Sailor Purrs

His Silent Hobby

2012-02-13T20:09:00.001-08:00

A wound is just a highway to a new and enlightened kind of confidence, basically. Damage is one of the things in emotional aesthetics that makes something great, like all the scars on a tree or a banged-up coffee cup or whatever. Everything you go through is marking your soul.

My friend and fellow Rehabber, N., got inked with my tattoo concept drawn for him. A self-described Cutter-Upper, this tattoo is meant to put his Silent Hobby in the past, the tattoo placed to cover his scars. The final design was created at Tattoo Noir in Bloomfield.

N. reminds me of Elliott Smith, and I hope we can remain friends long after the Drama of the Higher Power meetings.

Snowy little frogs

2012-01-28T17:48:00.001-08:00

:: cold-blooded frogs can't be coy about ROMANCE when fleeting summer comes to THE ALPS.

I read this in a National Geographic while my gynecologist administered my annual Pap test and drew it while awaiting my Rx. I love LIFE.

Jenny: The most beautiful name in the world...

2012-01-23T20:26:00.001-08:00

... is what Mr. Sands said to me he gave me his handmade boat in a jar. He was able to pull this feat off with a just-off-surgery finger. Of course, the quote is from "Forrest Gump," a sweet sentiment. I often get called the infamous "Jen-NAY" pronunciation. If you look closely atop the sails, you can see he painted the Swedish flag, one of my heritages. My family last name was Johanssen back in the day; I won't try to cover Tom Waits, I promise.

Aunt Joan's Owl, Jenny boat, Men in Pajamas, spool.

I found my Canon from college while organizing the other day. My favorite moments from those days took place in the darkrooms of the art and photojournalism buildings. Stop bath, fixer, I want you back. Maybe it's time to build a darkroom.

My Bird Bag from high school. So bought after an out-of-body event experienced by me and my best friend KH. Cause: Lysergic acid diethylamide, well known for its psychological effects which can include altered thinking processes, closed and open eye visuals, synaesthesia, an altered sense of time and spiritual experiences. Effect: Birds that look at us.

And putting your foot down a nail shot up like a bright red snowflake Just like a dinosaur act.

::: lost on journeys, we walked on :::

2012-01-22T20:46:00.000-08:00

Wintertime clothes: the snow, the skating, the hot cocoa.

2012-01-22T19:52:00.000-08:00

Heavy hung the canopy of blue
Shade my eyes and I can see you
White is the light that shines through the dress that you wore
She lay in the shadow of the wave
Hazy were the visions of her playing
Sunlight on her eyes but moonshine beat her blind everytime
Green is the colour of her kind
Quickness of the eye deceives the mind
Many is the bond between the hopefull and the damned

People look cozier and cuter in wintertime clothes.

Sam Young wanted to see Mario Quinn rap with 30Realm. And so did I. So we did.

Pink Lady Code: To act cool, to look cool, to be cool.

I wish I had a river I could skate away on.

Wherever you go today, you go today.

MONEYBALL

2012-01-11T16:15:00.000-08:00

ii. i drew this last night while watching "beginners" and "moneyball." i was so happy when it turned midnight, and i texted my besties Sam Young and Jennifer Kelly: "It's 1.11.11!!!!" to which both replied, "twelve, jenny." oh fail. oh my goodness, it is groundhog day with bill mutherfuckin murray. the year that never ends.

ii. i thought "moneyball" was about wall street. wall street 3: moneyball. and then i found out it was about baseball, and all i could think was, "no wonder Chip Phillips wants to see this. he LOVES baseball!

iii. bought george harrison, merle haggard, jim morrison and the dumbo soundtrack records todays at jerry's. i plan to gently weep to baby mine later tonight while re-watching "moneyball." i wish bill mutherfuckin murray was in "moneyball."

iv. "moneyball" how many times can i mention this film in this post.

v. sam got me some sweet 1920s musique, and then when i played "sinnerman," he called nina simone "he." major FAIL, SAMANTHA!

Sammy + Dimitch = prettyful

2012-01-09T15:44:00.000-08:00

the NAVY Daze

2012-01-08T15:43:00.000-08:00

i. new markers, courtesy of Tara Powers. Thanks, magical powers.

3 beautiful messages today:

a. at least you aren't russell brand. when that poor bitch went through his detox crazies, he ended up marrying katy perry. and nobody wants that." Jennifer Kelly

b. stop being cute and shit. AAers can't handle it. They get all loopy. Start acting like upright denizens. They don't talk and chew gum. Who needs Teresa when you have Mother Jenny. ~ anonymous

c. I'm halfway through Sirens of Titan and already through Cat's Cradle. I may have just used a piece of the blank endpage of SoT to roll a pinner joint for myself. David Foster Wallace awaits. ~ anonymous.

'I wasn't made for this'

You tell yourself

As you button up your coat

Head down to the harbour

And standing on the dock

You're drunk on the stars and the sea air

Tell yourself maybe I should throw it all away

And be a sailor

Cause after all

Your true home is the sea

So you walk down to the water

And a big wave crashes on your feet

'I don't like this' you say

So you turn around and head back home

To some apartment

On some main street of a pointless town

That you're trying to put on the map

And you sit right down and write a big fat cheque

To the gas company

You drape your wet socks over the radiator

And you laugh at all the sailors

Freezing on the sea ~ bc

venturing out into the black forest of the world

2012-01-07T17:59:00.000-08:00

:: cutting down the family tree, like hansel and gretel ::

:: still, i follow heartlines on my hand. aa should be called pa ---->; pathetics anonymous. thursday night arthouse after aa keeps me sane. ::

First-Born lessons. I'm not a First Born.

2011-12-31T18:41:00.001-08:00

Re-reading "Lolita." Dress from Jodi Coyote from somewhere.

Toska - noun /ˈtō-skə/ - Russian word roughly translated as sadness, melancholia, lugubriousness.

No single word in English renders all the shades of toska. At its deepest and most painful, it is a sensation of great spiritual anguish, often without any specific cause. At less morbid levels, it is a dull ache of the soul, a longing with nothing to long for, a sick pining, a vague restlessness, mental throes, yearning. In particular cases, it may be the desire for somebody of something specific, nostalgia, love-sickness. At the lowest level, it grades into ennui, boredom.

Rehab lesson in regard to first borns: the first pancake can be messy. J-Kel 3000 wisdom in response: every pancake can be messy when the chef isn't the greatest.

:: be free ::

2011-12-26T20:10:00.001-08:00

Rehab Art Swap: The one Rehab friend I connected with is leaving the nest and is off probation for the first time in about five years. This is my "Goodbye to Group" drawing for him. We will surely miss his smiling face, wit and charm within the circle, but outside of the circle, we are becoming fast friends, as I lounge and draw and he plays the guitar and mandolin.

A parting fedora to be shared between he and she. 60s sweater/wearable afghan? = Twitch Vintage.

with bloody feet

2011-12-26T17:09:00.000-08:00

::: Be careful of the curse that falls on young lovers

Starts so soft and sweet and turns them to hunters

A man who's pure of heart and says his prayers by night

May still become a wolf when the autumn moon is bright :::

Once upon a time...

2011-11-15T18:44:00.000-08:00

:: i am but a poisoned apple ::

I went down to the river

To meet the widow

She gave me an apple

It was red

I slept in her black arms

For a century

She wanted nothing in return

I gave her nothing in return

The ghost of her husband

Beautiful as a horse

Pulled up an apple cart

Full of millions of red apples

For us

I should be spending my nights listening to Smog, but J-Kel 3000 sends me all these downloads for my TV-less dwelling. The point was to not watch TV because I don't have a TV, but when you have a MacBook and a lot of downloads, you kinda got yourself a TV. The latest entrapment is "Once Upon a Time." I can't stand it, yet I'm in love with it. Synopsis: The show cuts between a fairy-tale realm and contemporary one, chronicling how the Evil Queen cast a spell trapping fairy-tale characters in the modern town of Storybrooke, Maine. Conceptually, I like the idea; I can't see how the episodes will continue to be magically charming. Oh, and it is written by the dudes who wrote "Lost" ---> possible waste of time. At least it gave me something to draw for a night.

Aside: I am starting to like the band Passion Pit. They are on my Geto Boys/Animal Collective Pandora radio as I type. Vibing.

:: le petit prince inspiration ::

2011-11-14T19:08:00.000-08:00

* "You are not at all like my rose," he said. "As yet you are nothing. No one has tamed you, and you have tamed no one. You are like my fox when I first knew him. He was only a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But I have made him my friend, and now he is unique in all the world."

