This is a song written about Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan. As usual, the lyrics contain SPOILERS. If you haven't read Son of Neptune and its preceding books, you really, really should. Particularly if you like Greek mythology and YA fantasy. If you are turned off to the series because of the Lightning Thief movie, well I can't blame you, that movie was terrible. Needless to say, the book is infinitely superior. The books are:
Series One: Percy Jackson and the Olympians The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse, The Battle of the Labyrinth, The Last Olympian, The Demigod Files
Series Two: The Heroes of Olympus The Lost Hero, The Son of Neptune
Okay now here are the lyrics.
The Short First Life of Hazel
It was not long before I saw this gift was a true curse.
Be careful when you wish for all the riches of the earth,
For when you live in poverty, you wonder what is worse.
When jewels take the lives of men, it shows what they are worth.
I don't know why it fell to me to bear this awful skill.
He came to her and she gave him a wish he could fulfill;
They come to me from in the earth, deeper than man can till;
It came to her, and she obeyed the voice's evil will.
Now far from home I take my plight,
Row to an island out of sight,
Resurrect this evil thing,
A body's gold and silver gleam.
Though I may have died a hero when I shoved it underground,
I thought Elysium was too good for one who'd done such wrong.
My mother, controlled by the voice, to Tartarus was bound,
Forever with the monsters and the sinners to belong.
I bartered at the judgement for my mother's and my soul,
So to the fields of Asphodel we were deemed to go.
Therein we shuffled, silent, ghostly spirits blank and bare,
Susurrating memories of lifetimes short and gone.
And in the misty grayness, so grimly waiting there,
I met a son of Pluto, my half-brother never known.
2011/11/29
2011/11/08
How I Cured Briar Rose's Ear Yeast Infection.
Briar Rose is a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel with a friendly, dopey disposition and a strange smell. Everyone would say, "We would love Briar Rose so much more if she didn't smell so bad." After some investigation, I decided it was because of a yeast infection in her ears. Bad smell, brown gunk in her ears, shaking her head and rubbing her ears against the floor. Of course, we couldn't afford a vet so here's what I came up with after some research.
1. Clip the hair in and around the ear canal as short as you can.
2. Make a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Add some cleansing essential oils, like tea tree, eucalyptus, and lavender.
3. Put some of the cleaning solution in her ears. You can either soak two cotton balls in it, then gently place in her ears, or you can squirt a small amount directly in.
4. Close her ears and massage them from the outside to move the solution around and to keep it from tickling the inside of her ears.
5. Open her ears, remove the cotton balls if used. Clip her ears back to keep them open and have them stay open until they are dry on the inside.
6. Feed her a spoonful of natural Greek yogurt.
7. Do the cleaning and feeding once or twice a day until symptoms disappear (took less than a week for us).
1. Clip the hair in and around the ear canal as short as you can.
2. Make a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water. Add some cleansing essential oils, like tea tree, eucalyptus, and lavender.
3. Put some of the cleaning solution in her ears. You can either soak two cotton balls in it, then gently place in her ears, or you can squirt a small amount directly in.
4. Close her ears and massage them from the outside to move the solution around and to keep it from tickling the inside of her ears.
5. Open her ears, remove the cotton balls if used. Clip her ears back to keep them open and have them stay open until they are dry on the inside.
6. Feed her a spoonful of natural Greek yogurt.
7. Do the cleaning and feeding once or twice a day until symptoms disappear (took less than a week for us).
2011/11/07
Feast.
Kristan wants me to provide a Redwall feast for her birthday. I recently read the Compleat Anachronist edition on how to prepare a feast, so I should be able to handle this, right? And it's just for my family, so that's not a lot of pressure.
The budget is up to $20. Which is to say, we have tons of food storage and ingredients in the house that I can access, so if there's an ingredient I REALLY want to use that we don't have, I'll have to buy it myself. I've looked at the list of Redwall food and found quite a lot of options that use only the ingredients I already have, so really it all depends on if I want to make cheese from scratch, in which case I'd have to buy more milk. And I like using my newly-forged cheesemaking skills, so I'll probably do that.
I have the food divided into 6 categories: Main dish, bread, cheese, side dish, drink, and dessert. I'm now at the very tricky part of choosing exactly what to make.
If I must say so myself, this is a pretty big birthday present. Since my mom dislikes cooking, perhaps I should offer to do this for her Christmas present.
After I'd chosen a large list of candidates, I went through and highlighted 2-4 in each category which sounded really good to me. Then out of those, I had two criteria to narrow it down to a single menu. First, would all the dishes go well together without being redundant. Second, between all the dishes, will I be using a lot of carrots, beets, and apples? Because we have a lot of those laying around that need to be eaten.
So this is the menu I've come up with (it should be served in this order, but I'll consult my etiquette books):
Cold mint and apple tea
Wheat bread
White cheese with sage
Beetroot salad
Winter salad
Mossflower vegetable stew with dumplings
Hazelnut pudding
Apple pudding
I need to make up recipes for a few of them. That shouldn't be too hard. Off to the internet!
That's a huge meal... And of course, I could be making it for up to 13 people. Should I go even fancier and serve it as separate courses? Maybe I could kidnap some people to be servers. But then there's that awkward "I invited my friends to your family party" thing.
And then I should figure out in what order to make the food so it all gets done well. I'll make the cheese on Wednesday because I don't work that day. Can probably make the bread on Friday. I'll have to check the dessert recipes to see if they can be done in advance.
The budget is up to $20. Which is to say, we have tons of food storage and ingredients in the house that I can access, so if there's an ingredient I REALLY want to use that we don't have, I'll have to buy it myself. I've looked at the list of Redwall food and found quite a lot of options that use only the ingredients I already have, so really it all depends on if I want to make cheese from scratch, in which case I'd have to buy more milk. And I like using my newly-forged cheesemaking skills, so I'll probably do that.
I have the food divided into 6 categories: Main dish, bread, cheese, side dish, drink, and dessert. I'm now at the very tricky part of choosing exactly what to make.
If I must say so myself, this is a pretty big birthday present. Since my mom dislikes cooking, perhaps I should offer to do this for her Christmas present.
After I'd chosen a large list of candidates, I went through and highlighted 2-4 in each category which sounded really good to me. Then out of those, I had two criteria to narrow it down to a single menu. First, would all the dishes go well together without being redundant. Second, between all the dishes, will I be using a lot of carrots, beets, and apples? Because we have a lot of those laying around that need to be eaten.
So this is the menu I've come up with (it should be served in this order, but I'll consult my etiquette books):
Cold mint and apple tea
Wheat bread
White cheese with sage
Beetroot salad
Winter salad
Mossflower vegetable stew with dumplings
Hazelnut pudding
Apple pudding
I need to make up recipes for a few of them. That shouldn't be too hard. Off to the internet!
That's a huge meal... And of course, I could be making it for up to 13 people. Should I go even fancier and serve it as separate courses? Maybe I could kidnap some people to be servers. But then there's that awkward "I invited my friends to your family party" thing.
And then I should figure out in what order to make the food so it all gets done well. I'll make the cheese on Wednesday because I don't work that day. Can probably make the bread on Friday. I'll have to check the dessert recipes to see if they can be done in advance.
2011/10/03
Better.
I'm still on a sewing hiatus. I've sewn a few things, but nothing to sell. This makes my hiatus 6 months long (less a day for all the literalists).
When I think about making garb, I hear these little voices in my head going, "If you took more care to make it historically accurate, I'd be interested in buying more" "We don't allow any machine sewing to be visible on our garb" "You should provide documentation for all of your pieces."
Basically I just feel like no matter how hard I try, there will always be some condescending twat who is doing it better than me and has to be snarky about it. At the very least, I will see others doing it better than me, and then feel like I can't measure up. I can handle changing my sewing techniques to make it look more period. But doing documentation? Having to battle every person who comes along and says "I don't think that's period?" Having to justify every little thing I do to prove that it's good enough?
I just don't want to do that. Especially since I prefer earlier periods, and there's just not as much information available for it as the later, more popular periods. (More popular because it's easier to research? Probably!)
Can't people do their own research and then decide if what I'm selling matches what they want? Isn't it enough that I use period-appropriate fabric and medieval drafting techniques? It's not like I'm selling polyester panne velvet dresses made with Simplicity patterns, FGS. I draft my own effing patterns, and that's more than a lot of people do.
And THEN there's all the people asking me to do custom items for them. No. I won't do it. If they are right there, with me as I sew, so I can take whatever measurements I need and I can make a mockup and they can try things on as I go along, and they can choose the fabric themselves and give it to me and tell me what they want and how much they care if it's exactly what they envision or not, then fine, I will do it. But that's not happening over the internet. That's friends and family only.
So it's the same thing I said 6 months ago. I like the money (it really has been a lifesaver recently), but I'm just not enjoying it that much.
Getting enjoyment out of a job? That's just too much to ask for!
In order to pretend that I'm listing new things, I'm taking out things that have been up for a long time without selling, and altering them to make them newer and hopefully more appealing to shoppers. So I guess that counts as sewing to sell.
Fortunately I still very much love tablet weaving, and those sell really well.
When I think about making garb, I hear these little voices in my head going, "If you took more care to make it historically accurate, I'd be interested in buying more" "We don't allow any machine sewing to be visible on our garb" "You should provide documentation for all of your pieces."
Basically I just feel like no matter how hard I try, there will always be some condescending twat who is doing it better than me and has to be snarky about it. At the very least, I will see others doing it better than me, and then feel like I can't measure up. I can handle changing my sewing techniques to make it look more period. But doing documentation? Having to battle every person who comes along and says "I don't think that's period?" Having to justify every little thing I do to prove that it's good enough?
I just don't want to do that. Especially since I prefer earlier periods, and there's just not as much information available for it as the later, more popular periods. (More popular because it's easier to research? Probably!)
Can't people do their own research and then decide if what I'm selling matches what they want? Isn't it enough that I use period-appropriate fabric and medieval drafting techniques? It's not like I'm selling polyester panne velvet dresses made with Simplicity patterns, FGS. I draft my own effing patterns, and that's more than a lot of people do.
