The Inkwell

Do you have a book idea?

2011-11-29T15:29:00.001-08:00

If you are interested in getting your book printed, check out our newest endeavor, http://www.studiosashay.com We would love to help you make your dream come true. Send us your ideas at info@studiosashay.com

Sashay Magazine Summer Issue 2011

2011-08-23T01:07:00.001-07:00

Check out our latest issue of Sashay Magazine at http://issuu.com/sashaymagazine/docs/2011_summer_issue We would love it if you would hit the like button, make a comment and cheer us on. Thanks so much.

artwork by Astrid Maclean

2011-01-04T02:12:00.001-08:00

Place Plumereau by Vladimir Zlokazov

2010-12-30T20:36:00.001-08:00

2010-12-13T03:29:00.001-08:00

photo by James Ballantine

POWERBALL RUMBALLS

Serves/Makes: 48

Ingredients:

3 1/4 cups crushed vanilla wafers
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
3 tablespoons light corn syrup
1 1/4 cup rum

Directions:
In a large bowl, stir together the crushed vanilla wafers, 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar, cocoa, and nuts. Blend in corn syrup and rum. Shape into 1-inch balls, and roll in additional confectioners' sugar, OR crushed pecans, almonds, or shredded coconuts. Store in an airtight container for several days to develop the flavor. Roll again in confectioners' sugar before serving.

Submitted by Linda Lee Harper of South Carolina

2010-11-22T05:50:00.001-08:00

Beautiful scarf! Check out more items at http://www.etsy.com/shop/natalya1905

2010-11-11T00:46:00.001-08:00

photo by Peter Roome

Happy Thanksgiving! It's a time to enjoy that favorite dish, spend time with loved ones...and reminisce of childhood memories. Partaking in the festivities, catching up with family and friends, and bowing your head in prayer are all a part of what makes this day so special. What more, there's the taste test...the famous apple pie, pumpkin bread...and the infamous turkey and stuffing. Let us know what your favorite recipe is; we'd love to hear about your traditions!

Claudia Finn: Artist and Inspiration

2010-03-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

"Growing by the Fence", 20 x 24 oil on canvas, by Claudia Finn

"New York Flower Market", by Claudia Finn

the streets filled with a beauty
yellow sunflowers
makes joy memories rise up

--haiku

Life is full of twists and turns, mostly unexpected, but one things for sure, Claudia Finn, Virginia Beach Artist, is truly an inspiration to many. Her heart is truly for the Lord and for helping, listening and caring about people. Claudia loves new beginnings and the Lord has blessed her with a place to share her art with others. This is important to Claudia as she says, "...art communicates important messages. When I paint a landscape I want to convey the beauty of God's creation. When I interpret scripture in my painting, I seek to bring attention to the Word. The visual word pictures of the Bible are overwhelmingly beautiful." We asked Claudia to share a few words about herself and this is what she had to say.

"The Mighty One, God, the Lord speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to the place where it sets." Psalm 50 That just makes me want to paint. My hope is that in my life and talents I will give honor to Jesus Christ. I want my art to remind people of what is important.

I started writing a blog about my art this past year, http://claudiafinn.blogspot.com/ . In fact that is where I came to be aware of Inkwell Alley. I was always looking for interesting blogs when I first started and I remember Inkwell Alley leaving kind, encouraging comments.

I was born in Norfolk Virginia and now live in its neighboring city with my family (my husband Pat, daughter Kate, and son David). Virginia Beach offers so much diversity. Inspiration is everywhere here. I think this is why even though I have lived here all my life I still love it.

"The Woman at the Well",
inspired by "John 4", 36 x 48,

oil on canvas,

by Claudia Finn

We asked Claudia:
>> Do you remember your first childhood art project? I remember making a stuffed horse and learning the stitches in first grade. The teacher (Mrs. Wickers) called me her "little horse girl". Encouragement is best when it is sweet like that.
>> Did you go to school for any formal art training? I went to Old Dominion University and earned a degree in Art Education. I taught art in high school before we had children. I also often take classes in anything that interests me at local colleges and art centers when I can. I love the challenges put forth by good teachers.
>> What is your area of expertise? I love to paint in various styles, and create works in groups of series bound together by subject and similar style. I will show you three of them here with examples of my love of Impressionism, collage. and scripture interpretation.
>> What is your favorite concept to depict? I think I love depicting the scripture and it's expression has come out in my approaches to painting.
>> What color best describes you? I hope GREEN because it represents growth and newness to me.

"Boardwalk Palms", 20" x 60", collage, by Claudia Finn

>> Do you have to be in a certain mood or location to practice your art? I see art as a process, if my tools are not nearby I am continually enjoying looking for inspiration with my eyes or camera.

"work in progress", each panel 20 x 60, collage, by Claudia Finn

>> How did your gallery come about? Where is it located? My gallery, Claudia Finn Studio is located in the heart of Virginia Beach in Pembroke Mall's Art Space. I was encouraged by a couple of friends to check out what Pembroke mall was doing with a wing known as Art Space. It has a unique collection of galleries/art studios and classes with the purpose of promoting the visual and preforming arts in Hampton Roads, Virginia. There are five art galleries, a ballet company and and two theater groups open now! This all has happened within the past 6 months! I love the potential for further growth!
>> What would your life be without art? I know that art is a joy and I see it as a one form of expression, I also love poetry and music. I love the forms of expression I explore and love that God has given me ways to think and say things with them. I would miss them because they are such a part of the way I interpret my life.

>> How is your art/art gallery different from others? I think the fact that it is a place that I paint in all the time makes it unique. I love the work of the other artists on the walls! Every one's art together creates a great place.

Left: "Dragonflies and Lilies", 24 x 36, watercolor and collage, by Claudia Finn

>> Here is your randomness for the day: What snack do you turn to for a midday boost? There is nothing better for a healthy boost than Tropical Smoothie smoothies. My absolute favorites are those with intense flavor. Pomegranate Plunge, Blimey Limey and Cranberry Crush with extra Cranberry are the best. Every now and then I want to go back to my elementary school cafeteria with one that tastes like a dreamcycle called Orange Dream!

"Refreshment" 20 x 24, oil on canvas, by Claudia Finn

Inspired by the scripture, "I will pour water on the thirsty land." Isaiah 44:3. This painting represents to me the scripture verse, "Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. The burning sand will become a pool, the thirsty ground bubbling springs... The ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." Isaiah 35:6-7,10

---------

Don't forget to visit http://claudiafinn.blogspot.com/ where you'll not only find inspirational artword but also beautiful music. So if you happen to be near the Virginia Beach area, stop in to visit Claudia Finn Studio. The hours are by appointment on Monday-Wednesday and open to the public on Thursday 5-8 p.m., Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday 12-6 and Sunday 12-5. "Claudia Finn, you are making a difference and Inkwell Alley congratulates you; May God Bless You in all that you do."

sbassdesign_ink

2010-03-12T14:26:00.001-08:00

sbassdesign_ink

Posted using ShareThis

2010-02-11T15:00:00.000-08:00

Sashay Magazine is proud to have a partnering voice with Lee Ann Brown, owner of Glamour Survival Guides'! She lives in Birmingham, Alabama and is passionate about helping others. Lee Ann say, "I really do believe that you can live a glamorous life of beauty & excitement, filled with love of family and community, anywhere."

After traveling for several years modeling in places like Atlanta, Miami, New York and Japan, Lee Ann found that the schedule and lifestyle wasn't right for her. She is now a mom, wife and entrepreneur, and still has a busy life but understands what it means to be a 21st Century Women. One who has found a way to balance her life's endeavors, care for her family while still being able to take time for herself.

You can find Lee Ann's page, The Glamorous Life at http://www.sashaymagazine.com/Sashay-Magazine/The-Glamorous-Life/ Her website is http://www.glamoursurvivalguides.com/ and she also has a great blog where she highlights Birmingham. http://mybirmingham.blogspot.com/2010/02/news-flash-gsgsashay-magazine.html

I hope you will visit www.sashaymagazine.com I'm sure you are a "Rugged, Real and Refined -- 21st Century Women!"

Contest Coming Soon

2010-02-08T05:20:00.000-08:00

Sashay Magazine is going to be having a contest soon! Sign up for the "Catwalk" newsletter on www.sashaymagazine.com to get upcoming details. Sashay Magazine is for the "Rugged, Real and Refined--women of 21st Century".

Inkwell Alley Want To Know

2010-02-04T21:17:00.000-08:00

The most important part of any journey is keeping in touch with the people you care about. Sometimes that means keeping up even when time doesn't seem to be on your side. Have you ever felt like you aren't doing enough, that you don't have time to twitter that special tweet, check in on your favorite blogger friends or text that friend you haven't seen in awhile. These are all symptoms of the 21st Century, and there's no pill for that. It's sure to make you feel defeated at times. I mean how many times has it been after 12:00 pm on Friday before you even got dressed for the day because you were busy with "follow friday" and you still hadn't gotten to @tweets, @twitterfriend, @so_many_tweets_not_enough_time, @they_followfriday_me_I_followfriday_them, @RT, @specialtweet, @yata...

So next time you feel this way, don't dismay. Just take a deep breath and realize that we are feeling the same way. I think with time, we will all understand that our virtual life is much more understanding that our real life. I mean, my water got shut off today, because I forgot to pay it...OOPS.
So...
June Isewcute http://www.isewcute.etsy.com/ http://www.isewcute.blogspot.com/ http://www.craftster.org/ ,
adebanji alade http://www.adebanjialade.co.uk/ ,
Crystal Kneller http://smaller.in/kizzdesigns ,
Jenn http://windrosefiberstudio.blogspot.com/ ,
Moonangelnay http://www.moonangelnay.blogspot.com/ ,
Paloma http://www.palomachaffinch.com/ ,
Renée Gandy http://www.fauvestudio.blogspot.com/ ,
Brenda http://www.charmingbetties.blogspot.com/ ,
Alisa http://dailyviolets.blogspot.com/ ,
Rose Aune http://www.rosiesworkshop.com/ ,
Honor Martinez http://www.honormartinez.blogspot.com/ ,
Steph Bowe http://www.yablogosphere.blogspot.com/ ,
Horrible Sanity http://www.daniellefreelances.blogspot.com/ Danielle Buffardi : Freelance Writer, Editor, Proofreader, & Resume Service ,
Kristen Evans http://www.ornamentia.blogspot.com/ ,
Jan Markley http://janmarkley.blogspot.com/2009/07/sprite-doesnt-like-rejection_16.html ,
Kathleen Eidson http://sweetcreekherbs.blogspot.com/ ,
Paloma Chaffinch http://www.palomachaffinch.com/ ,
Groovepainter micah bariteau http://www.youtube.com/groovepainter ,
Lois Eighmy, Karen Amanda http://karenamandahooper.blogspot.com/ ,
Katie (quixotic)http://myimportalstories.blogspot.com ,
FictionGroupie http://www.fictiongroupie.blogspot.com/ ,
Jamie House,
angela m suor http://flakesofwhateverinmymouth.blogspot.com/ ,
"Absolutely Small" http://www.theneedleblog.blogspot.com/ http://www.sugarfrostedgoodness.blogspot.com/ ,
Rebecca Lynch http://rebeccalynchphotography.blogspot.com/ ,
Patti Stafford http://writingforreason.blogspot.com/ ,
Nomad Crafts http://nomadcraftsetc.blogspot.com/ ,
kismet1990 http://kismet1990.blogspot.com/ http://kismet1990design.blogspot.com/ http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6494166 ,
Suzanne http://sittlife.blogspot.com/http://threepeats.blogspot.com/ ,
Suzanne's etsy shophttp://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5568679 ,
Jen http://jensvintage.blogspot.com/ ,
ismoyo http://www.ismoyo.com/ http://www.ismoyo.com/ismoyoblog.html http://www.blogger.com/www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5057495 ,
BoutiqueKarma http://boutiquekarma.blogspot.com/ http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6525243 ,
Ellie Cate's http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6217937 ,
Sara Hopp http://www.fiveoclockcrows.blogspot.com/ ,
WhatOnceWas http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6738613 ,
Leah, http://buttonfloozies.blogspot.com/ http://handmadebitsandpieces.blogspot.com/ , "Thats Pretty" http://thatsprettyjewellery.blogspot.com/ http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6063038 ,
Sheri http://sherinewton.blogspot.com/ http://xsherix.blogspot.com/ http://ghoulparanormal.blogspot.com/ ,
Mystey Artist http://rareartarenavideos.blogspot.com/
Debbie in Nashville http://ontherefrigeratordoor.blogspot.com/2009/08/turning-30-giveaway.html ,
Jemmie211! ,
Stil Direktörü http://www.stilpazari.com/ http://www.stildirektoru.com/ ,
Retrothreadz http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5795583 ,
Artist Richard http://fauxdelponte.blogspot.com/ http://delponteart.blogspot.com/ ,
boylerpf http://boylerpf.blogspot.com/ , http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6161286 , Patti Trostle http://pattitrostle.blogspot.com/ http://pattitrostlepaintingaday.blogspot.com/ , JoAnne http://joanne53.blogspot.com/ ,
A.M. Lindsey,
"weloveourdogs" ,
J. Francis, http://jonssteamboiler.blogspot.com/ http://johnfwills.blogspot.com/ http://jfrancisonline.blogspot.com/ ,
Meg Huggins,
Paperwerks http://www.paperwerks.etsy.com/ http://paperwerks.blogspot.com/ ,
Pegg http://fivefortyathome.blogspot.com/ http://bistro305.blogspot.com/ ,
mahmood http://foto-tricks.blogspot.com/ ,
Lazy Writer http://lcwrite2.blogspot.com/ ,
Claudia http://claudiafinn.blogspot.com/
I just want to tell ya that I still check in on ya and love to see what you're doing! :) If I've overlooked anything or if you have updated links, let me know. Keep me posted with your updates.

