The Life and Times of Bohemian Blitzkrieg

Weekly Wrap Up

2012-02-14T22:19:00.009-06:00

I'm a little late on the weekly wrap up (considering it's Tuesday), but i've been feeling the crunch time of finally being in college (since it always takes a couple of weeks, of a new semester, before you realize you're completely swamped).

Such is life.

however, the top photos are one of the outfits I wore last week.

That striped top that fits me like a glove, I found at a Goodwill a few months back for 5$.

I believe the shirt under it also came from that same Goodwill session.

The skirt i've had since I was 14, I got it from Azrael's Accomplice back when they would auction items off on eBay (I got it for like 20$, which was a steal).

My regular 16 eyelet docs, and thick sweater tights.

I've also got my awkward hat on, I love this hat, because it does its job well.

But it's not really very flattering.

Last week I began my metal work piece, which has to be an animal.

So i'm making a composite cat with a birds face,

The metal piece will not look anything like this, i've been having so many issues with copper.

The non-colored or circled parts(where the stitching would go to create a cold connection for each individual piece), are negative spaces. I was trying to use negative space to create volume (like with the piping in the legs being tapered into a copper cylinder. The toes would be one sheet of copper bent into the form of feet, and then riveted each time the toe met with the bottom of the foot.

So I had a concept, and one I can understand.

But, I have no real metal experience, my only metal experience is melting wire together.

No sawing, or pounding, or anything like what I have to do.

Which is due Thursday, ladies and gentlemen.

We'll see how this goes.

I also started on some smaller drawings using the female body, organs/tissue/fat deposits, butterflies, and flowers.

You can see some of the mammary gland there, and the elbow exposed.

There is some skin left in certain areas to help create a depth of layering.

There's a drawing show this week, that begins accepting drawings tomorrow till Friday at 2.

I'm sad because I don't think I can get my big idea done in time (mainly because it hasn't been started!) - I waited till the last minute only to realize that everything has to be done at the same time.

Bummer.

I had my first experience editing celluloid film this weekend, which was a good experience - however, after you've been in a dimly lit room adjusting and re-adjusting film, I was starting to have weird visual issues.

Like thinking my film was entirely backwards, because I kept having to stop and rewind (such is the nature of film editing), so I completely tore apart my film and re-did it.

I was at school from 11am-10pm.

Some bad news, i'm pretty sure i'm getting an ear infection - i'm developing this weird sound in my left ear that's throwing me off balance. It hurts really bad, especially when i'm outside (Boston's a fairly cold city), and i've already got a cold.

Good news, i've come up with a zine to propose to school, I get to film this weekend, as well as, writing a really long paper regarding Asian Art History (a bit less excited about that, admittedly).

However, they did give away free cupcakes in the Atrium today.

Free cupcakes are always a win.

Happy Valentines day!

I miss my rats

Outfit Post and Wrap Up!

2012-02-04T14:04:00.011-06:00

When I put on this outfit this morning, I hadn't realized I was participating in this month's homework assignment! The blue striped a-symetrical top you see below, was the product of a series of mass purchasing from Salvation Army right before I started playing roller derby!

Which has been almost three years ago!

I tried it on in the fitting room, and then never wore it - so I changed that today!

What I wore today

Jacket: Fishnet from eBay a long time ago

A-symetrical shirt: Salvation Army three years ago

Under my shirt: Tank top with holes from a long time ago

Shorts: Used to be pants but got too big a few months ago so I cut them into shorts

Tights: Sweater Tights from Target 12$

Leg Warmers: Christmas present from my Grandma when I was 14

Boots: 16 eyelet Docs

My make up

So my schedule at school has been finalized and i'm really really happy with the way things turned out - after being stressed out about it for a week or so.

My Schedule

Tuesdays: Film I 9-12 and 2-5

Wednesdays: Bronze Age of China Art History 9-12, Bestiary (drawing class) 2-5 and 6-9

Thursdays: Color as Content (a beginning metalworking class) 9-12 and Conversations Around Drawing (a really really awesome critique class) 6-9.

I'm really excited for and with all of these courses.

This weekend i've got a film project (we are using Bolex's) to experiment with the idea of a portrait. So i'm going to do one roll of people eating and the relationship between the mouth and hands, and another of these birds in an alleyway nearby that fight over spilled garbage - hopefully along with this old blind man who sings in the Arlington subway station.

So i've got my two canisters of film, my tripod, and a bolex - the materials (other than film) i'm borrowing from school for the weekend.

My Color and Content class is requiring our first project to be an animal made of metal, so i'm making a cat with a crows face.

I've got some readings to do for my Asian art history class, Film, and Bestiary.

We watched 'The Fly' in Bestiary last class period, after taking a trip to Harvard's Natural History Museum.

Which was beautiful!

I love Cambridge!

I'm contemplating going to a local Goth night in Cambridge next Friday, and Tuesday night i'm going with a school friend to see a production from Emerson College.

Should be fun.

This Blog- What is is, and what it isn't

2012-01-29T23:01:00.004-06:00

Well, I don't really think it needs to be mentioned but there are a few things that my blog will never contain partially due to disinterest and also due to lack of time (as I type right now I should be drawing, Bah! Real life taking away from my internet life!)

1. Just outfit posts- I love outfit posts! I love posting them, but as you can tell they are infrequent. I don't feel a need to post my outfits on a regular basis. Usually because I look absolutely awful and stand in some weird hunched stance while wearing a vacant expression, but also because my blog isn't just about clothes. Particularly my clothes.

2. Daily posting- I'm sure this grates on some peoples nerves, and if it does. You can feel free to leave, nobody's stopping you. But I for one, will not post daily for a few reasons. Why? Because I don't have the time, and also because I like to ensure that what I post has purpose and meaning and isn't just me posting for the sake of posting.(I'm not saying that people who do manage to post daily, post crap by any means. But for me, it would be crap). Therefore i'd like to think that this blog is more focused on something people would want to read, versus me blathering on about what a shitty day I had. I prefer to think that for me, I choose quality over quantity. I make sure you have something vaguely interesting to read, once a week or so.

What I am interested in adding

3. Vlogging- I'm interested in vlogging. A lot! There are so many things I could share with you guys through vlogging. Especially since I plan on tackling the sides of my head into cheetah print here in the next 2-3 months (once I find a job). Complete with purple spots with a pink outline and blue hair, with black sides. SO MUCH COLOR! I'm also interested in tackling make up, as in, recreating deathrock/goth make up from models and such.

4. Places- posting about places/reviews. Like a guide of cool gothy spots here in town as well as, music venues, and parks/graveyards.

5. More etsy suggestions- I did this a bit over winter break '10, and i'd like to pick it up again. I've already got a reading tab full of places to share.

6. film reviews- What's goth friendly but not in theaters? What can you find through independent film festivals?

7. More pagan stuff- how descriptive of me?! For this one, i'll take suggestions as well. Anything anybody is confused about or is interested in learning about. I'll tackle.

And yes, every once in a while I will have a complete bitchfest rant (like my hipsters one below this), it's gotta be at least interesting to read me coming up with colorful illustrations of how I perceive hipsters in relation to me.

An Art School Rant- Hipsters

2012-01-24T20:04:00.006-06:00

So, i've only been in art school officially since this past Thursday.

I've been in Boston for officially a week (woo!), and I finally got my alarm clock, pillow, and spiderweb sheets to put up as curtains -in the mail today!

And my Misfits wall clock.

Anyhow, so as I said, i've been at school quite a bit lately to familiarize myself with the campus, especially the library.

One thing I knew to expect in art school above all - was the number of hipsters to increase.

As i'm beyond sure you're all well aware, of the hipster invasion.

I have to say, their numbers are rather impressive even though them existing does agitate me a bit.

What's impressive about it?

The sheer magnitude with which these "individuals" seem to multiply - think back to Amoeba's in Biology.

They seem to absorb and recreate anyone and everyone around them who doesn't already have a refined sense of "place".

As an art student, I feel it is safe to say that over 75% of my school is covered in Hipsters, in a place that was once a huge stomping ground for punks, goths, geeks, and other such populations.

Now that isn't to say there aren't any of these people in art school- certainly, I go to art school as do a number of other individuals who place themselves into these co-cultures.

But, it isn't as common now, as it used to be.

I feel like for every 7 hipsters you see, you'll find one alternative soul.

What pisses me off? And or agitates me?

Their ability to steal and claim as their own.

Anything from the number of people wearing Doc Martens and other such boots [mine are the highest though ;) ], to the amount of individuals with undercuts and new wave hair.

Or all the flannel! My word! So much flannel (not to say I don't own flannel, but Jesus!).

Even down to the way they do their make up, or the accessories they wear.

Beyond the aesthetics, I get pissed off by the overwhelming need to be an "individual" that they possess - and therefore their obsession with shock.

There is a difference between TRYING to be an individual and actually BEING one - which seems to be something that younger people and many hipsters (of all ages), have issues differentiating.

Why does this irritate me?

Because i'm in art school, where these people get to draw graffiti penises on lockers in sharpie, and think they're cool because they have swirly introspective tattoos - and walk with their heads down, so they look sullen and artsy.

Another thing, is that I obviously get somewhat uncomfortable initially by how much I have in common with these people - since they steal a lot from punk and goth.

The boots, the hair, the ripped tights - even down to the sudden surge in people who are interested in using taxidermy and organs in their art (i've met over TEN people), and the ideas of sexual provocation.

Now, I know by no means are these things exclusive traits- but it irritates me when people do things such as the aforementioned simply to shock others.

OMFG LUUK AT THAT PENIS I DREW IT IS SO ORIGINAL AND REBELLIOUS GUYZ!!

Now, if you can draw or paint a photorealistic penis than bravo! That's awesome!

But if you spend your free time drawing penises as line work in marker - I can't help but think you have the sexual maturity of a 12 year old pre-pubescent boy.

Why do I get enraged by people who use shock as the sole means to gain attention? In this case, it's because it's like spitting in the faces of people who do exhibit those traits or are genuinely interested in these ideas.

We spend so much time working our way up the ladder to be taken seriously, only to have people who couldn't give a shit stomping around -making us look bad.

It's just like what I touched on before in my post about Nu Goth, and why many Goths are up in arms about it.

I will say that I like them being here in some ways - so I can prove that my artistic voice is different (which is vital to becoming successful) from them, and through that I can kick mud in their face with my knee high Docs on my way out.

Bye bye Bitches!

Goth Community: Re-inventing Yourself

2012-01-22T15:34:00.007-06:00

I've been going through phases lately where I feel somewhat unsatisfied with my clothes.

Now I know Amy, from Ultimate Goth Guide, touched on this a bit - and much to my surprise I found myself in a similar situation.

I've been through my own phases of feeling dissatisfied, and wearing nothing but baggy black hoodies, pinstripe pants, and demonia boots.

But, what happens when you wake up and realize that you're missing something?

And how does one go about finding it?

Well, I think that for most of us, it begins by seeing photos or movies where people are wearing something we respond to.

Whether you're someone who has spent your entire goth life wearing nothing but corsets and petticoats - and suddenly find yourself having plenty of daydreams about wearing custom leather jackets, exposed garters, and lots and lots of ripped tights.

Or it's as simple as adding a couple of items to your wardrobe without having to completely change your sense of style.

Now this one is a big one, and it's rather important.

When one gets farther along in the Goth world, they come to a conclusion that they don't HAVE to deck themselves out to go down the street to the laundry mat or wear make up if they are staying inside all day. It's more about personal choice, than proving ones gothy-ness to those around them.

There comes a point when you realize that even though an important factor within goth is appearance (it is how we presumably notice fellow goths), that you're not any less of a goth because you decided to wear PJ's all day or your bed sheets are white with pastel flowers.

As i'm sure we are all well aware, there is much more to Goth than simply being Goth.

As odd as that may sound to someone who isn't experienced within the scene.

It's important, but the things you enjoy outside of what's considered to be 'goth or not' is just as important as the gothy things you surround yourself with.

Now, that being said.

I'm finding myself really drawn to certain items of Goth lolita - the petticoats, little bonnets, gloves, and awesome shoes. The combination of black, gold, and white - I can't explain to you how much I love this color combination (which is also found in Steampunk wear).

Steampunk- I have fallen in love with cream, olive green, and certain shades of brown. As we as, newsprint fabrics and blimps (i've developed a slight obsession with machines, sci fi and dirigibles). I've actually been considering getting my own pair of goggles, and experimenting with brightly obscene shades of docs.

So, what's a goth to do? When they realize that their style is changing?

I don't view this un-coordinated sense of in between as being a bad thing, and it shouldn't be a time of woe for anyone!

You aren't giving up your gothy-ness (unless that's your intention and then by all means, feel free), you are adding to it.

And in some ways, making your wardrobe just as complex as your personality and personal interests.

Which really, has a LOT to do with why we dress the way we do in the first place, right?

I've decided to either start a tumblr, or a sub-blog to dedicate as a lookbook of sorts.

This way, I can keep track of things that interest me fashion wise, and discuss where and how to find/afford these items.

On that same note, in no way shape or form, should you spend all of your money on tons of new clothes to substitute for your present style.

That's under the, "what not to do when adding complexity to your style" portion of this entire situation. I feel like there should be pamphlets...

You remember being a babybat and throwing away or giving away everything in your closet that didn't have a goth seal of approval (aka wasn't black, fishnet, or lacy)? Let's not repeat ourselves again.

Instead, opt to save up or splurge on one or two even three items of choice.

If you end up at a second hand shop and find yourself surrounded by petticoats, but you have no real experience wearing them.

Don't buy all of them at once on the spot.

Buy one or two, to see how you like it and whether or not you feel comfortable in that garment.

You don't want to spend all of your money on clothes that you end up hating because they aren't what you expected - or it turns out that the item of clothing doesn't really 'fit' you.

Which can prove to be a bit sticky for those of us who buy clothing off of the internet.

Also, don't ever forget about accessories!!

These include make up choices, sometimes simply trying out a new make up choice can do great things for spicing up an outfit.

Same with adding an extra belt, or putting on a few more rings.

My suggestions?

1. don't buy in bulk if it is unfamiliar to you

2. beware of where you are getting an item from

**which is basic online shopping, but beware of this for more than just money reasons. You may find yourself with a garment that isn't fitted to YOUR body type, and it may deter you from buying that same type of garment again. Remember that like all forms of shopping, you have to shop around. Just because this pair of pants didn't fit you, doesn't mean you can't find pants that will!

3. Be comfortable with yourself, there is no shame in trying out something new!

4. Wait it out. If you suddenly got bitten with the shopping bug and feel a need to buy anything and everything that looks like it could be considered Cyber-wear. Stop, take a step back, breathe, and come back. If it isn't an item you've had a lust for for longer than two weeks, wait to buy it. (Assuming it's not at a second hand shop). It's very similar to the feeling after you get your first tattoo, and you suddenly know every tattoo you'll ever want on your body for the rest of your life -within an hour after finishing up. Just wait, you don't want to spend 60+ on a piece of clothing you can't be 100% sure you would really wear it - or how often you'll wear it.

Questions for you -dear readers:

What is your present style?

How is your style impacted by the style choices you may make in the future?

What kinds of combinations can you think of, to mix them together?

What are some new styles or items that you've developed a sweet tooth for?

How has your style evolved since you began as a goth?

What have you retained?

P.s. Re-inventing Blog

Outfit Post: Orientation Take One

2012-01-17T21:20:00.003-06:00

Today was orientation at my new art school in Boston, my first time actually in the city since I got in town late last night.

Shirt: Joy Division-angryyoungandpoor.com

Jacket: Black Denim-Ragstock Chicago,IL

Shorts: Union Bay-Kohls

Tights: Fishnets and Opaque-sockdreams.com

Boots: Doc Martens 16 eyelet-drmartens.com

Hair dye: Punky colors Turquoise-eBay (there's a little purple there too, which is Manic Panic but I can't remember what the name is)

BatFit 2012: Challenge One

2012-01-09T02:19:00.004-06:00

This goes a bit more in depth as to my weight and general unhappyness with my body, and has documented proof of my current figure.

So, I know i'm really late making this post.

It's been hard to keep track of everything I need to do, since I move next week *Runs around screaming from room to room, before settling back to the comp*.

And I won't lie, I haven't been eating well.

But, what's good about that, is that it has helped me to solidify my need to change my eating habits as well as exercising more.

I hate how disgusting and bloated I feel after eating something really greasy, food shouldn't make you feel terrible after you finish eating it!

Anyhow, yesterday I made a private blog on tumblr called, Namaste, [which you can access by typing in "BatFit2012", as the password] and I've started reposting tons of fitness and dietary recipes to get myself started.

My health goals for 2012 are:

*to start running, I really want to start running. I’l start tonight!

*Whenever I want a snack, to eat a healthier snack or a smaller portion of something unhealthy (A reese cup or what have you)

*To spend time actually MAKING my own food, instead of always taking the easy route out with something cheap and unhealthy.

*I want to eliminate unnecessary sugars and fats from my diet. No more soda of any kind, not eating cheeseburgers every week etc.

*Portion control! Have the willpower to NOT eat that last piece of chocolate, because you already ate enough for the day.

*To meditate more often. I don’t do it nearly often enough!

*To do more yoga, bellydance, and to see about experimenting with taking a class in one of them. I know they offer Aerial Yoga in Boston!

*Do NOT loiter around on the internet, if I notice i’m loitering. I immediately shut down, and go find something productive to do with my time.

*I’m not sure how much weight i’d like to loose, I want to shed a few inches, and i’d like to become more toned and muscular. I’d like to feel confident in whatever i’m wearing, and that includes a swim suit this summer!

2.What is good health? What does it mean to you? How does it relate to the above?