And THEN there's all the people asking me to do custom items for them. No. I won't do it. If they are right there, with me as I sew, so I can take whatever measurements I need and I can make a mockup and they can try things on as I go along, and they can choose the fabric themselves and give it to me and tell me what they want and how much they care if it's exactly what they envision or not, then fine, I will do it. But that's not happening over the internet. That's friends and family only.
So it's the same thing I said 6 months ago. I like the money (it really has been a lifesaver recently), but I'm just not enjoying it that much.
Getting enjoyment out of a job? That's just too much to ask for!
In order to pretend that I'm listing new things, I'm taking out things that have been up for a long time without selling, and altering them to make them newer and hopefully more appealing to shoppers. So I guess that counts as sewing to sell.
Fortunately I still very much love tablet weaving, and those sell really well.
2011/09/05
Productivity.
The thing about getting things done, or getting any kind of progress at all, is that you can't wait until you have a better idea. You can only get a better idea after you've satisfied the first idea. So no matter how stupid or dead-ended your first idea may seem, get it out there if only so that you can move on past it.
We say, what's the point of the space program anymore when space travel is so unfeasible and there's not anything useful to learn out there? Well, the space program is what allowed the research which led to the technology that we have today. We laugh about how slow and huge and tiny-disked the computers were in the 70s, but without those first computers, and all the other slow, huge, tiny-disked computers in between, we wouldn't have the fast, small, huge-disked computers that we have now. (When I say tiny- and huge-disked, I am trying to talk about the amount of memory on the hard drives.)
But, I am actually talking about writing. I think about this huge gap in my script where I have to write who-knows how many scenes to fill it, and I think "I'll never get it done, I don't know what needs to happen, I just have this one stupid idea for one scene and that's not enough." Well of course it's not enough. But it's a start and you'll never get to the end if you don't start. So, I wrote that scene. Then I wrote another one related to it. And I ended up writing 5 or 6 more scenes all in the same session. And I was really glad I hadn't stunted myself by refusing to start because "it wasn't enough." Having something is better than having nothing, even if you think it's not enough. And having something usually leads to having more. Sometimes it takes a while, but it happens.
We say, what's the point of the space program anymore when space travel is so unfeasible and there's not anything useful to learn out there? Well, the space program is what allowed the research which led to the technology that we have today. We laugh about how slow and huge and tiny-disked the computers were in the 70s, but without those first computers, and all the other slow, huge, tiny-disked computers in between, we wouldn't have the fast, small, huge-disked computers that we have now. (When I say tiny- and huge-disked, I am trying to talk about the amount of memory on the hard drives.)
But, I am actually talking about writing. I think about this huge gap in my script where I have to write who-knows how many scenes to fill it, and I think "I'll never get it done, I don't know what needs to happen, I just have this one stupid idea for one scene and that's not enough." Well of course it's not enough. But it's a start and you'll never get to the end if you don't start. So, I wrote that scene. Then I wrote another one related to it. And I ended up writing 5 or 6 more scenes all in the same session. And I was really glad I hadn't stunted myself by refusing to start because "it wasn't enough." Having something is better than having nothing, even if you think it's not enough. And having something usually leads to having more. Sometimes it takes a while, but it happens.
2011/08/31
August Roundup.
What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
Beauty by Robin McKinley
The Dot and the Line
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe Complete and Unabridged
The Secret Lives of Hoarders
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides, Thor, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, As You Like It, Sherlock Holmes, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Big Sleep, Bolt
TV: Bones
Where did I eat out this month?
Creme de Bakery
Tea Rose Diner
Red Ginger Bistro
Einstein Bros.
Brick Oven
Jamba Juice
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Going-away party for Laura and Kristan
Hanging out with Lorraine and Glenna
What were my accomplishments this month?
Got a job.
What were my disappointments this month?
Hotman gone forever. :(
Favorite new recipe:
At The Abbey's Kitchen: Pear Pudding, Nut Milk
At Cookery Mine: Chocolate Mint Cake, Lentil Sausage Casserole, Oven Zucchini Fries
Quotes:
Me: Hey, my ex is on League of Legends, you should frag him.
Cuyler: Whatever I'm not gonna frag him, I'm gonna pwn the nub.
What I made:
tablet weaving
beaded skirt
mended/altered some stuff
Beauty by Robin McKinley
The Dot and the Line
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe Complete and Unabridged
The Secret Lives of Hoarders
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Pirates of the Caribbean On Stranger Tides, Thor, Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, As You Like It, Sherlock Holmes, The Count of Monte Cristo, The Big Sleep, Bolt
TV: Bones
Where did I eat out this month?
Creme de Bakery
Tea Rose Diner
Red Ginger Bistro
Einstein Bros.
Brick Oven
Jamba Juice
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Going-away party for Laura and Kristan
Hanging out with Lorraine and Glenna
What were my accomplishments this month?
Got a job.
What were my disappointments this month?
Hotman gone forever. :(
Favorite new recipe:
At The Abbey's Kitchen: Pear Pudding, Nut Milk
At Cookery Mine: Chocolate Mint Cake, Lentil Sausage Casserole, Oven Zucchini Fries
Quotes:
Me: Hey, my ex is on League of Legends, you should frag him.
Cuyler: Whatever I'm not gonna frag him, I'm gonna pwn the nub.
What I made:
tablet weaving
beaded skirt
mended/altered some stuff
2011/08/28
Save the Dress.
I got this vintage dress on Etsy. I'm using one of the seller's photos because I didn't take any before-photos of my own. (I am really bad at all this blogging about crafting stuff.)
Super cute, right!
When I got it, I found that the silk fabric was a little too delicate to actually be wearable. It got rips just from being touched wrongly. Other problems, as I knew when I bought it, were holes in the organza on the collar, and the sleeves had been removed, with the lining and outer stitched together by hand (rather amateurishly) along the sleeve hole.
The dress was pretty cheap, so I figured I got what I paid for, and could put some time into fixing it. The lining is all in really good condition, it's just the silk outer fabric that is too dang delicate to handle life.
First I whipstitched shut all the tears in the skirt. There were quite a few little tears, and a huge one that I caused when I tried it on after buying, and walked through a doorway that was not quite open far enough. The skirt snagged on the door and got the tear. The mending stitches are not very visible, thanks to the dark lining.
I couldn't apply that technique to the holes in the collar. The holes were all on the same side though, so I folded the collar in half, putting the holes on the inside, and sewed it down, using hand sewing again to make the stitching invisible. I like the short mandarin shaped collar more than peter pan collars.
There was another tear in the organza along one of the shoulder seams, which I whipstitched closed. That mend is a lot more visible than the ones in the skirt, but I'll just have to live with it.
I also added hook and eyes to support the snap that kept popping open on my bust.
My idea is that to protect the delicate silk, I can add a layer of new sheer silk in a matching color to the skirt, and sew all the layers together at the hem to encase the old the silk. Covered by sheer silk, the embroidery will still be visible, albeit subdued in contrast. (I don't have a problem with that.) I also wanted to make new sleeves with the new silk.
I wouldn't be able to use this outer lining technique on the the bodice, but that section is a lot less likely to snag on things and get torn, I hope. I will still have to handwash and air dry the dress after all these fixes have been made, instead of washing like normal with everything else I own, because of the delicate silk on the bodice.
I thought I would have to shelve it after these preliminary fixes, because who knows when and where I'd be able to find sheer silk in a matching color, let alone how much it would cost. Then I realized I knew where to find sheer linen, and maybe that would work. I ordered some in a color that I hoped would match. But it will probably not be as shiny as the silk on the dress, so when I get the linen, I'll have to decide. I don't want the skirt to look THAT different from the rest of the dress, especially if the sleeves don't match as well. It's such a stupid pseudo-ren-faire look to have a bodice on a dress different from the skirt and sleeves.
Perhaps, avoid that look, I'll make shoulder yokes out of the linen as well, to pull the different fabric a little into the bodice, making it look less separated. That would also help to disguise the mended tear in the shoulder seam.
I'll post more later when I've worked on it more.
Super cute, right!
When I got it, I found that the silk fabric was a little too delicate to actually be wearable. It got rips just from being touched wrongly. Other problems, as I knew when I bought it, were holes in the organza on the collar, and the sleeves had been removed, with the lining and outer stitched together by hand (rather amateurishly) along the sleeve hole.
The dress was pretty cheap, so I figured I got what I paid for, and could put some time into fixing it. The lining is all in really good condition, it's just the silk outer fabric that is too dang delicate to handle life.
First I whipstitched shut all the tears in the skirt. There were quite a few little tears, and a huge one that I caused when I tried it on after buying, and walked through a doorway that was not quite open far enough. The skirt snagged on the door and got the tear. The mending stitches are not very visible, thanks to the dark lining.
I couldn't apply that technique to the holes in the collar. The holes were all on the same side though, so I folded the collar in half, putting the holes on the inside, and sewed it down, using hand sewing again to make the stitching invisible. I like the short mandarin shaped collar more than peter pan collars.
There was another tear in the organza along one of the shoulder seams, which I whipstitched closed. That mend is a lot more visible than the ones in the skirt, but I'll just have to live with it.
I also added hook and eyes to support the snap that kept popping open on my bust.
My idea is that to protect the delicate silk, I can add a layer of new sheer silk in a matching color to the skirt, and sew all the layers together at the hem to encase the old the silk. Covered by sheer silk, the embroidery will still be visible, albeit subdued in contrast. (I don't have a problem with that.) I also wanted to make new sleeves with the new silk.
I wouldn't be able to use this outer lining technique on the the bodice, but that section is a lot less likely to snag on things and get torn, I hope. I will still have to handwash and air dry the dress after all these fixes have been made, instead of washing like normal with everything else I own, because of the delicate silk on the bodice.
I thought I would have to shelve it after these preliminary fixes, because who knows when and where I'd be able to find sheer silk in a matching color, let alone how much it would cost. Then I realized I knew where to find sheer linen, and maybe that would work. I ordered some in a color that I hoped would match. But it will probably not be as shiny as the silk on the dress, so when I get the linen, I'll have to decide. I don't want the skirt to look THAT different from the rest of the dress, especially if the sleeves don't match as well. It's such a stupid pseudo-ren-faire look to have a bodice on a dress different from the skirt and sleeves.
