Water May Walk

Could Fatima Robinson Be Any Cooler?

2011-10-19T21:21:00.000-07:00

StyleLikeU Closet Interview With Fatima Robinson from StyleLikeU on Vimeo.

Onset of Hooping Addiction

2011-08-27T16:17:00.000-07:00

I've been dreaming of learning to hoop since I attended NW String Summit this year and watched tons of beautiful women hooping to the bluegrass beats. They were so amazing to watch especially once it got dark outside and out came the LED lighted hoops. Something about the way hoopers move just really highlights the beauty of the female body and I wanted to be part of that!

So I bought the most basic (and CHEAPEST) beginners hoop I could find on Etsy at Rainbowfrogs77. Their "Naked Collapsible Infinity Hoop" comes in 2 tubing options and you can choose the diameter for only $9.99! Definitely the best deal I could find AND it shipped in only 2 days. I love it. Perfect weight and since I'm a beginner and dropping the hoop all the time, not having fancy tape to mess up makes me feel better.

And for the past two days I've been scouring YouTube for the best beginners hooping tutorials. Thankfully there are beyond plenty, although my favorites can be found on Hoopsmiles channel. His videos are well filmed, short, sweet, and easy to follow along with.

By far the best resource for really any hooper is Hooping.org. They've got tutorial videos, inspiration videos, supply resources, troupe and group information, and any hooping news you could possibly want to know. Check it out and I hope you enjoy your new hooping addiction as much as I am!

Oh and added bonus...weight loss!

The Art of Victor Hugo

2011-08-27T11:17:00.000-07:00

The other day I was lucky enough to get to see Les Miserables at the 5th Avenue Theater downtown. I had only ever heard the soundtrack and seen the film, so getting to enjoy both together was such a treat! One thing that stood out to me was the scenery backdrops. In reading the program, I learned that they were paintings of and based off of some of Victor Hugo's actual artwork! They say that had he chosen to pursue a career as an artist he could have been among the best and most innovative of his century. It's always amazing to me to learn about people who are just so beyond brilliant and gifted in so many areas. Don't you think? Anyways, here's a sample of his art I thought you might enjoy. Some of it still seems so modern....

These Have Cats On Them

2011-08-26T16:24:00.000-07:00

Too bad I kind of have a thing against Litas....

Retro Beauty Inspiration

2011-08-19T15:25:00.000-07:00

I've had this image on my desktop for the last few months....just kind of look at it whenever I need to feel inspired. Sorry that I don't remember where I found it but I hope you will be inspired just the same.

Underdog No Longer: American Movie

2011-08-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

I know I'm probably a bit behind the curve but the 1999 documentary American Movie has just blown my mind! Netflix kept recommending it to me and for some reason I had just always felt pretty "meh" towards the synopsis. But last week iTunes grouped it in a category titled "Funnier Than Life" along with Winnebago Man, Anvil, Roger & Me, and some other hilarious documentaries, so I decided to give it a go. And man, do I feel stupid for not giving it a chance before!

It's been haunting me....in a good way...every day since I've seen it. I feel like I've gained some dear friends in the process. So I wanted to spread the love. WATCH THIS DOCUMENTARY NOW. You won't regret it a promise. In fact, I might just go watch it again!

"It takes a village to make a movie, but when that village is Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin and not Hollywood, CA, the results are at times bizarre, comical, and very American. With the help of his mother, his 82-year old uncle, and local cast of hilarious and lovable characters, filmmaker Mark Borchardt fights his way through internal and external roadblocks to achieve his goal-to make his movie, his way. AMERICAN MOVIE is the story of filmmaker Mark Borchardt, his mission, and his dream. Spanning over two years of intense struggle with his film, his family, financial decline, and spiritual crisis, AMERICAN MOVIE is a portrayal of ambition, obsession, excess, and one man’s quest for the American Dream."

Shannon Archuleta: Botanical Tattoo Extraordinaire

2011-08-18T15:30:00.000-07:00

Someday I dream of heading out to San Fran's Mission District and getting a botanical tattoo from Shannon Archuleta. She's is SERIOUSLY the BEST tattoo artist I've ever come across, specifically when it comes to her brilliant botanical, Mucha, and Mehndhi inspired tattoos! She seems to really understand the contours of the body and how best to accentuate different areas. I wish I could share all my favorites here but unfortunately her flickr photos are restricted. But I highly encourage everyone to sort through all her photos. They are BEYOND inspiring. P.s. Some of these are obviously in progress, can you imagine how beautiful they will be one they're complete? My God!

Hipster Gold

2011-08-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you combine Decemberists front man Colin Meloy and his folksy illustrator wife Carson Ellis? Wildwood!

Cute right?

Comic-A-Thon

2011-08-04T16:14:00.000-07:00

If you're interested in getting into graphic novels and comics but don't know where to start, here's where I started and the path I took to comic obsession. Frustrating yes, that the library doesn't carry comics so I've had to buy pretty much all of these. But there are ways around this if you're more patient than myself. You can borrow from friends, search used book shops (although finds can be few and far between), or order used copies from Powell's Books , and of course if you've got the money or are inpatient like me, support your local comic shop! I go to Arcane Comics in Seattle which is a great option if you live nearby. The sales team is incredibly dedicated, encouraging, and friendly. Their website is also a great resource for finding out about new comics or getting recommendations.

The Sandman (completed) Dark, 90's grunge comic written by the DUH amazing Neil Gaimen.

Walking Dead (still being written) Fun cause it was made into a TV series, beautiful graphics and not as much about horror and violence and it is about human relationships and survival. If you like post-apocolyptic stuff you'll like this.

Fables (still being written) Good for an intro to comics, especially fulfilling for those of you who enjoy fantasy and folklore.

The Unwritten (still being written) Combining elements of the Harry Potter books and literary history, this series is thoroughly modern and enchanting for book nerds like me!

Let's Accept The Facts

2011-08-04T15:54:00.000-07:00

I'm gonna be cleaning litterboxes and moving the furniture several times a day to find lost cat toys for the rest of my life. I've accepted my future as a crazy cat lady and so has my new favorite "cat comedian" Yasmine over at Cat Vs. Human. Her comics are REAL. Really really real.

