well I guess that’s just the way that things go
Current mood: sleepy

Ahhhh, April. Spring is near and half-day Fridays have begun, so I’m a quasi-happy camper. Been a long time since I’ve written anything on here. Rocking out my Friday night at Abington Library, with 42 minutes remaining on my hour-a-day internet budget. We haven’t sprung for the interwebs in the apartment yet, but checking emails and the like at work has been sufficient for now. And there’s always le bibliotheque.

I tried to get some new eyes today after work. My glasses are over 3 years old and basically trash but I got lost trying to find Hatboro and wound up driving around for 2 hours. 45 minutes late for my appointment, I was forced to reschedule for next week. Oh well, it’s my own damn fault. Seriously though, old york road is different from south york road and north york road, which turns into easton road, which crosses easton road up in warminster. Couldn’t they just have called it something else? damn.

I’ve been drawing on the train a lot on my commutes home. I get a good half-hour of sketching time, and as long as I’m not uber-crammed in a 3 seater, it usually works out nicely. There are some cool people, but it’s mostly middle-agers, so I’m trying not to get too repetitive. Maybe I should try switching cars every now and again. I’ll have to scan and post a few one of these days...

34 minutes remain and I find myself already without words to type. hmm. maybe I should check out what’s new in the movie section while I’m here. I got this independent film called Kitchen Stories from here a week ago and it was pretty decent---about a post-WWII Swedish observer who records a Norwegian’s daily routine and pattern of activity in the kitchen (to study and essentially create more efficient kitchen setups). Sounds bizarre, but it was pretty interesting. Definitely more interesting than this blog entry.

sheesh.

5:15 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Dr Sketchy’s
Current mood: artistic

Just adding some sketchies from a Dr. Sketchy's I went to at Fleisher a few fridays ago.

Mostly gestural type drawings, I had forgotten how fast you have to be. I've gotten slow in my old age...after a few warm-up poses though, I felt myself sinking back into the ole "quick-draw" routine.....


This is Lulu Lollipop. She was my favorite of the 3 burlesque models. Definitely the most "in-character," and was basically a darker and much thinner version of Marilyn.

This was a 20 minute pose:


This was was about 45 minutes- I whipped out the colored pencils and water color pencils and played:

Currently listening : Typical By Mute Math Release date: 27 August, 2007

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Because it couldn’t get any worse...
Current mood: worried

It's official, I'm falling apart.

Severe abdominal pain sent me to the ER Thursday night. 2 ultrasounds later, they're thinking that I had ruptured an ovarian cyst (not completely new to me, as I've had this happen when I was 17). The report says I have a hemorrhagic (blood-filled) cyst on my right ovary, several small follicles on both, and that my left ovary has "a solid appearing component which may represent blood but follow-up is recommended to exclude a mass." I have to follow up in 5-7 days to check on it's progression. It's hard to figure out if the one on the left (which is where the pain was) completely ruptured or just partially. They gave me a prescription for painkillers but if I have sudden severe pain again or start bleeding, it's back to Abington for me.

Called out of work on Friday and have been pretty much on high alert this whole weekend. Trying to take it easy, but it's a bit worrisome. I just feel like I cannot catch a break here- first my incurable foot, now this. I just want to be healthy already!!

Stupid ovaries, who the hell wants them anyway?

Currently listening : Stronger By Kanye West Release date: 03 September, 2007

10:27 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

L.A. continued
Current mood: tired

Day 1.5 continued
After a quick nap, I sported my bronze wedges (yes I got sassy shoes that actually fit my fat foot) and we ventured out to Velvet Margarita. The interior is something like Tijuana meets Hades, with black sombreros decorating the ceilings, silver pinatas hanging above our heads, and skeletal portraits hanging on the walls. I really like the patterned red fabric wallpaper, it really made the place pop. Not to much happening there, it was small and hot as hell, so off to the Garden of Eden where Christina's sister works. It was "black night" there, and I was excited to hear the hip hop a thump thumpin. The bass was blaring, our hips were bumpin, we got free drinks and a massive shot of tequila. My foot started to bother me, so we took some silly pictures and sat down for a while before calling it a night.