Sashay Magazine Takes A Leap in the 21st Century

2010-02-03T15:01:00.000-08:00

Monica Dutcher and Audrey S. have partnered up, and we hope that you will help us to promote our dream. We have just launched an online magazine on February 1, 2010. It's called www.sashaymagazine.com

The Sashay Way: No matter where they live, women can be inspired by one another and united in the building of character, mind and body. Sashay Magazine is based out of South Carolina, but our voice is universal. Our voice is your voice. Our journey is your journey. And, as we sashay around the United States looking for story ideas, new perspectives and different ways of living, our magazine will truly be the heartbeat of the 21-st century woman.

Sashay Magazine is a lifestyle magazine for "Real, Rugged and Refined Women" ages 25-55+ who are affluent and engaged in their world as a 21ster, that is, as an individual who utilizes technology and the spirit of independence to successfully manage work, travel, pursuit of dreams, personal time and family. Sashay Magazine is not feminist, rather, our articles are a platform for both conservative and liberal voices. While Sashay Magazine does publish reflective and personal essay-type pieces, we are also interested in incorporating research into our features and departments.

Thank you so much! We hope you will be a part.

Sashay Magazine is Launched

2010-02-02T15:24:00.000-08:00

Sashay Magazine is launched. The website is www.sashaymagazine.com. Yes, it was a dream; a dream come true.

We hope you will visit as we plan to expand and bring Inkwell Alley to a new level. We want you to be a part, and look forward to developing a rapport. These days, trials and tribulations, stress and even the unknown, make us think that we cannot prosper or move forward with a dream. You can do it. Remember, it's not who you are but what you can become! So I hope you'll visit us at sashay magazine. Let us know if you have any story ideas. We are also looking for people interested in writing. Our main goal is to build relationships, help others to achieve their goals, and to support and promote your dream.

If you have any questions, email me at audrey@sashaymagazine.com

Put One Foot in Front of the Other

2009-12-17T01:59:00.000-08:00

New endeavors are never easy. As one of my best friends' mom would say, it takes guts and hootspa. I think it takes determination. My definition? A skill to endure failure when it comes and being stubborn enough to try again and again until you succeed. We are all afraid of failure at one time or another. I wonder why that is. Are we afraid of what others will think of us? Do we think it will identify who we are and what we stand for? Does it mean we will crumble to the ground and shatter? Maybe, but realistically, we must use common sense. There is the financial aspects and our daily responsibilities to think about. It's not easy juggling work and family, paying the bills and dodging the daily challenges of everyday life. These are all very legitimate reasons to put off a new endeavor.

I have put together a list to encourage you as you work hard to achieve your dream.
1. Don't worry what others think! Don't worry what the news says about the economy. Don't worry about if it makes sense. Follow your heart.
2. Follow your heart but think through it. Make sure you are making good decisions. Don't jump into anything until you are sure it is the right time.
3. You will have highs and lows; you will have good days and bad; you will be encouraged and discouraged. These are all normal occurrences.
4. Everything takes time. Take baby steps. Be patient.
5. Take chances, but be careful of foolishness.
6. Don't be afraid of failure, but be prepared to fail. Every great person--inventors, scholars and even the pauper, has failed before making a great accomplishment.
7. Negative thoughts will always be one minute away from the next; take them in, process them and dismiss the nonsense. Fear of failure, fear of the unknown, fear of what others may think, fear of fear. These are all legitimate, but don't let them keep you from persevering.
8. We all need to take a break at times; don't be afraid to get away from what you are persuing in order to get a fresh start. Sometimes clearing your head helps you to see things differently.
9. Seek council when needed. It is important to be smart about your decision-making. Study, read, collaborate, find resources that will help you to succeed. Don't be foolish.
10. Learn new skills; be willing to educate yourself.
Bonus. Put one foot in front of the other...before you know it, you will living your dream.

So take heart! Use your skill of determination and don't be afraid of failure. Learn from your mistakes and don't let them control your life. Doing something new is never easy, and it may bring you to a place you never expected. Good or bad, this is just another step to building your character and who you will become. Mostly, remember that it's ok to take chances, but be smart about your choices. Look to a new year, a new decade and an evolution of change as we grow accustom to the 21st Century. 2010 is going to be a prosperous year.

Diamond in the Rough

2009-09-22T04:41:00.000-07:00

One things for sure - it takes work to follow your dream! I know - I know... it was supposed to be fun. Remember the garden? You always had to till the garden before it would grow. If you hang in there long enough, you will see the fruits of your labor! Just remember what you are working for and keep it in perspective. There will be rainy days, there will be droughts, there will be gnats swarming your head. No worry - you have a purpose. Move forward.

Debbie of Nashville. She recently found herself unemployed due to the economy. This might seem terrible to many, but Debbie has turned it around to make it a positive change toward doing the things she's always wanted to do. Taking on uncharted territory, she's traveling to new places, meeting new people and getting a chance to take on challenges she would have never experienced before. Although her future is unsettled as far as her career, she is moving forward...finding that there are many new doors to be opened. These opportunities are opening up a network of newfound contacts for her future endeavors.

This is just one story during a time when the economy has flipped over the apple cart. Don't dispair. You may find that even during the toughest of times, there is a diamond in the rough. That diamond -- it's YOU!

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Diamond%20in%20the%20rough
Diamond in the rough
Someone (or something) that has hidden exceptional characteristics and/or future potential, but currently lacks the final touches that would make them (or it) truly stand out from the crowd.
or, someone that falls into unfortunate circumstances but works to better themselves.

Inkwell

2009-09-20T05:18:00.000-07:00

Today is the day! Yes it is! It is the day to take another step toward your dream. I've come to realize that it's not only possible, it's the dynamics of what Inkwell Alley is all about. It's about laying your foundation for success. Think about it. You have the talent...and the dream. You have the hope that it will happen. You may be up against money or the doomsdayers, but the reality is -- it's all up to you. All it takes it you taking another step toward your dream. You do realize that even the toddler wouldn't have walked if he hadn't fallen a few times.

Our biggest problem...fear. Fear that it won't happen, or that we will lose money, or that our product will fizzle, or that people won't buy, or the mindset that it will only happen to someone else.

Chance! Take a chance. Charge! Move forward. Chill! Watch it happen. Words to think about, and words to live by. I have been working on a few projects of my own. Between work and home and new endeavors, it seems like it's almost impossible. But I'm here to tell you that even the space shuttle got off the ground. Can you imagine all the struggle that took? So be encouraged - go back to your writing, your camera, your blogging, your shopping, your craft and take it to the next level. We've moved past everything being supersized--we are now in the time of hyper-viral networking. It's something you can use as an advantage.

Inkwell Alley is all about community and pushing your dreams forward. We love to promote the arts, the artistic, the creative, the dreamer, the entrepreneur...that means YOU! Be a part of Inkwell Alley. We love doing feature friday and look forward to working with you to promote your dream. Everyday is another day toward your future.

If you feel you have something you would like to contribute to Inkwell Alley - a recipe, gardening, art, writings (fiction or non-fiction), ideas or anything about yourself, email us at sbassdesign@yahoo.com We would love to hear from you.

Feature Friday: Debra Weiss

2009-08-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

Audrey of Inkwell Alley: I love doing the "Feature Friday", because it gives me the opportunity to get to know more about the multi-faceted people that inspire all of us to continue toward our goals. During the past few weeks, Monica has been chatting with Debra Weiss, a freelance writer living on the East Coast. Debra is a talented writer with a passion to follow her dreams even when faced with "life's storms". She is truly a person that inspires, because she continues to follow her heart and persevere even when it may not be easy. In her blog, I came across something that she wrote, "When we hurt, God is right there beside us. Sometimes we don't see him but He's there. Going through the pain with us. Every tear we've cried, God has seen. Every time our heart's been broken, God's heard the sound." This really touched my heart, because I have found that through every circumstance, you will learn something new. Your hopes and desires for your life will become even more apparent. I found it interesting that Debra is not only a freelance writer but also a web designer and editor. She has the best of all worlds--being creative, being able to write, to edit, to mastermind new ideas... and mostly, a great sense of humor -- as she adds, "when she's not writing, she can usually be found eating chocolate at her blog: http://www.debraweiss.net/." Debra agreed to share a few fun details about herself; we hope you enjoy!
Five Fun Factoids About Me (Debra)
>> I love chocolate. From M&Ms and Kit-Kats to Dove Bars, I have always loved the feeling of chocolate melting in my mouth.
>> I have a rare medical condition called Dysautonomia. It means that my autonomic nervous system malfunctions and doesn't control my heart rate or breathing like it should. My heart rate will go low then high then back to low. It's a pretty interesting condition. You can learn more about it here: http://www.dynakids.org/what.jsp
>> I've been writing since I was seven years old. I write both non-fiction and fiction. One day I hope to be on the New York Times Best-Selling List. (If you're gonna dream, dream big right?)
>> Fall is my favorite season. I love watching all the changes taking place like the falling leaves, the cooler air and sipping hot chocolate while writing.
>> I run Novelist's Café.com (http://www.novelistscafe.com/) where writers can come for daily inspiration. Stop in and leave a comment sometime.

Thanks again for this cool opportunity! : ) Debra

photos courtesy of www.usa-fallfoliage.com and m&m.com Intro written by Audrey of Inkwell Alley; Debra Weiss wrote Five Fun Factoids as well as copy for eating chocolate at blog. Inkwell Alley really appreciates your support and would like to thank Debra for being a part of our Feature Friday!

