungry when I finished. Brady left around noon to go to a highschool reunion in Oklahoma City. Before closing, Matt and I shined the shop up so when Brady returned, he would find the wood all nice and shiny verses being covered in dry wall.

On Saturdays usually Brady and Bobby run things, but since Brady was going to be away, I volunteered to come in for awhile and help Bobby, as he needed to finish 3000 business cards before Sunday.

After work I called Halliday to see if she was up for a post birthday Shakespeare in the Park celebration. She was unable, since she'd already agreed to go to a psycobilly show with a friend. I opted to post pone S.I.T.P. and join her at the show instead.

I worked on revising the Ex Post Facto poster to needed specs until ten when Halliday came to pick me up.

The show was at this hole-in-the-wall called the Newsroom. Joe and Halliday say it is one of the more infamous bars and if you're going to see a bar fight someplace, the Newsroom is the most likely candidate.

The Newsroom is made up of three sections, the bar, and outdoor sitting area, and the small backroom which stands as a venue for bands to play. The entire place is a little diveish, however with a slightly classy note added by the vintage typewriters and news articles on the walls. The show was well attended, probably had to do with the free entry. I dressed up in my pencil skirt, heels and a t-shirt and found myself aptly attired. For once, this was a show where ladies dressed up a bit. Usually this is the case with most ____billy shows I've been to, but I was glad the same trends apply to Kansas City crowds.

The music was good, and it felt alittle like going back to some of my roots with ____billy music. ____billy crowds tend to get into the bands, and there was lots of dancing and singing along. Two of Halliday's friends met us there, one who had a husband at Fort Bragg and we talked about the enjoyments of North Carolina. She'd never been to the beach and I told her N.C. beaches are some of the nicest and highly encouraged her to go next time she visited her man.

During one of breaks I had a drink bought for me by the guitarist in one of the bands and then another by a tall guy with slicked back hair. The night ended with me feeling very pretty, but missing Adam very much.

Oh, and I busted my knee on the concrete and now it is purple and a little hard to bend.

and it's My Birthday!

2009-06-27T15:29:00.000-07:00

Thursday June 25th

Now I am 23. Hmm, funny to think it.

My birthday was fantastic.

Everyone I knew in Kansas City messaged me to say Happy Birthday and more than one group of people wanted to take me out.

At work, Jen made vanilla cupcakes with lemon icing. Brady treated me to a birthday "if you could cut that paper down, that'd be great". Wendy arrived at noon and she'd brought lunch with her. A delicious Indian inspired lentil soup. Around 1:30 we all took some time off in the office and ate lunch together.

As a side note, I forgot to mention on Tuesday a man came through the Crossroads selling oranges and grapefruit. He brought in some samples and lured us with their delicious taste and then used his mind control schemes to force Brady into buying a bushel's worth. He left with the money and we were left with 80 oranges and 20 grapefruit. Delicious though they may be, that many might be more than we can handle. I've been trying to give them away ever since.

Anyways, after lunch I printed some tags on the platen press before calling it a day.

Why the platen press is used for stationary - the biggest and most important difference is the speed. What would take hours to do on a Vandercook, takes only minutes on the platen. The reason being is the mechanism stamps the paper vs. rolling it over the type. By printing some tags I mean 500, and in reality I was going pretty slow since I'm new at using the press.

One other bonus (or drawback depending on what you're printing) the platen has over the vandercook is the size capability. If you're looking to do something small, say a card or business card, the platen is easier to maneuver the paper with. Something large or long would be harder to print. Brady has four platens. Three are motorized and one has a foot treadle. Which one am I using? Well I'll give you a clue, if it was all I printed on, I'd have buns of steel.

After work, Wendy took me out for a drink and Jen joined us. We went down the street to a little mediterranean bar called "extra virgin" and had cocktails. We eventually ordered some appetizers that included the world's best kabobs. Wendy was incredibly nice and paid for our drinks as was Jen who paid for the appetizers. Wendy had to go home, so Jen, her boyfriend (who'd joined us and Jen says looks like Lex Luther) and I went to the Czar Bar for another drink and roasted eggplant.

We hung out for a bit talking about the death of Michael Jackson before it was time for me to go and meet Halliday and Danielle at the Foundry. I got there just in time to have a milkshake before Danielle had to go to her sewing circle. Halliday and I remained to eat some excellent pizza with garlic on top. (I claimed the garlic as my birthday right)

Halliday and I parted ways and I was going to go swimming at Jared's house, but I fell asleep instead. Kind of a lame ending to an otherwise excellent twenty-third.

I forgot to mention that I received two sets of flowers. One was delivered to Hammerpress from my wonderful parents and the other greeted me on the stairs of my apartment. The second bouquet was from my Adam who made me feel very special and loved. He is the first guy to ever send me flowers that are in the form of a real arrangement, well other than my very thoughtful father.

Damn. Have I said how much I love Kansas City? It fits like a glove.

Mid week musings

2009-06-27T14:43:00.000-07:00

Tuesday

Work was spent getting plates ready for storage (this included lots of card board cutting and usage of so much tape, I ran out twice) and learning the all new platen press, well all new to me.

Plate storage took up most of the day, as there were 40 or so plates to prepare for boxing. However, I did finish in time to have Brady show me how to use the platen press, or as Abra calls it, the clam shell. I will go further into what the point of a platen press is and why one would use it later on.

After work, I came home and put together the beginnings of my Ex Post Facto Show poster, scanning images from books, finding adequate fonts and finalizing my sketch.

Wednesday

I packaged some shipments and worked on cleaning the studio. It is that time of the printing cycle, when Brady starts to get caught up with printing and then it is time to clean up everything that has been printed. I sorted furniture (wooden spacing) and lead spacing, swept, and rearranged some cabinets to make aisle room between the presses.

On a side note, one of the packages I put together was a set of examples for Urban Outfitters. Brady included some Christmas and occasional cards along with a selection of posters. Guess whose poster was part of that selection? If you guessed, mine, you're right. Bobby also mentioned that a bunch of the alphabet posters sold last Saturday. Its a good feeling to have someone buy something you made.

After work I went home and worked more on my Ex Post Facto piece until Halliday called to see if I wanted to escape the heat and spend the night at her place. The answer to that question was an obvious "yes".