Good health, to me, is more than just eating better -it’s a spiritual or mental fitness as well. I want to be able to wake up and not be extremely tired. I don’t want to be afraid to jog or skate to my destination, due to fear of shortness of breath and exhaustion. I think being healthy is directly related to being able to listen to how your body feels on a regular basis, as well as, after certain events. What recharges you? What makes you feel successful? What disagrees with your body, and why/how? What makes you feel awake? etc.
As I said, I also mean this spiritually and creatively. As an art student, I fully intend on approaching myself as a creative person, in a healthy way. No negative or demeaning comments. How to say what I want to say in a constructive way instead of a demeaning one. And spiritually, to reach an even more beautiful sense of one-ness.

And this is the start of my BatFit 2012 extravaganza!

I'm gonna go put some sneakers on and go for a run!

Happy 2012!

2012-01-04T19:45:00.007-06:00

Me, attempting to show my new 4g earrings, in both ears.

Hey friends!

I know i'm a few days late, but i've been rushing around like a mad woman.

I leave for Boston in a week and a half, and i'm still not packed yet.

I'm so good at this, it's impressive.

So, I don't know about you, but i'm wishing for a fantastic 2012, full of new experiences and other such crazy shenanigans.

I've gotten the opportunity to talk to my roommates(I think I mentioned that in a previous post), which everything seems to be going as smoothly as it is capable of going, at this point.

I've spent much of my time hanging out with friends, trying to squeeze in time with everyone important to me; which is kind of obnoxious, due to the amount of people and the short number of "me's" in the world. [There's only one in case if you weren't aware ;) ]

I spent my New Year's Eve and New Years day with one of my best friends at her house, we shot off fire works and watched anime all night.

I'm on a huge anime kick right now -I've finished both seasons of "Vampire Knight" and i've started watching "Death Note".

I've also been catching up on some reading, i've got more commissions, and other such crazy-ness.

I've stretched my ears to a 4g, as you can see above.

Now that i've given you a really scrambled recap, i'm going to mention some of what I hope to accomplish/expect from 2012.

Surface Goals:

I'm dedicating this year to horror, old school style.

1. I want to spend a lot of time reading, I want to go through a lot of older horror novels.

2. I want to watch even more necessary movies.

3. I want to get two tattoos, my chest piece, and words on my left inner arm.

4. nipples pierced, stretch lobe to 00g, septum piercing?

Other Goals:

I'm really interested in working as either a bartender (once I turn 21 in June) or in a fetish shop. I'm hoping to be able to come back in town over summer for a short while, i've got a good friend getting married and i'm hoping to surprise her by crashing her wedding-in a good way, I swear. I'm really looking to use this year as a spring board to get me even farther as an artist, of course.

Blessed Be, 2012!

Movie Review: Girl With the Dragon Tattoo (2011)

2011-12-28T17:09:00.006-06:00

As most of you are aware i'm sure, that the original "Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" is a swedish film, with English subtitles, based on a novel with the same name by Steig Larsson. I recently saw the American remake on Christmas Eve. Now, i'm going to do another post where I compare the two of them together, but this post will just concern the English one.

First off, Lisabeth Salandar, played by Rooney Mara, is a deliciously Gothic character. She has a harsh punk nature, but is sure to be an instant hit with any Goth friendly guy or gal. Seriously, she's the most well written Goth girl i've ever seen. Rooney Mara, gives her a slightly different flavor than in the original Swedish version, in that Rooney has a softness to her that peaks through a few times during the movie. Which really, I don't feel is bad at all; it helps to add more depth to her character. Now, if you are someone who has seen the Swedish version and you are wondering if this is worth it, it is. Go see it.

American film finally got a remake right, in my opinion, it does the Swedish film justice.

They expand on a few areas of Lisabeth that I think become really important in understanding her character. They do change a couple of things, but none of it detracts from the movie. They keep the graphic scenes, and if anything make them even more disturbing, if that's possible. The end doesn't leave off quite the same as the Swedish one, they expand on her travels, as well as, the relationship between her and Bloomkvist. They also included the relationship between Bloomkvist and the female editor, which is in the novel, but not apparent in the Swedish movie.

They also have the BEST intro i've ever seen in a film, there's oil, things are on fire, hands and body parts slithering around. It's intense and I loved it, and the song in the background is a version of the Immigrant Song, by Led Zeppelin. It's absolutely beautiful.

If you haven't seen either version, i'd suggest seeing the Swedish one first, just for good measure. The movie follows a girl who is a ward of the state after going in and out of foster homes and mental institutions, for anything ranging from drug abuse to violent behavior. She rides a motorcycle, has badass hair, and can handle her own. They call her, "Wasp" at the computer firm she works for as a hacker. Bloomkvist begins by going through a scandal related to his magazine, the Millennium, and is then offered a job at a remote island occupied by a long standing old Swedish family. He is hired by the eldest family member to investigate a murder. Bloomkvist tracks down Lisabeth after learning of the intensive illegal research she provided concerning him. They run through a series of events, especially near death experiences, and eventually find the conclusion they were looking for, among other things.

This is a movie worth seeing.

No really, get your ass to the cinema, you'll thank me later.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T13:39:00.004-06:00

Nightscape of Boston

my home in four weeks

Artists Corner: Kittiwat Unarrom

2011-12-24T15:03:00.005-06:00

What better way to get you into the Christmas Spirit than with good ol' fashioned cannibalism?!

The artist i'll feature today is stationed in Taiwan, where he makes gruesome body parts out bread.

You read right, bread. The heads you see packaged to the left there, are sculpted out of bread.

That man has some fucking skill, I must say, because everything looks completely realistic.

He grew up as the son of a baker, and this obviously influenced his work. He's been using bread as a medium since 2006.

He uses cashews, raisins and other materials mixed with the dough. According to people who have bought and eaten the bread, which can be purchased at his parents bakery in Ratchaburi, Thailand, the bread tastes like ordinary bread.

He sculpts anything ranging from heads, and hands (as pictured) to organs and feet, among others - all skillfully painted to look eerily realistic.

When you see his art he displays it in packaged form, reminiscent of the meat you find at the store, or on hooks like at a slaughterhouse or torture chamber. Which you can see an example of to the left. He places them in slanted rows where you pick your own delicacy as it sits packaged in front of the consumer under florescent lighting, as you'll see if the first video. Which isn't in English, but it's nice to see reactions people have to his work as well as the way it is displayed. The second video isn't in English either, but it is similar to a walk through of how his work is displayed in a gallery environment versus a consumer one.

If you'd like to read more about Kittiwat click, here and here for two full articles. I want to know how he can make bread look like silicone molding, like what is usually done to create realistic skin pictured in the face right above, it looks so realistic for lack of better phrasing!

Artist's Corner: Commission Round-Up

2011-12-23T15:10:00.007-06:00

Lately i've been really busy doing commission work, i've got a total of five paintings.

1.)

8x10 -Jack and Oogie "head to head"

$40.00

2.)

8x10 "Veigar from League of Legends"

$40

3.)

8x10 "Music"- I took the lyrics his sister had written and pasted them to the canvas for the background.

$40

4.)

16x20- "Native dancers"

$70

Total:

190$, but he tipped me and gave me 220$, and is thinking of asking me to do another painting before I leave. Which is pretty awesome.

1.)

16x20- Dog portrait

Total: 80$, she's been my mom's best friend since they were in high school, so i've known her my whole life. I was happy that she wanted me to do a painting for her.

I've got one more portrait, an expressive portrait to do for this round on Thursday, a teacher at ICC who is also a mosaic artist, wants me to paint her father.

Then i've got round two, which includes one 16x20 of a husky in the snow, a 9x11 of some cardinals, and possibly three 8x10's of cats.

I'm happy to get paid doing something I enjoy.

^v^

Stirring the Cauldron: Yule

2011-12-22T02:35:00.003-06:00

Yule or the Wild Hunt is one of the four primary Pagan holidays, depending on the "denomination" or variance in the Pagan determines how many other holidays become important. The Wild Hunt is a direct influence of Norse mythology. In Norse mythos, Odin begins his wild hunt on Samhain reaching its height on Yule, and ending the day before May Day or Beltane. Often times, it is believed that Odin's army is of the dead scouring the land in search of something specific, but unknown.

Typically, Beltane, Samhain, Yule, and for many Ostara are the widely celebrated holidays among most Neo-pagans. Pronounced as you'd expect it to be, Yule is the shortest day of the year, normally occurring from the 20th-22nd of December. But the original date was December 25th, which was part of the conversion efforts of the Christians, and in retaliation Neo-pagans have changed the date from a fixed date (the 25th) to the Winter Solstice. It is also understood to be a time when the God has been reborn, since his descent into the Underworld on Samhain. This is also a festival, like Samhain, that is traditionally begun at sundown.

As i'm sure many of you are aware, many Christmas traditions are Yule traditions. Raging from the evergreen trees in your living space, and the idea of giving gifts to the log in the fire and the importance of family. For pagans Yule is a really magickal time of the year (as though that ever changes with us witchy folk?!), you give gifts to the people important to you and make time to spend with those people. Just like everyone else. But there are, as always, things you can do to make your Yuletide season, a little bit shinier.

Often times the purpose of a Yule log is to protect the home and to bring good luck, you let the fire burn out on its own and the log becomes a symbol of protection and luck for your home for the next year.

Green and red are big, as you're well aware, but so are silvers, whites, creams, gold, yellows, and i'd go as far as to say purples and browns.

So, if you are looking to spice up your altar or to make something special here are some ideas.

1. make a bracelet out of ribbon (always a good choice) to wear all day or through the season, utilizing any of the colors listed above.

2. Bake something! Very few things can warm a house during the holiday season than an oven in use! Yule Log Recipe

3. Go play in the snow! (obviously assuming there IS snow) You can pretend by rolling in the dirt, but that may not have quite the same effect.

4. Read some folklore! What is the Pagan version of Santa? Yule Lads! What about Christmas/Yule Trees?

5. Change your altar cloth to one of the above colors, or use a "christmas" pattern. It's very festive that way.

6. Burn some: Pine, Cedar, Cinnamon, or Bayberry all of which are seen as incense associated with Yule.

7. The strongest spellwork to do today would be anything dealing with peace, love, harmony, and increasing happiness.

8. Make a laurel to wear around your brow.

Happy Yuletide Merriment Everyone!

May our Yule Log bring us all luck this coming year!

Non-Post: Following Your Dreams

2011-12-22T02:26:00.001-06:00

I've spent a lot of time on here flip flopping about where i'm moving aka which art school i'm going to go to. I'm sure I don't need to explain to any of you why moving away for the first time (I still live at home, i'm 20) is a big step. Not only is it a big step, but i've spent a lot of time investing into myself the confidence that I can make it as an artist, somehow, someway, because I don't give up.

It's not in my nature, it's not something I consider to be a possibility.

If I want something, I seize that shit.

My ambition can move mountains.

So i'm the one always telling my friends and other people, to stop settling for something because its safer.

If you really want something, you've got to put yourself out there and be at risk of being torn apart by the masses (might be a slight exaggeration, but you get the idea).

Or you'll never truly be happy.

You have to be able to prove to yourself that your dreams are worth following, how else do other people realize the worth of your dreams or theirs for that matter.

Somebody's gotta take the first leap of 'faith'.

Why shouldn't that person be you?

The reason i'm bringing this up is because i've been re-thinking my decision to go to Chicago, and I realized I was settling.

I was being safe.

I was letting my fear control my future.

Really my heart belongs in Boston, and New York City.

That's where my future is, and that's where I need to be.

Regardless of how terrifying it is to make such a huge leap from living at home all my life, to living over 33hours away, to a place i've never been where I don't know a soul.

I decided I should follow my dreams, because i'll be happier this way.

You can't tote about how you shouldn't settle, and then settle!

C'mon now!

So, i've (sorta) found a place through SMFA with a few roommates.(It's not fully finalized, but on its way)

I'm working on getting a job in Boston.

And i'm working on pulling together the final bits of money, to get me, my rats, and some of my stuff (like my easel) to Boston.

Wish me luck? And or send awesome positive energy waves in my direction.

Either is appreciated.

The moral of my story?

I'm fucking terrified, but excited beyond measure all at the same time.

Not only that, but i'm proud of myself for being ballsy enough to decide to throw myself out there.

Life is really happening to me.

Go out and seize something important to you!

You'll be happier that way.

And yes, this is P!nk, I happen to love her.

Goth Community: Hipster Goth

2011-12-18T00:01:00.004-06:00

Yikes!

A lot has been going around within the Goth Blogging Communities regarding Hipster Goth or Nu-Goth as it has been called.

So i'm going to go ahead and weigh in on this subject.

Anyone who spends time on social networking websites (tumblr is a really good example with people like Felice Fawn who are perfect examples of Nu Goth) is familiar in one way or another with Hipster Goth.

Even certain musical pop-stars like Lady Gaga perpetuate this style.

Now, there are always advantages for gothy types when the mainstream shines a light on us, be it that stores featuring these items show up or that many things we spend hours and hours searching for become less arduous due to the increase in popularity.

You can't walk in to very many "higher end" consumer stores without bumping into something meant to target youth and young adults that is studded or painted black.

Stores like: H&M and TopShop are two perfect examples of stores full of Hipster Goth regalia.

I was in both of them this past friday when I was in Chicago shopping.

These are photos I took while in TopShop.

They even had a set of rings that spelled out, 'Hate'.

All of it was really clunky and cheap, made like costume jewelry.

So, what is a hipster goth?

A hipster goth, at the core, is a watered down simplified version of Goth. As with the nature of Hipster fashion in general, they simply take bits and pieces of goth fashion and pair it together. Typically, without any regard to real Goth or the Gothic lifestyle. Even going as far as disrespecting the Goth lifestyle.

They are also obsessed with black and white: clothes, hair, photos etc.

What is common amongst the apparel of a hipster goth?

Oftentimes you'll find a lot of gold jewelry, batwing shirts, tight pants (when they wear pants, a lot of them wear leggings as pants, this continues to baffle me), black tights, and wedges.

Studs on everything, sometimes in a specific pattern, and heavy black make up including lipstick.

Shiny pants, lots of shiny pants.

They pay an unconscious nod to post-punk usually without any DIY involved.

High waisted pants and skirts are common.

Large crosses, especially necklaces.

Some draw crosses and moons on their faces, and most of the graphic shirts are long and used as dresses.

My opinion:

They have a tendency to be regarded with an upturned nose, not unlike mallgoths from the past (back when pop-punk became popular and everyone and their grandmother was obsessed with Amy Lee). Sometimes it can be hard to remember that all present forms of goth were once new too, and regarded with discord from the goths before. Not unlike the forming of Fetish and Cyber goth, there are plenty of Old School Goths that think glow sticks, furry boots, latex, and whips don't belong in the goth scene. But one of the reasons most goths love our subculture is that it is so flexible, that it literally can be twisted and manipulated and turned into something else while retaining something gothy.

I don't dislike hipster goth per-se, I don't like it either, I acknowledge it with a slight head tilt.

Like you did back in high school when you were pretentious in your knee high buckle boots and Sisters of Mercy CD's, looking with contempt at all the mallgoths and pseudo-metal heads with their koRn t shirts, blue jeans, and swirly make up. The same people who were convinced you guys were "lyke the same person!", because they obviously look just like you in your expensive petticoats and DIY fishnet shirts.

*sigh*

But back on topic.

I can understand why there are goths who are afraid of being placed in the same category as the Hipster Goths.

Lords know I was terrified, absolutely terrified, of being seen as a mallgoth when I was a teenager.

But, the fact is that you can't really control that.

Just because they think you're one of them, doesn't really matter.

It's not quite like sitting at the "wrong" lunch table as a youngster, and being an outcast for life.

Goths spend waaay too much time researching everything there is to do with Goth and the many variations, that it is literally impossible for you to be lumped in by an informed person.

Exhibit A: Find the Goth

1. 2.

Go ahead, take your time.

Now, obviously I posted a deathrocker as an example, but the point remains the same. There is a vast difference between the two.

Have no fear my fellow gothlings 'taint all bad.

Things I DO like:

Now, I DO like some elements of Hipster Goth, because it contains some very gothy elements.

batwing shirts, my heart melts for those.

The white striped batwing sweater is a perfect example of a gothy item.

Studded jackets

Ripped black jeans

Topshop, 80$ (gag me with a spoon! Eighty dollars?!)

Combat boots/wedges

Ripped tights

Again with the not wearing of pants or shorts or SOMETHING over your tights!

I feel like Gothic Miss Manners when she would talk about wanting to wipe the make up off the faces of poor mallgoths that looked like they were viciously attacked by a tube of black lipstick.

For the love of all that is un-holy, put something on!

Now, because of the mainstream elements of Hipster Goth it is nice that you can go to the store and stock up on some of these items, like batwing shirts.

Just like the mass amounts of tights you stock up on around Halloween.

However, i'm always too disappointed to really cash in on any of it.

Because most of it is made SO poorly, and so expensive!

I don't buy stuff that is made to look DIY, in my closet if it looks DIY it's because it is *having.a.pretentious.deathrock.moment*.

Not because I shelled out 80$ for distressed black jeans with perfectly placed rips or a sweater that has rips and safety pins for 40$.

Fuck that noise.

Even the shoes are made poorly!

(I'll go in to depth with this more in another post where I give a review of the new H&M, "The Girl with a Dragon Tattoo line")

Things I hate:

That majority of it is based on false or stereotypical elements of Goth.

They tend to buy into the whole, "You're only a goth till a certain age", "it's a phase" type of mindset.

Lots of alcohol/smoking, and sitting in corners clutching your head in overwhelming depression, yet again stereotypical ideas.

Anti-religious elements are almost always present.

