heh heh
Originally uploaded by Ang..

We're back!
Happy New Year's Everyone!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I still have to take pictures of some of my Xmas projects but here is a first attempt....

I have not started the second sock as I managed to break 3 of 6 needles one the first one. Perhaps bamboo sock needles are not the best choice for me. We drove to Nelson and Castlegar several times too look for more needles - CAN YOU BELIEVE I COULD NOT FIND A DECENT KNITTING STORE!!!!!!!! Either they weren't open or didn't have small enough needles. Unbelievable.




Special thanks to petra for letting me use her embroidery machine. It looks awesome.

I'm not accomplishing anything!!!!!!!! Blah.........................
Need a week long nap....

heh heh

Has anyone out there tried spoonflower? I just heard about it on CBC this morning. Very excited to try it out. Maybe when I get back from Xmas. I will have to start thinking of a pattern and project. I wish they had stretchy fabric - then I could make stuff for the girls.... I guess I could always put a zipper in something - bah!
NOW I need a nap. Got up at 5:30 this morning after not sleeping very well. Then I had an early adventure on our snow filled roads (this will be a nightmare if it freezes) and I've been trying to work on my sketches ever since. Thus far I have not accomplished much..... A nap will help. I'll dream of spoonflower.....

a birthday present for a friend

a birthday present for a friend
Originally uploaded by Ang..

another little project - don't know why it looks so digitized though... not sure what I screwed up this time...

If this is my sister DO NOT CONTINUE READING UNLESS YOU WANT TO RUIN JULIEN'S CHRISTMAS






Don't read this.....



Just close the window now...




Ok. Everyone else keep reading.... I'm making Julien a recipe book for christmas. But I am running out of recipes that I have tried and know they work. Does anyone out there have any good dog recipes of any kind they would be willing to share with me? I'm not taking credit for the recipes - links are being provided - I'm just putting them all into one nice format.....
I don't think Julien has any special needs - other then there be lots of whatever is being made.....

Shoot just deleted a post I had written.....

Wanted to show my first ever attempt at freezer paper stencils. I had been trying to do appliques all morning - some with fabric some with leather - didn't work. The lines were to delicate so I decided it was time to try freezer paper and VOILA! It worked! These are for hoodies for the girls. Since I'm not spending money this year (ok I bought fabric paint and freezer paper -but I used a 40% off coupon) I have to make the girls clothes - usually I go out and spend a small fortune on designer sweaters at barking babies. I wanted to put this logo on that I have been using for a few other things. The freezer paper was perfect. I'm making an extra one ( with no initial) and will put it on etsy....

I also finished two Noro sweaters for the girls - I started them ages ago - feels good to finish them. I blocked Birdie's a little wider yesterday - only it was ALOT wider so I am in the process of shrinking it back down. Pour girl.

Found out the director didn't like my idea - too colorful - not surprised though. It does mean starting over - or at least finding a new directions - the sketches I have done are all period so it is just coloring them differently... I should be focusing on them but chihuahua hoodies are more fun...

I had some other stuff I had typed but I don't remember anymore. Sigh.

It's snowing here - nothing that sticks to the road or anything just enough to keep us at home in front of the fireplace. (And Minou from pooping)

I'm excited for Xmas - hope everyone else's projects are working out as well as mine are!!!!

Jenny Diver prelim idea
Originally uploaded by Ang..

working on my next show - I love my idea but I don't know if the director will go for it........
Little bits of Happy wants me to post about my cheap 'I'm so broke I can't spend any money' Xmas but I can't yet cause 'people' read this blog..... I will though. I've managed to keep it well within my under $100 for everyone in total list and still bought some high ticket items..... WOOOHOOO....

So yesterday I was puttering around the house - something I am VERY good at. Putting random things away, taking dirty dishes downstairs, putting a green bow on the wreath I have hanging on the front door. Putter putter putter. Minou and Birdie following me everywhere I go.
I end up in the kitchen and start moving a shelf and hanging a rack for coats - this involves screwing and hammering and loud Xmas music. Luc is home to - upstairs. Birdie is hanging out with me - Minou has gone back upstairs to bed.
I can hear Minou barking - ALOT. I'm wondering why Luc isn't having a hissy fit - and I'm wondering what her problem is. She doesn't usually bark like that - especially when we are home. I'm getting annoyed - Birdie has to start every now and then to. She just keeps barking - I start yelling at her to be quiet. I can't figure out why she doesn't come downstairs and why Luc isn't getting mad. But oh well. I keep puttering.
It is getting warm in the kitchen so I open the patio door a crack. Putter putter. Minou keeps barking.
Then I start thinking - wait a minute - she sounds like she is barking from outside? I stand outside and listen wondering if we have another window open in the house and that is why I can hear her that way. She barks again - no SHE IS OUTSIDE. I open the back gate and she comes running in - all wet and muddy!!!!
All I can figure is when I opened the front door to put the bow on the wreath she ran outside and I didn't see her. She must have been barking at the front door for like 1/2 an hour and I wasn't opening it. I'm glad she was smart enough to come to the back gate.
I am such a BAD mommy but I am very glad I have such a smart puppy.