As it was two for one burger night at this place called "The Brick" we decided to meet there before heading over to her place. Since Halliday didn't get off work until 9:30, I arrived early to secure a spot before the kitchen closed.

When I arrived I was accosted with the horrible sounds of a solo guitarist attempting to make music. I endured multiple songs telling me about the government and how it is full of trickery and lies. As "Give Me a Passport to Cuba" finished up, Halliday finally joined me.

I had an excellent burger with salsa on top paired with delicious sweet potato fries. While we were waiting for our check, the cook came out and gave us free cookies for us to try, chocolate chip and bacon. They tasted like chocolate chip and our verdict was "not enough bacon". If you're going to go out on a limb, you need to go all the way out - go big or go home, right?

At Halliday's I helped her unload her car and then we settled down with her roommate, Danielle, to watch "No Vacancy", a strange comedy (if you can call it that) starring Christina Ricci.

Danielle has two dogs, one mutt named Honey and one pug, whose name I can't recall. The pug, looks and sounds like a creature from outer space. It sits and wheezes at you until you can't stand looking at it any longer. Honey, on the other hand, is just that. She's an adorable dog made to be petted. She also likes to lick people. I slept on the couch and as the couch is Honey height, I was awoken from my slumber, every so often, by having my face licked.

Ex Post Facto Show

2009-06-27T09:23:00.001-07:00

Poster and handbill for Ex Post Facto Show
10 x 20, digital - 8.5 x 11, digital

My daddy and niece on Father's day.

2009-06-23T20:26:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a cute, although goofy picture. :)

Case of the Missing Teapot

2009-06-23T19:31:00.001-07:00

Saturday started out with me attempting to brainstorm an idea for the variety show in July. I tried to get somewhere, although between Buffy and the growing heat, I didn't. A few sketches were my pathetic result.

Around noon, Cali came back from escapades about town and told me about an up and coming young designer Monkey Wrench Clothing (http://www.monkeywrenchclothing.com/). Cali, being a designer herself, had traded a swimsuit for an adorable dress, right up my alley. I decided to get out of the house and drive toward Crown Center to check out the lady's booth.

Should it have not been raining, the plaza outside Crown Center would have been filled with people celebrating Kansas City Chalk and Walk Festival. However, the downpour had reduced the participants to a soggy smattering. Monkey Wrench Clothing occupied three of the, maybe, seven tents set up outside. I found the clothing to be fabulous, expertly crafted, and just my style. There were few dresses that I would have liked, but none in my size. In the end, the designer took my measurements and agreed to make me a custom dress in a teal gingham print. It pays to be in with local designers.

As it was lunch time, I headed back in Crown Center to search out some grub. Crown Center is built by Hallmark and includes a giant Hallmark store, go figure, Crayola store, as well as a small amount of second tier stores. The only large name I saw other than the previously mentioned was Victoria's Secret. The design is over done and in the end looks like a food court at a theme park. Also, the shopping area is carpeted and in my opinion, that always makes a mall look dirty verses welcoming.

The one thing Crown Center does have is food. There were at least a dozen places worth looking into for a quick bite. The one place that finally claimed my cash, was Fritz's. Fritz's is unique because your food is delivered by train and then conveyed via a weight sensitive contraption straight on to your table. It was probably the coolest hamburger I've ever eaten. Cheap too. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDeYFZV4xKE&feature=related)

Come 8ish, Halliday and I went out to the Infoshop, a small venue/used bookstore that reminded me of a place back in Bremerton. I think the claim to fame there, other than shows, is their zine collection. It was extensive, massing together all of the underground zines that Kansas City has produced and any the proprietors could/can get their hands on.

There probably weren't more than 30 people at the show, but because of the small size, that was perfect. Everyone was dancing and getting into the groove. It was wicked hot, but worth staying inside for the atmosphere.

I got a free tank top from Modie Bones, a local guy just starting up, met some neat guys from the Intolerants (from Portland, http://www.myspace.com/theintolerantsband) and ended the night with great, slightly rockabilly, rocking from the Muddy Udders (http://www.myspace.com/muddyuddersband). I offered the Intolerants a place to stay at the Pistol and some dinner if they wanted it, and they took me up on it. Halliday and I showed them the way back around 1:30 after an excellent show.

Back home I started cooking dinner (the Intolerants supplied an apple pie) and Joe pulled me aside. Foundations was hosting a show with three touring bands and Joe had agreed to watch the door. Things led to other thing (purposefully being elusive) and a teapot with two thousand dollars went missing.

Needless to say, drama went down. Halliday left, a chair or two got thrown (Foundation's owner and not at anyone), trash cans were turned inside out, the Intolerants questioned (that made me angry), and the Pistol searched until four am when I told Joe to go to bed - if the teapot was still in the Pistol, it would be in the morning. The touring bands left angry and without being paid.

I took control and had to force the issue of sleep and in the end, that is what happened (I did too after some more Buffy).

Sunday

I awoke the next morning at eleven, and helped the Intolerants get their things together while profusely apologizing. When they left, I looked around the Pistol and all I saw was a mess. There were no clean dishes, a mountain of them in the sink, cat hair and dust threatening to over take the living room, and the actual Pistol still had not been cleaned up since the Sodafest. With a call into Uriah, 12:30 was the start time of what would become known as the deep clean.

For five hours, Uriah and I did every possible cleaning task we could think of without busting out power tools. I sweated to the Hearts of Darkness practicing while I sweeped out the Pistol and rearranged furniture. As I attacked a couch, I found what we'd been looking for. A little china teapot stuffed with money.

The rest of the day included resting (with Buffy), going grocery shopping with Uriah, a nap, and going on an uber long night bike ride with Uriah and his friend Jared. Multiple people commented on how nice the Pistol looked.

*Neat foot note: Jared has a pool and invited me to go swimming. Finally, water!

Monday

Again, I attempted to work on the poster, but 100 degree heat made me start feeling sick. I think I'm going to carry around a gallon jug for drinking water, I need it.

At seven I had a member's meeting at the Arts INKubator. We talked about how to turn some space into a store and how to promote the press best on first Fridays.

I came home, went for a short ride, and finished season three Buffy. What will I do now?

I need to figure out a way to work at the Pistol, the crazy heat thing is making it so I am incredibly unproductive.

