Doodlebird

Infinite Summer SUNDAY SUNDAY SUNDAY. Volume 1

So I am introducing a new little feature on the blog this week: Infinite Summer Sunday. I am participating in Infinite Summer  This is where you read David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest from July 21st-September 22nd. This 1077 page epic novel is not only long, but DFW writing style is very challenging.  I cracked open the book a bit early (last night sometime). I am loving every minute of it so far.... So in this segment I will discuss my progress and a little bit of how i feel about the book at the moment (seen as everyone I know who's read it says it is a roller coaster ride of hate and love for this book) Also I'll try to post some of Nate's thoughts since he also is doing this.  

So I am all set. I have my Kit assembled. 

My Infinite Summer Kit.

1. the book (Paperback, new)

2. a notebook to take notes (mine is a moleskine that i crafted a fabric cover for and embroidered the title plate) 

3. a new pack of Dixon Ticonderoga pencils. ( why yes I am that asshole.. but the pink mechanical photographed better that why it is in the picture) 

4. Post it notes and Post it flags 

I am thinking i may need a small drawstring pouch to carry this "kit" around in.  Maybe i'll work on that this week... now that the kit is assembled.. you may ask WHY SPENCER WHY! 

You are not alone. A friend of mine and not what you would call a "reader" per say. Asked me what Made me think i could/want to read this book in a short amount of time. Well I'm a pretty quick reader. When left to my own devices I can clip threw books at an alarming rate. I also like a challenge. I've been graduated from college for one year this month. I miss the challenges that college presented me.  I hope that reading the mental work out that is IJ will bring back some of what i have been missing.  also, I am a total literary wanker. I find delight in reading tedious fiction that not everyone will understand. It's all about the bragging rights and showing off in the end. 

  This Novel also fits in with another theme of this year BIG ASS BOOKS. I spent most of the winter/early spring reading Atlas Shrugged. SO i if I am gonna pack in two big ass books this year might as well try to make it three or four (i have three and four picked out)  So that is it. I hope you check out the Infinite Summer's web site those guys are making this outing a lot of fun. I'll leave you with a close up of the embroidery for my moleskine. 

What are you reading this summer? 

The sweet sweet taste of victory

So I had an idea when i saw this train case sitting at the thrift store. I love it when your ideas come to live before your very eyes. Everything came into place, the brown chalkboard paint, the cupcake fabric that was on sale, The brilliant idea of painting the tray aqua because it would go better with the base color of the tray!! (Nate's idea not mine, we make a good team) So yesterday You got to see the before shots and some of the process shots... well hold on to your hats ladies and gents. I think i am done, well maybe some minor tinkering (including pink pom pom trim on the outside if i can find some and another coat of paint, we'll see how this holds up.) 

Sorry it's so blown out... :( I know that I KNOW BETTER! ) let's have a look under the lid...

As my embroidery case. for now, this one may become my jewlery box because of the mirror.. but until i can find/make another one for my embroidery this is where it will live.  let's lift up that tray! 

see my favorite two size hoops fit in here nicely... and I am picking up some plastic oval ones too... i think they will also fit nicely.. and I think i am gonna use the pouch for patterns. 

So I see this as a TOTAL VICTORY with a capital V for the side of FREAKING ADORABLE!!! I am so happy with it! It really makes me love the fact that i can take something kind of boring and make something that is so much better!!!! I love it for the fact that I think it can be SO many things. Weekend toiletry box, Jewelry box, Embroidery box, Small knitting project box, hat box, accessory holder, Make-up case, message board (it is chalkboard paint), a purse, cash box... the uses are endless... and I think that is why i love it so much.

What is your greatest crafting victory? (this isn't my GREATEST, but it is pretty great) Leave me a comment let me know what ya think!!!!! 

Spence 

Adventures in crafting

So this morning we were looking at a few apartments downtown. So after we got stood up by two places. We went to ONE thrift store. I let nate choose but i was just in too bad off a mood to be drug threw every single thrift store in downtown V-town. (V-town is a thrfting maven's dream come true) SO I found this 

it's a pretty sweet train case. It was 9 bucks. It was stained and had a few light scratches on it. BUT nothing that a little Chalkboard Paint can't fix. Not only did i get chalk board paint I got COFFEE BROWN chalkboard paint! it super sweet!!! 

That is one coat. I think 3 are gonna be needed. So not only was it a nice shape it also had a CLEAR un-cracked mirror and the tray still intact but stained... nothing a coat or two of paint can't fix... i'm thinking YELLOW or PINK! 

So... I painted the outside. It's dry to the touch in 30 minutes but they say to wait 4hrs between coats. So after 2hrs. I decided to do the inside re-do

The pouch you see is part of the case, and a beautiful light blue taffeta so it get's to stay! 

I added ribbon around the mirror and the cute little 3-d sticker. I am thinking of adding a button or bow to the other side... 

Now I just have to do one (maybe two) more coats. and wrap the handle with ribbon, paint the tray AND and some cute fabric/ribbon to the hinge cover. We'll i'm off to do.. it more pictures when it's done! 

