Pink

A week and a day ago, I woke up to the trilling sound of my cell phone alarm. Immediately my stomach began to flutter and jump. In a few hours I would be running in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Central Park. I wanted to grab some food, but my friend who I was staying with in Harlem hadn’t been shopping since her vacation. So my pre-race meal included a banana I’d brought with me from home, a cup of coffee, 2 glasses of water, and a mango ice cream bar. Perhaps not ideal, but I’d stuffed myself with pasta the night before ($30 for a pasta dinner; this is why I can’t live in NYC).

I took a shower (yes, it was basically pointless since I’d be showering again in about 3 hours, but I hate running with greasy hair. That sounds quite vain as I write it down, but so be it.) and said goodbye to my friend.

“Are you sure you don’t want to come and watch?”

She rolled over in her bed and looked up at me. “When you run the marathon, I’ll come and watch.” And she rolled back over.

OK, fair enough.

I got on the 1 train downtown, heels bouncing nervously as I sat on the hard orange plastic seats listening to the Black Eyed Peas “I got a feeling”. As I got off the train at 72nd street, I saw a large group of runners heading out of the park. Despite knowing that the race was in Central Park and despite having gone and eyed out the starting line myself the day before (in the rain!), I was somehow convinced that these people knew something that I didn’t and that the race had somehow been moved.

After I got over the irrationality, I headed towards the park. There were hundreds of people converging on Central Park West. 15 blocks had been shut down.

I met my friend and her boyfriend. They were both sipping on Starbucks. In my head (and in my elitist, I’m a “real runner” way), I thought, “Well that’s just stupid.” (But by mile 2.5 I was pushing myself to keep up with her....hmmm...)

There were thousands and thousands of people. Mayor Bloomberg was there. Along with Uma Thurman and Stephen Colbert. Well, theoretically. We heard them on the loudspeaker, but I never caught a glimpse of them. We heard the announcement, “Walkers, are you ready?” and looked at each other with some trepidation. We weren’t walkers damn it, we were runners! What was happening?

With 15,000 people, the run became more of an obstacle course. It was difficult to get a steady pace, though as my friend said, it was never boring. Our pace was about 10 minute miles, which is my steady pace on the treadmill. And speeding up after mile 2 seemed difficult. My body didn’t want to move or get any faster; instead, it wanted to stop. My muscle memory is set at a certain pace, and I’m finding it challenging to push through that and run faster and run longer.

My running issues aside, the run was to raise money for breast cancer research. I laughed at the t-shirts that said, “Save the tatas!” And on etsy I found some lovely pink items (some specifically for breast cancer, and some just beautiful pink items). Enjoy!

Clockwise from top left:

• One 5 Ounce Cotton Blossom Breast Cancer Awareness Soap - Donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure by http://layla.etsy.com/
• Breast Cancer Awareness Hot Pink and Pearl Sterling Silver Earrings (3) by http://pookieandpierre.etsy.com/
• Silk PEONY RHINESTONE GEM Flower CROCHET Waffle HEADBAND Baby Toddler HOT PINK by http://miaboutique.etsy.com/
• Pink Bird of Hope by http://middleburg.etsy.com/
• Large Frame - Brown on Pink Damask by http://girlbyaileen.etsy.com/
• Audrey necklace pink pearls and black ribbon by http://kristinmc.etsy.com/

Flight

I returned from my visit to family and it took two connecting flights. I noticed that compared to previous flights I am now more anxious and nervous when I fly. As my brother put it, as I'm getting older, I'm losing the feelings of invincibility. I think he might be right!

Here are some etsy finds using the search word "plane".

Clockwise from top left:

• Vintage Biplane Pillowcase Pair Standard by http://branchhandmade.etsy.com/
• Wilbur and Orville WRIGHT BROTHERS First Plane Flight at KITTY HAWK Beaded EARRINGS by http://funcklovedesigns.etsy.com/
• Airline Wedding Invitation by http://ellaspaper.etsy.com/
• Plane Lands on Dirt Runway, South Africa - Fine Art Photography Limited Edition Giclee Print by http://goodmancreative.etsy.com/
• Silver Solo Flight Necklace by http://threebirdsdesigns.etsy.com/

Visitors

I got a call this afternoon from a friend from graduate school. He and his girlfriend are considering moving to the area soon. A few weeks ago, he'd asked if he and his girlfriend could stay in my studio while they looked at apartments and went to some interviews. I am going to be gone for two weeks visiting family, and since my little studio is so small, having them stay while I was gone was the best option. Though even then I was at first hesitant because I didn't them sleeping in my bed. But then I reasoned that I could just leave the inflatable mattress out for them and assume they'd get the hint.

Then the call today where I was informed that they'd be arriving tomorrow. I was not asked if they could stay. I was informed that they were arriving. While it isn't a huge issue (it's not world hunger, nuclear weapons or the swine flu), I'm going to be fairly consumed with getting ready to leave - cleaning, last minute packing, etc. And above all, I'm a little peeved at how the situation was handled on their end. You ask someone if you can stay; you don't tell them when you'll be arriving.