I posted this from the Arts INKubator, and I might make a habit of coming down here to cool off for a few hours every night.

OH! p.s. the coolest thing happened last night. Joe's friend Kyle found an old suitcase full of vintage items from the 20's-1940's from a guy named Carl. Some awesome finds included: school notebooks, a school paper, vintage valentines, love letters, telegrams, and drawings. I traded him some Hammerpress for a few key items.

Stay tuned for our reguarly scheduled programing

2009-06-23T07:10:00.000-07:00

Updates will be coming. Yesterday was more than brain frying hot. I started feeling a little sick and in the end couldn't get anything done. Since the Pistol has no air conditioning, I plan on going to the library later to finish these things.

Sodafest

2009-06-21T18:23:00.000-07:00

On Friday, I probably printed 600 things. I finished the poster I'd been working on all week by adding the final layer, a dark blue. I learned how to do some fine tuning adjustments to the grippers for precise registration. More than enough needed turned out well, although I've certainly learned how important holding the paper down to the timpin is.

Next, I printed a bunch of cd inserts and by bunch, I'm pretty sure there were 400. Those two projects comprised my day with some studio cleaning interspersed throughout.

When I arrived home, there were surprises to be found. The nicest was a care package from my momma, stuffed with goodies like dried mangos and tax returns. The other surprise was a group of guys who call themselves "Chomp Whomp" decorating the two venues. The Pistol was strung with lights and had balloons across the floor. Foundations was festooned with hundreds of streamers.

"Chomp Whomp Sodafest" - a giant show put on by a group of guys from Lawrence, Kansas. It included fourteen bands playing on two stages, free food, soda, and live artists painting.

Joe and I took a ride across the tracks before people started arriving. A daily bike ride, after work, has become a nice little habit.

Due to the heat I fell asleep and missed 5 or so bands (No ear plugs, go me!). I awoke to a raging crowded Pistol. According to Cali, who collected money at the door, she estimated 300 - 350 people came. In the end, each band and Cali were paid 80 dollars, and each venue gained 250 - The admission price was five dollars. Since the Pistol has no Air Conditioning and Foundations seems like it doesn't with that many people, it was an impressive turnout, a crazy party that lasted until easily 3 or 4 in the morning.

The bands kind of melded together for me, but the BLEACHBLOODZ (http://www.myspace.com/bleachbloodz) who I'd seen at the first show, played and they know how to give a good live performance. Most of the crowds just stood with their arms crossed, but the BLEACHBLOODZ gets people involved. The artists set up in foundation were pretty interesting. A bunch of them had giant canvases set up and were painting large graffitiesc murals. One guy had some woodcut prints for sale on a table. As everyone was packing up I offered him six dollars for one and he took me up on it. They'd been originally priced at eight.

I needed some Buffy to help lull me to sleep, then I passed out.

* Appendix
So I know I haven't been updating on schedule. The reason being mostly due to the fact I wake up at nine instead of eight, which doesn't give me enough time to write my day up. I am trying to rectify the situation. In otherwords, look for daily posts again soon.

Thrifting madness

2009-06-21T13:18:00.001-07:00

Thursday started out with laying down layer three of the poster, a bright green color. However that was all the printing to be done.

Right now Brady is building a new wall in the front of the shop to section it off from the studio, it would seem there have been too many prying eyes wandering too close to the presses. Because of all the noise and mess, there really wasn't time to set up another project.

Instead, I helped Wendy put together a very large order as well as assemble a huge pile o' cards so we are not packaging them as they are bought. To get a card together one must fold it around an envelope and slide it into a cellophane bag. From what I am told, all letterpress cards are packaged this way, by hand, although many large producers outsource to assembly workers. Brady is thinking of going that way to save time for more important things.

I came home to find Halliday working in her studio. Originally we'd planned a night of Rockabilly together, but she needed to finish an order and it was a bit too muggy to get dressed up. Instead I plopped down for some Slayage.

An episode or two of Buffy later, Joe stated that he was in need of some new pants, and "did we want to go thrifting?" When one does not bring enough clothes to wear the answer is always "hellz yeah!". The three of us piled in my car and drove twenty or so minutes north to Smithville, where the "good" thrifting is.

The first stop was not a thrift store but some genius place called Quik Stop where the .49 cent, thirty-six ounce soda is alive and kicking. I splurged and bought one for each of us.

The second stop was another DAV and yet again I was pummeled with excellent prices. I found:
* two dresses
- one red wrap with white feathers, it had shoulder pads, but I pulled them out
- the other a 1950's-like sleeveless number with a yellow and green tropical print
* a black looped belt
* bright pink bloomers with lace and hand sewn bumblebees (1.98)
* a blue and white striped shortsleeve cardigan
* a purple v-neck knit top
total: 21 dollars and change

The last place we hit, because it was getting late and stores were closing was the Salvation Army. My memories of the S.A. are of ratty shelves lined with plastic toys, a few sad racks of clothing and lamps that had died in some 70's reality and returned from beyond the grave. In Bremerton S.A. is a place to go for cheap furniture, not clothes.

This one was not the case. It was packed, overflowing, with clothes. Upon initially walking in, I became overwhelmed and didn't know where to start. I eventually navigated myself to the dresses, but they were mostly 80's styles and the nurse's uniform that could have looked nice dyed, draped funny around my hips. I didn't look very hard through the tops because there were too many to get my head around. After prying myself off an amazing leather jacket, I did find two shirts in the kid's section.
* Orange shirt with number 10 and yellow softball shirt from kids rack
total: 1.50 - green tags were half price.

I don't think there is an item of thrifted clothing in the entirety of Washington and Oregon that is originally priced at a dollar. I left a bit speechless.

As it was nine and all the stores were closing, the three of us went out in pursuit of food. We probably spent an hour trying to decide where to eat until I finally threw down the law and drove us to some Mexican. I did find out that Godfather's Pizza still exists out here and I will have to have some before I leave. It is my very favorite pizza, the only place that makes the crust correctly.

After dinner we drove home and I watched some more Buffy before bed.

Turning the fan on full blast

2009-06-18T07:33:00.000-07:00

Tuesday

The day started off with wedding invites, 400 of them to be exact. When one goes to Brady for wedding invites, not only do they have it created, but stamped and assembled ready to be addressed and mailed. Thus the morning of Tuesday was spent preparing wedding invites to be picked up later that morning.