Day 2
We woke up early and Christina drove us the 28.2 miles to El Matador Beach in Malibu. Probably one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. High cliffs, large rocks, powdery sand, and turquoise waters made the whole scene quite picturesque. With a mini hiking trail and staircases it was a trek and half to actually get down to the beach, but once we did, it was all worth it. Desiree and I were in our glory. After getting our bad gay magazine and picture taking fixes, it was down to the water for me. I swear I must have been a fish in a former life. The surf was incredibly rough, slamming against the rocks and the water was a bit chilly (a little cooler than jersey shore) but I'm always up for the challenge. Being the brave one in the bunch had its consequences however, because one good 7 foot wave sent me rolling. My wipe out was pretty hilarious although it left me with a bruised and scraped thigh. Drove back, de-sanded, washed up, and headed out to Sugar, a club that Christina works at on the weekends. I was a little disheartened at the idea of having to wear flats with my little black dress, but knew it was a wise decision since I didn't last very long the night before. I felt so la-ti-da as we walked right past the long line of people waiting to get in. 2 VIP wrist bands later we were in and sippin on cocktails like we owned the place. Christina asked a guy to take our picture because one of us was always missing from it to be the photographer. After snapping a few of us, he turned the lens on his friends. Turns out they were English soccer players here for some tournament. They were pretty hilarious, and yet oh so polite (which is hard to come by now-a-days). We wound up hanging out with them for most of the night. I danced my ass off and got a bit tipsy. Thinking back, this was definitely my favorite day of the entire trip.

Day 3
Got up a bit later and drove to Venice Beach. This whole week was so unbelievably hot, with temps at least in the 105 degree area. Walked around to check out the little shops, oudoor gym, famously filmed basketball courts, and street performers. Saw this CRAZY guy who's act involved playing with fire. And by crazy, I mean drinking lighter fluid like it was water, singeing his body hair, eating and spitting fire, and balancing various objects, including a girl in a chair on his chin. All of this to the musical stylings of "Eye of the Tiger," and other random 80s goodness. While it was quite impressive, it freaked me out more than anything. A little bit sad too, cause you could see a lot of scar tissue around his mouth. It makes you wonder how people like that get stuck doing what they're doing for pocket change. Went down to the beach for a quick dip and some sun. There were a ton of surfers and sailboats out on the water. Pretty cool. Back at the apartment, de-sanded again, and washed up for another night out. 80's tastic red shirt, jeans, and black peep toe heels. First stop: the Improv. Christina got us tickets to see WBC presents (WBC=White Boy Comedy). A pretty funny show, some old jokes, some new jokes. I stuck to ginger ales for the 2 drink minimum. Second stop: the Abbey (a gay bar) to meet up with one of Christina's co-workers. And what a scene it was- lesbian anime porn playin on the TVs, 2 jacked male go-go dancers that looked like they just stepped out of Algebra class, and an insane amount of sweaty but well-groomed people dancing their fool heads off. Didn't hang around too long, we were all very hot and tired from the long day.

Day 4
Woke up late- after 11, got showered and dressed and headed up the hills to check out the Hollywood sign up close and personal. I couldn't believe how close we got. The houses up there are so nice, and the view below was pretty amazing. The tiny winding roads were a little treacherous, but nothing that suzuki couldn't handle. Afterwards we headed over to Christina's friend Andy's place for a BBQ. It was nice to just have the day hanging out by the pool, enjoying the water, meeting some new people and sippin fresh mojitos. In the evening, Christina took us to PinkBerry, which is a frozen yogurt favorite of hers. I got original (I guess it was vanilla?) with blackberries in it. The blackberries were huge and sweet and perfect. Back at the apartment, we relaxed, watched some tivo (Flight of the Conchords and old episodes of ANTM) and called it a night.