She's not ashamed to say that cat hair covers most of her clothes or that she spends more time playing with her cat than her boyfriend. This is what life is about. Accept your self and then laugh about it.

Begin the Began...

2011-08-04T15:34:00.000-07:00

This is it folks! I can't believe that I'm back here ready to start another journey through the blogosphere but there's no ignoring all the support and encouragement from friends and strangers both I've received since I quit. It's been 2 years since my last post and since then I've thought constantly about this blog.
I started Water May Walk because I watched, read, and saw too many things in my life that I thought were too important just to fall by the wayside. I was bubbling with all these things I wanted to share with others, yet could feel people were overwhelmed with well...my over sharing I guess? There also aren't enough hours in the day to delve thoroughly into all the things I'm interested in. So by posting every random idea and inspiration, I effectively created a giant bookmark to come back to when I had time to spare. Over the past two years I've been pleased with the usefulness of this blog and all the situations where I needed new art to be inspired by, or a new film to watch, or a cute cat just to make me happy for a moment. I could come back to all this, so nicely catalogued and reviewed, waiting for me like I had planned all along.

My point is this. THANK YOU to all my followers who stuck through the long wait. THANK YOU to my friends, family, and wonderful boyfriend Bryan, who got sick of all my book and film recommendations and encouraged me to vent it all on this blog. I'm so happy to be back and can't wait to flood your computer screen with pretty tidbits of love.

A Morning With Anna Karina

2009-11-19T11:53:00.000-08:00

"Wake up every morning and be just as surprised to be just as happy"

You were one lucky guy Godard!

Movies I Watched On The Plane

2009-08-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

Paris - Really inspiring. Live life to it's fullest. Although a cliche, this film turns that phrase into so much more. It's believable. This film has all the royals of French cinema. Juliette Binoche (Chocolat), Romaine Duris (Moliere), Fabrice Luchini (also Moliere) and many others. So check it out. It's beautiful.

Something's Gotta Give

Grey Gardens

DIY: Botanical Specimens & Shadowboxes

2009-08-09T14:17:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for a quick and fun craft project for this week I suggest checking out design*sponge for their new DIY pressed botanical specimens tutorial. If I weren't leaving for Britain this week I would definitely get into it but as it is, I'll have to wait til I'm back at the end of the month :(

Let me know if you create anything special of your own this week!

Also, if you're in the mood for a more time consuming or stimulating craft, you might check out this DIY shadowbox project with Moomah also found on design*sponge

A Peek Into The World Of Faeries

2009-08-07T15:55:00.000-07:00

For those of you who missed out on visiting the magical FaerieWorlds festival this year, I offer a glimpse into another way of life...

Backpacker Cat

2009-08-04T14:18:00.000-07:00

This is the dream life....starting in 2008 this couple started on a 3 year, 9000 mile journey from Miami to the far tip of Argentina....with their KITTY!

News of their travels are recorded on their blog Turn of the World and plenty of video clips document their incredible adventures and most importantly the cutest cat in the world.

I know that the second clip is in French but even if you don't understand a single word like me, the point gets across just fine...the sense of wanderlust isn't just for humans, cats live for it just the same.

Thanks to Cute Overload for introducing me.

FaerieWorlds I Already Miss You...

2009-08-03T10:56:00.000-07:00

Don't worry I'll be posting some more images of my trip to FaerieWorlds soon. It was such a wonderful, fantastical adventure I wish I could have brought all of you with me.

I did however lose my wings though.....hopefully the soul who found them loves them as much as I did...

Natural Formations

2009-08-03T05:09:00.000-07:00

Seriously....how beyond unbelievable is nature?

Via I Love Psycho

More From Silhouette Masterpiece Theater

2009-07-27T19:03:00.000-07:00

You may remember awhile ago I posted about the brilliant artist behind the darkly hilarious Silhouette Masterpiece Theater, Wilhelm Staehle.

Well there are some new pieces up on the site and I couldn't bare not posting them. Hopefully they will make you laugh as they did for me. Enjoy!

P.S. Sorry I can't make them any larger....I suggest checking out the site to fully enjoy their beauty.

Maru Getting Into Trouble Once Again

2009-07-27T18:42:00.000-07:00

Seriously Maru is the most entertaining cat EVER. He's just so fat and round and curious I can't stand it! It's almost like it's a scripted comedy show or something....Maru has perfect comedic timing don't you think? Another note: How the heck does he jump like that?!

Check out his blog here or my past Maru post here.

The Perfect Book: Pictorial Webster's

2009-07-26T14:00:00.000-07:00

Amazon just recommended me the perfect book..........Pictorial Webster's: A Visual Dictionary of Curiosities.

Just released this July, this book is for anyone who lusts after clip art, curiosities, or reference books. I thought this book would be way out of my price range when I saw it BUT instead of the relatively low regular price of $35, on Amazon it's only $23.10!!!!

Definitely adding this to my wish list......I'm drooling......

Play Him Off Keyboard Cat!

2009-07-23T10:31:00.000-07:00

New Threadless tee "Three Keyboard Cat Moon" tee Keyboard Cat Moon" combines the best of cute kitty keyboard cat with the #1 best selling "Three Wolf Moon" tee on Amazon. I don't know about you but it seems like a masterpiece to me!

Tokyo!

2009-07-22T02:55:00.000-07:00

Just finished watching this brilliant film, Tokyo!, made up of three mini stories by three brilliant directors, which takes place in well....Tokyo. The first short film and also my favorite, was directed by Michael Gondry who is the director of the Science of Sleep and Eternal Sunshine of an Endless Mind which I'm sure many of you have seen. This comes HIGHLY recommended. Go and rent it now!

Rednecks and the NRA...Surprise Surprise

2009-07-18T15:16:00.000-07:00

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Difference Makers - Doug Jackson

www.colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

Jeff Goldblum

Ballard Billboard Vandalism

2009-07-10T14:19:00.000-07:00

Lately the Seattle neighborhood I live in, Ballard, has experienced a number of acts of vandalism on high traffic area billboards. Personally I think they're hilarious although I'm not so sure the companies that paid thousands of dollars do. Thank goodness for liberal Seattle activists! They keep us all young.