* Les grandes personnes ne comprennent jamais rien toutes seules, et c'est fatigant, pour les enfants, de toujours et toujours leur donner des explications.

Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.

* Voici mon secret. Il est très simple: on ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux.

Here is my secret. It is very simple: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

Ribbit

2011-11-08T18:15:00.001-08:00

:: Last week, I told the six-month-old that I work with, while reading him a picture book, "Rabbit!," to insert and action or sound that identifies a rabbit. "Ribbit!" ummmmmm, what the fuck, Lace. Rabbits do not Ribbit! Anyway, I'm stoned and watching interviews with Mike Tyson. p.s. I feel like this would be a super text for that site: Texts From Last Night or some shiz. Holla!

Drawing ---> me Words ---> California's finest, Ms. Lacey Mae Rayman

good luck to you

2011-11-07T16:38:00.000-08:00

I saw a picture of a frame set in the grass. the picture had a cat with the words, "good luck to you." I drew it and put the drawing in the grass.

I held my drawing near my heart.

And put it in the autumnal leaves on the ground.

And held it up to the sun and a pretty tree with still-alive yellow leaves. Good luck to me. And all those lonely nights down by the river brought me bread and water.

sky is womb, and she's the moon

2011-11-01T19:34:00.000-07:00

Fake face = fake love.

Mold of the fall
I have been frozen there for days
With headlights reflecting in my face
I'm iced and cold on your lawn

But inside I'm okay
So we smile when we're crying:::

I watched "Halloween" twice last night while wearing paper tiger ears and drinking wine. My sister's ex-boyfriend and my friend Joe Fisher was texting me. He's worried his hair is too long and he did too many drugs when he was younger to sustain a solid, happy future. Everyone writes their own book in their one short life. Jennifer Kelly was watching "The Thing" and in one part of "Halloween," Jamie Lee and the kid are watching "The Thing." The 3,000 Machine continues to clog along despite our distance and past fights. Fights that never should have happened. I will see her shortly as I am traveling to California for Thanksgiving/Day of Birth. I will wear my 60s flower power bikini on the beach and eat pumpkin-flavoured everything and forget about sentimental reflections. Andrew Cox will buy me special little medicinal treats with his card, and I probably won't do much for seven whole days. How lovely it is to have a best friend. Thank you, Lacey Mae. xxoo

Still drawing/painting horses

2011-10-29T17:13:00.001-07:00

I found a bathroom tile in the trash, so I made it prettier [maybe?] than it was in its original state. Be dark, knight. In the works is an Edgar Allan Poe party in which stories will be performed. To see a horse in human flesh, descending on a hammock through the air, and as it nears your house is metamorphosed into a man, and he approaches your door and throws something at you which seems to be rubber but turns into great bees, denotes miscarriage of hopes and useless endeavors to regain lost valuables. To see animals in human flesh, signifies great advancement to the dreamer, and new friends will be made by modest wearing of well-earned honors. If the human flesh appears diseased or freckled, the miscarriage of well-laid plans is denoted. I'm not the best painter, but I can try and try again.

Needles and pins

2011-10-26T17:36:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to draw Pinhead for three consecutive nights while watching "Hellraiser" and its various sequels. I can't get the pins to look 3D, and "Hellbound: Hellraiser II" is really difficult to watch. What, with a dude razor-blading himself. Ugh. But so visually great.

Pumpkin or lion? Nope: ram.

2011-10-17T19:11:00.001-07:00

Yeah, my pumpkin-lion has a ram's horn of sorts instead of a mane on the right side of its face. Why? David Lynch and red wine.

Lookin' at happiness, keepin' my flavor fresh, sayin' fuck the rest. I was just yelled at in the newsroom for a reason not worth yelling at someone for. It seems like people like yelling at me this week. I won't cry; I won't cry; I won't cry. I won't. Give me the strength of Nosferatu, Lon Chaney. True love will find you in the end, Daniel Johnston told me so.

Don't be so goddamned serious!

2011-10-14T15:08:00.000-07:00

“Not So F*%?@#! Serious” is a group art show curated by Andrew Scott of Little Tired fame that explores the idea of artists taking themselves a little less seriously and experimenting with ways to allow the audience to experience their subjective reality. Artists will do this through installation, site-specific art, experiential art and other means of non-traditional art-making. The show will take place at the Unsmoke Systems artspace in Braddock, PA at 1137 Braddock Avenue. Opening reception is on October 21st, 2011 and will be open by appointment from Oct. 22nd through Nov. 8. More information can be found here.

R.Kelly-inspires me

2011-10-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

Bonnie "Prince" Billy does R.Kelly better than R.Kelly does R.Kelly. Chip Phillips played me and Lacey his cover of "I Believe I can Fly," and it was love at first listen. This is Lacey's birthday journal, and I hope she has been writing in it.

My Rock Star Scar

2011-10-12T12:16:00.000-07:00

i have one very apparent scar on my fragile frame. on my left knee, there is a pinkish circle. this is a result of me falling through bleachers at the electric factory in philly at a ramones concert. i was 16 and screaming, " i love you, joey."

Tiny Nico on my front page

2011-10-08T19:19:00.000-07:00

Very tiny on the bottom right of my morning briefing design is a photograph of Nico dressed as Batman and Andy Warhol dressed as Robin. It is a promo I created for a story inside the paper about the Comic Book Art of Alex Ross exhibit at the Warhol. Buy the newspaper!

super-sensitive

2011-09-25T14:19:00.000-07:00

I sometimes wondered what the use of any of the arts was. The best thing I could come up with was what I call the canary in the coal mine theory of the arts. This theory says that artists are useful to society because they are so sensitive. They are super-sensitive. They keel over like canaries in poison coal mines long before more robust types realize that there is any danger whatsoever.

Chapter 1: Again. Find a subject you care about and start from the beginning.

Flower/fox power

2011-09-24T19:23:00.000-07:00

Kristy Hazlett sent me an inspiring little e.mail regarding her first-grade students for the second time this week. What would I do without these pick-me-ups from my very oldest friend on Earth. She says, "You can't post these pics anywhere but I wanted you to see that Fiona liked your fox so much that she was inspired to make her own paper friends. First she did the little rabbit then she tried a fox like your's. Jenny J.- artist - inspiring young children." I wish I could post photos of that adorable little girl and her holding our creations together.

Latest Twitch Vintage piece that I wore backwards one day. And white shoes after Labor Day! Is that the rule? What are rules?

Not THE fox that I sent Kristy but a fox-hatted creature thing. The fox is still alive, fyi. It's not a fur fashion piece.

"Hello, babies. Welcome to Earth. It's hot in the summer and cold in the winter. It's round and wet and crowded. At the outside, babies, you've got about a hundred years here. There's only one rule that I know of, babies—God damn it, you've got to be kind."

Beer is here!

2011-09-18T17:24:00.001-07:00

I designed my A3 in an unusual way last night ---> art in the strip position. I don't know whether it works, but that extreme horizontal photograph of a ferris wheel for Oktoberfest was neat. The tiny photo to the right is a German beer girl dressed in traditional Bavarian dress for the start of the festival. I already bought and drank a case of Dogfish Head Punkin Ale. It's that time of year.

I'm probably being overly sensitive, but there was a moment during my work shift that made me feel insignificant. Every night, there is someone in the press room [our press is in Cranberry] who looks at a "rollup" of the paper to check for mistakes. Person A called Person B about a mistake on one of my pages. Person B said into the phone, "I'll transfer you to the person who did that page." Seems to me, I would have said, "Oh, Jenny designed that page; I'll transfer you." The Person. OK. We've only been working together for about seven years. Oh well, I'll just go listen to Jim O'Rourke, lady.

my dear world

2011-09-18T16:25:00.000-07:00

Tortie Mae

2011-09-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

My best friend Lacey started a blog as a way to help her cope with her boyfriend Dubyn's deployment to the Middle East. He is a sailor, by the way. I have encouraged her to include recipes and food photos because she is a wonderful cook. Go read ---> Tortie Mae.

Just what kind of bird is this: Egret or heron?

2011-09-12T19:41:00.000-07:00

There was quite a debate about the lead photograph in the news meeting today. Great egret or white heron?What I learned is the terms are interchangeable. Like all egrets, it is a member of the heron family, Ardeidae. Traditionally classified with the storks in the Ciconiiformes, the Ardeidae are closer relatives of pelicans and belong in the Pelecaniformes instead. The Great egret ~ unlike the typical egrets ~ does not belong to the genus Egretta but together with the great herons is today placed in Ardea. In the past, however, it was sometimes placed in Egretta or separated in a monotypic genus Casmerodius.