Moving=HELL

I read a lot of blogs. It's the first thing i do when I get up in the morning. Why my percolator is perking my coffee... I read threw my google reader. It seems to be a trend that lots of people are in the process of moving. I myself will be moving soon, where is yet to be determined. Today was the 4th almost full day of apartment hunting that nathan and I have done. And it SUCKS. The two of us aren't too keen on LA. I mean there are things that I love about LA. But housing/apartments isn't one of them. Nathan has hated every apartment we've looked at except for this one rent to own that the owners never called us back on. The Layouts of most apartments is horrfic. We have some ideas about what we would like. We would like a 2 bedroom. Since Nate's little brother will be living with us when he isn't at boarding school.  Really the only sticking point i have is that it NEEDS to have a gas stove. Three of the apartments we looked at to day did not (this was not there only flaw, but in my mind there biggest flaw) Pricing isn't even our biggest issue. I just want this to be over, I have started packing and Nate is living out of boxes in his house. I just want our live together to begin and the moving to be done with. 

I got it from my mama....

Crafting runs in my family.. BIG time. My brother is a painter, My Father is a jeweler, and my mother is a Jack of all trades (save for knitting and crocheting). Beading these day takes up most of her creative outlets. I am in the process of setting up an etsy store for my Dad and another one for my Mom along with one for myself. I want to do all the graphics and everything SO this is quite the undertaking. Plus I have to teach my mother and Father how to photograph there pieces in a beautiful way... this could be hard task since my dad isn't that great with the video camera. He's been know to leave it on and take pictures of our feet, the bus floor. My mom sent me in the mail these three necklaces. They are her ideas for Spring and Summer and I think they are amazing. Infact I am gonna wear the one with the brown shell circles  on my date to see Up with Nate later tonight.  (hehe he is on his way!!!) 

I LOVE LOVE THIS ONE!!! 

I love the blend of lady like pearls with more natural tribal centerpiece. 

this is just yummy in real life. the focus beads are red, and can't get that to quite capture. but i love the butterscotch beads. 

Also I've been knitting a lot this weekend. I am almost done with my textured shawl! Woo.. it got me thinking. mara is almost the same construction. only ALL garter stitch and then ribbing. Why can I bust threw textured shawl in a week. But cannot get it together with Mara. Well, Mara was my lifeline. It was the knitting that I poured all of angst and hate and confusion. I started it the week i couldn't sleep... I couldn't sleep because I was FREAKING OUT about Nate. He had just admitted he was in love me.. I was breaking up with my current BF. It was not a good week. And mara was there... to help me fill the 18+ hrs a day I was awake. Now that everything is resolved I can't help but wonder if that is why I feel meh about finishing her. I will, only because Nate loves that shawl so much. (he bought a pink dress that i am not allowed to wear, until it's finished.) I also cast on for Coraline. this very pretty sweater with a detailed yoke. The funny thing is the designer named it after the girl in the Neil Gaiman book of the same name. The yarn I have chosen for it. Is the color of coraline's hair in the movie. So. pretty plain Black buttons to mimic the mother's eyes I think are needed. 

How was your weekend? What are you working on? Do you have a crafty family as well?? 

The ins and outs of a long day on set.

Here is a rundown of my day. 

5:45am- Wake up, brush teeth, leave for work in my PJ. 

6:00am- arrive at Studio Security 

6:15am- Drop my bag of crap off in my little white closet. 

6:20am- Talk with the director about the the events of the day.. Go over some ideas i have for line delivery 

6:30am- Hair and Makeup

7:55am  put my costume on

8:00am 11am- Shooting/waiting/doing wind sprints./ Falling down a bunch

11:00am-1pm Lunch

1pm-4pm Shooting/waiting/Doing crane jumps/ getting the wind knocked out of me! 

4-4:30pm Shoot close up stuff (icky) 

4:30-5:45 dinner  

6:00-9:00 Shooting/waiting/shooting/more wind sprints

9:30-10:15 Shower ( I literally laid down in the shower and just let the hot water run all over me) 

10:30 Blogging/talking to Nathan 

while there is a lot of down times while they re-set things and hash out how to shoot things from what angles... It's still a long day. And it was a physical day. (right now i am loving my elliptical) I had lots of fun. Even if it is work... it's really fun work.... my muscles are killing me, I have two Advil PM and a nice big glass of ice cold water on my nightstand and i may see if i can get a massage tomorrow if not then when i get back to LA, it's on like donkey kong. As tiny as this part is. I've learned more in the past 48hrs then in 2 years of being an acting major in college. 

It's nice to be alone in my room right now. There are SO many people running around and SO many people asking you questions and telling you what to do where to be. It's nice for it just to be quite.. well as quite as it ever is around me... so me, my thoughts and the Dulcet tones of colin meloy. I listen to music on the set. But It is playlist that i create for the character life for different scenes.

 As I was writing this post i saw it on twitter that Jeff Hanson has died. How sad. He was a good Midwestern Singer/songwriter... Check out his self-titled album.. it was one of my favorites to develop film to. 