Should it have been just one person, the job would have easily taken two days to complete. However with three, Jen, Wendy and I, it was surprisingly easy. We finished just after lunch.

For lunch Brady bought me an amazing taco and side of rice, in return I (stupidly?) volunteered to make lunch on Thursday (that way Wendy could join us as well). I think I'll make my traditional stirfry, that way I know I won't poison anybody.

After the wedding invite assemblage marathon Brady had me set up the press to do a promotional piece for a local design firm, they designed the image, we will print it. There were around 300 (although I only go to 200 or so) white layers to print before I bounced for the evening.

A couple came in just before five and recorded an interview with Brady and then about a minute's worth of me printing. I think I was on the nine o'clock news.

The evening held another show at the Pistol, Prince Rama (http://www.myspace.com/princeramaofayodhya), Witch and Hare, as well as a couple kids who were touring with Prince Rama were set up to play, the Nature Boys backed out an hour or so before the show.

Right after I got home, I took a bike ride over to the American Royal arena and explored the grounds a bit more thoroughly. When I felt like I was going to melt into the pavement, I took it as a sign that I should head home. I arrived just in time to see Prince Rama pile out of their van. I helped them unload their stuff into the freight elevator and then joined Cali to help her make dinner.

Cali had shown up just before my bike ride and was intending on preparing some pasta. However, when Joe and Halliday told her they were making curry for the band, she was worried her food would go to waste. I assured her otherwise and together we ate the pasta with pesto shrimp. Cali spoils us every time she come over. She said she is going to be staying at the Pistol this weekend (there is a giant show on Friday). I plan to turn the tables and make her dinner.

The show was good and the bands friendly. I'd review the music as organized noise, but people got into it and were dancing all over the place. Prince Rama laid out various shakers for the audience to play and everyone did. Audience participation which is what makes a show worth while. Good bands know this and in the end, the sound can sometimes be irrelevant.

oh, did I mention on Monday I saw a car made up to look like a giant fiberglass sub sandwich?

Wednesday

More printing! I worked further on the piece for the design firm, finishing the white layer and laying down the second, a turquoise blue.

Actually, I learned alot about printing yesterday, I would say I even leveled up. Among other things; I learned that if on is going to make a full sized poster that is in need of tight registration, one should hold down the piece of paper tightly to the timpin, as far as one is able, because a light hold will make a large difference in alignment (Chaotic good instead of chaotic evil).

Post blue layer, I finished the red layer on my alphabet poster, making a total of around five hundred prints for the day. Granted, that is nothing compared to Brady, but a personal best for me. I believe I will have a bicep when I return (just one though).

The evening was intended to be full of lunch cooking and poster mock-up preparing, but the minute I stepped out of Hammerpress' air-conditioned goodness, I was knocked over by a heat wave aimed at my existance. Instead, I passed out after a short bike ride and slept until it was cool enough to breathe - at which point I woke up to watch some Buffy.

Just another Monday

2009-06-16T20:09:00.000-07:00

and Sunday. Not much happened either Sunday or Monday. Sunday I hung out at the Pistol reading, watching Buffy (finished season 2) and working on some packets for school.

Monday I did the same until I was fed up with being inside and drove to Half Price books. They're not kidding when they say half price. I left with nothing other than the bewilderment of a man not knowing what clip art is and I headed out to the Plaza Barnes and Noble. I discovered it not only has four stories, but a surprisingly good illustration/design section. I left with a clip art book to use with my upcoming poster and came back home.

I arrived to a bunch of people sitting outside and hanging, I joined them for an hour or so before Joe and I ventured out on an exceedingly good bike ride. Rode down to the American Royal arena and did figure eights in the parking lot. I'm slowly falling for that little bmx bike, although my butt protests otherwise.

Party on the street with ma boiz

2009-06-14T11:18:00.000-07:00

Here is a better look at the car show, as you might be able to tell, the guy sitting on the red car, has dressed to match it. At the height of the show, there were probably 25 cars and fifty -seventy five people. Everyone brought their dogs and kids and stared at suspension systems while drinking beers.

The links are to some very worthwhile videos. Joe says sometimes they bring a "you-must-be-this-tall-to-ride" sign and see who can go the highest.

Lowrider goes down the street

Lowrider battle

They also did some donuts at the end of the street, but I don't have any video of that.

Lowrida

2009-06-14T10:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday day I woke up to amazingness. Cali, who crashed at the Pistol the night before. had cooked breakfast; biscuits and gravy, possibly my favorite breakfast ever. She complimented it with donuts from Consentinos, a high class grocery downtown. Since I rarely cook breakfast food, it may very well have been the best breakfast I've had in months.

Meanwhile, Zack, the guy downstairs was setting up for his lowrider car show. He set up a tent for food and grilling burgers as the first few cars arrived. Foundations set up Joe's speakers and they blared hip hop mixed with a little N'sync, odd I thought, but apparently Justin Timberlake is the sound of the streets.

Except for a few, most guys arrived in groups, their car clubs, with names like "Ghetto Dreams" and "Kool Whips". They would drive to the end of the street, revved up and do a little show turn before driving back and parking in a line.

Not all of the cars were tricked out, but most of them. The cars had a running theme of matching paint jobs with interior and even the air freshener. For example, if the car was red with white details, the inside would be red with white details and a cherry air freshener. Some guys had blatant paint jobs, like the dude with a bright orange and blue car or the guy with "KC" stenciled all over his, and some had subtle paint jobs. One man had a car that looked plain maroon from my window, but up close had an intricate Victorian style design all over the body.

They hung out with their coolers and grills until sundown.

At 8:30 Halliday and I left to go to an Apocalypse themed Burlesque show. If you showed up with out costume it cost eight bucks, with, only five. We both costumed it up and ended up being the most dressed up there, however, that was fine since we got many compliments on our outfits. I wore my black dress and leggings with a leather vest from Halliday's line, and she wore an outfit from her new collection that she'll be showing in July.

The ladies were funny and preformed well with skits about zombies, Tank Girl, and the Army of Darkness. While were were there, the man in charge of Halliday's next show, the one in July, was talking about posters and I offered to create one for him. He accepted and it should be a huge gig. This poster will be seen around town, everywhere. He needs to provide me with some specs and I can get going on it.

