We take our mugs seriously in this family.
Welcome to my dragon's hoard. It's full of book reviews, TV reviews, photographs, musings on life, sewing, gardening, crafting, modding, and whatever other wonders catch my attention.
My blog is hopelessly general purpose, but also relentlessly keyworded.
Welcome!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
A Prayer for the New Year
Blessing and laughter and loving be yours,
the love of a great God who holds you
while the earth turns and the flowers grow
this day, this moment, and forever.
Book of Common Prayer
///
It's an old prayer--and a good one.
the love of a great God who holds you
while the earth turns and the flowers grow
this day, this moment, and forever.
Book of Common Prayer
///
It's an old prayer--and a good one.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
A Gallery in Transition
I have had the Patterns in the Sand Gallery at ArtId in place for some time now and am in the process of shifting it over to A Walk in the Park.
Over the next few days I will be uploading images from the nearby park, Huntington Beach Central Park, images that reflect my love for the place, my continuing
interest in capturing the unique quality of trees and often also my fascination with water.For a short time, the two galleries will overlap.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Book Reviews: Books on Sock Creatures
Sock and Glove : Creating Charming Softy Friends from Cast-off Socks and Gloves by Miyako Kanamori
This one is a fun, friendly book with what seems to be reasonably clear instructions (I was too embroiled in other projects to try any at the time, I may later). The illustrations are cute and there are a number of adorable critters to make. Further, Kanamori makes the most of the sock and glove shape and material, so there is a real sense that she--and you--will be working to modify a found object rather than creating something that could be made better some other way.
Stray Sock Sewing by Daniel
The photograph cartoons are very cute and a number of the creatures are adorable. It is worth flipping through for inspiration as Daniel really does appreciate the sock, using several different kinds patterns.
However, the printer was sloppy; at least, the book I looked at had several pages repeated, and there are instructions for only a few of the creatures pictures--four or five. Too, the directions are shoved into the back and feature a number of small diagrams, making me wish Daniel had chosen to spend a bit more of the space on them rather than the cute photographs.
Adorable Sock Dolls to Make & Love by Connie Stone and Emola Lowe
Unquestionably, these dolls are adorable, and many of them are very tempting.
I am a bit puzzled, though, by the instructions, several of which feature complicated diagram drawing on socks and not all of which take advantage of the fact that the sock is a sock & has a certain shape, instead treating it as a source of stretchy material and occasionally calling for cuts that seem to completely disregard its sockness.
Stupid Sock Creatures: Making Quirky, Loveable Figures from Cast-off Socks by John Murphy
Now here is someone who understands socks. There are a variety of creatures presented, and a wide range of body types, but each takes advantage of the way a sock is shaped and the way it stretches. It's chock full of ideas and the directions are very clear.
The cream of the crop.
This one is a fun, friendly book with what seems to be reasonably clear instructions (I was too embroiled in other projects to try any at the time, I may later). The illustrations are cute and there are a number of adorable critters to make. Further, Kanamori makes the most of the sock and glove shape and material, so there is a real sense that she--and you--will be working to modify a found object rather than creating something that could be made better some other way.
Stray Sock Sewing by Daniel
The photograph cartoons are very cute and a number of the creatures are adorable. It is worth flipping through for inspiration as Daniel really does appreciate the sock, using several different kinds patterns.
However, the printer was sloppy; at least, the book I looked at had several pages repeated, and there are instructions for only a few of the creatures pictures--four or five. Too, the directions are shoved into the back and feature a number of small diagrams, making me wish Daniel had chosen to spend a bit more of the space on them rather than the cute photographs.
Adorable Sock Dolls to Make & Love by Connie Stone and Emola Lowe
Unquestionably, these dolls are adorable, and many of them are very tempting.
I am a bit puzzled, though, by the instructions, several of which feature complicated diagram drawing on socks and not all of which take advantage of the fact that the sock is a sock & has a certain shape, instead treating it as a source of stretchy material and occasionally calling for cuts that seem to completely disregard its sockness.
Stupid Sock Creatures: Making Quirky, Loveable Figures from Cast-off Socks by John Murphy
Now here is someone who understands socks. There are a variety of creatures presented, and a wide range of body types, but each takes advantage of the way a sock is shaped and the way it stretches. It's chock full of ideas and the directions are very clear.
The cream of the crop.