Perhaps, avoid that look, I'll make shoulder yokes out of the linen as well, to pull the different fabric a little into the bodice, making it look less separated. That would also help to disguise the mended tear in the shoulder seam.
I'll post more later when I've worked on it more.
2011/08/23
Bub.
After four months of knowing what I need to write, but not being able to think hard enough to be able to do it, I've finally come up with something. I got kind of stuck because I have to write a bunch of pseudo-rom-com stuff, and that's really difficult for me. But now I've got something. Not all the scenes that I need to write, but something.
EDIT: I've replaced the songs I had originally written in with some public domain songs that work just as well. I wasn't in love with using the other songs, just hadn't done the research yet.
INT. Swing club - night
Eric is onstage, crooning weakly and off-key. The club is pretty full, but most people are sitting and standing around. A few on the dance floor are attempting to make the best of this sad excuse for music. The band sits on the stage behind Eric, looking bored.
ERIC
Give me, give me, give me what I cry for, you know you got the brand of kisses that I’d die for. You know you made me love you. You know you made me love you.
Bub makes his way through the crowd to Marsha, who is at the soundboard.
BUB
You're doing karaoke now?
MARSHA
It's experimental. The outcome so far has been underwhelming.
Bub laughs. Marsha gives a wry smile.
As Eric finishes singing, there is some unenthusiastic, polite applause.
ERIC
That was for my babe.
Quinn, who is among the sitting crowd, bites her lip and glances to the side.
Marsha speaks into the microphone at the sound board.
MARSHA
Alright, thank you. That's the end of the karaoke hour, try again next week.
Eric sits down next to Quinn, Quinn quickly gets up without looking at him and walks away.
MARSHA
And now give it up for our band, the Hinkyjinks!
The crowd applauds more excitedly as a HOT SINGER, who looks like she stepped straight out the forties, takes the stage and the DRUMMER does a drumroll. The band begins playing CURSE OF AN ACHING HEART.
Bub looks out into the crowd, his attention suddenly riveted to something.
BUB
Excuse me.
Spencer, wearing a lovely vintage dress, stands in a small group. Bub approaches her from behind. The group stops chatting and looks at him. Spencer turns around, an eyebrow quirked, then smirks when she sees Bub.
SPENCER
So, we meet again at last.
BUB
Ready to dance?
SPENCER
Are you?
Bub offers her his right hand. She takes it and he spins her out as the Hot Singer starts.
HOT SINGER
You made me think you cared for me, and I believed in you. You told me things you never meant and made me think them true. I gambled in the game of life. I played my heart and lost. I'm now a wreck upon life's sea, alone I pay the cost.
Bub and Spencer dance some simple swing with a few spins and that kind of stuff.
SPENCER
That's the best you can do?
As the next verse starts, Bub kicks it up to triple step, with more aggressive and advanced moves. Spencer is easily keeping up.
HOT SINGER
You made me what I am today! I hope you're satisfied. You dragged and dragged me down until the soul within me died. You shattered each and every dream; fooled me right from the start. And though you're not true, may God bless you. That's the curse of an aching heart!
The band goes into a hot instrumental to end the song and Bub spins Spencer faster, does several lifts, and eventually ends by spinning her in and holding her against his chest, their faces inches apart.
They pause, breathing heavily. Then Spencer spins herself out.
SPENCER
That was pretty hot. I thought I was going to kick you in the face.
She lets go of his hand and walks away.
Quinn comes up to Bub and softly punches his shoulder.
QUINN
Hey flatfoot, you never dance like that with me.
Bub is staring off after Spencer.
BUB
Yeah...
Bub walks away.
EXT. SWING CLUB - NIGHT
Spencer is standing outside, running her hands through her hair, looking up at the sky. Bub walks quickly towards her.
BUB
It's dangerous for you to be out like this.
Spencer turns half towards him. She takes the bobby pins out of her mouth and pins her hair back up.
SPENCER
What's it to you?
BUB
Someone broke into your house to try to murder you.
Spencer shrugs.
BUB
Even if you're not concerned for your life, I'm the detective working on this case and it would look pretty bad if I let you get killed.
SPENCER
Oh no, of course, what was I thinking! Your career is at stake, how inconsiderate of me to try to have a life!
BUB
You should be trying to preserve your life.
Spencer looks at him for a moment, then shrugs again and walks back into the club. Bub watches her go, his jaw tense.
EDIT: I've replaced the songs I had originally written in with some public domain songs that work just as well. I wasn't in love with using the other songs, just hadn't done the research yet.
INT. Swing club - night
Eric is onstage, crooning weakly and off-key. The club is pretty full, but most people are sitting and standing around. A few on the dance floor are attempting to make the best of this sad excuse for music. The band sits on the stage behind Eric, looking bored.
ERIC
Give me, give me, give me what I cry for, you know you got the brand of kisses that I’d die for. You know you made me love you. You know you made me love you.
Bub makes his way through the crowd to Marsha, who is at the soundboard.
BUB
You're doing karaoke now?
MARSHA
It's experimental. The outcome so far has been underwhelming.
Bub laughs. Marsha gives a wry smile.
As Eric finishes singing, there is some unenthusiastic, polite applause.
ERIC
That was for my babe.
Quinn, who is among the sitting crowd, bites her lip and glances to the side.
Marsha speaks into the microphone at the sound board.
MARSHA
Alright, thank you. That's the end of the karaoke hour, try again next week.
Eric sits down next to Quinn, Quinn quickly gets up without looking at him and walks away.
MARSHA
And now give it up for our band, the Hinkyjinks!
The crowd applauds more excitedly as a HOT SINGER, who looks like she stepped straight out the forties, takes the stage and the DRUMMER does a drumroll. The band begins playing CURSE OF AN ACHING HEART.
Bub looks out into the crowd, his attention suddenly riveted to something.
BUB
Excuse me.
Spencer, wearing a lovely vintage dress, stands in a small group. Bub approaches her from behind. The group stops chatting and looks at him. Spencer turns around, an eyebrow quirked, then smirks when she sees Bub.
SPENCER
So, we meet again at last.
BUB
Ready to dance?
SPENCER
Are you?
Bub offers her his right hand. She takes it and he spins her out as the Hot Singer starts.
HOT SINGER
You made me think you cared for me, and I believed in you. You told me things you never meant and made me think them true. I gambled in the game of life. I played my heart and lost. I'm now a wreck upon life's sea, alone I pay the cost.
Bub and Spencer dance some simple swing with a few spins and that kind of stuff.
SPENCER
That's the best you can do?
As the next verse starts, Bub kicks it up to triple step, with more aggressive and advanced moves. Spencer is easily keeping up.
HOT SINGER
You made me what I am today! I hope you're satisfied. You dragged and dragged me down until the soul within me died. You shattered each and every dream; fooled me right from the start. And though you're not true, may God bless you. That's the curse of an aching heart!
The band goes into a hot instrumental to end the song and Bub spins Spencer faster, does several lifts, and eventually ends by spinning her in and holding her against his chest, their faces inches apart.
They pause, breathing heavily. Then Spencer spins herself out.
SPENCER
That was pretty hot. I thought I was going to kick you in the face.
She lets go of his hand and walks away.
Quinn comes up to Bub and softly punches his shoulder.
QUINN
Hey flatfoot, you never dance like that with me.
Bub is staring off after Spencer.
BUB
Yeah...
Bub walks away.
EXT. SWING CLUB - NIGHT
Spencer is standing outside, running her hands through her hair, looking up at the sky. Bub walks quickly towards her.
BUB
It's dangerous for you to be out like this.
Spencer turns half towards him. She takes the bobby pins out of her mouth and pins her hair back up.
SPENCER
What's it to you?
BUB
Someone broke into your house to try to murder you.
Spencer shrugs.
BUB
Even if you're not concerned for your life, I'm the detective working on this case and it would look pretty bad if I let you get killed.
SPENCER
Oh no, of course, what was I thinking! Your career is at stake, how inconsiderate of me to try to have a life!
BUB
You should be trying to preserve your life.
Spencer looks at him for a moment, then shrugs again and walks back into the club. Bub watches her go, his jaw tense.
2011/08/22
Two Songs.
First song. I realized later that I'd been subliminally inspired by Alas Earwax's "There's a Face." But the lyrics are different enough.
There's a man with a face on the back of his head
He did whatever the head-face said.
He wore a large turban to cover his plight
For the face on his head was a gruesome sight.
He was a professor at old Hogwarts,
But the job was cursed, and so he was forced
To travel the world after just one year,
And when he returned he was filled with fear.
He never did say what horrors he faced,
But when he came back, his hair had been replaced
With a pasty, writhing, evil mug
That survived by drinking unicorn blood.
There's a man with a face on the back of his head
He did whatever the head-face said.
He wore a large turban to cover his plight
For the face on his head was a gruesome sight.
Second song. Too many lovey-dovey couples at church, sacrament meeting about marriage, forced to sing one of my most hated hymns.
There is horror in my soul today,
And bitterness and gloom.
More umbrage than can be held
In any earthly doom.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
There is night time in my soul today.
I never knew the sun.
Each day and night I must keep
A candle burning dim.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
There is winter in my soul today,
Frozen, ghastly and grim;
And falling from the sky above
Are wings of cherubim.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
There is madness in my soul today,
An impenetrable fog
Where ghosts are hazy shadows near
And memories walk on.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
There's a man with a face on the back of his head
He did whatever the head-face said.
He wore a large turban to cover his plight
For the face on his head was a gruesome sight.
He was a professor at old Hogwarts,
But the job was cursed, and so he was forced
To travel the world after just one year,
And when he returned he was filled with fear.
He never did say what horrors he faced,
But when he came back, his hair had been replaced
With a pasty, writhing, evil mug
That survived by drinking unicorn blood.
There's a man with a face on the back of his head
He did whatever the head-face said.
He wore a large turban to cover his plight
For the face on his head was a gruesome sight.
Second song. Too many lovey-dovey couples at church, sacrament meeting about marriage, forced to sing one of my most hated hymns.
There is horror in my soul today,
And bitterness and gloom.
More umbrage than can be held
In any earthly doom.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
There is night time in my soul today.