Halliday and I dropped by Grinders, a burger place, before heading home. There was show happening at Foundation, but I opted out. All in all it was an interesting day with a bunch of new things seen and ending in myself feeling very much like myself, which is something I haven't felt in awhile.

The first lightning bug

2009-06-13T10:36:00.000-07:00

Work on Friday was simple. A lot of press cleaning though.

I arrived to find Brady had started printing my poster for realz. Sometimes I think he must employ those little elves who helped the shoemaker make thousands of shoes over night. I'll arrive and hundreds of things will have been printed and the press beds rearranged. When I came in, he'd already busted out some black paper and printed fifty or so posters. The black paper with white ink looked fantastic. It balanced out the poster, and in my opinion did not need to be rearranged after all.

I printed another hundered on black before cleaning the press and switching to red on chipboard. When cleaning the press, I proofed a couple of white on chipboard to see how it looked. I then printed a layer of red over the white so there was a small shadow of white showing through and Brady liked it a great deal. By great deal I mean I cleaned the press to put white back on and not even getting to red. One cool thing I learned was how to change the timpin, the largest roller on the press, which is actually pretty easy once you learn which way to screw things back together.

I left after finishing my stack of chipboard and cleaning the press, again. Joe and Halliday were meeting me at the Pistol to go to Kansas City, Kansas. The downtown is trying to revitalize itself with community gathering and part of that is the first monthly second Friday streetfair and art walk.

I'll tell you all about it later tonight, but right now there are a group of lowriders parking outside the Pistol and it's a little hard to ignore. The guy who runs the screen printing shop downstairs is holding a car show and I want to go see what happening.

I will leave you with this, there was honest to God break dancing and I fell just a little bit in love.

Later

Downtown Kansas City, Kansas, or KCK, is about five miles from where I live. The downtown is a great deal less vibrant than the Missouri side. It still has remnants of the 1940's and there is an air of abandonment similar to downtown Bremerton.

In an attempt to bring business back to KCK the downtown committee put together an art walk. This art walk was made of mostly what Modou would call "outsider art". People were sporadically set up and down the street, their tables half filled with paintings or ceramics. The classic "row of abstract giant acrylic paintings" leaning against an empty storefront was lent character by the mariachi band wandering through the streets.

Down the street from where the vendors had set up was a group of people called the "Hip Hop Academy". They'd nailed canvases of wood to the wall and were having a spray painting demonstration along side a group of kids (and 20 somethings) break dancing. It was probably one of the coolest things I've ever seen. These guys really knew what they were doing, one of them even did a head spin.

Around 8, the Hearts of Darkness, http://www.myspace.com/theheartsofdarknesskc, an afrobeat band with seventeen members, started playing and rocked the joint. Suddenly, the night turned into a raging block party with people dancing in the streets. For the entirety of their two hour set they continued to keep the groove of the party. Hearts of Darkness is the band that practices downstairs in "The Ship" on Sundays.

During the last song Halliday pointed out a lightning bug, the first ever that I've seen in person.

When the Hearts of Darkness finally finished, Halliday, Joe, and I headed out. We dropped by Sunfresh before coming home again and watching Milk. Milk was an okay movie, but I felt like it jumped around a little. After Milk, I literally passed out the minute I hit my bed and didn't wake again until eleven.

Postering

2009-06-12T07:29:00.000-07:00

Yesterday printing continued, after I assembled a half dozen mock-ups of the invites I printed the other day, so the bride-to-be could show her family.

These are pictures of the poster as it stands now. I played around with the bottom line a bit before settling on the brown version. Looking at them, I might switch up the third and fifth lines, since I feel like it is weighted on the top.

Digging through Brady's type was amazing. Typesetting is incredibly relaxing, so long as I'm not setting anything 18 point or below. (odd fact: Brady doesn't use composing sticks. He typesets in his tray)

Brady likes the poster enough he is going to print around 300 or so and sell them. He said he was even going to put it in the online store. Woot!

I'm excited for the next couple of weeks. We have a few projects that I am going to be creating as well as working on reprinting a variety of cards that are running low.

After work Halliday and I met up to put up posters around town. Joe only puts up twelve or so, which shows that he has not refine the art of poster plastering. Halliday and I drove around to all the usual spots and then some. Any business that looked promising I asked if they would put up a flyer. 99 percent said yes, in fact only one said no. Halliday was surprised how many people had places for posters. By the end of our tour, we deducted there weren't enough and next time would have to print more. For the next show I am going to silkscreen 20 or so and then copy 50 to put up everywhere we can think of.

We came home and I watched some Buffy while Halliday and Joe watched some weird Japanese version of a punkrock movie.

Learning my ABC's

2009-06-11T19:17:00.000-07:00

Wednesday at work was a great deal of fun. Lots of printing and even typesetting my own poster.

The first task I had was to set four fonts and proof them in black. Their purpose was for Matt to scan and use in computer design work. The fonts were all wood type, some that Brady hadn't even used yet. There was this amazing small and squat tuscan font that I adored, although it was missing a very essential "a" and "d".

Out of the four fonts, three were small enough to fit on one sheet of chipboard. I arranged them in a broadside style, attempting to have both form and function. I surprised Brady with how fast I finished setting the type and printing. He checked out my final result and loved it enough to set me to work on creating an alphabet proof poster using a variety of thick and thin fonts. The poster is very simple and graphic, although completely my choice of fonts and placement. Brady leaned towards a lack of embellishments and focusing on the boldness of the letterforms. He said he'd been meaning to make a type poster and now I've gotten to do it for him.

I almost finished setting the pressbed, but around 5:30 I'd had enough and went home before leaving to put up the Pistol posters.

At home, I ran into Joe. He wanted to join me in my pamphleting rampage, but needed to go to Costco to pick up food for the band playing later in the evening. We decided to compromise and do some poster pining on the way to Costco.

Not many posters ended up being hung, only four out of thirty. I'll have to finish tonight. Costco tricked me into buying two books with their low prices, "Botany of Desire", and "Eat, Pray, Love". "Botany of Desire" promises to be an excellent read.

The second show of my stay started at ten, and this time I did not strike out. There was no waffling in and out of my room or moping in a corner. Instead, I wore my new black dress, put my hair up and attempted to make conversations. Much to my benefit, I was friendly and outgoing. If one acts with confidence, others will assume they have it and react with that in mind.