The First Sunday After Christmas
Almighty God, you have poured upon us the new light of your incarnate Word: Grant that this light, enkindled in our hearts, may shine forth in our lives; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.
from The Book of Common Prayer
from The Book of Common Prayer
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
A Moment of Peace
I've been busy this season making presents for everyone.
It's been a happy time, but hectic, and I've gotten so focused on getting things done that I have forgotten to go outside and look.
A couple of days ago, though, I had to leave the house for a while while some work was done. I ended up going to the park and walking around with no particular destination or hurry, marveling again at the beauty of everything.
I'm only posting the one image because the net is slow just now and because, well, I still do have one last gift to finish before Christmas.
I hope it gives you some sense of the peace there.
And I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Ozy and Millie Ended! Help!
Emergency! Emergency! The "daily" run of Ozy and Millie has now officially ended, making it officially intermittent. What will I do? What other off-the-wall, gently humorous, silly comics are out there for me to read? Help!
Monday, December 22, 2008
More Lights
It's become a yearly tradition for the family to visit Roger's Gardens and then head over to Fashion Island to see the World's Tallest and Most Environmentally Sound Ch
ristmas Tree.1Roger's Gardens does a lovely display, lots of lavish lights--in fact, that's how we first found them.
Fashion Island is great, too, though disappointingly the smaller vendors were not out this year with their carts. It's a pity; they had all the fun stuff.
Between this and last night's visit to the Fountain Valley neighborhood, I'm almost sated.
All those displays had one glaring flaw, though: No flamingos. The house by the park hasn't got its flock out yet, either, though the owner assured me that they would be there in time for Christmas.
Cinder and I will have to check again tomorrow. I'll let you know what we find.
1 Well, this year at least it's only "one of the tallest," but that just doesn't sound as grand.
Merry Christmas?
The most austere St. Nicholas ever.
The last time I was there, just before Halloween, it was possible to buy just his hand--on a platter. Perhaps he's still confused about the season?
An Evil Genie?
Fear not.
The Evil Genie is watching over you.
And with him on your tree, nothing can possibly go wrong
Can it?
Thursday, December 18, 2008
The Dangers of Social Networking
So I settled down to do some Christmas crafting & thought I'd catch up on some Doctor Who (I've barely scratched the surface of the pre-Eccleston era) only to have Netflix tell me that my connection was so slow it would be 7 hours and 33 minutes before I could watch The Caves of Androzani.
Not to worry, I have a stash of Avengers episodes,1 three seasons worth, so I broke those out, refigured out how to use the antiquated VCR, and sat down for a pleasurable spell of watching Steed golf and learning all about the evils of social networking. Seems trusting large organizations with your social life has never been a good idea.
Quick-Quick Slow Death (1966) featured a dance studio where the thoughtful director kindly encouraged her clients to talk about their lives. The lonelier they were, the more sympathetic she was, often giving them special, private lessons that culminated in a ball where the socially isolated clients were quietly slaughtered and replaced with carefully trained Soviet agents, primed and ready to take over their identities.
It gets even worse if you want a date. Murder Market (1965) featured an unusual marriage bureau that used careful psychological profiling to match clients with their ideal mates. Along the way, and for no extra fee, they also matched potential murderers: Anyone who wanted someone murdered could trade victims with someone else, thus avoiding all suspicions. The bureau also handled weapons disposal.
It's a dangerous world out there.
1Yes, another show where the BBC unforgivably destroyed large quantities of the early seasons.
Not to worry, I have a stash of Avengers episodes,1 three seasons worth, so I broke those out, refigured out how to use the antiquated VCR, and sat down for a pleasurable spell of watching Steed golf and learning all about the evils of social networking. Seems trusting large organizations with your social life has never been a good idea.
Quick-Quick Slow Death (1966) featured a dance studio where the thoughtful director kindly encouraged her clients to talk about their lives. The lonelier they were, the more sympathetic she was, often giving them special, private lessons that culminated in a ball where the socially isolated clients were quietly slaughtered and replaced with carefully trained Soviet agents, primed and ready to take over their identities.
It gets even worse if you want a date. Murder Market (1965) featured an unusual marriage bureau that used careful psychological profiling to match clients with their ideal mates. Along the way, and for no extra fee, they also matched potential murderers: Anyone who wanted someone murdered could trade victims with someone else, thus avoiding all suspicions. The bureau also handled weapons disposal.
It's a dangerous world out there.
1Yes, another show where the BBC unforgivably destroyed large quantities of the early seasons.