I rarely talk about work on here. Because i can't TALK about it. I can give generalzations of what went on. But as far as getting into the ins and outs of a project. I am not allowed to do that. But let's do a little run threw of what i CAN talk about... I am sitting in the Vancouver 4 seasons. well lounging in bed. I am talking on phone with nathan. He's on break.. he's a million miles from me... (ok not a million, but we are in two different countries for the first time in our relationship) for the first time in almost a week, that why this bed seems so big.. and sleep is not availing herself to me.  I had a most excellent flight/first day of work/afternoon with my co-workers. I hit my marks. Only blew my lines twice..and did 3 really solid shots. I feel good about them... Granted it isn't any of the stuff i've been worried about... but I feel like i nailed her today.. After work a few co-workers hung out. We got out early so we did a movie double feature. The hangover then land of the lost the first was freaking funny... the second was good summer fun.. Poutine for dinner. Tomorrow is a hard physical day. Sunday morning is a hard mental day... Sunday is gonna be lingering around in my mind for a few weeks.... hits close too home... My first acting professor in college always said, that emotional blowback and how you handle it is what is hard about this job. You can teach a monkey to be charming and speak back lines.  He like he is right, like he was about SO many things.   Good Night lovelies. 

Freestyle tagging

Rachel over at bling on my sewing machine had a tagged post up. Her note at the bottom was if your into do it. I am much better with this kind of tagging. Sometime i like questionnaires and sometimes I hate them. But seeing as I am trying to be as quiet as possible while Nathan naps. (he's got food poisoning, BAD!) this would be good idea for me right now. 

What is your current obsession?

google images 

Right now I am all consumed by: 

embroidery + knitting my textured shawl and pedal steel guitars (mine should be here in a few weeks.) 

What is your current favorite memory?

Right now, it is the decemberists show, we went to kitchen 24. We saw a killer show, then we made pancakes when we went got home. and Nathan called me his girlfriend for the first time. 

Starbucks or Peet's?

I am a coffee WHORE! My favorite being Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (it's a California thing) or intellegenica (a chicago and LA thing)  If forced to chose between starbucks and peet's I guess I'd say starbucks... But Nathan is trying to get a job with Peet's so I should I guess support that... Hmmmm I'll drink coffee from anywhere really... if it is cafinnated and has enough milk and sugar... it good. 

What's for dinner?

For me: BBQ tofu with a side salad and strawberry lemonade from scratch! Yummy!!! 

For Nathan: Homemade chicken soup(I can't eat it but is till make it for him)... but most likely just the broth 

What would you eat for your last meal?

My mom's beef tips and rice. And Splash Cafe Clam Chouder 

What's the last thing you bought?

6 balls of silky wool in a bright blue to knit a sweater. It was on sale and it's lovely I cannot wait to wear this sweater with cute longish skirts. 

What are you listening to right now?

Andrew Jackson Jhad, Sleeping at last, The Decemberists 

google image (ps.. this blog will never have enough pictures of Mr. Meloy and Co.)

What is your favorite summer time dessert?

Mine is banana pudding, and i guess that can be an ANYTIME dessert but my grandmother used to make it for me when we'd visit her in Alabama and we always went once a summer. So... that makes me think of summer. and the south... and home... 

What was your favorite toy growing up?

I don't remember a toy so much as a stuffed animal. 

Ricky he was a larger raccoon.

he went everywhere with me even to canada!

If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?

I am pretty much where i want to be right now. 

Laying in bed with Nathan watching

Tv and cuddling a bit.

Which language do you want to learn?

Because Nathan speaks it fluently. He constantly leaves me sweet nothings in french that i have to translate online... 

What's your favorite quote (for now)?

it's a song lyric... so i guess that is a quote...  "Oh, adhere to me For we are bound by symmetry And whatever differences our lives have been  We together make a limb" -  red right ankle by The Decemberists 

What is your favorite colour?

Aqua and red together , green and blue. and yellow.  

What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?

my eyeglasses. really they are the most amazing things I own!!!  and my pink prada bag.. it so cheery! 

What is your dream job?

I have it. while i don't talk about it much here I am incredibly lucky. I love my job. I love being someone eles for a while, trying to figure out what make them tick. I love the work behind it, not just the performing aspect. 

What is your worst habit?

Smoking, I know I KNOW! Nathan gets all over my ass about this one. (even though he'll sneek a few every great once and awhile) I get on set and just light up because EVERYONE smokes. I know I am really trying to NOT smoke.. in fact the last time i did was almost a month ago. 

If you had £100 now, what would you spend it on?

mmm if we are talking a 100 dollars not Pounds then this

You can get this lovely item here  (photo is by her as well) 

Do you admire any one's style?

scene girls, indie rock girls, pin up girls. 

Describe your personal style?

It has been lacking of late, but Nathan has changed that. He dresses like FREAKING JAY GATSBY! So i am in the process of stepping up. More dress more skirts, less jeans and t-shirts. 

What are you going to do after this?

warm up some homemade chicken noodle soup for Nathan, and fix myself a little salad. 

What are your favourite movies?

Uh I love WAY to many to list here. 

What is your favourite fruit?

in fact i may make a plum some baked rustic dessert tomorow. 

What inspires you?

Driving with the windows down and the music turned WAY UP! Music, and right now being in love 

Your favorite book?

the time travlier's wife. 

Do you collect something?

sure do lots of things in fact here is a taste: Sweater guards, tea cups, coffee mugs, vintage hats, designer purses(mostly LAMB and LV) hello kitty kitchen appliances.