I never knew the sun.
Each day and night I must keep
A candle burning dim.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
There is winter in my soul today,
Frozen, ghastly and grim;
And falling from the sky above
Are wings of cherubim.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
There is madness in my soul today,
An impenetrable fog
Where ghosts are hazy shadows near
And memories walk on.
There is horror, darkest horror
That corrodes each corner of my soul.
Each waking day and deathly night,
There is horror in my soul.
2011/08/01
July Roundup.
What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe Complete and Unabridged
Beauty by... blah
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
TV: Avatar the Last Airbender, probably other stuff that I forgot
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Alice's birthday party
Going to Morgan for the 4th
Harry Potter party/movie
Baron's War with Glenna and Lorraine
Stitch and Bitch
Brynn's party
What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Gifts from me: gave a little notebook to Brynn
What were my accomplishments this month?
Applied for jobs
Favorite songs:
The Dresden Dolls: Coin-Operated Boy
Favorite new recipe:
The Abbey's Kitchen: Peace Island Bread, Honeyed Nutbread, Sweet White Arrowroot Sauce, Apple Pudding
Cookery Mine: Boil-Curing Potion
What I made:
tablet weaving
Quidditch robes
mini notebooks
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe Complete and Unabridged
Beauty by... blah
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
TV: Avatar the Last Airbender, probably other stuff that I forgot
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Alice's birthday party
Going to Morgan for the 4th
Harry Potter party/movie
Baron's War with Glenna and Lorraine
Stitch and Bitch
Brynn's party
What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Gifts from me: gave a little notebook to Brynn
What were my accomplishments this month?
Applied for jobs
Favorite songs:
The Dresden Dolls: Coin-Operated Boy
Favorite new recipe:
The Abbey's Kitchen: Peace Island Bread, Honeyed Nutbread, Sweet White Arrowroot Sauce, Apple Pudding
Cookery Mine: Boil-Curing Potion
What I made:
tablet weaving
Quidditch robes
mini notebooks
2011/06/30
June Roundup
What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe Complete and Unabridged
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Iron Monkey, Hero, Disturbia
TV: Avatar the Last Airbender, Criminal Minds, Glee, Bones
Theater: Midsummer Night's Dream (Grassroots Shakespeare Company), As You Like It (Grassroots Shakespeare Company), Rent (Pioneer Theatre Company), Harry and the Potters concert
Where did I eat out this month?
-Creme de Bakery--a half-European half-Asian bakery. The European stuff (sandwiches, desserts) are good but not very special and kind of expensive for what they are. The stuffed buns are great! and pretty cheap!
-Red Ginger--good sushi, lots of choices, for a really low price, but the service was really slow.
-Nitro Freeze--Better than my experience at it's predecessor, Sub Zero. I got maple flavored frozen custard with pecans and it was amazing. Size small is pretty big, too, like I wouldn't want to eat more ice cream than that in one sitting.
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
By myself: I went to the LDS Holistic Living Conference. I won a free ticket to it (wow! I never win anything) and in the bee-keeping class I took, I won a jar of mint-infused raw honey! Is this the universe telling me to become a bee-keeper?
Went to Harry and the Potters at the SL Library with Jill!
Firsts:
Went to a chiropractor, set up for a 3-week treatment with 2 meetings per week. They did a bunch of cool scans on my spine to check my neuro system and took x rays (I love looking at x rays!) and then he ninja attacked my neck to move a vertebra into proper position. A good experience so far, and actually a little less expensive per visit than my regular doctor.
New favorite Website:
http://mydaguerreotypeboyfriend.tumblr.com/
http://fuckyeahhistorycrushes.tumblr.com
Favorite new recipe:
The Abbey's Kitchen for this month: Cup of Cheer, Rhubarb Crumble, Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble, Rhubarb and Apple Crumble
Cookery Mine for this month: Little Casserole and Honey-Lemon Salad Dressing
Quotes:
Kristan: Needless to say, I went to my bed and cried.
Sarah: It tastes like nature!
What I made:
a strap for my dad's camping banjo (tablet woven)
a lot of tablet weaving
Quidditch robes
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe Complete and Unabridged
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, Iron Monkey, Hero, Disturbia
TV: Avatar the Last Airbender, Criminal Minds, Glee, Bones
Theater: Midsummer Night's Dream (Grassroots Shakespeare Company), As You Like It (Grassroots Shakespeare Company), Rent (Pioneer Theatre Company), Harry and the Potters concert
Where did I eat out this month?
-Creme de Bakery--a half-European half-Asian bakery. The European stuff (sandwiches, desserts) are good but not very special and kind of expensive for what they are. The stuffed buns are great! and pretty cheap!
-Red Ginger--good sushi, lots of choices, for a really low price, but the service was really slow.
-Nitro Freeze--Better than my experience at it's predecessor, Sub Zero. I got maple flavored frozen custard with pecans and it was amazing. Size small is pretty big, too, like I wouldn't want to eat more ice cream than that in one sitting.
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
By myself: I went to the LDS Holistic Living Conference. I won a free ticket to it (wow! I never win anything) and in the bee-keeping class I took, I won a jar of mint-infused raw honey! Is this the universe telling me to become a bee-keeper?
Went to Harry and the Potters at the SL Library with Jill!
Firsts:
Went to a chiropractor, set up for a 3-week treatment with 2 meetings per week. They did a bunch of cool scans on my spine to check my neuro system and took x rays (I love looking at x rays!) and then he ninja attacked my neck to move a vertebra into proper position. A good experience so far, and actually a little less expensive per visit than my regular doctor.
New favorite Website:
http://mydaguerreotypeboyfriend.tumblr.com/
http://fuckyeahhistorycrushes.tumblr.com
Favorite new recipe:
The Abbey's Kitchen for this month: Cup of Cheer, Rhubarb Crumble, Rhubarb and Strawberry Crumble, Rhubarb and Apple Crumble
Cookery Mine for this month: Little Casserole and Honey-Lemon Salad Dressing
Quotes:
Kristan: Needless to say, I went to my bed and cried.
Sarah: It tastes like nature!
What I made:
a strap for my dad's camping banjo (tablet woven)
a lot of tablet weaving
Quidditch robes
2011/06/23
Advanced Potion-Making
Here's something more positive to write about.
I've recently started to wash my hair with bath salts (made with just table salt, epsom salts, and a little bit of essential oils) instead of baking soda. Here's how it works: I have a container of bath salts in my shower. I get my hair wet. I grab a handful of salts and rub it all over my head. I rinse it out. I can use the salts alone, or follow up with a vinegar rinse. I still sometimes use only a vinegar rinse, and sometimes use only water.
I love it way more than the baking soda. My hair and scalp are not as dry anymore. My hair stays curly longer (on a scale of days) without getting wet. My hair is less frizzy. I don't have to add oil to my hair. I used to use conditioner sometimes to detangle my hair, but I haven't needed it since I've started to use the salts.
I've recently started to wash my hair with bath salts (made with just table salt, epsom salts, and a little bit of essential oils) instead of baking soda. Here's how it works: I have a container of bath salts in my shower. I get my hair wet. I grab a handful of salts and rub it all over my head. I rinse it out. I can use the salts alone, or follow up with a vinegar rinse. I still sometimes use only a vinegar rinse, and sometimes use only water.
I love it way more than the baking soda. My hair and scalp are not as dry anymore. My hair stays curly longer (on a scale of days) without getting wet. My hair is less frizzy. I don't have to add oil to my hair. I used to use conditioner sometimes to detangle my hair, but I haven't needed it since I've started to use the salts.
2011/06/03
May Roundup.
What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
He's Just Not That Into You by Greg B. and Liz L. (have you noticed by now that I'm too lazy to look up the authors' names when I can't remember?)
American Born Chinese by ...
Our Crowd by Charles Addams
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe Complete and Unabridged
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Gnomeo and Juliet, Step Lively
TV: Dollhouse, The Simpsons, Arrested Development, Bones, Criminal Minds, Avatar The Last Airbender, Glee
Theater: Sunset Boulevard
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Stitch and Bitch
Ren Faire (attended, not participated)
What special or unusual purchases did I make?
At the ren faire, aside from the various food sundries I always end up wasting money on, I got a little ceramic thing for putting essential oils in to make stuff smell nice, some glass earrings recycled from bottles, and best of all, a massage.
What were my accomplishments this month?
Wrote the text for that tablet-weaving book and got all my tablet-weaving patterns in order (made a separate file for each pattern, fixed/revised a few and came up with a few more)
What were my disappointments this month?
Not getting a job, as usual
Firsts:
went outside in the morning without a jacket and didn't want to die
went outside at night and didn't want to die
first professional massage of my life
Favorite new recipe:
Abbey's Kitchen for this month
Cookery Mine for this month
Quotes:
There was a quote about how I didn't go to any formal dances in high school, and Laura said she went to one and it was with her brother-in-law, which is mildly worse. We were watching Glee. I wrote down the conversation but then lost the paper.
Laura: I'm cold because I've been sitting in my car for two hours!
Me: Why would you do that? I was all like "I can't wait for Laura to get home so we can watch Avatar!"
Laura: I was talking to Lorina and I was like, "I can't wait to get home to watch Avatar!"
What I made:
Quidditch robes
Some tabletwoven belts
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
He's Just Not That Into You by Greg B. and Liz L. (have you noticed by now that I'm too lazy to look up the authors' names when I can't remember?)
American Born Chinese by ...
Our Crowd by Charles Addams
The Works of Edgar Allan Poe Complete and Unabridged
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Gnomeo and Juliet, Step Lively
TV: Dollhouse, The Simpsons, Arrested Development, Bones, Criminal Minds, Avatar The Last Airbender, Glee
Theater: Sunset Boulevard
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Stitch and Bitch
Ren Faire (attended, not participated)
What special or unusual purchases did I make?
At the ren faire, aside from the various food sundries I always end up wasting money on, I got a little ceramic thing for putting essential oils in to make stuff smell nice, some glass earrings recycled from bottles, and best of all, a massage.
What were my accomplishments this month?
Wrote the text for that tablet-weaving book and got all my tablet-weaving patterns in order (made a separate file for each pattern, fixed/revised a few and came up with a few more)
What were my disappointments this month?
