End of Summer/Beginning of Fall

Back from a pretty interesting few weeks and I have plenty of updates and good news to share!

First things first:

The Gold Coast Art Fair went very very well (in the big picture sense). I toughed it out in 90+ degree weather for three straight days with no sunscreen, no tent and a minimal amount of tears/anxiety attacks. My inventory sold consistently... not necessary what I had anticipated but more than I have ever made an art art fair and for that I'm very grateful. The best thing is I was in an area designated for SAIC students only and they were all very supportive and pleasant.

Gold Coast Art Fair photo of me at my table. Taken by my mom with her magical phone!

I only had one unfortunate run in with a mean- spirited loony but I've since made my peace with that. It never ceases to amaze me what some people believe is acceptable behavior at a public art event, especially towards a fellow artist.

2) Summer is coming to a close, much to my dismay. I have no personal problems against fall as a season. It produces vibrant colors, wonderful flavors (pumpkin spice) and it makes me feel all warm and glowy....the only problem is that it will inevitably lead to winter. One of THE WORST seasons for me in every sense of the word.

I can't wait to go back to the Chicago Botanic Gardens later this month to see a scene like this!

I'm doing things to calm myself down and say goodbye to summer like hot showers with Dr. Bronner's peppermint castile soap, late nights of True Blood marathons, and shopping for soft, layer-able fall wear.


Side Note: I finally got around to reading Dead Until Dark. The first book in the Sookie Stackhouse series and I was very impressed with the story quality....and I was totally right about the sex scenes. The second season of the television show seems to be going down a very weird path but I'm not giving up.

Though I know it may take some time, I would really love to dance en pointe. My aerial teacher is always yelling at us to point our toes!

3) I'm starting Ballet classes at Lou Conte Dance Studio (a part of Hubbard Street Dance) next month and I'm very very excited about it. I figure ballet will help me to maintain my core strength and will be beneficial to the circus arts classes I take. Though I do consider myself to generally be a graceful person, I noticed that there was a slight difference between me doing a routine on the trapeze and an ex-dancer doing that same routine. Besides, I've always wanted a reason to rock some ballet shoes!

In the midst of an aerial routine. It hurts a little bit to be suspended in that position but it also feels pretty good to give your hips a good stretch. Maybe one day if I get good enough, I can work with Fuerza Bruta!

4)One last thing: I finally got a raise. Yay!! It only took like 3 years!

BTW, I can't wait to indulge in some pumpkin pie. One of my favorite seasonal snacks.

Happy Thursday!

Craft Disasters and other stories

School is out! To quote Lady Gaga (and I will not do this very often) "I'm a Free Bitch, baby!!"

The last craft show I did was a truly awful experience. Not only did I sell only one item but my tablemates were bitchy and kept giving me dirty looks. It was very disheartening. I think part of the reason I sold so little was because my stuff was the most expensive there (roughly $15 - $30 per pair of earrings) and since it was at a community center, I don't think people were willing to pay that much. I also have a sneaking suspicion that it wasn't very well advertised. A lot of people who came through didn't seem to know what exactly was going on.

On the upside I got to chat up some friendly crafters (not my tablemates), I ate a ton of brownie cookies, and now I have some new merch on the etsy page. Check it out!

Gold Dust Woman Earrings

Good Night Moooon Earrings

In unrelated news I have begun watching True Blood. I really appreciate the overall darkness of the show and that it's not afraid to be visceral and disgusting, which is something I think a lot of modern day vampire shows are missing.

Sookie Stackhouse and Bill Compton (Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer) in Season 1 of True Blood. Stephen Moyer should be given an award for being the most attractive and believable vampire ever!


I researched it and Yes, you can actually buy this drink (not made from synthetic blood, of course). HBO sells it on their website - $16 for a four pack! A little steep for a carbonated drink.


Vampires Pam, Eric, and Chow ready for an attack! My most absurd dream job would be to play a vampire in a movie or tv show. You'd get to wear those fangs and be all confident and do a lot of sweet stunts! *Sigh* Perhaps I've gone into the wrong profession.

The sex scenes are a little bothersome. Not that sex scenes make me uncomfortable per se. I just get the feeling that in the book they were probably way more erotic and stimulating than HBO's version. I'm kinda getting tired of seeing that blonde guy get straddled by various boring looking women with fake seeming breasts. Other than that, the acting and storyline are great...even though I don't quite buy the whole shape- shifter thing (sorry if that spoils anything for other new watchers out there).

Now that the semester is over, I have been left with a frightening amount of energy. I went for a lovely 45 minute run this morning then came home and danced in my kitchen to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs while I made (and ate) lunch. Then this evening I walked the equivalent of 3 train stops back to my house carrying books and groceries. Weird. Maybe once Aerial classes start, I will be good and tired again.

I was mostly listening to this song by the way:

BTW, I am planning an early trip down to the Garfield Park Conservatory tomorrow after breakfast. I will be sure to write about it and all of its loveliness.

Happy Thursday <3>