What are you most proud of?

how i've grown up a bit in the last few months. how i am adapting to change and totally embracing it.

What do you like most about yourself?

determination... to a fault almost i'll never give up and keep swinging even on the way down. 

What is your go-to nail polish color?

black. always has been... always will be 

well that is it, I guess if your into it do it.. this is after all freestyle tagging 

june gloom...

Is here! i love it! i am so happy that it is grey and cool... yesterday I just hung around my apartment with Nathan. happily reading and painting and embroidering and knitting. taking time to stop and smell the peonies... 

 Poor Nate has food poisoning and is stuck here till his fever breaks. thank goodness there is a girl who wants the hours where he works... He'll be grumpy his next pay period though... I'll take good care of him!  here is some of the things i worked on yesterday. 

This next picture is the cover for my very first art journal. I am taking a class from Rachel It's about summer plans! I am totally into it I really like the idea of art journaling. I have to figure out how i am gonna end up binding the book, but it's totally fun so far! 

Well I am off to make chicken noodle soup, go get smart water and a new horror movie on DVD for the sick boy. Thank goodness it's just food poisoning and I can't get it from him... other wise i'd be very sad/sick this weekend on set. 

Little bits of paper+a rake+ two old spoons= <3

There is a running joke between and Ex-boyfriend and myself, about my scrapbooking supplies. I took a HORRIFIC scrapbooking class in college and I have TONS and TONS of supples that just sit under my dining room table. I hated everything about scrapbooking... most of all all the precision cutting. Well, In the spirt of my lost summer... I am taking an art journaling class, given by the super talented miss Rachel of RVA   The theme of her class is.. "i solemnly Swear...." it's an art journal about plans for the summer! SO I am gonna plan out this little lost summer i've got and keep track of it from monday- until I go back on set in september. Art journaling would be something cool to do for different projects I do... I could see it becoming a part of my process... I've collected little bits of paper and junk for as long as i can remember... now I can put it to good use! 

Nathan has been Jacked up about Conan O'brien coming back for days... in fact I have been listening to a PLETHORA of Conan impersonations and bits. He does a modestly good conan impersonation. But what takes the cake was today in the middle of walmart, he uses a rake to recreate the Walker Texas Ranger Lever bit. IN THE MIDDLE OF A CROWDED GARDEN DEPT. Causing an old lady to literally shriek!  I thought for sure we were getting kicked out of walmart.  I wish i would have thought to snap a picture of him going down with my iphone.  Instead I pretended not to know him walked a way quickly, choking back a peel of laughter.  There are moments where he does things that he knows will make me giggle no matter how stupid he looks to other people. It's one of the things I find most endearing about him.  Long before we were dating, he had a knack of picking me up and making me smile but the thing I love about him the most, is he has this internal sensor, that knows when i just need him to let me cry it out, or fret, or worry... that sometimes i am an overly sensitive silly girl, and just need to be that. 

OMG my bracelet it a huge success... three different ladies in Trader Joes asked me about it. One old lady even grabbed my hand while i was reaching for the butter! Sorta werid. But old ladies get the pleasure of being a bit weird, they've been prim and proper longer then I've been a live.  We ran out a little bit later, My favorite night checker at the "shitty ralphs" by my house also flipped out. I promised i'd bring her the name of the store some time this week...  While at TJ. We picked up pretty pink peonies. 

They smell heavenly on our bedside table. The color makes me so happy such a bright and girlie pink.  (i'll get natural light pictures in the morning!)  They remind Nate of this perfume oil i used to put in everything it was a custom blend i got in chicago, it smelled like peonies and some other things... It was the only perfume i used until the last drop. I wish i could find the bottle... or remember the store's name.. I know it was off the armatiage brown line by paper source in chicago... if that helps anyone who may wander across my little slice of the internet. 

How was your weekend? Did you have a decent monday? what have you been up to crafting/cooking/decorating? what makes you so happy you feel like your gonna burst? let me know! 

I kiss you and I know....

Nathan, spoils me. Really he does. He brings me coffee in bed. He drives to me every weekend. Last weekend he gave me a beautiful ring. He also ordered this present before he left. (from here)   When I asked him about this a few minutes ago.. He shrugged and says i love you.. and i miss you during the week.  and walks off towards the kitchen to make afternoon snacks and coffee... So here is what he ordered for me.. I Iove it. It combines two things that i love, Spoons and Typewriter keys. 

Here is me wearing it it! 

and a close up of the pattern! 

A little back story on the pattern. The name is "portland" and it was discontinued in 1891. Besides being totally my style... Porland is the place that I tell Nate we are gonna end up. That one day when I am tired and over the audition/acting thing. That portland is where I want to be, because EVERYTHING cool happens in portland. Including this beautiful bracelets name. 

So much <3 <3 <3 <3 in this house right now... I am working on "dreaming of you" pillowcases, and about to do some much needed laundry!  

Edit.. sorry for no title and that the link was all messed up.. it's working now kids!

OMG HAPPY DANCE....