Just cause Steph didn't get it before...

Just cause Steph didn't get it before...
Originally uploaded by Ang..

I just made some really horrible vanilla cupcakes - like horrible. DIdn't rise, grainy, sunk in the middle, burnt on the edges stuck to the pan HORRIBLE.
I really am a bad cook.
Printing out a new recipe but I need a little break before I start over...

It is 3:30am. Minou and I can't sleep. Well that isn't true - she was sleeping. I just keep moving which is rather disruptive.
I feel like I should be productive instead of watching lame Colin Farrell movies on TV BUT I'd rather just go to bed. Ugh. Not sure why I can't sleep. I didn't have a nap today - only slept in until 8:00am (did I mention I am officially unemployed again with a looming actor's strike) all I can think is that it is the small mug of hot chocolate I made around 7:00pm. Blah. Won't do that again if that is the case.
Been working on my homework - taking it to the printers tomorrow. Hopefully it is good enough. Ugh. Next I have to figure out how to bind it - then we hand it in on Tuesday.
I have a few other things on the go to some for other people, some for Xmas..
This is for (shhh don't tell) Julien. Here is hoping he doesn't read my blog.

I'm hoping to put together a whole bunch of them - I won't say much more in case he DOES read my blog... that would be bad. Ruin his whole Christmas I'm sure.
Sigh. Maybe I'll try going back to bed - I just hate it when I toss and turn and disrupt the dictator, he is such a light sleeper - probably hearing my fingers on the key board 3 rooms away is waking him up.

Working on homework.... getting my stuff done. Lots has piled up over the last few months....
Made a Christmas card today - I'll take it to the printers tomorrow. I haven't sent out cards in years - just been doing the email thing. Next I need to get wrap/crew gifts done for work. 2 people I don't have a clue what to buy... ugh...
The dictator and I are renovating, selling furniture and buying furniture. One day we will figure out what to do with this house. This weekend we will probably get a Christmas tree. YIPPEE!
I love Christmas....

Birdie's 3rd Birthday

Birdie's 3rd Birthday
Originally uploaded by Ang..

Happy Birthday little Birdie!

Birdie's Birthday cupcakes

Birdie's Birthday cupcakes
Originally uploaded by Ang..

The girls will be enjoying these later..... Banana carob cupcakes with cinnamon frosting....

oh make that weeks. SOOO SORRY.
I've been busy and then just needed a rest. The girls are fine. They were helping us paint today and have paint spots all over them to prove it. Birdie insisted on being between me and the wall I was painting at all times. Depending on how close I was to the wall meant she was often backing into the wall. I couldn't get her to go elsewhere. She wanted to be petted.
Not much is new. We were away for Thanksgiving. My sister was here the following weekend. Then work all of a sudden went nuts as we did long 12hour + days for two weeks - WHILE at the same time I was trying to build a few costumes for this theatre thing. It was a little stressful. That all ended Oct 30. Now I have rested for a week, am finally getting caught up on homework and housework. The dictator started several renovation projects over the last few weeks - it was nice to help him finish up one of them today. We'll see which one we can finish next.

The wearable art awards finally posted their call for entry. Time to start working on my dress for this year. (or should I say dresses)

I'll try and post more this month with better things.
In the meantime I leave you with Minou's and Birdie's halloween costumes.

believe it or not we are still alive! Just been really busy and are now playing catch up. More to come in the next few days.

Minou at the mcdonald's drive thru
Originally uploaded by Ang..

went to mcdonald's today. I like drive thrus they always give me treats. Stupid lady gave me a milk bone today. I wanted FRIES and pickles with ketchup on them. Not a boring milkbone. I kept staring at her and she just laughed at me. If we weren't on leashes I would have sent Birdie over there to bite her.
Ugh. Never did get fries. I went on the coffee table after blubber butt finished and she had eaten them all. Nice. Like she needed every last crumb.
- M

Started the girls halloween costumes today. Birdie is a ferocious circus leopard (oops almost said tiger) Minou is going to bea clown - I'll start hers next - I still need to pick up a few things. Birdie might get a few rhinestones yet too - not sure....
I made a double at the same time so I'll sell it on etsy once Birdie lets me take some good pictures - HA HA HA..
Not much new here - work work work. We were supposed to cut down to part time but it hasn't happened. This after I told a bunch of people I could help them out with things. Oops.
Fighting with the relatives about the election. I don't know how to convince these people they shouldn't vote for Harper - you'd think the idea that I will be on EI if he wins and they will have to start paying my mortgage would be incentive enough. If any of you are undecided out there - or even remotely considering Harper - THINK AGAIN. Remember my post a few years ago - something along the lines of 'harper hates cute puppies' so yah don't vote for him....
Next weekend we'll be at my sister's for Thanksgiving. YAY! (Psst and my birthday)
I'm sure Minou will be thrilled to see her big cousin madelaine.