He Says, She Says

2009-08-24T16:59:00.000-07:00

It's funny how when one person (my husband) says one thing and it means nothing but another person (just about any outside reader) says the same exact thing and it means everything. Suddenly all is right with the world--you have confidence, the future is bright, the load is lighter, the road is paved. Unfortunately, as a writer, it's so much about receiving good feedback from the right people, that is, my readers, editors, publishers, agents and my mom. I know, my mom, right? It's like, 'Which word doesn't belong?' It's kind of random that I would have my mom in there (and over my husband at that, 'sorry robert!'), but the fact is, when a highly critical person who has no qualms calling a spade comments deeply and sincerely on your work, it's beyond sustaining.

Anyway, in a sense I guess it's normal to crave feedback because if people don't like what you write, it's going to be a challenge to do what I want, which is reach into readers' chests, grab their hearts and mold it such that it opens the floodgates for emotions, ideas and perspectives that the reader hasn't considered or has been afraid to confront for whatever dark reason. But on the other hand I need to be develop a maverick's swagger with my pen. I need to go for it and not care what people think. People can and will loathe what I write, but that doesn't mean it didn't need to be written. I've received an awful lot of rejection from agents, editors but I can't give up. My psyche depends on entering the realm of the published, where authors flip the freshly printed pages of their books under their noses.

I'm not sure how to conclude this blog entry. I like everything I write to be precisely packaged. But maybe this time I'll let go and just leave you with this thought, the anticipation that the next time I blog I will be a maverick. I will take off the perfectionist hat and let everything and anything on the tip of my brain explode onto the page. And I think it will be quite refreshing for everyone.

Feature Friday: Mary of Retro Threadz

2009-08-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

Audrey of Inkwell Alley: It's our favorite time again...to feature another one of our creatives. I love vintage. I guess it's the nastalgia of it all. It brings me back to the days when I would visit my grandmother. I remember the smell of those fresh baked cookies, and how she thought that "Days of our Lives" was the most important part of her day. At the end of the day, when things calmed down a bit, it was always interesting to watch grandmother sit at the table doing a crossword puzzle, her hair pulled back with her eyes peering over those peculiar-looking glasses, as she asked, "What is a six letter word for dog?" I sure do miss those times. You can only imagine how pleased I was when I came upon retrothreadz shop as I was twittering through my tweets. It was so much fun looking at the selection of fine vintage clothing and accessories. It brought back all those feelings, ya know, of nastalgia. So then it began, Mary and I twittered back a forth a few times, and well, we found a common bond - a love for vintage fashion...

Audrey of Inkwell Alley: I love your shop; such nice items... :)

Mary of Retrothreadz: Thanks so much! I'm glad you enjoyed looking.

Audrey of Inkwell Alley: I would love to feature you for our Feature Friday. Do ya think you could pull together a little fun bio.....?

Mary of Retrothreadz: I'd be honored...

Audrey of Inkwell Alley: Thanks so much. I look forward to your email :)

A few days later:

Mary of Retrothreadz: I have been asked by Inkwellalley http://inkwellalley.blogspot.com/to write a fun bio about myself. So, here we go! My name is Mary, and I am a full-time working mother with 2 wonderful sons and married to a very wonderful man. I have been employed for Ford Motor Co. for 16 years. But alongside of it all, my true passion is my obsession I have with Pin-up & Vintage Fashions. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5795583

What Else?
>> I love modeling, photography, camping, football, swimming, baseball, being outdoors, shopping.
>> I have lived in Michigan my entire life. I grew up & lived around fashion my entire life. It started with my grandmother who was into pin-up modeling & then my mother followed her steps.

>> My true passion of Vintage & Pin-up fashion came to be about 15 years ago, I love the 60s Mod-look the best.

>> I love the Twiggy style dresses with the Patent Leather knee-boots. That look is so hip!
>> My best overall quality is the never-ending love for my children. I spoil them , as I should. They're only children once.
>> My worst overall quality is definitely I am very outspoken. I love to laugh & enjoy making people laugh. I am a very down-to-earth person.

Notes from Inkwell: Don't miss out on Mary's blog. http://retrothreadz.blogspot.com/

Thank you Mary for agreeing to be our "Feature Friday" We have really enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about you! Feature Friday written in part by Audrey of Inkwell Alley and Mary of Retrothreadz.

2009-08-18T16:08:00.000-07:00

I was quite surprised and pleased to be "TAGGED" by a dear newfound friend who I admire, Crystal of Kizzdesigns. You must read the ten fun and interesting things she listed about herself. http://kizzdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/08/unvieling-awards-stuff.html Crystal specializes in unique, handmade, one-of -a-kind jewelry http://www.artfire.com/users/kizzdesigns and she was one of our INK-FAVES http://blog.inkwellalley.com/2009/07/26/this-little-piggy-went-to-market-2.aspx Now I know most people may not like being "tagged", but actually it gave me an opportunity to chill for awhile instead of running crazy... Whew, so finally, I'm sitting down and must think of 10 bizarre or interesting facts about myself. 1. My full name is Shirley Bass, with the pseudonym (pen name) Audrey. 2. My mom just passed away on January 28, 2008; this moment has really changed my life. New endeavors are ahead, and I can't wait to share them when they get a little closer. 3. My grandmother was born on Mother's Day which was her birthday, and had my mother on Mother's Day which was her birthday, and my grandmother died on Mother's Day which was her birthday and my mother's birthday... 3. I've been married forever...and have two children; everyone spoils me and treats me like a queen! I like that part :) 4. My first cat's name was Sims! I loved him lots, and there will never be another cat quite like him! He could open doors with his paws. 6. I am the art director at Augusta Magazine where I have worked for 11 years. I try not to color in the lines. 7. We have lived in South Carolina for 12 years; moved from Upstate NY...very country. My parents farmed...I said I would never marry a farmer. When I was dating my husband, I never asked him what he did for a living...after about three months--when I was already interested in keeping him around, I found out that he farmed. I guess it wasn't so bad... 8. I don't miss the snow of Upstate NY but I do miss the summers and the countryside. I miss my house in the country. 9. Bargain hunting, garage sales, estate sales, anything where I can feel like I'm Nancy Drew on a scavenger hunt. 10. I have a porche but I prefer my old 92 Chevy Pickup! Extra. I love to laugh and make people laugh. Everyone says I'm crazy. That's OK cuz' I have a lot of fun!

So now I'll tag ten interesting people who I know will have lots of fun stuff to tell us about themselves. 1.boylerpf 2. patti trostle fine art/ 3. claudia finn artist/4. anita rae of allie cates 5. paperwerks 6. peg of bistro305/ 7. claudia finn/ 8. joanne/9. am lindsey of indiestyleblog/10. addictedtobooks/

I hope ya'll have fun; it'll be great to find out something new about you! Audrey (sbass)

Feature Friday: Alisa of Daily Violets

2009-08-14T01:01:00.000-07:00

Welcome to our Feature Friday!

Alisa Wetzel is a stay-at-home mom, graphic designer, and the owner of Mini Mosaic, Artwear Collection. She live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and on December of 2008, Alisa decided to launch http://www.minimosaic.com/ Oh Yea, and did I tell you?! She's been busily and creatively working. In February, 2009, Alisa was featured on http://www.coolmompicks.com/2009/02/the_mood_necklace.php where they noted that they loved her "versatile, interchangeable jewelry". On July of 2009, Alisa also got a write up in Skirt Magazine .

Above Top: Sterling Pendant, Chain and Dogwood Flower tile

Above Bottom: Song Sparrow by Geninne Zlatkis tile

We decided to see what all the chatter was about, and we found out that Alisa's Mini Mosaic pendants are just what every wardrobe needs! WOW! We loved the variety and exquisite designs. The possibilities to change up your wardrobe within minutes are limitless as you can easily pick a new tile. Now that's what I call a perfect way to start the day. As you build your collection-- there are hundreds of tiles to choose from --you can add anything from modern to vintage, so it's a sure thing that you'll find that special piece that speaks to your heart. The best part? It's easy and fun to change out the pendant with whatever fits your mood! So even if you're on the run, you'll have time to change out your look!

A few extras we found that Alisa has noted about herself:
>> Favorite way to wrap a gift, and easiest, is to buy colorful nesting boxes at The Container Store, run to Michael's to pick out silk flowers and puts them together. "It adds a really nice touch to the gift!"
>> Soledad Almonds from Sahale Snacks - delicious!
>> Couldn't wait for the new Harry Potter and Twilight Series movies, and for Adam Lambert's new album. She states, "The fact that I say "album" lets you know I am not 16. :)"

>> Adam Lambert - especially his "Mad World" studio version on iTunes
>> This Retro Floral dress from Ann Taylor Loft. ("I wish it was a bit longer")
>> Experiencing a new backyard...moved last September!
>> Communication Arts, my favorite design publication.

Inkwell Alley Notes:

>>The store is Azuca in Los Gatos, CA. has a new display for Alisa's tiles. Now that's exciting!

>>Alisa was a part of the SF Trade show... and, her future endeavors? Well, maybe with TLC-KellyRipa-HSN group...stay tuned. Congratulations!

>>Check out Alisa's website, Mini Mosaic

Pendant Above: Friendship

All profits from the sale of this tile will go to the Humane Society.

Congratulations Alisa on your success. Inkwell Alley wishes you well and looks forward to any new updates! Information compiled from http://dailyviolets.blogspot.com/2008/12/blog-post.html
Written by sbass of Inkwell Alley

The Plum Revisited

2009-08-09T13:00:00.000-07:00

Either the well is too empty or too full. There's either writer's block, that infuriating syndrome in which you look at white paper and stare into blank space for what seems to be hours on end, or information overload. The latter was the case last night, when I wanted to blog, make Twitter contacts, work on my book, work on my coffee table book and simply find a way to strike gold, both literary gold (i.e., a spellbinding new chapter) and any subsequent literal gold, aka, bread, cash, duckets, ben franklins. (Think Lucy in Charlie Brown's Christmas...nickels, nickels, nickels, oh how I love the sound of cold hard cash).

So I decided to work on Indigo Sun, the big piece of autobiographical fiction that I have been wracking my brain over for almost a year. After five minutes of reorganizing some of the chapters I noticed that I am only at 22,000 words on that book. My dreams seemed to shatter before my eyes: the publisher I was hoping to snag requires manuscripts to be at least 75,000 words! I'm not even halfway there. I felt like a pawn in CandyLand. You're moving along the colored squares just fine, you're almost at the board's zenith where the queen stands with her sparkling wand and then you draw The Plum (sing: dun-dun-duuuun) from the stack of cards. To refresh your memory, The Plum's orchard is at the very beginning of the CandyLand board.

Overwhelmed at the thought of penning 50,000 more words to a novel (or shall I say novella?) that is (was) almost completed in my mind, I just abandoned everything for the evening: the blog, the books, the optimism, the dreams. I had literally made myself sick, just as sbass and I had discussed earlier that day. We take on so much, we get so excited and then we're wallowing in nausea.

I downed a shot of Pepto, went to bed and here I am, back in the saddle, trekking through the Plum's orchard.

image courtesy of
http://www.lucubrations.net/2007/08/kicked-out-of-candyland-mysterious.html

Feature Friday: Animation Hobbyist Renato Vargas

2009-08-05T12:40:00.000-07:00

Renato is a young economist who works as a researcher at a Guatemalan institute that focuses on the links between the economy and the environment. His job involves learning, critical thinking, calculating, writing, and convincing politicians and human beings of the benefits of using natural resources wisely. Although he enjoys his work very much, everyone in high school thought he would end up in advertising or journalism, given that he was a bit of a class clown with a dominant artistic side. Heck, he thought that himself, but he needed a career that could pay the bills, and was well aware of how poorly paid and exploited creative artists were where he lives (which is unfair and a shame). That drove him into Economics. Go figure. Of course, he found some sort of financial security in that field, which means he is now a bit uptight and somewhat snobby during work hours, but after five o’clock in the afternoon, just like Dr. Jekyl, he slowly becomes creativity Mr. Hyde. --Oh, and he stops talking and writing about himself in the third person.