So, Nathan left his pocketwatch here. And I left my  mailbox key in his pocket of his suit. He remembers this oh... about 15 minutes ago.. SInce I have a surprise coming from etsy!  SO. of cource i run to the mailbox in the middle of the night. My surprise from etsy is not here yet! (maybe tommorrow) but my RVA order came!!! OMG OMG OMG OMG OMG!!!! 

this may be worthy of me curling my hair and making it cute so it can be worn tomorrow!

 

So Nathan and i had a convo about bracelets and how he thinks they are super cute.. and how cute of wrists i have and why don't i wear bracelets.. or a watch for that matter... i don't know i can never find cute ones... was my answer... well i bought this cuff to be used as a coffee cozy. but I think that it's gonna work out nicely a a cuff as well!! how freaking cute 

and here is me wearing it... pictures of it on my I'm not a paper cup in the morning.. when it is full of lovely coconut coffee 

NIght Night I swear!!! 

Pancakes with the pack... and a 24hr blog party!

I am currently putting pinning my hair up, its in this half up half down thing that looks sorta like a bow... Pictures at some point i'm sure! So We are going to meet up with "the Pack" Nate is a nervous wreck right now. Not only does he have a BIG HUGE AMAZING interview that would allow him to move to California Sooner tommorrow! It is also the first time he is meeting this group of my friends. He's not one to take the piss out of anyone but me. But this is the Pack's favorite pasttime... It should be good times! 

I also wanted to let everyone know that one of my favorite blogs is having a 24hr blog party! A Beautiful Mess  That blog is endlessly entertaining and inspiring. So Check it out!!! 

ps. Ascots are hot.. like wicked hot.. Men... dress accordingly! 

I made coffee that doesn't taste flat!!!

I did it I made coffee with the stove top percolator. I have a fancy drip machine that i bought a few months back. It makes OK coffee. Good enough coffee when every coffee shop in town is closed (that around 10pm every day of the week here) or when I have people over in mass (it's a 12 cupper) It grinds and then brews so it fresh ground and ok, but the coffee I made this afternoon! is AMAZING! (not as good as nathan's but good) 

Something has happened i got the Brew and Grind, Nate has started making me coffee every morning/afternoon/evening he is here. He always is up the second the alarm goes off. Me I hit snooze and throw a pillow over my head. But he heads into the kitchen and makes coconut coffee with foamed milk... somedays he adds chocolate, but not very often cause I don't have an espresso maker. This stuff is Heaven on earth, the best coffee i've ever had. (he's won a few awards for being an amazing barista... So that another entry on the "he's a keeper list") Funny thing is. he can't make tea for shit. a few afternoons, I have gotten a desperate plea for me a make me a yummy pot of chestnut tea. Lucklly I can, I make a mean pot of tea. 

  But anyway!!!  the percolator makes yummy coffee. Like, I am not upset i didn't get motivated enough to go to Starbucks good.  This Cup happens to be Starbucks Organic Serena Blend, paired with a bit of sugar, and some Coconut Cream Coffee Mate (yes Nate I bought MORE coffee mate and I am using starbucks beans! don't cry about it!) it is delish! and super easy! I could totally make this half awake in the morning, cutting my starbucks bill in half by not having to go get coffee first thing in the morning. WOOO go me! 

This post also reminds me that i need to get a few more of these Orla Kelly for target mugs before they sell out of them! It is Nate's and Mine favorite mug at the moment... We seriously have to take turns using it... (it's all flight of the Conchords up in this joint) the same thing for her water glass that i have. I know were silly! 

I refuse to leave this house till Nathan gets here. (that probably untrue, but I'd like to be)

Wow, I can't believe three days have clicked by so quickly. Right now I love Nate's work schedule. I know he hates it, because one of the managers is out on maternity leave so that leaves him working all of his 40 hrs in 4 days. (he is doing 34 hrs in 3 days this coming up week. so he can come be my assistant on set next weekend isn't he a sweetheart!!!) I know he is talking to a few of the franchises out here to see if he can transfer sooner then end of july. So cross your fingers!!! 

 We are apartment hunting tuesday morning. I hope that some people call me back I have been trying to get appointments lined up all week. So far it is a re-look at one of the Sliverlake rent to owns. I have to take detailed pictures to send to my dad! So those will show up here soon! I think the lack of people calling me back means that little house on Hyperion Ave. Is suppose to be mine.(isn't that a lovely street name for an address!!)

  It needs work, the exterior needs a good coat of paint the hardwood floors need re-sanding. The Master Bathroom is a total and utter disaster. And it won't come with appliances. (i've already started pricing them... OMG who knew washers and dryers and refrigerators cost so much!!!) But the price is good. And Nathan says he's my personal Norm Abram. That between his and my skill sets we will have an amazing house in the only acceptable neighborhood in LA. (according to him) I also think west hollywood is charming. 

I spent this morning running errands. Stupid little things i didn't want to do once Nate got here. It was a productive morning! I ran to Old Navy because my friend Firebrunette   (check out her blog, she is the BEST knitter I know, and always has a few amazing patterns for free on her site!) told me about some amazing deals she scored yesterday at her ON. So I went to the one NOT in the mall by my house. (although Nate needs to go to Gap to take back a shirt so I may need to stop at the one IN the mall tomorrow) I found the most ADORABLE yellow cardigan, and Blue skirt. 