FaerieWorlds 2009 & New Faerie Wing Tutorial

2009-07-09T13:48:00.001-07:00

So I finally bought my tickets to FaerieWorlds '09! I've missed the scent of incense, sweat, and craft booths, and I've missed being in that little secluded spot of fantasy and magic lovers, dancing and creating for 3 days.

And now as the countdown begins (24 days) I'm trying to energy drink my creative flow into overdrive so that I can pump out something truly fairy-like for the festival. Last year I posted a wonderful fairy wing video tutorial which I used to make my own wings since I was a beginner.

This year I'm trying something a little more challenging. I will attempt to make some insect like fairy wings out of iridescent cellophane paper, using wire as veins to create an open frame like these ones below.

Thank goodness for Faerie Muse and her extremely helpful tutorial! Wish me luck! Keep checking by for updates on my costume!

Happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T13:17:00.001-07:00

I hope you all are living it up and enjoying this beautiful day and night we have for BBQ and fireworks!

Etsy Blog: New There's No Place Like Home

2009-07-03T15:10:00.000-07:00

I love when Etsy posts little videos of artists in their homes! It's always so inspirational and personal that immediately afterwards I find myself wanting to reinvent my own place. This week the creators of the blog The Snail and the Cyclops, Alice Saunders (Forestbound) and Francesca Zmetra (Thirteen Eighty-Five) let us into their flea market filled home. I love Alice's wood crates and frames that she uses in so much of her decor and Francesca's walls filled with delicate vintage clothing on hangers was gorgeous. Enjoi!

Etsy Find: Chipmunk Cheeks

2009-07-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

Who wouldn't love the flowery illustrations of Katie Vernon from her Etsy shop Chipmunk Cheeks?! They're so cheerful and folksy I would love to frame one in a gaudy gold frame don't you think? Cheers to design*sponge for the link!

Colin Thompson

2009-07-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

If you've ever visited Gelaskins for a new phone or laptop cover, you might recognize Colin Thomson's "Bookshelf" or "Underworld" (which is the one I have for my mac). He's an amazing artist and I've always been drawn to his detailed illustrations.

Well...yesterday and I browsed the sale bin at Borders I found a large picture book titled "How To Live Forever" and I recognized right away the Thomson's style that adorned the cover. Of course as I'm a fan of children's book and his work I had to buy it! (only $5)

It's a story about a library that houses all books ever written which come to life every night. It's so beautifully illustrated and all the little hidden details kept me reading longer than the short story demanded.

After discovering this book I've realized that Colin Thompson actually has a huge collection of storybooks that he's written! Here are a few of them. I can't wait to get ahold of more and you should join in the search with me. These books and Colin's work are so worth it!

Laughing With Regina Spektor

2009-06-28T23:13:00.000-07:00

I love Regina Spektor's new video for her song "Laughing With" because it reminds me of my good old angsty teenage years when I replayed my favorite Fiona Apple video "Paper Bag" over and over again and it broke my heart then healed it. Embedding the video is disabled but you can watch it on YouTube here.

Stella Im Hultberg's Moleskine

2009-06-27T16:49:00.001-07:00

I love love love when artists post images of their personal sketchbooks! It makes me feel so connected to the artist and helps me to understand their work better. Recently on her blog Stella Im Hultberg revealed to us ink sketches from her Moleskine journal. If you've been reading my blog for a while you know that I'm a big fan of Stella's. She's part of my favorite female Pop Surrealist triad, consisting of Stella, Audrey Kawasaki, and Amy Sol.

Thanks Stella for sharing!

Carlos Ruiz Zafon

2009-06-27T13:36:00.000-07:00

I'm too late! I'm heading to Edinburgh, Scotland in August and while I'm there I'm lucky enough to catch the annual Edinburgh International Book Festival! Tons of authors will be giving lectures but you have to get tickets for them and as is to be expected they're selling out fast. I JUST found out about this and of COURSE the one author that I'm absolutely crazy about, Carlos Ruiz Zafon author of The Shadow of the Wind, has sold out!! Nooooo! I'm pretty devastated.

If you haven't heard of Shadow of the Wind before just an interesting little fact: Did you know that this book from Spain has outsold JK Rowling, John Grisham, and Dan Brown put together?! -link

So basically my point is number one, read this book. Number two, pray that any other authors appearing at the festival I like will not be sold out.

Film To Watch: Phoebe In Wonderland

2009-06-26T23:22:00.000-07:00

I'm writing this post immediately after watching the new film Phoebe in Wonderland on Netflix (it's available on instant). I was not expecting myself to be so moved with the film, based on what I got from the trailer, and I found the experience to be quite therapeutic actually.

The story line combines the rich literature of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland with a look at mental illness, specifically in children with Tourette Syndrome, within the household and society. In researching the film a bit I noticed that it has developed quite a following of people with neurological disorders themselves who related to Phoebe's struggle. I personally am effected by a mental disorder and as I watched Phoebe deal with fear and her parents try to cope, I felt comforted in a strange way.

Point is YOU NEED TO SEE THIS FILM!!! Oh and p.s. the casting is brilliant.

It seems like the movie can actually be watched in parts on youtube. Click here for a clear video of part one.

Abandoned

2009-06-21T00:29:00.000-07:00

Abandoned dwellings have always held so much mystery and fascination for me. It's that strange ghost town effect you know?

Well here are some lonely little places I found through 100 Abandoned Houses and If Charlie Parker Was A Gunslinger... take them into your heart and dream about their stories tonight. These places make excellent dream backdrops don't you think?

I Want One!

2009-06-20T17:24:00.000-07:00

Cute Corgi puppies!

Via Cute Overload

SNACKS

2009-06-18T16:32:00.000-07:00

If you live ANYWHERE close to the Ballard neighborhood in Seattle you have to make a special trip to the newly opened Snacks! right now.

I've been complaining forever that there are no places around here to go for quick lunch breaks because the area is basically all sit down restaurants. And now there is an answer to my prayers (took me 8 minutes to walk there and get a dog) and that is Snacks! If you've ever visited Dante's Inferno Dogs hotdog stand during Sunday Market then you'll die to see that your favorite veggie dogs are served all day (and weekend late nights) long!