Hello, I’m thrilled to share some thoughts with The Inkwell Alley’s beautiful readers and followers. After that long introductory paragraph you might still be asking yourselves why I’m here. Trust me, I am too, but our awesome hosts, Sbass and Monica were kind enough to let me share my creative side with you. Now that I’m out of college and have some time for myself, I decided to get more serious about a hobby I started three years ago. I’ve always liked drawing in different mediums, including digitally and have done it since I was a kid, but in 2006, I became absolutely fascinated with a music video animated and directed by Australian artist Bernard Derriman called Everyone else has had more s e x than me. I could not believe that the little singing bunny was beautifully drawn sequentially in Adobe’s Flash. Until that moment, I thought that software package was used only for interactive websites and lousy e-cards. A couple of Google searches later, I stumbled across Adam Phillips’ superb Brackenwood shorts. My jaw dropped and I haven’t been able to fully reattach it to my skull. I have spent the last couple of years trying to figure out how they did what they did, and now I think I’m ready to turn those stories that play constantly in my head into some nice 2D animated clips. Yes, I am an animator wannabe! Although, the proper term you would use to introduce me at fancy dinner parties is animation hobbyist, thank you.

Finding out about animation was not an easy task, though. That’s why I created my blog, “I’ll tell you a story…”. I want to share all the pitfalls of making animated clips for the first time so that others may learn from my mistakes. I would like to invite everyone to visit my blog at its new address http://www.telluastory.com/ but most of all, I want your nice comments to pressure me into animating more, since I tend to procrastinate a lot. I blame it on my day job, but who knows, I might just be lazy. Since this is a ten point, list post (say that really fast), here are the things you’ll find at my blog:
>>Software. The computer is a nice alternative to paper and pencil in the 2D animation world. It will never replace traditional techniques, but it can certainly help speed things up. I will sometimes refer to software specific issues in how to’s.
>>The creative process. Creativity will pick the most unexpected time of the day to strike and one has to be prepared to welcome it. I’ll share how I first visualize ideas and the results, which are often scanned-in napkins or pieces of paper.
>>Concept art. Sometimes you want to share your vision before it’s realized. Besides, it’s just nice to see how everything will turn out.
>>Writing your story. I’ll show you what I’ve learned about how scripts are written and where to find tools to help you improve your stories and their layout.
>>Character development. This is one of the most important parts of the animation process. I have neglected that with awful results, but that has changed. I’ll show you some of my model sheets.
>>Cut-out vrs. frame-by-frame animation. I’ll show you when I have found best to use each of them and how to go about a combined approach. How do you create the illusion of motion with static drawings? Let’s find out.
>>Background creation. Your animated characters need a place to live. I’ll show you how to create nice backgrounds using digital tools.
>>Drawing perspective. Perspective is one of the things that some people find more difficult to learn. I’ll show you some shortcuts to get it done quickly and accurately.
>>Special FX. This is what I find the most fascinating. We’ll learn how to draw water, smoke, light effects, fire and other neat things.
>>Production. We’ll familiarize ourselves with the various stages of production, including sound, ink-and-paint, editing, and many others.
My goal is to make nice animated clips that people will enjoy watching. My first project attempts to rescue a couple of spooky stories from the Guatemalan oral tradition. A year from now, I would love to publish a book about this whole process. Do you want to help me write it?

Written by Renato Vargas: http://www.telluastory.com/
Follow him on twitter: http://twitter.com/rindolphus
Monica & Sbass would like to thank Renato Vargas for taking the time to be a part of "Feature Friday" on Inkwell Alley and look forward to future updates.

Clinging

2009-08-04T16:18:00.000-07:00

There's very little warning. A harbinger might be the quick rush of hot blood up the back of my neck, but even that's too quick to really be a fair warning, an allusion to what terrible thing will come. After the blood rush comes a swirling sensation in the brain that spurs crossed eyes and a loss of balance. If it happens when I'm walking the floor seems to rise up before me and I see my shoes against tile, carpet, asphalt, grass--it happens anywhere. Then I see whatever may be to the right and left and, once something that appears to be solid falls into my viewing field I grasp for it and white knuckle it until the sensation passes, until the brain stops swinging like a pendulum, hitting the sides of my skull in a way that only increases the massive blood flow that is already swallowing my head, blocking out sound, exacerbating the thick perspiration that has formed on my back, neck and forehead.

The sensation I speak of is vertigo. I've had severe bouts of it lately and it has really interfered with my life, especially my creative life. I spend all day merely trying to survive work, feeling my muscles constantly braced for when the imaginary axis threading through my body abruptly tilts a few degrees. Hence I come home exhausted, shelving the book I am working on and the Inkwell Alley projects I would like to do for yet another tomorrow. But I am a fighter--I type with a slight feeling of imbalance right now. Perhaps it will also alleviate my frustration if I can realize that even when something seems to only take, it also gives. Vertigo has put a clamp on my sense of well being for now, but it has also given me a new sensation that I can use in creative writing.
Trying to cling to the silver lining,
Monica

image courtesy of flickr.com

Feature Friday: Brother & Sister Team Benjamin & Debbie

2009-07-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

Shana’s Shop shows the artistic and creative side of this brother and sister team. Benjamin and Debbie grew up in Nashville, Tenn., and have traveled the world for work and play. While in Architecture school, Debbie studied for a semester in Krakow, Poland, and after college she spent a year working in New Zealand. She has taken trips across North America, Europe, South America, the South Pacific and Asia.

After Ben graduated from college he spent four years working in Alaska. He enjoys photographing the wilderness of western North America: the mountains, streams, meadows, forests, and wildlife. Ben has journied through the Rocky Mountains, the southwestern deserts, the Sierra Nevadas, and the Alaskan tundra searching for a unique photographic opportunity. Take a look at their photography and other creations at: http://www.shanasshop.etsy.com/

Some fun facts about these two:

>> Ben and Debbie both took photography classes in college and fell in love with the idea of trying to capture the world in photographs. The pair is always trying and practicing new techniques, realizing it is not as simple as point click, although sometimes it helps to be in the right spot at the right time! Through their art and travels, they try to foster and portray a different perspective on life and nature.

>> Debbie is obsessed with magnets. After she built a huge custom magnet board for a room in her house she couldn’t find any magnets that she liked so she ended up making them. She started making square plastic ones and then evolved to round glass ones with her own photographs.
>> Shana’s Shop is actually named after Debbie's dog, a 6-year old German Sheppard mix who likes playing in the park and would chase rabbits all day long if she could. After trying to find a name for the Etsy shop for weeks, it just seemed right to name it after the dog!
>> Ben is taller than Debbie even though he isn't older. When they were younger everyone always thought Ben was older just because he was taller. Now that they are older, people still assume Ben is older even though he isn’t!
>> Debbie loves to make things. When Debbie bought her first home she couldn’t find any furniture she liked. Eventually she ended up making most of it.
>> Together Ben and Debbie really complement each other. Their creativity and ideas bring a true balance to their Etsy shop. At Shana’s Shop there is something for everyone from beautiful photography to unique glass magnets and even scrapbook supplies. Please take a moment to visit Shana’s Shop http://www.shanasshop.etsy.com/. Grab a cup of tea and spend a few minutes looking around and leaning a little more about this fun brother and sister team.

Inkwell Alley would like to thank Benjamin & Debbie for their time and involvement. Pictures provided and copy written by Ben and Debbie.

A Visionary With New Vision

2009-07-29T04:26:00.000-07:00

I had an inkling that something wrong, but glasses? No. I would never need glasses. So what the words on road signs weren't clear until my car was practically on top of them? People don't read from 10- 20 and 30 feet away on a daily basis. "This eye exam," I thought, "is merely a formality."

As I sat in the waiting room it felt as if I were being stared down by the hundreds of eyeless frames perched one on top of the other in rows across three of the four walls. Some of the shinier, thick, golden Granny specs would catch the track lighting above in a way that made the frames look like they were winking, a cheeky manuever that whispered, "Hey there little girly. You can't run and you can't hide. You're going to need us some day."

I'm called back to an exam room where a technician handed me a black plastic patch on a stick.

"Cover your left eye and read the farthest line down that you are able to read."

I covered my eye, looked down what seemed like a football field's length to the eye chart and immediately had one of those "Oh shhhhnickers," moments. The "E" and the line below it were in extreme double vision, the third line was barely readable and all was lost after that. She wanted me to try reading the fourth line and I fumbled out letters like shots in the dark, squinting and blinking in hopes to somehow smoosh the blurriness into focus.

After the tech dilated my eyes (which was quite an embarrassing endeavor because I kept snapping my head back whenever the drop hit my eye--I really am as skittish as a horse) the doctor came in and proceeded to shine bright pinpointed lights into my eyes, describing my apparently bad astigmatisms as she worked.

After a few more tests it was officially announced.

"You need glasses."

"Do I have to wear them all the time?"

"Yes."

"Really?"

"Yes."

And so there I was back in front of those walls of frames, trying different ones on, looking in the mirror horrified, trying on another and then looking in the mirror horrified, again. The tech said I looked best--"bohemian chic" even--in a pair of thin, black frames with lenses that are a shape somewhere between a rectangle and an oval.

I feel like my whole identity has changed and it's going to take some time adjusting to the new look. At first, I couldn't help but think I looked as nerdy as Drew Carey and Steve Urkle (spelling?), but now I am slowly starting to align myself with the Tina Feys....

So much for never needing glasses...

Image courtesy of www.artbyheidi.com

Feature Friday: Jen of jenscloset

2009-07-22T16:25:00.000-07:00

Above: Vintage Pink Set or Sewing Projects Description: Well..I love pink and this is full of pretty pink! Includes 1 Advance dress pattern (teens size 14). The cover has tears on the corners; it looks as if this pattern was never used.5 feet of cute pink rick rack1 yellow plastic thimble

------------- feature friday written by jen ----------------------

As soon as I had my first child, Lindsey, I knew I was meant to be a Mom…and that would be my most important job ever! I have three fantastic children! Lindsey, my oldest daughter, is 26, and just happens to be my best friend! She definitely got her talent from my Mom (I think it skips a generation!). She’s always creating as you can tell by her blog http://www.linques.typepad.com/ My handsome son, Mark is 17 and will be a senior this year! My daughter, Katherine just turned 16 in March and is actually traveling in Europe right now with a group of students and teachers from her high school!

Ever since I can remember I have had a passion for antiques! My fondest memories of beautiful antiques, were rummaging through my Great Aunt Esther’s 250 yr old Rye, NH house…oh the things I found in that attic…if only I had all of them!

My daughter Lindsey was the one that encouraged me to start my Etsy shop back in April 2008 when I was laid off from my job! It’s amazing how you can turn things around when you follow your passion!

Above: Retro Cool Knowles Golden Foliage Blue and Gold Teacup and Saucer Set of 2 Description: I just love this gold and sea blue leaf design..it has a great retro feel! This is a set of 2 teacups and 2 saucers by Knowles. Marked "Knowles", "Golden Foliage", "Four Seasons", "Casual China".

Let’s see…I am supposed to think of 10 things you don’t know about me..and should try to be clever..or funny I guess!
#1 speaking of funny…I am sure anyone that went to school with me will describe me as being very funny! I always loved (and still do) making people laugh! I also got in trouble in school for being funny!
#2 I feel bad for my family right now..especially my dear husband, Bob! They have put up with me collecting all of these beautiful vintage items, that are now taking up the entire house!
#3 I am so addicted to twitter..well, I’m guessing those that know me on twitter, know that that is not a secret!
#4 I am more comfortable with who I am now, than I ever have been!
#5 I love clothes and have an entire bedroom devoted to my obsession! My husband turned one room into an entire walk-in closet for me!
#6 If you haven’t been able to tell from #5, I can be a little obsessive! #7 I believe if everyone would just try a little kindness, the world would be a better place (and I don’t care how mushy that sounds!)
#8 I’d rather have just one true friend, than a bunch of so-so friends.
#9 I love to cook…and I love to eat!
#10 and #9 is why I also love to workout!