So on a happier "visitor" related note, here are some items found on Etsy using the search term "visitor".

Clockwise from top left:

• 4/20...A LIMITED EDITION ARCHIVAL PRINT...daily tasks by http://corid.etsy.com/
• The Visitor Limited Edition ACEO Photographic Fine Art Print/POV Signature Print by http://fosterbk.etsy.com/
• Mouse visitor vinyl wall decal sticker art by http://weiweisbabies.etsy.com/
• Paris Visitor Travel Hang Tags or Gift Tags by http://petitepaperieshoppe.etsy.com/
• Garden Visitor - Fabric Postcard by http://quiltnc.etsy.com/

Polar Bears

This evening I attended the presentation of my summer school students. They were presenting on different topics related to global warming. One of the better presentations was on the effect of global warming on sea ice. As the earth warms, the ice melts. And in places like Canada, Greenland and Russia, this is detrimental to populations of polar bears.

This seems to be one of the most touching arguments because of the endearing visual of baby polar bears. Phytoplankton and krill are less photogenic.

Be that as it may, here are some items found using the keyword "polar bear" on etsy.



Clockwise from the upper left:

• Polar Bear in Blue - Fine Art Photograph on Metallic Paper by http://lilacpopphotography.etsy.com/
• Polar Pals Penguin Polar Bear Seal Amigurumi crochet pattern pdf FREE SHIPPING by http://tigerlily.etsy.com/
• Baby Snow Bears by http://zukzuk.etsy.com/
• Euphoria II by http://treecandy.etsy.com/
• Baby Polar Bear by http://dmhstudio.etsy.com/

Curtains

I have finally moved into my own little apartment. And not counting the downstairs neighbor who blasts the most horrible music when I use my sewing machine and the no air conditioning, it's not bad.


Though I was woken up this morning by the crash of my curtains (curtain rod included) falling to the floor. Venetian blinds are installed in every window, and they are in no way lightproof. It wouldn't be a big deal if the safety light for the building wasn't right outside my window. So after much effort, I managed to find curtains that blocked out the light and finally let me sleep!


Part of that task was getting a tension curtain rod because I didn't want to do any drilling or hammering (this also raises the wrath of my idiot neighbor; I hung one picture with a grand total of four bangs of the hammer that resulted in two hours of the world's worst music. How is that quid pro quo?!). And now, part of the window drywall chipped off, causing the curtains to fall and part of the wall to come with it. My task today will be finding hooks to rehang the curtains. Wish me luck!

On a side note, I found these beautiful etsy items searching for "curtains".





Clockwise from top left:

• antique handloomed LILAC BLUE roll curtains roman SHADES slipcover 13.11y by http://grainsack.etsy.com/
• Vintage Curtain Tie Back Assemblage Necklace No. 02 by http://chezmichellelouise.etsy.com/
• Urban Ruin compost dyed silk scarf natural dyes 020108 by http://girlwithasword.etsy.com/
• Aqua/Ivory Damask Linen Drape 50in X 108in by http://avecdieu.etsy.com/
• The Night Breeze - Necklace in Fine Silver by http://daisyjanedesigns.etsy.com/
• And then there was light - 8X8 signed fine art photograph by http://janeheller.etsy.com/

Aspens

When I was a child, my family vacationed at a small red cabin in a picturesque small town in Colorado, complete with a view of Pikes Peak from the front window. It took around 8 or 9 hours to get from Kansas to Colorado, and it was always a relief to finally pull into the drive. Each year, I was struck by the sweet and pungent smell of pine trees and the soft and unmistakable whisper of quaking aspen leaves.

So as I sit in my studio apartment where last night, the predominant smell was skunk (a story for another day) and the sound is of my window fan, I dream of the quiet whisper of Colorado aspens.





Clockwise from upper left:

• Birch Trees on Sky Blue- Real Texture by Kristen Dougherty Free Shipping by http://kristend12.etsy.com/
• Canterbury - Golden Leaf and Green Jewel Necklace by http://liliswan.etsy.com/
• RED Aspen Leaf Earrings w/Droplet (silver) by http://toastjewelry.etsy.com/
• Deep in the Woods 20x30 Poster by http://upcripplecreek.etsy.com/
• Real Sterling Apsen Leaf with a Freshwater Coin Pearl, Moonlit Trees Necklace by http://briguysgirls.etsy.com/
• Aspen Vase D - Wall Hanging or Free Standing by http://dbabcock.etsy.com/

NYC Central Park Conservancy Run

I am going to be running the 4 mile walk/run in Central Park tomorrow. I went over the course today and picked up my number. I also got the race t-shirt. In theory, I could just keep the shirt and not run the race, but I don't think that's recommended! Here are some running items I found on etsy.

Clockwise from top left:

• The Wait...8x10 Reproduction Print by http://michelemaule.etsy.com
• I Run New York t-shirt by http://Muncheys.etsy.com
• Blue Vintage Samsonite Suitcase by http://Brightwall.etsy.com
• Between the Sheets by http://amyartist.etsy.com
• 8x10 fine art photograph...trail of truth by http://kellya.etsy.com
  

Saying Goodbye

Summer has been a time when I've had to say goodbye. And as summer has reached a halfway point and is now moving towards a close, I'm almost relieved. I know that it's the opposite for most other people, most celebrate summer and mourn the arrival of fall.