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Shocking Pink Dragon Millipede
No, I'm not making it up--not the name, not the creature.
There really is a shocking pink, cyanide-laced millipede living in Thailand, first cataloged in May 2007, and recently listed by the new species selection committee of the International Institute for Species Exploration (IISE) at University of Arizona as one of the top ten new finds for the year.
Knowing that there is such a creature just made my day a lot brighter.
Oh, and when they say it is pink, they really mean pink. Take a look at the pictures.
*Wanders off, happily muttering the words "shocking pink dragon millipede."
There really is a shocking pink, cyanide-laced millipede living in Thailand, first cataloged in May 2007, and recently listed by the new species selection committee of the International Institute for Species Exploration (IISE) at University of Arizona as one of the top ten new finds for the year.
Knowing that there is such a creature just made my day a lot brighter.
Oh, and when they say it is pink, they really mean pink. Take a look at the pictures.
*Wanders off, happily muttering the words "shocking pink dragon millipede."
Friday, December 12, 2008
Flotsam Tells Her Tale
I posted earlier about drying seaweed so that Flotsam could tell her tale. It took a while to dry--we had misty weather almost immediately after I hung it up--but in the end it did finish, quite nicely, and Flotsam got to tell her tale!
I went back and forth for sometime on the issue of words--you may remember that the original slideshow included text--and in the end decided not to. Instead, I opted for a post-card like look, a series of images Flotsam might have mailed home to friends and relatives. The format leaves people open to tell their own version of her tale.
Ultimately, I also chose somewhat different pictures from those used in the slideshow. They were taken the same day but had different orientations or focuses that worked better for the book.
I told you I liked flamingos
No, these aren't the Santa Hat flamingos I mentioned earlier--if memory serves, they won't be out for a while yet---but I do have a fondness for the Pink Ones, and after the gnome post, I figured they deserved a chance to shine.
Traffic Cone Tree
I think this is my favorite tree so far: it stands in a construction site and is wound around a bright orange traffic cone, an example of eccentric holiday cheer and practicality combined.
GirlGenius
I've mentioned Girl Genius before, and a couple of friends have mentioned that they're sure they would like it, only they don't have the time. That means that this month's series is just what they need: a retelling of "Cinderella" that will span a relatively short time before the writers return to the regular story. 1
If nothing else, there is this single panel, worthy of note in its own right.
1Don't blame me if you then get hooked on the rest of it. Well, ok--do. You'll thank me later.
If nothing else, there is this single panel, worthy of note in its own right.
1Don't blame me if you then get hooked on the rest of it. Well, ok--do. You'll thank me later.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Dolls and Doll-Like Objects
Mom and I went shopping a few days ago trying, among other things, to find a nice, soft baby doll to give to a little girl.
You know, those have gotten impossible to find. The "dolls" all talk, pee, blink, coo, wave their arms, and generally seek to spook the unwary shopper as soon as she enters the aisle.
Of course all this hardware also renders them sharp, full of angles, and distinctly un-cuddly. Have the toymakers all forgotten that a doll's first function is to be loved?
If they don't have hardware lumps, then the dolls have little tags instructing the parent to fill the doll's body with warm water to make it warm and flexible and realistic--at which point the skeptical reader wonders what happens when the water cools and the doll gets cold, clammy, and corpselike.
And as for the other denizens that share the aisle with these things, the aforementioned doll-like entities, perhaps the less said the better. The doll pictured above, you notice, is positively gruesome in her construction. Frankenstein has to hide in shame when she walks into the room.
And there were others, including a pair of plastic monstrosities that I didn't dare photograph for fear they would break the lens or break some law by terrifying blog readers.
What happened to the plain, fabric or soft plastic baby doll who was cute, cuddly, and just begging to be hugged, rocked, and cuddled?
I can't answer the question here because, much as it pains me to admit this, we did not continue the quest. Instead, we did our other shopping and went home. Eventually, avoiding the question all together, we took refuge in another aisle and the knowledge that one of my small cousins likes High School Musical. The dolls based on that aren't perfect, but at least they don't pee.
You know, those have gotten impossible to find. The "dolls" all talk, pee, blink, coo, wave their arms, and generally seek to spook the unwary shopper as soon as she enters the aisle.
Of course all this hardware also renders them sharp, full of angles, and distinctly un-cuddly. Have the toymakers all forgotten that a doll's first function is to be loved?