Above: Vintage Wire Mesh Pretty Little Butterfly Brooch

Inkwell Alley Notes: Jen loves her milk glass. She even opened a shop exclusively filled with all kinds of milk glass treasures. Her collection is phenominal.

1. Fenton Milk Glass Covered Footed Comport Description: 8 1/2" tall including the lid, milk glass, hobnail...even better yet..Fenton!Great candy dish (don't tell anyone where you hid it!). Made by Fenton between 1953 and 1968. 2. Cute Vintage Milk Glass Covered Hen Description: Cluck cluck! What a cute milk glass hen covered dish! From bottom to top of her tail she measures approx 5 1/2" tall. The base is oval with a candlewick edge and measures 7 1/8" x 5 3/8" with a depth of 2".

More Interesting News: Jen is recognized!

Etsy's Handmade Blog asked their readers to nominate their favorite Americana decor items. Out of all the contestants, jenscloset with her Vintage Ruby Red Candleholders (above) stole the show and got the most votes. Inkwell Alley Congratulates you!

>>This is just a snippit of what Jen has...she has so many beautiful items, it's hard to list. Her original shop is http://www.jenscloset.etsy.com/ Be sure to check out her other shop http://www.mymilkglassshop.etsy.com/ for milk glass as well as http://deerlyneeded.etsy.com/ for fantastic jewelry supplies! You can usually find Jen at http://jensvintage.blogspot.com/ She is now a member of the EtsyVintage Street Team http://team.etsy.com/profilest/vintage.shtml and you can usually find her at http://www.twitter.com/ @jenscloset

Written by Jen. Inkwell Alley would like to thank Jen @jenscloset for taking the time to chat with us; we really appreciate her talent and her shops. We look forward to shopping with her in the future. And as always, we will continue to help promote your talents and we wish you well in your future endeavors! --Monica & Sbass

Ballet, Barometers and Bosoms

2009-07-22T06:23:00.000-07:00

We all have our own tests, our own inane maneuvers that we perform in solitude (usually after getting out of the shower or when trying on clothes) and use as absolute barometers of thinness and beauty. Unfortunately, I have several and the one I have been doing the longest is the Inner Thigh Touch Test. I started taking ballet and tap class when I was twelve and, at about age 14 and 15, everyone starting changing--except me. Most girls' pink tights were stretching thinner across their thighs and their black long-sleeved leotards swelled in places--butts, bosoms and hips--where my leotard still clung flat to my bony body. One day we were all facing the mirror and standing in first position--heels touching, toes turned out. I looked down the line, making mental notes: Her knees are almost touching, her knees don't touch but her thighs do, her thighs only touch at the top, where that really bulbous piece of fat first starts to form; skin is rolling over her hip bones, and, damn, her calves even touch. And then I looked at me, a stick poking out at harsh angles in Spandex. My legs were separated from each other from ankle to the bottom of my leotard. You could drive a tractor trailer right through and it wouldn't bump into anything on top or the sides. Every time I went to ballet class, I took note of this and beamed from within. I wasn't the prettiest girl or the most popular; I wasn't well-versed in pop culture or the latest trends in fashion, cosmetics and hair, and I certainly didn't attract the boys. But, gosh darn it, I was skinnier. My waifishness and height was all I had. And it's still all I have. Although those inner thighs seem to creep closer and closer together every year...

photo courtesy blogs.guardian.co.uk/theatre

Feature Friday: Milli Thornton

2009-07-17T00:10:00.000-07:00

I recently discovered Inkwell Alley and I'm excited to be a Follower on this blog. I get a burst of joy as soon as I get here and look at the artistic header. I also love the feeling of the creative collaboration that goes on here.Thank you to Monica and Sbass for inviting me to write for Feature Friday.

Here are five things that a few people know about me but it’s not mainstream news. One of the topics, #4, is something I haven’t spoken about much on the Web at all, except to make a few stray references to it.

So, there you go. An exclusive for Inkwell Alley! LOL..
#1 – I wrote my book, Fear of Writing: for writers & closet writers, back in 1999 because I had severe writer's block.

It all started when a friend used the term “fear of writing” to refer to my condition. This triggered something in my subconscious and the material for a book—including 112 fun and therapeutic writing prompts—started pouring out of me.

Luckily, at the time I was working from home and could determine my own schedule. My boss was in another city. As long as I got my work done he didn’t check up on my schedule. I’d put the “office” on voicemail and go to my favorite coffeehouse to write.

I was so on fire, I wrote the book in only four months. And then I self-published it. Then panic set in! After that phase, I set about overcoming my intense shyness by learning how to promote my book and build an audience.

That was back in the ancient days—no Twitter, Facebook or blogging—and I had to start my online book promotion with an old-fashioned Website and email newsletter. LOL!

Ten years later, I’ve made many friends, helped many writers, cured my own fear of writing and learned tons about writing, livin’ and lovin’ life, book promotion and the Internet.

If you've got a specific fear that dominates your life, I highly recommend writing a book about it as a way to turn that fear to your advantage.

#2 – I often use Dragon dictation software when I'm writing something of any length. I'm using it right now to write this Feature Friday for Inkwell Alley.

Some purists may call this cheating, since it doesn't involve typing or handwriting. But I've come to believe this: anything that helps you get more writing done is fair.

I still have to edit everything I've dictated (and not only for my own mistakes: for example, Dragon typed the word “purist” as “jurist”). So I never lose touch with that hands-on involvement with what I've written.

Dragon can type as fast as you can talk. It's fantastic for those times when you're so inspired you can’t type fast enough to keep up with your own brain.

#3 – I hate the taste of brewed coffee. I stopped drinking it many years ago because

a) spots would appear before my eyes after just one cup

and

b) I discovered cappuccinos.

I now refuse to drink anything but espresso drinks (my favorite is the breve—a latté made with half-and-half). This has also helped me cut down on the amount of coffee I drink, because I find espresso drinks so much more satisfying than the thin, yukky brewed stuff.

#4 – I’ve long had an interest in alternative healing. I used herbs and diet changes to help my daughter avoid surgery for glue ear. That happened when she was little; she's now 25 with a baby of her own.

I've also almost completely eradicated my severe case of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder by using natural means, such as acupuncture and CranioSacral Therapy, as well as energy healing methods for the aura, chakras and meridians.

I used myself as a guinea pig and tried probably hundreds of different things until I found what worked for me. Eventually, I’d like to start a blog to recommend various healing products and services.

#5 – I'm writing this while taking part in a 10K Day for Writers that I've started hosting at my blog every month. This is an event where a bunch of writers get together and challenge ourselves to try to write 10,000 words in a day.

We communicate by posting two-hourly check-ins on my blog. The idea is to encourage and support one another's creativity.

It's an incredible feeling to be in a group of writers who have agreed to mutually support one another. I’ve fostered many such groups over the past ten years, but the 10K Day event has a special energy of its own. It combines the power of the Internet to bring people together, no matter where they are in the world, with the best side of our writing spirits. In my opinion, that’s when we glory in the creativity of others as well as our own, instead of focusing on critiquing one another (or, as happens in some writing forums, conflict and harassment among writers).

I'm using this Feature Friday as a warm-up for my 10K Day because I knew it would be fun to write. And already it’s given me a word count of 1,232 (before editing) in less than an hour.

Plus, good ol’ Dragon’s helping me do it faster than I could type myself!

----------

MILLI THORNTON is the author of Fear of Writing: for writers & closet writers and still misses Australia, where she lived for 25 years. A bit of a gypsy, she currently lives in Ohio with her husband. Milli blogs at the Fear of Writing Blog, Screenwriting in the Boonies and Milliver’s Travels.

>>This weeks' Feature Friday written by Milli Thornton

Thank you Milli! --Monica & sbass, Inkwell Alley

Transcendence

2009-07-15T14:10:00.000-07:00

"I'm sure that I could be a movie star if I could get out of this place." From the song Piano Man, by Billy Joel

Call me sensitive, particular, needy and just plain hard to please, but when it comes to my writing environment, it’s crucial that several elements be in place. In other words, I’ve found that some of my most outstanding prose takes to actual ink on paper when the air temperature is between 45 and 50 degree Fahrenheit, the air quality is green (or good) on the weather charts and the sky is overcast; when I’m wearing indigo jeans that make me feel skinny and a sweater that makes me feel as if snuggled up somewhere in a ski lodge.

I write well when no one is around—not talking upstairs or breathing next to me—and I love when thunder rumbles in the distance, not clangs over my head, when dogs bark in the distance, but not next door. My ability to draft a masterpiece is directly related, I think, to my basal body temperature, my hunger level—I can’t be starving and I can’t be bloated—the clarity of my skin and my mood: depression breeds too much angst, anger, insanity; sadness, extreme pathos; happiness, shallowness. Jaded, bitter, aloof, independent, defiant, determined, hopeful, energized, focused, level-headed: If I don’t feel any of these productive characteristics, I might as well pretend I don’t know what a pen is.

I’m inspired by mountains (no where near where I live in rural South Carolina, the antithesis of creative energy), shop-lined, oil-stained city streets (also non-existent in my current environs) bustling with women in business suits and tennis shoes, hot dog and funnel cake vendors, ticket scalpers, guitar players, street painters, international characters and culture. Culture—oh how I do miss the laidback, Polish-Catholic culture of Baltimore, the origins of my entire immediate family. There’s this one street near the harbor and not far from Sip n’ Bite (a hole in the wall that serves the best breakfast and Baltimore special, scrapple) that is full of Polish shops: bakeries, imported crafts, religious article shops. It’s not a flashy street; on the surface it looks like any old street. No neon signs, not a lot of traffic or people. But when you’re strolling the sidewalk you can actually see the displays in the window and the battered signs over the doors. And the smells are wonderful: pierogis, kielbasa, babkas, breads, the aromas of which just waft warm and fresh right out the doors.

I need to transcend my current setting—hot, subtropical climate, retirement community, artistically infertile—to subconsciously and emotionally get where I need to be in order to write.

Given all that needs to be in alignment for me to create, it’s a wonder I get anything done.

image courtesy http://www.polyvore.com

Feature Friday: Kari (Karilynnlove)

2009-07-09T18:02:00.000-07:00

Take a short walk down Inkwell Alley with Kari (Karilynnlove), and you'll see that she's not your typical 21-year-old nursing student just trying to get through life. Kari describes herself as a walking contradiction since she naturally chose a career path that will keep her financially comfortable...but still wants to develop her artistic side. To satisfy her "other half", she frequently takes on little projects--painting random things, drawing, writing, decorating as well as photography. She doesn't claim or acknowledge that any of her works are spectacular, but says, "she enjoys being creative and it's what makes her happy...to tame the beast within!" Kari uses her blog as a means to vent, especially when school is in session (soon to start again in August.) Forty students in one classroom can cause tension and drama--so stay tuned for those daily updates. You can find Kari at http://karilynnlove-thoughtfulconfessions.blogspot.com/ ...be ready for a front row seat to her crazy, hectic life.

"Kari says!"

>> 1. I drink coffee all day. Whether it be to help be out of bed, ease my tension, or help me study, I sip coffee throughout the day. In the mornings it wakes me up. In the evening, it soothes the nerves (which makes for better sleep). And during those dreaded 9 month stretches of pure hell (nursing school), it channels the ADHD into OCD (which isn't much better, but at least I'm focused!).