And today they had all graphic t-shirts were 3 dollars. So I picked up 3 (they each were 14.50 normally) 

I think that purple one will look DIVINE with a Jean skirt and grey leggings and my new yellow sweater... they are almost sweater like more then t-shirt like... but they were 3 bucks so I'll wear em and mix and match with them. 

My final stop was to Michaels. FINELY the one by me has some new yarn in! They have a bunch of new colors of Patons Classic Wool! This is one of my favorite wools, it wears wonderfully, washes up great and at 5 bucks for 200 yards what more could a girl as for! 

So This will be turned into some kind of crochet blanket... I am actually scouring Ravelry as I type (while the pictures load) To find something, I would LOVE to make a wool eater out of this with a cream and a chocolate brown that i have, BUT i cannot for the life of me EVER get that pattern to work out right... I don't know what it is but my brain HATES it. 

So the only other big plans I have today is I get to try out the glass percolator! Nate gave me detailed instructions on how to use it and How much coffee and what it should look like! SO I am gonna try my hand at it later this evening. So How is your weekend been so far? Do anything exciting? See any good movies? let me know 

-S

It's friday... so it must be SHOW AND TELL!!!

Hey Everyone! So yesterday's post was long and drawn out and had NO pictures... thanks for Indulging me  and your reward is a show and tell post! YAY!!!! (this may be a friday thing. I loved show and tell in school, and it was always on friday!) 

my new ring from the last post. 

I love Keds. They make super cute comfy shoes. If I am wearing shoes and not flip flops they are keds or converse. Maybe some vans but keds and converse win out... these keds are not just ANY keds. They are Nanette Lapore for keds. I have a slight love afar with this line of keds. I bought a pair of skimmers full price i loved them so much. BUT these beauties who've I've stalked and Stalked retailed at a little over 100.00 I got them at ross for 12.99. yep! I totally rock! 

Honestly how could i say no to these cute little fishies... I am sure at some point I will say "the fishies are eeaatttting my feeeeet" like do with my panda keds when my feet start to hurt... but seriously the fish are cute, i have a white and aqua skirt that is craving an orange t-shirt and these shoes.  (8.99 at ross, i know you wanna hit me; right in the face) 

Feather gemstones, and amazing... the last one can be a hair piece or a brooch! I have a little black dress that is SCREAMING pin that feather thing on me!!!! 

It's a glass percolator. And was gonna be a surprise for Nathan. But I had to call him to get his opinion on if a glass one was a good idea or not. So now we have an adorable glass percolator... and maybe it will make it a bit easier on my sweetie when he makes coffee in the morning (something I'm forbidden from doing, because apparently i can't do it) It's pretty.. I am sure your asking Why is it on your bed.. well because my kitchen is the dark pit of despair... it's tucked back in the apartment with NO window light. So. that is why photo shoots take place on my bed. 

So to switch things up a bit... here are some lovely things I am making or have made with my own two hands. 

N+SM=<3 yep it does, and i embroidered it on a 1 1/2 inch fabric covered button! It's LOVE!!!

this is also LOVE LOVE LOVE... it's bringing back my knitting mojo. and it is heavenly. It is the Textured Shawl (pattern is only available on Ravelry) I am kniting it out of Madelinetosh worsted Tosh in Maple leaf. I am so nutso about the yarn, I can't stand it.. I scoffed at the price (19.00) for 250 yards. but it makes me so Gosh Darn happy I may have to find another small project that can be made out of a ball of another color. 'm thinking a hat, in fact it's a Madelinetosh pattern i was thinking of, Stella. I also would love to get my hands on a skein of her sock yarn. She has great patterns (Mara is also one of her patterns) And the yarn is beautiful, between this and Malabrigo i am gonna be broke, but I will have lovely lovely yarn! 

The Bad Dreams that all came true... You woke up my neighborhood....

Ever have a run of days where every little thing just sets you off emotional some how. For the most part these past few weeks I've been really good about not letting things get me too upset or down. But Wednesday morning I woke up at 3am from horrific nightmare. I sat up, and promptly began to bawl. Nathan, groggy and not used to crying crazy girls sleeping next to him, did the best he could, lemon water, stories, snuggles and singing to me when all else failed. He eventually fell back asleep, and I did a few hrs later. When he woke up. he told me stories about ancient greece and rome. Apparently ancient greeks believed that Aquamarine would absorb "young love" and hold on to it.  It was also what Romans would give to their young wives as a gift the morning after they consummated their marriage. Before he left, he gave me a pretty ring. with aquamarine stone and a setting that looks like a birds nest! I love it. every time i look down at it makes me think of him. It makes me insanely happy. 