my new favourite song

We were babysitting Julia's pitbulls yesterday. Overall it went well only one trip to the vet resulted. Two puppies got into a major fight and one had some deep cuts into her poor little paw. She was such a sweetie totally sucking up to Luc afterwards. He says he's getting Mia for Xmas now. I'm pretty sure I know how Minou and Birdie feel about that.
The puppies mom Lexus was the biggest brat testing every 5 minutes. We'd win when we could get her into the cage but that sometimes took awhile. It was her fault one of the puppies was hurt. Bad Mommy.
We didn't take min min and BIrdie with us in case you were wondering.
Little Sol (in the picture) was super cute and would pose everytime I took my picture out. If you know anyone who wants a puppy she is still up for adoption..... not so good on a leash yet but very sweet.
today back to homework BUT I might just start with making cupcakes because the homework isn't going very well.

morecowbell.dj

My homework this week - does it look like it could be a real font? Thank goodness we don't have to do the whole alphabet - do you know how long that took me? It is supposed to be a PERFECT Z, well I don't know about perfect but it looks ok.

We went to the drive in last night - yippee - haven't done that since I was 13. It was great we will go again for sure. Saw burn after reading - it was good, they had me going until the end. That is all I will say about it except I wouldn't mind if Brad Pitt was my personal trainer.

Minou had a bit of a headache this weekend. She was sleeping on my lap at the computer on Friday night while I played spore (yes I am OBSESSED) and something surprised her - not sure what I didn't hear anything, perhaps she was dreaming. So she jumped up. Only while she was sleeping her head had managed to go under the desk so when she jumped up she banged it really hard against the bottom of the desk. She cried and looked at me like I was a horrible person for beating her. We cuddled a bit but then she ran off to sulk. When she came back she had a HUGE bump on the top of her head - we laughed and laughed. Saturday she seemed fine, I'm really surprised it wasn't purple - maybe that is still to come. Can dogs get concussions?
Anyways she is sleeping on my lap again at the desk and seems a-ok. Her and Birdie were glad to come to the movie with us last night. Minou slept through it but Birdie watched and ate all the popcorn we dropped.

Not much else is new - had alot of homework this week. The house desperately needs cleaning, I have one more assignment to do then perhaps I can get some housework done. Only this afternoon we have to go to the pacific spirit train, my tea bag dress is on display and I want to make sure it looks ok. I'd tell the rest of you to go check it out when it comes across the country and see my dress except it is only on display in Port Moody then the train leaves it behind. Sigh.

That's all for now. Back to my Zed's

We made a new movie for the cable channel at Xmas. I think you'll enjoy the fact that I have it on a repeat and there is a HAND!!!!
Forgive me for the fact that I can't figure out the new imovie and don't know how to transition and fade out music. Pathetic.




We went camping again this weekend and I bought a new camera. A SMALL one that fits in my pocket. I never take pictures anymore cause my camera is so freaking HUGE. It was nice to be able to pull this one out. I think we'll be good friends.

VOTE VOTE VOTE

i didn't spill anything in my purse today but I just spilled root beer on my computer.... UGH..

ok got that mess cleaned up.
Have no idea what I was about to say...
such a klutz.

Ordered Spore today. It comes out on Sunday but I probably won't get it for another few days since it is being mailed. Oh well - I hardly need it to occupy all my free time. Classes start again next week......

Minou says hi.

ok I made TWO ziggy stardust purses for myself this weekend. TWO. I have been using the same boring black bag, a freebie of sorts, for the past 6 months.... I carry food and drinks in it everyday. NOthing happens. NOthing. It doesn't have a speck of dirt on it.
I use my duchess silk ziggy stardust purse ONE day and I manage to break my oregano oil bottle and totally spill it on everything. UGH
I washed it and it survived but it isn't the same. You just can't wash silk satin.
Today while it was drying I used my black canvas ziggy stardust bag.
Don't you think I spilled an entire bottle of iced tea in it.
I'm such a loser.
Perhaps I'm not supposed to have nice bags.
What do you think Steph - is it time to bring out the nice felted lala bag? EEKS what tragedy will befall it?
I'm a horrible purse person. Plastic bags for me....




I think we finally finished Con's etsy banner today. YAY! Next business cards.

I'm really tired this week. That oregano oil was my attempt to ward off the cold I think my body is desperately fighting. That oil is soo horrid. SOOO HORRID. Worse then any cough syrup I had growing up. I'll have to buy some more.

I feel I should add a note to the crushed mammoth - I mean spider picture below. The picture just doesn't show it's true size. Let me tell you the Dictator wears a size 12 shoe - that is one big slipper..
It was one horrifying experience I hope to never have to go through again...
Half of it is still under the slipper too.

shivers up and down my spine...

Birdie just had supper

Birdie just had supper
Originally uploaded by Ang..

dirrrrty little sister can't eat without getting food all over her face

Did a bit of sewing yesterday. I wanted one for me so I made two at the same time and put one on etsy.... Hee hee.... If I keep this up I won't have any bits of scrap fabric left over. So much for my stash....


Not much else going on. Work was really busy this week so it consisted mostly of me coming home, crashing, then getting back up and going to work... It was raining too. It is a nice weekend though. Still have some more sewing to get done. Been working on a couple of logos for a few people as well...