Not getting a job, as usual
Firsts:
went outside in the morning without a jacket and didn't want to die
went outside at night and didn't want to die
first professional massage of my life
Favorite new recipe:
Abbey's Kitchen for this month
Cookery Mine for this month
Quotes:
There was a quote about how I didn't go to any formal dances in high school, and Laura said she went to one and it was with her brother-in-law, which is mildly worse. We were watching Glee. I wrote down the conversation but then lost the paper.
Laura: I'm cold because I've been sitting in my car for two hours!
Me: Why would you do that? I was all like "I can't wait for Laura to get home so we can watch Avatar!"
Laura: I was talking to Lorina and I was like, "I can't wait to get home to watch Avatar!"
What I made:
Quidditch robes
Some tabletwoven belts
2011/05/17
Book.
Remember how I said I was going to do it at a slow, casual pace? I ended up writing all the text for it yesterday. Without the images (which includes the hundreds of patterns), it's only 14 pages long. And some of those are really short pages.
I'll have to give it a few days, then go back and read it to check if I forgot anything obvious.
It's compiling it into a book with all the images that will be tricky. There's going to be a lot of images. I have the images for the actual patterns, and some photos of finished pieces, but I don't know where the rest will come from. I mean, I guess I'll have to make them. Or Alyssa, who wants to design the book, will make them.
And I'll have to actually weave all the patterns to get photos of them all.
I'll have to give it a few days, then go back and read it to check if I forgot anything obvious.
It's compiling it into a book with all the images that will be tricky. There's going to be a lot of images. I have the images for the actual patterns, and some photos of finished pieces, but I don't know where the rest will come from. I mean, I guess I'll have to make them. Or Alyssa, who wants to design the book, will make them.
And I'll have to actually weave all the patterns to get photos of them all.
2011/05/16
Book.
So, anyone who has been to my deviantart site knows that I am sort of insane about drafting patterns. Specifically, sewing patterns and tablet-weaving patterns. I've had several suggestions that I should put my weaving patterns into a book, because it's apparently hard to find good tablet weaving patterns. I don't know how true that is, because I don't look for tablet weaving patterns very much; I just make my own. But it seems to me that the tablet-weaving SCAdians have been doing just fine with their patterns before I came along. I know there are already books out there with historically-documented tablet weaving patterns (which mine are not).
Nevertheless, I've gotten the suggestion often enough that I'm starting to actually consider it. The problem is that I have serious clinical depression, and every step I have to take in anything (large projects, finding a job, or basically anything that requires effort and that I'm not committed to with my whole soul, which is pretty much everything) is not just a little step, it's the emotional equivalent of climbing a mountain. A FREAKIN MOUNTAIN. Plus it seems like every time I do try something, it gets screwed up horribly right at the start and I have to try even harder. So it's pretty easy to convince myself that it's just not worth the effort.
So, yeah, I have PSD files of all my tablet weaving patterns (er, I hope I do). But that's not enough for a real book. People don't want to go to several different sources for all the information that they need, so I'd also have to teach how to tablet weave in the book. Since I've taught people how to weave in real life, that should be easy, right? Lol. It's easy in real life because you just say "put that thing in the other thing" and physically show them how to do it. Teaching physical stuff with just words and pictures is hard...
So I guess the trick here, is to do it at a slow, casual pace so I don't feel overwhelmed (because seriously, making breakfast is overwhelming for me), but also keep it present in my mind somehow so I can keep coming back to it, and I don't feel guilty for abandoning it (like that comic I drew 2 1/2 pages of, then it got buried under papers on my desk when I was doing taxes, and then got buried under even more papers, which were all job leads, and now I feel guilty and overwhelmed whenever I think of that large stack of papers sitting right in front of me because I know it's full of jobs I never applied for and a comic I never finished drawing).
So here's what I'm thinking it would have:
♠Miniscule introduction to tablet weaving regarding the history and uses. No need to waste time here because people who really want to know about the history can do their own research with the aforementioned books.
♠Overview of materials: how to make/get cards, types of yarn and thread to use, loom, anchoring points
♠Explanation of how patterns are created when weaving
♠Tutorial of reading patterns and doing the weaving (including cutting thread and threading the cards)
♠Pages upon pages of patterns, with pretty photos of finished pieces, organized by the number of cards in the pattern
♠Small epilogue about how to design your own patterns
Lots of photos and illustrations throughout.
Okay, I've got a skeleton here. Now lets see if I'll actually do it. On top of the script I'm revising. And looking for a job. And upkeeping my Etsy store. And all those other hellish details that life forces me to contend with.
Nevertheless, I've gotten the suggestion often enough that I'm starting to actually consider it. The problem is that I have serious clinical depression, and every step I have to take in anything (large projects, finding a job, or basically anything that requires effort and that I'm not committed to with my whole soul, which is pretty much everything) is not just a little step, it's the emotional equivalent of climbing a mountain. A FREAKIN MOUNTAIN. Plus it seems like every time I do try something, it gets screwed up horribly right at the start and I have to try even harder. So it's pretty easy to convince myself that it's just not worth the effort.
So, yeah, I have PSD files of all my tablet weaving patterns (er, I hope I do). But that's not enough for a real book. People don't want to go to several different sources for all the information that they need, so I'd also have to teach how to tablet weave in the book. Since I've taught people how to weave in real life, that should be easy, right? Lol. It's easy in real life because you just say "put that thing in the other thing" and physically show them how to do it. Teaching physical stuff with just words and pictures is hard...
So I guess the trick here, is to do it at a slow, casual pace so I don't feel overwhelmed (because seriously, making breakfast is overwhelming for me), but also keep it present in my mind somehow so I can keep coming back to it, and I don't feel guilty for abandoning it (like that comic I drew 2 1/2 pages of, then it got buried under papers on my desk when I was doing taxes, and then got buried under even more papers, which were all job leads, and now I feel guilty and overwhelmed whenever I think of that large stack of papers sitting right in front of me because I know it's full of jobs I never applied for and a comic I never finished drawing).
So here's what I'm thinking it would have:
♠Miniscule introduction to tablet weaving regarding the history and uses. No need to waste time here because people who really want to know about the history can do their own research with the aforementioned books.
♠Overview of materials: how to make/get cards, types of yarn and thread to use, loom, anchoring points
♠Explanation of how patterns are created when weaving
♠Tutorial of reading patterns and doing the weaving (including cutting thread and threading the cards)
♠Pages upon pages of patterns, with pretty photos of finished pieces, organized by the number of cards in the pattern
♠Small epilogue about how to design your own patterns
Lots of photos and illustrations throughout.
Okay, I've got a skeleton here. Now lets see if I'll actually do it. On top of the script I'm revising. And looking for a job. And upkeeping my Etsy store. And all those other hellish details that life forces me to contend with.
2011/05/09
Script.
When I was in 9th grade, my "friend" (I use the term sarcastically, since she was a fledgling sociopath who really didn't care about others except for what she could get out of them) asked me to write a script. It was basically for the sake of fantasizing about this guy she, and every other girl who had ever met him, had an enormous crush on. I hadn't met him yet, but I am still friends with him now (because he's NOT a sociopath! or a narcissist!).
That is how it started. I decided to write a detective story, because my obsession with detectives was already in full form, even though I knew squat about noir. Maybe I had seen The Maltese Falcon and the stage musical of Sunset Boulevard (not actually about detectives, but still an influence) at that point, but otherwise I was operating simply on the noir parodies that permeated my childhood cartoons.
Twelves years later, I'm still working on the script. It's been something that I'd pick up every few years and pick at, and then forget about again for a few years. Never sure what exactly I wanted to do with it. Slowly weeding out all the horrible teen writing. This time, I actually feel that I am close to performing my final revisions and proclaiming it done, for really real.
Yesterday I read through it and made notes on specifics to change, after sitting through church doing some conceptual brainstorming. There was one scene that I really liked. This scene was written in a much newer revision, like the last time I tried it, which was a few years ago (2008 perhaps). I liked it enough that I didn't read every line of dialogue and say "omg this is the worst thing I've ever seen." I actually liked the dialogue. The scene can probably use a little more description but I figure the set designer and director can work it out (if that ever happens).
So here it is, The Scene I Didn't Need to Change:
INT. QUINN'S OFFICE -- DAY
Bub and Quinn are sitting in separate seats, wearing their FBI outfits, drinking from mugs.
QUINN
Did you get some amazing, case-breaking information last night?
BUB
Oh yes, amazing, case-breaking information was had by all.
QUINN
Well?
BUB
Oh, I'm not going to tell you. I have a plan.
QUINN
Still upset about Eric?
BUB
I think you should break up with him.
QUINN
He is a bit ridiculous, isn't he.
BUB
Ridiculous, sure.
QUINN
He's great for dancing, that's mostly why I keep him around. And to think, if you had ever bothered to ask me dance ...
Quinn looks at him and leans forward.
QUINN
Who's to say where we'd be now?
BUB
Who indeed.
Quinn stands up and takes Bub's mug, walking across the room and setting it next to the coffee maker, turning on a CD player (jazz), then walking slowly back to Bub.
QUINN
Eric's spontaneity is what makes him great for dancing, but he was never the type I could stick around with. I need someone darker, more tarnished. Chivalrous, yet sardonic. The stuff dreams are made of.
Bub smirks slightly and leans back into the couch.
BUB
Didn't your mother tell you that men like that are nothing but trouble?
QUINN
My mother was convinced I'd get into trouble no matter what kind of men I found. Dance with me.
She pulls him to his feet by the hand and brings him close to her body. They dance.
BUB
I'm a little rusty.
QUINN
Bub, you always came to the club, but you never stayed to dance. Tell me why that is.
BUB
I used to dance, years ago. I know, with an introduction like that you're expecting some tragic romance of my past. But that's not it at all. It was my work, plain and simple. More hours at the station meant less time to myself. I made a point to keep up my friendship with Nora, the manager, because she was a good contact.
QUINN
You haven't relaxed in a long time, have you?
BUB
Things got pretty bad for a while, and I just didn't have it in me to socialize any more. And now I just don't have time to relax.
QUINN
What do you think you're doing now?