Or they use pentacles and other tribal symbols for shock, this one actually offends me on a deeper level. I'm a witch, I do not appreciate seeing symbols (ranging from headdresses, pentacles, and staffs) being associated with the surface or negative idea of Goth.

Being used solely to produce a reaction from people, to me those are sacred items that aren't meant to be cheaply made.

Because it cheapens the meaning behind it.

This has been Blitz's assessment of Nu-Goth/Hipster Goth.

G'day.

^v^

Artist Corner: Slaughterhouse paintings

2011-12-17T20:01:00.012-06:00

Me over summer with one of my in-progress paintings in the background.

Way back in August I went to a local slaughterhouse, where I took photos of the carcasses.

I have since made six paintings based off of the photos and the idea of meat, for my Practicum class (advanced painting) here at ICC.

As you know, i'm leaving soon for art school and i'm incredibly nervous (as anyone should be!) and i'd like to share some of my paintings with you guys (I finally downloaded a watermarking program). These are all still in progress, and the colors are a little off because of my lack of proper lighting in my room.

Non-Post: Lady Day of Finals

2011-12-14T11:31:00.006-06:00

So technically today is my last day as an ICC student.

I had a final at 2, in my advanced composition class.

I've got some revisions to do tonight and upload before midnight.

I'm so happy to be done with classes for the time being, this way I can focus more on my art and moving to Chicago next month.

On Friday i'm going to Chicago to drop off some applications and do some shopping, and then sometime next week i'm going back to do some apartment hunting.

Wish me luck?

P.s.

Goth friendly news

The American Horror Story house really IS for sale!

Click on the picture to read the article.

"But for the ultimate fan looking to buy the home to make jokes about hiring gay, dead decorators or to run around in a rubber gimp suit, it will only cost you $4.5 million. Or you could just do those things right now in your home for much, much less."

Bat Fit: Jumping on the Train

2011-12-12T12:06:00.002-06:00

December 11th, 2011

A lot has been going around in the blogging communities lately about loosing weight.

Both The Zombie Moshpit and Le Professeur Gothique have had a lot of information lately regarding their desires to loose weight naturally.

It's hard to not feel inspired if you're someone who always attempts to work out and then gives up the next day when you take in the sight of a chocolate peanut butter muffin.

No, seriously, they are amazing.

But, moving on.

I'm going to go ahead and jump on this train.

For a few reasons,

1. I'm moving next month, my first time being alone in a big city (Chicago,IL), which seems like a really great time to try to kick start all of these DIY themed ideas I have for my life outside of my parents nest. (I.e. recycling, eating healthier, DIY furniture and decor etc.)

2. I want to feel good about my body. It's not that I don't accept my body, because I do. But I want to be able to look at myself, and feel comfortable wearing a bathing suit or anything else. Whether that means I loose weight, inches, fat etc. doesn't really matter to me.

I'm not unrealistic about myself by any means, I don't really want flat abs (I mean if you're handing them out then sure!). I just want to be able to see myself and think about how happy I am to be in this body.

3. I need to eat healthier. I don't mean cutting out everything I love and swapping it for nuts, whole grains, and leafy things. I mean knowing what's in my food, and understanding how to substitute some of those things without sacrificing flavor. I don't consider this a phase, so i'm obviously going to eat what I intend on eating for a really long time.

4. I just had to stop playing roller derby, since i'm moving. Which means less usual exercise. So I need to substitute it by working out on my own.

Something I do have on my side is that I know, having played Roller Derby for almost two years straight, that foods do have a direct effect on your overall performance.

I've felt it, and witnessed it during practice.

So i'm not really afraid.

But i'm done with feeling sluggish and tired, and rather disgusting when I wake up.

I'm tired of changing what shirt i'm going to wear, because I feel really "fat" when I wear it.

It hugs everything, and i've got some "Everything" to give.

I hate hiding my body, it's a foolish way to behave.

My goals then?

To spend a lot of time making my own food
To work out, especially my core/thighs
Sit up straighter (it's always a good idea, haha)
I want my little pooch over my pants to go away
My hourglass to be even more defined, I love my shape.
My waist to go down to a 27".

To remind myself that i'm always capable of anything.

Present sizes

Bust: 34"

Waist: 31"

Lower waist aka the pooch: 36"

Hips: 40"

Weight: somewhere in the range of 145-150 (I have a lot of muscle mass from derby, that i'm hoping to keep <3)

Blessed be,

Blitz

Stirring the Cauldron: Familiars

2011-12-11T17:28:00.003-06:00

"witches in the air" by Goya

So, let's begin by saying everyone has heard of the term, "familiar" when in reference to magick, witches and the like.

But what is a familiar exactly?

Back during the Burning Times and Inquisition, a familiar was seen as an animal that is a messenger of the "devil". Usually a demon inhabiting an animal form that does the evil bidding of the witch and or satan.

Now, a familiar is not evil outright, just as a witch is not evil outright.

Therefore, a modern familiar is an animal with an increased sense of awareness.

Very similar to people you meet who have a knack for magick or energy work.

It isn't uncommon for a witch to have a familiar in these times.

A familiar can be any animal, often times the animal is sent to the witch during a time of need by the Universe (as I call it). The animal can come from any source, but usually it finds you.

What makes a familiar different than a pet?

A familiar, due to being energy aware, has a human-like quality to it.

Usually in the eyes.

Often times they get excited or suddenly come to you if you are prepping for magick or divination. Whether they sit in or around your circle or begin making noise (chattering, buzzing, hissing etc.).

The most important aspect of having a familiar is that you can communicate with them, by sending waves of energy into them.

Communicating can go both ways, so they will be able to show you what they need or want, in daily life as well.

How do you communicate with your familiar?

The word we call it is "telepathically", but I don't like that word.

It conjures up ideas of mind control and other somewhat foolish things.

You are sending a thought pattern, otherwise known as an energy wave, into them.

They respond by either doing what you ask, sending you something back, or staring at you blankly.

If you get the last one, you need to restructure the thought pattern.

Animals communicate through images and sensations rather than verbal exchange.

So obviously, if you tell your snake to get you your athame, and it sits staring at you blankly.

It's because you told it what to do, in a language it doesn't understand, instead of showing it.

Instead, send an image of the snake enacting the chosen task.

You'll get much better results.

Sometimes it will take a few tries to get it to work, especially if it's the first time you've tried this.

With Melinda, it took her twice the first time I tried it, and from then on, even when she went blind she still did what I asked of her rather quickly.

You have to develop a sense of trust between you and your familiar, as well.

The familiar has to be able to trust that it has no reason to distrust you, that you treat it well, and are a genuine friend.

As far as finding a familiar, it is my belief (as stated above) that the animal finds you.

My first familiar's were my first set of three rats I got as rescues back on Samhain in 2009.

Since then, they've passed away, and i've got two more rats.

Both of which have shown signs of becoming my familiars.

Calypso on my shoulder, Siouxsie Sioux on my arm.

Blessed Be,

~Blitz

Non-Post: 00g

2011-12-11T00:45:00.003-06:00

Non-Post: Almost done!

2011-12-09T22:46:00.006-06:00

Rebecca's awesome Christmas gift for me.

So, i'm happy to report i'm almost done with class for winter vacation!

Today was technically my last day of class and next week I have two finals and two days of work.

But i'm not worried, the bulk of my "final" work was due this week.

I'm sad to say that I struggled a LOT this week to find time to finish everything that needed to be done.

I am uncertain about my final grade in 3D Design, I didn't go to the final critique, in the hopes that I could turn in my work the next day (since she doesn't have to finish grading till next Tuesday). Because I was up from 1-8:30 working on finishing my animation assignment, and by the time I left I was exhausted, but finished.

I then went and ate, because I literally did NOT leave my seat except to use the restroom once during this time.

When I got home I worked on finishing my 8x8 cube, which I was up till 5am doing.

I finished it, but didn't have any coherency to do my two wearable art projects.

I started doing one and wasn't coherent enough to realize I should sew it, I started gluing it together. This was after I hot glued my fingers by accident, and now have a beautiful round blister on the side of my middle finger.

In short, she won't accept any of my projects because I wasn't in class the next day.

So, i'm worried my grade has dropped tremendously.

On a brighter side, I had my writing center presentation to give today on body language.

I won first place for 'People's Choice' out of all of the presentations.

Which also got me a 25$ gift card.

One of my fellow workers/one of my close friends gave me my Christmas gift today, she got me these awesome, comfortable NBC gloves.

Which are pictured above.

I'm finishing up all of my final paperwork for SAIC.

I was enrolled in classes last Friday!

My spring semester at SAIC:

Figure drawing from the inside out-Anne Harris T 9-4
Figure painting W 9-4
Film moving image TH 9-4
Environmental Chemistry M 6-9
Pict-India Buaah-Bollywood M 1-4

I'm not sure if i'm going to keep the night class, it depends on how my financial aid is without it.

I'm finishing up some paperwork to find out about that.

Tomorrow, i'm going to do some touch-ups on my hair.

Which still looks amazing three weeks later, just slightly more greenish tinted than originally.

<--As you can see here.

So yeah!

Those are my present updates!

I'm hoping to do a review blog post tomorrow.

So keep an eye out!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T12:55:00.005-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone in the states.

Even though I don't necessarily agree with much about this day of celebration, to be technical I don't agree with most of the choices in American history.

But alas!

Have fun with family, friends, and stuffing your face.

I'm already ready for food.

Have a Wonderful Day!

Goth Community: Turquoise Hair and more Art School News

2011-11-23T22:12:00.003-06:00

Alright guys, so i'm not sure if I mentioned this before.

But my only reason for going bleach blonde, was so I could dye it turquoise and have it stick.

Therefore!

I just got done with the process of dying it, I used Punky Colors:Turquoise.

I left it on for just over two hours under a shower cap.

Voila!

I love it, and can't wait to see how I look with my hawk up!

I have a couple of quick and dirty tips for cleaning yourself up after dying your hair:

1. use vaseline to prevent the dye from staining your ears, hair line, neck etc.

2. if that doesn't work or the dye ends up in some crazy place (which always happens to me) use nailpolish remover on a washcloth and rub the area. Do that a couple of times and it'll either be gone (depending on the color used) or it'll be barely noticeable.

On another note, I got my financial information from SAIC(School of the Art Institute of Chicago), aaand they are giving me an almost full ride. Which means i'm going to Chicago instead of Boston for my BFA. I'm going to SMFA for graduate school instead of undergrad.

Weird huh?

I really love Boston, but it was stressing me out trying to figure out how to make it happen(aka affording to live and go to school there in two months), and since SAIC offered me more money covering almost all of my tuition (i've got 1,747 that they didn't cover out of a 14k semester). So i'm currently talking to some people about qualifying for a grant to afford the remaining 2-3k (including miscellaneous fees at the institution).

I've already been in contact with a few studio apartments in Chicago only about 10-20 minutes from school, so hopefully that works out.

OH, I've also gotten a few commissions to do before I leave in January, totaling to $415, about six pieces total.

Overall things are going fairly well.

And here's a song for you guys.

Non-Post: Sharing the News!

2011-11-19T19:03:00.003-06:00

Hello followers!

I wanted to share my excitement with you, earlier this week I got a call from the School of Museum of Fine Arts (SMFA) in Boston that I applied to for Spring enrollment.

They accepted me, and are giving me a 6,000 merit scholarship per year.

Which means I applied to two art schools and got in to both.

Not to shabby, eh?

I'm going to Boston!!

I might be going as soon as a month or two from now.

I'm just waiting to hear back about my need-based aid, and what not.

I've already been looking for roommates and housing.

I'm going to art school

Bats and Butterflies,

-Blitz

Goth Community: Outfit Post

2011-11-16T23:56:00.006-06:00

Shirt: Joy Division band shirt from AYP.com

Jacket: Black Jean jacket from Ragstock in Chicago,IL

Shorts: A pair I ripped from an oversized pair of black skinny jeans from Old Navy

Bondage straps: from eBay a long time ago.

Tights: Two pairs of black fishnets over opaque teal.

Boots: Doc Martens 16 eyelet

Bag: Trick or treat bag from Spirit of Halloween, aka my purse.

Non-Post: Focus for Break

2011-11-13T21:19:00.003-06:00

So it is nearing the end of the semester here, i'm so close to finals I can smell it - as they say.

I've got approximately four weeks left of school before finals, including this week.

I've been spending a lot of time thinking about how to accommodate my fluctuations, since I realized they are only going to get worse. I'm not sure how much time I have to blog or will have to blog. My goal is to try to make one blog per week consisting of something that is worthy of being blogged about. With this in mind, i've been thinking about what I plan on accomplishing/goals for myself for the rest of the semester and then over Winter Break.

It is as follows:

End of Semester Goals:

*6 full fledged pig paintings (I've got 3, one is finished the other two are sorta close)

*Knock my writing center presentation (in front of a panel of instructors and fellow students) out of the park.

* Get an A in 3D Design

*Make my spiderweb vest (and then blog about it!) over Thanksgiving Break

*Make two-four more portrait exercises

Winter Break Goals:

*Get my tattoo

*Dye my hair teal/fishbowl blue

*make four paintings

*Finish reading: Sherlock Holmes Vol 1, The Shining, and Salem's Lot

*Get through the first two chapters of my new novel, including the drawings

*Make my striped Bustle skirt, and a plain black one.

*Make two zipper hoodies

*Clean my entire room

*Make the outfit based off of my following pattern

Stirring the Cauldron: Samhain

2011-11-01T12:53:00.008-05:00

Samhain, pronounced SOW-WEEN, is a Pagan holiday which actually takes place on November 1st, much to the surprise of many individuals both Pagan and non-pagan alike. November 1st marks the beginning of the New Year for us Pagan folk. The story goes that October 31st, Halloween or All Hallows Eve, the God begins his descent into Death to be reborn again at Yule, December 20th-21st or the Winter Equinox. Now, why do people sometimes have a hard time deciphering the difference? Because technically, Samhain begins at night fall on Halloween, and ends at sunset on November 1st. Samhain is seen as a celebration of the harvest, and with that, death and the natural role death plays for all living things; because of this the festival is held at the beginning of night fall, when the veil is believed to be the thinnest between the living and the dead. Therefore, the reason November 1st is called, Samhain, and Halloween is not Samhain, is simply based in the tradition that Samhain takes place at dusk. You don't wake up on Halloween and Samhain begins, however, when you wake up on November 1st, it is still Samhain. It is a really small difference in terms of approximation, but, to a Pagan - this is incredibly important. Just as important as ensuring that you are doing the proper ritual during the corresponding moon phase, or at a certain time. All of these specific time lapses are incredibly important to Pagans and typical practices, because we are so dependent on the Earth and the corresponding changes.

So, if you are pagan or pagan friendly/interested in what you may focus on or do on such a day. Well here are some suggestions I have for you, and of course these can and should be adjusted to how you feel you should approach these suggestions.

They aren't set in stone, as they say.

Places to go:

You can visit anywhere where someone has passed away, where someone or something may be buried, or even areas where trees have been burned down.

*Graveyards (I'm hope go to one around dusk today, and since I know may of you are gothy - this may interest you.)

*Abandoned buildings (be careful, try not to get arrested or injured)

*A relatives home

*A place where something died of natural causes (you can go tend to a tree that has been struck by lighting or where something has been hit by a car and is crumbled up on the side of the road)

Things to do:

*Make a wreath or necklace or bracelet utilizing orange and black. You can use this as a way to honor the day, by wearing it or by placing it on your altar.

*You can write down your goals for the coming year, and visualize what you hope to accomplish. (I usually follow this by burning it)

*You can make something (such as a flower or a paper lantern) to give as a gift to someone or something that has passed away.

*Of course you can bake, as well. (Homemade Pumpkin Pie, Crescent Rolls, Cider etc. are all good choices on a day like today).

-If you don't have time to devote to a craft today, you can always simply light a candle (either a tea candle, or halloween themed). It would be best to place it in a window, if you have one that faces West (where the sun sets), or to set it in the center of your bedroom or living room.

Have a blessed Samhain everyone, and welcome the New Year

Happy Halloween to All, and to All a Good Fright!

2011-10-31T19:35:00.008-05:00

This past Saturday I had a friend of mine come over, and we began our pumpkin carving! I had originally intended on getting an early start, but seeing as I was out till past 3am due to the RHPS production I saw the night before. That just wasn't going to happen. We began around noon or just after, whenever she managed to wake me from my slumber.

I had four total pumpkins, we intended on splitting them even. But, in the end, I decided i'd only carve one, because my other pumpkin was much too beautiful. Pumpkin pie may be in my very near future. This weekend, perhaps? After we did our carving we went out to eat, and then to pass the time before our Halloween party. We ended up at Claires, the mall store, because I saw something Halloweeney in the display. Much to my astonishment I found this adorable pocketwatch, that not only looks vintage, but actually works! I can set the time, and the top pops open!

I also found a clown broach to put on my new lovely Heavy Red coat, the coat will have a raving review in the very near future.

At the Halloween party, I won second place in the costume contest, by vote. The costume of which I was wearing, was just my regular clothes. I took someones top hat, and another persons scythe and claimed I was Death.

(You can kinda see my black and white vertical tights)

It seemed fitting.

Today, I found a dead mole at the entrance to the woods behind the school.

How many of you remember the dead birds? Well, I currently have lost count of how many dead birds I have drying in my possession. Today I found a rather large mole, and scooped him up in a clear trash bag and put him in my deep freezer here at home.

I'm going to do some small spellwork tonight, since All Hallows Eve (the day before Samhain) is the most potent night of the year, magickally.

Blessed Be

Goth Community: Rocky Horror Picture Show

2011-10-28T22:27:00.004-05:00

Update: I have not fallen off the face of the Earth entirely.