Letter to the Dictator,

I killed it.
Ah
sweating bullets.
Birdie couldn't get in her pineapple so I moved it for her and there it was. HUGE!!!! I think it was living off of the dog food. I can't clean it up though. To gross. I'll leave it for you. It is on the bottom of your slipper....
Don't forget to pick up the mail.
XOXO.
A




photos to come.....

We went camping this weekend. YAY! I left out the camping stuff in the middle of the kitchen since our last trip in ohh May??? FINALLY we went. We went to the only campside that had a spot left to reserve. It was WONDERFUL and we want to go back after the long weekend.
It was 3 hours from Vancouver - Manning Park, a big provincial park.

I decided to let The dictator pack the vehicle and didn't even make him a list. I didn't want him to be insulted. I was worried when we were getting in about to drive way and he said - oh I forgot something and ran inside - he came out with the TENT! He is al lucky man that he remembered. He did forget a few other things but we managed just fine. Next time I am making a list though.

We went for a 10km hike around the lake sat and a little canoe ride on Sunday. The puppies were and still are exhausted from the hike. Birdie did laps in the tent on Friday night but on Saturday I don't think she moved once.
It wasa little chilly too - slept in a hoodie and puffy vest with three sleeping bags piled on top of us. But I was warm! (thick and immoveable but warm)
yay happy weekend.
it didn't even rain.

we made it to Cutewithchris.com again

I'm a big copycat.
Copied once more with knitting cause I LOVE this skirt and I figure I am safe since she lives on the other side of the country....
Mine is on it's way - can't wait to get it.
If I don't melt first........

I'm hot.

I'm hot.
Originally uploaded by Ang..

UUUUhhhhhhh......

I made a larger hoodie pattern for etsy today. I made it awhile back after measuring a jack russell terrier (named Russell) that came to visit at work one day. Haven't had a chance to test it out much so if any of you out there want to give it a go....... Birdie is modelling the smaller size for me. I was surprised she was so cooperative. She wouldn't let me take an picture inside - and I think she was smart - it was perfect lighting outside by the daisies....

Had a really weird dream last night that I was engaged to Lou Reed. And I was VERY happy about it.
He was living in a shack with like 5 other people and a secret identity. After we fell in love he showed me the secret passage way in his room that lead to a HUGE mansion full of servants behind the shack. Then he told me who he really was. I was thrilled that I was going to be rich with a famous good looking husband (in my dream I thought he was a hunk - in real life I think he is rather icky)
BIZARRE.
Not sure what that dream means.
Any ideas? heh heh... I hope I get the conclusion tonight - I'd like to see my wedding!!! Wait - on second thought I don't - unless it stops well before the honeymoon....
heh heh.
My past dream with a celebrity was Eugene Levy - I was getting married to him too.

Can I not dream about Johnny Depp? Brad Pitt? What is wrong with me???

I asked my friend to send me some of her sons drawings - then I could use them in the banner instead of these ones I did wiht my left hand. Apparently the little guy has been doing a wonderful series over the past little while. Smoking people! He thinks people who smoke are hilarious! I think that is hilarious. So I added cigarettes to my little drawings until I can get some originals.
This little guy is one of the funniest kids I have ever met (I haven't met that many so it isn't hard) he isn't school age yet and has the wackiest imagination - which isn't surprising if you know his mom......
I can't wait to see some of his drawings.

To the Woman Who lives Across the Street.

No those are not our dogs that bark all day long. Our dogs are quiet (for the most part) When I leave for work they go to sleep with the occasional snack and food break. The only time they bark is when they hear strange noises, if someone rings the doorbell for example. They have also been known to bark if all the neighbours dogs are barking or if they hear a cat fight outside.
But they do not sit by the front door and bark ALL DAY LONG.

Nor do they bark and wake you up at 6:30 in the morning. This is before I leave for work. Minou is still sleeping at this point. Birdie has gone out for her morning constitutional but she is with her Daddy and doesn't bark when she is with Daddy, not to mention that happens at 5:30 am.

They sounded like bigger dogs you say - hmmm - MAYBE BECAUSE IT ISN'T THEM. Did you go up to the window of our house to listen? My dogs do not sound like big dogs when they bark. Birdie sounded like a cat yesterday.

Your neighbour to your immediate right has a little dog. IT barks ALL DAY LONG. Yes it annoys me too. ALL DAY. From the minute they leave until they come home. It started the day they moved in and hasn't stopped yet after a month.

Our neighbours to our right also have two dogs. Although they don't bark all day long they do like to look out the window and bark at everything that moves. My dogs can't see out any windows.

If our dogs were barking I would appreciate you come to us in a kinder matter. Perhaps ask us if we know that our dogs are barking - ask if there is anything we can do to help quiet them down. Not yell at us accusingly from across the street when we have never ever seen your face before.....

Now I have a question for you Woman Who Lives Across the Street. Are those your teenagers who no matter what time of night or what day of the week scream across the parking lot waking me up on an otherwise quiet summer night? Are they the teenagers who stole my boyfriends bike? Are they the teenagers with the friend who was 'totally wrecked' the other night and couldn't even stand up in the middle of the street screaming?

Personally I would rather have a small dog bark during the day with all the other daily noises that happen then screaming drunk teenagers in the middle of a quiet night when I have to work the next day.