Inside you'll find a casual set up of cheap candies, beer, snack foods (duh), ice cream, and other grocery staples. Plus there's a special notepad for customer requests!

5219 Ballard Ave. NW, Seattle, WA

Fin.

2009-06-18T15:56:00.000-07:00

I've graduated and now I'm contemplating job prospects and grad school. Eek!

Good news: I'll be updating my blog a whole lot more! Yay! I've missed it....but you can imagine with graduating and all how hard it's been. And now I've just gotten back from a relaxing few days with the boyfriend in Sunriver, OR. (I'll post some pics and stuff from that later) and on Monday I leave for Las Vegas. More fun to follow.......

For Grassroots Creativity

2009-06-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

Yay! New N.E.E.T magazine available for everyone's viewing pleasure. It seems so rare when it's updated that each issue is just that much more special. Get to it!

Greenwich Decor Amour

2009-06-08T12:01:00.000-07:00

I recently stumbled upon this Design*Sponge (click on link to see detail and more pics) sneak peak into the home of Salvini-Swanson, co-creater of Greenwich Letterpress. I'm absolutely taken with the crafty design of this place and all of the unique found pieces that are incorporated into it's eclectic style. I've definitely come away with quite a few tips and ideas and I hope that by posting this so will you! Enjoy my dearest readers!

Las Vegas, I Never Thought I'd See You Again

2009-06-04T20:35:00.001-07:00

So last December my parents surprised me with a trip to Las Vegas for one night to see the Beatles Cirque de Soleil show for my birthday. It was great to have just a little taste of the city, the sparkle was so captivating, but I don't think I would have been able to spend more than one night there.

As a certified homebody, the hustle and bustle of The Strip was just too much for me.

But here I am finding myself going back AGAIN! The only difference is that this time I'm celebrating both graduating from four exhausting years of college AND a major reunion with my best friends from high school! I'm determined to embrace the city this time. After all, with college life over as I know it I think I can afford to let loose for a few days right? Here's where I'm staying. Yay!

Oh and just as a side note.....Westboro Baptist Church is picketing my graduation!!!! What the...? Apparently they are on a tour of the U.S. picketing all those that they feel are going to hell. This is a church that's website is honestly godhatesfags.com. These people are terrible, hateful people. I hope that someday they realize the truth of that.

Tribal Fusion Belly Dance: Sharon Kihara

2009-06-04T15:37:00.000-07:00

So earlier last month I blogged about my interest in trying out tribal belly dancing and I finally invested in a DVD called Tribal Fusion Bellydance With Sharon Kihara: Technique and Conditioning. I thought I would give all of you who might be interested yourselves a little review because I'm not sure if it's available for rental anywhere, I had to take a risk and just buy it. Only $13.49 on Amazon!

If you haven't had experience with belly dance or aren't familiar with learning choreography I wouldn't recommend this one but is you ARE then it's perfect! The gorgeous Sharon combines yoga and belly dance technique for a great overall workout the first half of the disk. The second half is separated into a 3 part combination sequence and later brought together to create a BEAUTIFUL dance routine that I've had a blast learning. The following video gives a great preview of the routine you would learn. Let me know if you decide to try it out. Promise it's worth the $13 bucks!

You Don't Get Much Cuter Than This

2009-06-04T14:34:00.000-07:00

Poor Waffles the kitty got his paw stung by a bee so it's all swollen up! Haha when I first saw it I didn't read the captions and I thought it was just cutely deformed. But no....it's sad but oh so cute.

Found on Cute Overload

The Official White House Photostream

2009-06-04T03:26:00.000-07:00

How cool is it that our new administration has it's own Flickr photostream? I guess the last administration might have had one...but I don't think anyone would have cared to look at it. These photos in the Official White House Photostream are really quite interesting to look through if you have some extra time. What I love about this collection of images is that they aren't press photos at all. They simply catalogue small moments in the President's life that reveal so much more about the whole of Obama's presidency than what we can capture from mass media. Often sweet, often silly, these photos make me so happy.

I do have a crush on Obama though if you can't tell...so that doesn't hurt either.

Link via Librarian Avengers

Nonsense Assemblages: Chad Hagen

2009-06-03T10:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks to dear ada, I stumbled on these amazing assemblages by Chad Hagen who created all these mathematical, scientific looking pieces that are so truly beautiful and natural. Check out his flickr account here.

There are even more incredible ones in his photostream but I couldn't save them to my computer. They are well worth a look though I promise.

Films To Watch: The Real Dirt on Farmer Joe & Eagle vs. Shark

2009-06-03T10:12:00.000-07:00

So last weekend I saw some pretty cool films from Netflix. One, The Real Dirt On Farmer Joe, was a documentary about a farmer who's struggling to make things work during a time when farms are suffering and the locals are calling him a Satan worshipper. It's a very inspirational film and really brought me into a culture that I'm completely removed from. Watch it!

If you're a fan of Flight of the Conchords, you'll love Eagle vs. Shark. This New Zealand film featuring Jemaine from FOTC, is a quirky, hilarious romantic comedy about two of the most awkward people I've ever met falling in love. If you're looking for a weekend film to watch for a date night or with friends this is the perfect film. Plus, if you have Netflix you can watch it instantly on your computer! Enjoy!

Remember Her?

2009-06-03T10:06:00.001-07:00

I don't know how many of you remember the Lula magazine that had these images a year or two ago, but I remember them clear as day. When I stumbled across them at !? I was so excited because I was so absolutely captivated by them, and still am, when I opened the first pages of that Lula. I think I'm just mostly jealous that this model has pretty much the cutest facial expressions EVER! Aren't you? She's like a grown up Shirley Temple!

Books On Pop Surrealism I Want...

2009-05-29T23:08:00.000-07:00

Here's my list of Pop Surrealism books that I'm dying for. So beautiful....but so expensive...

The Upset: Young Contemporary Art

Mark Ryden: The Tree Show

Juxtapoz Illustration

The Garden of Eye Candy

FolkLife '09 & Boe Oddisey

2009-05-29T22:18:00.000-07:00

Well FolkLife was again a success this year. It's changed a lot since I first started going about 7 years ago but I still enjoy going if I lay in the grass instead of trying to fight my way through the crowds.