So, lately I have been unable to tell you guys a lot of the great things that have been occurring due to an appalling lack of time. However, i'll expand on this in a separate post but I wanted to mention it briefly - so I was accepted into SAIC's fine art program, after my review last week. He told me that if I apply for Spring that he believes I can qualify for one of the higher scholarships they offer (they range from 2,000 to full tuition). Now, I also went back to Chicago for National Portfolio Day, and spoke with both a representative from SMFA and CalArts - both want me to apply and the representatives from both told me my work excited them and they'd like to see more. Therefore, i'm applying to both SAIC and SMFA for spring enrollment, hence my lack of attention to you guys, because the SAIC application is due in full on Tuesday. Aaand, I also was originally planning on leaving for art school in the Fall, not the spring, so this is quite a bit sooner than I had anticipated. I may be moving away in January instead of August.

Today, is Friday and the beginning of the Rocky Horror Madness that takes place around Halloween. There is a Rocky Horror Showing tonight at ISU, Illinois State University, that begins at around 7 I think. But, i'm going to the largest one around here, held at Peoria Players Theater, just off of University and Lake. 16$ for admissions, and tons and tons of people dressed up ready to have a blast at midnight. I am one of those people this year.

Now, keep in mind, i've been dying to go to the RHPS since I was thirteen, and until this year i'd never been. It was an absolute blast! And one thing that made everything much easier, was that I had enough Rocky worthy clothing to cover multiple peoples. Therefore, my friend and I were set.

I wore a bat corset, with a lacy tank under it, a waist cincher under it all.

A short A line skirt above my knees, a pair of ripped fishnets, and my victorian button boots.

I'll have to put the whole thing on again, and take a photo for the effect.

We were running late, so I didn't get a photo of me or of the production itself.

I did however, sing along with the strange man sitting next to me wearing a pink feather boa, to every word.

I want to go again tomorrow!

I also told my friend we'd work on the time warp, she had issues doing it in heels on top of rice.

Non-Post: A Burial

2011-10-16T11:53:00.005-05:00

I buried Melinda today.

Here is where she's buried, at the foot of the tree, to the left. Where you can see the up-turned Earth.

To the right, is where Lucy is, under that green bush, and then to the farther right Curri at the base of that thick tree to the right of the frame.

Blessed Be my Sweethearts.

Goth Community: Change of Pace, with Hair

2011-10-16T11:41:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone!

This past Friday I started my hair change, or as my friends call it, "I began my morph into Cruella." My plan is to have a white mohawk and side burns, with short black shaved sides.

I went in and saw my regular hair dresser over at this rockabilly hair place in town, called Hair Ink.

She had short hot pink hair, and we began my bleaching.

She bleached me twice. My natural color took to the dye really easily, because naturally i'm a dark blonde light brown. However, the rest of my hair was still stained because I was a red head for a year until this past February. She managed to get it all to look consistent, but offered me a free bleaching sometime next week, to get my hair to white. She had a tattoo appointment which is why she couldn't do the third one in this sitting.

I can't tell you how great it feels when your hair is shaved.

Seriously.

I hate it when my sides get long.

I think I look pretty fantastic, despite how drastic the change is.

I've never been a blonde before.

Non-Post: Rat Passing

2011-10-10T20:58:00.004-05:00

So my eldest rat Melinda passed away this afternoon.

I had to take her in to the vet, it was a really emotional situation for me.

I love my rats more than most things in life, and to have to put one to sleep is always upsetting.

But Melinda lived to be 2.5-2.7, she was five to eight months when I rescued her from a shelter breeder in Chicago,IL, back November 1st, 2009.

Which is where I got my pod of three female rats, all of which have now passed away.

I have my memorial tattoo on my left hand for them, and now it is a complete memorial.

I got it on my left hand, because back when they were all alive, I put washable ink on their paws and let them loose on paper in a box.

Well, Lucy, my little old lady out of the three, didn't give me a single usable paw print for a tattoo. However, when she saw my hand she reached out to climb up, and placed a perfect print on the meaty part of my left thumb.

Therefore, I decided what better placement than one my rats chose?

I am incredibly sad to see her go though.

She was my familiar to the fullest extent.

She'd even listen to me, when i'd send her signals after she lost her eyesight.

She placed a lot of trust in me.

Sunday i'm burying her with the other two out at my grandma's.

Once the frost is over, i'm going to plant flowers around all three of them.

R.I.P

Tune In: American Horror Story

2011-10-07T11:10:00.010-05:00

So, last Wednesday on FX, a new television series began called, "American Horror Story." The pilot episode followed a young boston family, a husband wife, and teenage daughter as they make the move from the East Coast to L.A. The reason behind the move is grounded in relationship troubles that become evident throughout the initial episode. The daughter is an angsty young girl befitting of any Goths heart. No, she doesn't appear as one typically expects a Goth to. But with her cigarettes, bolero hat, and Morrisey music; paired with her general angsty outcast attitude, you can't help but feel a tinge of familiar nostalgia. Her family moves into this absolutely beautiful, beautiful, old victorian home with a less than perfect past. The realtor informs them of the circumstances surrounding the demise of the owners, a homosexual couple, prior to them. Upon hearing that the house may or may not be haunted, the daughter pipes up, "we'll take it." Things start to piece together as a mysterious woman shows up, a little old red-headed woman wearing a maid uniform with one blind eye, while the mother is hanging laundry on a line to dry. The woman explains she was there as the maid when the accident happened, and that she's the one who cleaned the mess. The quirk here is, that to everyone else she appears to be the old woman, but to the husband she appears to be a young woman, i'd say about 20-24 wearing a french maid uniform complete with garters and thigh highs. The husband is a psychiatrist working out of his new home, the first patient you meet is a troubled young boy with dirty blonde hair and large expressive eyes. He too, can be found neatly wedged into a Goth friendly box, he's describing one of his fantasies of killing people he knows, of freeing them of the pain of life, as he calls it. During this fantasy, you see him walking entirely in black with black paint on his face reminiscent of Rick, the man with his skull tattooed on his face. Badass? I thought so. He finds himself responding to the daughter, both as an outcast and as someone troubled. A man is introduced, a man suffering from brain cancer with burn scars covering majority of the left side of his body. He wears a suit, and a top hat; we find that he was a convicted killer who happened to live in the same house the family recently bought. He tries to warn the father about how the house turned him against his family, once he started hearing voices. But of course, the father doesn't listen. We are introduced to a neighbor woman, older in age, with a daughter of about 18-20 with down syndrome. The girl with downs has chocolate hair with straight bangs, you are lead to believe that she can feel something about the house that the general populace can't or chooses not to. Her mother is very peculiar, she knows the maid, and has an almost aging hollywood starlet feel to her.

If you are a fan of good television, or spooky shows, you need to watch this.

Seriously.

Wednesdays on FX @ 10, Central Standard Time

Dear followers,

2011-09-23T22:25:00.003-05:00

I am really sorry I haven't updated in a while.

I came back from vacation to be floored with school work, and am trying to manage my time before Portfolio Day on the 23rd, of October.

I've got my portfolio going, and now I got sick too.

So, I apologize for my absence, and I will come back to you as soon as I can.

Spiders and Bats,

-Blitz

Non-Post-New Features

2011-09-15T22:36:00.004-05:00

Me under a tree at the Getty Museum

Here in my own dark corner of the interweb, powered by entirely too much coffee, i've been cooking up some new ideas for possible features to have here.

Feel free, and please do comment!

Suggestions are VERY welcome, after all, you guys are my readers; and like any good blogger, I aim to write about things I love to write about, and also things you like to read.

So!

So far we've encountered a new one which is Goth Community, I decided that considering a majority of my followers are fellow Goths or people with Gothy inspirations or leanings. It made perfect sense to make posts you may be interested in, easier to identify.

Within this there are a couple of branches i'm thinking of creating.

1.Goth Community: DIY- this would include information about anything fashion or accessory friendly, that I make, wish to share(including tips on how to do it yourself), and other such things.

I know it is always a good idea for a Goth to have at least basic sewing skills, so since I can sew, I was thinking of sharing ways to sew zippers and other items that can be easily applied to say, a pair of your favorite pants to make them more Gothy.

Pockets inside skirts is one i'm dying to try out, anything I suggest or give out as a tutorial will only be because i've done it successfully.

2. Goth Community: Concerts- this would include any concerts i've been to recently, or when I go. I will recap, mention whether or not it was awesome, any other notable things etc. I'd love to do one on my previous concert in 2008, when I saw The Cure. I'm intending on seeing Peter Murphy in late November, actually i'll be there unless absolute dire circumstances occur. I've been trying to see that man for YEARS.

3. Goth Community: New Blood- This would feature anything new i've come across, now i'm not sure if it should just be 'new' items, or whether it should be anything that is new to me. As in, maybe I found a band that's been done for two years, but I want to share them with you guys. This would be ANYTHING gothy that is considered 'new', bands, clothing, literature etc. Any suggestions on which you'd prefer? Lumping it all together, or spreading it out? If I spread it out, what do you suggest I call it?

Another one you've probably seen recently is Non-post, this is an identifier whenever I discuss anything that pertains directly to me and my personal life: school, work, vacations, ranting/bitching etc. I decided this would make it easier for those reading to be able to skim over it if you are only here to read a certain type of post. Usually I follow the Non-post, with a keyword or words that defines the content.

A completely new feature i'm thinking of adding is, Artist's Corner- where I mention, discuss, show, worship etc. other artists, museums, my art what have you. I will take suggestions for who you'd like to see me talk about. I'm thinking of a basic structure being: a photo (if possible), either a bio or a bit of explanation if it is a museum or gallery, then with tons of photos. I'd also like to give a personal opinion, if it is a working gallery, as to the type of art that would do best here, based on environment, and other hanging art.

-Blitz

Goth Community: California day 6- Tim Burton's Exhibition at the LACMA

2011-09-15T12:02:00.014-05:00

So, it should be of no surprise to you, that when I found out I was coming to LA.

My only stipulation was that I got to go to this exhibition.

No really, I told my parents it was non-negotiable.

I rolled out of bed at almost 10 here, and started getting ready.

I got my ticket, and sat down waiting for those ten minutes till it reached noon to go in.

The ticket was 20$.

A woman scanning my ticket told me she liked my Tim Burton attire.

I chuckled.

I always chuckle when people think I'm dressed up for events (renaissance faires are a common example), i'm always like "oh why thank you" or "I actually look like this all of the time."

Really?

Really.

I was then told I couldn't use my camera, which sucked.

There were about eight rooms total, filled with Tim Burton's work.

I paid the extra 7$ to get an audio companion to use during the exhibition that had feedback from Tim Burton, and the curator about each room.

I did 6 pages of drawings, and notes about his work, and ideas that sprang to life while I was there.

The costume for Edward Scissorhands, as well as his hands, were on display.

The cat suit Michelle Pfeiffer wore, and the various head pieces for Batman were as well.

You saw all of Jack's heads, as well as numerous Nightmare Before Christmas characters.

A lot of cartoons from when he was working for Disney.

One of the things I loved most though, was that he displayed his writing.

So he displayed how he worked through the concepts for some of his most well known works, and it was so incredibly interesting!

To see his thoughts behind the character concepts, why he wanted them to look or act a certain way, what he wanted them to say in the first scene, how to introduce them etc.

It was just so glorious to be aloud to see into how he saw his own characters.

I bought this poster, and these magnets.

I actually only had 33$, which was unexpected.

Not terrible of course, at least I had money to spend!

At least some of his prints, and what not I can buy from the LACMA website.

I'm still determined to get his art book for 70$.

So determined.

BUT, even though I followed the rules and didn't take photos, other people didn't.

So, for your enjoyment are some photos I found to give you a taste of the exhibition, via Tumblr.

The entrance!

This was the black light room, with the real Oogie Boogie to the left in the case.

Do you see the one on the bottom right? She's in/is a rollerskate, I really hope it is in his book, because I want that tattooed.

I might as well just dedicate my right arm to Tim Burton.

I'm already getting Edward Scissorhands on my inner right forearm.

Today was such a day of badassery.

I spent over three hours in his exhibition.

Non-Post: California Day 5-Getty Museum!

2011-09-15T00:25:00.010-05:00

What I wore today

Today we went to the Getty Museum!

As you may have noticed, I skipped two days.

Those two days consisted of me sleeping, wearing PJ's, and watching movies.

I did, however, watch 'Remember Me' which was actually really good.

I also bought a few items at a local Hallmark store really late at night.

We were driving by, and I saw Halloween related items dimly lit in the window, and therefore had to go in. So I went as quickly as my combat boots would take me.

I spent 50$ total, one of those items is that lovely skull scarf i'm wearing in the photo to the left.

The other items i'll post later!

Moving on.

Today was a really great day!

We went to the Getty Museum, which is this gigantic museum, with a huge garden sitting on top of this huge ~~hill~~ mountain. The museum is up so high you get a perfect view of downtown LA from above for miles, it is really great.

Not to mention the museum admission is free, who doesn't love that?

Because it is set up so high on a mountain, you can't get there by driving.

So you park at the bottom of the hill, and a Tram comes to get you.

It is this long subway-esque thing on tracks that whisks you up the mountainside.

We saw deer on our way down.

One of the workers said they(the deer) love how quiet it is up there, so they sleep in the garden at night!

I did a few quick sketches while I was there, took down a bunch of artist names, and took a lot of photos.

I spent so much time standing there analyzing the flesh tones of certain painters, my parents were getting annoyed that I was taking so long.

They didn't voice it, but they kept sitting down, and coming over towards me.

I also had a worker tell me I got too close to a painting while I was analyzing it.

I wanted to tell him that he should never tell a painter they're getting too close to the art, be happy we aren't licking it.

Seriously.

You remember Van Gogh?

Of course you don't! You weren't around when he was, however, you've heard of him, right?!

Well, he ate paint, and at the time that paint was filled with actual chemicals: the Cadmiums, Zincs, Chromiums etc. paints are still filled with them now, but not nearly as purely as they were back then.

This is part of what caused him to loose his mind.

Then cut off his ear, and eventually die by being shot in the stomach.

But, the point is,

Talk to any painter, and on some level we understand his desire to eat paint.

Truly.

Anyway, close to the end we went through the different Gift Shops.

My mom bought me a few postcards I wanted, I picked out a couple for friends as gifts.

My step-dad bought me this awesome book called, "The Artist's Guide: How to make a Living Doing What You Love" by Jackie Battenfield.

Which is great! Because I looked it over before I brought it to them, and it is filled with actual genuinely helpful material.

Ready to see what the Getty looks like?

Yeah you are!

Giacometti-Woman Standing I

Remember that view I referenced above?

Killer right?

Too bad about the smog though...

P.s.

I stopped by JoAnn Fabrics here in town, and found black and white striped fabric still on the bolt. I talked my mom into buying it for me, i've got 4 3/4 yards of it.

The first thing I said to my mom was, "Do you realize how rare this is?! I've been looking for it for a really long time!"

Which is total honesty.

I'm already cooking up ideas to make a bustle skirt with it and some black fabric i've got lying around.

I was also brainstorming halloween fabric to get an make an entire bed set for my room, and some curtains...

*rubs hands deviously*

Goth Community: Day 13-What was your first band t-shirt?

2011-09-13T16:30:00.003-05:00

I do believe this was the shirt!
Oh my.

Well, the first band shirt was a Linkin park shirt from Hot Topic in 6th grade.

I actually made my mom go in and get it for me, because I was terrified about being associated with Hot Topic here in the states.

I also had her buy my first issue of Gothic Beauty, a year later, from there, and a couple pairs of stripy tights around the same time.

I remember being so embarrassed.

My first shirt from an actual concert was when I saw The Cure back in 2008 just outside of Chicago. I think that was my first concert shirt...pretty sure it was.

That was a great show by the way.

Robert says 'Fuck', a LOT.

It is the only thing you can understand him when he says, other than when he sings.

He sings beautifully.

But did you expect any less?

Day 12-What's your Gothic Inspiration?

2011-09-12T12:36:00.015-05:00

Oh boy!

I take inspiration from a variety of places.

My art and my fashion inspirations are very very similar.

But, without further ado!

Tim Burton and Helena Bonham Carter

*Like any Goth, Tim Burton has been a huge influence on me, nearly, my entire life. Who doesn't want to live in one of Burton's worlds?! Helena has wonderful fashion sense as well, with her long flowing black skirts and pointy boots, she takes any Goth girls heart.

Amanda Palmer

*She is such a Goddess. Punk Cabaret, with corsets, stripes, and boots. I seriously love this woman.

Avant Garde/High Fashion

-The first time I found high fashion was when I was in 7th grade, I was 12 at the time, and I was scouring everywhere to get ideas about Goth fashion. I was still in the early babybat stages when I came across a magazine. We were doing collaging in class, and I was cutting out and saving the things I really liked. I found two pages (which I still have and are actually hanging up on my wall at home), one was about Punk, the other about Goth, and their influences in the high fashion industry. It discussed Alexander McQueen (who will forever be my favorite. RIP), with the "God save McQueen" line he did featuring a lot of tartan, studs, skulls etc. And then the Goth page has a purple asymmetrical gown with a long collar and huge black boots with, I believe, Christian Dior as the designer. I was floored. I still take inspiration from high fashion, I usually find myself coming up with items that I can attempt to re-create at home.