Day 5
Desiree and I had to occupy ourselves once more while Christina was at work. We had limited options because we didn't have a car (and you need one to get ANYWHERE in this city). So we decided on going to a movie. The ArcLight is within walking distance of the apartment and we caught the 12:45 showing of "Death at a Funeral." It was a pretty good movie. Cute by the end. After the movie, we putzed around in a couple of this shops on Sunset Blvd, ate lunch at Ralphs (the grocery store). When Christina got home we got ready to see another comedy show, this time at the Upright Citizens Brigade. Five bucks bought us a front row seat, and by front row, I mean a fold-up chair on the stage. The show itself was pretty hilarious, with my favorite act lovingly entitled "1000 Cats." Yes. A one man skit about cats throughout the ages, including a jesus cat, military cats, robot cats...etc. It was great. Our last night here had to be an early one, because 5:00 comes bright and early.

Day 6
Woke up at the ass crack of dawn, packed up the last bits of my luggage, and drove to the airport. We had to go super early because Christina had to be at work at 7. Desiree and I got to LAX at about 6:15 although our flight was not until 9:30. We said our goodbyes, grabbed a quick bite, and fell asleep at the gate. The flight home was long (5 hours straight-through) but it wasn't too terrible. John picked the 2 of us up from PHL and although they lost Desiree's luggage, I got mine okay. It was a fun trip, but I'm happy to be back on the east coast. Good to be home.

Currently listening : Easy By Paula DeAnda

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L.A. day 1.5

So I've officially completed a day and a half of my L.A. adventure. Yesterday's plane rides, count em' 3 were very exhausting, with layovers in Chicago and Phoenix. Total travel time was just under 9 hours. The time adjustment was a bit rough, but it was all worth it to see my Christina.

Day 1
Desiree and I took a cab ride directly from Burbank airport to Christina's awesome job at the prop house. Got a quick tour which led us to our final destination: the armory. And really, who could say no to the question "wanna shoot some guns?" That's right kiddies... Kate got to shoot a semi-automatic pistol and an automatic rifle. bad. fucking. ass. I almost shit my pants. Definitely an adrenaline rush though, so it was all good. After leaving the prop house, we headed down to this little restaurant in Santa Monica that sits on the beach. Very pretty. From there, we drove on back to Christina's apartment in Hollywood. Chilled out, watched some tivo. And then for a quick driving tour of Hollywood and Highland to see all the touristy stuff from the car, some beverly hills residences, and a pit-stop at the In-n-Out Burger. Sort of a weird place, where the drive thru is really a "pull up next to a man that takes your order outside" sort of drive-thru. Then it was crash time. Desiree and I adjusted to the 3 hour back-track via an 11 hour sleep.

Day 1.5
Since Christina had to work today, Desiree and I had to occupy ourselves. We got up, showered and walked over to check out the touristy stuff we had seen from the car the night before. Saw the Chinese Theater, walk of fame, Kodak theater, and the "Hollywood" sign on the hill. Her sister Andrea picked us up in her convertible and toured us through Beverly hills, Rodeo Drive, and the like. Stopped and had a VERY good panini. Afterwards, she dropped us off on Melrose where we walked around and did some shopping. Jamba Juice. My bad foot got a blister which I'm a bit worried about because I don't want it to get infected. Lymphedema fucks with your immune system a bit and the smallest cut or scrape can get very easily infected. I think I'll be okay with a band-aid though. (keeping my fingers crossed) I'm a teeny bit sunburnt (shouldve known better than to go out without sunscreen) but mostly tanned. Christina just picked us up about a half an hour ago and now we are back at her apartment. My two girls are napping now, and I think I might join them because a long night of bar fun will be sure to ensue in just a few short hours.

4:15 PM - 3 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

my christina
Current mood: sleepy

I am very excited to learn that Fleisher classes start back up on September 15. I'll get my weekly fix of paint fumes and get some real creativity back into my routine. In the interim, I've started a new painting.




Playing around with underpaintings- I usually don't do them, but I want to take my time on this one. I'm hoping it will help create a more dramatic light/shadow effect, which is something I'm trying to achieve- which can totally change the mood of the painting. Also gonna try to have that blue peek in here and there.