>> 2. I have a coffee cup collection. Doesn't matter what store or what I'm actually shopping for. If I see a cup I like, I have to have it. When I have my own home, I want an entire wall in my kitchen devoted to my coffee cups with each one in it's own little nook! (This is a smaller scale of what I want. As seen in the television series The Gilmore Girls)
>> 3. I can make one eye go side to side and up and down while the other stays put. I don't know how I learned to do it or why I first tried. It's great entertainment for kids!
>> 4. My only allergy is to a drug called Chloral hydrate. It is commonly used as a sedative and sleeping medication. My reaction is opposite of what is desired. My sister (who is also allergic) was given this once prior to a dental surgery. She was put in velcro restraints because of the reaction but managed to work her way out of them. As a result, I am now terrified of taking any sort of sedating medicine or sleeping pill regardless of whether Chloral hydrate is in the ingredients.
>> 5. I never forget a face. I sometimes see an old kindergarten classmate in the supermarket and still know exactly who they are even though I haven't seen them in fifteen years. I've learned not to speak to them though.

>> 6. I played Clarinet for five years (put it aside about six years ago) but can still pick it up and play from memory just like I've been doing it all along. I even have a bad habit of moving my fingers to songs, simulating the finger positions I believe would be needed to make the song I'm hearing.
>> 7. I hate touching any sort of paper when my hands are dry. I get the same feeling as when I hear nails on a chalkboard. I'm getting over it though. When I'm doing clinicals rotations for school, I wash my hands a lot and flip through papers and charts.
>> 8. I find it hard to eat some things of more than one consistency. Examples: Potato salad with onions, Jello with fruit in it. I also hate my foods mixing together, and if I feel it necessary, I will use and second plate or bowl.
>> 9. I'm always jealous. Every person I know has or does something I am jealous of. Clothes, car, money, hair, good grades, ability, favor, where they live, where they go, who they know. Absolutely anything is subject to my jealousy. But don't worry, in person you'll never figure out what it is you have that I want.
>> 10. I can deal with bodily functions (poo, vomit, urine, mucus) easily, but I can not deal with feet and teeth. Anything to do with feet or teeth grosses me out. I very nearly passed out while observing a tooth being removed.

Red Velvet Cake

2009-07-07T14:27:00.000-07:00

It looms before me, a flashing white rectangular box that is a treasure trove of goodies. The cookies and cream ice cream in its waxy container that will put rolls on my hips; the frozen pizza that, when warmed in the oven, will sizzle and slide with grease, a sludge that will strain my arteries. And then there's Robert's leftover mozzarella sticks from our favorite diner; those thickly breaded logs of chunky cheese, a cork that will block the intestines. Pudding, divine and smooth on the palate, but a padding for the waist. Oh God—then there’s the red velvet cake, a wad that stays packed for hours in the stomach because it’s essentially a congealed mixture of dough, fat, eggs, fat, dough, sparkling sugar and, did I mention fat? Fat—I hate you; Fat—I love you; especially when you’re dancing in that red velvet cake, an enigma that is not chocolate, that is not vanilla, but the best, the most decadent of both. It’s moist and compact under a slathering of butter cream icing.

There’ only one thing left to say: Thank God I play tennis. Because I love my food.

Lung Cancer Has Opened My Parachute

2009-07-05T01:11:00.000-07:00

I decided tonight to blog - it's 4:12 am. Because, as it happens, it is the 4th of July weekend, and although it has been quite wonderful having extra time to spend in the garden, with my family and watching fireworks, there seems to be a part of me that is missing. During the past year, I have been through different holidays...easter, mother's day, mom's birthday - but none that has affected me quite like this holiday. Why I ask? Why do I feel such sadness during this holiday? A patriotic american day-full of spirited fun...but maybe that's it. Ya know, America - baseball, mother & apple pie. Yes, the memory of mother has spawned me to want to share how Lung Cancer has changed my life. Mostly to tell you tonight that my heart is heavy. Heavy missing mom, wishing she didn't have to leave on January 28th to that beast, LC. That was the day that my life changed. My heart was broken. And then I noticed something. That when you lose someone that is such a big part of your life, your whole world opens up. You're not afraid anymore. And as time goes by, your whole life seems to shift. It's not anything that you do consciously...your life begins to take another turn. It's like being a part of a movie where a progression of events carry you through. As the days pass, they say that time heals all wounds, and I guess that's true. But I will tell you that just as a scab or a scar is left behind, there are remnants of heartache. There is a change. A part that will never be the same. Ultimately, these changes aren't necessarily bad. Sometimes it's the one thing you needed for new beginnings - to push you a little harder to progress. My mom's passing has become a pivotal moment in my life. Almost like jumping from an airplane with a parachute when you find out the engine quite. Inkwell Alley has become my parachute - and although I'm not sure where I'm gonna land, I look forward to exploring the unknown. I'm sure mom is watching and smiling knowing that I have her spunk. Deep down, I know that she would want me to use this to reach a place I never knew possible. The beast of Lung Cancer has made me angry enough to push forward. So if I can share anything, my wish would be to encourage you if you have lost someone or if you've ever dealt with Cancer in your life or with someone you love. Don't dismay for I have found that there is a bigger purpose. I know it's not easy. Take care, have faith and take one hour at a time (...hang on to your parachute until you see where you land.) It's now 5:54 am, time to rest. Until next time. sbass

Feature Friday: Isewcute (June)

2009-07-02T04:06:00.000-07:00

Being a part of Inkwell Alley is like being a part of a growing neighborhood--where new and exciting things are planned, new followers are popping up and the buzz on the street is that we want everyone to feel at home in the hub of Inkwell Alley. Feature Friday is just one way to say thank you for taking the time to include us in your daily read. So each Friday, I hope you'll join us to read about what makes Inkwell Alley such a great place--its' followers!

(Above) Top: Crochet Therefore I Rock...I Learned to Crochet and Got Hooked...a double sided soldered glass pendant necklace... by isewcute (Above) Bottom: Sweet Kitty Framed with Roses... purrfectly purple sparkly resin heart pendant necklace...by isewcute

Everyone has their firsts... first date, first kiss, first job. Our first? One of Inkwell Alleys' first followers! June or Isewcute (at left), a very talented artist/designer & craftster, who loves everything about being creative.

>>June's everyday life: Isewcute's love for making things goes beyond 9 to 5 as she extends it into her every day routine--wherever she goes, she's always prepared to work on her artistic endeavors! A true craftster, with a sketchbook in the car & a crochet hook in her purse, always ready at a moments notice. You can just picture June as she gets ready for her overnight travels--it's a must for her to take a bag of projects as big as her suitcase--ya know--so she'll have those supplies handy whenever the urge strikes to start a project.
>>So what else does June do? She visits http://www.craftster.org/ to see what others are creating--here you can also find some of what she categorizes as "the non-etsy stuff" she’s been making. June says she's always busy with a half dozen projects going at all times--all in different stages of completedness.
>>What makes her so well-rounded? June used to work as a full-time toy designer until she had children…now she enjoys being a full-time mom of 2 children under 5 & part-time crafter/illustrator/toy designer for hire.
>> What does June's day consist of? Currently her work is just a natural part of everyday life…like eating and breathing! And she's loving every minute of it. Since she's her own boss, there's little pressure to succumb to. No rigid, daily deadlines--just a unique schedule as she works around the kids!

At right: Sweet Hearts for a Sweetie Resin Candy Sprinkles Hearts Charm Bracelet ...it doesn't get sweeter than this...by isewcute

>>What does June love most about her work? June says, " The best part about making things…especially custom orders is that the person who receives one of her creations is going to have a little piece of June." She adds, "she does get attached to her work, and sometimes it’s bitter sweet letting one go." But no worry, June's heart is in her craft as she makes what she likes….designing jewelry for teenagers and adults who are kids at heart. She takes special care to make a quality product that will be around for years. She even has some hand-embroidery patterns (the detail is exceptional.) "In the future, who knows…", June says, "I may introduce some of the other things I make & expand to selling drawings, photography, and art dolls too!"
>>What inspires June? Music is probably the single most inspiring thing to June when she's doing her work… June says she needs music like some people need air! Her taste in music is pretty broad…loving everything from Mozart to Metallica. Her comment was, 'If a day is dreary & glum, I put on some good Irish drinking songs to whip up some new resin jewelry to!' Wow, what a great gift idea - note to self, I must check out resin jewelry... :)
>>In Summary: As you can see, Isewcute (June) is passionate about her work. Her enthusiasm is apparent as she talks about her craft, 'I have a lot of fun & if it isn’t fun…I don’t do it! I love what I do…and hope that others will love it too!'
>>Where you can find June: On etsy: http://www.isewcute.etsy.com/ Her blog where she features kids, crafts, and great etsy finds: http://www.isewcute.blogspot.com/ As well as on craftster…my username is: I Sew Cute http://www.craftster.org/ …if you’re the crafty type, bet you’ll love craftster!

June has a great selection of items, so many to choose from--be sure to check them out! Her technique and artistry is superb, and her passion for her craft is part of what makes her items so beautiful. Thanx June for sharing your story.

Quotes by June; edited by sbass.

TABBY FAT CAT FINDS HIS NICHE

2009-06-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

Tabby Cat, ACEO, 3.5” by 2.5”,

India Ink, Colored Pencil, and White Acrylic

Image courtesy of Melody Lea Lamb, artist who paints miniatures of animals and mythical beings; see below for more info.

Never owning an animal before, I decided it might be fun to visit the animal shelter. Upon arrival, I browsed. thinking... oh, how cute, oh, how cute, oh, how cute......and then out came a paw. I guess it was this tabby cats way of saying hello or to say, get me the heck outta here! I thought, hmmm, should I ask to visit the "get to know the pet" room? Ya know, the room they bring you to to meet the new furry friend - to see if you are compatible... Q! Am I ready to co-exist in an empty room the size of a closet--with no windows...with an unknown cat... A! YES! ...because what I found out is that he is declawed. The poor bud is declawed. So we met and he seemed to like me. I wasn't sure, but I think I was in love. Worst part about the whole thing was finding out that the cat had a predictably, ordinary name of "Simba" but don't tell him that... The sad part about the whole thing was that I had to check with family. Never had a pet before/not sure if this was going to fly. Went home, dinner time. Q! Cat? Answer: Hmmm! Daughter: pleading sad eyes Dad: owwwwwww kaaaaaaaaaaaeeee. Call animal shelter next day. Q! Is cat still there? A! Which one? >> "Er, Simba", I replied... >> Simba? You want Simba? >> HUH? What do you mean? >> Well, Simba is an old cat. Most people want the kittens. >> OH NO, I want Simba!!! >> Well, OK - He's still here. So off I went, to pick up the new member of the family. When Simba got home though, he learned that life was going to be a little more unpredictable. Every day I'd come home and yell, "Simbite!" or "Simmons" or just plain "Sims". It was NEVER Simba! Sims became my best friend. The perfect cat. Smart, energetic, loving. And forget about having a love life (I know, too much information), because that cat would stand on his back legs and suddenly you'd hear the door handle rattle as he used both paws to turn the knob. HOW HILARIOUS. Did he watch me do that? What would make a cat try to use both paws to open the door? BUT in response to Monica's last blog entry, I came to realize something funny about my dear Sims. He found his niche. [noun] a position well suited for. Synonyms: place, position, vocation, function And even though Monica has found her nitch as a writer, you can see that it is never easy when it comes to striving toward a dream or goal. >>SO take it from Sims... who may have had to work for hours to finally realize he could actually open the door with his paws. Sims is no longer with me (been gone for quite some time now). Don't dismay--he will never be forgotten. BECAUSE...speaking of nitch, I met this great artist, Melody Lea Lamb, who creates miniature paintings and drawings and guess what...!? I found a Tabby Cat that she created and it looks just like SIMS! I had to order! Can't wait to get the ornament and print--in a remembrance of Sims.