Right now, I am in the process of trying to decide if I should sell my Bonnaroo ticket. I had planned on going alone, before i started dated Nathan. In fact i was in full on retreat mode from him when I bought the ticket. I was hoping that things wouldn't change with him when i got this ticket. That we would be BFF forever, and nothing more. I am glad i was wrong. On my drive to SLO last month, I had decided that I had lived without him once and I could do it again. I also wanted to try to go as slow as possible. I've learned we have been going slowest most painful way for the last 4 years.  two steps forward, ten back in this brilliant little dance of fear/stupidity. Once we both got on the same page, there was no way to stop the inevitable fall that would happen at the speed of light.  When I bought that ticket, I needed to be out of SoCal. I needed to be anywhere but in the middle of what I was feeling. But I am in a different place now. I still want to see the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, I still have a ticket, and a Plane ticket/rental car. He assures me that this anxiety he feels, isn't because we are dating now. He always assumed i was going to Bonnaroo with a group of people. He worries that I'll get sick, hurt, assaulted.  And he isn't with in driving distance of TN. I am sure that none of those things will happen. I have a good head on my shoulders, I'm pretty smart about things. I wouldn't be drinking or doing drugs. So sickness/heat stroke would be the only thing I would really be worried about. As much as I love the Yeah Yeah Yeahs I am starting to think that seeing them, isn't worth his sanity...or the yelling matches we've had tonight. It's hard for me to not be a single/selfish critter. when pushed to think of things "as a couple". I always get squeamish. It's the last and final wall that surrounds the fortress of solitude.  He's offered a few consolation prizes, that all include him. So that fact alone makes them more appealing then camping with hippies on a farm in 90% humidity. I am sure i could sell the ticket... but part of me says you bought it for a reason... go.. stick to your plan. So for now... Bonnaroo is up in the air... 

An Expensive way to get fat... in a hurry..

Sooo after much debate and a slightly stupid row. Nate and I went to Pauette in BH today.

 It was the first time Nate has spent time in BH and he was glad we were only going for Parisian Macarons.  The first time I had Parisian Macarons they were smuggled in a friends carry on from the last day of his tour. They were 2 days old and still AMAZING. I was in love. I tried to make them... grind my own almond flower, to a result that looked like some cross between, a turd and a half burnt marshmallow.  I had been hearing about Paulette. So Today was the day and let me tell you that 19 bucks for 12 of these little pieces of heaven sounds expensive, but it is way worth it.

 we've had them about half a day and we are trucking threw this dozen, I don't expect them to see midnight... well maybe midnight... but 6am tomorrow NO way.  So here is what your looking for... the pictures the macarons porn... Sorry more iphone pictures... hopefully i find where i put the battery chargers up so they wouldn't get lost while i was cleaning/organizing my house a few months ago. 

Flavors: lemon, Raspberry,Coconut, Carrbebian chocolate, Madagascar Vanilla, caramel. 

close up of the caramel... SO yummy! 

Raspberry macaron and my lovely macbook! 

mmmm yummy... 

Yeah that is raspberry jam.... and it is a good as you think... 

A little face lift...

Hello, I hope everyone is having an amazing weekend.  I'm having the most relaxing time here in v-town. Nathan and I have just been lazying about. Today we went to the park across from my apartment and found "our tree". The park was full of people so we didn't say long. Hopefully I can find my camera's battery charger this week so i can take pictures of our picnic next weekend. We also went to joann today so i could get more embroidery floss  it was on sale and I had a coupon. So, I think i may use one of 40% off from Michaels to get a variegated set. embroidery has kind of taken over a bit. I don't know why but right now i find it very soothing. I did knit a few rows on mara at the park. I know that Nathan wants that shawl to be done. I don't know why he loves it so much but he loves to pet the Malabrigo.  Here is another project that I have started. The girl is done, I need to finish the boy.

I am also almost done with the first pillowcase. I love embroidering on the pillowcase. I for see Lots and lots of those in my future. Tomorrow Nathan and I are going to make Jam. Blueberry marmalade and Strawberry Jam. I am super excited it should be LOADS of fun!  I'll take lots of pictures with the iphone. If we can't find my battery charger. Well I am off to make some Strawberry lemonade for Nate... 

Spencer 

Guestblog: hello....hello... Spencer Marie! are you sure this thing is on???

test... test... *backs up from the keyboard* Sweetie, your sure this thing works? it's on?? people can see this??? Ok... if your sure..... Hello... I'm not a blogger... I only use the internet for news, AIM, email. I am what you could say a man of few words.... to strangers anyway....I am sure your lovely hostess would say other wise.... I've talked her ear off from the moment she rode into my life clinging to a super skinny scenester boy on the back bright yellow vespa wearing a black and white polka dot dress, with hot pink and black hair and more eyeliner then Ziggy Stardust. She told me to think of this as me just talking to her. That's what I've done. So from that night till now here are the songs that make me think of her. I hope she explained the rules of our little mix tape game to you. She made a tape.. that i think you all saw. Then I made one using the same artist.. I can get rid of one artist and replace it with something else. She really made it easy on me by picking most of her favorite artists. To one up her just a bit I tried to pick songs I've connected to memories of her.  Much to my embarrassment and Spencer Marie's pleasure will share them with you. Think of them as the liner notes. A glimpse into things she would never tell you, if she was the one who shared my mix with you. I am sure your asking yourself why I would do this. It's her eyes, ladies and gentlemen, the way they will without a doubt sparkle and shine. well that and the squeals of delight i know i'll be greeted with tomorrow when i get to her apartment. 

Stupidly Happy- XTC

She's always made me feel easy.If you've ever had the pleasure of making her really laugh you know I mean. I am talking the kind of laughter that sends her into fits of giggles for minutes. This song makes me feel ALMOST as good.  