Punkin' mornings

2011-09-11T20:07:00.000-07:00

Anyone getting into the autumn spirit morning, noon and night. Here's one for the morning ---> 2 p.m. pour moi.

Pumpkin French Toast from Post Punk Kitchen

1 cup pureed pumpkin (from a can is just fine)

1 1/2 cups almond milk (or your favorite non-dairy milk)

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 teaspoons cinnamon

1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger

1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

8 pieces thick sliced bread

Cooking oil for the pan

Mix together all ingredients (except for the bread). Spread out bread on a rimmed baking pan in a single layer. Pour on pumpkin mixture and flip to coat. Let sit for 20 minutes, then flip over and soak for 10 minutes more.

Preaheat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat . Spray with cooking oil, or drizzle a little into the pan, and cook about half of the soaked breads at a time for 5 to 7 minutes on one side and about 3 minutes on the other. They should be golden to medium brown and flecked with darker spots. Keep warm on a plate covered with tin foil while you cook the second batch.

If not serving immediately, cover and place in a 200 degree oven for up to an hour. Serve with maple syrup and earth balance, of course.

Happy birthday, Betsy Hiel.

2011-09-06T20:08:00.000-07:00

Bad-ass lady journalist is spending her birthday in Libya, covering the tranny lunatic that is everybody's favorite man to love to hate.

sailor music

2011-09-05T20:03:00.000-07:00

WYEP was having a summertime songs countdown for Labor Day today. As I was driving into Le Trib, I heard Animal Collective "Summertime Clothes" and Bananarama "Cruel Summer." I couldn't have asked for a better summery drive. And then I designed the front page. No holidaze for a working journalista lady.

Labor Daze news

2011-09-05T19:51:00.000-07:00

Three cool stories and my kinda cool design:

i. NASA is returning to the moon, this time with a set of robotic twins that will measure lunar gravity while chasing one another in circles. By creating the most precise lunar gravity map ever, scientists hope to figure out what's beneath the lunar surface, all the way to the core. The orbiting probes also will help pinpoint the best landing sites for future explorers, whether human or mechanical.

ii. They lived in cells barely big enough to turn around in and usually fought until they died. This was the lot of those at a sensational scientific discovery unveiled Monday: The well-preserved ruins of a gladiator school in Austria. The Carnuntum ruins are part of a city of 50,000 people 28 mile east of Vienna that flourished about 1,700 years ago, a major military and trade outpost linking the far-flung Roman empire's Asian boundaries to its central and northern European lands. Mapped out by radar, the ruins of the gladiator school remain underground. Yet officials say the find rivals the famous Ludus Magnus ~ the largest of the gladiatorial training schools in Rome ~ in its structure.

iii. Unrelenting desire for the latest video game helped spark the entrepreneurial spirit in Andrew Mason. Now, as the 30-year-old creator and CEO of Groupon.com prepares his company to go public, he could become yet another Pittsburgh native to hit payday on the Internet. Groupon seeks at least $750 million through its pending IPO and could be valued at about $30 billion, analysts predict.

Joey! I love you.

2011-09-04T14:39:00.000-07:00

‘Barry White’ songbirds land mates --> actual headline

2011-09-03T16:55:00.001-07:00

This is by far the most interesting story in Sunday's [9.4.11] Trib. I want to photoshop Barry White's head on a songbird, or do an illustration of songbird sex, but I don't feel like getting fired on Monday.

Los Angeles Times

LOS ANGELES — Male songbirds that sing in a low, “sexy” voice are most likely to snag mates, but noisy human environments are cramping their style, forcing some species to sing shrilly to pierce the auditory urban blight. Now, Dutch scientists have shown that the males can overcome this dilemma by pulling out their Barry White impressions at just the right moment.

Previous research had already established that lower-frequency mating songs were perceived to be sexier. In many creatures — including, perhaps, humans — a deep voice correlates with size, fitness and overall masculinity.

Studies had also indicated, however, that some male birds would be forced to sing at a higher-than-ideal frequency to stand out against the low rumble of highways, construction zones and other hallmarks of urbanization. Noise pollution also affects some songbirds’ nesting rates, research shows, which means fewer lovebirds shacking up.

For the study, published online Monday by Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, researchers decided to test how the attractiveness of a male bird’s voice affected its reproductive success.

The Netherlands-based team tracked the romantic liaisons of great tits, a common songbird in Europe that picks a single mate to build a nest with. The males rise before dawn and sing to their respective females, who — if they like their mates’ songs — will leave their nests to copulate.

But the females may canoodle with another male on the sly if their own mates fail to impress.

“Early in the morning, she’ll slip out of her nest box, and if she likes another male nearby, she’ll sneak off and steal a mating from him,” said lead author Wouter Halfwerk, a behavioral ecologist at Leiden University in the Netherlands. “Bird sex is incredibly quick — she can do this and come back within a minute — and (her) male won’t even have picked up on it.”

The researchers guessed that the males that sang in higher registers were more likely to be cuckolded than the low-throated crooners.

Sure enough, when they conducted paternity tests on the chicks that hatched from the females’ eggs, they discovered that about 30 percent of the males had been cheated on by their mates. By and large, these males sang at a higher frequency, particularly around the time that their females were about to lay eggs and were thus at their most fertile. None the wiser, the cuckolded mates would then help raise another bird’s offspring.

In a second part of the experiment, the researchers outfitted nests with microphones and speakers, and then tracked the females as they listened to different recordings of their mates’ calls. They also piped in traffic-like noise to see how it affected the females.

With urban noise in the mix, the females responded to their mates’ high-pitched calls more often than the lower, sexier ones — probably because they could hear them better.

Gadhafi graffiti

2011-08-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

On walls and sidewalks throughout eastern Libya, there are slogans and posters against Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi ("Gadhafi is a Vampire, "People want the head of Gadhafi," "We are freedom addicts — not drugs." I finally made it up to myself to run a photo on the front page. It passed my editors' test.

Red hair by the drugstore

2011-08-29T17:47:00.000-07:00

If you are bored and disgusted by politics and don't bother to vote, you are in effect voting for the entrenched Establishments of the two major parties, who please rest assured are not dumb, and who are keenly aware that it is in their interests to keep you disgusted and bored and cynical and to give you every possible reason to stay at home doing one-hitters and watching MTV on primary day. ~DFW

Red and yellow. Not black and yellow anymore. Take that, Wiz Khalifa.

7os secretary with white triangular button, courtesy of Twitch Vintage.

Paper doll heads of weird beasts for a shadow box. In my lazy late nights.

Deerhunter "Microcastle" keeps me company. Merci, BC.

Apples and PB ---> Favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Gifts for friends. Bear lover and Pink Floyd lover. And college camera for my darkroom days.

Philly on my front page!

2011-08-28T19:39:00.000-07:00

My hometown people were flooded, but fortunately, Hurricane Irene wasn't Katrina-style madness. Photo of Kelly Drive by Andrew Russell; design by me with help from fellow native Dave Conti.

Mojo's mom's mosaics

2011-08-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

The Natrona Community Festival on Sunday included the dedication of the "Colonnade of History," a 10-pillar sculpture at the Natrona Playground along River Avenue. The pillars are adorned with mosaic tiles depicting moments in Natrona's history and heritage. Scenes include an American Indian playing lacrosse, a coal miner tipping his hat, a steel worker making metal, and a servicewoman saluting the flag. Work to complete the pillars took more than two years. Pittsburgh-based artists Laura McLaughlin and Bob Ziller, owners of Awesome Books and Awesome Cats, oversaw the project while community members ~ including students from Highlands Middle School, Highlands High School, St. Joseph's High School, and Kiski Area Middle School ~ assembled them. The Natrona Comes Together Association has plans to soon build a concession stand and pavilion at the park. The association will host its final summer concert at 7 p.m. Friday. Refreshments will be available at 5:30 p.m.

Short Cuts-inspired do

2011-08-24T13:40:00.000-07:00

Dress: Hellhound Vintage.

I watched a wonderful film the other week ---> Robert Altman's "Short Cuts." I'm always inspired by Julianne Moore, and she was brilliant in this. Added bonus was her panty-free scene. Au naturale and wonderful. So, the hair on my head has a reddish hue. Cheers!

A calm heart will break when given a shake

2011-08-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

I slept through an earthquake for the second time today. I almost experienced an earthquake while unboarding [is that a word] a plane in California. I ran into Lacey's arms, and she said, "Did you feel that?" Nope. I think I tremble through life, always in space anyway. I feel the earth move every day.

* Fanning my yellow eye

On the ferry
That's making the waves wave
Illumination
This is how my heart behaves ~ Feist

* The baby she sacrificed to preserve my hard-earned illusions about the tendency of life to get things wrong. Will she ever have the chance again?