Quinn trails her hand from his shoulder up to his neck, leans up, and kisses him.
That is how it started. I decided to write a detective story, because my obsession with detectives was already in full form, even though I knew squat about noir. Maybe I had seen The Maltese Falcon and the stage musical of Sunset Boulevard (not actually about detectives, but still an influence) at that point, but otherwise I was operating simply on the noir parodies that permeated my childhood cartoons.
Twelves years later, I'm still working on the script. It's been something that I'd pick up every few years and pick at, and then forget about again for a few years. Never sure what exactly I wanted to do with it. Slowly weeding out all the horrible teen writing. This time, I actually feel that I am close to performing my final revisions and proclaiming it done, for really real.
Yesterday I read through it and made notes on specifics to change, after sitting through church doing some conceptual brainstorming. There was one scene that I really liked. This scene was written in a much newer revision, like the last time I tried it, which was a few years ago (2008 perhaps). I liked it enough that I didn't read every line of dialogue and say "omg this is the worst thing I've ever seen." I actually liked the dialogue. The scene can probably use a little more description but I figure the set designer and director can work it out (if that ever happens).
So here it is, The Scene I Didn't Need to Change:
INT. QUINN'S OFFICE -- DAY
Bub and Quinn are sitting in separate seats, wearing their FBI outfits, drinking from mugs.
QUINN
Did you get some amazing, case-breaking information last night?
BUB
Oh yes, amazing, case-breaking information was had by all.
QUINN
Well?
BUB
Oh, I'm not going to tell you. I have a plan.
QUINN
Still upset about Eric?
BUB
I think you should break up with him.
QUINN
He is a bit ridiculous, isn't he.
BUB
Ridiculous, sure.
QUINN
He's great for dancing, that's mostly why I keep him around. And to think, if you had ever bothered to ask me dance ...
Quinn looks at him and leans forward.
QUINN
Who's to say where we'd be now?
BUB
Who indeed.
Quinn stands up and takes Bub's mug, walking across the room and setting it next to the coffee maker, turning on a CD player (jazz), then walking slowly back to Bub.
QUINN
Eric's spontaneity is what makes him great for dancing, but he was never the type I could stick around with. I need someone darker, more tarnished. Chivalrous, yet sardonic. The stuff dreams are made of.
Bub smirks slightly and leans back into the couch.
BUB
Didn't your mother tell you that men like that are nothing but trouble?
QUINN
My mother was convinced I'd get into trouble no matter what kind of men I found. Dance with me.
She pulls him to his feet by the hand and brings him close to her body. They dance.
BUB
I'm a little rusty.
QUINN
Bub, you always came to the club, but you never stayed to dance. Tell me why that is.
BUB
I used to dance, years ago. I know, with an introduction like that you're expecting some tragic romance of my past. But that's not it at all. It was my work, plain and simple. More hours at the station meant less time to myself. I made a point to keep up my friendship with Nora, the manager, because she was a good contact.
QUINN
You haven't relaxed in a long time, have you?
BUB
Things got pretty bad for a while, and I just didn't have it in me to socialize any more. And now I just don't have time to relax.
QUINN
What do you think you're doing now?
Quinn trails her hand from his shoulder up to his neck, leans up, and kisses him.
2011/05/03
April Roundup
What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
Book of Mormon
Reaching for Hope by Meghan Decker and Betsy Chatlin
Just Ella by... someone
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Equilibrium, Megamind, Much Ado About Nothing, Megamind again
TV: The Book of Jer3miah, Glee, a bunch of shows I didn't really like or pay attention to, Criminal Minds, Bones
Theater: Much Ado About Nothing (my sisters' Shakespeare class performance)
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Stitch & Bitch
Muffin eating
What were my accomplishments this month?
applied for jobs
Made a new blog for Redwall recipes!
Got a job interview for once
What were my disappointments this month?
didn't get a job
New favorite Website:
antiduckface.com
Favorite new recipe:
Check the blogs
What I made:
4 broomsticks
blue/green/white tabletwoven belt
teal dress
blue/brown/white/green tablet woven trim
black lace cape
blue/orange/yellow/black/tan tabletwoven belt
a bunch of beaded necklaces
some marble pendants
Book of Mormon
Reaching for Hope by Meghan Decker and Betsy Chatlin
Just Ella by... someone
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Equilibrium, Megamind, Much Ado About Nothing, Megamind again
TV: The Book of Jer3miah, Glee, a bunch of shows I didn't really like or pay attention to, Criminal Minds, Bones
Theater: Much Ado About Nothing (my sisters' Shakespeare class performance)
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Stitch & Bitch
Muffin eating
What were my accomplishments this month?
applied for jobs
Made a new blog for Redwall recipes!
Got a job interview for once
What were my disappointments this month?
didn't get a job
New favorite Website:
antiduckface.com
Favorite new recipe:
Check the blogs
What I made:
4 broomsticks
blue/green/white tabletwoven belt
teal dress
blue/brown/white/green tablet woven trim
black lace cape
blue/orange/yellow/black/tan tabletwoven belt
a bunch of beaded necklaces
some marble pendants
2011/04/02
The tyrant winter dies
When mother spring creeps forth.
Loose off the shackles of
Our prison, winter coats,
These layers on layers of clothes,
Those woolen socks so thick.
Let's don anew our cotton skirts,
Our linen blouses soft,
Expose our wintry skin
to the sun's eye. Be warm
And dance with naked feet
upon the grass! The lush
Enfold of nature's growth
Invites us back to joy,
To feel the heat of earth
Beyond the reach of sun.
We wallow under stars,
A blanket soft on sand,
No frost or snow to curb
The growth and warmth of earth.
Now all the world has come
To life and sings of life.
Once barren for too long,
Now yielding lustrous buds.
When mother spring creeps forth.
Loose off the shackles of
Our prison, winter coats,
These layers on layers of clothes,
Those woolen socks so thick.
Let's don anew our cotton skirts,
Our linen blouses soft,
Expose our wintry skin
to the sun's eye. Be warm
And dance with naked feet
upon the grass! The lush
Enfold of nature's growth
Invites us back to joy,
To feel the heat of earth
Beyond the reach of sun.
We wallow under stars,
A blanket soft on sand,
No frost or snow to curb
The growth and warmth of earth.
Now all the world has come
To life and sings of life.
Once barren for too long,
Now yielding lustrous buds.
2011/04/01
March Roundup.
What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
Beyonders: A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull
Book of Mormon
Reaching for Hope by Meghan Decker and Betsy Chatlin
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Hook, Megamind, Blade Runner, Tangled
TV: Glee, Bones, Criminal Minds
Theater: Diary of Anne Frank @ PTC
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Stitch & Bitch
Party
What special or unusual purchases did I make?
I got myself some goggles. I desperately needed sunglasses, but I can't afford prescription sunglasses, and I hate how the clip-on shades look. So I found some goggles that can be worn over glasses. I wanted some with darker lenses to hopefully obscure the fact that I'd be wearing glasses underneath, but I ended up getting some yellow-tinted ones because I liked the shape better (I felt like they looked more distinctly like goggles, and less like huge sunglasses).
I also got some nice jewelry.
What were my accomplishments this month?
applied for jobs
What were my disappointments this month?
didn't get a job
Firsts:
March 10, the first day of the year that I went outside and felt the warmth of the sun. Of course it went right back to freezing after that, but it's still something.
Favorite songs:
Muse: Starlight
Schaffer the Darklord: Nerdlust
Favorite new recipe:
Check the blog!
What I made:
Pink/red silk/wool drawstring purse
Blue/green silk drawstring belt pouch
Pink/purple silk drawstring shoulder bag
Black open liripipe hood
Linen veil and wimple set with pins
Mist green wool men's tunic with black cording
Mist green wool large hood
Dark pink gathered rayon pillowcase
White linen drawstring chemise
Black flannel drawstring shorts
Orange wool 1400s men's surcote
Orange wool entari
Black linen coif
Cotton veil and wimple set with pins (made several)
wire woven marble pendants
Beyonders: A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull
Book of Mormon
Reaching for Hope by Meghan Decker and Betsy Chatlin
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Hook, Megamind, Blade Runner, Tangled
TV: Glee, Bones, Criminal Minds
Theater: Diary of Anne Frank @ PTC
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Stitch & Bitch
Party
What special or unusual purchases did I make?
I got myself some goggles. I desperately needed sunglasses, but I can't afford prescription sunglasses, and I hate how the clip-on shades look. So I found some goggles that can be worn over glasses. I wanted some with darker lenses to hopefully obscure the fact that I'd be wearing glasses underneath, but I ended up getting some yellow-tinted ones because I liked the shape better (I felt like they looked more distinctly like goggles, and less like huge sunglasses).
I also got some nice jewelry.
What were my accomplishments this month?
applied for jobs
What were my disappointments this month?
didn't get a job
Firsts:
March 10, the first day of the year that I went outside and felt the warmth of the sun. Of course it went right back to freezing after that, but it's still something.
Favorite songs:
Muse: Starlight
Schaffer the Darklord: Nerdlust
Favorite new recipe:
Check the blog!
What I made:
Pink/red silk/wool drawstring purse
Blue/green silk drawstring belt pouch
Pink/purple silk drawstring shoulder bag
Black open liripipe hood
Linen veil and wimple set with pins
Mist green wool men's tunic with black cording
Mist green wool large hood
Dark pink gathered rayon pillowcase
White linen drawstring chemise
Black flannel drawstring shorts
Orange wool 1400s men's surcote
Orange wool entari
Black linen coif
Cotton veil and wimple set with pins (made several)
wire woven marble pendants
2011/03/08
Post...
Once upon a time I wrote this post when I worked for Costume C***. Maybe they own it because it was posted on their blog. But I'm going to repost it here anyway (without the images because that's too much work).
Deconstructing Steampunk: Designing Your Own Costume
by Camilla
So now that you’re all aware of how awesome steampunk is, you’re thinking, “But it’s so awesome! How can I possibly design my own steampunk costume that will be as awesome as everyone else’s?” Never fear, dear readers; I am here to tell you all about the world of steampunk and how understanding it will help you design your very own, very awesome steampunk costume!
