Blurble 7.16

I'm really enjoying this summer weather. It's not very hot so the humidity is bearable. When it's not raining (and it's done lots of that) it's very pretty.

Still working on my secret project. Hands are very covered in glue. I thought I could finish constructing the various pieces in one week...last week. I also thought that I could strip the paint and wallpaper in my room in a month. That ended up taking about 8 months. Lots of paint and wallpaper. I'm not a good estimator of how long it will take to get things done. I'm hoping this won't take that long. I hope to have construction down this week. Hoping.

Passed 10k tweets on Twitter. Not sure what that means...besides that I tweet a lot. You can follow me if you would like.

Post Picture: A picture from my trip to Elizabeth Park.

Blurble- Blog-Its

I figured post-its were probably trademarked. Don't want any trouble. Anyway, here's a short list of giveaways, sales and other info I've happened upon:

Letterpress Giveaway on Poppytalk- win a pack of pretty letterpress prints, cards and other goods from up to 38 different indie printers. Enter by June 11.

10% sale at oktak- to commemorate a sales milestone, the lovely Aki of oktak is offering 10% off any purchase made by June 10th. I love her work. You will not be sorry.

Buyers Market- 100 small actions- the list of small things you can do to grow your business is halfway done. Check it out!

Heatwave Sale on Threadless- Recently discovered Threadless and feel. in. love! haha! A varied selection of their tees are on sale for $5 and $10 until June 10. They're going fast so check it out, now!

Hmm, that's it for now. Hope you check out a few of them.
:)

Blurble 1.9.09

My brain is scattered and my eyes are tired. They sorta promoted me at work. I didn't really want it and it may just be temporary. So much of the workings of this job are flightly...for as structured as it may appear. Anyway.

Helped a friend move this week. Realized that getting stuff packed isn't the real hard part, it's getting the now-packed stuff out of the aparment/house. She lived on the third floor or a grand old Victorian accessible only by a two-level staircase and dumb waiter. Yeah. It's really cool the first time. You quickly want to just hurl boxes...and possibly even yourself, out of the window. Not to die, just 'cause
it would be faster.


I want to play with my camera. I've lost a lens cap already.
It's supposed to snow this weekend, so I'll be reading a lot. Crafting some I hope.

Post Picture: I took the Rebel outside for a short bit and snapped some shots before my fingers started to feel numb. This is of a branch on my neighbor's shrub.

Blurble 9.23

So much for attacking my laundry list of things to accomplish head-on. I'm rereading Pride and Prejudice *swoon* and spending time online, catching up. heh

I did finish a pair of custom earrings. They were requested by a lady at one of the farmer's markets. She likes brown and gold and wanted them to be clip-ons. (those were NOT easy to find) I hope she likes these. I like the brown with the gold beads. Reminds me of a candy bar for some reason.

Tried making a banner for my tent/booth. Iron transfers can be iffy and today they didn't work. I have to learn how to not let temporary setbacks in project design make me want to abandon it. I've gotten better over the years with elpy work. It's something to be improved.

TV aside:
Heroes came back last night. Loved it.

Post Picture: The custom earrings. Kinda like that set-up. Natural lighting photos rock!

Blurble 8.06

#typo
Originally uploaded by lpdesigns

Admittedly, blogging is my fave part of my to-do's. I should prolly keep until I've done some of my least favorite things. Like sanding. I don't like sanding.

I didn't do the market today. It rained again, but then the sun came out and I could have gone, but I was all unwound by then. (Can't explain that any better.) So I dropped off the photograph that I sold. The buyer wanted it matted and framed. I ended up making about $4. Ah well. It looked nice.

Must search for pictures of celtic knots, cupcakes, and bars of soap. Woodburned custom requests! Yay!

The Olympics start in 2 days. I'm excited about this. I love the Olympics...correction, I love opening ceremonies. heh

Post Picture: Found in the big local paper, job listings. Should I send to Leno? :P

Blurble 5.25

So I rushed to get on the computer after whatever sordid show I was watching went off. I think it was a rerun of Brothers and Sisters. I was the 'scandalous' stuff when I'm alone. Anyway, I wanted to wish 'Happy Birthday' to a friend on Facebook. Turns out her birthday is tomorrow...which at the moment is a stunning 15+ minutes.

I sat in the redecorated sunroom (it's sounds more glorious than it is) suffocating in the smell of new and thought I'd post a little something.

I'm stalking some things on eBay. They call it 'watching'...sounds less threatening again. But really, "I'm stalking you." "I'm watching you." Watching sounds more ominous and nebulous. Oy! See what happens to my mind in the later hours. Anyway, if you're interested, I think have a camera, a mannequin, a flexshaft and some jewelry-making supplies on my list. I stalk a lot with no intent of buying. Or very little.

Made the most scrumptious mac and cheese for dinner for the fam and I today. Yum! I love mac and cheese. (Technically it had rotini in it, too.)

Watched off-road racing on TV with the boys (Bro1&2 and Dad). It was actually a good race complete with the come-from-behind at the very last second...at the least turn, victory. Rather thrilling.