Currently listening : Musicforthemorningafter By Pete Yorn Release date: 27 March, 2001

7:42 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Take it slow, take it easy on me
Current mood: sleepy

Well, here's that painting I quasi-finished back in april-



I'm pretty pleased with the end result. I've been dying to paint recently, but the thought of pulling all of that shit out in such a small space completely turns me off to the idea. I think I might have to sit down and force myself to make do with my allotted cube. Blog writing just isn't enough of a creative release. I've been sketching more frequently, which is at least SOMETHING. Nothing will ever replace the satisfaction I get from smearing color around and the smell of turp. nothing.

Currently listening : The Reminder By Feist Release date: 01 May, 2007

6:45 PM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Systematica static, this hit be lymphomatic
Current mood: sad
Category: Blogging

My right foot has been a major pain in the ass. Since Memorial Day weekend, it's been swollen and somewhat painful. I didn't strain it or sprain it, twist it, or get bit by a bug. It's the weirdest thing. After playing referral and appointment phone tag, 3 weeks later, I finally got the ok to go see a foot doctor, who called me two days ago to tell me the good news. Cam walkers, compression stockings and barium contrast suck ass, by the by. It's been fun dressing geriatric. The only upside of this whole thing is I got a doctor's note to wear flip-flops to work, which is normally a big no-no. On the other hand, they're a necessity cause I cannot fit my fat foot into ANY of my shoes. and that blows. My cousin gave me some hand-me-down crocs, and I can barely get into those. As shallow as it sounds, I cannot imagine trying to buy shoes- I had a hard enough time before because of my wide-ass feet. Now I have one mismatched balloon on top of it.

After 7 weeks of testing including but not limited to, an ultrasound, pelvic CAT scan, x-rays, 2 MRIs, and bloodwork done to rule out cellulitis, a blood clot, breaks and fractures, and lymph node blockage, I've officially been diagnosed with lymphedema. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lymphedema

This condition in most cases, is permanent. It's been a real blow coming to the realization that this is something I'll probably have to deal with for the rest of my life. For now, the orthopedist wants to treat this as aggressively as possible, to avoid it getting any worse. I'll be visiting him two days a week, starting Monday, for compression treatment therapy which basically consists of my leg getting strapped to a air pump machine to try to force the fluid upwards. I'll be donning compression garments too, I already had a pair from a few weeks ago that the vascular specialist ordered. Also, I'm trying to look into some homeopathic remedies like certain exercises and herbal supplements that might help with the swelling. What a joy this has all been.

Wow, I really didn't mean for this to come off so debbie downer-esque, but I guess it's all I can focus on at the moment. I'm really kind of bummed out.

Currently listening : Lose Control By Missy Elliott Release date: 21 June, 2005

1:42 AM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Veronica in Progress
Current mood: accomplished

So this is how the past 2 weeks went at Fleisher...



It was originally meant to only be a 2 week pose, but the other "kids" (and by kids I mean mainly senior citizens) in my class asked to continue. And that we will, for another week, maybe 2. Then the semester ends :(

The fam says "Oh my god! Naked! Couldn't you put a robe on her or something?!" I say it's one of the best things I've done in a very long time. So screw that. They continue to be in denial that I've been painting/drawing nude models for the past 6 years. I actually enjoy making them squirm. Muahaha

I'll update the final when it gets to that point.

11:02 AM - 2 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Fleisher Paintings
Current mood: artistic
Category: Art and Photography

For the past few weeks I've been attending Still-life and Figure Painting sessions at Fleisher Art Memorial on 7th and Catharine. It's a very relaxing atmosphere and good practice for me. I'm trying to be a little looser with my paintings, leaving the brush strokes and trying not to blend too much...

Same model both times- I think his name was Tim. The lighting/color are both a bit off because of my camera flash, but as close to the real deal as I could get.


This is the earlier of the two, completed in 1 session, about 2 hours:


And the latter, 3 sessions, about 7 hours:

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