The basic premise of the world of steampunk boils down to one simple principle: It is a world in which Newtonian physics are king. Imagine if no one ever bothered to learn about atoms, if Einstein had never come along with his theory of relativity, if the threat of world-wide destruction via atomic bombs had never been made possible.
That is the world of steampunk. It is very science-oriented, but with gears and cogs; pure mechanics. Nothing is digital, nothing is atomic, there is no quantum theory. Perhaps it’s so popular because it can be considered the layman’s science.
What makes steampunk different from most science fiction is the synthesis of science with fantasy—using science to create a fantasy world. Steampunk basically says, “Anything that can be done with magic can be done with science, and we’re the ones to do it!”
Let’s take flying, for example, which is a huge part of the steampunk world. Mankind has dreamed of flying from our birth. There’s the ancient Greek myth of Daedalus, who creates wings for himself and his son in order to escape their labyrinthine prison. There are records of an ancient Chinese man who attempted to reach the moon by strapping firework rockets to a chair. Leonardo da Vinci sketched theoretical designs for several flying contraptions, including one similar to the helicopters of today, but manually powered.
These legends attempt to use science to achieve their airborne dreams. More strongly in mythology, however, is the use of magic to fly. Witches fly on their broomsticks. Sorcerers use dragons as steeds. Vampires gain flight through the use of their demonic powers—in some myths they can fly in human form, and in others the vampire must transform into a bat. Fairies, pixies, and other magical winged creatures are able to fly, and often they can use their magic to give humans that power as well.
In the early 1900s, what had always been a fantasy for the entire human race became a reality. Using science and physics alone, the Wright brothers were able to break free from gravity. Their innovative designs set the groundwork for all mechanical flight as we know it.
And flight is everywhere in the world of steampunk. Great ships roam the skies as they once had done the seas. Entire communities are held aloft by mechanics. There is no magic involved here—just pure, physical science. Almost anything from science fiction can exist in steampunk–robots, computers, cyborgs–they are simply made using mechanical technology, the type of technology which existed in the early 1900s and late 1800s, which means they are simply different than how we normally think of them.
So what does this have to do with costumes?
Understanding the world of steampunk leads naturally to understanding the aesthetic of steampunk. Steampunk predates the Einsteinian physics of the 20th century and focuses primarily on the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Victorian clothing adds most of the influence to the style of steampunk. The women use structured undergarments such as corsets and petticoats. Men often wear vests with tailcoats.
Steampunk is a sexually equal world, so it’s not uncommon to see women wearing trousers or shorts. Anyone who desires will wear hats such as top hats, coach hats, derby hats or fedoras.
Pretty much anything that you find in Victorian clothing is used in steampunk. Prop guns are necessary for every sky pirate to have on their person (they are usually modded from toy guns). Parasols are a popular accessory, but not as popular as that staple and emerging icon of steampunk, the goggles.
Which leads to the second half of this dissection of steampunk style. Because mechanics are such an important part of the steampunk world, it is naturally integrated into the style. Watches are reconstructed, or just taken apart to use the innards to create other pieces of jewelry. The gear motif is very strong—gears are used to make jewelry, or are sewn onto the clothing. Sometimes gear designs are embroidered or printed instead of using real metal gears.
The color of the clothing often tends to reflect the colors of metal—oranges and yellows for bronze, browns and dark reds for rust, gray and black in various shades for other metals. Brown is one of the stronger colors in the steampunk aesthetic—it can also signify wood, a lighter-weight component out of which the outer structures of flying machines are theoretically made. Military colors are also seen, though a little less popular. Metal is used a lot in the clothing, in the forms of decorative studs, d-rings, rivets, chain maille, accessories, or basically any way that one can imagine.
Since flying is such a large part of the steampunk world, reasonably, traditional flying clothing is integrated into the style as well. The goggles I have already mentioned—I can’t even see a pair of goggles anymore without automatically associating them with steampunk. Aviator’s hats and jackets also show up frequently.
This is a nice delve into the theory behind steampunk fashion, but there really aren’t a lot of rules. Many steampunks will choose to have Asian influences to their style, or they will use fashions from farther back in the past, like the Renaissance.
The best way to become familiar with the aesthetic is just to do a lot of research and see what everyone else is doing. You’ll start getting ideas from that and pretty soon you’ll have developed your own steampunk style. Steampunk doesn’t have a strict society mandating rules of fashion.
If you want to do it, and if someone can look at it and say, “Yeah, that does look steampunk,” then there’s nothing stopping you from doing what you want.
---
If you want to see what steampunk stuff I like, you can check out my steampunk favorite gallery on dA.
Deconstructing Steampunk: Designing Your Own Costume
by Camilla
So now that you’re all aware of how awesome steampunk is, you’re thinking, “But it’s so awesome! How can I possibly design my own steampunk costume that will be as awesome as everyone else’s?” Never fear, dear readers; I am here to tell you all about the world of steampunk and how understanding it will help you design your very own, very awesome steampunk costume!
The basic premise of the world of steampunk boils down to one simple principle: It is a world in which Newtonian physics are king. Imagine if no one ever bothered to learn about atoms, if Einstein had never come along with his theory of relativity, if the threat of world-wide destruction via atomic bombs had never been made possible.
That is the world of steampunk. It is very science-oriented, but with gears and cogs; pure mechanics. Nothing is digital, nothing is atomic, there is no quantum theory. Perhaps it’s so popular because it can be considered the layman’s science.
What makes steampunk different from most science fiction is the synthesis of science with fantasy—using science to create a fantasy world. Steampunk basically says, “Anything that can be done with magic can be done with science, and we’re the ones to do it!”
Let’s take flying, for example, which is a huge part of the steampunk world. Mankind has dreamed of flying from our birth. There’s the ancient Greek myth of Daedalus, who creates wings for himself and his son in order to escape their labyrinthine prison. There are records of an ancient Chinese man who attempted to reach the moon by strapping firework rockets to a chair. Leonardo da Vinci sketched theoretical designs for several flying contraptions, including one similar to the helicopters of today, but manually powered.
These legends attempt to use science to achieve their airborne dreams. More strongly in mythology, however, is the use of magic to fly. Witches fly on their broomsticks. Sorcerers use dragons as steeds. Vampires gain flight through the use of their demonic powers—in some myths they can fly in human form, and in others the vampire must transform into a bat. Fairies, pixies, and other magical winged creatures are able to fly, and often they can use their magic to give humans that power as well.
In the early 1900s, what had always been a fantasy for the entire human race became a reality. Using science and physics alone, the Wright brothers were able to break free from gravity. Their innovative designs set the groundwork for all mechanical flight as we know it.
And flight is everywhere in the world of steampunk. Great ships roam the skies as they once had done the seas. Entire communities are held aloft by mechanics. There is no magic involved here—just pure, physical science. Almost anything from science fiction can exist in steampunk–robots, computers, cyborgs–they are simply made using mechanical technology, the type of technology which existed in the early 1900s and late 1800s, which means they are simply different than how we normally think of them.
So what does this have to do with costumes?
Understanding the world of steampunk leads naturally to understanding the aesthetic of steampunk. Steampunk predates the Einsteinian physics of the 20th century and focuses primarily on the Victorian and Edwardian eras. Victorian clothing adds most of the influence to the style of steampunk. The women use structured undergarments such as corsets and petticoats. Men often wear vests with tailcoats.
Steampunk is a sexually equal world, so it’s not uncommon to see women wearing trousers or shorts. Anyone who desires will wear hats such as top hats, coach hats, derby hats or fedoras.
Pretty much anything that you find in Victorian clothing is used in steampunk. Prop guns are necessary for every sky pirate to have on their person (they are usually modded from toy guns). Parasols are a popular accessory, but not as popular as that staple and emerging icon of steampunk, the goggles.
Which leads to the second half of this dissection of steampunk style. Because mechanics are such an important part of the steampunk world, it is naturally integrated into the style. Watches are reconstructed, or just taken apart to use the innards to create other pieces of jewelry. The gear motif is very strong—gears are used to make jewelry, or are sewn onto the clothing. Sometimes gear designs are embroidered or printed instead of using real metal gears.
The color of the clothing often tends to reflect the colors of metal—oranges and yellows for bronze, browns and dark reds for rust, gray and black in various shades for other metals. Brown is one of the stronger colors in the steampunk aesthetic—it can also signify wood, a lighter-weight component out of which the outer structures of flying machines are theoretically made. Military colors are also seen, though a little less popular. Metal is used a lot in the clothing, in the forms of decorative studs, d-rings, rivets, chain maille, accessories, or basically any way that one can imagine.
Since flying is such a large part of the steampunk world, reasonably, traditional flying clothing is integrated into the style as well. The goggles I have already mentioned—I can’t even see a pair of goggles anymore without automatically associating them with steampunk. Aviator’s hats and jackets also show up frequently.
This is a nice delve into the theory behind steampunk fashion, but there really aren’t a lot of rules. Many steampunks will choose to have Asian influences to their style, or they will use fashions from farther back in the past, like the Renaissance.
The best way to become familiar with the aesthetic is just to do a lot of research and see what everyone else is doing. You’ll start getting ideas from that and pretty soon you’ll have developed your own steampunk style. Steampunk doesn’t have a strict society mandating rules of fashion.
If you want to do it, and if someone can look at it and say, “Yeah, that does look steampunk,” then there’s nothing stopping you from doing what you want.
---
If you want to see what steampunk stuff I like, you can check out my steampunk favorite gallery on dA.
2011/03/02
Brooms.
For the premiere of the last Harry Potter film, my sisters and I are going dressed up at the Holyhead Harpies (a Quidditch team that is all girls). I've already drafted a pattern for the robes and ordered the fabric, so now there's some dead time before I can start making the robes, and I'm thinking about the other props. Those could get expensive--more expensive than the 30 or so yards of fabric I had to buy.
So I started considering making broomsticks from all the dead branches laying around in my backyard. But more important than figuring out how to make these broomsticks, I need to figure out what to call my brand of broomsticks. In Harry Potter there's the Comet 360, Nimbus 2000, Firebolt, etc.