The most joyful part of FolkLife as those of you from Seattle know, is Boe Oddisey who I wrote about after last years festival here. He's always a sight for sore eyes. Below is a polaroid of he and I dancing with the aid of his signature scarves. Thanks Boe!

Thanks to FolkLife I'm now just able dying for summer to start. I graduate college in 16 days!!! And then hopefully....after I find a job....I can relax and start planning out those festivals! So in case you'll be in the Seattle area this summer here are a list of the upcoming TO-DO's:

June:

-Fremont Festival

-Pagdiriwag Philippine Festival

-Pride Parade

July:

-Ballard SeafoodFest

-Bellevue Arts & Crafts Fair

-Bite of Seattle

-Cap Hill Block Party

-Bastille Day Celebration

August:

-Arab Festival

-BrazilFest

-Cambodian Cultural Heritage Celebration

-TibetFest

September:

-Bumbershoot

-Italian Festival

-Seattle Fiestas Patrias

Little Dizzle Premiered This Weekend

2009-05-26T18:57:00.000-07:00

The film that I assisted with costume design on The Immaculate Conception of Little Dizzle had its premier this past weekend at SIFF and I had no idea! I'm so bummed that I missed it! Anyways I've talked about my experience before...but here's the updated trailer that's much better. Hope you all go to see it when it's finally in theaters.

Oh and p.s. it seems that I'm still left out of the credits....ugh...after all the time I spent working on it!

Film Du Jour: Monster Camp

2009-05-18T13:41:00.000-07:00

The Newest Miyazaki Film

2009-05-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

I'm sooo excited! Miyasaki, who directed two of my favorites films My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, is now out with his newest feature film Ponyo On The Cliff By The Sea! Hurray it looks like it will be reverting back to Totoro style anime, which although isn't quite as stunning as the style of Spirited Away it does have a certain sentimentality about it. So check it out! If you can't see the subtitles just click on the CC button after the up arrow button on bottom right of player. Enjoy!

My Ever Expanding Etsy Cart: Enchanted Theme

2009-05-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

Moonelighte: Midnight Fantasyland Druzy Strand $32

Whichgoose: Cocoon comb (when i get married I'll definitely be buying one of her crowns)

Beasley's Wonders: Egyptian Empress Circlet $24.99

Blue Planet Creations: Skeleton Key Necklace $14.95

The Honeycomb: Woodland Headband $28

DIY: Faux Feather Wreath

2009-05-14T15:25:00.000-07:00

I want to start on making one of these gorgeous Faux Feather Wreaths IMMEDIATELY! How fantastic to have hanging on my door? Although I probably should laminate it as I do live in rainy Seattle.

Visit the above link to the Etsy tutorial and make sure to check out Tiny Bazaar for a variety of feather cut outs. Plus I love the idea for using them as gift wrap decor like below!

J Is For Julianna

2009-05-13T21:08:00.000-07:00

Typography by Therese Vandling via Not Paper

Classic Cabaret

2009-05-12T23:24:00.000-07:00

Gay men aren't the only ones who love Cabaret!

I Wish I Had...

2009-05-09T17:02:00.000-07:00

One of these designs by Chair Couture! How amazing are they? Bringing all the best parts of being outside inside.

Via Free People.

Inspiration of the Day: Back to Belly Dance

2009-05-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was looking at some beautiful hip scarves on eBay and I felt a renewed desire to take belly dancing back up after about 4 years of losing all that stomach muscle unfortunately. Ugh it's so much harder now! I started back up watching those Shakira (she's really is an amazing belly dancer) videos that had inspired me so long ago and I got lost browsing all the wonderful costume shops that are online. So maybe this will inspire you too. It's really great exercise and lots of fun (especially wearing the costumes)!

Inspiration:

Costume Online Shops:

- Velvet Peacock Designs

- Moondance Bellydance

- Dancing Rahana

- Isis Exchange

Bellydancing Videos & Instructional DVD's:

The first choreography I learned haha (below)

More Druzy Jewelry! And This Time Their Cheap!

2009-05-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

For those of you who have been following for a while now you know that I LOVE druzy and geode jewelry...a lot. Here and here are older posts with more. And thanks to Bleach Black I've discovered some that are actually all under $40. So check out the Earth Relics Jewelry Company to find one that suits your own unique tastes. There are beyond amazing selections....and honestly I'm still not over the prices...here are a few of my favorites...Enjoy!

The one below is a fossilized dinosaur egg! How cool is that?

The Essence of Light: Que Houxo

2009-05-09T14:45:00.000-07:00

Que Houxo creates these incredibly unique and stimulating graffiti installations with florescent paints and black light. He's been featured a lot lately in art magazines and seems to have moved on from "up and coming" to "already here". Check out his Flickr account and you'll be lost forever!

Awkward...

2009-05-09T14:00:00.000-07:00

If you're looking for something to brighten up your day when you're stuck at work on a wonderfully sunny day....like I am...you NEED to check out Awkward Family Photos. It's pretty self explanatory. I know you've all walked into someone's house and tried to hold back the laughter when you see something similar to these beauties...

Wildfox By Whitehorse Couture

2009-05-08T17:12:00.001-07:00

Why does Wildfox By Whitehorse Couture have to be so expensive?! So cuteeee

Swimsuit FOUND

2009-05-08T14:25:00.001-07:00

Hurray I'm way ahead of the summer season this year because I just found two great bathing suits! The first is the Betsey Johnson "Rockin' Robin" suit and the second is the one from Victoria Secret which I got an sale for a total of $30! Which is even cheaper than it is online AND it was the last one! SO excited to find such a great deal because my swimsuit that's lasted for me for the past 4 years finally wore itself out and I have the hardest time finding suits that fit. When I wear it I feel like I should be shakin' my hips to "Beach Blanket Bingo". Victoria's is really having an amazing sale right now on their suits so if you're looking for one that's

definitely my suggestion. Good luck!