Razor Candi

-Anytime I find a photo of her, I save it to my desktop. I found her back in 2006, she is who I credit for showing me what Deathrock was. I'm constantly taking visual tips from her. She also taught me that girls can look badass covered in blood with mohawks. I was so young when I was exposed to her. <3

Halloween

-No really. Once Halloween hits, I take inventory of costumes, decor, and accessories. I then write down what I liked about it, like the other day I found this curtain which was sheer, but with a solid haunted house and bats. I then came up with the idea of applying that same type of concept, to a dress or sheets. Layering is a big one when I find costumes I like, I determine how many pieces it would take to make a durable wearable item, and then what fabrics it would look best in. This is when my fashionista mindset comes out in full spooky force.

Non Post: Make-up!!

2011-09-12T12:36:00.011-05:00

I am in need of some new make up, i'm starting to run out, and I am thinking of trying new things. I actually bought the Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion, waay back when I was sixteen. I still have and use it regularly, but it is on its last leg. So, i'm looking to try one of the larger tubes they have recently come out with. I'm also looking into some long lasting lip gloss, long lasting sprays, and experimental shadows. I love Urban Decay, i'm trying to figure out whether to drop the cash to buy an eyeshadow palette or not. I like the idea of having the options, but will I use it? How often? etc.

I also don't like how so many palettes have so many shades of bronze, and gold, as a pale girl who would like to remain pale; I find this distressing.

I would much prefer frosty shades.

Any suggestions?

$30.00

Perversion- a plum color

Runaway

$19.00

$29.00

Non-post: California Day 2-Hollywood

2011-09-11T11:11:00.024-05:00

What I wore.

We went to downtown Los Angeles today.

Hollywood, Mali Bu, and a bunch of other places like that.

I like California, well in this case Southern California, but I wouldn't ask to live here.

It is too glitzy, even the punks i've seen carry themselves with a sense of superiority.

Not to mention, I hate how sunny it is, and it is rather hot.

Unfortunately, I get super bitchy if i've been in the sun too long.

Anyway, we ate at an 'In and Out' burger place for dinner.

It was interesting that they claim to use only fresh ingredients.

Food wasn't too bad, I didn't get that usual icky feeling of Fast Food.

Downtown, we got to see a lot of people in cosplay wear, along with those infamous stars on the sidewalk, and the cement handprints.

It was nice to get that experience of seeing Hollywood, but I don't want to go back.

Except maybe to see the Ripley museum, I didn't get a chance to go in this time.

I DID however, find out while I was in Hollywood, where Poltergeist was filmed, and the Manson murders occurred. I really wanted to go check them out.

I was looking for where the Black Dahlia aka Elizabeth Short was brutally murdered, but I must not have been looking hard enough, because I didn't find it on the map of "Hollywood Sets and Crime Scenes", sitting in a window of a novelty shop.

Here are some photos I took of Hollywood.

It was really hard to get this one--^, this little boy kept stepping on it while I was trying to take the photo.
I've got Johnny Depp's, Harrison Ford, and a few others.
I had to get John Wayne's, because it reminded me of that episode of 'I Love Lucy' where her and ethel steal John Waynes foot print, and he has to re-do it like four times.

I got some photos of me posed with these Jason, Chucky, and Michael Meyers cosplayers.

Aaand I got one with this cute boy dressed as Captain Jack.

Goth Community: Day 11-Is Goth a Lifestyle for you?

2011-09-11T11:11:00.009-05:00

Me in Hollywood

I'd say so!

After nearly ten years, if I was going through a phase or had somehow made a mistake, i'm sure I would've figured it out by now! There is nothing else for me. My brain doesn't even fathom Goth as being "different", it is so normal to me that there is no other option. Who I am, and what makes me 'me', is intrinsically linked to Goth.

Over the years it has become incredibly important to me.

I guess you can say I grew into Goth.

Non-post: California day 1-Venice Beach

2011-09-10T11:37:00.010-05:00

What I wore today

So we went down to Venice Beach, which was my first time ever going to a beach of any kind.

There were so many people, seriously.

It was crazy.

A lot of shops too, some good stuff.

I got this coffin

for 15$, my step-dad gave me the money to pick which one I wanted.

I did, however, go into a Freak Show that was on the beach.

Where I met a sword swallower, and found him extremely hot.

He's dating that adorable girl with the striped tights in the first photo.

So cute.

So Venice beach was very interesting, but too many people.

So many palm trees..

Goth Community: Day 10-What do you hate and love about the subculture?

2011-09-10T00:02:00.007-05:00

When it comes to the Goth co-culture what I love, apart from almost everything, is how creative it is. As an artist I love creativity, and that being a part of this allows me creative freedom with my apparel. But that also, it allows me to find a place that accepts the macabre, and the morbid, two very influential things for me in life, and in my art. I find it so exciting.

What I hate about the Goth co-culture: people who try too hard. This is kind of a difficult one, because my response is really broad. I dislike people who think that the only Goths in the world are the ones who won't leave the house without a corset, a bustle skirt, and cake white make up. I don't like how demanding those individuals are, as though Goth fits into one small perception of people who have to look "extreme" or "dress up" all the time or they suddenly aren't Goth anymore. As though Goth is something that only defines you when you are clothed, otherwise you couldn't possibly be as Goth as them, or at all even.

Goth Community: Day 9-What Genre of Music do you dislike?

2011-09-09T08:16:00.006-05:00

This is going to be rather short, since there isn't really much to say on this topic.

I dislike Country(especially modern) and Gangsta Rap.

I can't stand most of the vocals in country, or the lyrics.

Same goes for Gangasta Rap.

Generally, I need more than just a catchy beat to actually like a song.

I can't stand surface lyrics, most of the time, I don't care that you fucked someone yesterday, and they didn't call you back.

I don't like a lot of love songs, because of the lyrics, and most of Country contains sad love songs.

So yeah.

Such a short post!

2011-09-08T21:37:00.003-05:00

$40.00

$120

$6.00

$18.00

Non Post: FML

2011-09-08T05:15:00.004-05:00

Hello dear followers,

my past week has been pretty stressful.

A lot of possible good things, but a lot of stress.

I'm leaving for California in the morning, and i'll be there till sometime the 16th.

I will update as much as I can during my stay.

I am anxious for a vacation.

At school, I have to see my ex everyday, because we have the same major so we are in similar classes.

Which is hard when you were with them for four years, and then four months ago, it stopped.

Don't get me wrong, i'm glad it stopped, truly.

It is better for both parties, but it doesn't make the patterns of thought, and the memories any less emotional.

But I have to work through it in order to truly come out better on the otherside.

Not only that, but i'm still sick, and i'm all crampy.

I found out that the Essay I wrote for my English 240 class isn't what the teacher wanted, which is my fault, the problem is that it is due tomorrow, and I don't have time to completely write something new.

So, I have to turn in what I have, and re-write it when I get back.

I also haven't had money this week, so my food intake has been scarce at best.

I developed an issue on Tuesday, when my pin number stopped working, so I had to get a ride in between classes today. So I could change the pin, because I get paid tomorrow, and would like to use some cash out in California.

I am also now stranded at my university at 6:16pm, because my step-dads car has a flat tire.

The bus to my house stopped running at 4:45, and I get off work at 5:30.

Since it is so late, nobody I know is here or within distance to come get me.

On the plus side, I found another dead bird (which is currently sitting in my back pack), and a friend found a hummingbird for me yesterday. I may also have a commission here soon (I sincerely hope so!), and i'm taking a vacation from real life for a week.

Dear all that is sweet and holy,

It can't come soon enough!

Love and Bruises,

-Blitz

Goth Community: Day 8-What is your best and worst encounters with non-Goths

2011-09-08T05:12:00.009-05:00

Well my above all worst experience with non-Goths, was when my mother first started dating her boyfriend (whom I usually refer to as my step-dad), when I was 13.

Basically he had the nerve to get into a full on argument with me, numerous times, about how I was going through a phase. How I would grow out of it, I was just looking for attention etc. and each time I flipped the fuck out. Eventually I flipped out to the point that he never brought it up again. Seeing as I am now 20, most people have given up on the whole "You're-going-through-a-phase" thing. Our relationship got a lot better once he stopped trying to tell me who I was, and who i'd become.

My best experience with non-Goths, was probably when I was 13 yet again.

I was hanging out with one of my closest friends at the time, at a friends house.

I was wearing a London After Midnight T-shirt that had spiderwebs on the front, and said "Jesus Hates Me" on the back.

I typically wore a short sleeve over it, to cover the back when I was around people who I knew, would have something snarky to say.

Well I got hot and took off said overshirt, and this girls mom flipped out after I left.

Telling her daughter I was a satanist, and all that good stuff.

My friend yelled at her, standing up for me against her friend's mom.

Telling her that she didn't have a right to judge me based on a T-shirt when she didn't take the time to actually talk to me.

I've had some great friends over the years, and currently.

Most of them non-Goths.

Goth Community: Day 7- ten of your favorite Goth bands

2011-09-07T06:33:00.003-05:00

1. Bauhaus

2. Peter Murphy

3. Siouxsie Sioux

4. Voltaire

5. Sisters of Mercy

6. The Church

7. Echo and the Bunnymen

8. The Cure

9. Love and Rockets

10. Killing Joke

11. The Bolshoi

12. Morrissey

13. Nick Cave and the Badseeds

I've gotta stop.

I cheated a little bit.

This was actually really difficult.

I kept wanting to add more.

Goth Community-Day 6: Hand write your favorite lyric and take a picture

2011-09-06T18:39:00.007-05:00

So I chose "Some kind of Stranger" by The Sisters of Mercy.

It was kind of hard to decide what would be my "Favorite", but ultimately I chose this one, because the song has always been a favorite of mine.

I've considered getting part of it tattooed on me on more than one occasion.

Something like:

"All my words are secondhand"

"All I know for sure
All I know for real
Is knowing doesn't mean so much"

Maybe in that fleshy area of the inner upper arm?

Yes, I did just turn this into a tattoo post.

I have an addiction.

Goth Community: Make-up Video

2011-09-05T08:23:00.002-05:00

Goth Community-Day 5: Is there a local Goth band or group in your area

2011-09-05T07:28:00.008-05:00

Sadly, no.

We have local bands, but we don't have a large enough Goth scene or Alt scene here, to have bands or Goth nights.

The closest Goth night is in Champaign,IL, and Chicago is full of them!

I still haven't been able to go to any though, it is hard to commute without a car especially on school nights.

Even in college.

Here is a list of the bands that can be found in Chicago.

I've only been exposed to a small amount compared to the number available.

1. The Rosedales

*I bought their first CD a while ago, it is signed and everything!

As for Goth nights, Chicago has Nocturna every month, Raise the Dead is less frequent, and some random ones pop up here and there. I typically focus more on Nocturna and nights that are off-shoots of it.

There is a Nocturn the 17th of this month, and I REALLY want to go.

Now, let's see if I can get a friend to come with me.

In other news, over at Raven Faes Creations they are having a give-away, which this user does one every week! It is really nice, because it is always halloween related (score!), and all of the items seem to be of quality and rather appealing to look at.

So go check it out!

Giveaway #5

Goth Community: Day 4- What stereotype or Cliche can you relate to?

2011-09-04T12:17:00.012-05:00

This was what my room looked like before we moved when I was sixteen(I think...)

My room, presently, doesn't look nearly as cool, but, i'm thinking of switching out my pumpkin lights for these eyeball lights I found at the store the other day.

Oh my!

I think an easier answer would be what cliche or stereotype, don't I identify with.

Which is both interesting, and not so, maybe a little sad eh?

Moving on,

I'd say the strongest cliche I fall into, is the love of the Supernatural.

Anything and everything underneath that term, falls into something I love being surrounded by.

From horror monsters to cutesy ghosts and pumpkins.

I wear witch hats around the house (I am a witch after all), most of my literature falls into that category, and so does just about anything I watch or expose myself to on TV.

Now, this is both good and bad, good for obvious reasons; the supernatural is awesome

Bad, because I literally am attracted to ANYTHING supernatural, regardless of how cheaply made or corny.

This means that I am guilty of reading most teen (especially vampire, but a lot with zombies, werewolves, and fae too) fiction, as well as, watching My babysitter is a vampire on Disney, Teen Wolf on MTV, and Vampire Diaries on CW.

Once October hits, i'm all over Disney, ABC family etc.

For the annual airings of: Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, Casper, and more.

Oh dear,

*shuffles about uncomfortably*

I told you it got worse.

Goth Community: Day 3-When did you Come out of the Goth Closet

2011-09-03T12:11:00.003-05:00

My creepin' started early circa "fuck-I-don't-remember"

This is kind of a difficult question. I "came out of the closet" a few months after I started my extensive search into 'what Goth was', and made the decision that it was for me. I started by mentioning new school clothes to my mom, I was going into 6th grade(so I was 11), and tried interjecting certain items. Tripp pants for example (thankfully, I didn't ever wear these pants. But at the time, I wanted them.), hip chains, band shirts etc. Once I finally came out with it, I believe somehow Manson was involved in the conversation, I told my mom that this was what I wanted to do and who I wanted to be. She didn't take it well at all. She looked at me disappointedly, and said that she hoped one day i'd find a guy who would break me from whatever depressed bondage I had put myself under. Ouch much? Nothing like feeling parental rejection! She then promptly went into her room without saying anything for the rest of the day.

I then came out to my dad not too long after (my parents are separated), and he took it better. Which I knew he would, my dad is an old school rocker. But it took him a little while to stop with all the "You look like you're going to a funeral", "Why don't you ever wear anything that isn't black?" comments. It is interesting to me that when people say this, often times they don't mean it to sound negative or demeaning. But, depending on the circumstances, it can. It was hard listening to your parents talking about how they didn't really approve of your lifestyle, and then having an aunt that stepped over a line and told my parents I obviously needed therapy because I was crying out for help. It doesn't really make you want to be around them or talk to them if they can't accept you.

Goth community: Day 2-Photos from your BabyBat Days

2011-09-02T23:43:00.018-05:00

2005-2009

Goth Community: Day 1-How Did You Come Across the Subculture?

2011-09-01T22:08:00.010-05:00

I first came across this month long questioning regarding Goth; personal experiences, and expectations, over at the Ultimate Goth Guide after she linked back to Juliet's Lace.

I decided however, to wait until the beginning of the month to begin this challenge.

So here goes!

How Did I Come Across the Subculture?

Well, it is a bit hard for me to fully remember how I came across Alt culture. In some ways, it took me seeing people dressed "differently" to really understand that that was an option. Other ways, it was musical choices and researching spirituality. Even further certain websites were helpful. I like to think it all came together fairly easily for me to understand. I always had tendencies growing up; i'd draw halloween items on napkins, I loved rodents, I bobbed along to Tim Burton films, and named spiders in the house. As a child, I hated people, and I hated clothes. I was an extreme tom boy, I wanted nothing to do with pink, frills, or anything that you are conditioned to think of as "normal" or "girly". Upon reaching 10, I saw a woman at walmart who was dressed in PVC pants, long black hair, a green top, and white as a ghost. Instantly, all I could do was look at her in awe, like seeing something you didn't think existed passing across your vision. My Grandma tried hurrying me away, saying that girl was a "freak", but I didn't care. I made my decision right then and there, that I wanted to be part of whatever that girl was part of. I wanted to look like her. I started out listening to a lot of Marilyn Manson, AFI, and the like. Manson was actually how I first heard the term "Goth", in which I set forth on the internet to find out more about it. Two websites that really helped me when I first began cultivating the ideas of being part of the Subculture or Co-culture were: Gothic Subculture-this was my first real insight into Goth, I went through a lot of crappy websites before finding this one. Next up, was Gothic Miss Manners, she taught me all about etiquette, and how to deal with people making fun of you or trying to harass you. She really, was like a giant shoulder for me to lean on when I felt lost, this was back when her book was a collection of posts on her website from concerned, and lost Goths. I really like to think she had a huge impact on me when I read through her posts for direction. She was like a Gothic Faery God Mother. Around this same time, I started researching spirituality and religion, attempting to learn more and possibly find one that made sense to me. So, as I said, a lot of it came together fairly easily for me, it was like a snowball effect.

Me last Friday waiting to go to school.

Goth Community: Goodwill Adventures!

2011-09-01T17:12:00.003-05:00

So, I went to Goodwill today trying to brainstorm ideas for my 3D design project.

We have to cover an object entirely with another object or material, to the point that it looks like it is made out of that material.

There is also a long list of things were aren't aloud to use (i.e. fabric,glass,sea shells, nails etc).

So I was trying to figure out what I wanted to cover.

Especially since i've got to do two versions of this assignment.

Right away I got distracted by the clothes.

Of course!

I managed to find four good items, and at least three iffy items.

Sadly, I didn't bring my camera to Goodwill.

BUT, i've got photos of the items after I bought them.

I found this awesome black and white dress with pockets for 4.99$.

It looks similar to that jumper I wanted from Heavy Red.

Right? At least enough that I don't have to shell out the 60+ to buy that jumper!

I do feel that it needs something interesting in the middle, some sort of nice solid black belt or corset. It just needs something, i'm considering adding some stretchy black fabric along the side or as a band or something.

I bought this awesome fitted button up striped top for 4.99$

I thought this looked similar to this top I wanted from

I found a nice breathable long sleeve black shirt for 4.99$

*Sorry it is so yellow*

Last but not least! I bought a pair of black and red plaid pants that fit me like a glove also for 4.99$

All in all, a great Goodwill day!!

Goth Community: Kohls Dressing Room

2011-09-01T17:06:00.003-05:00

So, today I went with a friend of mine to Kohls.

She works there and therefore, gets a nice discount on apparel that I am aloud to use to my advantage.

She also, has some sort of card that is similar to a credit card, but only for Kohls.

That I am aloud to use as long as I pay her back before the end of the month.

She shouldn't have told me that, my brain exploded a little bit in sheer glee at the thought of new clothes.

What I wore today.

I only have a couple of photos because my hands were still super shaky, and after about the second or third outfit, all the photos became blurry.