* He and she were twisted together, a braided pair of chromosomes with a mystery flaw. And now? Now, each of them pretends not to see the other and looks away. ~ Michael Chabon

* Dream cataracts are neon-blue. I need a neon pair of pants, too.

* It's not necessarily passive to not respond verbally. I'm quiet.

Tetro the New Zealand pussycat and other cats

2011-08-21T14:02:00.001-07:00

Why do anything else when there are pussycats to be immortalized?

Drawing: me. Text: Jennifer Kelly.

The only way a cat in heat can be calmed is when she either mates or goes out of season. That is why the best way to avoid these uncomfortable periods for you and your cat is to have your female cat spayed. No more yowls or cat babies.

Sailor purrs by the moon but also by the sun.

You know how this is:

if I look

at the crystal moon, at the red branch

of the slow autumn at my window,

if I touch

near the fire

the impalpable ash

or the wrinkled body of the log,

everything carries me to you,

as if everything that exists,

aromas, light, metals,

were little boats

that sail

toward those isles of yours that wait for me.

Every work of art is one half of a secret handshake

2011-08-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

Dress: 80s Twitch Vintage. Shoes: Modcloth [yes, it's true]. My sister bought me this Lee belt this year because when I was 10ish, I used to wear a Lee sweatshirt with cut off arms every day. To roller skating at the Palace, to Pennypack Park, where my uncle's ashes are spread, to school, to bed.

Summertime clothes and curls. Summer's almost gone.

I am sitting outside Tazza D'oro, and the dark roast smells so delightful. However, I have no dollar bills in my bag. Maybe a quarter. No money til Friday, so let the drawing and reading commence, for I have nothing else. I drew this so long ago, during my Portlandia phase. I hate the word "cock." It makes me red in the face, always has. Cunt, I can handle.

Package in the post from Miss Lacey of San Diego fame.

Magnetic cat bookmarks to replace [i.e. to accompany] the handmade one I found in Andy's copy of "The Yiddish Policemen's Union."

Any day that I get a note that reads, "I love you" is sure to be a good day. A good life.

Like a party marooned by a shipwreck. That's what a family is. Also the storm at sea, the ship, and the unknown shore.

2011-08-14T18:28:00.000-07:00

the heavenly child
there'll be prayer on your lips day and night
there'll be a song of jubilee waiting for your king
there will be nothing you will not be be looking for in this world
except in for your god
this is all a dream
a dream in death:::

Sailor Purrs when she wants.

Endlessly drawing horses based on my sister's teenage monologue that I always forget the lines to. Trying to act always fails.

To dream that you are riding a horse, suggests that you are in a high position or position of power. If you are riding a horse that is out of control, then it means that you are being carried away by your passions. Must be time for an ending.

Easy Sunday morning things. Coffee, Smog, Chabon novel. Goodbye world.

Visiting news artist

2011-08-08T19:53:00.000-07:00

For the next couple of weeks, Trib designers have the privilege of working with Charles Apple, a freelance visual journalist and instructor. A longtime news artist and designer, he is the former graphics director of the Virginian-Pilot and the Des Moines Register. He teaches design and graphics workshops and seminars. He helped me design my front page for Tuesday, and it looks like no other A1 I've ever done in my years as a designer. Note: my photo overline for the London riots. "London clashes." Get it? Cool.

To forgive is the most beautiful form of love::

2011-07-31T17:25:00.000-07:00

My A3 design for Monday. Downpage story is this:

Majid Movahedi hurled acid in the face of university classmate Ameneh Bahrami after she spurned his offer of marriage in Iran in 2004.

The acid caused blindness in both her eyes and severe facial disfigurement.

Movahedi was sentenced to the punishment of "qesas" - literally "eye for an eye".

But the punishment was cancelled after the young woman herself granted a pardon.

She told Iran's ISNA news agency she struggled with the decision for seven years, but finally decided to accept the Koran's recommendation to grant a pardon.

However, she has demanded financial compensation for her injuries, and Movahedi will have to stay in jail until he pays up.

After being pardoned, Movahedi wept and described Ms Bahrami as "very generous".

She explained why she decided to accept the Koran's recommendation to grant a pardon.

"I wanted to pursue this case until the end so that everyone would know that it is a confirmed verdict, and know that if anyone throws acid on others from now they will surely receive an eye-for-an-eye retribution," she said.

"I forgave him but others after me may not."

:: ALWAYS FORGIVE YOUR ENEMIES; NOTHING ANNOYS THEM SO MUCH ::

~ Oscar Wilde.

d e p r e s s i o n. hurts.

2011-07-31T13:32:00.000-07:00

Waiting for nothing

2011-07-24T16:32:00.000-07:00

My friend Zach Christner recently lost his battle with addiction. A battle that spanned so many years, probably nearing 15. He was one of Lacey's best friends, and she witnessed his path from hippie to addict to free man to addict to hip hop boy to addict. A relentless cycle. I was scrolling through my phone yesterday, and there was his name: Zach. And I thought how I will never erase it but never use it again. I have the fondest memory of one evening with Zach, Lacey, Chip, Bugaboo and me at Brillobox. And Lacey belting out "I Get So Emotional" by Whitney. It was her profile photo on the good ol FaceSpace right before Zach died. She heard it on the radio the day before he died. I bought the vinyl one week before he died. Some kind of collective unconscious.

Amy Winehouse's death is a long-promised punch. The question was always "When?" I was wondering when her next album would happen and if it would have that same wise and wounded sound. She was self-aware of her problems, that was what "Rehab" was all about. We all live, thrive, struggle and die. It's a shame her death was one composed of tabloid sensation instead of a focus on a beautiful voice.

My 4th-grade feathered mullet

2011-07-21T12:25:00.001-07:00

I made Andrew this little book in the early-morning hours of a Wednesday, the day of the Animal Collective show.

Pink dress: typical.

I am considering going back to the feathered mullet look I had in the fourth grade.

The Jungle Sword is a concept I developed in my bedroom when I was 16ish while [being on a hallucinogenic] hanging in bed with my sister and best friend from high school. I think it would make a cool light night for kids. And adults. You get scared ---> you put on the Jungle Sword. It glows pink and has a green base.

My first cat, Trixter Lane.

On our walk to the Bill Callahan concert, Megan Shalonis brought up her mom's love for James Blunt. He sings, and all the girls fall in love.

A steal at 15 cents!

2011-07-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

My attempt to re-create a 50s ad for hair pins went horribly wrong. But I think I managed to create an ad for a dildo! Get yours ladies for only 15 cents ... if you're into that kind of thing. I'm not. <----- Honesty.

Elephants and space. Elephants in space.

2011-07-19T19:04:00.000-07:00

I did a different kind of design tonight for the front page. At first, I was hating it ~ the colored box, the extreme vertical, another story on the debt limit. However, I was happy with the finished page, and it reminds me of Alison Moses because she loves space shuttles and elephants! The strip story about Borders closing even has a little interview with the co-founder of Awesome Books in Garfield/Lawrenceville. So go buy the paper. I won't ruin the beautiful surprise on Page A3. But Marty used an awesome photo package. It involves an animal. A big cat. That's all I'm sayin.

Things on my fridge

2011-07-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

Drawing on a page torn from my Swedish lesson book. And a photo of Kylie Koch.

The first paper doll girl I made. She has a bottle of wine and a 40 oz. Inspired by Chip's recent stint at AA meetings. The AA meetings were held above a bar. Isn't it ironic. On my way to AA! Napoleon Dynamite magnets. And Jesus. Everyone needs Jesus on the fridge. Save me.

Ticket stubs. Sunn O))) and Joanna Newsom included.

Dali puppet and Polaroid of Sailor and a visitor's pass to the Children's Museum for bookmaking with Andy Scott.

Love letter from AS. Photo of Jennifer Kelly and a Spice Girl magent she made. With glitter. Cat magnets from Kristy Hazlett.

Andrew Scott drawring. And magnets he bought me from the zine fair in Columbus. Space?

Photo of me and my sister, Jilly Bean. Blonde hair Jenny. EW! And ticket stub from Frida exhibit.

Photobooth photos of me and Chip. My Summer Shandy. Featuring Will Oldham. And a "Men from the 70s" postcard from Jill's ex-husband, Zef. Yellow pants fella.

ELVIS. My dad.

Gadhafi stamp from the Trib's foreign correspondent Betsy Hiel.

A storybook forest and Polo's painting

2011-07-02T20:20:00.000-07:00

I'm trapped in the newsroom because those Kenny Chesney mega-fans have invaded the North Shore yet again. Traffic nightmare has descended upon my life. So why not sit here and update this little bloggy thing.