Here's the possible names Kristan and I have come up with:
Delta Meteor (The delta is in honor of Daedalus; I, for some reason, wanted to throw some Percy Jackson into the mix)
Edison's Epiphany
Tesla Twigs
Racing Ras
Galaxy Rider
I like Delta Meteor the most. On the broomstick it would be an actual delta, not the word. Assuming I even go so far as to paint the broom name on the brooms.
We don't all need broomsticks, just enough so that people get the point. Think they have straw-type stuff at craft stores? Other props we need: goggles, helmets, balls, bats, other protective gear. I don't know about any of these at this point. It'll probably be mix and match with whatever anyone can find or afford.
So I started considering making broomsticks from all the dead branches laying around in my backyard. But more important than figuring out how to make these broomsticks, I need to figure out what to call my brand of broomsticks. In Harry Potter there's the Comet 360, Nimbus 2000, Firebolt, etc.
Here's the possible names Kristan and I have come up with:
Delta Meteor (The delta is in honor of Daedalus; I, for some reason, wanted to throw some Percy Jackson into the mix)
Edison's Epiphany
Tesla Twigs
Racing Ras
Galaxy Rider
I like Delta Meteor the most. On the broomstick it would be an actual delta, not the word. Assuming I even go so far as to paint the broom name on the brooms.
We don't all need broomsticks, just enough so that people get the point. Think they have straw-type stuff at craft stores? Other props we need: goggles, helmets, balls, bats, other protective gear. I don't know about any of these at this point. It'll probably be mix and match with whatever anyone can find or afford.
2011/02/28
February Roundup.
What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
Psychic Warrior by David Morehouse
The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, The Island
TV: Criminal Minds, Bones, Glee, The Simpsons, The Big Bang Theory, Avatar: The Last Airbender
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Stitch and Bitch
Karaoke
What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Gifts to me: almond roca, magic eye card
What special or unusual purchases did I make?
I bought some alcohol for the first time ever! It was vodka for some skin-care stuff.
What were my accomplishments this month?
applied for jobs
What were my disappointments this month?
everything
Favorite new recipe:
Felix Felicis
What I made:
Brown/black/cream tablet woven belt
red wool men's 1400s shirt
black flannel salwar
black flannel cloak with bone buttons
black flannel cloak with wood buttons
7 rainbow tassels
brown/green/gray tabletwoven belt, 1 5/8" x 54", wool
brown/yellow/gray tabletwoven belt, 62" x 1", wool
blue/orange tabletwoven belt, 64" x 1", cotton and acrylic
coif
larger coif
veil and wimple
Blue/tan tabletwoven belt - 48" x 2" - cotton
blue belt pouch with embroidery and beads, wool with wool lining
plaid hood
jester shorts
Psychic Warrior by David Morehouse
The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog, The Island
TV: Criminal Minds, Bones, Glee, The Simpsons, The Big Bang Theory, Avatar: The Last Airbender
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Stitch and Bitch
Karaoke
What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Gifts to me: almond roca, magic eye card
What special or unusual purchases did I make?
I bought some alcohol for the first time ever! It was vodka for some skin-care stuff.
What were my accomplishments this month?
applied for jobs
What were my disappointments this month?
everything
Favorite new recipe:
Felix Felicis
What I made:
Brown/black/cream tablet woven belt
red wool men's 1400s shirt
black flannel salwar
black flannel cloak with bone buttons
black flannel cloak with wood buttons
7 rainbow tassels
brown/green/gray tabletwoven belt, 1 5/8" x 54", wool
brown/yellow/gray tabletwoven belt, 62" x 1", wool
blue/orange tabletwoven belt, 64" x 1", cotton and acrylic
coif
larger coif
veil and wimple
Blue/tan tabletwoven belt - 48" x 2" - cotton
blue belt pouch with embroidery and beads, wool with wool lining
plaid hood
jester shorts
2011/02/18
Personas.
For a few days I've been considering coming up with an ancient Greek persona for SCA during the summer. I even went as far as coming up with a name (Pasithea). But then I realized that I didn't know if Greeks wore tablet weaving, and I didn't want to do Roman that much, but I don't want a persona without tablet weaving because I do so much of it.
Then today when I got online, I found this entire slew* of beautiful photos of beautiful Viking garb that I'd never seen before on dA. That was enough to convince me to stick with Viking year-round... although I might end up wearing a peplos occasionally.
*I originally typed slue, which makes sense too.
Then today when I got online, I found this entire slew* of beautiful photos of beautiful Viking garb that I'd never seen before on dA. That was enough to convince me to stick with Viking year-round... although I might end up wearing a peplos occasionally.
*I originally typed slue, which makes sense too.
2011/02/01
January Roundup.
What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
The Book of Mormon
Mountain Meadow Massacres by Juanita Brooks
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies:High Society, Where Did I Come From?
TV: Dollhouse, Jeeves & Wooster, Biggest Loser, The Big Bang Theory, Criminal Minds, The Simpsons
Theater: Black Comedy @ PTC
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Stitch and Bitch
birthday party
What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Gifts to me: walnuts, containers, sweater, calendar, book, craft iron, and sadly, I don't remember if that is all of it.
What were my accomplishments this month?
job interviews
Favorite songs:
Mal's Song by Michelle Dockrey
Quotes:
Me: We need to make a million jars of plum jam every summer.
Dad: A million? Why so few?
Sarah: 8 million, she means.
What I made:
black and white tabletwoven belt
black and white tablet woven belt (dyed to be green and black)
black, gray, pink, green tablet woven belt
dyed some scarves
red wool Jorvik hood
a bunch of viking knit marble pendants
pink, black, brown tablet woven belt
a bunch of beaded necklaces
The Book of Mormon
Mountain Meadow Massacres by Juanita Brooks
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies:High Society, Where Did I Come From?
TV: Dollhouse, Jeeves & Wooster, Biggest Loser, The Big Bang Theory, Criminal Minds, The Simpsons
Theater: Black Comedy @ PTC
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
Stitch and Bitch
birthday party
What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Gifts to me: walnuts, containers, sweater, calendar, book, craft iron, and sadly, I don't remember if that is all of it.
What were my accomplishments this month?
job interviews
Favorite songs:
Mal's Song by Michelle Dockrey
Quotes:
Me: We need to make a million jars of plum jam every summer.
Dad: A million? Why so few?
Sarah: 8 million, she means.
What I made:
black and white tabletwoven belt
black and white tablet woven belt (dyed to be green and black)
black, gray, pink, green tablet woven belt
dyed some scarves
red wool Jorvik hood
a bunch of viking knit marble pendants
pink, black, brown tablet woven belt
a bunch of beaded necklaces
2011/01/01
December roundup.
What books and/or magazines did I read this month?
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Sydney White and the Seven Dorks, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, How to Train your Dragon, Tron: Legacy, The Sasquatch Gang
TV: The Simpsons, Without a Trace, Avatar: the Last Airbender, Bones, Glee, Jeeves & Wooster
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
ward Christmas party
Stitch & Bitch
What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Gifts from me: quilt, makeup, skin care stuff, fabric, clothes, jewelry, henna, book, belt, hair clips, rice bag, tooth powder, cutting board
Gifts to me: jewelry, skin care stuff, gloves, socks, candy, money, needles, hair clips, clothes, plastic bins, yoga stuff, books, yarn, fabric, belt, bulletin board, DVDs, sleeping bag, tote bag, scarves, dog waste bags with leash holder, mug, windshield covers
What special or unusual purchases did I make?
Got myself some nice wool dresses. I don't have much I can wear to church in the winter, so I tell myself that the expense is justified. I also spent way too much money on fabric that I don't need.
What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
Dental work all month long. Starting to go off my antidepressants. I went off my birth control, and that actually solved some problems, but since God opens a window when he shuts a door, of course the problem that caused me to take birth control in the first place came back.
What were my accomplishments this month?
applied for jobs
Favorite songs:
Jonathan Coulton: Re: Your Brain
Favorite new recipe:
http://cookerymine.blogspot.com/2010/12/german-pancake.html
What did I make?
♠ Tablet woven belt - Blue and orange
♠ Quilt
♠ Tassels
♠ Cream stripe flared sleeves smock
♠ light green men's tunic
♠ stone and bone necklace
♠ Light green dagged men’s tunic with metallic trim
♠ Light green liripipe hood with green trim
♠ Blue/floral parti-colored dress
I Am Legend by Richard Matheson
What movies, television shows, plays, etc. did I watch this month?
Movies: Sydney White and the Seven Dorks, Scott Pilgrim Vs. The World, How to Train your Dragon, Tron: Legacy, The Sasquatch Gang
TV: The Simpsons, Without a Trace, Avatar: the Last Airbender, Bones, Glee, Jeeves & Wooster
What fun things did I do with my family and/or friends?
ward Christmas party
Stitch & Bitch
What gifts did I give and/or receive?
Gifts from me: quilt, makeup, skin care stuff, fabric, clothes, jewelry, henna, book, belt, hair clips, rice bag, tooth powder, cutting board
Gifts to me: jewelry, skin care stuff, gloves, socks, candy, money, needles, hair clips, clothes, plastic bins, yoga stuff, books, yarn, fabric, belt, bulletin board, DVDs, sleeping bag, tote bag, scarves, dog waste bags with leash holder, mug, windshield covers
What special or unusual purchases did I make?
Got myself some nice wool dresses. I don't have much I can wear to church in the winter, so I tell myself that the expense is justified. I also spent way too much money on fabric that I don't need.
What illnesses or health concerns did I have?
Dental work all month long. Starting to go off my antidepressants. I went off my birth control, and that actually solved some problems, but since God opens a window when he shuts a door, of course the problem that caused me to take birth control in the first place came back.
What were my accomplishments this month?
applied for jobs
Favorite songs:
Jonathan Coulton: Re: Your Brain
Favorite new recipe:
http://cookerymine.blogspot.com/2010/12/german-pancake.html
What did I make?
♠ Tablet woven belt - Blue and orange
♠ Quilt
♠ Tassels
♠ Cream stripe flared sleeves smock
♠ light green men's tunic
♠ stone and bone necklace
♠ Light green dagged men’s tunic with metallic trim
♠ Light green liripipe hood with green trim
♠ Blue/floral parti-colored dress
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