Why'd you want to live here- Ben Gibbard 

 God knows I hate LA, but it's where she has to live. So why not make as much fun of it as I can. 

Red Right Ankle- the Decemberists 

Really I can't say it better then the lyrics of this song. " Oh adhere to me, for we bound by symmetry whatever differences our lives have been we together make a limb."

Oh she also has a gypsy uncle named Hector.... JUST KIDDING

Bread and Coffee- The Promise Ring 

This song used to be on her darkroom mix. She listened to it a lot when she was held up in the darkroom of solitude. when she listens to songs a lot, she hums them... I remember she came to visit to do a shoot, she hummed this song almost the whole time she was here. Drove me nuts with it in fact. Also one of the only pictures of hers i have is her interpretation of lyrics to this song.

Jenny - The Mountain Goats

She rides in on a motorcycle.and they ride off into the sunset. and Spencer marie and I both are Pirates... so this song also is a good anthem for us.

Here We Are - Mercy Mercedes 

It sounds like what she would listen to while singing into her hairbrush and putting her makeup on. dancing about her bathroom. It's what she does.

Jessie and my Whetstone- Saves The Day

Reminds me of our turbulent pass. Of how i wish that I could take back so many things I've said, she seen me do. I can't. So let's go play in puddles and start over. 

Such Great Heights- Iron and wine 

eyes. all about her eyes.

Just Watch The Fireworks - jimmy eat world 

This was on the play list.. the first time her and I hung out alone.I remember her and I sing it at the top of our lungs while driving around.  We ate falafel.

Everything I Asked For- The Maine 

She turned me on to this band... while not my favorite, the are catchy and right up her alley... Plus, she does rock a pair of Prada sunglasses like no one else can.  (hey Spencer Marie is it possible for you to put that cute picture of you in your sunglasses here) 

She will be loved - Maroon 5

Really, I wanted to get rid of panic at the disco and so I had to pick a maroon 5 song. Sometimes she can one up me.. this is one of those times. 

Brand New Colony- The Postal Service 

I want to be everything but the platform shoes. I like that she has to get on her tiptoes a bit to kiss me when she wears flats.. it's adorable, and absolutely fractures me. Also she has dancers feet! 

Fear you won't fall- Joshua Radin

I took the first step I wrote her and told her how much she meant to me. Scared to death the whole time that all she would see is the all the shitty things.

Tune out-The Format 

She dances when she drives, I'm not kidding it's is frightening. We also go out driving. I love the 118 by her house it's green and full of lemon groves, farm stands, and great place to go driving and listen to good music. 

Valentine- The Smoking Popes

"you're the sweetest of all sweethearts. Won't you give your heart to me. Can't you see I love you, Valentine." 

Here There and Everywhere - The Beatles 

It's the best love song Paul McCartney wrote. No I don't want to hear about Yesterday, or Michelle, Or Maybe I'm Amazed. Also I don't care that he wrote it for Jane Asher and not Linda. It's the best one period. It is also her favorite Beatles song. I feel that our respect for this piece of music may be the whole reason i love her.  I mean have you ever tried to find a girl who KNOWS this song let alone adores it the way she does. 

Antonia - Motion City Soundtrack 

A song about a quirky girl. If Spencer Marie is anything she is quirky. She has big cat eye glasses. She is the domestic queen. She is a girlie girl in a pretty dress one day. The just one of the boys in Jeans, a t-shirt and 

Chucks the next day.

Marry Me- A Nightmare Of You

"I felt a love of such Deafening Weight, dangling from a balustrade of shilly-shally. Overlooking infinity and this ecstasy of you lying next to me."  

lullaby- The Spill Canvas 

I feel like he stalked her and I. She blushes like crazy, she is a raging insomniac, I give anything to make sure she sleeps. I'll sing to her, rub her back, even read her books on existentialism to bore her to sleep if i have to. 

It's been a long road darling, but these are songs that bring me to you...

Nathan drives a long time to come spend two days a week with me. It is very sweet of him, he knows I hate the drive and to fly so until the end of july he will be making weekly trips to visit me... also we are looking for an apartment in LA. So I thought that I would make mix of songs that make me think of him. Starting from when we were just friends all the way threw how the tiniest things makes me think of him now. 

Drugs or me- Jimmy Eat World 

Northern Downpour- Panic At The Disco

Heart Skips a beat over you- The Promise Ring 

Today- Joshua Radin

I'd like that- XTC

Janet- The Format 

Shiver me timbers- Mercy Mercedies

The Maine- Count em One Two Three 

It had to be you- Motion City Soundtrack

Ode to Serotonin- A nightmare of you 

Be Still My Heart- The Postal Service 

If I Could Only Win Your Love - The Decemberists 

Sunday Morning- Maroon 5

I know you love me- the smoking popes 

They Don't Know- Ben Gibbard

Love and Some Verses- Iron and Wine

Old College Try- The Mountain Goats

Valiant- The Spill Canvas 

So there it is that is my mixtape. Now the twist in this little mixtape story is he has to make me one using the same artist... and cannot repeat any of the songs... he can make one substitution.  I can't wait to see how he sees these artist and how they relate to me.