Got a text from Polo last night. Me and Sailor immortalized. I finally have that pink hair I always wanted. I can't wait to visit California soon to pick this masterpiece up.

"They should hand out complimentary hits of acid when you enter Storybook Forest." They really should; Idlewild is one strange land. The Crooked Man's House was enough for me. I almost fell. Maybe it was the beer.

"It looks like I have peach iced tea in my cup, right?" (it was troegs pale ale.)

See what I mean? What Storybook Forest? For innocent eyes only.

Cute entrance. Summer has been one big happy moment these days.

My song of the moment

2011-06-28T20:21:00.000-07:00

Put a boat on it

2011-06-27T19:57:00.001-07:00

Everyone's putting a bird on it these days, so why not put a boat on it instead. I'm a fool for anything remotely related to the sea and what lies in its space; eternal, boundless, what creatures you hold, what secrets you harbor.

Put two birds on it.

Fun slide at a Bloomfield community fest!! Andrew Scott's beautiful poster for the Polish Hill Arts Festival is here. Go look!

A little attempt to save a butterfly on the Bloomfield Bridge. Love is like a butterfly: It goes where it pleases and it pleases wherever it goes. We sent her off; hopefully, she made it.

Foxy mocs

2011-06-20T20:03:00.001-07:00

I'm fixin on makin me a pair of foxy moccasins; who wants to join me on craft night? There'll be wine. And a cat.

Poplawski trial: Day 1

2011-06-20T19:47:00.001-07:00

I was happy with my design. Not because Ryan Reynolds as the Green Lantern is in the skybox, however.

Pittsburgh police Officer Eric Kelly had just picked up his daughter after both finished night shifts at their jobs when he heard gunfire and a frantic radio dispatch asking for help a few blocks from their Stanton Heights home.

“He just told me to get in the house,” Tameka Phillips, 25, recalled through tears from the witness stand on Monday during the first day of trial for the man accused of killing her father and two other Pittsburgh police officers. “He told me to lock the doors. He’d be back.”

Kelly never came back. The last Phillips saw of her dad was him racing his Trailblazer toward Fairfield Street on the morning of April 4, 2009.

Read the rest here.

Charmed

2011-06-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

Today, Mya came into the newsroom with something unexpected and so sweet. Her daughter, Kylie, made me a bracelet with all kinds of cute charms and a sweet little note as a way of thanking me for making me a journal. I will allow myself to cry at work ... this ONE time. There's no crying in journalism, kids!

Mya said she painstakingly picked out charms to fit me. Perfect: a mushroom, a strawberry, a butterfly, a moon/sun combination, a jade gem, and her signature "made with love."

She's inspired by my independent spirit. I'm happy to be able to influence a 15-year-old little woman to be who she wants to be. Even if people look at you weird sometimes.

Kitty love drawing!

Thanks, Kylie. You are loved right back.

Let's have a pierogi picnic!

2011-06-16T12:48:00.001-07:00

Dress made by Lydia of Pierogi Picnic. Drowsy/lonely/heartachey mood made by Jenny.

Lydia is so cute.

Chaplin cat journal made by me for Susan Crouch. 30 years old and still cool as shit.

Teeth Dreams

2011-06-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

Rough draft drawn in 3 minutes

From Jennifer Kelly Dream Warrior: I had a teeth dream again last night. Made one of my huge back molars come out but it looked like a stone fossil or something. HUGE. And after all the anxiety and pain and forcing and obsession, once it was out and in my hand, I though how strong it [I] was. That's a new twist for me on the teeth dream series. Quite good, despite its horrible situations and actions. Symbolically good. Right? The night before, I had a bunch of kids jumping on me, wanting a ride. ie. My childish side, not letting go, and I was so weak and found it hard to keep carrying these young girls around. Sorry, I had to vent. Shit's crazy in my brain. What the fuck else is new? I'm playing Yahtzee and eating alcoholic jello with strawberries and champagne and smoking hash on chronic by the pool with Jenny Anna who has deigned to take a phone call for the past 5 minutes. I'm bronzing in the sun. I think she's just trying to get me wasted so I'll stop kicking her ass in a game she's been playing since she was writing her score in marker and it's my 2nd game.

All this leaving is neverending

2011-06-14T14:43:00.000-07:00

Lost moi encore et je sens pas en sécurité. Je suis petit. Me réchauffer.

It's never easy to say goodbye

To the faces

So rarely do we see another one

So close and so long

I asked the room if I'd said enough

No one really answered

They just said, "Don't go, don't go"

Well all this leaving is neverending

I kept hoping for one more question

Or for someone to say,

"Who do you think you are?"

So I could tell them

With intensity, the drop evaporates by law

In conclusion, leaving is easy

When you've got some place you need to be

I'm giving up this gig for another seaon

With the TV on mute

I'm listening back to the tapes

On the hotel bed

My my my apocalypse

I realized I had said very little about ways or wheels

Or riding for the feeling

Riding for the feeling

Is the fastest way to reach the shore

On water or land

Riding for the feeling

What if I had stood there at the end

And said again and again and again and again and again

An answer to every question

Riding for the feeling

Would that have been a suitable goodbye?

Woman seeks man who likes animals

2011-06-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

It's strange to think that I never dated a vegetarian and few of my friends are vegetarians. I am not part of any one circle. I flutter through life, constantly changing. I change my heart to fit my mind.

Audrey liked cats.

Bob likes cats.

Patti likes cats.

James Dean liked cats.

The kids are alright

2011-06-13T15:49:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow's Living cover design looks pretty cool in my estimation.

Part of the story and accompanying art:

“We try to make them feel happy, warm fuzzies when they see people,” says Brianne, 17, as she scoops out litter boxes and puts food in the 12 cages along the wall. She and her mom, Sandy Bindschadler, come to the Humane Society of Western Pennsylvania on the North Side three times a week to help care for the litters of foster kittens kept in one of the offices.

Brianne, with her community service, fits into the “good kid” category. And according to a new, research-based online book, most American teenagers — despite often getting a bad rap in society — are good kids, and doing just fine.

Many Western Pennsylvania teens do regular volunteer work to help the community, and report feeling happy and healthy.

Figures from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry in 2008 say that, before age 20, one in 10 young people experience a severe emotional disturbance that disrupts their ability to function. That means that nine out of 10 kids haven’t had such difficulty."

Nightswimming

2011-06-11T18:50:00.001-07:00

My friend Mya's 15-year-old daughter likes owls these days, so I made her an owl journal and told her to record her moments of happiness, sadness, frustration, whatever. She's a talented little woman ~ a guitar player, actress, singer and soon-to-be photographer, as our friend and former co-worker, Dean Beattie, has taken her under his wing.

Mya and DL cozying up at Rivertowne. Mya recently rescued me during a night at work. I was a woman on the verge of a nervous breakdown, feeling like all I read and edit in the newsroom is story after story about so much cruelty in the world. A talk and a smoke, and a better girl afterward.

AndyCat and me were supposed to go to the Arts Festival to see Brandi Carlile's performance. However, beers at the Grille on 7th, where his roommate Megan works, and no food destroyed our motivation. We did go swimming at 3 in the a.m. or something in a mystery pool to remain unnamed in my neighborhood and danced to Beach House, Marky Mark and Neil Young records, while trying to include Sailor in the moment. She seemed mixed to the idea.

We made up for it today and did go to Arts Fest and got cheesy fries all over our selves while thinking about stealing some $5 lemonade, but we remained good little soldiers.

Newsroom mystery gift

2011-06-07T20:38:00.000-07:00

Plaid --> Hellhound Vintage. Satin --> Twitch.

Maybe I should be one of those people who lays out their clothes for the next day the night before. Half-asleep when I wake up at 1 p.m., this is what I throw together. I do like my new Ray Ban eyeglasses, though. Me and Chip now have the same frames. We really are two peas in a pod. Presently, we are working on a film called "Shandy and Shandy Take a Vacation," and it is inspired by our ridiculous antics and Noah Baumbach's short "Conrad and Butler Take a Vacation." If you haven't seen this, seek it out.

I came into the newsroom today to discover a mystery gift. The features department is always getting books, movies, music to review, so I had an idea that it came from someone in that department. I didn't recognize the handwriting, but my co-worker, Jill, did, and I guess Garrett Conti was the generous soul. Thanks, Garrett! I only have a couple of their songs on my iTunes, so this will be a new experience for me.

