Spinning Uncensored

The photos are rather gray, but at some point I’ll go back and edit the white/black contrast. I’ve been drawing a lot lately. There is some sense of relief in doing this–accessing a dormant part of my brain. What surprises me is how quickly I remember what I learned in all of those figure and anatomy drawing classes. Sally is right, I’m still doing my art. Heh. You’ll end up seeing a lot of fashion illustration because I adore that particular genre. Small wonder, huh?

So, to see the rest of my work, click on the photo and you’ll get to the gallery. Some pictures are captioned with details.

Project pictures soon, I hope. There are some pics still waiting the camera and some to still take.

Catalog of items: summer dress, engineers cap, a few sketches and a drawing from a Mayan Tablet. I guess you will just have to stay tuned, huh?

The latest book I’ve read on historical diseases, (for those who know me, this is a theme that provides some weird intellectual stimulation), The Ghost Map, by Steven Johnson. This is quite a good book, better than Pox: Genius, Madness, and the Mysteries of Syphilis by Deborah Hayden, which is more speculative and an overview of creative geniuses. Johnson really grounds the book in facts even while developing the characters who were on the scene. Oh, you want to know what the book is about!? It’s about the cholera epidemic in London in 1854 and two men’s efforts at solving it’s spread. Nonfiction. He also discusses, in depth, advances in public health and epidemiology during that era.
If I gained nothing else out of it, it really showed me how much I have learned in the public health and epidemiology arena. In truth, I didn’t read it but listened to the audiobook. It seems to be the only way I can keep up with all of the reading I would like to do. This allows me to work, or sew while listening.

I also ready Tracy Kidder’s biography on Dr. Paul Farmer called Mountains Beyond Mountains. Half of the reading I spent utterly in awe of this guy for his work in public health in Haiti and Cuba and the other half frustrated because there is no way I could live up to the expectations this guy has for people. I guess I fall under his gaze of contempt.

Also Anansi Boys by Neil Gaiman. This was just humorous and pleasureful reading. Nothing learned but had some laughs and enjoyed his writing and storytelling. I’m not entirely happy with the development of the main character towards the end. It seems as if some vital piece of the puzzle in missing.
Okay, more vacations pictures. Heh…

I love how Jake always looks so mysterious and very Indiana Jones.

Not an imaginative title but to the point. We are back home from our adventures abroad. And since we like to do things fast and in style here in Jake and Mia-land, check out my new ride:

Despite all of this excitement, I am curling back up in bed with a book now.

I started out the 4th of July with this idea and one thing led to another. By 10:30pm I found myself with a really cool handbag. What’s even better is that I filched pieces from other discarded bags. What’s even better than that is how usable this bag is. It modeled after the square shopping bags I always find myself using as a lunch bag or catch-all. In this canvas edition, the same principle works but with some extra pockets and a fastener.

Funny thing about this madness, I have got two orders today for similar bags. Hmmmmmm…. Nope. Stay away from Etsy.com Mia. You love your job and you love being a librarian.

Forgive the blurriness. My photos are usually much better, but I am pretty tired tonight. About time huh? (Do you recognize the fabrics?)

and add……

Media: Paprika! I like this anime. It immediately reminded me of Tokyo Godfathers and Paranoia Agent. I think because of the director’s style, the subject matter, and the music. But this movie also resonated with me because of its exploration of the dream world and the boundaries of consciousness. I have a thin barrier and frequently vivid and intense dreams. As one psychologist put it, my barrier is thin due to my creativity. Paprika takes it one scary and delightful step further.

Benny and Joon: While I liked Paprika, I adored Benny and Joon. A sweet love story without being saccharine. And Johnny Depp before he became popular. Oh, how I adore thee. I could really count the ways–minus Pirates. Did you know that he paints? I think this might be my new favorite movie.

Here it is: bikini finale

And it is a perfect fit. No! I’m not going to model it here for you. But Jake is threatening beach photos.

This is where we were last year on the fourth of July, with Nat and Sally, camping. Darn. I really wish I still had that scarf.

And for the media items:

Crake and Oryx by Margaret Atwood. Jake and I listened to this as an audio book. Like with all good books, we couldn’t put it down, errrr… shut of the recording, to go to sleep. Some aspects of the books were almost cliche, reminiscent of A Brave New World and Grass (S.F.Masterworks S.) (Paperback) by Sheri S. Tepper (Author). But Atwood has added bio-engineering to the mix. Though the dialog is at times irritating, the story non-the-less pulls you in.

Hex (BBC America): Ella, just kill the bastard already!!! You’ve already yanked on our chains long enough. And come on, you are 500 years old, you should know by now that love alone can’t cure a man of his evil tendencies. Especially when he is the spawn of an arch-angel and a witch.

And you honestly thought that Leon had it in him to cut off a classmates head? He’s human. Affection and all that. Now look what you’ve done. (yes, that was a rant. Go check out the website: http://www.bbcamerica.com/content/120/index.jsp)

Birthday Presents !!!

These are my new favorite rabbit buddies. They are bronze book ends and pretty soon here they will be put to work. But not quite yet. I think they will need names. They are from Andrea, the flowers from Jake, and the gift certificate from ARG. But guys, really, this week we go back to normal. errrrr…. if possible.

This one is for Andrea and Geoffrey! I’ll have to dig out the others in this series.

And thank you both for the lovely evening. Don’t forget to update the Menu Book! Prosciutto with melon, lovely grilled duck, raspberry and sweet onion relish, green beens, potatoes, and the best part, chocolate and espresso sorbet. Ohhhhhhhhhh…. so delicious.

The last bikini is done, but sadly the photo is on my other camera. Grrr….

To get to the gallery, click on the small “gallery” link or on a photo. There are bunches of pictures there not in the blog posts.