One fellow who came over cooked a very delicious dinner of tortellinis fried in garlic oil. I am told he is a chef at a local vegan resturant. Occationally Joe enlists him to cook dinner for the touring band. This band, Dead Science, was touring from Seattle and we spent some time talking about Pacific Northwest venues.

The two opening bands were very good, much better than any who played last week. I have a new local favorite, Mannequin Skywalker http://www.myspace.com/mannequinskywalker1. They preformed a stellar live show, and musically fit the venue. There are some bands who's sound lends itself to a loft/warehouse, and there are some that do not. The headliner last night, Deas Science, did not. Their lead singer was among the ranks of front men who sing with a whine that is unappealing and personally, boring. Seems to make sense he's from Seattle.

While they played I went in my room to watch some Colbert Report and an episode of Buffy before falling asleep. It is about time for me to get started on my zine. I have an idea of what I'm doing, now I need to plan it out.

One last thing I did yesterday was the dishes. With that I found that if I am going to live here, there will have to be a cleaning schedule or I will end up doing everything myself. Not because Uriah or Joe don't clean, they do, but because they put it off until one cannot help but need to clean. It isn't everywhere either, mostly the kitchen and the cat hair. The kitchen quickly stacks up with dirty dishes, which can't be a good thing when it get hot, and the cat hair has created small rugs in some places along the walls. I plan to work on a solution more this weekend when I have better time to throughly inspect the apartment and decide what should be done.

Hammerpress photos continued

2009-06-11T19:15:00.000-07:00

More pictures from Hammerpress. The first two are of type cabinets from farther back. They next one, which looks like two pictures put together but is actually one, is of the Vandercooks. It is kind of hard to see them as every available surface is covered with something, but I assure you they are there.

This is over by the platen presses. You can see a desk Brady is giving me for my room with the invites I printed Tuesday sitting on top. Then there is a pic of the type cabinets. The large machine in front is the giant paper cutter.

A closer look at the Vandercooks with platen presses and paper storage in the background. The more Vandercooks with the wall of billboard type.

Finally some picture blocks. If you can't see, there is a giant cowhead, cowboy on a bucking bronco, men racing ostriches with chariots, and some mexican folk art.

Print big or go home

2009-06-10T20:00:00.001-07:00

Tuesday was a long day, but with few things in it.

I went to work and finished the last of the packaging. I labeled the last of the rep boxes and put together the last two orders. After all that was finished, I got to printing. More wedding invites. 500 of them (400 hundered and then Brady always prints a bunch extra in case he should ever need them, which is why his back room is bursting).

The invites were olive paper with metallic gold ink. Pretty much the same tones and personally not very attractive. I had a mishap with the printing of them though and screwed up about fourty or so. ***!* when printing take the paper out vertically as to not smuge or smear it, DO NOT TAKE IT OUT AT AN ANGLE or face the consequences ***!* Brady wasn't angry, but looking at the piece further, he decided to print them on the platen press instead.

Afterword I went to the INKubator and reprinted the Pistol Club poster. Due to the emulsion washing out and not drying very fast, I was there til three am. Joe and Halliday called around 2:50 to make sure that I was okay. It was very nice and made me feel like part of a family.

I came home full of energy (odd as I had none when I left) and so watched an episode of Buffy to wind down before sleep. I love Xander.

p.s. something I have forgotten to mention is the weather. Tuesday it down right poored, raining sideways and everything. Sunday and Monday there was more heat lightning in the evening followed/accompanied by a bit of rain. It has been moderately warm with some humidity, but nothing crushing. Occationally the sun comes out and fries my brain, but mostly it has been tolerable.

p.p.s. Brady threw out a bunch of make readies and I dug through his recycle bin. Goodies!!!

Market day

2009-06-10T20:00:00.000-07:00

Images of the River Market produce and my dream table come to life. I'd redo the cushions and give it a fresh coat of paint.

"Hello, my name is Karen and I'm addicted to Buffy."

2009-06-09T07:27:00.000-07:00

So I'm a little behind.

Sunday, June 7th

I started out the day writing this blog but then I realized, it takes me an hour or so to get everything how I like it, and the day was lovely, what on earth was I doing inside? I dropped what I was doing, jumped in my car and went exploring. That ended up in me being behind, but was worth it.

My first stop was the River Market, an open air combination of flea market, farmers market, and restaurants. What made me pull over was the flea market and I was lucky enough to have the coincidence of the farmer's market being there as well.

The flea market prices were outstanding - twenty-five cents for bright orange mugs, three dollars for a Carmen Miranda head cookie jar. I know what you're thinking; "Karen, you came home with that cookie jar didn't you?" No, I promise I didn't. The only thing that found it's way back to my place was a little ceramic sugar bowl in the shape of an orange.

Around the flea market was a line of shops and a museum dedicated to a steamboat wreck found in the Missouri river. One of the shops was called "Vintiques" and a seductive row of atomic chairs outside the door lured me in. The chairs were a little misleading since only one room was housed an assortment of furniture, however I was wonderfully lead astray.

The glory that is Vintiques is an assemblage store. Wares inside were paper, found items, a variety of embellishments, ribbon, and about anything I could possibly think of to use for altered art. Some highlights were a button wall, vintage travel guides to Latin America, a basket of skeleton keys and a case full of early century door fitting. Although I would have like to walk out with more, I limited myself to a handful of vintage photos and a 50's pamphlet on cooking. The owners said if I wanted to bring in any art I would be welcome since they sell assemblage art on the wall.

Bobby had mentioned the River Market Antique mall as being worth a visit, and so with the directions from the folks at Vintiques, I headed a few blocks away to check it out. I have found that flea markets in the Northwest are depressing. Most items are obnoxious in price, and sellers typically aren't keen on haggling. This apparently is not a running trend in Kansas City. Three stories of a large labyrinth-like warehouse were packed with finds. Not the junkyard sales items made to look like antiques finds, but honestly cool items, at affordable prices.

The dining room set of my dreams and I bonded almost as close as me and a 1940's bathing suit. I would have bought the suit if the color had been something other than salmon and yellow, I almost bought it anyway. A set of atomic era chipboard cutouts of blue collar workers (that could have looked neat on the Perceivers selling table) also almost found their way home with me, but, for what they were, the price was high. I ended up leaving with nothing but had an enjoyable adventure in antique hunting.