Next time I will not walk away so nicely. You have made me angry. If I can think of a way to say this nicely to you I will.. Right now I have a feeling I would start a turf war. Maybe I should get a recording of dogs barking and put it outside your window tomorrow. Or even better record your idiot children and replay that for you a few times......

Ugh. I hope your house is the new one that has been listed today. I hope it sells quickly and that you only get half your asking price because the market is so slow. And I hope you are moving far away.

Got another one for you.....
(pretend I said that in my little britain voice for those of you who know which sketch I am talking about)

not much else to report. back to work. All is good. Spent the afternoon dancing and sewing to disco music... Sometimes life is hard.

Oh. P.S. DId you all order your cute with chris t-shirts? I hope so!!!

trying to make this banner work for a friend's etsy shop - can't quite get the layout right and it is driving me nuts...

this is some of my inspiration

she wants more color
so I did this:

hardly more color. OOps but I like it...
grrrrrr....

Can you tell I am working? Cause I am sure not blogging.

It is hard having a job and then trying to come home and do other things. I'm too old to work. heh heh. I'm managing to get caught up on a few things now that school is over until the fall. Working on my website which has only half been switched over to my new look, working on some sketches for a show that may happen in the fall.... haven't cleaned the house yet and that HAS to happen this weekend. Good thing it is a long weekend and a little rainy.

Not much else to report..... Girls are doing well. whatever was wrong with Minou isn't showing up in any tests and she appears to be getting better aside from some really really smelly farts.
- HEY -
did I mention A LONG TIME ago about the night MInou kept me up and I couldn't figure out what she wanted and the next day I heard there had been a little tiny earthquake???? Well the other day she kept me up all night again. I was getting really annoyed - had no idea what she wanted. She would sit on my back ( I was sleeping on my stomach) and growl. ALL NIGHT. Well don't you think the next morning I hear there is a rock slide outside of Squamish - a BIG one. The dictator thinks I am nuts but I think Minou sensed the rock slide just like she sensed the earthquake. She is clever....

I think I am done my ziggy stardust project... It isn't as thrilling as I had hoped but well _ i was so worried about the posters I forgot about any other content for the CD cover. What can you do... One more week of classes left...

Job is going well - working with some people I really like. No easing into it though - working 12 hour days already and it is hard. I am so not used to it. It has almost been a year since I have done 12 hours... Not sure how I will manage this. I've been watching the clock an awful lot.... We get fed lunch - which is great, play loud music and are pretty much left alone.
This is the movie I am on. Haven't seen anyone famous yet - and I might not because the fitting rooms are around the corner. But I'll probably hem their pants! heh heh...

Tired this weekend - is it just from work? I need to get back on my vitamins get the energy levels up. Minou isn't feeling well either - hopefully nothing serious - just an upset tummy. We went to the vet last week but haven't heard anything back from her tests yet - maybe tuesday. She's eating and acting normal - let's just say there are other 'signs' that lead to the upset stomach conclusion and I won't go into details.

Wanted to make cupcakes tonight - having a craving and am dying to use the neon food coloring steph left here - heh heh but we have no eggs. Anyone know a good egg substitute? I'm always hesitant when I look them up online and it doesn't say what they are best used for.... Last time my cupcakes were more like biscuits then cake.

Ok. I might have a nice warm bath and read my book. I'm reading blindness - holy creepy and I am only 30 pages in. I can't imagine what the movie is like.

......bathtime....

FINALLY. I am starting work tomorrow.... FINALLY. I'm so glad. Got the call this afternoon.
Best phone call I have had in months. Not sure how long it is for but hopefully I get at least a month out of it - they shoot until Dec. so fingers crossed it is longer. Not really sure who is in it right now or what it is all about. You know I'll sneak a few tidbits when I find out.
Yes Steph - it is the movie I was expecting to work on.
I just got the stuff for my golf club covers today too - they will be on hold now for awhile.... Thank goodness classes are almost over...

Sunday morning here in Port Moody with the cutest puppies in the world...

They are up... I'm such a weenie I was scared we were going to get in trouble but we were basically ignored.... One guy asked if it was a film - he was excited about the whole ziggy thing. There is 28 of them up in a ohh 10 block radius in the downtown east side - aka hasting and main - a real NICE area of town. (FULL OF SARCASM)
Now I wait for them to start to look old. If you want a fun game go find them and scribble on them or try to rip them down. We didn't do a real great job putting them up so they might be easy to take down. These people who do this are professionals let me tell you. I'll go back tomorrow night and take a second set of pictures - hopefully a few of them will have had a rough day...
I have a sneaky feeling I may have to put more up - I think I might need a poorer quality paper so they break down faster....

My homework - I have to pick one of 3 options and get it printed.... If you want to give me your opinion please take a look at the other 2 on flickr........

Anybody know anything about wheat pasting?

(If you think this is a real poster from back in the day woohoo for me cause it isn't I really truly made it! - it needs some tweaking - I've noticed a few things were off centre and not lined up properly after I posted...)