This was a sort of over jacket thing, that I liked but didn't buy.

This I DID buy. It was on clearance for 7.50.

And it looks awesome!

My new sweater! For 19.99, it was originally almost 40$.

I tried on a LOT of stuff, but like I said, the photos were too blurry.

I'm happy with my two purchases though!

Goth Community: Boots

2011-09-01T16:54:00.004-05:00

Okay, so over at Sophisique Noir, she presented her followers with this months theme: Boots.

Personally, I own a LOT of boots.

Therefore, this will be very picture heavy, and full of love.

So let's get on with it then!

*Black Doc Martens

These are my black docs, they are actually two sizes too big, but I wear multiple pairs of socks to accommodate the size difference.

*Electric Blue Doc Martens

I bought these not too long ago, after I saw how deeply beautiful the color is! They are actually a color that is no longer manufactured and therefore, I found them on the thrift epicenter otherwise known as eBay.

*Witchy Ankle Booties

These little gems I found at a Goodwill not too long ago! I love how they have an old almost pilgrim-esque witchy-ness to them! Not to mention, how could you pass up a bootie that looks this awesome for less than $5?!

*Knock-off Winkle Pickers

These I wear the absolute MOST. I found them in the clearance area of a local Target, a department store here in the states, for 25$. What's even better, is that I always wanted a pair of Winkle Pickers, but couldn't afford the shipping from the UK. You can see that they have a lot of signs of wear, and i'm currently eyeing a pair that are from the same brand on eBay. I love these too much to NOT own multiple pairs. I mean look at them! They scream post-punk/deathrock goodness.

*Victorian Inspired Button Slouch Boots

I bought these from Zappos.com much earlier this year. I was on a search for knee high Slouch style boots, but couldn't wrap my head around ones that were plain, and otherwise not embellished. Why wouldn't you put buttons, zippers, buckles etc. on this style of boot?!

As I said, I have an obvious love of boots of varying styles and sizes.

This post just makes me want to buy more boots.

*Sets off on eBay*

Non-Post: Sick!

2011-08-31T22:38:00.005-05:00

Hey followers,

I wanted to apologize for not updating in a while.

I've been really busy with school, and am not sure how many posts that contain real content i'll be providing for you this semester.

I will try though!

On another note, I am sick.

Really sick.

Cold chills, runny nose, congestion, shaky hands etc.

I'm pretty sure i've got the plague.

Therefore, i'm a total mess and will not be going to school tomorrow, because of it.

How unfortunate!

But, I promise that I will provide you with something good here soon.

I've got a couple of posts in the works already that just need some tweaking.

Sincerely,

Blitz (Ghoulina Bones)

2011-08-31T13:56:00.004-05:00

$44.99

$39.99

$27.74

$28.99

Dear God it's Monday

2011-08-29T16:27:00.001-05:00

Roller Derby: Rumble Under the Big Top Bout Day

2011-08-27T11:59:00.001-05:00

So this morning I woke up and carved some crayons for my 3D Design class.

Finished one!

I got myself all dressed up, and went to CVS on my way downtown.

I had to buy an ankle brace, and the male cashier told me I was really shiny, and then proceeded to ask me questions about my outfit and roller derby.

He was attempting to be coy in his flirtation.

The first game was the Mclean County Missfits versus the Polka Bots.

The 'Fits won by a small margin, 136-122.

Then our game, the Brawlberries versus the Hard Knocks.

We lost by four points, 60-64.

Which sucks, of course.

But both games were great to watch.

Rumble Under the Big Top Photos

G'night

Choosing Your Rat: Basic Rat Tumor Info and Prevention

2011-08-25T14:53:00.005-05:00

The two most common tumors in rats are predominantly found in female rats.

Female rats are commonly the victims of Bengin tumors, or fleshy tumors that are somewhat squishy, typically in the armpit. These have to be removed, because they will continue to grow until the rat cannot support herself any longer. The tumor will get so big that your rat will not be able to maintain any level of nutrition, because the tumor absorbs it all. Malignant tumors are cancerous tumors that can attack the mammary glands of any female rat, and spread extremely easily.

Bengin tumors can be easily removed, and sometimes for less than $100, depending on your vet, and your location. Mine, however, cost 300$. These tumors almost always come back after removal. Keep that in mind.

Malignant tumors are typically flat and darkly colored, the actual flesh apart from the fur. Uusually surgery isn't as successful with this type of tumor (because it is cancerous), therefore it spreads quickly sometimes into the internal organs. It is sure to come back, however, there are some antibiotics that can help keep it under control.

I began researching more about tumors after finding one under the armpit of my hooded blue rat, Lucy. The vet extracted some of the growth, and all that came out was blood, therefore she had surgery.

The tumor turned out to be Bengin.

She survived the surgery, despite her age, and ended up having to be put down because her uterus hemorrhaged one day, and she wouldn't stop bleeding.

Within four days, her weight dropped considerably, she developed mites, she started loosing hair, and she was so lethargic.

It is an extremely frightening situation.

Here are some sites I recommend for anyone expecting to get female rats (or even male rats) or anyone who might have a rat with a tumor. Always check your rat, especially older ones regularly for tumors on their bellies and sides.

Helpful sites.

Rat & Mouse Gazette: Tumors in Rats

AFRMA- Medical- Tumors In Rats

Here is an example of just how large these tumors (Bengin) can get! You should NEVER let your pet get a tumor this size, get it removed or euthanize it, once it gets severe. Do NOT let it die in such a drawn out way!

I'm not even going to comment on how much vicious inner rage I feel when I glance at that photo.

Ways to Avoid or help prevent tumors

1. Get a male rat, male rats rarely get mammary tumors and it is almost always bengin.

2. Spay your female rat! This is helpful at any age, but especially between 3-6months.

(This can drastically reduce the likelihood of bengin mammary tumors and having to pay for their removal)

3. Feed them a low-fat nutritious diet. Fresh fruit and veggies with proven properties to reduce cancer (ex. Soybeans, Broccoli and Tomatoes are some examples!)

4. Tamoxifen, a medical antibiotic that can be used to help prevent tumors. Mixing this with a product called Miso, a soybean based product has a 100% prevention rate.

Everyday I'm Shufflin'

2011-08-24T00:57:00.004-05:00

Alright ladies and Gents, first off i'd like to give a warm welcome to my new followers.

*waves vigorously*

I'll go ahead and give you guys an update, so far i'm in an in between stage.

Meaning nothing really earth shattering has occurred since I posted last.

As of right now i'm still in the process of my pig painting, however, I do have a photo of me working on it from Saturday.

We started carving crayons in 3D Design, it is ridiculously hard.

She doesn't want you to repeat the same pattern as someone in class, if you do, she'll judge which is better and grade accordingly.

Which is good because then you don't have people taking the easy way out, but it also makes it really difficult because there is only so much you can do with a crayon without making it into something (A totem, a person etc. She wanted it to JUST be patterns).

Aside from that, i've got my Multimedia class and each project we do is a small part of our final project.

Which happens to be animating the illustrations of a children's book, including sound, and us narrating.

I'm actually rather excited about that, I think it'll help me with my drawless animation video over winter vacation.

Which ultimately will introduce me to stop motion animation.

This weekend i've got a few things to buy so I can start getting my etsy shop up and running, including a banner; which i'm buying from another etsy user for $8.

I'm also doing a lot of brainstorming for that shop.

I worked on two brief drawings today.

I'm hoping to work on the pigs pictured above, and some portrait work once i'm done with class. I've been researching some HTML to try to set up my own website as well.

So much to do!

Here is some celebratory tunage

Under Pressure

2011-08-22T14:56:00.001-05:00

So this song pretty much sums up how I feel about today and this upcoming semester.
I was sitting at the bus stop waiting to go to school with this song playing in my head.

Last Day of Summer'11

2011-08-21T18:08:00.004-05:00

Alright kids, today is my last day of Summer '11.

Which is always tinged with sadness, but at the same time I am very ready for the Fall to start.

I will own you Fall '11.

Watch me!

So, today I painted this figure painting i've been struggling with since April, entirely white to start over. There were so many layers of paint it was screwing up what I need it to look like.

Yesterday, I had a painting day with two of my good friends and I got really far on this pig painting i've been working on.

I'll post a photo of it when i'm finished.

Earlier there was a derby party with my home team, and we sat around eating homemade food and laughing.

I love those girls.

I got home and cleaned the hell out of Melinda's cage so I could put my two new rats into the larger cage Melinda resided in.

So far, everything is going swimmingly!

Except that the little girls are freaking out, jumping, climbing, generally investigating everything.

Which is to be expected.

Tomorrow I have painting in the morning, work, and then a multimedia class.

I hope the semester goes really well.

I feel good about it.

This saturday is our last home game of the season.

Crazy, right?

P.s.

Brawlberries team photo

B-Team:Wrecking Crew team photo

I'm sure you can tell where I am.

Etsy Shop: SilentCheesecake

2011-08-20T04:23:00.006-05:00

It has been quite a while since I did a post featuring an etsy user.

For this post i'd like to focus on SilentCheesecake.

She's a mother stationed in Los Angeles, who frequently makes beautiful currio and silhouetted necklaces and buttons.

Perfect for any fan of anything victorian or obscure or dead/preserved.

A.B.

C.D.

E. F.

A. Rat Heart necklace $43.00

B. Seahorse Necklace$29.00

C. Starling Heart Necklace$45.00

D.Baby Octopus SP2 $50.00

E.Bat Winged Pins $2.50

F.Memento Mori Neckalce$39

I covet this shop.

Beyond all reason i'd love to own everything, everything.

The Last Weekend Before School

2011-08-20T03:48:00.005-05:00

Wah, wah, waaahhh.

This is the last weekend for me before I start college, again, next monday the 22nd @9am.

Damn!

I still had a bunch of shit I wanted to accomplish, like everyone else i'm sure!

So, I got a letter in the mail the other day saying I owed the institution for my summer class, they won't carry it over to fall and let my grant money cover it.

So I owe 275$, technically before classes start.

I'll have to dip into my tattoo money for my chest piece, in order to pay it off.

So that makes me a little nervous, just because I had all the money collected so I wouldn't have to worry when the time came; September 17th.

But maybe I can get everything up and running to sell before then.

Anyway, over at the Ultimate Goth Guide, Amy just posted a review for the etsy seller,Sunshine Luvs U.

Aaand now i'm obsessed with this little red monster hat.

I'm coveting it so much right now, it was in my dream last night.

$20.00

It is a slouch hat, which is a type of hat i've been wanting for years; but didn't want to get the same style as "everyone else".

I think this little devilish hat does the trick.

Part of me wants to know if lime green is a color option...if not, it should be.

I'm also thinking of bleaching my hawk here soon, and leaving it blonde for a little while.

Then doing a teal/purple combo.

This needs to be added to things I should own.

$30.00

Funny Commericals

2011-08-18T22:01:00.003-05:00

I was over a The Walrus Room looking at Sary's Goth Commericals post and felt inspired to post some of my favorite commercials goth friendly and otherwise!

Enjoy!

Body World and the Slaughterhouse!

2011-08-18T18:06:00.003-05:00

So yesterday I spent the day in Chicago,IL with my friend Roxie(from home) and we met up with Skellen.

First stop was the Body World exhibit inside of the Museum of Science and Technology, for 27$ each. There was an awesome Giraffe in the lobby, which I took photos of and did some sketches. I couldn't take any photos inside of the exhibit, unfortunately, they even yelled at me for trying to text skellen to meet up with us! I did however get a lot of really great reference sketches and a book filled with information about muscles and bones. Let me know if you want to see them!

We found a place called "The Boring Store", so we had to go inside.

It was a spy store!

Which was really awesome, full of cameras and hollow containers of dog food to store things.

They had a few things that I would love to get once I have my own place.

Like a knife sharpener that was in the shape of a man inside of a box, like the magic trick when you saw them in half.

Another was bacon flavored tooth paste, and salt and shaker pants.

So much love!

Then we had wonderful smoothies at Osaka, which is this little Asian eatery that sells sushi and smoothies at a corner store.

Then I passed out because I was up for well over 24hours without crashing, but ingesting a lot of coffee at 6:30am helped.

Then today I had to stop by the slaughterhouse to get some reference photos.

The little couple that owned it were really nice to me, and one of them served as my guide.

He was asking me questions about school, whether or not I had enough light, if he needed to move any of the meat for me to get a better view.

He then asked if they were going to get to see any of the paintings I make, and I said sure!

So I think that I may give them a small ink drawing reprint the next time I stop by, which I told them I would be stopping by before the end of the year for more reference.

Which leads me to something else I wanted to mention!

I am poor, I am so poor it isn't even funny anymore.

I am starting to realize that I actually have to have a budget of sorts especially since i'm trying to move next summer to the East Coast.

I need to have art money, I can't make art without media, and since i'm trying to get to a point where i'm selling enough work that I don't need a 9-5 job all the time.

I need to get started!

SO, i'm trying to figure out how to get more money coming in, especially considering that a second job isn't really an option, because i'm only available on the weekends; due to my school schedule.

So, i'm trying to get my etsy shop up and running, then I can start making more ink work and smaller paintings to sell. With the ink work, I can start out going to Staples or Kinko's and making prints of my work.

I'm also toying around with the idea of offering give-a-ways on my blog as a way to get my work out there and my etsy shop.

I should get this all up and running by the end of September so I can do something halloween oriented!

Yes, this will be my plan!

Also!

Just outside of Creve Coeur near East Peoria there is a powder blue hearse a man is selling for 3,200 or best offer.

So I took down the number and am going to call him tomorrow concerning mileage, gas mileage, if there is anything wrong etc.

I'd LOVE to own it as my first car.

But, i'd have to see if I could bring it down a little bit and depending on my income both through my tutoring position and etsy, determines whether it is an option considering the savings for moving away.

BUT having a hearse would be badass.

Obligatory photo of a hearse

P.s.

I want to own this, immediately!

$62.00 Striped Jumper!!

Stirring the Cauldron:Dealing with and Re-directing Unwanted Energies

2011-08-17T01:18:00.000-05:00

Disclaimer: Okay so i've decided to dedicate this post to witchy-ness. This specific post is going to deal with amplifying energy, more specifically, how to deal with absorbing and re-directing unwanted energies. This can be interpreted as someone who considers themselves anything from an Empath or healer, to someone who is simply energy aware.

At some point in time everyone(really, everyone) has experienced energy that makes you physically ill. Whether that manifests as a headache or a body ache to actual vomiting or physical illness doesn't matter, it all comes from the same source, unhealthy or negative energy.Usually because we knowingly or unknowingly absorb it or allow ourselves to be exposed to it. Sometimes this can happen when we bottle up our negative emotions (fear, sadness, stress etc.) and we unintentionally make ourselves sick. But this type of sickness I will discuss separately.

This actually came to my attention as something to discuss with energy sensitive or aware people, because a good friend of mine has been in a negative place recently. I had to approach him about it, because of a rather uncomfortable dream I had this past weekend about him. He was unintentionally pushing his energy into me and it was making me very guarded, uncomfortable, and a little upset. He was telling me that his daughter, who I discussed with him previously about her being a natural amplifier; meaning she is naturally sensitive to energy patterns and the disturbances in them(so she is energy aware). That she has been helping him by taking some of his negative energy from him, however, since it is something she isn't entirely aware she is doing, she is absorbing it from him into her own body; this is making her physically ill.

So if you are in a situation in which you realize there is negative energy around you or that you are absorbing it. I have a few suggestions of ways to help clear your own energy.

First-If you are doing this and you don't want to, aka, you aren't trying to heal them you are just "open". Shield yourself immediately.

**Shielding is a really quick process that is a visualization of your skin expanding into an egg shape around your body. Essentially you are pushing your energy, which is typically extremely close to the top of your skin, into an oval shape with you inside of it. You can visualize any color that makes you feel safe, however, it is typically suggested that you try to keep it to a blue, purple, white, yellow etc. as these are all colors that are typically not invasive of other people. Unlike reds, blacks etc. which can produce an uncomfortable or sometimes hostile feeling.

Second- If you are doing this because you want to help heal the person; I would suggest shielding, but allowing the person being healed to "Come into" your shield or to completely shield.

*What's the difference?: If you allow yourself to absorb that persons energy you are essentially allowing part of them inside of you. Now, you may wonder why someone would choose to take in another persons energy, well it depends on the type of magick or healing the person is performing. It isn't always recommended, especially if you don't have much or any experience with energy work or being able to determine what energy is and isn't yours.

For example: As a shaman I typically take in the energy, I "become" them to help figure out what the problem is and how to best go about fixing it. You also take in energy when performing things such as: past life regression through memory contact or awakening someone else.

**Therefore if you are a beginner I would strongly suggest fully shielding.**

Third- Now if you are allowing them to come into your shield, pick up something organic that you can keep in your palm. This object needs to be dense, such as a rock or a stone, to be able to support the energy you are channeling into it. But it also, needs to be from the Earth, be considerate of what objects you choose to channel into because the origin of these objects can have an affect on how they react to you.

For example: It would be a bad idea to use something from the sea or a body of water, such as a sea shell, to funnel negative energy into; unless you are experienced enough to not inadvertently absorb the emotional energy from the shell in the process.

Keep this object in your hand when you are trying to help take some of the unhealthy or destructive energy from them. Envision the energy from them, that you are absorbing, slipping into the object. You can envision it as a stream of fluid, as a dark cloud, an emotion it doesn't matter as long as you are pushing it into the object.

2)Another way you can approach this is by standing outside barefoot in the grass while speaking to them and channel the energy into the ground. The idea is that you are using the Earth the same way you would use the dense object, as a way to push the energy into something solid. The only difference is that once you step onto the grass you will need to envision roots coming from the bottom of your feet anchoring you to the ground. This may not be as practical, which is why I mentioned holding an object first.