My Moon Mom

2011-06-07T20:04:00.000-07:00

One of my best friend's mom is also my mom. Colleen Moses: She is my Moon Mother Witch, and sends magical spells my way on a weekly basis and always when there is a full moon, usually in the form of ethereal text messages. On her Google profile, her occupation is "Dreaming!" She quotes Bob Marley, John Lennon and Buddha on her Twitter. Needless to say, we love each other.

The birthday journal I made for her. The text she sent me upon receiving it: "Lovely Luna child, you are so gifted! I love my journal! I already made my first entry: 'Beautiful Jenny is a special, precious child of the universe! I love her.' Thank you, it's lovely, love u! Xo. Your moon mom."

And she drinks wine.

My favorite text from MM: "Cleopatra. The Nile, Caesar, and Marc Antony will always wait for you. Don't go back yet. We need you here with us. I love you.

She calls me Cleopatra, Luna Child and Gypsy. And she created Alison Moses. Which is a gift to us all.

Ladies Night, 80s Night

2011-06-06T19:52:00.000-07:00

I was feeling kinda blue, blah and drunk from wine when I woke up today. What to do? Wear a prom dress from the 80s to work, what else? Black lace overtop satin floral will make any girl feel better. I put on my Teena Marie record and danced it off to "Lovergirl."

An actual smile? Vampires never smile. It must be a reaction to my recent and delightful trip to my dentist, Dr. Larry Nucci. How I adore him.

This Totally 80s dress provided by Twitch Vintage.

Fun story: J-Kel recently emailed me a quadri-feature of Nic Cage movies: "Wild at Heart" {my favorite David Lynch, maybe}, "Leaving Las Vegas" {best love story?}, "Zandalee" {haven't watched it in its entirety} and "Bad Lieutenant" {remake of the Harvey Keitel film in which he apparently is naked a lot. Score.}

Me and Andrew were [half]-watching "Wild at Heart," and when it ended, "Zandalee" started playing. Judge Reinhold is in this film, and his appearance kicked off a conversation about "The Breakfast Club." Andy was certain he was in it; I was certain he was not in it, but WAS in "Big." Both false. So, we pondered, who [besides Emilio Estevez, we got that one] was in "The Breakfast Club?" I think I suggested Matt Dillon. We finally came up with Anthony Michael Hall, but I was forced to send out texts to my West Coast friends and sister, who I thought might be awake and knowledgeable. It was maybe 4.22 a.m., Eastern Standard Time.

First to respond: J-Kel herself. JUDD NELSON! How could we ever forget good old Judd of "Making the Grade" and "New Jack City" fame. Lacey and my sister, Jill, responded the next day with correct answers.

By the way, besides Tom Hanks, who was in "Big?"

Sir Nick in action

2011-06-06T19:35:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Kelly of San Diego fame is smitten with this kitten. Her words: "If I wrote stories about Sailor and Max and Nicholas and all the animals, would you pick bits you like and help me edit and illustrate?" My response: "Fuck yes, I would." Summer project awaits with one of the best writers I know who knows lots and lots of animals. Max is her tailless cat; I'll be sure to write about him and his many eccentricities one day.

{that silly animal voice. why?}

Sorrow...

2011-06-06T16:49:00.000-07:00

... is nothing but worn-out joy. amazing scenery, comical conversation, drinking beer, exquisite subtlety. Thank you, Will, for understanding me and making out with me in the Andy Warhol Museum photobooth.

Twin Peaks-thon

2011-06-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

starting at the witching hour this evening. come one, come all. there is no comprehension anymore.

Nicholas, the Highland Park community cat

2011-06-05T19:58:00.001-07:00

I've recently started walking from my house to the Highland Park reservoir for my near-daily runs. The first couple days were boring and painful, as the running surface is cement and the only thing to see is [was] water and ducks and people walking the .76-mile loop. However, on Day 3, I came across a man petting a collared cat. I asked the gentleman if the cat was his. His reply, "No lady, this is Nicholas; he's always up here, doin' his thang." OK!! Just another reason for me to continue my unreachable goal of perfect calf muscles.

He is a little raggedy, but always friendly and adoring of attention. I, unfortunately, failed to capture his magnificent tail!

I don't think his name is really Nicholas, because his tag says something like, "Cilinus," or something. I'll have to look closer next time; I'm just too busy rubbing him to bother about words and reading.

Reservoir No. 1 has historic landmark status.

There is a sign that says something like, "Please keep the water clean. It is your drinking water." It is also the home to ducks: For your health!

You'd surface face first and we'd share our thought bubbles

2011-06-05T17:07:00.000-07:00

Some wintry little things: my gram's japanese tea cup. akron/family "love is simple," made for me by chip. love letters recaptured. pen via text. redbox. delirium tremens.

::And true affection floats

true affections sinks like a stone

I never felt so close

I never felt so all alone::

::don't be afraid
it's only love
love is simple
don't be afraid

you're already dead
love is simple::

Sheep slug

2011-06-03T15:45:00.000-07:00

Rob Metke sent me this photo text the other days with this message: "One day I had an idea to make a character that was part slug and part sheep. In my mind he was light blue and had pink bubbles on his back that look like wool." I think this is an original idea, because I did a Google Image search for sheep slug, and a combination of the two did not appear. And Google knows everything, right. So, I will draw Rob his sheep slug.

on the cusp of summer

2011-06-02T13:20:00.000-07:00

SIZE 5.5 CLUB.

Woke up cold one Thursday,

I'm looking tired and feeling quite sick,
I felt like there was something missing in my day to day life,
So I quickly opened the wardrobe,
Pulled out some jeans and a T-Shirt that seemed clean,
Topped it off with a pair of old shoes,
That were ripped around the seams,
And I thought these shoes just don't suit me.

Hey, I put some new shoes on,
And suddenly everything is right,
I said, hey, I put some new shoes on and everybody's smiling,
It's so inviting,
Oh, short on money,
But long on time,
Slowly strolling in the sweet sunshine.

ABC OD

2011-05-29T18:55:00.001-07:00

I'm making a book. It's an

Alphabet for

Babies on

Crack and

Other Drugs. It's called ABC OD.

This idea was hatched by me on some lonely night that involved me and wine. There were no babies involved, and no babies will be harmed in the making. As you can see, A was not for abortion. Crack babies are never aborted; they are crack babies living and breathing on Earth. The title was a collaborative effort born from the minds of Rob Metke and Jennifer Kelly, who are crack babies themselves. C is {obviously} for crack. Crack ain't whack, kids. The drawing will involve, yes, Whitney Houston. I get so emotional, baby.

If anyone wants to contribute, think of an idea, draw your own, or do drugs with me, just call. Mi casa, su casa.

Butterfly trees

2011-05-27T19:50:00.001-07:00

Somehow, a morning {I say morning loosely} stink bug attack turned into a conversation about Monarch butterflies clustering on trees. It is the only acceptable example of millions of insects hanging out to together in my view. Because it's so prettyful and cool. The sound of millions upon millions of flying butterflies sounds like soft rain. That would be a nice bedtime soundtrack. Camping in the forests of Mexico with bedtime butterflies. Who's in?

Here's how it works: The butterflies make an annual migration to the highland forests of Michoacan, in the heartland of Mexico. Each year, hundreds of millions of butterflies travel from the United States and Canada, to winter in forests of Fir and Oyamel trees. Those butterflies that survive the journey, which in some cases amounts to a 2,000-mile trip, cluster profusely in trees. The indigenous peoples of the area believe the butterflies represent their departed loved ones souls, returning in the form of the butterfly. During the evening hours, the insects gather on tree trunks and branches. After morning arrives and the heat begins to rise, the butterflies begin flocking to the forest floor, creating a tapestry of orange and black as far as the eye can see.

Starting in March, the butterflies begin to mate and the pregnant females start their journey north and the cycle begins again. What is amazing to note is it takes from 4 to 5 generations of butterflies to make the journey from the northern regions to Mexico. Those butterflies that do successfully arrive are the great grand-children so to speak of the journey’s first butterflies.

I've always loved butterflies, like my Mama,. The only piece of valuable jewelry I own is a small diamond butterfly necklace that my dad had given to my mom, who then gave it to me when I went to college.

Someone's muse

2011-05-25T19:47:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends {who sadly for me, happily for him lives in California}, the ever-inspiring {and mad fun} creative genius Rob Metke, has turned me into art. And he called me his magical and beautiful friend and creative protegé. MAGICAL! I'm like a unicorn now. He recently started sharing his projects via the Internet sphere here. Go be inspired by him. He's also very handsome {but taken by a lucky boy.}

Unique potato salad

2011-05-23T20:06:00.000-07:00

I came across this recipe for Creamy Avocado Potato Salad on the Post Punk Kitchen blog. I recently declared avocado as my favorite food. A vegan and delicious dish to add to your Memorial Day fetes, perhaps. Enjoy!