Image courtesy of Melody Lea Lamb, artist who paints miniatures of animals and mythical beings http://melodylamb.blogspot.com/

http://bit.ly/DuBv5

http://bit.ly/TnDp0

Peeked Prose

2009-06-30T13:34:00.000-07:00

For once I need to let myself be vulnerable. For the past several years I've been building walls to protect my delicate and complicated psyche from any additional pain that could be induced by human interaction or life-changing opportunities. That said I haven't experienced much, haven't had many friends, haven't taken any risks, haven't even felt the wind in my hair. Thank God for Robert, my husband of eight months who I met online four years ago during an intense period of hermitude. He is my complete opposite, perhaps a manifestation of the alter ego I have kept caged up for so long. He has a motorcycle, has gone sky diving, has been hurt and loved by countless friends and significant others; he simply loves life.

The bottom line is this: I need to let my alter ego take over a little so that I can start writing uninhibited, with reckless abandon. I want me--plain Jane, over analytical, worrisome Monica--to slip into sedation. I don't want to filter everything that comes to my mind. I want whatever coming to my mind to run right through my fingertips and onto the page. That will of course require me to keep chiseling away at the walls I've bricked around my creative chambers, which need to be fueled by life's experiences and observations. I must put myself out there and I need to let what I've bottled up wriggle free, no matter how scary or foul or offensive it might be. The writer's block, the dam, has broken loose somewhat, but the filters are still there, allowing only the purest of minerals to pass. But I don't think writing is about purity. Purity makes for a peeked story. I think it's about the raw, the ugly, the REAL. Life is the elixir of creativity and I need to do some more living.

photo courtesy of

http://photopostsblog.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/girls-with-wind-in-her-hair2.jpg

Stalker Movie

2009-06-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

Monica's last tension-ridden entry has staged my recollection of those old black and white suspense films I have always loved...especially the pre-1947 psychological thrillers. There's nothing better than a quiet evening... Picture this: Home alone, 9:00 pm movie begins... 10:00 pm waiting to see if the psychotic, serial killer is yet to strike again... 10:02 pm the scene is swallowed up in a seriously-darkened street--staged with the character portrait of a mindless sad sack; a gallery of wealthy, eyelash batting women in a facade of famously-worn, black dresses and mounded hair; a room filled with a colossal variety of vintage collectibles. 10:15 pm Reality Check: I look around and see that I'm sitting on the tip of grannie's ol', musty-smelling chair, engaged in the climax of the movie as... (dramatic music playing in the background intensifies the silhouette of the man holding the knife--could he come through the TV screen?!) 10:15 pm ...the film intensifies --the pelting rain hovers over a hunched figure as he makes his way down Inkwell Alley. His over-sized trench disguises his feeble frame... and suddenly, the moment I've been waiting for ...he sees her; he watches as she opens her vintage purse only to find... (click on the The Drama Button.) 10:17 pm Oh dear! Vertigo sets in...startled... 10:17 1/2 pm PHONE RINGS: Yes, Grannie, I have fed the fish. Yes, Grannie, the door is locked... Yes Grannie...what? I can't hear you... Grannie? Are you there.... click Grannie? HELLO?! Vertigo sets in...AGAIN... 10:19 pm LIGHTS GO OUT. KNOCK AT DOOR. Vertigo sets in...AGAIN... 10:20 pm russle, russle...making way to door. PEEK... OH, it's the pizza man!

Black and White

2009-06-22T13:14:00.000-07:00

Inward reflection is one of the most daunting propositions; the thing you'll find could be dark, a manifestation of your evil side; it could be pathological, a harbinger of depression, psychotic manipulation or a ravenous narcissism; or it could simply be something nebulous, an unexplainable blur waiting in the chaotic networking of your brain, sitting on an untapped nerve ending that has yet to be provoked...and once it is, Lord knows what will happen, what you'll become.

This my friends is why I haven 't blogged in a few day or written in my book, developed my characters. It has been a struggle to write the simple restaurant overview that my editor needs me to pen for the August issue. It's days like these that I wish I were smart enough to be a mathematician or a biologist. I was chatting with a co-worker today whose husband works at a nuclear plant--his specialty is foam. Yes foam. Supposedly whatever you want to know about foam, just ask this guy. "He could write about foam all day long,"she laughed. He knows it intimately, its properties, its likes and dislikes, its uses, its importance, its role in an ever evolving technological whirlpool.

Sometimes I think the black and white nature of science--of everything from number to foam--is what makes working with it easier than working with a blank canvas or a loosely developed novel. You don't fret for hours on end about whether a certain word, color, sentence or design concept will evoke a certain feeling in enough people. You just get the facts down and you delight not in the subjective details but in the fact that it's right.

I just noticed that I'm wearing solely black and white today. A subliminal cry for direction, clarity, organization, relief from the chaotic networking in my brain.

image courtesy of http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2160/2034196282_c516b9d2a6.jpg

Food for Thought!

2009-06-16T17:54:00.000-07:00

I thought about what Monica wrote in her blog, "The Plum" and realized...I have SIO! OH No, not SIO...

To put it simply, today many experience a little bit of SIO or "simple information overload". A common cold it is not. Busy schedules, working your heart out, reading, family, problems, bills, twittering, blogging, facebooking, phones ringing, people talking, horns a honking, music playing...ongoing--almost as a cow chewing its' cud. In essence, the mind/brain gets weary.

The 21st century is a busy place, and as George Jetson once said, '...get me off this thing!' >>>>So--although we can't necessarily jump off this "information highway,", we can say SIO (pronounced seee-ow) or "see you" which means, take a break - go to your room and b r e a th! In the quiet. Take a deep breath and --Just b r e a t h. ;)

No One Is Going To Die On The Operating Table!

2009-06-16T04:19:00.000-07:00

Don't be afraid! They used to tell us in college - 'Don't be afraid to take chances, no-one is going to die on the operating table. '

So in my free time... 'what free time?', I love to dabble with acrylics, oils, cut paper, collage, mixed media as well as adding found objects, textiles and experimenting with layout and typography. I have most fun adding buttons!!!

Yes, you heard it...BUTTONS! I love buttons! They come in so many sizes, shapes and colors. I'll show you a few pieces I have completed in my future bloggings, but for now, let me tell you a lil' bit about my experimentation at left.

It is 'Experimentation' Impressionism, acrylic on board. I remember.... My mind was filled with all the rules of art, trying to find the right one that would work... RULES, RULES, RULES. Where do I start??? Do I dare touch the canvas? Do I dare make the first stroke? Then I thought - 'wait! I can do this!'

Just one dab...one little dab. ----UMMM, should I use red? I like red...but red is so aggressive.

'What if it takes over?' -----OK, OK, how bout' yellow? Yes, yellow. That seems to work just fine. Delicate, swift brush strokes and unusual visual angles dancing in the light. Yellow is doing the trick.

But what about contrast? OH DEAR! A complementary color--hmmm, that could work. Well, here goes nothing - bring on the violets.

Now if I'm really careful, I can dab just enough to give a softened, impressionistic feel to the painting. Trickery, I tell ya, trickery!

The real question is how to do that when we have vibrant color shouting off the page... oh, I know, I'll mix and dab and experiment with light

--and suddenly, it happened, a softened effect. This could work! Quick, give me some green!

A challenge, but nonetheless fun!

So give it a try--you can do it! After all, I haven't lost my "patience" yet. ;)

Groundhog Day

2009-06-14T15:57:00.000-07:00

It's groundhog day! I popped out of my hole and saw my shadow. "WHAT!? - you say?"

Oh, it means that I met someone today who has inspired me with their artwork. It was then that I took a good long look at myself and decided that maybe it was time... yes, time to bring out some of my work-to photograph some of my pieces and post them.

http://art-and-collectors.ning.com/photo

A talented, fellow artist, Olga Zalogina has some of her artwork there as well. So take a look at hers as well.

I hope you enjoy!

Stubbed Toes, etc.

2009-06-12T13:58:00.000-07:00

If you recall from our very first blog post here in Inkwell Alley, a stubbed toe qualifies as a dramatic occurence--one that elicits "Oh My Goshes!" and "What?! What the hecks?"--in the lives of me and sbass. In other words, it takes very little to get us riled up. Last night, sbass stubbed her toe during her somnambulistic adventures throughout her house--a house, might I add, that features a staircase with no railing; an accident waiting to happen, especially if you’re sbass. I digress....

Anyway, based on my recent traumatic experience with acrylic nails, I am writing today to champion the very real danger of abused nails, to justify their placement in the dramatic occurrence category…Let me give you a little background; it might be unrelated, but I’m going for dramatic effect.

First: I am not a girly girl: I barely wore make-up on my wedding day; I never apply it as part of my morning routine (although I will use concealer on blemishes); I’ve never had my hair dyed or styled (I’m finally growing my bangs out after 23 years and just that decision alone liberates me, makes me feel like I’m walkin’ on the wild side), and I have never, up until two months ago, had anything done to my nails. To be quite honest, nothing has changed much since that day my mom took me to the beauty salon to have my hair done for a wedding that I served in as flower girl (It was a black/white, avant garde wedding…I’ll have to post a picture…). Even at 7-years of age I was more concerned about being late for T-ball practice.

I held back tears as the beautician curled my hair, fat lock falling upon fat lock. I looked like a pig, especially with the way I was scrunching up my face.

“You have gorgeous hair, Monica,” she said as she worked.
My mother beamed while I just continued to scowl. I didn’t want to be gorgeous because I didn’t want to attract attention. I just wanted a simple, maintenance free life of running around outside on the ball field, in the yard, the honeysuckle-infested woods, around the neighborhood with the other street urchins.

We got home just in time for me to change for T-ball practice. I ran upstairs, grabbed a brush and vigorously pulled it through my hair until was as straight as I could get it. I put on my cap and sauntered up to the dinner table as if I hadn’t done a thing. “You combed out your hair didn’t you?” my mom asked. I sheepishly nodded; she couldn’t even get mad.

Now fast forward to two months ago, when my husband Robert was driving me to my “surprise destination” for Valentine’s Day.

“Are we going sky diving?”
“No.”
“Romantic hot air balloon ride?”
“No.”
“Ballet performance?”
“Hell no.”

We pull up to the mall and go inside.
“I can buy a really nice outfit for work?”
“No.”
“Lingerie?”
“No.”

And then he stops in front of the place. A nail salon crawling with females of all ages running around with foam between their toes. Asian women in surgical masks were hunched over at tables and recliners.
“Oh no you don’t. You know I don’t want this! What are you doing?!”
“Come on,” he grabbed me by the wrist and got right in my face. “Every girl who has ever had this says how relaxing it is. It will feel great. You’ll look really pretty with it. Just trust me on this one.”
“No one touches my feet, let alone with fungal infested dremels.”
“You’ll get a manicure, not a pedicure.”
“That’s not as bad—but I still just want my natural plain nails.”
I mindlessly let him lead me inside.
“She’d like to get a French manicure,” Robert said.
I nervously looked around.
“See honey,” Robert pointing to a bunch of tools that were floating in jars of blue, foamy liquid. “They keep everything clean. They also nuke them in that microwave thing.”

So I got the nails. And after two weeks, I’d had it. I couldn’t type, grip my tennis racquet properly or open soda cans. I was eating dinner at my parents’ house and abruptly proclaimed that I was leaving for the nearest salon to have “those things professionally removed.”
“Right now?” my mom asked.
“Yes, they’ll be open. It shouldn’t be a problem.”
I left my half-eaten steak and all the rest of my food that my dad had made, and fled the premises. They had to come off—NOW.

