Stylo à Trois

Matt bought me a Cross Tech 3 (black pen/red pen/mechanical pencil all in one) a few months back, and, I have to say, I am IN LOVE. Worth every penny (the pen & the marriage license).

Art Walk at the Brewery

The Art Walk at the Brewery was a lot of fun. Although there were over 300 studios that were open to the public, we had to drive almost 10 blocks away to find a place to park, and the halls were teeming with people, it still felt like an intimate affair because many of the lofts also doubled as the artists’ apartments. It was a special privilege to get a peek at not only their artwork but their homes. You got the overwhelming sense that these people are really living with a capital “L,” pursuing their dreams. Inspiring. So many mediums, so many styles, so many levels of talent. I wish I had a little more (read any) disposable income right now; there were so many pieces I wanted to take home with me. I did scrape together enough money for this great necklace by Retimade though. The design is called "Crosstown Traffic," and, no, I can't get the Jimi Hendrix song out of my head now either.

Counting Calories

Yes, I’m going to wipe my finger along the inside of the entire bowl of my Weight Watchers Smart One frozen meal to get every last bit of cream sauce. You see, I’ve already counted the calories. There’s no escaping! They’re MINE!

I Love Words: Omphaloskepsis

Word: omphaloskepsis

Pronunciation: \äm(p)-fə-lō-ˈskep-səs\

Function: noun

Etymology: New Latin, from Greek omphalos (navel) + skepsis (examination)

Date: 1925

Definition: contemplation of one’s navel as an aid to meditation; also: inertia

The Brewery Art Walk 2008

The Brewery Art Walk is a two-day open-studio event at the world’s largest art colony. Twice a year, over 100 resident artists participate. It’s a nice opportunity to see new works, meet and support local artists, purchase original pieces at studio prices, and dine at the on-site restaurant. Admission is free and so is parking. Matt and I will probably be going this weekend, although we haven’t decided whether it will be Saturday or Sunday. (Our favorite cooking instructor operates out of the Brewery - more on that later.)

DATES/TIMES:

April 5th and 6th, from
11:00 am - 6:00 pm

ADDRESS:

2100 North Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90031

Work? You Call This Work?

I’ve been feeling a little guilty about how wonderful my work situation is these days. Just yesterday, I found myself sitting outside in the sun reading about sex all day . . . and getting PAID for it. That’s right, paid for it. Now, before you start to wonder if I’m employed by someone who puts those sketchy ads in newspapers (And who could blame you? I DO live pretty close to “The Valley,” the U.S. epicenter of porn production), let me tell you – I’m doing a developmental edit of a Human Sexuality textbook. All on the up-and-up. [Insert your own corny phallic joke here.] The authors are neat people too. Case in point, this passage from a “Menstrual Health Care” box regarding tips to alleviate cramps in the “Female Sexual Anatomy, Physiology, and Response” chapter – “2. Apply Heat. A Heating pad or hot-water bottle (or, in a pinch, a cat) applied to the abdominal area may help relieve cramps; a warm bath may also help.” I just love that parenthetical. I guess I can now add one more entry to my list of Zoe’s redeeming qualities (Zoe is my cat, for those who may not know).

More Details About Rebuilding Together's May Project

From the executive director of Rebuilding Together Ventura County, Frances Prince:

“CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS”

Simi Valley Rebuilding Day

What is it? We will work on 4 - 6 homes in Simi Valley, repairing steps and handrails, cleaning windows, painting, installing grab bars, doing yard work, hauling away trash, and so much more! We will have lots of work for all of our regular (unskilled) volunteers as well as professional laborers.

Where and when is it?

Date: May 3rd, Saturday

Time: Registration opens at 7:30 AM, Work starts at 8:00 AM

Place: Exact addresses not known. Will be in Simi Valley. (We will send exact locations and directions as soon as they are determined).

What will be provided:

Breakfast will be there for you.

LUNCH WILL BE FROM IN AND OUT BURGER

Afternoon snacks will be provided also.

Lots of bottled water.

AND T-SHIRTS FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS

If you bring any of your own tools (e.g., gardening tools, etc.) be sure to mark them well with your name. We will provide ladders, tools, paint, and everything else you will need.

PLEASE:

1. Let us know if you have any specific skills.
2. Let us know what kind of work you like to do (i.e. paint, landscape, clean-up, etc.).
3. If you want to work on the same house as a family member or friend, let us know.