Just doing homework....
Got a call about a possible job - I desperately need the money but it is someone with a not so good reputation. I just don't want to deal with psycho people anymore. They make me miserable.
The more I am unemployed the more I don't want to work with people. It is so terrible. Can we say lonely freaky hermit?
I'm in the final weeks of my classes - 2 1/2 more to go. We have a test next week and some big assignments to finish up. Sigh.....
Got news about the big movie I want to work on - it is that much closer to starting but still no dates for me. They are still waiting on the actor's strike. It sounds like I definitely have a job if they do every get going. In film talk that means nothing though. Movies disappear all the time.

I have somethign else I want to make for my etsy shop - custom COOL golf club covers. The ones in the store are so either a) boring or b) tacky. The more I'm golfing with Luc the more I need to personalize my stuff. I'm in the middle of making a pattern (how can you be in the middle you say when the patterns are so simple? Well I get easily distracted - leave me alone) The first set I want to make are going to be white and pink leather and I want to paint/silkscreen ziggy stardust on the top. Nice eh! heh heh.... Embroidery would be even better but more expensive...



I also need to get some rough sketches done for this play I am working on in October but I'm not motivated to do costume sketches these days. I'm so bad.

MY lovely sweet friend has just started a blog about her organic garden. If you want to be jealous about the size of plants in Vancouver please do you take a look and leave her a comment!!!!!
Home Tweet Home

I'll sit here and wait while you do....

I worked on Friday.
Of course I did - it was the Friday before the long weekend. And of course the dictator got off work early.
I was a day call for Night at the Museum 2. I was supposed to go on set and was actually a little excited about it (even though I hate going on set) because the movie is full of actors I like - Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson etc etc etc... I would have been starstruck - very subtle though of course since I'm not really allowed to be star struck. BUT I didn't get to go. I don't thin they were all there that day anyways but still. Assuming the actor's strike doesn't happen I think I am back tomorrow - but on second unit that usually means just photo doubles, extras and stunt people..... No famous people to ogle.
Oh well.
It is finally hot here. FINALLY. It is 7:30 am and it is already 31 degrees Celsius YIPPEE!!!!! Yesterday was super hot to. It was the yearly fireman's pancake breakfast. It was not - however- hot enough for the firemen to take their shirts off. Sorry to disappoint the single ladies. Maybe today? We'll go again. The Dictator and I spent the morning eating pancakes and then walked to Pajo's to eat some more. They had FROZEN BANANAS dipped in chocolate!!!!!!! This was one of my favorite treats in L.A. that I missed dearly over the years. I am so happy to get it close to home now.
Yah we ate too much yesterday within the span of 4 hours.
They we came home and had to stay out of the sun for a bit. I did some homework. When it started to cool off we took our bikes to the Port Coquitlam dykes, it was lovely. The girl's sit in my basket and off we go. A 5 minute drive and we are out in the country next to blueberry fields. Our ride got cut short though when we saw a bear on the road. We had to turn around. That was the first time I had seen a bear anywhere near there but I guess they are there all the time. It was just a tiny bear but that probably meant it's mom was close by.
Not much else going on. I have to get my homework done this weekend in case of work - and there is much to do still. Sucky weather to do it in........ but hey - maybe it will stick around for a bit now that it is almost JULY! Eeps. Happy Canada Day if I don't post again in the next few days!!!!

Sigh
he's pretty....

just spent ALL DAY making my pattern for Minou's hoodies. It is hard making something make sense for other people that you have been using for so many years. I never had a very accurate patter - just kind of winged it. It was fun though. MIght have to do another size tomorrow now that the hard part is done.
It is there on esty too. If anyone uses it they will have to let me know if my instructions suck. They were surprisingly difficult to write.

Alright I did it.
I started an Esty shop.
It isn't any of the things anyone told me to do. There might be some dog clothes one day but as of yet - NOPE. Maybe even dog clothes patterns - that I could do. But no that is not what is in my esty shop.

I am making business cards. I'm going to do a variety of backgrounds/themes. People can then pick their favorites and I'll put their info on the cards instead of my made up info. I'll have them printed here in the city and ship them out to their new homes. They aren't cheap though - that is the downside. I could do cheaper ones but I wanted to do the happy enviroment recycled ones with special green inks which basically doubles the price. Right now the printers are printing 500 business cards free though so you end up getting 1000 cards for that price. We'll see what happens. I've got nothing to lose these days. I might do some letterheads and other stationary options yet. I've only done two so far - which aren't my favorites but I have class tonight and much homework to do for that.
I also haven't been feeling too hot the last two days - nothing serious, just the usual period but in my attempt to not take prescription drugs I end up sleeping ALOT. I finally took a pill yesterday. It helped but I basically walked around stoned all day. Not very good state of mind for getting things accomplished.

Not much to much else these days. Been golfing with my sweetie - he is finally taking me to baby golf courses - after 5 years. I have managed to par a hole or two but most of the time I am at 10 strokes on a par 3. It is sad really. But it is alot more fun then the driving range. If I ever get any better I will have to start buying cute little golf outfits - right now it would be to embarrassing. You show up at a course with all the gak and a name brand shirt and skirt and then BOOM you hit one 40 yds into the trees. Nice. Nope.It is better I show up in jeans with my pink golf ball and pink clubs right now and look like I don't know what I am doing. People stay out of the way more.