Anemic? Try Blackstrap Molasses

2009-05-05T05:02:00.000-07:00

I've always known that I had a tendency towards anemia but after taking a blood test recently I realized that my iron stores are becoming increasingly low. Being a vegetarian doesn't help things much either and after taking iron supplements regularly and realizing that they made a pretty insignificant difference, I've decided to really research some healthy choices I can start to make.

The reason I'm posting about this for all you to read is that most of my readers are women and women have an especially high risk of anemia because of menstruation blah blah blah. Even if you aren't anemic, increasing your iron intake can help lighten cramps and give you more energy. And who doesn't want that?

What I wanted to share in particular was an old fashioned remedy...Blackstrap Molasses.

Blackstrap Molasses (best unsulphured) is created on the 3rd boiling of sugar syrup. It's basically a step up from regular molasses. Supposedly by taking 1 Tbl. first thing in the morning blackstrap molasses has been said to help cure acne, cancerous tumors, anxiety and tons of other health issues. Whether this is true or not the fact is that just 1 Tbl. has 20% of your daily iron intake! And if you're looking for calcium, it also contains 200 mg of it!

You can take a spoonful plain or mix it with your morning coffee, tea, or milk. Plus there are tons of other recipes for other uses all over the place online. Well I'm going to start trying this right now and if you decide to try it let me know what you think! Enjoy!

Here are a few sites I found helpful:

earth clinic- black molasses

whfoods- black molasses

health benefits reported by eHow

iron rich foods- healthcastle

avoid anemia cookbook

I Never Want To Leave The World of Michael Parkes

2009-05-02T17:01:00.000-07:00

Alright...get ready for a long post of images. I've fallen in love with the world of Michael Parkes. I really don't even know what to say about his art besides that I kept saving image after image to prepare for this post and pretty much ended up saving every other illustration I found...I assume that's all you really need to know.

If you love the Art Deco and Surrealism movements or mythology he's your guy.

Camilla d'Errico's Painted Ladies

2009-05-02T16:22:00.000-07:00

Camilla d'Errico's pieces capture a such a strange juxtaposition between naivete and corruption, innocence and intrigue, plus a touch of cutesy kawaii. Pretty compelling in my opinion. Look for yourself!

Toy Store Galore

2009-05-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

This is one of those times that I wish I had a kid....

Imagine Childhood is a site that carries some of the most fantastic play toys for kids...and by that I mean adults should check it out because if you're like me you'll want to buy things from it for yourself! Look at all these discoveries! AND as if this site wasn't already tempting....they sell rocks & minerals!

Kate Potter Portraits

2009-05-01T13:20:00.000-07:00

This series of portraits by British photographer Kate Potter is so refreshing. Myself especially, as an avid seeker of cute cat photos, takes for granted the magnificence of a cat. They really are such oddly beautiful looking little creatures and to see them staring at you straight on and framed so simply really makes you reevaluate the species.

When you think about it, animal portraiture is a largely unexplored area of photography. I see Potter's portraits, and I see human like characteristics in these cats most likely because what I associate with the particular poses and format is human NOT cat. It's amazing the effect they have isn't it?

Think about it.

Link via.

Film To Watch: Synecdoche, NY

2009-04-28T18:08:00.001-07:00

*Warning: ONLY watch this film if you are the sort of person who doesn't need to ask a lot of questions when you watch movies!*

Synecdoche, NY [sih-NECK-doh-kee] ( 2008) is one of the most confusing and complex films I've seen in a lot time. The plot takes a ridiculous series of twists and turns and leaves the viewer a whole lot lost in the time and space of the characters' lives. Problem is, there's seemingly NO rational order to any aspect of this film.

Despite all this not knowing...I really liked it! "What the heck is going on" is merely part of the whole experience in my mind. The casting was remarkable, with Philip Seymour Hoffman (Capote), Samantha Morton (Mister Lonely), Michelle Williams, and Catherine Keener (The Ballad of Jack and Rose). I think it's in their voices....you just want to listen to them speak.

I could go on and on about this movie really, but I think that the trailer really embodies the essence of the film, as in you don't know what it's about at the end exactly. OH and check out the soundtrack highlight "Little Person" by Jon Brion (the song in the trailer) sooooo good.

Our Delicious Raspberry Centered Galaxy

2009-04-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

"Astronomers searching for the building blocks of life in a giant dust cloud at the heart of the Milky Way have concluded that it tastes vaguely of raspberries."

Check out this article from the Guardian for more information. Exciting isn't it??

Another Collage Artist: Alexis MacKenzie

2009-04-22T18:24:00.001-07:00

Who do you know? Immediately after coming across the artist in the below post, I find Alexis MacKenzie's fantastical clip art/book art collages! I could look at her Flickr account forever. It's wonderfully full of pieces like these and it's honestly hard to look away. I just want to take in every little detail, all those pieces of the past scrambled into something completely modern. Thank you Alexis!

Clip Art by Eleganterie

2009-04-22T17:52:00.000-07:00

I'm a big fan of clip art. I'm not talking about blecky computer clip art....I'm talking about those books you randomly come across in used book stores that are entirely made up of pages literally stuffed with images of pocket watches, classical nudes, and men in top hats. Do you know what I'm talking about?

Anyways...here's an artist by the name of Martin Schmidt from Germany He's got a pretty vast range of art works from Steampunky clip art collages to old polaroids, to ink and acrylic illustrations on old paper. All of them I might add brilliant in their own unique way.

Found via Not Paper

The Mystery Is Solved!

2009-04-22T17:46:00.000-07:00

Hurray! Keli commented below with the answer to who this wonderful artist is! So now I'm able to pay tribute to this wonderful artist Yoko Furusho!

Japanese Cat Torture & A Kitty Sanctuary

2009-04-22T17:36:00.000-07:00

I feel like I just might do too many posts about cats on this blog...I haven't had a lot of time lately to blog as you might have noticed and it becomes all too easy to be lazy and just post videos. And of course most of the ones worth sharing are about kittens so....here's to me being a lazy ass blogger...

Rosie O'Donnell's Etsy Shop???