I rushed into the empty salon in a tizzy and the three Asian workers looked at me as if I was an escape convict trying to find a hiding place. One walked up to the front desk.
“Wha woul you like?”
“Can you take these nails off?”
“Off?”
“Yes, off. I don’t want them anymore.”
“Okay, sit right here.”
The guy pulled out some pliers and some thin, flat edged metal thing.
“Is this going to hurt??”
He looked up at me, nervously smiled and shrugged.
“Oh my God.”
“We can soak them first; tha might help.”
“Okay…”
I sat with my fingers dipped in a bowl of cold solution for 20 minutes—only to have the guy come back and tell me that he had me soak my hands in regular alcohol instead of nail remover solution. I’m dead serious. So I sat for 15 more minutes with my fingers in a different bowl.
The next 30 minutes were agony as he tried to pry the acrylic nails off, sliding a thin piece of plastic between the fake and the real and pushing down towards my cuticle.
“Ouch!”
“Ooops. I sorry.” The guy had accidentally shoved that thin piece of plastic way under my real nail.
Pardon my French, but after all was done, my nails looked like pure hell—heavily trimmed, thin, and caked with dust-like residue. And one didn’t look quite right—and continued to not look quite right to this day.

“Fungus! Oh my God I have fungus! Robert! I am going to kill you!!!”
I noticed that the yellowish, white circle was expanding further and further to the top of the nail on my left index finger.

Fortunately, when I went to the dermatologist the other day, I found out that it wasn’t fungus but simply separation from the nail from the nail bed, the process of which started when that guy at the nail salon shoved the plastic under my real nail. Although, my derm still wants to monitor because it could lead to the dreaded Fungus.

The bottom line:
-Don’t get acrylic nails
-Don’t cause any trauma to the nail; eg, stub your toe
-Toe stubbing IS a big deal

As I wave my hand, Grendel finger and all, Tata for now…

Another Ink-thought!

2009-06-11T23:27:00.000-07:00

2:00 am - Had an ink`ling it was time to get up to write down what was pouring out of my head.

2:10 am - MMMMmmm - coffee to start the day ;)

2:15 am - Thought of mom - who passed away Jan 28th 09' of lung cancer. Going to dedicate Inkwell Alley~Etsy to Charlotte Ann Ferguson who taught me INK! Meaning tk.

2:20 am - Checked on my cherished pets, shishu lucy and maltese sissy. Both of whom are inK-redibly smelly today. Note to self - Bath time and, er, call their beauty girl. PRONTO!~

2:25 am - Finally sat down, noticed husband is now gone! Oh my, his back is troublink' him again.

walk, walk, walk, walk...stairs...walk, walk, walk

2:26 am - Checked to make sure he's doing OK. "Husband, you OK?" He says - meditating - trying to subdue the pain. In other words, scoot, scram and skedaddle!

again, walk, walk, walk...stairs...walk, walk

silence

bump @#@!

2:33 am - who put that there? At least it wasn't a toe I stubbed (speaking of which, note to self -remind monica to tell the crowd why you shouldn't do acrylic nails.)

2:33 1/2 am - note to self again! Remind monica not to get too gorey. It may not be a murder mystery, but we don't want Freddie Kruger thinking we stole the show.

2:40 am - planning an ink`link for our giveaway.

2:41 am - updating name to sbassdesign-ink' on twitter

2:50 am - check on auction --- maybe they'll be more shoes, or vintage someth-ink'

2:51 am - remind monica to put together our list of the many famous idioms/phrases that are misrepresented in the office. ,,,a watched clock never boils,,, Oh, you'll see how the 21st century has caused many a character phrase to become evicted from their home.

mindless rambling:
I luv the gecco - especially when he's asked to wear a suit. Did you see that ad?

2:65 am - Internet tells me its not responding and to restart... GREAT - did I save?

2:68 am - Realize that I'm in a different time zone.

reboot.

3:20 am - Must put clothes up on ebay. NOT< Maybe tomorrow (er, today) - or Saturday.

Random Thought.
Design~ink Word of the Day: Bersërkr - translation, "bear’s skin".
This was the bear skin clothing Viking warriors wore into battle... also wore decorated helmets made of metal and chain mail covered by a large cloth. The berserkers fought with battle axes, swords, and spears. The most famous weapon would be their deadly throwing axe, with great skill. Their morale was extremely high, greatly intimidating their enemies. Reference: http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/Berserker

Sheeesh, next time you hear someone telling you, "e' went berserk", you'll know to duck from those flying axes.

3:50 am - Already? Father time is gettin' carried away.

3:51 am - husband snores.

marketing~researching~studying~reading~digging~twittering

5:06 am - Oh my, I better sleep, almost time to get up.

husband still snoring...

When the Well is Empty

2009-06-11T08:53:00.000-07:00

It seems my inkwell is empty more often than not and it fuels my ire like nothing else, well, except when I lose a tennis match...more on that another day. Anyway, I think I need to alter my approach to writing--I try too hard, dwelling on word usage and transitions so much, to the point where the final piece is barren, without juicy plots or well-rounded characters or even my own personality. When it comes to art, I'm learning, it seems you can never go wrong with natural. If a model, as they say on America's Next Top Model, is too posed or rehearsed, too restrained and controlled, the picture is lackluster--same with writing. If I'm going to be a author of complex psychological novels, I can't write what I think a random crazy person would say--I need to write what I would say if I were crazy. I need to make it personal.
Sbass is the perfect example of this. She has found her way; you can look at something and say 'Wow, Sbass has done it again.' She has her own shtick. Maybe I just need more time. I can hear Sbass right now, "It's okay! You're just a little chickie! A baby bird! You're okay!!"

ALL "INK"

2009-06-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

I never realized how many words contained the letters "ink"...why would we even care? Well, just in case, here's some random information that might be useful to you someday~yea right? You never know, as artists or writers, resources like these come in handy.

http://www.morewords.com/contains/ink/

or how about this handy word navigator~ inc-redible ;)
http://wordnavigator.com/starts-with/inc/

so, I found the definitions of ink - to share with ya-- I know, yer goggles over that bit o' info, but it'll help you to understand The Inkwell Alley's newest space (coming soon to Etsy.)
n. - The step, or socket, in which the lower end of a millstone spindle runs. ²
n. - A fluid, or a viscous material or preparation of various kinds (commonly black or colored), used in writing or printing. ²
n. - A pigment. See India ink, under India. ²
v. t. - To put ink upon; to supply with ink; to blacken, color, or daub with ink. ^{2

So now that I have you really confused, SHORT & SWEET, here's what it is, COMING SOON, the inkwell alley! ~ ETSY SHOP:
A place where you’ll find “all things ink!”,
that would inc-lude, estate & vintage clothing,
designer handmade clothing--cute dog outfits :)
typography & creative writing, paintings, decorative arts,
handmade jewelry, —anything to experience life and living.

OH YEA, all things inc-luded!
Well, that just means -- lots o’ great deals!}

PAce e ents pleez

2009-06-11T06:50:00.000-07:00

This is taking us some time to figure out how to team blog...sheesh. working diligently to figure this out so watch us as we troubleshoot. It's not brain surgery, but I'm beginning to think I see smoke coming out of sbass' ears.

GETTIN' STARTED - sbass

2009-06-10T14:08:00.000-07:00

WHEW! I've got so much to talk about but not enough time. Perhaps it would be nice if I could just get a clone. Of course, that would mean more shoes...which speaking of which, found a great pair of silver, hmmm, what I might call "BOHO CLEO" Anne Michelle's—which I wore today. I felt like a real princess. Now, don't dispair, I will be popping in more to visit with ya'll and to comment on my "cube-neighbor", monica's blog. It was clearly a riot reading what she wrote as she recalled her first impressions of her internship and being introduced for the first time. Since I love to work in the dark -- in the corner -- grumpling... quiet!!!! er, QUIET!!!! I roar!, I'm sure she thought I was the real oz - not because I was great - just because she recalled OZ yelling at Dorothy to "QUIET!"

So much for first impressions. Well, I'm pressing on to figure out all this blogging stuff, etsy stuff, twitter stuff, estate sale stuff, ebay stuff, oil painting stuff, gardening stuff, and oh, um, family stuff... so I'll talk soon, maybe with interesting pics and such. ta, for now, sbass

Foreign Exchange Student by monica

2009-06-10T07:47:00.000-07:00

My first day as an intern at Augusta Magazine was one of the most stressful days of my life. Consider this: I just graduated college with an English degree, I’m dying to make my mark as a writer and there I am, foot in door, at a magazine office. “Don’t blow it,” I kept thinking. Be professional. Smile. And gosh darn it, if you’re assigned to write—whether it’s a feature article or a seemingly nugatory blurb—make it good, make it capture their attention and ensure that it will need no editing.

This of course is a stressful situation for any average scrawny scribe (my writer’s version of the starving artist). But for me it was ten times worse because…Well, you see—I have this fear that makes every day a unique challenge. This fear is far more grave, for more complex and inconvenient than a fear of heights, spiders or confined spaces. Here it goes: People—yes people—scare the heck out of me. And it’s not necessarily the fault of the people. It’s my own insecurities that start the vicious cycle that usually goes something like this:

Me (in meek voice): Hey
Person: Well hi! Are you new in town?
Me: Yeah…um, I’m from Maryland originally (My eyes dart up and down, side to side as if searching for a cue card that will assist me in carrying on the conversation; my shoulders hunch, armpit sweat expands in the sides of my shirt, my bangs start to congeal with oil and perspiration—I’m drowning in that silence that I’m certain I need to fill in order to seem coherent and interesting.)
Person: Aahhh, I see (The person’s eyebrows furrow and suddenly he/she seems to feel uncomfortable, which is a terrible feeling because he/she is not known for having awkward encounters).
Outcome? I may see this person several more times, maybe every day, and we never converse beyond “hey” ever again. Too painful for the both of us.

I would’ve bet my life that this would be the case when I met my co-worker, the magazine’s highly-talented and highly-regarded art director who never left her cubicle except to get a sandwich from the vending machine. Being that the staff was only comprised of myself, a zaney editor and this Oz-like artist from New York, I knew we would all be closely interacting and that there was no room for hiding (although this mysterious art director seemed to get away with doing just that).

A few days into my internship, I finally mustered the gumption. I was going to formally introduce myself to this almighty art director.

I literally poked my head into her cubicle space, leaving the rest of my body to tremble behind the partition.

“You’re Shirley Bass, the art director?”
“Yes?” she looked up at me with intense eyes rimmed by dark-framed reading glasses. She almost seemed to be frowning, as if she were waiting for me to deliver some important work-related information so that she could get on the case right away.
“Um, I’m Monica Budnichuk, the new intern. I’m sitting right over there.”
“Oh! Okay. Good!”
I ran away. That was it—for the time being.
I would later find out that SBass thought I was a foreign exchange student from Russia or Argentina (wow, two different spectrums there). Apparently I was so nervous that I mumbled in a way that made me sound as if English were my second language. What a way to start my career as an English major ravenous for my first great American novel.

Dramatic Tragedies

2009-06-09T07:11:00.000-07:00

Dramatic tragedies (i.e., events that induce passionate “Oh my goshes” and “WHAT??’s”) in the lives of Sbass and Monica:

The magazine comes back and the text is printed in light blue instead of extra light blue.
A friend called: She stubbed her toe.
We run downstairs for cake and Doressa says, “No no girls, cake is tomorrow.” ;{
The light comes ON over Sbass desk.
The doctor calls: The scale we were weighed on yesterday is five pounds off.
It’s gift wrapping time and...there’s NO ribbons!!
There’s no concealer in the purse; time to flee the premises for Rite Aide
A b e e i s d i v e b o m b ing in the office.
Sbass being ARRESTED in the name of a fundraiser. I repeat, not for real, in the name of a fundraiser.
Someone calls and can’t understand why they don’t have dates for their events yet, must be a murder mystery!!!
It’s time to call someone...on the Phone!
The machine is out of machine sandwiches :[
The TV loses its signal during the finale of Biggest Loser
The tennis match has been CANCELED!
The BMW’s been hammered...Oh Wait! That actually IS bad!!
OH MY... shirts too low...it's time to flee the premises again to...friends drawer.