some books

Pink Lady apples, jasmine-green tea, and books is generally how I've been spending the past few days. I got another copy of The Handmaiden's Tale (by Margaret Atwood) from my father for Christmas, I loaned my other copy out and never got it back. I've really enjoyed re-reading it a lot.
Books are always different the second time, or at least the ones that make you think are. The fact that I read it for pleasure this time, and not as schoolwork, might have affected it too.
The first time I read The Handmaiden's Tale it terrified me. Less terrified this time, but still moved. and angry. and sad.
It's one of my favorites.

I also read Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere this week. I think I enjoyed it more than the other novels of his I've read. (Not including Sandman) Neverwhere had more of a fairy tale feel? I can't describe it exactly, but it connected me on the level that you want the world to be more fantastical than it is, and a bit of you really longs to be a part of that fantasy world.

I'm glad I'm reading books again. and crocheting. and generally being the recluse I know myself as. Recluse is not the word, maybe low-key?

But I find myself wanting to read again for fun, which hasn't really happened for about a year and a half. I was afraid it was never going to come back. ha.

Merry Christmas.

American Elf!

I doubt anyone is really bored this time of year, but one of my favorite online comics changed it's format in the past month.

Previously American Elf required a subscription to read any comic but the one he put up last.

It's by an artist named James Kochalka who has inspired me in my sketchbook and comic pursuits, and racked me some overdue fees at my library for checking out and keeping his collected comics for weeks at a time.

Anyway, now they're all free and if you have any spare time, you should read them.

He does a comic of his day, almost everyday, and puts it up.
It's kind of boring sometimes, but addictive.
Mundane but nice.

Yes. I'm pretty pleased out it being free now. So should you. Check it out.

But I think I got some linseed oil in my ear...

It's kind of disturbing how much I miss my sketchbook.
I've just left it at a friend's house, but I'm already frustrated and missing it.
I actually want to draw.
It's feels weird that it's not here with me. It's existence is comforting.

I painted for about 6 hours or so today. It was (generally) good times.

I gesso-ed the back of a painting because I didn't put enough gesso on it the first time around, and the back looked stupid with the paint showing thru. (I think this will also eventually destory the canvas) Little white spots showed up on the painted side, and I had to match colors for several hours trying to fix my painting. It actually turned out better than it was before I had to rework it, so I'm pleased.

The RA (I assume) put up signs in the bathroom stalls with names of funny cities.
I wanna live in Chicken, Alaska.

and because I hate putting up entires with no pictures...



I drew that for-freaking-ever ago. Like, at the beginning of the semester. It's kind of like this weird thing my roommate, her boyfriend, and I were talking about one day at the Mellow Mushroom.

Finals and Whatnot.

Well, it's getting about that time again.
Last week was dead week, the week before finals.
I've got two paintings to finish by the 12th as well as bits and pieces of metals and ceramics I need to finish by the 11th.
This is one of the first semesters I've had where teachers have opted to have our final critique actually during finals. Usually art teachers will just make final critique the last regular class day.
I am so happy this isn't the case. I need all the time I can get with three studios. (two of the three being 3D art studios, which I lack skills in.)
But I'm really not that stressed, which is nice. The most work I have to do is painting, and since I love it, it doesn't really feel like work. Right now I'm stalling more to let my Ipod charge than anything else.

Here's what I'm working on.













Hope everyone else who has finals does well.
Yay for a break soon.

This semester has really flown by for me.

Punjab's

More proof that the world is coming to an end.
My favorite place to eat has burnt down.
Punjab's was one of the best resturants in Richmond, KY, and to be honest I think one few remaining fantastic things in Richmond.
The people who worked there were always the sweetest people you'd ever meet. They had the best and kindest service in town.

Anyway,
I was there with my friend Shae, and my roommate Megan.
It started to smoke from the ceiling and we all left...
You read my roommate's (the journalist) entry here.
It's much more thorough than mine. Pictures and everything.


Needless to say, I'm depressed over it.
So close to finals week, right when I need Saag Paneer most.