I think I like blogging at night when I'm almost exhausted out of my mind. I'm truer to my own voice then and don't try to write like what I've read or think people want to hear. It's just me, scribbling with the keyboard.

Good night and Happy Memorial Day! Er, do we say that?

Post Picture: Lover-ly pic from last year of some flowering and leafy branches. We had to get a new printer. It's supposed to be good at printing pics. I'll have to test it out, if only for my own enjoyment. Have a few nice ones I want to put in my room.

Blurble 3.08

Again, running the reusable titles together. heh

I bought some beads and thread today and was able to finish another pair of post-less Acutes. Next on my list to buy is some posts. Yeah. I'm working on cranking out something new every day. So far, for day one, so good.

Went with my dad to Woodcraft. They were having a sort of demonstration on Flexshafts. Granted, the guy was talking about woodcarving, this was a wood craft place. But I really want a Flexshaft now. And I met a little lady who was all enthusiastic and friendly and showed a book on woodturned jewelry. Oh my gosh. There were some beautiful ideas/pieces in that book. I'm not sure how 'artisan' I want to get, but I think I could...ooh, my mind just raced as we flipped through the pages.

We went the art store, too. I think it's the only pure art store left around where I live, across the street from a white house. heh. The store guy was totally out of movie with a way of talking that you almost think is over-played, lot of head nods and California-ish drawls. It was humorous to see my non-artist father and this guy trying to hash out with material was best. My dad is a hard sell, but especially when he's confused.

Then I came home, ate Chinese and watched Transformers with the fam again. I really like that movie.

Post Picture: Taken by me last November but it looked pretty much like that today. A little brighter, but rainy, lots of rain. I'm NOT complaining. It could have snowed again. *phew*

Blurble 2.14

Hmm...not sure what to say.

I sold this to my mom. She wants me to make more and call them 'Wall Enhancers'. I'm not sure they really really fit with what I'm trying, trying, to do with my shop. I think there can be too much diversification. Woodburned art...I don't know. Just don't know.

I took a Self Portrait for the SPT Flickr group. It's me and my teddy...bear. :P I've had here since I was born. If that bear could talk...

I finished reading Mansfield Park. As I wrote earlier, I've been watching The Complete Jane Austen on PBS. I have read three of Austen's books. So I'm filling in on the ones I hadn't. The movie was of MP was quite like the book. I was pleased. There were differences but nothing glaringly erroneously like with some versions of Jane Eyre. *won't get started*

I'm really chatty, ATM, which isn't like me. *sigh*

Post Picture (top): My backyard, yesterday. It snowed into Wednesday and then rained all day. Fairly hard. It was a slushy, ice cold mess. I stayed inside.

Blurble 1.28

I saw a sign: Free North Korean Refugees in China. I don't understand this sign.

Switching from IE to Firefox made a difference with my PC. IE is increasingly becoming evil to me. I'm still a bit of a holdout though.

Really had to push myself today. This is a difference from where I was before, when I would have only wanted to wallow. I still consider sleeping away my problems. I know that won't work, but I consider it. I did manage to sand 10 blanks for magnets. Sanding takes sooo long because I do it by hand. But I put on some music and did it. I also typed up another piece I'd written, took some pictures of more destash stuff. (too much stuff) Today was somewhat productive.

Am currently watching The Complete Jane Austen on PBS. I'm getting a little love-storied out. It's not helping with my...situation. I need to watch Transformers. Haha.

Post Picture: Taken last fall. This was the final leaf on my neighbor's tree. Sometimes I feel like that leaf, clinging too hard, long after everyone else has let go, knowing I should...but very afraid to fall.

Blurble 1.12

I've been painting my room. I thought it would be done today. But I went out gallivanting with my mom and was way too tired when I got home. Mostly all that's left is the work that requires a steady hand. I'll try to take some pics when I'm done.

The change in my life continues. I notice newness in myself everyday, things I used to do and don't, others I hated but now love. One example of the latter is my recent need to write about myself, how I feel, how I'm different, what I think about the changes. I really disliked introspective work before. I didn't like what I saw when I looked at myself. I've filled almost half of a 300-page journal in the last four months. This is from someone who took 4 years to fill a composition notebook. Ha!

There is so little middle ground with me when it comes to likes and dislikes. I don't get violent or loud about it. I just pursue it like heck or avoid it like the plague.

Also got my first sale of '08 today. :)

Post Picture: Proof I have been working on things. This is another picture of a half-burned block that would have been a coaster expect I think it's too much. The design was drawn by me onto the block and then each stroke was burned. I finished it a few days ago, but my camera would work properly. Hopefully I'll get a pic of the whole thing finished in the coming days.

Blurble 12.15

snow
Originally uploaded by lpdesigns

Blogging while sleeping can be hazardous. I'm not fully asleep yet, but I'm close.

I went up the Plattsburgh on Friday with my dad. My cousin was graduating from college. It was freezing but it was nice. I hadn't spent that much time with just my dad in a long time.