Ok. I should go make supper - go be a good wife*. You 'd think someone who is unemployed with no kids could do a bit of housework and have supper ready for her sweetie everynight - not me! It is a struggle everyday.

Come visit my esty shop over the next few days - and heck order some cards!



* this is in the loosest of terms since as I may remind everyone I am NOT married nor am I engaged. I am simply living in sin with the dictator much to my own disappointment.

ok these are totally NOT suitable for younger viewers - unless you want the job of explaining why they are so funny.... heh heh..



I swear I have been getting some things done today. I swear.....

this won't be the death of me but it sucks. It could be the death of whatever sad credit rating I might still have. I'm sorry bank account - forgive me. I want a job I really do!

Strike talk has majors hitting brakes
Studios, networks making contingency plans
By MICHAEL SCHNEIDER, DAVE MCNARY

Paralysis is fast setting in.

Just as the scripted TV biz was starting to get out from under the upheaval caused by the writers strike, the threat of a work stoppage by actors has studios and nets making contingency plans for the upcoming season.

The majors are putting the brakes on production starts for features and TV pilots for fear that the Screen Actors Guild will call a strike following the June 30 expiration date of its feature-primetime deal. A few pics now shooting, such as “Angels and Demons” and “Transformers 2,” have a built-in hiatus next month; the next batch of tentpole features, including “2012,” “Prince of Persia” and “Nottingham,” won’t start until late summer as a hedge against the labor strife likely to play out in July.

The key date for the studio decisionmaking has now become July 7, when AFTRA should announce the results of its ratification vote on its primetime deal. Contract negotiations between SAG and the majors aren’t expected to lead to a deal before then — because SAG has tied its fortunes to defeating the pact reached by rival actors union AFTRA, which has 44,000 dual members with SAG. The guild has not yet scheduled a strike authorization vote, which would take three weeks to complete and require 75% approval from those voting.

Despite SAG’s efforts, the AFTRA ratification vote is expected to pass. Once the results are announced, the congloms are likely to make a “last, best and final” offer to SAG, leading in short order either to a deal or a possible lockout by the companies. Though the lockout strategy is risky for the congloms from a PR standpoint, taking such a step would preempt SAG from pulling the plug later on, with features and series in mid-production, via a strike.

For now, the landscape’s already unsettled in TV — although, in an unintended result of the writers strike, the work stoppage may have helped the nets’ contingency plans for a potential SAG strike. That’s because some shows weren’t brought back in midseason, giving the nets and studios a jump on fall.

As a result, skeins like NBC’s “Heroes” and ABC’s “Dirty Sexy Money” were able to start shooting in early May. Several procedural dramas barely took a break before firing things back up in May, including “CSI,” “Without a Trace” and “Cold Case.” Other shows that never really shut down or didn’t power down cameras for long include “House,” “ER,” “Brothers & Sisters,” “Chuck” and “Law & Order.” CBS comedy tentpole “Two and a Half Men,” resumed production on Monday, as did the net’s “The Big Bang Theory.”

Then there’s the case of “24,” which skipped a season because of the writers strike, allowing it to bank several episodes for this year. Because “24” won’t return until January, the show could conceivably weather an actors strike without any effect onscreen.

But that’s the exception to the rule. Even shows that started production early will have only a handful of segs in the can before the June 30 deadline. Fox faces a big decision in the next few weeks on whether to forge ahead with plans for a marketing blitz on frosh drama “Fringe,” which has a Sept. 9 preem date for its two-hour pilot. A production start on that show is apparently skedded for early next month.

Cable nets also have several projects in production at the moment, including “Army Wives,” “Saving Grace,” “The Closer” and “Monk.” But those nets can simply move back premiere dates or cut series telecasts short without too much disruption.

A handful of AFTRA series will be able to continue even if SAG goes on strike — depending on the ratification vote. If AFTRA members approve their new contract, Fox’s “ ’Til Death,” CBS’ “Rules of Engagement” and CW’s “Reaper” will be able to continue — unless thesps decide to march with SAG. Given the enmity between the unions, that’s an unlikely prospect.

The latenight gabfests all operate under AFTRA jurisdiction but will have to find a way to book nonactor guests. Bookers on the shows that didn’t receive a Writers Guild of America waiver last winter have already gone through that exercise once this year — and will have to hit the Rolodex once again for politicians, sports stars, musicians, authors and other guests to fill the time.

The idea of a lockout doesn’t sit well with TV execs, who plan to plow ahead with production even after June 30. The goal, after all, is to bank as many episodes before a work stoppage — and a work stoppage would be counterproductive (not to mention a death knell for their fall launches).

At the moment, the projects most impacted by the air of uncertainty are pilots scheduled for shooting in July. In these cases, studios may decide it’s not worth spending the money necessary to prep a pilot only to have to pull the plug in the event of a strike. (There’s no word yet of any pilots having been postponed.)

And though major studio pics will grind to a halt, there’s plenty of activity on the indie feature front. Productions that have obtained a SAG waiver (or guaranteed completion contract) can shoot even if there’s a strike.