**If the energy is flowing through you into the object(whether a stone or the Earth), you need to cleanse each time you take in this persons energy otherwise it will still clog you. Just not as deeply as if you weren't protected at all. But it isn't a good idea to remain unchecked when absorbing the energy of other people because it disrupts the balance of your own energy.

Fourth: If you are completely shielded, the only difference is that you aren't using your body as a way to funnel the negative energy from one place to another. Instead you are envisioning the energy being pulled (which can be accompanied by visuals of your hands) and then sending it to the universe. So the process is: that you pull it out and then envision it floating away(usually to the sky) or dissolving into nothing. This way it doesn't clog you and the other person has less negative energy to deal with.

Let me know if you have any questions regarding this guide, or any suggestions of things you'd like for me to explain/discuss!

2011-08-15T02:51:00.003-05:00

Today is my Ex's birthday, and this sums up how I feel.

Who do you think you are?

Runnin' 'round leaving scars

Collecting your jar of hearts

And tearing love apart

You're gonna catch a cold

From the ice inside your soul

Don't come back for me

Don't come back at all

More Tattoo Ideas

2011-08-13T14:28:00.006-05:00

I'm constantly thinking about tattoos, as i'm sure you can tell by now.

So, right now i'm pondering getting a Nebula on the top of my left foot

Similar to this one to the right------->

I believe that all our energy comes from the universe and that to the universe we return upon death; as shattered organic shards of energy.

This may be able to go along with the "Death frees every soul" from The Fountain, which I posted in my previous tattoo post.

The other one i've been pondering today

is a flower with teeth or a face.

Something I could draw, easily, but similar to this, which is a piece done by an artist named, Jeff Proctor.

Now, i've got a tattoo of Alice on my left arm, and I think at some point i'm going to get hatter shaking out of his shoes next to it. But, i'm also considering shaking things up with color and something inspired by Alice, hence the flowers with teeth or faces. There is something beautifully carnivorous about it, and I adore it. So, it would probably go on the inside of my upper left arm, near Alice. I may need to include a quote from Alice because I love words tattooed in that fleshy area of the arm.

Feel free to offer suggestions, comments, show your tattoos etc.

P.s.

Painting videos

2011-08-12T02:18:00.004-05:00

This is a slight non-post, meant more for me but anyone can feel free to watch the videos.

Obviously.

I'm currently looking up how to begin oil painting, and specifically flesh tones.

I also have some videos of some well known artists going through their process of painting.

Circus Routine

2011-08-11T19:41:00.001-05:00

I love their outfits and the choreography.

Current Obsession: Flash Mobs

2011-08-11T00:02:00.004-05:00

There is something so fantastic about this, that it needs to be shared.

haha.

*Over 200 dancers with only two rehersals

I love the person who started the dancing.

I'd totally kiss you, whoever you are mysterious person.

Movies to Watch out For: Snow White and the Huntsman

2011-08-10T23:12:00.006-05:00

Release date: June 1st, 2012

"In a twist to the fairy tale, the Huntsman ordered to take Snow White into the woods to be killed winds up becoming her protector and mentor in a quest to vanquish the Evil Queen."

Eh...

i'll reserve judgment since trailers haven't been released yet.

What I like:

*That it is more like a Grimm tale

(I haven't read the Snow White Grimm tale so I can't comment on accuracy)

*The evil queen looks badass, and Charlize Theron is a badass.

Damn

What I dislike:

*Kristen Stewart

Why does that look like the white tree of Gondor?

P.s.

These are the dwarves

Why are there eight?

Is a Rat Right for You?-Choosing Your Rat

2011-08-10T23:05:00.006-05:00

If you're reading this, this is a companion post to Is a Rat Right for You? which can be found here. So, now that i've gone through different things you should know before getting a rat, here are some things you need to decide on and be aware of if you decide to get a pet rat.

When choosing your rat there are a few things you'll want to make sure you keep in mind.

Do you want a male or a female?

-A female is much more curious and therefore a lot more active than male rats. She will be hard to contain at first and might be skittish depending on her socialization before you get her. Females are easier to house in larger colonies as long as you take proper procedures in integrating the new female into the existing colony. (However, females ARE more likely to suffer from re-occurring mammary tumors. These are removable but can be costly.)

-A male is much more on the lazier side, they'd rather sit on your belly and sleep than go exploring. They are larger than females and are more likely to 'urine mark'. They tend to work well with being housed with one other male, but it is advised to keep housing to a minimum of two. Keep in mind that this works best if they are introduced at a young age, males can get rather aggressive toward other males if one is much older or if one is introduced into the cage where another has been living.

Where do you want to get your rat?

- While it is extremely advised that you stay away from pet stores, most pet stores house female and male rats together. This means, if you choose a female she will be pregnant without a doubt, and in general it means the staff have no knowledge of rat care and probably have not been handling the rats for proper socialization. Your rat is less likely to want to be picked up and will take much more handling to get it to enjoy your company. It is also possible that they will be more likely to bite, although domestic rats in general typically don't bite. Your rat might also suffer from an illness due to its environment. Pet store rats also tend to have poor genetics and sometimes have a shorter life span than a rat from a breeder.

You'll REALLY need to think about your Pro's and Con's before getting your pet from such an environment. Just about everyone in the rat community hates the idea of buying from a pet store.

Typically you'll want to consider rescued rats or rats from a professional breeder. You'll want to think about what age range you want your rats, how many you want and what markings.

Most beginners should get rats that are under a year, partly because rats live an average 2 years and around three months (some can live up to three years and beyond!), but more so because an older rat takes longer to develop a bond with you (not always, but it isn't uncommon) and is a lot more 'set-in-its-ways' about human contact which can be good or bad depending on its socialization. Younger rats are a lot more adaptable which is easier for a beginner and they also tend to learn to like you a lot faster.

How many you want depends on your cage size and internal dimensions, you can find a good estimation of how many your cage can hold comfortably here. You should always have at least two rats in one cage, rats are highly social animals and thrive off of interaction with other rats.

As for markings, that depends on personal preference, there are numerous ways narrow down your search you just need to know what your looking for.

Things to keep in mind

When choosing a breeder you'll want to make sure they are experienced, go check out the place. Make sure the conditions are sanitary, the smell is low or non existent, no smoking around the rats, the males and females are separated and in appropriate cage groupings (not too many rats for one cage), listen to see if you hear any rasping or wheezing noises coming from the rats. Avoid buying rats from this person if you hear wheezing, respiratory infections are HIGHLY contagious among rats and unless this rat is on medication and quarantined, it is possible it has infected the other rats nearby. Avoid a colony if you hear a lot of sneezing, it is normal for a rat to sneeze due to bedding if it has been nosing around, but if it keeps sneezing in your hand or on you more than once, it is sick. Another way to tell is if it has a wet nose, rats have dry noses normally so if it has a wet nose it is most likely sick. The breeder should be able to tell you which is a male and a female based on which one interests you, they should be able to answer any questions you have about rat care or about the rat itself. They should be very informative and happy to help you.

**DON'T let the breeder weasel you in to purchasing more rats than you know you want or can keep. Sometimes rat breeders or rescue industries will try to 'up-sell', or get you to buy more than you originally came for, sometimes they'll try to cut 'deals' with you or tell you that these two rats HAVE to be sold together [in this circumstance, if you don't want the other, don't get either. Sometimes rats form really strong bonds and must be purchased together. Other times, the seller is lying to you]. Sometimes they'll try to shove a rat onto you by saying how good they are or how much it seems to get along with the other one or two your getting. DON'T let them get to you, some sellers want to get rats 'off their hands' usually older rats so they can make room for more babies. This doesn't make it right.

**DON'T let them try to tell you to buy food from them, or any extra materials that you already have or would rather purchase from somewhere else. Some sellers, especially rescues, are non profit and therefore they get the money to maintain their rattery by making their own food, carriers, hammocks etc. to try to get you to buy more merchandise while your there. Now, depending on your circumstance and the seller, buying food isn't totally a bad thing, sometimes the seller is very well versed on rat care and can provide you with the best food for a healthy rat. Other times, the food isn't even as good as what you can get from Petco and sometimes it's just as bad.

Food to avoid:

Try to avoid buying food that looks appealing to you, it is a marketing ploy.

If it appeals to you, you will buy it, even though it has nothing good to offer your pet in terms of nutrition.

This is what I feed my girls,

I'm considering shifting over to a soy-free diet, which i'll elaborate more on another time.

Not all rats will accept the blocks, but mine love them.

Miss Siouxsie Sioux

Outfit of Today!

2011-08-10T20:32:00.008-05:00

Me in a dirty mirror

My shaved sides, you can also see my triple lobe and rook piercing

My lower half

My Birthday Party patch on the back of my jacket.

CD Review: Rancid-And Out Come the Wolves

2011-08-10T00:17:00.007-05:00

I bought this CD used from amazon for a total of $3.95. At 19 awesome songs, it was such a steal!

This CD is the third album by Rancid, and was introduced to the masses on August 22nd, 1995.

Oh, Epitaph records, back when you actually signed good music.

Anyway, Rancid is a ska-punk band from Southern California, and this CD was pre-dominantely recorded between February and May of 1995. The cover art you see here is a tribute to Minor Threat, and the title is from a poem in The Basketball Diaries written by Jim Carroll.

Now, I absolutely love this CD. I decided to purchase it after hearing "Ruby Soho", "Journey to the End of East Bay", and "Time Bomb". I heard from various punks, both online and in person, that this was one of the best CD's you could spend money on. So, I bought it for almost nothing, which was fantastic! But, after hearing the CD I would've gladly spent 10-15$ on it. Below, i'm posting the songs in order, the length of the song, and if you click on the song title it'll take you to YouTube. Where you can listen to each song individually and decide for yourselves!

CD Listing

1. "Maxwell Murder" 1:25

2. "The 11th Hour" 2:28

3. "Roots Radicals" 2:47

4. "Time Bomb" 2:24

5. "Olympia Wa." 3:30

6. "Lock, Step & Gone" 2:25

7. "Junkie Man" 3:04

8."Listed M.I.A." 2:22

9."Ruby Soho" 2:37

10."Daly City Train" 3:21

11."Journey to the End of the East Bay" 3:11

12."She's Automatic" 1:35

13."Old Friend" 2:53

14."Disorder and Disarray"2:49

15."The Wars End" 1:53

16."You Don't Care Nothin" 2:28

17."As Wicked" 2:40

18."Avenues & Alleyways" 3:11

19. "The Way I Feel" 2:34

Total length: 49:39

I recommend you pick up this CD if you're a fan of:

*The Clash

*The Cramps

*The Casualties

*The Dead Kennedys

For the new followers!

2011-08-10T00:15:00.002-05:00

Tattoo ideas

2011-08-09T15:14:00.003-05:00

I've lost count of how many times i've made posts about tattoo ideas, but here is another!

One can never have too many ideas.

In case if you weren't aware, i've got two tattoos as of right now with an appointment for September 17th @ 12pm, for my chest piece.

My first tattoo

My second tattoo

My chest piece sketch

Well, i'm going to be making an appointment to get Edgar Allen Poe's signature diagonally on my right ankle going from right to left. And on the same day i'll be getting Tim Burton's sketch of Edward Scissorhands on the inside of my right forearm, his feet will be to my wrist.

I'm thinking sometime over winter vacation so probably in December or January.

I'm anticipating my next tattoo after those two (i'm always looking so far ahead with these sorta of things) will be something literary.

I'm looking at something from an old horror story.

But, i've always loved this quote from The Fountain(2006),
"Our bodies are prisons for our souls. Our skin and blood, the iron bars of confinement. But fear not. All flesh decays. Death turns all to ash. And thus, death frees every soul."

But, if I were to get it as a tattoo, i'd probably stick with the last bit.

There is also a conversation that takes place within the same film between the two main characters and she is explaining to him the Mayan creation myth, and she says:

"That idea. Death as an act of creation."

I think something with this idea would be a great tattoo as well.

Maybe i'll brainstorm a sketch.

So yeah!

Thoughts?

Tattoos to share?

Any sort of tattoo awesomeness?!

Growing up Punk Rock

2011-08-07T13:30:00.009-05:00

So something I wanted to tell you guys about is the natural evolution that takes place when one "grows up" and the fact that we are ever evolving creatures. Meaning we don't stop growing as long as we exist. So taking the experiences most of us have in common, there is something that drew us to the "other side", no matter where you fall in the spectrum of being "alternative" there is a common thread that links us all.

Aside from all being offshoots of one another, like relatives that don't always like one another but are forced to accept the others existence even if only at family reunions.

We all come together because at one time or another we realized we weren't quite like everyone else, now this vary's in degrees based on personal experience and what not.

But really, it was a need to make our outward selves match how we view ourselves inwardly, and much of the time, this is an accurate representation. Whether going through a phase or not, this is an important quality of developing a personal identity, showing others how you see yourself, what you like etc. Which is also linked to many of the things our tribe, gaggle, group or what have you, enjoy, like body modifications for example.

It is all so very personal.

Now once you've been living an "alternative" lifestyle for a year or two, generally something about you changes almost like becoming comfortable in your own skin. Once this happens it no longer matters if you run around everyday looking Uber Goth, or you're wearing khaki's and a polo for work. People can identify that you are different or that you are "one of them", because it has a lot to do with how you carry yourself. And the more important part, is that you realize this, you realize that who you are isn't just defined by what you wear. Now, my point with saying this is that we are connected in one way or another by something that brought us to the lifestyles we currently enjoy/participate in. That in mind, i've got a story.

When I was about 11, and after surfing the net and listening to post punk, I decided that this felt right. Well, instead of slowly integrating my clothes, I threw out everything that wasn't black, and went to goodwill and bought just about everything I touched that was black.

Not a good idea.

Especially since fashion sense wasn't something I developed till I was 13, so I looked really awkward most of the time.

A small faded black spot in the distance, with acne and unruly mousy brown hair.

With glasses, can't forget the glasses!

So i'd walk around in my trench coat, with my boots, my fishnets, mens plain T's you get in packages at walmart with the smokers pocket (only I don't smoke...), and bootcut black jeans.

Yipes!

I obviously got a lot of brunt at school from this, I was already the weird kid, but now I was the weird Goth kid that people were afraid of, and of course some people would call me a poseur and what not. A lot of satan comments, but what made it worse was that my real first name is "Trinidy", yes, my first name is pretty bitchin'.

So what happened? Matrix comments, THAT'S what happened.

And sure it was funny maybe the first four times, but it got old so fast.

I don't even acknowledge it anymore.

But, everyone has something to say, it's just the way life is.

Something that I had a real problem with at this age, was being pretentious.

It was really hard to look at the other kids that claimed to be Goths and seeing them wearing tie dye shirts outside of school and smiling all of the time, listening to Slipknot and Manson.

I had never been around anyone else who I felt a kinship with, and these kids didn't fit the bill either. I mean when you first start to integrate yourself into a co-culture(to be politically correct. Woo!) you try to eliminate everything about you that doesn't fit into the group, because you want to be accepted.

So be an uber Goth and snub anyone who isn't.

Feeling as though you are sooo Goth that their tie dye shirt may burn your skin upon impact.

*palm to forehead melodrama*

Which is an immature juvenile single minded thing to do, something you'd expect from a 6th grader.

Well a friend of mine at the time, from 5th grade, her and I were hanging out at her house watching Harry Potter (which I also snubbed at the time because everyone else loved it. Now I love it dearly) and she was talking about our group of friends and she kept calling me the punk one. And I'd get so upset, because I didn't want to be a punk! I was a Goth God-dammit! Can't you see that?! Look at all my black clothes, post punk music, and depressing poetry!

By the way i'm serious, everything I said above was me when I was in middle school.

Sitting in the corner reading Interview with a Vampire, and listening to Siouxsie and the Banshees.

It is funny, but there is truth to what I am saying.

I have no problem admitting where I have been and where I am now.

Life is all about experience, be it good or bad.

As I got older, I got called a Goth a lot, but i'd still have people calling me a punk.

And I found that unsettling, till I grew up a bit.

Now, my reason for mentioning this, is that I found it to be such an interesting situation.

Where most of my life people called me a punk, and I resented it for so long.

But, as I got older I realized maybe they had something, maybe they could see something that I didn't at such a young age, because I wasn't open to understanding myself.

I realized, maybe I am a punk, maybe inside I really am and it doesn't matter what I look like, because I have a punk rock personality and people identify and see that.

Even if I don't understand what that means exactly, I somehow feel it appropriate, and i'm sure it helps that I have long ago done away with those single minded views of people, so I can better accept myself in all perspectives.

I have a friend whom I affectionately call "Skellen" or "Elle' (I should ask her if the last one is okay as a nickname, haha), and her and I are so very similar. She lives a few hours away, we are the same height, love much of the same music, dress similarly, all that fantastic stuff.

But when we are next to each other, anyone can feel a distinct difference in our energy.

She is much more of a Goth than I am, by my own understanding and experience.

She's so petite and there is something so feminine about her, in a dark seductive way almost vampiric.

You see me, and I am much more gritty by nature, I seem like someone who doesn't take myself seriously most of the time. I don't always wear make up, I don't always do my hair, hell I rarely paint my nails. I play roller derby, so i'm very much so more of a brawler type of girl, which isn't very "Goth" of me. I also have very primal energy (which is part of my spirituality), and I think that is a large part of why people identify me as a punk rocker or a deathrocker (which I prefer just because I do love Goth and I do dress like a post punker, but either is acceptable). Because there is so much primalcy in punk, so much emotion and the potential for total destruction that people find so jarring. That you see inside of me, and that I express in my art.