2 lbs fingerling potatoes, cut into 3/4 inch chunks
2 avocados
2 tablespoons lime juice, from a lime or two
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional)
1 plum tomato, chopped
1 small red onion, diced small
1 smallish cucumber, diced very small

Put potatoes in a pot and cover with water. Cover pot, bring water to a boil. Lower the heat to a rolling boil and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork. Drain and set aside to cool.

Once potatoes have cooled, prepare the dressing. Split the avocado in half, remove the seed and scoop the yumminess into the food processor. Add the lime juice and salt and puree until smooth, scraping down the sides with a spatula as needed. Once smooth and creamy, add the tomato and onion. Pulse until they are incorporated but not completely blended. You should still be able to see the tomato and onion.

Put the potatoes and cucumbers in a large mixing bowl and mix them up. Add the dressing and mix well. Taste for salt and spice. Wrap tightly and chill until ready to use.

Impromptu Predator

2011-05-21T20:27:00.001-07:00

Text message that alleviated my pain at the doctor's office today: "Just drew badass impromptu Predator pic @ the Toonseum. I'll scan it and upload it to my blog at work on Mon., but here's a sneak preview for you..." Thanks, Jason Lanza.

Rock Paper Twitch!

2011-05-20T18:45:00.001-07:00

Robyn Sears of Twitch Vintage has teamed with Rock Paper Vintage for a $150 giveaway of the best of the best in vintage clothing (my opinion is actual truth in this one case.) So go enter!

Oh hey, Twitch dress. Someone once said about this dress: "That's like a cute little sundress. Well, not like, it IS a cute sundress." Thanks.

There is not one big cosmic meaning for all, there is only the meaning we each give to our life, an individual meaning, an individual plot, like an individual novel, a book for each person. Trying to keep this is mind daily.

Something weird about Sailor: She prefers soy meat to actual meat. Cats are carnivores. This is not natural. I've even bought fresh fish for her to try; ex-boyfriends have offered leftovers of the finest meats for her. She's just disinterested. Like mother, like cat, I guess.

Spinach Salad with fresh strawberries & pears, dried cranberries, candied walnuts & multigrain crostini, creamy chevre walnut dressing.

Me and Andy Scott walked to Park Bruges in my neighborhood the other day. The food was yummy, but the atmosphere was not quite our cup of tea. Even sitting outside, we couldn't smoke, although the host initially said we could. The most memorable part was when this dude and his son sat down with strangers at a neighboring table and proceeded to brag about his "designer dog." It was a Double Doodle, and he must have said the words "Double Doodle" 17 times. We were saying to each other, "It's a fucking mutt. Get over it." Anyway, I recommend the food and sitting outside on a sunny day would probably be enjoyable for nonsmokers.

Southwest Veggie Burger housemade with cheddar cheese, roasted poblano pepper & pico de gallo.

Rhinosaurus?

2011-05-19T16:19:00.001-07:00

I have 21 minutes until MacBeth dies, so I'll be quick. Two more journals made, the left for Jennifer Kelly, the right for Sister JillyBean. I was once driving by a mosaic near the Pittsburgh zoo, comprised of animals, and I was pondering which one was my favorite. And I said out loud to myself, " I think it's the rhinosaurus!" And then thought, "Wait, is that what that animal is called?" And I honestly couldn't remember the actual name, so I asked J-Kel via text. She thought it was funny, and I knew she would.

I have been meaning to post a photo of the little painting Andrew made for me for Valentine's Day, and I just kept forgetting. I've been sick for two weeks, and feeling inadequate and unnatural, and I wish I could do and say the right things in matters of my mind and heart, but I always fuck it up. The daily little reminders of thoughtfulness help me feel better about things I can't control. "Angels in America." Highly recommend.

Crooked heart

2011-05-16T17:51:00.001-07:00

"In the forest, there was a crooked tree and a straight tree. Every day, the straight tree would say to the crooked tree, "Look at me...I'm tall, and I'm straight, and I'm handsome. Look at you...you're all crooked and bent over. No one wants to look at you." And they grew up in that forest together. And then one day the loggers came, and they saw the crooked tree and the straight tree, and they said, "Just cut the straight trees and leave the rest." So the loggers turned all the straight trees into lumber and toothpicks and paper. And the crooked tree is still there, growing stronger and stranger every day."

~ Tom Waits

Inspired by the great Lauren Purje and here, Chip's ex-girlfriend, who is celebrating her birthday today. Here are some of her clever drawings.

Pink

2011-05-14T19:54:00.001-07:00

I really want to dye parts of my hair pink. I probably won't do this because I would have to bleach sections first, and the thought of bleach on my hair scares me. I was platinum at 24, and it wasn't my best look.

Drawing for my sister's journal. She became vegetarian after reading about pigs. I had nothing to do with her decision. I became vegetarian when I became an adult at 11.

Jill with her pink hair. I liked it.

Elegiacal: Drawing with a knife

2011-05-13T14:10:00.000-07:00

Coming Sunday to a Tribune-Review near you: A story on the Living cover that I am reading by our art critic Kurt Shaw [never actually met this person] features Pittsburgh-based artist Bovey Lee, who makes art by cutting paper in the most intricate and delicate way. Her exhibit, "Paper Streets," is at 709 Penn Gallery until May 22. Part of her artistic statement: The underlying themes in my cut paper works are power, sacrifice, and survival. Within the parameters of these three themes, I create layered and dramatic narratives referencing my life experiences, reactions to headline news, and concerns for urban and environmental issues. I hand cut each work on a single sheet of Chinese rice paper.

Such painstaking detail that exudes an elegant demeanor; I want to see it up close. Luckily, I live in Pittsburgh!

"Atomic Jellyfish"

“I remember why I made this,” Lee said of “Tsunami-Enmeshed." “It was after a big earthquake in China. Some of the images included are the victims of the earthquake. I put myself in it, as well, because we are all trying to survive, and survival is a big theme in my work.”

"Little Crimes"

"I protest!" Behemoth exclaimed hotly. "Dostoevsky is immortal!"

2011-05-11T11:16:00.000-07:00

Procrastination is the name of my game, but I finally got around to making journals for two of my three moms. The Acorn Girl is for my birth mother, Miss Mary Jane Cheeseman, and the Butterfly Girl is for my Soul Mom, Miss Dianne Rayman, who consistently sends me little treats in the mail. On Valentine's Day, she sent me a Chocolate Man. He's wearing white chocolate boxers with little red hearts on them. I still have him; I just couldn't bear to break him apart and eat him like maybe a praying mantis in captivity might undertake. Sexual cannibalism, alright.

Frida the Spy.

If anyone wants a little journal to write or draw in, let me know! And give me a theme; I'll come up with something.

Off to the park to start "The Brothers Karamazov," the first Dostoevsky book for me. [embarrassing, I know. Chip is not happy with the lack of Russian lit under my belt. I'm trying!]

Wishing for Queen Elizabeth Days...

2011-05-09T20:22:00.000-07:00

... is what Miss Alison Moses, my Saturn partner in crime, wrote in the letter in the package I received in the post today. Queen E. Days are the days when we travel to the beach with champagne, cigars and little pink pills and drift off to sleep; we return to Saturn together and dance on the rings. Inside the package was this magical little necklace; it is a Scrabble tile with a black cat on the opposing side, as you can see. Cats + Scrabble = Perfect Day!

The necklace is lying upon two things: 1. A journal made by my friend and former colleague Grace Dobush. She did the Coptic binding, and I bought it from her at Handmade Arcade. The cover is a gorgeous gold, not translated wholly in this photograph. 2. The graphic novel "Bottomless Belly Button." I read it {looked at it, as some pages are illustrations only} last night after work, and I loved it and recommend it. The premise: on the eve of their elderly parents' divorce, the three adult Loony kids — plus their children and the divorcing couple — meet for one last time at their idyllic childhood seaside home. The Loonys are a tacky and neurotic bunch, and the grown siblings appear to be failures. It is dysfunctional and functional and beautiful. Read it!

Also, Ali sent me an "I Love Sweden" cap. I'm Swedish; her boyfriend is Swedish. Vi älskar varandra för evigt! She just returned from Iceland, and is sending another small gift my way, so maybe soon, I will be writing about that. Thoughtfulness touches my heart, as does Alison every single day. On Saturn and Earth.

"Can you make me a CockDoll?" ...