SAG signed 312 such deals at last count, including for such high-profile pics as “Bad Lieutenant,” “W,” “Big Eyes,” “Killing Pablo,” “Pandorum,” “Labor Pains,” “Edge of Darkness” and “Brooklyn’s Finest” (Daily Variety, June 2).

Others include the following:

* Endgame’s romantic comedy “A Good Old Fashioned Orgy,” with Jason Sudeikis, Will Forte, Leslie Bibb, Lake Bell and Lindsay Sloane. Pic’s currently shooting in North Carolina

* Relativity’s “A Perfect Getaway,” a thriller starring Steve Zahn and Milla Jovovich

* Anonymous Content’s “44-Inch Chest,” a drama starring Ray Winstone, Ian McShane, Joanne Whalley and John Hurt

* Lionsgate’s “Shrink,” starring Kevin Spacey, directed by Jonas Pate. Saffron Burrows, Jack Huston, Robin Williams, Robert Loggia, Gore Vidal, Dallas Roberts and Mark Webber also star; shooting’s already started in Los Angeles.
More than one option
o (Person) Lindsay Sloane
Actor, Voice
o (Person) Lindsay Sloane
Assistant
More than one option
o (Person) Robin Williams
Narrator, Voice, Song Performer
o (Person) Robin Williams
o (Person) Robin Williams
Song, Song Performer, Actor
o (Person) Robin Williams
Assistant Accountant, Second Assistant Accountant
More than one option
o (Person) Mark Webber
Actor, Co-Producer, Executive Producer
o (Person) Mark Webber
Sound
o (Person) Mark Webber
Song

Negotiations between SAG and the Alliance of Motion Picture & Television Producers entered their 31st day Monday with neither side commenting, though people close to the bargaining stress that progress has been elusive. Talks are expected to resume today.

AFTRA ballots should be hitting member mailboxes this week. High-profile members endorsing the deal include James Cromwell, Jane Curtin and Sally Field; in addition, AFTRA’s been sending automated phone calls to members with Cromwell urging a yes vote.

SAG’s contended that the AFTRA deal falls short in areas such as new-media jurisdiction and compensation, middle-class actor salaries, DVD residuals, force majeure protections and product-integration protections. Both SAG and AFTRA reps are holding “roadshows” this week at the major talent agencies to brief agents as to their positions.

SAG has also challenged AFTRA to hold a two-hour debate about the AFTRA deal but AFTRA spurned the invite Monday. SAG’s blamed AFTRA’s deal for its lack of progress at the bargaining table, and president Alan Rosenberg said in a letter to AFTRA that a debate would be informative and productive since members are receiving “conflicting information” about the AFTRA agreement and its impact on SAG’s negotiations.

AFTRA prexy Roberta Reardon said SAG’s all wet.

“What is distracting and confusing for our members — and frankly, many in the entertainment industry — are SAG’s efforts to interfere with AFTRA’s ratification process,” she added. “SAG’s misguided rhetoric and theatrics — holding rallies, town hall meetings and the distribution of misinformation about the AFTRA contract — are certainly not serving the best interests of performers.”

In a message to members Monday, AFTRA said, “Don’t be fooled by spin. AFTRA, like the WGA and DGA before it, has negotiated a great agreement that delivers substantial improvements in wages and working conditions for all its members. We’ve done this in the midst of a challenging economic climate, at a moment of rapid and unsettling technological change, in an industry that is still recovering from the economic devastation of a 100-day strike. This is a time for tough-minded realism, not posturing and empty rhetoric. If you vote against ratifying the AFTRA deal, you are essentially voting for chaos in the industry.”

(Michael Fleming contributed to this report.)

this will be the death of me.

HA HA - this is what mommy's facebook page should look like. She calls me a grumpy old lady - I don't think so.

oops. I haven't seen the sun in so long I forgot what it does.


The dictator took me to a pitch and putt for the first time yesterday. Being fathers day and the first sunny day in YEARS it was a little busy. I was totally not thinking when we left the house. I wasn't wearing sunscreen, didn't bring it with me - that is pretty out of character for me. Needless to say after four hours of turning par 3s into par 10s I was a little burnt.
I'm happy to say on the 18th hole I actually hit the green, then putted to within 2 ft of the hole - whereupon my attempt at par went down the tube and it ended up being too many to count. So close yet so far. Watch out Tiger Woods I'm coming fo ryou.

Just checking in with all my METRO Halifax buddies. I keep seeing the news about the fires out there - scary. I can't imagine. Even if your house isn't threatened I know how horrible the air is when there is fires like that around. (I lived in California remember - brush fire capital of the world) I hope you are all safe and healthy. If you aren't, Steph is always up to play Martha Stewart to some guests. heh heh....

Not much new here. Word is the actor's strike is happening. That means my one job prospect is on hold. Oh goody.

Been doing alot of homework and waiting for the rain to go away. It is actually sunny outside today - I kind of don't believe it. Of course Angie leaves today for Banff so that is the end of my pathetic social life.

I did do my other mood boards wrong so here is another one that I think I did right. Only now it is much more obscure - can anyone figure out what it is?