In short, I am the gross zombie and she's the seductive vampire.

So she lures them in to drink their blood and I eat their brains.

This is our friendship.

Which is what I really wanted to share with you (even though i've said that like four times. I like sharing things!! haha), that it is okay to accept who you are for all that you are, even if there are things about you that you don't always want to accept.

Those things that you may view as chips in your personality or mars of character, no those are things that make you you, and they need to be embraced for all that they are worth, and then some.

So what am I?

I don't really know to be honest, I like to think that I am somewhere in the deathrocker range, where I bounce between punk and goth while still maintaining a sense of personal identity.

But, I don't really know.

And I am okay with that.

Shaving and Other Adventures

2011-08-07T13:01:00.004-05:00

Yesterday I stayed over at my buddy Ed's house with his girlfriend and their two kids.

They are an old school punk rock family, and they seem to have adopted me.

Which is pretty fantastic.

So Ed shaved the sides of my head to an 8th I believe, not all the way to skin, but still really short.

Then he had me shave his head, which was a crazy experience because i've never shaved someone's head before, or really ever worked clippers.

So my first question was 'How do I turn it on?", which boded well for the shaving experience.

In the end his head didn't look awful for my first time cutting someone else's hair, his girlfriend went over it and shaved his neck.

I forgot about that (the neck).

I really enjoyed the bonding experience of shaving the head of someone else.

It was almost like a primal cleaning, like monkeys that groom one another as signs of affection and what not.

I'm going to have a rather interesting post here soon, probably today, concerning punk rock and why I have grown into a more Deathrock identity, versus the Goth that I was at such a young age.

So without further ado, here are some photos!

This is my hawk earlier this week, the day prior to trampolining(did I spell that right?*scratches brow*)

I don't have it up today, I promise i'll post an awesome photo of it this coming week though!

So i'm hoping to do some drawings today or possibly a painting.

I feel so much better today than I have the past few days.

I was so exhausted my energy was so low, and I didn't even take note of how much a day away from home could re-invigorate me.

But it was what I needed.

Ed is letting me borrow two books right now, and then i'm borrowing a book about Joe Strummer(from The Clash).

But in my possession I have,

I've got some book and CD reviews to do as well.

Ahhh!

So much to do!

Here's some music

Current Tunage:

Trampoline Adventures

2011-08-05T16:18:00.006-05:00

This morning I went on my friend Laura's trampoline.

It was really awesome!

I was sweating like crazy, which seems to happen since I started roller derby over a year ago.

Metabolism, maybe?

The Ninjabat

Maria and I, getting refreshed.

BE a Tiger!

Laura took most of these, and along the way she found an insect wing, and VOILA!

I love how unsettling it is.

Tumblr

2011-08-03T14:22:00.007-05:00

So, I finally figured out Tumblr, i'm not sure why it took me so long.

But anyway, here it is:

Blitzkrieg Bop

So now I can manage this in a slightly more effective way.

Anyway,

I think i'm going to do some ink drawing today, i'm hopefully meeting up with Ed later to shave the sides of my hawk.

I think i'm going down to the skin (as I mentioned in a previous post).

So i'll post photos if all goes well.

I'm thinking about getting some glow in the dark nailpolish (I know, I know...).

But, it is so hard to resist!

I'm trying to compile a list of things I want to accomplish, random silly things that tickle my fancy.

This is my list so far:

*Learn to Juggle

*Learn to do a handstand, and then walk on my hands around the house

*Learn to play the piano

*Read "The Green Mile" and Ian Curtis's Bio

*Make a top hat, just like hatters

*Learn to do a cartwheel

*Learn to breathe fire (i'm serious)

*Fire dancer!

*Ride in a hot air balloon

*Get on a train with a friend, with no real plan, other than enjoying the ride.

*Learn to ride a unicycle, and then use it for transportation.

*DJ at a Goth night, just once!

*Dress up as something for a Comic Con

*Work in a mortuary or at a graveyard. Digging graves, answering phones, taking care of the dead and recently deceased.

*Learn to belly dance with a python.

*Backpack around America and Europe, Canada?!

*Bat Rehabilitation license, yo!

The list will continue to grow, like a living breathing organism

attached to my face.

G'day!

Back in Town

2011-08-02T19:11:00.003-05:00

We just got back in town not too long ago.

I'm contemplating whether or not to shave/draw in my eyebrows.

I used to shave them into sections when I was 13, which quickly earned me the nickname, "eyebrows" from the upperclassmen.

Such quick witted folk.

Since then i've had them waxed and threaded a few times, now i'm wondering whether to try something new.

While I was out I bought London Calling-The Clash CD.

It is EPIC.

Everyone should own it.

Seriously.

But, I wanted to share with you guys

I just bought this, after years of searching for a Beetlejuice jacket that was not sold out.

<3<3

I can't wait to customize it.

Tomorrow, I believe Ed is shaving the sides of my head down to the skin.

I'm beyond excited about all of this.

Naptown Rollers!

2011-07-31T22:42:00.002-05:00

Hey guys!
So this morning I practiced with the Naptown rollers and it was AWESOME.
Such a learning experience, especially since it was the first time i've ever been to a practice with a league outside of my home league.
So I was in complete geek-out mode.
I did a lot of observing, and it was great because they did a re-cap of a lot of the skills they learned from Bonnie D.Stroir's workshop recently.
So that was a win for me.
I finished Hairstyles of the Damned and watched Green Mile for the first time.
I cried, I won't lie.
Not from the book, but from the movie.
I'm really excited because tomorrow they are announcing our two new draftees at the league meeting, even though I won't be there to celebrate with them.
I'm still in Indiana.
But, it is so exciting getting new Berries!
My parents also informed me that when we go to California in September, not only am I going to Tim Burton's art show (which I am beyond Psyched about!), but we are going to Disneyland and Universal Studios.
I've decided I may have to revert into a very large, socially awkward, creepy 6 yr old trapped in a 20yr old body while i'm in Disneyland.
And just run around like a crazy person.
When I get back in town i've gotta call a butcher shop to get some blood.
I've got reference photos to take...
Anyway, tomorrow is my grandma's birthday (which is why we came when we did, to Indianapolis), and she wants to take me to these different art districts around town.
Which should be exciting.
I'm also hoping to go to some independent music shops and maybe pick up a Cd or two.
It is too bad I don't know of any local shows going on while i'm here.
I'd have loved to go to a punk show during my stay.

P.s.
I bought that Rancid CD for just over 3$.
Gotta love Amazon.com

2011-07-30T01:31:00.001-05:00

I need this CD

2011-07-30T01:29:00.001-05:00

22.99

Meat Locker

2011-07-29T23:48:00.003-05:00

Today, I got the courage to call a slaughterhouse nearby.

They are going to allow me to come in and photograph some of the hanging meat for reference photos.

Everything is coming together and that makes me impossibly happy.

I'm also interested to see the effect being in a Slaughterhouse has on me.

To be quite honest.

Movies to Watch Out for: Hugo

2011-07-29T14:20:00.004-05:00

Release Date: November 23rd, 2011

Hugo is a young boy recently orphaned with nothing

but a figurative bust his father gave him

just before he died.

So Hugo sets off on an adventure to find out

How to open the figure and what lies inside.

I think it looks like it'll be really good, I love how steampunk it is.

Last Day of Ceramics I

2011-07-29T00:27:00.003-05:00

So my last day of class was this past Tuesday, we had the Raku and Pit firings.

I couldn't participate, technically, because none of my pieces were bisque fired.

But, my fried Jamie, let me have one of her bowls so I could participate.

Which was pretty awesome.

So, here's my monkey!!

He's 20" tall and completely hollow.

Voila!

So happy about it.

So today we had our Studio going away party, which was fun, but it sucked because a lot of people i've grown attached to are leaving.

Lots of hugs were passed around.

I made my appointment to have my wisdom teeth looked at, so I can get them removed.

I bought the Silica today at Michaels, where I also gave my official resignation letter (Alec was there but I didn't care), but I bought the Silica used to dry flowers and pinned my bird in a shoe box and poured the silica over it.

So hopefully it is fully dry soon.

Tomorrow, I actually have nothing to do other than pack for my weekend in Indianapolis!

So, i'm intending on finishing one of my paintings tomorrow, and calling a few meat lockers to see if there is any way I can get photos of the meat if I don't reveal where it is from or what have you.

I REALLY need some cadaver reference.

I cleaned the cages today, and I put all three together.

Which was fine,

till I thought it was a good idea to give them treats.

Then Siouxsie Sioux got too close to Melinda and Melinda flipped her over and pulled out a small bit of hair.

So I pulled them out and separated them.

Nobody was injured, thankfully.

I'm running out of money, which sucks, of course.

Kyle responded about me getting both the Poe tattoo and the Edward tattoo on the same day for a reduced price.

Which makes me a happy panda.

However, I may have to wait to get it till next summer, due to the crunch on money.

So, sometime within the next year i'll be getting Poe's signature on my right foot at an angle from right to left, starting at the ankle.

Then Edward Scissorhands on my inner right arm.

I'll be even!

Because i've got two on my left arm, i'm getting my chest piece in September, and then two on my right side.

So here's Edward

Oh!

I also finished Star Trek The Original Series-Season One today.

It was EPIC!

Movies to Watch Out for: The Raven

2011-07-28T23:44:00.005-05:00

Release date- March 9th, 2012

This is a fictional film following the final days of Edgar Allen Poe,

in which he is following a serial killer whose murders mirror Poe's stories.

And yes, John Cusack is playing Poe.

I will reserve opinions till I see a trailer

Movie Review: Control

2011-07-28T21:48:00.008-05:00

Control is an independent film documenting the life of Ian Curtis, the lead singer of the Post-punk band Joy Division, from his initial meeting of his wife, in 1973, till his death by suicide, May 18th, 1980. The film is based on the book called Touching from a Distance: Ian Curtis and Joy Division, which was a biography by Deborah, his widow.

I absolutely LOVED this movie, it was shot entirely in black and white. Which complimented Ian's life and the life of Joy Division. Very post-punk feeling. I thought that the actor, Sam Riley, did a wonderful job playing Ian, especially considering all of the circumstances that Ian underwent from 1973-1980. From meeting his wife and getting married, forming Joy Division, then being diagnosed as an epileptic. It was a very tumultuous time for him, and I felt Sam played the part beautifully. He really captured him when they re-created Joy Division on stage singing various songs, he seemed so involved with the music almost like it controlled him. Which is something he comments on later in the film. I also enjoyed, was that throughout the movie, Sam recites poems and other works that Ian wrote. It was a really great touch to hear it being spoken throughout the movie, it helped to give insight into Ian's mind. We also saw where he got inspiration for some of his most known works such as "Love Will Tear Us Apart Again", "Control", and "Dead Soul". Which was really important in my opinion, to see where these songs came from.

All in all, it was an absolutely fantastic movie and whether or not you are a fan of Joy Division, you should watch it.

It comes highly recommended!

RISD-Bicycle Drawing

2011-07-28T01:19:00.005-05:00

So, I worked on the bicycle drawing today

(which is now yesterday),

and I just finished it.

So, without further ado, here it is!

16x20

Original photo I took

It isn't perfect, but it isn't bad.

I worked on it for about 7-8 hours total.

One RISD requirement down, two more to go!

Is a Rat Right for You?

2011-07-27T10:13:00.004-05:00

So now you may be pondering whether or not to get one of those furry adorable critters with the long tails and the scuffling feet. But, maybe you aren't sure if a rat is really what you are looking for? Awesome! I can help with that.

*As someone who has had rats since November 2009, when I bought my first three rats from a rescue, that is no longer in operation. I did tons of research concerning rats, and ended up bringing home Lucy(who was over a year), Curri(Who was 6-8 months), and Melinda(6-8 months). I learned a lot from having older rats from the beginning but it isn't always a practical position for new rat owners.

-Why? Because you spend less time with them that you do a young rat. Meaning that rats have an average life span of about a 2.5 years, if you get an older rat you won't have as much time as you do a rat that is only 8 weeks old. So for me, it was really rough having to go through the benign mammary tumor that Lucy had last summer. Then having to put her to sleep a year ago this month, because she was bleeding uncontrollably from her uterus. I turned around and December hit and within 5 days Curri suddenly got extremely ill, February I had to put her to sleep for Mycoplasma. So as you can see, I have a lot of experience with rats and rat care.

Now, you may be wondering, "well, how am I supposed to know if a rat is right for me?".

Good question.

Rats are highly social, loving, curious critters.

They need stimulation, which is why you never buy just one.

1. How much time do you have to devote to your new furry friend?

-Rats require a lot of attention, and if you can't provide it all the time. You NEED to have more than one. It is actually not a good idea to have just one. Why? Because rats are so social by nature, just like humans, that they can fall prey to things like depression, anxiety, and stress from being alone too often for extended periods of time. Personally, I should spend more time with my rats, without a doubt. Everyone could use more rat time. However, I usually spend about a 1/2 hour- an hour and a 1/2 total throughout the day giving them love. This can vary from petting them, playing with them, giving them treats etc.

2. Will it bite you?

-Unlikely, unless you terrorize it or try to pet it when it is really sick. It is just like any other animal, if you treat it with love chances are it will love you in return. Yes, I have been bitten, twice, by Melinda, and both times she was sick and I didn't realize it. Which brings me to my next point.

3. Are they good with kids?

-Yes, they can be. But they must be monitored if the child is too young, just as you wouldn't leave a bird or a hamster in their care. You won't want to leave a rat either. This may also mean, that you will become the primary care giver of this pet. The same amount of etiquette needed to care for any small animal, applies in this case. Don't let them squeeze the animal, they can crush it, yes it does happen. Don't let them grab it by the tail, the tail is full of bones that can be easily broken or damaged, and the tail is one primary way that the rat maintains balance.

4. How often to do rats get sick?

-This is relative to the genetics of the rat. Some rats can have family that were previously used as lab rats and sometimes this can affect the offspring to suffer. Rats are most vulnerable for respiratory disorders, ranging from a cold to mycoplasma. However, it is something that is HIGHLY contagious between rats, and most rats carry mycoplasma whether or not it affects them in their life. It is often passed from mother to children upon birth, or from rat to rat from airborne exposure. With that being said, sometimes rats can get sick, a LOT, especially when they are older. This is something to keep in mind when finding a vet to accept exotic pets, and the cost they charge. Also, X-rays are ALWAYS a good idea, this can give you an idea as to what their lungs look like so the vet has a better idea when/if they become ill, how fast it is progressing or whether they are already a victim of mycoplasma infection.

5. Rats are difficult to diagnose at home.

-Rats are one of those animals that by the time you notice something is wrong, it may be too late. Rats are very adept at surviving, so they won't show signs of real illness unless it is getting really bad. This is why you may have a pet rat that you've taken to the doctor and suddenly, she seems all better now, then two days later she's sick worse than before. They are very tricky, I suggest you be well versed in the physical vulnerabilities of rats, and early signs of sickness.

6. Early signs of sickness.

-Discharge from eyes or nose, it can be red, yellow, clear, green etc.

It can range from being a sign of stress to a rat that is suffering from mycoplasma.

-Frequent sneezing, if a rat sneezes more than say 3-4 times a day, chances are that it has something respiratory or an allergy of some kind. Either way, a vet visit is most likely necessary.

-Extreme Change in coat, if the coat suddenly seems dull or your rat begins loosing hair, often times it begins at the base of the tail or the scruff of the neck. This is a more progressive sign that your pet is sick, either from an illness or is suffering an infestation of mites.

-Loosing function in a limb or noticing limping, or any signs of pain when using an appendage.

This can be something as simple as noticing an anxiety about using a foot, or dragging it behind them. Another progressive sign of illness.

-A choking sound, this is a sound that you will only understand when you hear it. It isn't an early sign of illness it is one of those sounds that you know, your rat can't get better. It is a choking sound, followed by a widening of the jaws, when they cannot breathe. This can happen in a week or less, rat sickness progresses incredibly fast. This is something mycoplasma causes, if you look inside their mouth you will find yellow-green mucous caked on their cheeks and farther down their throat. It is devastating to witness and for your rat.

7. Overall Cost

-Cost depends on how many rats you have, obviously the more rats you have the more money you will be expected to spend, whether it is food or vet bills. You can expect to pay for food, litter, and plastic gloves regularly. The plastic gloves I use to clean the drop trays at the bottom of the cage. Initial cost will include the above, as well as: cost of a cage, cost of buying the rats, buying a carrier for transport (to and from the vets office, to put them in when you clean the cage etc.), and a water bottle. Always get the chew proof metal ones that hang, don't get the small trays because you will be refilling water 3-4 times a day because litter gets clogged in the water from the movements of the rats.

8. Can you pick them up?

-Yes you can! Rats have an advantage over smaller rodents such as mice or hamsters, because rats LOVE to be picked up, if they aren't sick or traumatized. Exploring is very important to them and they welcome exploring your shoulders, jackets, your hair etc. They are big enough that they can be found if they run away from you, or somehow get out of their cage. Often times once a rat realizes they can sit on your shoulder comfortably, they will perch there and you can walk around the house with them.

9. Are rats intelligent?

-Yes! They love to people watch, they will follow you everywhere. They catch on quickly to when you come home, when you sleep, when they do something you don't like etc. They are quick learners, which is why rat training is rather popular.

Having a rat is an awesome experience if you are a fan of rodents and love the idea of them being as friendly and companion oriented as say a dog or a cat. Without them taking up as much space or requiring as much on the spot attention and care as a dog or a cat.

Personally, i'm a rat person.

That my fellow readers is the face of your new potential friend!

2011-07-25T09:09:00.004-05:00

Are you Stoked?

2011-07-25T00:12:00.005-05:00