Here are some etsy items found using the search "goodbye".





Clockwise from top left:

• Farewell 8x8 print by http://cassiabeck.etsy.com/
• Kissing the War Goodbye by http://thepaintinglibra.etsy.com/
• I'll see you soon, goodbye. by http://amandahawkins.etsy.com/
• Dirt Road 5x5 photograph by http://nepheliad.etsy.com/
• Goodbye - vinyl wall art decal graphic sticker by http://tastysuite.etsy.com/
• untitled (to take leave of) by http://lmiem.etsy.com/

Sunflowers and Wheat

In celebration of my grandmother (see the entry below), here are some etsy shops with some lovely Kansas and wheat related items.

Clockwise from the top left:

• Kansas Wheat on Canvas by http://eringarrisondesign.etsy.com/
• Wheat Harvest - A Recycled Notebook by http://kylallon.etsy.com/
• Sunflower group 8x10 photo by http://aztek721.etsy.com/
• Haystack Series - Green - Original Fine Art Photograph 11x14 by http://jaredks.etsy.com/
• Tractor 3, 8x10 print by http://landofozphotography.etsy.com/

Thinking of Greece

I have been in New Jersey all summer so far, and my vacation is going to be heading home to Kansas for a few weeks. While it will be nice to see family, it's not quite the same as heading somewhere exotic and exciting. And as I've been thinking about exotic and exciting, I was remembering my visit to Greece. The main reason that I wanted to go was because of the beautiful blue and white style architecture/design prevalent on many of the islands. And these great etsy items all made me feel a little less sad about being stuck here in dirty Jersey.

Clockwise from upper left:

• Memories of Greece Fringe Scarf by http://fashiontouch.etsy.com/
• Greek Window Flowers 8x12 photo by http://williamdohman.etsy.com/
• Indigo Sea earrings by http://rubystudios.etsy.com/
• Fabric Wild Flower Brooch by http://youaremysunshine.etsy.com/
• Local Rumors 8x8 signed fine art photograph by http://abcdimages.etsy.com

Beauty and Talent

I am continually amazed at the talent and skill of people in the world. One new favorite artist is Miss Cassia Beck of http://cassiabeck.etsy.com/. I got this lovely print from her - the fuschia flowers in Brighton were some of my favorite flowers. The mix of bright pink and purple were stunning, and I'd never seen flowers like them before I lived there. I have the image hanging over me as I type, and I couldn't be more pleased!

Isn't it beautiful! Funnily enough, as I got the package in the mail from England, I realized that she lives on the cross street from one of the houses where I used to live. One of my favorite pubs was right at the end of her road!

It is, in fact, a small world.

I noticed last night that nearly all of the pictures I have hanging or on display in my little apartment have to do with England and most specifically Brighton.

Above my bed is a collage of images related to England, by my desk are 2 photos by the wonderful cassiabeck, above my easy chair I have a picture of the hills of Sussex and the photo above of fuschia. Over my table is a reproduction of the now iconic "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster. Above my couch is a reproduction of an antique map of Great Britain. My bookcase is lined with photos and ephemera related in someway to Brighton. I may have a theme here that borders on obsession.

I moved away from Brighton at the end of January 2007. The very last day I could stay until my visa expired. I had lived there for about 3 years. It's been over 2 years now, and I still dream of my days on Brighton beach. While I had some stressful/bad times there, nearly all related to the twat-ishness of English men, overall, I absolutely and overwhelmingly loved it.

Mail

I have an obsession with checking my email. Constantly and continually wanting to see if anyone has contacted me. It used to be part of an obsession with certain men, and still seeing emails from a couple of specific addresses makes me feel flush, faint and a bit nauseous. Though right now, I'm waiting (seemingly in vain) to hear back from publishers and job interviews. I have two job interviews where I should be hearing any day now. And I'm trying to get work published, and so I seem to constantly be hoping and waiting for an editor to write back and say, yes, your idea sounds like the perfect fit for our magazine and we'd love to pay you $5.00 per word. ($5.00 per word is obviously beyond hope, but I'd take .50 a word!)

I feel like email has gone the way of "real" mail; too much of it is junk or spam or simply forwards. But this morning, I got the lovely surprise of waking up to my jewelry being featured in a blog! The wedding blog, http://inventingweddings.blogspot.com/, posted my pearl ivory and peach bracelets as a part of their "peach and teal" color theme.

Also featured:

White Handmade Wedding Tutu Skirt by kaedankrafts

The Scent of Lisabetta Necklace by soradesigns

Stackable and Stretchable Pearl Bracelets by kristinmc

Shabby Jungle Brooch by walkonthemoon

Locket Charm Necklace by dreamamlittledream

Adelaide Save the Date by MewPaperArts

Peaches and Cream Bouquet Set by modagefloral