Around three o'clock or so, I found myself finished with the River Market district and went in search of my next destination - the Plaza. Some research showed the Plaza is modeled after Seville. I think this would be the case if Seville were to have a love child with Rodeo drive, and that child were fuse with a strip mall, then imbued with the essence of American supersize, dropped in a boiling vat of consumer idealism, then finally served with a side of terracotta colored paint. In otherwords the Plaza is a mildly Spanish (Southern Californian?) themed open air mall that houses the Armani Exchange and Coach stores among others. All the stores are on the higher end, the lowest price ranges being Gap and Barnes and Noble. A trip into Urban Outfitters revealed a great summer dress that I will wait on. Maybe I could treat myself to it for my birthday.

When I couldn't hold off the hunger any longer I grabbed a salad at a swanky "Tuscan bistro" with a fantastic little balcony. Happy hour appetizers were only $2.50 and that's how I unexpectedly had a shrimp cocktail to go with my salad. A table full of self-admittedly drunken 50-somethings chatted me up a bit (amazingly not about how I reminded them of their children) and then I left to seek out my last stop; KCAI.

The Kansas City Art Institute is situated on a little hill flanked by art museums. Next door to the ceramics building is the Kemper Museum of Modern Art, recognized by the giant spider creature out front, and across from the painting building, the city museum and sculpture park. Trees shade KCAI's lush grounds and an old castle-like main building plus gated entrance make it seem like someone's private estate.

With the evening light being perfect for walking, I meandered over to the sculpture park and made it my business to either touch or climb on all of the statues except for the "Thinker" casting (it was too high). I am an avid believer that public art should be touchable, maybe I'm out of line for thinking so, after all I'm no sculptor, but I had fun.

Three things I saw in the sculpture park I'd never seen live before:
* Four, twenty-five foot fiberglass badminton birdies
* A praying mantis, I even touched it!
* A wild bunny

I came home and spent the rest of the evening starting what is now a horrible habit of watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Seasons one-three are on Hulu and I'm hooked.

"Hello, my name is Karen and I'm addicted to Buffy."

Monday, June 8th

Monday morning I finished the poster for the show next week, played around with color and placement. Looking back, I could have been more conservative with color, but I learned something new and will be able to use color minimally and to my benefit next time.

Around two, I met up with Jen from work and we went to the DAV thrift store to look for some sweet threads. Again I was amazed by the deals, six dollars being expensive. Kansas City is an actively thrifiting community, but not over crowded. The selection isn't picked through and one can find put together a perfectly decent outfit. This trip was very successful. I scored a little black dress, t-shirt, sweater, belt and jacket for under twenty dollars.

Yes, you did read sweater and jacket. No, I don't have enough jackets (this one is so sweet I can barely describe it, but picture the most perfect 70's track jacket, white with green stripes, and you're close). The sweater is actual vintage, red with little buttons on the collar and shoulder. While I many not be needing it now, eventually I will be in a time or place where it is cold and I will wear it at that point. It will look smashing with my brown pencil skirt. Jen picked up a shirtdress, jean jacket (she has a jacket fetish too) and Asian inspired robe.

I dropped Jen off at her home so she could go to class, then I booked it to the Arts INKubator for a tour around the studio. As there are only eight INKubator Press members I believe it will be somewhat akin to having an entire studio all to myself. The place is large and when I print I can set up on an entire table. The drying racks have too large a grid for me to use, but there is yet another table I am free to take over when my printing threatens to overwhelm my space.

I went home to print off stencils (and watch an episode of Buffy) then returned to print thirty or so band posters. There are two downsides to the INKubator.
1. The inks. Are speedball acrylic based and runny. The bulk red that has been provided is an orange red and when mixed with blue to create purple, simply turns red-brown.
2. The emulsion. This is a huge downside. They have provided some sort of crummy blue colored junk that barely stand up to the hose used to wash it out. I accidentally washed out my screen twice and after about ten prints the stuff stated flaking. I intend to find out what PNCA uses and see if it can be ordered.

By the end of the night I didn't have much progress. I left around eleven or twelve, tired and knowing I'd have to start over from scratch.

I came home, watched some Buffy and went to bed.

Prince Rama of Ayodhya

2009-06-08T15:36:00.000-07:00

Prince Rama of Ayodhya poster for Pistol Social Club, to be a screen print within hours. (8.5 x 11)

West Bottoms and the Pistol Social Club

2009-06-08T10:16:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the West Bottoms and the Pistol Social Club. Below is a train passing through about two blocks away from where I live. You can't see it, but all of those cars are full of coal.

The back alley of the Pistol. The white door leads inside to The Ship and Foundations, the architectual salvage store. The windows above is the back of the Pistol.

A Photographic moment with some signs in the alley.

Warehouses by the Pistol. Come to think of it, I think that's the other side of the alley. The next picture is looking down the street infront of the Pistol towards the train.

The front door of the Pistol Social Club I live on the second floor. My room is the far window above the screen printing shop. The picture below that is the hallway leading up to my place.

The kitchen. The giant table/bar used to be a stage. There is a dishwasher but it doesn't work. The stove is below the funny lamp in the corner. Then there is a picture of fluffy Flora.

The livingroom. I tried to capture the beautiful light that happens at sundown, but I don't think my camera is capable. That's Joe sitting on the couch and my room is on the otherside of the red-orange wall. Joe's shrine is a few pictures down.

My room. Not too much going on there. Just the old air mattress and my computer. It is pretty large and the ceilings are very high. Brady might have a desk I can add, that would be a welcome change as sitting on the floor kind of sucks. You can see my shelves there too. I didn't take a picture of the otherside of my room since there isn't anything to see but the frenchdoors and my clothes hanging up.

and that's what there is to see. More West Bottoms pics will come, but yesterday was hot and I didn't want to fry my brain while taking pictures. As you might be able to tell, there isn't alot of shade out here.