Uh, hmm, totally lost where I was gonna go with this. I still haven't done any Christmas shopping. I'm bad...yeah. Hehe.

Post Picture: Looking out of dining room window earlier this week. My mom and I were actually out while it was snowing. But I'm not about to tell you why. :P

Blurble 11.17

I'm noticing more and more that I'm not the same as I was. There are a lot of reasons for this. I was ready for a change. I've woken with a smile two days in a row. This is unusual. I've never liked waking up, even when I was little and had no problems. :P The new me is cool.

I haven't been working my fingers off, but I have cranked out more new things than I have in a while. I have a goal of getting to 50 things in the shop before the end of the month. That would be seven new things and I have that. I just procrastinate when it comes to listing. Picture taking can still be badness. But I keep getting compliments on my product pictures so I guess I've gotten better.

Other Blurble posts.

Post Picture: More new magnets. The bass clef is finished, the treble halfway. It is day 24 of Crafting 365. I really do draw everything by hand first. I think I'm done with them now. I don't know if I should add another sign to the bottom. I like them the way are. Have 2 other sets done now, too. I'm on a crafty roll!

Blurble 11.02

Ha, I just realized that today's date 1102 is the number for the store where I used to work. Not the phone number, but the little code number that distinguish it from the 2999 other stores in the country. I'm still so glad I'm not working there anymore.

Today I will:
Photograph new wristlet(s)
Restring at least one of the two necklaces I have to repair
Finish an ACEO
Topstich other wristlet straps
Persuade Dad to puh-lease trim the wood for the magnets. (I generally cut the myself, but these two pieces need to be trimmed with the big saw first. *treasures her fingers*)
Work on my room.
Drink something hot, it's freezing here

That's all I can think of at the moment. I'll have to talk to my mom, too. Discuss functions in math. Don't get 'em. First step is to get off the computer, which I'll do after this post. :P

Post Picture: A rental car we had for a week while our back-up car, which is now our only car, was in the shop. It was a sweet little ride. Little. After our van, it was a smidge cramped.

Blurble 10.13

Uninterested
Originally uploaded by lpdesigns

I have no idea for a title today, sorry. You can read other blurble posts, too. When my thoughts are too scattered to harness into a coherent post, I blurble. :P

I took that picture of my cat yesterday. She was sitting one of the windows and I thought it was really cool how the sun made her look like she was glowing. She wasn't too happy with me all in her face, and I guess the camera didn't smell too interesting. Shortly after I took this shot, she left the window. She's not a very obliging subject at times. But she's cute.

Still a little frustrated. Such a muddle, I'm in. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. Physically, I'm fine. I just think myself into such problems, it's ridiculous.

It's cold, now. It's October so it should be, but I was kinda liking the whole 80-degree-fall thing. Gotta break out long-sleeved stuff. I realize around this time that I have a lot of ugly clothes.

My stereo is dying a slow, ornery death. I'm very sad. Very sad.

Blurble 8.20

Heroes comes on today. It's a repeat but I don't care. I love that show.

I finished a skirt that I was reconstructing. I wore it to church yesterday then kept it on all day. It was nice to feel girly. But I'm back to my t-shirt and shorts today.

I realized I simply need to make more stuff for my shop. I don't have as many items as I'd like to think I do. But lately writing is taking over my life. It's good, because I've been struggling with this project for a long time. Soon, hopefully. I'll just use some of my computer savings and buy the stuff I need. Though my Etsy bill is going to be huge.

Blurble 7.27

If you google Google you get 785,000,000 results. :P Just an FYI.

Yesterday at theater went swimmingly. It was unbelievable. I'd been praying since Tuesday. The director was way less evil and showed glimpses of being brilliant. It was amazing. Next week, is Tech Week, where they're gonna run through the whole show with costumes, lights, set, makeup, band...everything. Late nights.



I really want to redo my banner. I'm considering dropping the LP from my shop name and just going with 'rjax'. That might cause confusion though, because 'rJax' isn't my name on Etsy. At any rate that banner is old.

I made one of a pair of new earrings. They're white. I kinda like them, but I think something's missing. Of course, I've been told I don't have to LOVE everything I make. And I do like them enough to list them. I just feel like there should be more to them.

Blurble 6.29

I have a distint feeling I will use the title Blurble again. So I dated it this time.



Those potholders have 5 hearters. This suprised me. Of all the ones I've listed I was sure these would be among the first to get sold. But yet, here they are. None of the other sets have as many hearters and the ones that have sold weren't hearted at all if I remember correctly. To figure out the buying public. I need to take a class or something.

I got nice feedback today. From Flibbertyjibbet. She's currently a buyer only who loves potholders...at least from her feedback.
These pot holders are ever so delightful! I used them last night to pick up my pasta pot and drain it. Yay!

That made me feel good. I'm happy, she's happy.

Had theater today. One of these days I'll have to take the camera so I can post pics of the crowded, unventilated room I work in. It's fun, though. We didn't do much work. That might tick off the director ladies. *shrugs* Some things can't be helped.