If they don't have hardware lumps, then the dolls have little tags instructing the parent to fill the doll's body with warm water to make it warm and flexible and realistic--at which point the skeptical reader wonders what happens when the water cools and the doll gets cold, clammy, and corpselike.
And as for the other denizens that share the aisle with these things, the aforementioned doll-like entities, perhaps the less said the better. The doll pictured above, you notice, is positively gruesome in her construction. Frankenstein has to hide in shame when she walks into the room.
And there were others, including a pair of plastic monstrosities that I didn't dare photograph for fear they would break the lens or break some law by terrifying blog readers.
What happened to the plain, fabric or soft plastic baby doll who was cute, cuddly, and just begging to be hugged, rocked, and cuddled?
I can't answer the question here because, much as it pains me to admit this, we did not continue the quest. Instead, we did our other shopping and went home. Eventually, avoiding the question all together, we took refuge in another aisle and the knowledge that one of my small cousins likes High School Musical. The dolls based on that aren't perfect, but at least they don't pee.
Christmas Cheer
Officially, I do not like the big, puffy, air-filled monstrosities that are springing up all over the place. They are loud. The are vulgar.
Unofficially, I'm being won over by their sheer exuberance. This guy, particularly, made me smile.
Anyway, who am I to judge? One of the Most Looked Forward To Decorations each year is a flock of plastic flamingos with Santa hats.
And yes, I will post a picture when they finally make their appearance this year.
Anyway, who am I to judge? One of the Most Looked Forward To Decorations each year is a flock of plastic flamingos with Santa hats.
And yes, I will post a picture when they finally make their appearance this year.
Christmas in California
These people do the most fascinating and fun Christmas displays. Last year they had a sandman in their yard keeping company with a sunbathing Santa--a mannquin they had dressed and posed for the part, not one of those storbought things.
And, yes, I'm also very happy to live in a place where people put lights on their palm trees and the only snow I'm likely to see is cut from wood or else sprayed from someone's rooftop snowmaker (different yard).
Friday, December 5, 2008
More Christmas Lights
I love this set: Cheerful & bright. Though, I suppose by my earlier "logic" I should be complaining about the Snoman's ribs.
Watch Out for Whales
I finished the scanned-printed-and-bound version, the one that is *not* fourteen feet long and that can be held in your hands.
I think it turned out well. I was afraid that the texture would be lost in the transition and, while it is true you can no longer touch it, it is still there.
I think next time I make one of these, I'll leave a bit more of a left margin in the original so that it won't be swallowed in the stitching. I was thinking whole-page when I made it, and while the format is still good, I think it's probably possible to make something better, with a stronger balance for both formats.
Still, I'm very happy with it.
I'm made even happier by the fact that this copy was made-to-order copy and will go to its new home on Tuesday.
Holiday Cheer?
I never know what to think of these guys. On the one hand, they're full of lights, and lights are good. On the other... you can see their ribs. That can't be healthy.
Jonathan Coulton
Why did no one introduce me Jonathan Coulton's music before?
Ok, so I've only listened to two of his songs, but such beautiful ones! Consider "Skullcrusher Mountain" where an Evil Overlord/Mad Scientist sings to his sweetheart, admitting "even my henchmen think I'm crazy" and wondering why she doesn't like the monkey-pony-monster he made just for her.
Or, even better, "Re: Your Brains," where a zombie wonders why his (former?) coworker at the office won't let him in,
"All we want to do is eat your brains
We're not unreasonable, I mean, no one's gonna eat your eyes
All we want to do is eat your brains
We're at an impasse here, maybe we should compromise
If you open up the door
We'll all come inside and eat your brains."
It's perfect!
Ok, so I've only listened to two of his songs, but such beautiful ones! Consider "Skullcrusher Mountain" where an Evil Overlord/Mad Scientist sings to his sweetheart, admitting "even my henchmen think I'm crazy" and wondering why she doesn't like the monkey-pony-monster he made just for her.
Or, even better, "Re: Your Brains," where a zombie wonders why his (former?) coworker at the office won't let him in,
"All we want to do is eat your brains
We're not unreasonable, I mean, no one's gonna eat your eyes
All we want to do is eat your brains
We're at an impasse here, maybe we should compromise
If you open up the door
We'll all come inside and eat your brains."
It's perfect!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Forget About Rudolph
The reindeer you should be worrying about is his evil twin, Randal, the world-conquering reindeer.
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