Fashion and lightning

2009-06-07T09:56:00.000-07:00

Most of Saturday morning was spent working on my zine entries. I finished them and emailed the pages to Madeline, the zine producer. After seeing one of the local zines in a bike shop, I decided I could do whatever I want and that would be sufficient. There wasn't any particular rhyme or reason to the content. My end product was a pair of simple collaged illustrations depicting faux saints, Saint Simeon - the patron saint of broken hearts, and Saint Katherine - the patron saint of contempt. I'm not sure how they'll be presented, but really, the point was to contribute, I'm not too picky how they turn out.

I did take a break around 11 at which point Uriah came home and rounded me up to go bike shopping. He'd found a bike yard sale with some affordable finds. As we arrived, my perfect bike was being rode away with a baby in the basket, a Schwinn 3 speed with basket and fenders. Alas. I looked around and found another Schwinn, brick red, with a basket and fenders, but no gears. If I'd been in Portland, I'd probably have gone home with it, but if I'm this far away and am going to buy a bike to take home, I want a ride with gears that would make it possible for me to get myself up a hill.

Out of the twenty or so bikes, there were only two (including the red one) that fit me. It turns out that most bikes are too tall for my short stature. Neither had gears, so I went home empty handed. Uriah scored with two bikes for 20 and 5 dollars respectively. We hit up the bike shop to get him some new tires and then came home.

About five I headed to Sunfresh to get ingredients for lemon squares and promptly got lost. Not too badly, but it was a good thing I gave myself some time to get there. The lemon squares were rushed since time was crunched to be at the fashion show. When I left I thought I'd botched the squares up. In the end, looking back I just didn't cook them for long enough. I also forgot the top poofs up before settling down to be delicious and smooth.

The fashion show was set up in the middle of 18th street, with a long runway running from one end to the other with a sheet of L.E.D. light covered fabric shielding the "backstage" from view. Obviously the road was closed off and people crowded in to stand as close as they could. Crowd run off went into the surrounding buildings and hung out windows or stood on the roof.

The theme of the evening was Summer in Space and each designer was to interpret the theme how they deemed. I missed the first two collections, which were only five pieces each, but I got there in time to see Halliday's creation walk down the runway on a green alien model. After bullying my way to where she and some friends were perched, I watched the rest of the show in somewhat comfort balancing on a director's chair.

The collections that I can remember off hand were
* Super Nova - a bright group of 60's-ish style dresses

* Oblivion - also dresses but immaculately made, unified with a corset top theme (also had the best models, many of the models didn't have a clue how to walk down a runway)

* I can't remember the name of the designer but her outfits morphed into other outfits

* Peggy Noland - an 18th street institution whose designs were something out of Playhouse Disney

* Birdies - the 18th street lingire store who used plastic bubble helmets (what I would have done), but not to their best advantage

Joe showed up near the end and helped Halliday take her things to her car. Since she was headed home, I decided to hit up the potluck at Bobby's even though I was running a bit late. When I arrived the potluck was winding down, but folks were still there. I brought some beer as a token and replacement to the botched lemon squares.

The reason for the potluck was Bobby's roommate Dave's birthday. Dave used to work at Hammerpress, but after many months of only working Saturdays he decided to call it quits for a bit. I also met a fellow Illustrator named John. John graduated about a year ago from KCAI and has been making a living as a full time Illustrator ever since. He says his work load goes up and down like a rollercoaster, but is enough to get his bills paid. The keys to working as an illustrator, as John has found, is promoting one's self in every avenue possible and finding a work method that produces work quickly but good enough a person can live with it.

I only stayed for about two hours since by the time midnight rolled around I was one of the last people left. I drove home and intended to go to bed, but an insane lighting storm brought me outside. Joe said it was heat lighting and it probably went on for about half an hour before any rain came.

I know I am in the midwest, but it feels very east to me, the lightning was certainly a midwestern experience.

*and now for a historical side note.

I was snooping around on the internet and found some history on the West Bottoms:

"The West Bottoms was originally referred to as the “French Bottoms”. It was the site of trade between French trappers and Kansas Indians. The area was established by the trappers as an area of commerce. The West Bottoms became the receiving point for goods offloaded from steamships traveling upstream on the Missouri river due in part of the western immigration and trade with Mexico over the Santa Fe Trail. The importance of the area increased with the advent of the railroad. The stockyards (established in 1871) then chose to develop there because of the livestock that came in from the Southwest over the rails. A whole city grew around the stockyards.

The Union Depot was built on Union Street where hotels, bars and restaurants flourished. Over 90 percent of the value in Kansas City lay in the West Bottoms. A devastating flood in 1903 ended the investment in housing, schools and churches. However, the agricultural, meat packing, freight and industrial investments continued to grow. By then the rule of thumb was clearly established namely the economic vitality of the city was determined by the economic progress of the West Bottoms.

The stockyards flourished through the 1940s and at its peak only the Union Stock Yards in Chicago were bigger. During World War II Darby Steel Corporation built most of the Landing Craft Tanks (LCTs) that were used in various amphibious invasions. The plant built one craft a day and floated them more than 1,000 miles down the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers to New Orleans, Louisiana prompting their “Prairie Ships” nickname. Darby’s plant at the mouth of the Kansas River could hold eight 135i LCTs and 16 LCMs (Landing Craft Mechanized) in various stages of development.

With economic hard times the West Bottoms took a drastic hit. The first economic blow came with the ending of World War II. There were over 20 thousand jobs lost when the extensive military construction in the city suddenly ceased. The second economic blow came in 1951 with a major flood. Packing companies and supportive industries moved out of the area and many closed their doors forever. The combination of these two events was cataclysmic.

There were 50,000 jobs lost in the span of 5-6 years and the city was half the size it is now. With the job loss people stopped shopping downtown. With the economic downsizing the city slipped and was unable to save itself and collapsed. Because the city’s tax base crumbled it could no longer maintain its streets, bridges or engage in meaningful investments.

In 1974 Kansas City and the American Royal tried to reclaim the stockyards by building Kemper Arena. The stockyards biggest heritage is the annual 6-week American Royal agricultural show held each October and November at Kemper Arena. Kemper Arena was also the site of the 1976 Republican National Convention where Gerald Ford was nominated for President. Along with the building of Kemper Arena there have been many buildings constructed and several multi-million dollar companies have set up shop in the West Bottoms area. This redevelopment has begun to attract upscale and artistic tenants to redevelop buildings and helping reestablish the West Bottoms area." - from westbottoms.com