2009-04-21T14:09:00.000-07:00

What the...??? Did you all know that Rosie O'Donnell has an Etsy shop? Cause I just found out...and I'm kind of REALLY weirded out by it. Especially since in all her product photos she's lurking in the background super creepy.

Her crafts are definitely not typical of what I would expect from her but some are kinda neat and the profits do go to her charity...but still Rosie, don't pretend you're some indie craft artist who's in her 20's and spells "you" as "u" and uses no punctuation. Please? It's off putting.

And that's the end of my rant of the day...thank you!

Women In Art

2009-04-16T22:42:00.001-07:00

The Perfect New Desktop Background

2009-04-11T16:58:00.000-07:00

Check this out on Kitsune Noir !

DIY: Cord Crafts

2009-04-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

Tired of looking at the same old heap of cords that comes with basically everything electronic? Frustrated with how similar they all look? Here's some great suggestions for creating your own decorative phone chargers and electrical cords! So pretty! Plus although seemingly time consuming it looks like the steps for creating your own would be relatively simple.

Leafy charger cord

Big beaded cord

Via Free People

Caspar Freidrich's Desolate Graves

2009-04-08T20:25:00.000-07:00

In my modern art history class today we had a presentation on Romantic landscape painters. When a painting by Caspar Freidrich (1774-1840) came up I was immediately in love. Freidrich painted several images of dark, spooky grave sites that are just so wonderfully haunting that it's easy to get lost inside them wondering around in the stuff of nightmares.

The Abbey in the Oakwood (1809-10)

Monastery Graveyard in the Snow (1819)

The Cemetery Entrance (1825)

Monument to Goethe (1835)

Winter (1808)

Ruins of Eldena (1824-25) - not of a graveyard but ruins are the next best thing

The Dreamer (1820-40) - again not a graveyard but I just couldn't leave it out

A Little Sleepy Cuteness For Your Day

2009-04-04T15:23:00.001-07:00

Organized Collection

2009-04-04T13:52:00.000-07:00

So...there is this Flickr group called "Organized Collection" where people post the most wonderful photos of their collections all jumbled together to create a world of fascinating oddities. Here follows some of my favorites from the group pool. You can find all of the below and other photos from these artists here.

Symbolism

2009-04-02T17:43:00.000-07:00

Symbolism was a late-nineteenth century art movement that was "largely a reaction against Naturalism and Realism, anti-idealistic movements which attempted to capture reality in its gritty particularity, and to elevate the humble and the ordinary over the ideal...Symbolism in art represents an outgrowth of the darker, gothic, side of Romanticism; but where Romanticism was impetuous and rebellious, Symbolist art was static and hieratic." -Wikipedia

Gustave Moreau

Arnold Bocklin

Felicien Rops

Carlos Schwabe

Missing In Action

2009-04-02T17:23:00.000-07:00

Hey all! Sorry about being absent from the blogging life lately. I'm starting up my last quarter before I graduate and I'm released into the real world. I also enjoyed a wonderful Spring Break last week oh so wonderful. My boyfriend and I were brave enough to go camping in March at the Dungenous Spit in Sequim, WA. Ughhh so freezing! But it was really a beautiful area and near a wildlife refuge so late at night we could hear the wolves howling us to sleep.

After that, my roommate and I ventured to Portland to just relax and visit some friendly little sites. The best part of the whole trip was the Velveteria. I'm pretty sure it's the must obscure museum ever with it's huge collection of velvet paintings including a black light room, naked ladies collection, and my favorite of course...the unicorn collection. Here's a view of what you've been missing if you haven't visited yet...GO NOW!

Emmanuel Polanco

2009-03-21T14:28:00.000-07:00

I am in love with Emmanuel Polanco's dark collage art aren't you? He's really fearless in his composition in my opinion. I'm a fan.

I Want...

2009-03-21T14:25:00.000-07:00

Someday I will have a red panda for a pet...doesn't it sort of resemble those one of those fuzzy caterpillars?

New Hulu Feature Films

2009-03-20T05:17:00.001-07:00

You're in luck! Hulu has recently added some AMAZING new feature films to it's library including a few of my much loved documentaries that I've blogged about here. I'm especially happy that they've added "Kicking It" a documentary about the homeless world cup which I think was one of the most amazing documentaries I've EVER seen and now a whole new audience is going to be able to view it! Click here to visit my past review about Kicking It.

And just in case you're lazy, I've decided to provide my top picks from Hulu's collection of films for your viewing pleasure...enjoy!

Lomography Test Run

2009-03-17T20:28:00.001-07:00

So this is a bit embarrassing but I've had my Holga camera for over a year now and I just developed the first role....I think I've still got to get the hang of it but here are a few of my favorite mistakes:

Etsy Find: Something's Hiding Here

2009-03-17T19:53:00.001-07:00

Thanks to my good friend Moorea's blog The Rumination Room, I've happened upon the most wonderfully inspirational set of people I've heard of in quite some time.

The Etsy shop Something's Hiding Here is a mesh of creations from Shauna & Stephen who just HAPPEN to be the coolest couple ever. Their studio is so amazing I just can't believe how creative these people are. Luckily, we can all share in a bit of the magic by watching their recent interview with the Etsy video team featured below!

Also, as I went about exploring their blog and shop I was wonderfully inspired by these glittered up elephant figurines. So inspired in fact that I plan on making some of my own for my new shadow box yay!

The Money Honey Bee

2009-03-17T19:39:00.000-07:00

Here are two of my favorite Daily Show sketches from the past few weeks. Hilarious right? But oh so sad at the same time.....

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

The Money Honey Bee

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Unusual Suspect

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

Belgian Autochromists

2009-03-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

So I know you all are going to LOVE this post....

Magical aren't they? I just can't get enough of these misty photographs from the past.

The costumed ones were taken by Alfonse Van Besten who had a penchant for medieval maidens it seems. Obviously, he's my favorite for that very reason. What a clever clever man.

All of these photographs were taken during the early 1900's using one of the first methods for color photos available to photographers: the autochrome process. To read more visit here.

Thanks to From Betsy With Love for the link

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2009-03-17T12:01:00.000-07:00

1916 image of young girls selling shamrocks

I Don't Even Know What To Do....