2011-05-06T20:22:00.001-07:00

... I believe was the question put forth to me by Lacey. Porn dolls just aren't my thing, so thank goodness, she was innocently requesting a movable paper hen. She just likes to pretend she's dirty. She once sent me a catalogue featuring glass dildos in the mail when we lived together in Squirrel Hill. They were nice art pieces, and I gained my nickname of "Pops" because my favorite one was called "The Big Popper." This is going off track, and I want my blog to be PG-13, mostly, hopefully. In reality, LaceyPanties wanted a hen because Dubyn's {the boy} sister, Savannah, owns six hens, who she lovingly refers to as "the ladies." So, I put my hand to the paper, and came up with this for my dear friend and her new family member.

Her wattles move, as do her tail feathers. Shake it, sister hen.

Tofu tacos, once a week for three weeks now.

I thought of you

2011-05-03T16:51:00.000-07:00

An e.mail from my friend Rob Metke is getting me through a greyish day: "I was watching "Wigstock," which I highly recommend, btw... and saw these chicks in the background, and it made me think of your drawings!"

Thanks, Roberto; they're lovely ladies.

A text that made me feel better about myself/my life/my uncompromising schedule that seems to ruin my friendships and relationships: " Fault is a silly thing to bring into that ESPECIALLY when it has to do with your job. That's ridiculous. If it makes you feel even remotely bad for being a woman with a kickass career that involves a fucking schedule, then I have to object. That is absurd. Your vocation is not to fucking blame. At all." Thanks, Jennifer Kelly.

Making elaborate meals of west coast vegan chili and then throwing it away because you have nobody to share a meal with brings one to sadness oftentimes.

Bin Laden: Coverage Day Two

2011-05-02T19:57:00.000-07:00

I will mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that. ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
I had to open with that quote because I'm a little uncomfortable with the celebratory status over a death. To celebrate the death of someone ~ even a terrorist-killer like bin Laden ~ is a dark and significant thing to do; it is a dangerous moral road to go down. At times like this, I would prefer to see more reflection and less high-fiving. I DO acknowledge that Earth is better off without someone who could be termed the Hitler of my generation, and I still mourn over 9/11 frequently as I walk passed the Trib's front page from that day every day on my way to the ladies room. Working in a newsroom during these historical moments keeps my life as a journalist interesting. My designs for tomorrow are below. And thanks to my co-workers for your great help.

In bloom

2011-05-01T21:45:00.001-07:00

My friend Ryan Cooke has a beautiful blooming blossom tree outside his home on 40th Street in Lawrenceville. This past Thursday, he asked me if I wanted to take some photographs among the pink flowers. I said sure, as I adore the spring blooms. [sidebar: I was recently in Kentucky with Andrew, and his brother Paul's friend Eagle referred to spring as Human Mating Season.] Apropos.

Dress: Vantage Point Vintage. Writing in the Secret Garden.

Reading "Just Kids" in the gardens. Or pretending to.

Favorite recent text message: "Endulging in the life breathed from these fair city canals we call streets. Tasting the bitter-sweet lyrics of motor cars and emerging fauna that calls it's father, Spring or Vernal. Only the gallop of your lady-like step could add spice and solace to the landscape that is yours, mine and our inherent day dreams. Walking listlessly, alone has it's charms, but your company illuminates my sensitivity to matters concerning love, bravery and wonder. In other, simpler words, I miss you." Such a joy to know you, A.S.

Dubyn + Lacey = L O V E

2011-04-14T10:39:00.001-07:00

My best friend, Lacey, is in love with a Southern gent named Dubyn. I've never seen her happier and healthier, and this, in effect, makes me feel warmth all over. I drew this for her, and gave it to her outside the Blue Sage in Philadelphia as we talked and smoked endless cigarettes. I miss my friend.

I get so emotional, baby.

Love is the best. And challenging. Surprise drawings and a box of fun help.

I'm a whore; I'm a gore, gore girl. Mardi Gras girls are whores.

Corpse Bride::

2011-04-03T14:08:00.001-07:00

Four photos from my past week.

New-to-me Gunne Sax. I feel like a beach-dream bride. And like a Corpse Bride. Dead like me.

Fox Girl and Bunny Boy: made by me. I took them to the park today. That's normal 30-year-old behavior, right? Welcome to the world, animal friends; it's full of beauty and despair.

A motley little crew made with love and wine. Note background photo of my best loves in San Francisco. And boyfriend's comic at bottom left.

Andrew at Arsenal Lanes. Let's bowl; let's bowl; let's rock n' roll.

S M O G

2011-03-28T15:12:00.000-07:00

Dress: Twitch. I feel like Molly Ringwald.

Bill Callahan has a new record, kids! Oh, and it is wonderful, and I give thanks to having Chip Phillips in my life for sending it to me. It is called "Apocalypse," and I am listening to it while designing the Trib's front page. These are the lyrics to "Baby's Breath." I am wondering if it is about abortion or a miscarriage. And this makes me wonder if his former partner in crime Joanna Newsom's song "Baby Birch" is about the same subject.

::There grows a weed, looks like a flower
Looks like baby's breath on a mirror

My girl and I rushed atop the altar
The sacrifice was made
It was not easy undertaking
The roots gripped soft like a living grave

Oh young girl at the wedding
Baby's breath in her hair
A crowning lace above her face
That will last a day
Before it turns to hay

Good plans are made by hand
I'd cut a clearing in the land
And for a little bed
For her to cry comfortable in

And each day I looked out on the lawn
And I wondered what all was gone
Until I saw it was lucky old me
How could I run without losing anything?
How could I run without becoming lean?
It was agreed, it was agreed
It was me tearing out the baby's breath

Oh I am a helpless man, so help me
I'm on my knees gardening
It was not a weed, it was a flower
My baby's gone, oh where has my baby gone?
And she was not a weed, she was a flower

And now I know you must reap what you sow, or sing::

Paper Lovecat

2011-03-26T17:00:00.000-07:00

I've started making articulated paper dolls, and of course, I am starting with a bunch of paper CATS! What else. The comic this little kitty is resting upon is by Chicago-born John Porcellino, who I saw speak at Copacetic Comics on Wednesday. He draws cats and mundane life moments, so needless to say: Love at first sight. I bought a book of his called "Perfect Example," which chronicles his struggles with depression as a teenager. Raise your hand if you can relate.

up in the woods: haiku tuesday

2011-03-15T15:40:00.001-07:00

i'm up in the woods

i'm down on my mind; i must

try to slow down time.

Unwise

2011-03-15T14:50:00.001-07:00

ghost owl: by me.

When I was in Columbus two weeks ago, me and Charlie P. spent an afternoon wandering on High Street, hitting multiple drinking and eating establishments. We stumbled upon Mad Mex, and I had an instant craving for tequila, so in we went. As we were enjoying our drinks, we both glanced up at the television to see a soccer player kick an owl. It was devastating. This is the story.

During a soccer match in the city of Barranquilla in Colombia, an owl floated down out of the rafters and onto the pitch. The owl lived inside the Estadio Metropolitano and was a sort of unofficial mascot of the home team, Atletico Junior.

As the owl sat near a corner stick, it was struck by a hard-hit pass. The referee stopped the game. Television cameras tightened on the owl, lying on its back, wings outstretched. It was clearly injured.

Apparently angry that the one-goal game had been delayed, Luis Moreno, a defender for the opposition Deportivo Pereira side, jogged up to the stricken bird. Still in close-up, the owl turned its head toward him. Without slowing, Moreno punted the bird several meters onto the sidelines.

The owl ended up dying of shock in the early-morning hours. This type of cruelty makes me so very sad. It makes me want to not live. Sharing space with monsters. I guess that will never change.

Haiku Tuesday

2011-03-08T17:45:00.001-08:00

Woodland witch: by me. Cat: found in the woods 5ish years ago.

Insouciant she

melding tortie in the sun

with penned woodsy witch

Winning in Columbus!

2011-03-03T11:24:00.001-08:00

Sitting in Chip's kitchen. Coffee, Columbus Pale Ale and a Vetiver record is what is happening. Quoting Charlie Sheen is what is happening. Akron/Family last evening is what happened. And I finally had a super grilled cheese [with cilantro pecan-pesto] and tomato soup at Surly Girl. This is amoré.

she lives by night

2011-02-26T19:19:00.000-08:00

But how do they see? Recent happenings and wonderscapes.

Drew a girl: She lives by night.

Took Andy Scott to Kelly's. Drank beer.

Watched "Portlandia: Episode 5."

Drew a fancy elephant. No circus, please.

Obsessed over Tom Waits' "Closing Time." Again.

Drew this at work. New band idea. Cat sounds.

Has it been done?

Did tequila flights with DL and his friend,

Guy, in from San Francisco.