2009-03-17T00:18:00.001-07:00

So I'm supposed to be going to bed right now and get some sleep for a big final I have tomorrow but....I just saw these new Nike liberty print dunks that are supposedly oh-so-exclusive. I don't know what to do...they are PERFECT! A friend of mine once said that my bed looks like a bouquet puked on it (meaning it's just covered in a million different old lady flower prints) and then I see these shoes and it's almost like I could just be wearing my bed around with me all day long!

Why do they have to be limited edition! Why do they have to be $100??? I wish wish wish I could own a pair...since I wrote about this right before sleep I'm hoping I'll get to wear them at least in my dreams...cross your fingers...night!

Oh and by the way, the ones I'll be dreaming about are the patchwork ones but I'd be happy with any!

Edgar Muller Street Art

2009-03-15T22:11:00.001-07:00

Just LOOKING at some of these makes me scared that I'm going to fall down some sort of apocalyptic hole in the road! Edgar Muller is a street artist who paints these often terrifying images on streets around the world which are quite obviously enjoyed by cheese ball tourists and I'm sure pretty much everyone else too. I wish he'd do one in Seattle. Come visit Edgar Muller! We have some amaaazing streets!

Bab'Aziz: The Prince Who Contemplated His Soul

2009-03-14T16:04:00.000-07:00

You MUST see this movie! I watched it last night and was absolutely mesmerized by the beautiful language, cinematography, and music. Bab' Aziz is filmed in Iran and Tunisia and is basically an allegory illustrating the mystical religion of Sufism. I've developed a real respect for their poetic practices and the general serenity that their faith embodies by watching Bab' Aziz and I really hope that you'll take my advice and rent it.

Recommendation: Read up on the Sufi religion on Wikipedia before watching the film because there were some basic terms that were used often that unless you know what they mean the film will be a bit harder to follow. Specifically focus on dervish and the concept of Love.

You also might recognize "Sufi whirling", a dance where dervishes twirling around, from The Fall. This film reminded me a lot of The Fall because of the whole "story within a story" plot. So if you liked that film I would strongly suggest you see this one as well. Yay!

Conundrum: Which One?

2009-03-12T14:29:00.001-07:00

Okay so I need your opinion....which do you think of these tees and which do you like best? I can't resist these they are so awesome plus they're only $20! A steal right? Find them at Wowch.

P.S.- this one isn't for sale anymore :( I would have boughten it in a second!

The Story of Stuff

2009-03-12T14:19:00.000-07:00

This short 20 minute film by Annie Leonard is something I think everyone needs to view. It answers a lot of questions that need to be answered and nothing is sugar coated. The Story of Stuff is actually very cute, it has the feel of an Apple commercial and flows by in an understandable and interesting way.

So I've decided to compile all the parts of the film into one post for your viewing pleasure. Or if you'd rather watch it all in one you can visit The Story of Stuff website. Enjoi!

Kelborne Castle & The Graffiti Project

2009-03-10T16:36:00.000-07:00

Although I almost hate to see those beautiful castle walls painted white, this fluid rainbow of surrealist artwork adds sort of a modern romantic edge to Scotland's Kelburn castle.

"The idea was simple and original: take the vibrant and often transient art form of Brazilian graffiti, out of its predominantly urban context and apply it to the ancient and permanent walls of an historic rural castle in Scotland."

A team of 4 of Brazil's leading graffiti artists came together with some of Scotland's best to collaborate on this controversial painting of the south side of the turrets and walls of Kelburn castle. It's like each side of the grounds would look like separate fantastical realms. One where all sorts of that misty medieval castle stuff happened, and the other like a Dr. Suess and Rainbow Bright wonderland.

Lost Fairy Tale: The Twelve Dancing Princesses

2009-03-10T00:37:00.000-07:00

There was a king who had twelve beautiful daughters. They slept in twelve beds all in one room and when they went to bed, the doors were shut and locked up. However, every morning their shoes were found to be quite worn through as if they had been danced in all night. Nobody could find out how it happened, or where the princesses had been.

Down they all went, and at the bottom they found themselves in a most delightful grove of trees; and the leaves were all of silver, and glittered and sparkled beautifully. They came to another grove of trees, where all the leaves were of gold; and afterwards to a third, where the leaves were all glittering diamonds. On the other side of the lake stood a fine, illuminated castle from which came the merry music of horns and trumpets. There they all landed, and went into the castle, and each prince danced with his princess.

They danced on till three o'clock in the morning, and then all their shoes were worn out, so that they were obliged to leave.

To read the whole story of the twelve dancing princesses by The Brothers Grimm, visit SurLaLune. You can also check out versions from around the world it's all so very intriguing!

N.E.E.T March '09 Issue

2009-03-05T03:32:00.000-08:00

Yay so happy that N.E.E.T online magazine has just put out a new issue for March '09! The last one was put out in December and since then I've been growing a little impatient to be honest. But now all that is behind me...check out the newest issue here!

If you're not yet familiar with N.E.E.T magazine, it's a independent virtual collection of all the best new Etsy finds, vintage clothing shops, and odds and ends, plus every month the fashion spreads just get better and better in my opinion. My experience with N.E.E.T is that I NEVER go away without finding at least 10 new crafters to watch and drooling over at least a dozen vintage dresses I'd love to own. And the best part is that whenever you seen something you like, just click on the link and it will open in a new page so you can shop and browse the mag at the same time! So go go go right now and you'll be so happy you did.

Thank You Stephen King

2009-03-04T06:25:00.001-08:00

Thank you for Stephen King for saying what we all are thinking...

"Both Rowling and Meyer, they’re speaking directly to young people. ... The real difference is that Jo Rowling is a terrific writer and Stephenie Meyer can’t write worth a darn. She’s not very good."

I have nothing against books like the Twilight series for young adults mind you, but when the writing is being compared to books like the Harry Potter series and grown adults are saying it's their favorite book I just....don't know what to say.

If you are 15-ish or younger I highly recommend the Twilight series. It's a wonderful introduction to love, fantasy, and sexual tension. But if you are older...please PLEASE move on.

Oh and just so you know I have read the first Twilight novel in the series and all the Harry Potter books so I'm writing all this from an informed perspective.